Saved Queries

by Aizhan Zhanpeiissova, Yerlan Sarsenbayev, Askar Abdykadyrov, Dildash Uzbekova, Ardak Omarova, Seitzhan Orynbayev and Nurlan Kystaubayev

Energies 2026, 19(9), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19092088 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) introduces significant variability and instability in modern power systems, creating a growing need for advanced and coordinated energy storage solutions. However, a key unresolved challenge remains the integrated modeling and optimal sizing of hybrid energy storage systems (ESS) that combine technologies with different temporal characteristics under high RES penetration. This study addresses this challenge by developing a unified techno-economic and physical–mathematical framework for hybrid ESS integrating lithium-ion (Li-ion), vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB), and hydrogen (H₂) technologies. Unlike conventional approaches that treat storage technologies independently or use simplified hybrid representations, the proposed framework jointly considers dynamic energy balance, degradation-aware lifecycle behavior, and multi-criteria cost optimization. The model was implemented using Python 3.10-based simulation tools and evaluated under renewable penetration scenarios of 30%, 50%, and 70%. The results indicate that increasing RES penetration leads to higher power fluctuations, reaching ±15–20% at 50% RES and ±20–25% at 70% RES. The optimized hybrid system achieves an overall efficiency of up to 92%, reduces total system cost to approximately 450 USD/kWh, and extends operational lifetime to 25 years, demonstrating a balanced techno-economic performance compared to standalone storage technologies. The proposed framework addresses this gap by coupling dynamic energy balance analysis with degradation-aware techno-economic optimization, enabling coordinated allocation of storage functions across short-, medium-, and long-duration timescales. In this way, the study not only evaluates hybrid storage performance, but also provides a practical decision-support framework for renewable-dominated power systems, particularly in the context of Kazakhstan’s energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section D: Energy Storage and Application)

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25 pages, 5014 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Behavior of Ground-Supported Concrete Slabs Subjected to Repeated Drop-Weight Impacts

by Usama Heneash, Alireza Bahrami, Mohamed Ghalla, Galal Elsamak, Ayah A. Alkhawaldeh and Ali Basha

Infrastructures 2026, 11(5), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11050147 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

Cast-in-place ground-supported concrete slabs (GSCSs) are used as floors in many facilities such as factories, workshops, garages, and airports (i.e., rigid pavements). These slabs may be subjected to repeated impact loads caused by vehicle loads, the dropping of heavy loads, and aircraft landing loads on runways. This research presents an experimental and numerical study to investigate the behavior of these slabs under impact loads. The experimental program consists of 18 concrete slabs with dimensions of 400 mm × 400 mm × 100 mm. Some variables were studied experimentally, such as the reinforcement ratio of these slabs and the amount of the impact force (represented by the drop height). Unreinforced slabs and slabs reinforced with steel reinforcement or a geogrid mesh made of knitted polyester ribs were tested. ABAQUS software was employed to study the failure mode and crack distribution of these slabs numerically. The accuracy of the proposed numerical model was verified by modeling the tested slabs and comparing the numerical results with the experimental results. From the study results, it is clear that the reinforcement significantly improves the impact performance of GSCSs, transforming their failure behavior from brittle to more ductile and tough. The combined use of impact strength and ductility factors provides an integrated measure of slab performance, offering valuable guidance for the design of protective structures, pavements, and industrial flooring under impact loading. Full article

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15 pages, 2703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interpulse-Interval-Controlled Nanoparticle Formation in Gas-Phase Burst-Mode Femtosecond Laser Ablation

by Bowen Fan, Tao Lü, Jiang Wang, Guodong Zhang, Zhongyin Zhang, Wei Zhang and Guanghua Cheng

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(9), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16090519 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

The formation and size evolution of gas-phase nanoparticles (NPs) in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry critically influence aerosol transport, plasma ionization efficiency, and ultimately analytical accuracy. Nevertheless, burst-mode laser ablation, as an efficient and versatile strategy for controlling gas-phase NP size, remains insufficiently explored. Here, we combine experimental investigations and theoretical analysis to elucidate the mechanisms of gas-phase nanoparticle formation and size control by tuning the interpulse interval in burst-mode femtosecond (fs) laser ablation. The mean nanoparticle size exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on interpulse spacing, decreasing with a narrowing size distribution as the interval increases from 0 to 300 ps, and then increasing with distribution broadening at longer delays up to 1000 ps, closely correlating with ablation-crater depth. A characteristic transition at ~300 ps is identified, where both nanoparticle size and crater depth reach a minimum, revealing a critical timescale in pulse–plume–surface interactions. Simulations show that the interpulse interval governs the redistribution of laser energy between the surface and plume, driving a transition from surface-dominated ablation to plume-dominated absorption and partial recovery of surface coupling. This delay-dependent framework provides a unified explanation for nanoparticle formation, where particle size is determined by the competition between plume-mediated fragmentation and surface-driven material supply, and offers a basis for tailoring NP size distributions via temporal pulse shaping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Chemistry at Nanoscale)

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23 pages, 20194 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Assessment and Optimization of an Industrial Tunnel Pasteurizer for Bottled Liquid Products

by Alessia Di Giuseppe and Alberto Maria Gambelli

Processes 2026, 14(9), 1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14091381 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

Industrial tunnel pasteurizers are widely used for bottled liquid products because they provide a robust and continuous thermal treatment. However, operating conditions are often conservatively selected to ensure microbiological safety, which may result in excessive energy consumption and limited thermal efficiency. This study experimentally investigates the thermal behavior and energy performance of an industrial tunnel pasteurizer used for a sealed bottled herbal-based high-viscosity liquid formulation under both nominal and modified operating conditions. An instrumented bottle was developed to measure temperature evolution at different locations inside the bottle, including the product core. In parallel, the overall heat capacity of the bottle–product system was determined by differential scanning calorimetry, enabling the estimation of the thermal energy absorbed by the bottles. Mass and energy balances were applied to quantify the heat exchanged in each process stage and to estimate phase-specific and overall heat-transfer efficiencies. Under nominal conditions, the pasteurization requirement, defined as a temperature above 72 °C for at least 12 min at the coldest point, was fully satisfied, with the temperature remaining above 72 °C for approximately 22 min near the bottle wall and 17–18 min at the product core. The energy analysis showed that overall process efficiency was limited, indicating room for improvement. Three additional experimental tests were therefore carried out under modified temperature and flow-rate conditions. In all cases, the pasteurization target was maintained. The results demonstrate that the process complies with the prescribed pasteurization target while offering significant opportunities for energy savings through optimization of the operating parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Process Engineering)

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13 pages, 5922 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Rapid Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Polyamide 66 Using a Fast-Scanning Chip-Based DSC

by Shaokui Tan, Ming Li, Zechun Li, Jun Yan, Zhihao Zhang, Pengcheng Xu, Peide Wu and Xinxin Li

Sensors 2026, 26(9), 2680; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26092680 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

Understanding the rapid non-isothermal crystallization behavior of polymers is crucial for tailoring and optimizing their performance. However, conventional techniques are limited in achieving rapid heating and cooling rates, which hinders in-depth investigation of the crystallization kinetics of fast-crystallizing polymers. In this study, a high-scan-rate MEMS thermopile DSC chip is employed to systematically investigate the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of polyamide 66 (PA66) under rapid temperature variations. The results show that PA66 forms a lamellar α phase under slow cooling (1 °C/s) and a cauliflower-like γ phase under rapid cooling (300 °C/s), and becomes completely amorphous under ultrafast cooling (quenching). Furthermore, the technique enables quantitative analysis of the cold crystallization kinetics of fully amorphous PA66 during rapid heating. The results indicate that PA66 exhibits a higher apparent activation energy for homogeneous nucleation cold crystallization at low heating rates (≤10 °C/s), reaching 172.3 kJ·mol⁻¹, which is approximately 3.2 times that at high heating rates (≥25 °C/s). The results of this study demonstrate that the developed fast-scanning chip-based DSC provides a powerful tool for analyzing the processing heating and cooling rate conditions of rapidly crystallizing polymers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chip-Based MEMS Platforms—2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 652 KB

Open AccessReview

Ceramides in the Heart: Physiological and Pathological Roles and Regulation

by Xinyi Chen, Oveena Fonseka, Yihua Han and Wei Liu

Cells 2026, 15(9), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15090780 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

Ceramides are central bioactive sphingolipids that regulate diverse cellular processes, including membrane organization, energy metabolism, and stress signaling. Emerging evidence has implicated that ceramide dysregulation is associated with the onset and progression of heart failure. This review introduces the understanding of ceramide metabolism, focusing on its biosynthesis, and functional roles in cardiomyocytes. In addition, the contribution of systemic ceramides derived from circulating lipoproteins and peripheral tissues to cardiovascular risk is also discussed. In parallel, it is highlighted that cardiomyocyte-intrinsic ceramide synthesis plays physiological and pathological roles in the heart. Particularly, excessive ceramide accumulation is detrimental for cardiac function, through multiple mechanisms, such as lipotoxic effects, mitochondrial impairment, inflammation, and cell death. The current review discusses the potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting ceramide metabolism, as well as the open questions about ceramide association with heart disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Cell Biology of Heart Disease)

15 pages, 2434 KB

Open AccessArticle

Linear and Nonlinear Dynamics of Crystals with B2 (CsCl) Structure

by Dina U. Abdullina, Sergey V. Dmitriev, Ilya S. Sugonyako, Arseny M. Kazakov and Elena A. Korznikova

Crystals 2026, 16(5), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16050286 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of supratransmission in three-dimensional crystals with a B2 (CsCl) structure, employing classical molecular dynamics with β-Fermi–Pasta–Ulam–Tsingou potentials up to fourth-nearest neighbors. We analyze energy transfer from a harmonically driven surface into the crystal bulk across various frequency regimes relative to the phonon spectrum. While low-amplitude excitation results in energy transmission only within the phononic bands, high-amplitude driving triggers supratransmission in the phononic gap and above the optical band. Our results demonstrate that in these nonlinear regimes, energy is transported not by linear phonon waves but by discrete breathers (DBs) emitted quasi-periodically from the surface. A key finding is the distinct sublattice selectivity of these excitations: gap DBs propagate primarily along the heavy atom sublattice, whereas above-spectrum DBs travel along the light atom sublattice. We quantify the velocities and oscillation periods of these localized modes, revealing their critical role in bypassing linear spectral restrictions. These findings provide new insights into nonlinear energy transport in binary alloys and suggest potential applications for controlling heat flow and signal processing in crystals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Crystalline Materials)

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22 pages, 10523 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Performance Validation of a Multi-Layer Laminator for Photovoltaic Modules

by Pengju Duan, Yu Jin and Boda Song

Solar 2026, 6(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/solar6030020 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

To address the demands of large-scale production in the photovoltaic industry for laminators with a small footprint, low energy consumption, and high encapsulation quality, this paper presents research on the structural design, simulation optimization, and performance validation of a multi-layer laminator for photovoltaic modules. Different from existing single-layer or double-layer structures, this paper proposes for the first time an eight-layer, three-stage overall scheme, develops modular lamination units, completes the design of core systems, and achieves multi-chamber coordination. Simulation validation was conducted on the temperature uniformity of the heating plates and the thermo-mechanical coupling under vacuum conditions. A prototype, model HCDL2743DSiT, was developed and subjected to a 30-day production trial. The results show that the equipment reaches a vacuum degree of 92 Pa within 100 s and drops to 38 Pa within 120 s; the temperature uniformity error of the heating plates is ±1.3 °C; the maximum positioning deviation of the transmission is ±2.8 mm. All core indicators meet the design requirements, and the module encapsulation pass rate reaches 99.9%. At the same production rate, the footprint is reduced by approximately 72% compared with that of a traditional double-layer laminator, achieving dual optimization of space utilization and energy consumption and providing technical equipment support for the high-efficiency encapsulation of photovoltaic modules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Solar Technologies, 2nd Edition)

12 pages, 6236 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Dual-Gradient Patterned Wettability Current Collector for Passive DMFCs

by Yingli Zhu, Leyao Ban, Yingying Jing and Yangyang Cheng

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(9), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16090518 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) offer significant advantages including high energy density and rapid refueling, making them promising power sources for portable electronic products. However, their practical application, particularly in passive systems, is hindered by critical mass transport limitations: water flooding in the cathode and CO₂ bubble blockage in the anode. Herein, a novel dual-gradient patterned wettability current collector (CC) was designed to alleviate this mass transport impedance. The design uniquely integrates wedge-shaped gradients with surface energy gradients to create a unified, self-driven mechanism for efficient water and CO₂ bubble transport at both electrodes. A mathematical model was developed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of the dual-gradient structure. The results confirm that water removal is enhanced when the cathode current collector features a hydrophobic periphery with a dual-gradient patterned wettability interior on the gas-diffusion-layer side and a fully hydrophilic air-side surface, whereas an inverted pattern facilitates anode CO₂ removal. Optimal fabrication parameters on 316 L stainless steel were established by investigating laser scanning conditions and low-surface-energy agent concentrations. The experimental results show that the passive DMFCs incorporating the optimized current collectors delivered marked performance improvements. At 1 mol·L⁻¹ methanol, the novel anode and cathode current collectors increased peak power density by 15.6% and 14.5%, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a 31.4% and 31.9% reduction in mass transfer resistance of the cell with novel anode and cathode current collectors, respectively, confirming improved gas–liquid self-driven efficiency. Furthermore, the new cells exhibited substantially enhanced long-term stability over 18 h of continuous discharge, attributed to the robust wettability achieved via laser–silane modification. Overall, these findings suggest that the proposed dual-gradient wettability design is a promising method for improving internal mass transport, potentially supporting the development of more robust passive DMFCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Batteries, Supercapacitors, Fuel Cells and Combined Energy/Power Supply Systems, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 3952 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modulation of Microstructure, Magnetic, and Magnetocaloric Properties in La_0.80Ag_0.20MnO₃ via Eu/Pb Co-Doping

by Fucheng Zhu, Yang Xu, Yanghui Chu, Zekai Wang, Xingyu Hong, Huiyan Zhang, Hailing Li, Weihua Gu, Zhiyuan Liu, Juan Liu and Ailin Xia

Materials 2026, 19(9), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19091755 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

Four perovskite manganite samples, La_0.80Ag_0.20MnO₃ (LA), La_0.78Eu_0.02Ag_0.20MnO₃ (LEA), La_0.80Pb_0.05Ag_0.15MnO₃ (LPA), and La_0.77Eu_0.03Pb_0.05Ag_0.15MnO₃ (LEPA), were prepared by the Pechini sol–gel method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and a magnetic property measurement system. A systematic investigation was conducted into the individual effects of Eu and Pb doping, as well as their co-doping, on the microstructural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the materials. The results show that all samples are mainly composed of a rhombohedral perovskite phase with the R

\bar{3}

c space group, accompanied by a trace amount of Ag. Addition of Eu³⁺ and Pb²⁺ induces lattice contraction and expansion, respectively. Under the same processing conditions, the average crystallite and particle sizes of the LEA sample (45.3 nm and 0.18 μm) are smaller than those of the other three samples (69.6~80.6 nm and 0.38~0.44 μm), indicating that the introduction of Eu alone suppresses crystallization ability, which can be avoided through Eu/Pb co-doping. All samples undergo a second-order ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition, and the Curie temperature T_C shifts to either lower or higher temperatures upon the introduction of Eu or Pb alone (from 310.8 K to 298.0 K or 318.0 K, respectively), which is attributed to the variation of the Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ double-exchange (DE) interaction resulting from the ionic size mismatch and lattice distortion. In the LPA sample, an additional contribution arises from the altered Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ ratio and enhanced DE interaction caused by the substitution of Pb²⁺ for Ag⁺. By modifying the Eu/Pb ratio, the T_C of the LEPA sample was tuned to 299.3 K, and its maximum magnetic entropy change was enhanced to 3.90 J·kg⁻¹·K⁻¹ (

∆

H = 2 T). These results indicate that multicomponent synergistic regulation can improve the magnetocaloric performance of La-based perovskite manganites, providing a useful strategy for the development of room-temperature magnetic refrigeration materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced and Functional Ceramics and Glasses)

21 pages, 1802 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Reuse of EPS Insulation from Buildings and Infrastructure

by Malin Sletnes, Arian Loli, Birgit Risholt and Carine Lausselet

Buildings 2026, 16(9), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16091693 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

As demand for energy-efficient buildings grows, the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation is expected to increase, intensifying the need for material-efficient strategies such as recycling and reuse. This study investigates the technical feasibility, chemical safety, and climate implications of reusing EPS insulation recovered from building and infrastructure applications. EPS boards with service lives exceeding 20 years were collected from demolition sites and characterised for density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and hazardous substance content. Measured material properties were compared with historical test reports from 1976 to 2009 to assess long-term performance. The thermal conductivity and compressive strength of the used EPS samples fell within or close to the 95% prediction intervals for the corresponding products at the time of production, indicating limited long-term degradation. No brominated flame retardants or other substances of concern were detected above the detection limits. Life cycle assessment (LCA) results showed that reuse provides greater greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction potential than improved recycling alone, primarily through avoided virgin EPS production and reduced processing needs. An important insight from this study is that key material properties of used EPS can be reliably estimated from simple measurements of density, dimensions, and weight, and that direct reuse is feasible for less demanding applications. Additionally, further work is needed to test additional samples from diverse demolition sites across various applications and climates to establish a consistent basis for reuse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Circular Economy Paradigm for Construction Waste Management)

19 pages, 58392 KB

Open AccessArticle

Amaranth as a Biogas Crop: Agronomic Performance and Methane Potential from a Field Evaluation in Southwest Germany

by Moritz von Cossel, Kathrin Klasen, Joana Iwaniw, Iris Lewandowski and Andrea Bauerle

Energies 2026, 19(9), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19092087 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

While silage maize (Zea mays L.) remains the dominant biogas feedstock crop in Germany, concerns about landscape homogenization and ecological risks have stimulated the search for more diverse energy crops. This study evaluated twelve amaranth genotypes (GT01–12; Amaranthus spp.) in southwest Germany using field experiments combined with biomass composition analysis and laboratory batch biogas assays. In contrast to earlier studies focusing primarily on the cultivar ‘Baernkraft’ (GT04), a broader set of genetic material was examined. Significant differences among GTs were observed for plant density, dry matter yield (DMY), dry matter content (DMC), and biomass composition. The most productive genotypes (GT09 and GT11) exceeded 10 Mg ha⁻¹ DMY, clearly outperforming Baernkraft. However, even these GTs did not reach the ≈28% DMC threshold considered necessary for reliable ensiling. Lignin concentrations ranged from 4.7% to 7.2% of dry matter. Methane concentrations remained relatively stable (54–55%), resulting in an average methane yield of 1788 ± 441 m³ CH₄ ha⁻¹ (maximum: 2677.8 m³ CH₄ ha⁻¹) across all genotypes and harvest dates. These findings indicate that amaranth may contribute to diversification of biogas cropping systems, although its agronomic and substrate-related performance remains inferior to that of maize under the conditions studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimized Production of Bioenergy, Biofuels, and Biogas)

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37 pages, 3307 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Logistics and Energy Performance Assessment of Container Ships for Sustainable Maritime Operations

by Doru Coșofreț, Octavian-Narcis Volintiru, Rita-Elena Avram, Adrian Popa, Florențiu Deliu and Ciprian Popa

Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4279; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094279 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study develops an integrated vessel-level framework for assessing logistics performance and operational energy efficiency in container shipping. The novelty of the study lies in the development of a unified analytical approach that explicitly integrates logistics indicators with fuel consumption and emissions within a consistent system boundary, including auxiliary engine operation during both sea passages and port stays. The framework is applied to four medium-sized container vessels (6000–7500 TEU; 20-foot equivalent unit) under normalised operating conditions. The results show that higher capacity utilisation and economies of scale significantly improve both cost and energy performance, while emissions intensity varies by more than twofold across vessels. A deterministic sensitivity analysis is applied to evaluate the influence of key operational parameters. The analysis identifies service speed as the dominant driver, followed by vessel loading rate, while port-related parameters—such as auxiliary engine load and port productivity—have a lower yet still measurable influence, reducing emissions by up to 5% under improved conditions. The main contribution of the study is the development of a practical vessel-level benchmarking tool that captures logistics–energy interactions and supports operational decision-making under current regulatory frameworks, including EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, and the IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Logistics Management: Research Focus on Port and Maritime Transportation)

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22 pages, 3741 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcumin and Evodiamine: In Vitro Synergy, Docking, and Molecular Orbital Insights

by Sarin Tadtong, Kanyanat Atiwanitchakul, Muna Moohammad, Chuda Chittasupho, Chatchapong Tangjidapichai and Weerasak Samee

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093834 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

Combining plant-derived bioactives could produce effective anti-inflammatory interventions for myofascial inflammation. This study evaluated in vitro synergy and computational mechanisms of curcumin–evodiamine activity against TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2, with frontier molecular orbital analysis to inform putative mechanisms. Evodiamine and curcumin were identified/quantified by HPLC–PDA and LC–MS (λmax 226 nm and 426 nm; RT 8.61 and 9.53 min; [M−H]⁻m/z 302.2 and 367.2). Purities were 98.08 ± 1.92% and 98.04 ± 1.86%. Noncytotoxic concentrations in RAW264.7 cells were determined, then LPS-stimulated cells were treated with evodiamine (0.01 µM), curcumin (0.01 µM) and a 1:1 mixture (0.001 µM). Molecular docking against TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2 and HOMO–LUMO calculations were performed. Curcumin and the combination significantly reduced TNF-α and NO; curcumin and the combination reduced IL-1β, whereas evodiamine alone showed limited effects. Docking predicted stronger binding for curcumin and evodiamine than ibuprofen across targets (e.g., curcumin ΔG −10.18 kcal·mol⁻¹ for TNF-α; evodiamine ΔG −10.02 kcal·mol⁻¹ for COX-2). Frontier orbital energies indicated differing electronic profiles (ibuprofen ΔE 8.62 eV; evodiamine 9.65 eV; curcumin 9.89 eV), suggesting complementary reactivity. The curcumin–evodiamine combination exhibits in vitro anti-inflammatory activity with supportive docking and orbital data, providing mechanistic rationale for further development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease)

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27 pages, 7428 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Behavior and Failure Mechanism of Impact-Damaged RC Columns Strengthened with CFRP: A 3D Meso-Scale Numerical Study

by Yonghui Xing, Fengliang Zhang, Zhongqi Shi, Qingrui Yue, Yuzhou Liu and Xiaoya Li

Buildings 2026, 16(9), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16091692 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026

Abstract

Impact-damaged reinforced concrete (RC) columns often experience significant reductions in load-carrying capacity and ductility when subjected to subsequent axial loading. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets have been widely used to strengthen such damaged columns; however, the underlying strengthening mechanism remains insufficiently understood, largely due to the difficulty of experimentally capturing the evolution of internal damage. To address this issue, a three-dimensional (3D) meso-scale finite element (FE) model has been developed to investigate the mechanical behavior of CFRP-strengthened impact-damaged RC columns. The proposed model captures the evolution of micro-damage within concrete and provides a more realistic representation of impact-induced damage compared with conventional homogeneous models. The model was first validated against available experimental results, showing good agreement in both failure modes and responses. Based on the validated model, three typical strengthening schemes, including the longitudinally applied CFRP, U-shaped CFRP, and fully wrapped CFRP, are systematically examined in terms of failure patterns, load-carrying capacity, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation. The results indicate that the fully wrapped CFRP configuration most effectively mitigated damage in the impact-affected zone and increased the load-carrying capacity by up to 86%. Furthermore, a quantitative evaluation framework based on strengthening indices for axial capacity and energy dissipation is proposed, indicating that strengthening with two CFRP layers can lead to a desirable ductile failure mode within the scope of this numerical investigation. These findings provide useful mechanistic insights into the strengthening process and offer preliminary guidance for the rehabilitation of impact-damaged RC columns, though further validation is required before practical implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

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