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The intricate intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment (TME) critically drives cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Natural killer (NK) cells are potent sentinels of the innate immune system, but their antitumor functions are often severely compromised by the TME’s immunosuppressive networks. Moving beyond protein-coding genes, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)—with microRNAs (miRNAs) playing a foundational role alongside long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs)—have emerged as vital components of the regulatory networks influencing immune responses. Rather than dictating immune cell fate, these diverse transcriptomic classes form complex networks that modulate NK cell functional states and TME immunosuppression. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which these ncRNA networks influence NK cell biology in the TME. We dissect three core regulatory axes driven by extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication, competitive endogenous RNA crosstalk, and epigenetic remodeling: the extrinsic suppression of NK cells by EV-derived and secreted ncRNAs from TME-resident cells, the reciprocal modulation of TME components by NK cell-derived ncRNAs, and the intrinsic regulation of NK cell functions by endogenous ncRNAs. Furthermore, we critically assess the clinical translational potential of targeting these networks. We highlight specific ncRNAs as non-invasive prognostic biomarkers and summarize targeted therapeutic interventions using antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, and nano-delivery systems. Modulating these core ncRNA nodes to mitigate TME immunosuppression offers a novel paradigm for precision oncology, holding substantial promise for enhancing immune checkpoint blockade and NK cell-directed immunotherapies. Full article

28 pages, 973 KB

Open AccessReview

How Heuristic Credibility Cues Shape Perceived Credibility on Social Media: A Meta-Analysis of Experimental Research

by Renjun Cao, Norliana Binti Hashim and Saiful Nujaimi Abdul Rahman

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16071184 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

As the information environment evolves, social media has become the primary channel through which the public accesses and shares information, and perceived credibility has emerged as a critical influence on how users evaluate the credibility of information. Existing research suggests that heuristic credibility cues can enhance users’ perceived credibility, yet the findings remain inconsistent. Consequently, it is necessary for researchers to systematically examine whether heuristic credibility cues can effectively enhance perceived credibility. This study employed a meta-analysis to analyse 18 studies meeting the selection criteria, involving a total sample size of 14,188 participants. The aim was to assess the overall effect of social media heuristic credibility cues on perceived credibility and to explore the influence of potential moderating mechanisms on perceived credibility. The results indicate that manipulating source cues and social cues, which serve as heuristic credibility cues on social media, significantly increased perceived credibility (g = 0.307, p < 0.001). Effect sizes varied across moderating variables such as the type of heuristic credibility cue, participant type, method of measuring perceived credibility, experimental design, sample size, and year of publication. Among these, the type of heuristic cue and participant type were significant moderators; specifically, authoritative sources were more effective than other types of information sources in enhancing perceived credibility; the impact of different types of social cues on perceived credibility was also significant to varying degrees. Furthermore, student groups were more susceptible to the influence of heuristic credibility cues than non-student groups. These findings provide theoretical and practical insights for the design of information dissemination and the construction of perceived credibility on social media. It should be noted that, given the limited number of studies included in this meta-analysis and the restricted range of moderator variables, the above conclusions require further empirical research to be tested and confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

56 pages, 2978 KB

Open AccessReview

Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungi Shape Herbivore Behavior and Plant–Insect Interactions: Implications for Biological Control

by Rana H. M. Hussien, Alexandra M. Kortsinoglou, Martyn J. Wood, Vassili N. Kouvelis, Wanissa Mellikeche, Mustapha Touray, Babalwa Tembeni, Mazen Alzain, Faisal Alotaibi, Islam S. Sobhy, Zack Saud, E. Joel Loveridge, Daniel C. Eastwood and Tariq M. Butt

Pathogens 2026, 15(7), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15070735 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are well established as biological control agents, but their emerging role as endophytes reveals a broader and more powerful function in crop protection. By colonizing plant tissues, endophytic entomopathogenic fungi (EEPF) create a dynamic tripartite interaction between plants, fungi, and herbivores, enabling systemic, plant-mediated pest suppression. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the behavioral and ecological responses of herbivorous arthropods to EEPF-colonized plants, with an emphasis on the mechanisms and implications for integrated pest management (IPM). Growing evidence indicates that EEPF consistently modify herbivore behavior and performance across diverse crops and insect taxa. Colonization frequently alters feeding, host selection, and oviposition, often deterring pests, although mediated responses may vary among fungal species, host plants, insect taxa, and environmental conditions. These responses are driven by EEPF-induced changes in plant chemistry, including shifts in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and defensive metabolites. In parallel, EEPF impair insect fitness by delaying development, reducing survival, and lowering fecundity, thereby suppressing pest populations. These plant-mediated and behavioral changes extend to multitrophic interactions, potentially affecting associations with natural enemies and the transmission efficiency of some insect vectors of plant viruses. Despite rapid progress, critical gaps remain in resolving the mechanistic basis of these interactions and their stability under field conditions. Advancing the application of EEPF will require integrated approaches combining microbial ecology, chemical ecology, and insect behavioral biology. Harnessing these interactions offers a compelling pathway to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect-Pathogenic Fungi: Ecology, Evolution, and Applications)

17 pages, 2189 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sequential Restoration of Active Distribution Networks via LLM-Guided Optimistic Distributional Reinforcement Learning

by Jie Zhang, Yuan Yao, Yan Xu, Junhao Lin, Jiang Zhu and Jiuxiang Chen

Electronics 2026, 15(14), 3082; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15143082 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Data-driven reinforcement learning (RL) often struggles to process unstructured human semantics during distribution network restoration. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a method integrating large language model (LLM)-based semantic space guidance with optimistic distributional RL (DistRL). A fine-tuned LLM parses complex human semantics into dynamic semantic observations and action mask constraints. Concurrently, an optimistic implicit quantile network (O-IQN) employs a high-quantile optimistic preference mechanism to guide the agent toward restoration paths with higher rewards and success rates. The method is validated under random N-1, N-2 and N-3 contingencies on modified 70-bus system and 136-bus systems. Compared with baselines, it accelerates convergence and enhances cumulative rewards. Comprehensive evaluations across 50,000 scenarios on the 70-bus system and 300,000 scenarios on the 136-bus system show that O-IQN consistently ensures high recovery rates. This approach effectively integrates unstructured human semantics with data-driven control, enhancing the robustness and safety of distribution network restoration. Full article

34 pages, 5030 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Wind Power Forecasting via Multi-Farm Coupling Under Data Isolation: A Physics-Guided Personalized Federated Approach

by Yunjie Yang, Yue Xiang and Xinkang Liu

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7156; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147156 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Accurate wind power forecasting is critical for grid stability and long-term sustainability, but mountainous wind farms face challenges from complex micro-meteorology, restricted communication, and non-IID data, exacerbated by data silos that prevent centralized learning. Most federated learning relies on data-driven averaging that ignores multi-farm coupling, or adopt complex local models that increase communication overhead. To address these, a physics-guided personalized federated approach is proposed to enhance wind power forecasting. Its core is a physics-guided aggregation mechanism that constructs a dynamic weight matrix from distance, elevation, and real-time wind direction to enable personalized aggregation capturing multi-farm coupling. The federated framework combines a shared CNN-LSTM with multi-head attention for regional patterns and a personalized layer for local microclimate. A risk-aware asymmetric loss is incorporated to penalize high-power errors, enhancing operational reliability under high-power conditions. Validation on mountainous wind farms for 3-day forecasting under typical and extreme scenarios across wet, dry, and normal seasons shows that the average R² exceeds 0.95, and the average RMSE is reduced by more than 24% compared to baselines, achieving high accuracy under strict privacy preservation. By enabling multi-farm coupling under data isolation, this approach achieves high forecasting accuracy on the studied wind farms, showing promise for similar ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Forecasting Methods for Sustainable Power Systems)

33 pages, 1862 KB

Open AccessReview

Research and Analysis on the Kinetic Mechanisms and Regulation of Hydrogen Metallurgical Reduction Interfaces

by Qianming Mo, Lukuo Hong, Shuai Tong, Meijie Zhou, Xinchan Nie and Qingyun Bi

Metals 2026, 16(7), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16070789 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

“Replacing carbon with hydrogen” represents one potential pathway for green development in the steel industry, with hydrogen metallurgy playing a crucial role in advancing the sector’s green transformation. This paper systematically reviews existing fundamental theoretical achievements in this field, clarifies the current research status and core advancements, while also analyzing existing scientific challenges and theoretical bottlenecks. It reviews the kinetic mechanisms and control methods for hydrogen reduction of iron oxides, focusing on the influence of key factors such as temperature and hydrogen partial pressure on the reduction process. The applicability of the unreacted nucleus model and other models in describing gas–solid reaction processes is analyzed. The hydrogen reduction reaction follows a multi-step mechanism of “gas-phase diffusion-adsorption-interfacial reaction-product layer diffusion-desorption,” with its rate governed by both diffusion control and chemical reaction control. At the kinetic level, rationally controlling temperature and increasing hydrogen partial pressure are effective approaches to enhance reaction efficiency. Future efforts should strengthen fundamental theoretical research, advance the integration of multiple technological pathways, and promote large-scale application. This review provides theoretical support for subsequent fundamental research on hydrogen metallurgy and offers reasonable recommendations for the development of hydrogen metallurgy technology in China’s steel industry. More importantly, this review critically compares representative kinetic interpretations and model assumptions reported in the literature, and proposes an interface-oriented analytical framework that links process variables, interfacial elementary steps, structural evolution, kinetic transition, and regulation strategy. Full article

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26 pages, 3814 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Blueprint for Connection: Mapping Interconnected Patterns of Relationship Change in Couples Using the Agapé App

by Ronald D. Rogge, Jenna A. Macri, Khadesha Okwudili and Dev Crasta

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16071182 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Agapé is a light–touch relationship enhancement smartphone app. This study used data from a longitudinal study of couples using the Agapé app to explore change within an array of behavioral processes to uncover patterns of interconnected change, thereby providing some of the first quantitative insights into how various relationship processes might be linked as relationships change over time. A sample of 405 couples in long-term relationships (810 partners, 50% women, 75% white, together M = 4.5 yrs, 50% living together, 33% currently dissatisfied) completed assessments across their first month of using Agapé. Men and women significantly improved on 15 of the 16 relationship processes assessed. As the study lacked a randomized control condition, it remains unclear if those improvements were due to using the Agapé app or to factors like expectancy effects, regression to the mean, self-selection, demand characteristics, or general participation effects. Network analyses explored correlational linkages among the self-reported pre–post changes observed. Results highlighted increases in three processes (quality time spent together, perceived partner responsiveness, and gratitude toward partner) as the processes most proximally linked to increases in relationship quality. The network findings also uncovered a number of patterns of interconnected change to be explored in future studies (e.g., increases in couples talking about their relationships to increases in mindful awareness within those relationships to increases in gratitude and quality time to increases in relationship quality). Thus, the results offer some of the first comprehensive multivariate (albeit correlational) insights toward understanding how relationship processes might work in concert with one another within a broader multivariate pattern of self-reported relationship change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Foundations of Relationship Dynamics: Predictors of Quality and Conflict)

44 pages, 7916 KB

Open AccessArticle

Precursor-Dependent Performance of FA-, GBFS-, MK- and WBP-Based Geopolymer Mortars: Effects of NaOH Molarity and Thermal Curing on Strength, Transport Properties and Cost Efficiency

by Damla Nur Çelik, Rüya Kılıç Demircan, Güneş Mutlu Avinç and Gökhan Kaplan

Polymers 2026, 18(14), 1723; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18141723 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of precursor type, NaOH molarity, and thermal curing temperature on the performance of geopolymer mortars produced using fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS), metakaolin (MK), and waste brick powder (WBP). Mortars were activated using 12 M and 16 M NaOH solutions at a constant Na₂SiO₃/NaOH ratio and thermally cured at 60 and 90 °C for 24 h. Physical, mechanical, transport, microstructural, and cost-performance properties were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the optimum activation conditions strongly depended on precursor type. MK-based mortars cured at 16 M–90 °C exhibited the best overall performance, achieving the lowest apparent porosity (6.1%) and water absorption (5.4%), and the highest oven-dry density (2194 kg/m³), compressive strength (25.8 MPa), and flexural strength (3.43 MPa). These mortars also exhibited the lowest capillary water absorption (1.88 kg/m²), the highest electrical resistivity (248.00 kΩ·cm), and the lowest charge passed (177 C), indicating enhanced pore refinement and chloride-ion penetrability. In contrast, GBFS performed better under milder activation conditions, whereas WBP showed lower performance due to its coarser, more crystalline structure. SEM/EDS analyses confirmed that the formation of dense aluminosilicate gel governed matrix quality and overall performance. Overall, MK activated at 16 M and cured at 90 °C provided the most favorable balance between technical performance and cost efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers for Construction: Properties and Application)

16 pages, 2142 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Electromechanical Coupling Properties and Tuning Mechanisms of Ta-Doped Lithium Niobate Crystals Based on First-Principles Calculations

by Jiahao Li, Xuefeng Xiao, Han Zhang, Xu Han, Jiayi Chen, Yan Huang, Yan Zhang, Shuaijie Liang, Huan Zhang, Lingling Ma, Cui Yang, Jiandong Wu, Xuefeng Zhang and Yong Yang

Crystals 2026, 16(7), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16070457 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of Ta doping on the elastic, dielectric, piezoelectric, and electromechanical coupling properties of lithium niobate (LiNbO₃, LN) crystals using first-principles calculations. The results show that isovalent substitution of Nb⁵⁺ by Ta⁵⁺ maintains mechanical stability in all doped systems. Ta incorporation enhances the overall stiffness and deformation resistance, while strengthening ionic displacement polarization and the piezoelectric stress response. The piezoelectric strain constant d₃₃ and electromechanical coupling coefficient k₃₃ exhibit different optimal doping concentrations. d₃₃ reaches 9.548 pC/N at 10% Ta doping, corresponding to a 13.6% improvement over intrinsic LN, whereas k₃₃ reaches a maximum of 0.2569 at 3.33% Ta doping and remains high in the 3.33–6.67% range. This separation originates from the competition among polarization enhancement, elastic stiffness hardening, and nonlinear dielectric growth. Enhanced ionic polarization promotes d₃₃, while excessive dielectric energy storage and increased stiffness suppress effective electromechanical energy conversion. These results reveal the microscopic mechanism governing composition-dependent electromechanical tuning in Ta-doped LN crystals. Accordingly, 10% Ta is suitable for improving strain sensitivity, whereas 3.33–6.67% Ta is preferable for optimizing energy conversion efficiency in LN-based sensors, actuators, transducers, and resonators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Crystalline Materials)

21 pages, 11255 KB

Open AccessArticle

DDSCNet: Dual-Domain Synergistic Downsampling and Dual-Branch Feature Calibration Network for Low-Light Image Enhancement

by Yanbo Yu, Qigui Jiang, Tingjian Dai, Mingxuan Sun, Shenao Kong, Hong Yan and Pengcheng Fu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7036; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147036 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Real-world low-light scenarios are complex, and annotated data is scarce. Meanwhile, existing supervised and mainstream unsupervised low-light image enhancement methods typically rely on large-scale paired labeled or unpaired normal-light data for training, which constrains the cross-scene generalization capability of these models. Furthermore, zero-shot low-light enhancement methods based on Retinex theory still exhibit notable performance shortcomings in dark-region noise suppression and illumination component estimation accuracy. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a zero-shot architecture for low-light image enhancement based on dual-domain synergistic downsampling and dual-branch feature calibration, which effectively resolves the core dilemma of the inaccessibility of annotated training data. Specifically, we construct a dual-domain downsampling mechanism with frequency-domain and wavelet complementarity, which provides effective priors for pre-denoising to suppress noise. A dual-branch feature calibration module centered on bidirectional correction and gated weighting is designed to achieve high-fidelity halo-free illumination estimation. To tackle the problems of color distortion and insufficient enhancement in extremely dark scenes, we further propose a multi-dimensional constrained naturalization enhancement module. Extensive experiments on the LOL-v1 and LOL-v2 datasets demonstrate that the proposed method achieves outstanding real low-light enhancement performance and competitive visual results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)

17 pages, 24896 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the Wall Morphology and Conductivity of Acid-Etched Fractures in Dolomite

by Zhiheng Wang, Ronxiang Yang, Weixing Hua, Liang Guan, Gang Fang and Zhichen Liu

Processes 2026, 14(14), 2283; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14142283 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Fracturing is the dominant stimulation technique for low-porosity, low-permeability dolomite gas reservoirs, yet the lack of systematic laboratory research on multistage alternating acid etching mechanisms restricts field construction parameter optimization. Targeting the low-permeability Xixiangchi Formation dolomite reservoir in the eastern Sichuan Basin, this work develops a high-temperature, high-pressure core acid etching system coupled with 3D surface scanning. A reliable lab-to-field parameter conversion is established based on the Reynolds and Froude similarity criteria. Four-factor three-level orthogonal tests are conducted to quantify the impacts of pad fluid-to-acid viscosity ratio, total acid volume, pumping rate, and alternating injection stages on JRC-characterized wall roughness and fracture conductivity. The results show an identical factor dominance ranking for both indicators: viscosity ratio > pumping rate > injection stages > total acid volume. The optimal stimulation scheme is determined as a 50:1 viscosity ratio, 120 mL total acid volume, 12.54 mL/min laboratory pumping rate (equivalent to 8 m³/min in field operations), and 3 alternating injection stages. An elevated viscosity ratio intensifies viscous fingering, induces heterogeneous dolomite dissolution, and forms abundant irregular asperities on fracture surfaces. These self-supporting rough structures sustain stable seepage channels and markedly improve conductivity, verifying the positive roughness-conductivity correlation and revealing the core mechanism of heterogeneous etching-driven conductivity enhancement. The findings provide direct experimental support and parameter guidance for multistage alternating acid fracturing design in the Xixiangchi Formation and analogous tight dolomite reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Petroleum and Low-Carbon Energy Process Engineering)

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17 pages, 8620 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Optimized Corn-Based Artificial Diet Reshapes the Larval Metabolome, Leading to Mixed Improvements in Longevity and Reproductive Traits in Spodoptera litura

by Aning Fan, Nipapan Kanjana, Xiaotong Xu, Yuanfei Li, Hanqi Li, Yuyan Li, Jianjun Mao, Junjie Zhang and Lisheng Zhang

Insects 2026, 17(7), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070725 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) is a major agricultural pest, and the establishment of efficient mass-rearing systems is critical for advancing biological control and integrated pest management strategies. In our previous work, evaluation of 17 artificial diets identified an optimised corn-based formulation (F15) that significantly improved larval performance relative to a standard control (CK) diet. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying these performance differences remain largely unresolved. Here, we employed untargeted metabolomics based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to elucidate the biochemical pathways associated with enhanced development in S. litura larvae reared on F15 compared with CK. Larvae fed the F15 diet exhibited a prolonged developmental period (21.49 ± 0.86 vs. 20.13 ± 0.53 days), higher emergence rates (1.20 ± 0.27% vs. 0.85 ± 0.10%), and increased body mass during both early (3.28 ± 0.12 vs. 2.93 ± 0.08 mg) and later instars (77.55 ± 2.30 vs. 73.51 ± 1.17 mg) relative to those reared on the control diet. Metabolomic profiling revealed that the CK diet, characterised by lower levels of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (LA), was associated with reduced metabolite abundance and weaker enrichment of energy-related metabolic pathways. In contrast, the F15 diet contained substantially higher levels of linoleic acid, which is known to contribute to membrane stability and mitochondrial function. Notably, linoleic acid was consistently enriched in the gut of F15-fed larvae, suggesting a correlative central role in promoting metabolic efficiency, growth, and developmental performance. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insight into how dietary composition modulates insect metabolism and highlight the nutritional and physiological advantages of corn-based formulations for large-scale rearing. This study offers a foundational theoretical foundation for optimising artificial diets and supports their application in sustainable pest-management programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)

24 pages, 6800 KB

Open AccessReview

Spin-Regulated Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives

by Lin Ju, Xiao Tang, Xinqi Ren, Xueying Gao and Kun Wang

Catalysts 2026, 16(7), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16070633 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the cathode cornerstone of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Its inherent spin mismatch between triplet O₂ and singlet products causes sluggish kinetics that conventional catalyst designs cannot fully overcome. This review critically summarizes the past three years’ breakthroughs in spin-regulated ORR electrocatalysis and offers a fresh perspective beyond traditional electronic and geometric optimization. We first dissect the physical mechanism of spin-selective electron transfer required for the 4e⁻ pathway. We then systematically present four strategies for modulating the spin state of transition-metal active sites, namely strain engineering, defect engineering, heteroatom doping, and interfacial heterostructures. Subsequently, we highlight the emerging chirality-induced spin selectivity effect, where chiral organic molecules or intrinsically chiral inorganic materials act as spin filters without an external magnetic field, enabling spin-matched electron transfer and enhanced ORR performance. At the end of our review, we identify several key challenges, including the lack of in situ techniques to dynamically track spin states under operating conditions, the limited stability and universality of chiral catalysts, and the insufficient understanding of synergistic effects between spin control and traditional design parameters. We also outline future research directions, such as developing operando spin characterization, constructing robust chiral inorganic nanostructures, and employing high-throughput computational screening to integrate spin, geometric, and electronic level design. Our review provides a timely and comprehensive framework that bridges spin physics with electrocatalyst design, offering critical mechanistic insights and practical guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis for a Sustainable Future: Powering New Energy and Protecting the Environment)

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24 pages, 28603 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Tempering Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 165 ksi Grade Drill Pipe Steel

by Bin Shi, Shibiao Wang, Chunling Zhang, Chunxiang Zhang and Qingfeng Wang

Metals 2026, 16(7), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16070785 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

The study systematically investigates the effects of tempering temperatures ranging from 610 °C to 690 °C on the multi-scale martensitic microstructure evolution and strength–toughness matching characteristics of 165 ksi grade Cr–Mo–V martensitic steel for ultra-high-strength and high-toughness oil drill pipes. The intrinsic strengthening and toughening mechanisms of the developed steel were further clarified. It was established that an increase in the tempering temperature resulted in a reduction in strength that was found to be monotonic. Concurrently, an enhancement in ductility and low-temperature toughness was observed. The yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) decrease monotonically from 1338 MPa and 1397 MPa to 819 MPa and 891 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the −20 °C low-temperature impact absorbed energy rises significantly from 32 J to 148 J, and the fracture elongation increases from 16% to 21%. Combined multi-scale microstructural characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrates that the prior austenite grain size remains nearly unchanged during tempering. In contrast, the hierarchical martensitic substructures, including packets, blocks and laths, undergo continuous coalescence and coarsening. The matrix dislocation density drops sharply from 3.02 × 10¹⁵ m⁻² to 1.20 × 10¹⁵ m⁻². The gradual relaxation of internal lattice strain reduces the kernel average misorientation (KAM) value from 0.32° to 0.21°, and the nano-scale rod-shaped precipitates gradually transform into coarsened spherical carbides. Quantitative analysis of various strengthening mechanisms reveals that grain refinement strengthening and dislocation strengthening serve as the dominant strengthening contributors to the superior strength of the steel, while solid solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening play auxiliary roles. The remarkable improvement in low-temperature impact toughness is primarily attributed to the substantial increase in crack propagation energy dissipation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in High-Performance Steel (2nd Edition))

14 pages, 2721 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Fixed-Resistance Polarization Strategy for High-Performance Biofilm Cultivation and Electron Storage Enhancement in MFCs

by Jianbo Jia, Jiteng Hong, Xiaolong Xu and Changyu Liu

Environments 2026, 13(7), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070396 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical devices that simultaneously treat wastewater and recover energy. However, their power generation performance is limited by the biocatalytic activity of electroactive biofilms. In this study, a low-cost, high-performance electroactive biofilm formation method was developed by replacing conventional constant potential polarization, which needs a fixed-resistance polarization approach. Additionally, alternating intermittent polarization with dual anodes was implemented based on these biofilms to continuously induce electron storage behavior. Experimental results confirmed the feasibility of the proposed fixed-resistance polarization method for biofilm cultivation. Compared with the primary biofilms, the derived biofilms exhibited markedly enhanced startup efficiency and power generation performance. Specifically, the startup time decreased by 24.8% from 44.23 h, while bioenergy conversion efficiency improved from 69.72 ± 3.30% to 91.90 ± 3.51%. These performance enhancements were attributed to the superior electrochemical activity of the derived biofilms, as evidenced by increased maximum current density, higher anode capacitance, and broader electrochemical activity range. These characteristics remained stable throughout the biofilm iteration process. Moreover, dual-anode alternating intermittent polarization successfully induced continuous electron storage behavior, leading to enhanced organic matter removal and energy conversion. Under the optimized conditions, MFCs demonstrated notable improvements in electroactivity. This study revealed the regulatory mechanisms of polarization patterns on biofilm formation and operation, providing an experimental foundation for the large-scale application of MFCs in wastewater treatment and energy recovery. Full article

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