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21 pages, 3194 KB  
Article
High-Harmonic Spectroscopy as a Probe of Fractional Quantum Dynamics
by Marcelo F. Ciappina
Fractal Fract. 2026, 10(7), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract10070462 - 9 Jul 2026
Viewed by 245
Abstract
We investigate high-order harmonic generation (HHG) driven by strong laser fields in a reduced-dimensionality time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) model generalized through a fractional kinetic-energy operator. By fixing the ionization potential, we isolate the effect of the fractional continuum dispersion from trivial changes in [...] Read more.
We investigate high-order harmonic generation (HHG) driven by strong laser fields in a reduced-dimensionality time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) model generalized through a fractional kinetic-energy operator. By fixing the ionization potential, we isolate the effect of the fractional continuum dispersion from trivial changes in the binding energy. A classical three-step analysis is first extended to the fractional case, showing that the maximum return energy remains proportional to a fractional ponderomotive scale, but with a cutoff coefficient that decreases systematically as the fractional exponent is reduced. We then benchmark these predictions with TDSE simulations for different values of the fractional exponent α. The computed HHG spectra exhibit a progressive reduction in the accessible cutoff region and pronounced modifications of the plateau interference structure. Time-frequency Gabor analysis of the dipole acceleration further reveals that the fractional kinetic operator reshapes the recollision dynamics, modifying the emission branches and enhancing interference features associated with multiple quantum pathways and returns. Finally, we analyze cutoff scaling laws with respect to laser intensity and wavelength. At fixed wavelength, the shifted cutoff harmonic follows an effective fractional intensity scaling, while at fixed intensity the cutoff energy shift follows a fractional wavelength scaling. Although the cutoff extracted from finite-pulse TDSE spectra should be regarded as an empirical measure, the combined spectral, scaling, and time-frequency analyses demonstrate, within the present model, that non-quadratic continuum dispersion can produce distinctive signatures in strong-field dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Numerical and Computational Methods)
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33 pages, 1151 KB  
Review
Mitochondria-Targeting Metal Complexes: Design Principles, Mechanisms of Action, and Translational Perspectives
by Donatella Coradduzza, Giacomo Senzacqua, Rosita Cappai and Serenella Medici
Biomolecules 2026, 16(7), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16070987 - 4 Jul 2026
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Mitochondria-targeting metal complexes (MTMCs) are a mechanistically distinct class of metallopharmaceuticals. Unlike first-generation platinum drugs that form nuclear DNA adducts, MTMCs exploit organelle-specific vulnerabilities such as hyperpolarised mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), limited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) repair capacity, and [...] Read more.
Mitochondria-targeting metal complexes (MTMCs) are a mechanistically distinct class of metallopharmaceuticals. Unlike first-generation platinum drugs that form nuclear DNA adducts, MTMCs exploit organelle-specific vulnerabilities such as hyperpolarised mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), limited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) repair capacity, and redox-dependent enzymes such as thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 2016 and 2026, applying predefined inclusion criteria that included subcellular localization evidence and functional bioenergetic endpoints. The search identified 147 studies covering Pt(II/IV), Ru(II/III), Au(I/III), Ir(III), Os(II), Re(I), and V(IV/V) complexes and metal–organic framework nanoplatforms. Mechanistic evidence converges on four intramitochondrial target categories: inhibition of ETC (Electron Transport Chain) Complexes I/III with consequent ATP depletion; ROS overproduction, coupled with glutathione and TrxR depletion; outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and intrinsic apoptotic cascade activation; and mtDNA damage within a compartment limited to base excision repair. Multi-modal cell death—the co-occurrence of apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and autophagic cell death—was a recurrent finding across the reviewed studies. This review thoroughly surveys the latest trends in MTMC drug design (metals, ligand structures, and mechanisms of action) and summarises analytical techniques for speciation, pharmacokinetics, safe monitoring, and resistance, while critically analysing translational barriers and clinical failures. To address the field’s inconsistent terminology, we introduce an explicit localization evidence hierarchy that distinguishes mitochondria-targeting complexes (through quantitative ICP-MS fractionation or co-localization with defined Pearson/Manders coefficients) from simply mitochondria-localising or mitochondria-perturbing agents, and we apply it throughout. We also point out that the idea of selectivity being purely driven by membrane voltage (ΔΨm) and thermodynamics is constrained by membrane and protein binding, as well as the transmembrane pH gradient, kinetic limitations, and demonstrated heterogeneity of cancer-cell membrane potential, and, as such, the functional mitochondrial effects must not be equated with mitochondrial accumulation. Since elemental quantification cannot distinguish intact complex from protein adducts and decomposition products, speciation-aware pharmacokinetics emerges as a prerequisite for a credible exposure–response interpretation. The translational progress will depend less on new chemotypes than on this analytical and pharmacokinetic rigour, together with organelle-level safety monitoring and biomarker-guided patient selection. Full article
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38 pages, 27721 KB  
Review
Dimensionality-Controlled Structure and Magnetism in Nickel Ferrite (NiFe2O4): A Novelty-Oriented Theoretical Review
by Mahmoud AlGharram, Tariq AlZoubi, Yahia Makableh and Jestin Mandumpal
Magnetochemistry 2026, 12(6), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/magnetochemistry12060069 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 559
Abstract
Nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) is one of the most studied inverse-spinel ferrites because it combines moderate saturation magnetization, comparatively high electrical resistivity, chemical stability, and broad synthesis flexibility. Yet the literature shows that the measured structure and magnetism of NiFe [...] Read more.
Nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) is one of the most studied inverse-spinel ferrites because it combines moderate saturation magnetization, comparatively high electrical resistivity, chemical stability, and broad synthesis flexibility. Yet the literature shows that the measured structure and magnetism of NiFe2O4 are not intrinsic constants; they evolve strongly with dimensionality, size, thickness, strain state, cation distribution, surface spin disorder, and synthesis pathway. This review develops a unified theoretical and literature-based interpretation of how dimensionality reshapes the structural and magnetic behavior of NiFe2O4 across bulk ceramics, nanoparticles, one-dimensional nanostructures, polycrystalline thin films, and ultrathin epitaxial films. The review is anchored in the two uploaded nickel ferrite attachments and expanded using internet-sourced journal literature on spinel inversion, surface effects, mechanochemical synthesis, sputtered and pulsed laser deposited thin films, and epitaxial ultrathin-film anomalies. The central novelty of this article is the formulation of a dimensionality-dependent framework in which the observed magnetic response is governed by a competition among three coupled factors: (i) the cation-distribution function, which controls the A–B superexchange balance and therefore the net ferrimagnetic moment; (ii) the microstructural coherence function, which measures how crystallinity, strain, defects, and anti-phase boundaries preserve or degrade exchange continuity; and (iii) the surface/interface spin-order parameter, which quantifies the loss or reconfiguration of magnetic order at free surfaces and buried interfaces. Within this framework, bulk NiFe2O4 behaves as a near-equilibrium inverse spinel with relatively stable magnetization, whereas nanoscale NiFe2O4 experiences strong spin canting and finite-size suppression due to the growing fraction of disordered surface spins. Thin films introduce a distinct regime in which strain, texture, anti-phase boundaries, substrate mismatch, and growth kinetics determine both anisotropy and magnetization. In ultrathin epitaxial films, off-equilibrium cation redistribution and interface-controlled electronic reconstruction may even generate magnetization values far above bulk expectations. The review also compares major synthesis routes—solid-state reaction, sol–gel, co-precipitation, hydrothermal growth, reactive milling, combustion, pulsed laser deposition, and radio-frequency sputtering—and explains why each route biases the final dimensionality-dependent properties differently. A set of word-style equations is provided to formalize spinel inversion, finite-size suppression, anisotropy scaling, coercivity trends, and superparamagnetic crossover. Beyond summarizing the field, the review proposes a regime map linking dimensionality to characteristic structural defects and magnetic signatures, and it identifies unresolved questions concerning the true origin of enhanced magnetization in ultrathin NiFe2O4, the interplay between anti-phase boundaries and strain, and the distinction between intrinsic inversion changes and extrinsic substrate artifacts. The resulting article offers a submission-ready, originality-focused review that positions dimensionality as the master variable governing structure–magnetism correlations in nickel ferrite. Full article
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15 pages, 349 KB  
Article
Quantum Omni-Synthesis I: Core Field-Theoretical Framework
by Stefalo Acha
Quantum Rep. 2026, 8(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/quantum8010015 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 806
Abstract
The Quantum Omni-Synthesis (QOS) framework is inspired by the cosmological constant problem, the dark sector, and the tension that arises when gravity is treated as purely geometrical while quantum fields remain defined on a fixed background. QOS adopts the working hypothesis that the [...] Read more.
The Quantum Omni-Synthesis (QOS) framework is inspired by the cosmological constant problem, the dark sector, and the tension that arises when gravity is treated as purely geometrical while quantum fields remain defined on a fixed background. QOS adopts the working hypothesis that the dominant components of the dark sector correspond to two complementary energetic tendencies already familiar from known physics: confining, binding-dominated behavior and dispersive, propagating behavior. For clarity of interpretation, these are referred to as implosive and explosive energy, respectively. This terminology is not intended to redefine cosmological dark matter or dark energy, but to provide an effective language for tracking how different forms of energy contribute to localization, propagation, and gravitational coupling across scales. QOS postulates that every field configuration admits a decomposition of its local energy density into these two complementary components. A dimensionless scalar quantity, the Quantized Gravity Coupling Parameter ς(x), quantifies the local fraction of implosive energy. Spacetime curvature in QOS is generated primarily by the implosive fraction, while explosive energy contributes to propagation and vacuum activity without sourcing gravity at the same strength. In this paper, a field-theoretical realization of this idea is presented for a single real scalar field. A QOS-modified Lagrangian is introduced in which the kinetic term is weighted by a factor A(ψ,ψ)=1ς2(ψ,ψ) that encodes the local balance between gradient and potential energy. From this Lagrangian, the nonlinear field equation and the corresponding energy momentum tensor are derived in full generality, including the effects of the functional dependence of A on the field and its derivatives. An effective Ricci tensor is constructed as Rμνeff=Rμν+fμν, where the correction fμν is expressed in terms of derivatives of Φ=ln(1ς2) and arises from the energetic weighting rather than an independent scalar degree of freedom. The resulting QOS field equation couples this scalar sector to curvature without introducing a separate Brans–Dicke-like field. Full article
25 pages, 4526 KB  
Article
The Tantawy Technique for Modeling Fractional Kinetic Alfvén Solitary Waves in an Oxygen–Hydrogen Plasma in Earth’s Upper Ionosphere
by Shaukat Ali Shan, Wedad Albalawi, Rania A. Alharbey and Samir A. El-Tantawy
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(11), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9110705 - 31 Oct 2025
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) are investigated in an Oxygen–Hydrogen plasma with electrons following the behavior of rq-distribution in an upper ionosphere. We aim to study low-frequency and long wavelengths at 1700 kms in the upper ionosphere of Earth as detected by [...] Read more.
Kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) are investigated in an Oxygen–Hydrogen plasma with electrons following the behavior of rq-distribution in an upper ionosphere. We aim to study low-frequency and long wavelengths at 1700 kms in the upper ionosphere of Earth as detected by Freja satellite. The fluid model and reductive perturbation method are combined to obtain the evolutionary wave equations that can be used to describe both fractional and non-fractional KAWs in an Oxygen–Hydrogen ion plasma. This procedure is used to obtain the integer-order Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation and then analyze its solitary wave solution. In addition, this study is carried out to evaluate the fractional KdV (FKdV) equation using a new approach called the “Tantawy technique” in order to generate more stable and highly accurate approximations that will be utilized to accurately depict physical events. This investigation also helps locate the existence regions of the solitary waves (SWs), and in turn displays that the characteristics of KAWs are affected by a number of physical factors, such as the nonthermal parameters/spectral indices “r”, “q”, and obliqueness (characterized by lz). Depending on the parameter governing the distribution, especially the nonthermality of inertialess electrons, the rq-distribution of electrons has a major impact on the properties of KAWs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Time-Fractal and Fractional Models in Physics and Engineering)
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24 pages, 1300 KB  
Article
On the Construction and Analysis of a Fractional-Order Dirac Delta Distribution with Application
by Muhammad Muddassar, Adil Jhangeer, Nasir Siddiqui, Malik Sajjad Mehmood, Liaqat Khan and Tahira Jabeen
Axioms 2025, 14(10), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms14100728 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1230
Abstract
We introduce the generalized fractional-order Dirac delta distribution δGFODDF, defined by applying the generalized fractional derivative (GFD) operator to the Heaviside function. This construction extends the classical Dirac delta to non-integer orders, allowing modeling of systems with memory and non-local effects. [...] Read more.
We introduce the generalized fractional-order Dirac delta distribution δGFODDF, defined by applying the generalized fractional derivative (GFD) operator to the Heaviside function. This construction extends the classical Dirac delta to non-integer orders, allowing modeling of systems with memory and non-local effects. We establish fundamental properties—including shifting, scaling, evenness, derivative, and convolution—within a rigorous distributional framework and present explicit proofs. Applications are demonstrated by solving linear fractional differential equations and by modeling drug release with fractional kinetics, where the new delta captures impulse responses with long-term memory. Numerical illustrations confirm that δGFODDF reduces to the classical delta when η=1, while providing additional flexibility for 0<η<1. These results show that δGFODDF is a powerful tool for fractional-order analysis in mathematics, physics, and biomedical engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Special Functions and Related Topics, 2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 1299 KB  
Article
Linear Damped Oscillations Underlying the Fractional Jeffreys Equation
by Emad Awad, Alaa A. El-Bary and Weizhong Dai
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(9), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9090556 - 23 Aug 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1247
Abstract
In this study, we consider a fractional-order extension of the Jeffreys equation (also known as the dual-phase-lag equation) by introducing the Reimann–Liouville fractional integral, of order 0<ν<1, to the Jeffreys constitutive law, where for ν=1 it [...] Read more.
In this study, we consider a fractional-order extension of the Jeffreys equation (also known as the dual-phase-lag equation) by introducing the Reimann–Liouville fractional integral, of order 0<ν<1, to the Jeffreys constitutive law, where for ν=1 it corresponds to the conventional Jeffreys equation. The kinetical behaviors of the fractional equation such as non-negativity of the propagator, mean-squared displacement, and the temporal amplitude are investigated. The fractional Langevin equation, or the fractional damped oscillator, is a special case of the considered integrodifferential equation governing the temporal amplitude. When ν=0 and ν=1, the fractional differential equation governing the temporal amplitude has the mathematical structure of the classical linear damped oscillator with different coefficients. The existence of a real solution for the new temporal amplitude is proven by deriving this solution using the complex integration method. Two forms of conditional closed-form solutions for the temporal amplitude are derived in terms of the Mittag–Leffler function. It is found that the proposed generalized fractional damped oscillator equation results in underdamped oscillations in the case of 0<ν<1, under certain constraints derived from the non-fractional case. Although the nonfractional case has the form of classical linear damped oscillator, it is not necessary for its solution to have the three common types of oscillations (overdamped, underdamped, and critical damped), unless a certain condition is met on the coefficients. The obtained results could be helpful for analyzing thermal wave behavior in fractals, heterogeneous materials, or porous media since the fractional-order derivatives are related to the porosity of media. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends in Computational Physics with Fractional Applications)
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17 pages, 1168 KB  
Article
Analytical Solitary Wave Solutions of Fractional Tzitzéica Equation Using Expansion Approach: Theoretical Insights and Applications
by Wael W. Mohammed, Mst. Munny Khatun, Mohamed S. Algolam, Rabeb Sidaoui and M. Ali Akbar
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(7), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9070438 - 3 Jul 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the fractional Tzitzéica equation, a nonlinear evolution equation known for modeling complex phenomena in various scientific domains such as solid-state physics, crystal dislocation, electromagnetic waves, chemical kinetics, quantum field theory, and nonlinear optics. Using the (G′/ [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigate the fractional Tzitzéica equation, a nonlinear evolution equation known for modeling complex phenomena in various scientific domains such as solid-state physics, crystal dislocation, electromagnetic waves, chemical kinetics, quantum field theory, and nonlinear optics. Using the (G′/G, 1/G)-expansion approach, we derive different categories of exact solutions, like hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational functions. The beta fractional derivative is used here to generalize the classical idea of the derivative, which preserves important principles. The derived solutions with broader nonlinear wave structures are periodic waves, breathers, peakons, W-shaped solitons, and singular solitons, which enhance our understanding of nonlinear wave dynamics. In relation to these results, the findings are described by showing the solitons’ physical behaviors, their stabilities, and dispersions under fractional parameters in the form of contour plots and 2D and 3D graphs. Comparisons with earlier studies underscore the originality and consistency of the (G′/G, 1/G)-expansion approach in addressing fractional-order evolution equations. It contributes new solutions to analytical problems of fractional nonlinear integrable systems and helps understand the systems’ dynamic behavior in a wider scope of applications. Full article
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19 pages, 1286 KB  
Article
Adsorption–Desorption at Anomalous Diffusion: Fractional Calculus Approach
by Ivan Bazhlekov and Emilia Bazhlekova
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(7), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9070408 - 24 Jun 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1923
Abstract
A mathematical model of the anomalous diffusion of surfactant and the process of adsorption–desorption on an interface is analyzed using a fractional calculus approach. The model is based on time-fractional partial differential equations in the bulk phases and the corresponding time-fractional description of [...] Read more.
A mathematical model of the anomalous diffusion of surfactant and the process of adsorption–desorption on an interface is analyzed using a fractional calculus approach. The model is based on time-fractional partial differential equations in the bulk phases and the corresponding time-fractional description of the flux bulk–interface. The general case, when the surfactant is soluble in both phases, is considered under the assumption that the adsorption–desorption process is diffusion-controlled. Some of the most popular kinetic models of Henry, Langmuir, and Volmer are considered. Applying the Laplace transform, the partial differential model is transformed into a single multi-term time-fractional nonlinear ordinary differential equation for the surfactant concentration on the interface. Based on existing analytical solutions of linear time-fractional differential equations, the exact solution in the case of the Henry model is derived in terms of multinomial Mittag–Leffler functions, and its asymptotic behavior is studied. Further, the fractional differential model in the general nonlinear case is rewritten as an integral equation, which is a generalization of the well-known Ward–Tordai equation. For computer simulations, based on the obtained integral equation, a predictor–corrector numerical technique is developed. Numerical results are presented and analyzed. Full article
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17 pages, 4816 KB  
Article
The Effects of Fiber Concentration, Orientation, and Aspect Ratio on the Frontal Polymerization of Short Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Composites: A Numerical Study
by Aurpon Tahsin Shams, Easir Arafat Papon and Anwarul Haque
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(6), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9060307 - 17 Jun 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4690
Abstract
The cure kinetics in frontal polymerization (FP) of short carbon-fiber-reinforced composites are investigated numerically, focusing on the influence of fiber aspect ratio, volume fraction, and orientation. A classical heat conduction equation is used in FP, where the enthalpic reaction generates heat. The heat [...] Read more.
The cure kinetics in frontal polymerization (FP) of short carbon-fiber-reinforced composites are investigated numerically, focusing on the influence of fiber aspect ratio, volume fraction, and orientation. A classical heat conduction equation is used in FP, where the enthalpic reaction generates heat. The heat generation term is expressed in terms of the rate of degree of cure (dα/dt) in thermoset resin. A rate equation of the degree of cure for epoxy is established in terms of a pre-exponential factor, activation energy, Avogadro’s gas constant, and temperature. The cure kinetics parameters for epoxy resin used in this study are determined using the Ozawa method. The numerical model was validated with experimental data. The results reveal that the aspect ratio of fibers has a minimal effect on the polymerization time. The volume percentage of fibers significantly influences the curing time and temperature distribution, with higher fiber volume fractions leading to faster curing due to enhanced heat transfer. Additionally, fiber orientation plays a critical role in cure kinetics, with specific angles facilitating more effective heat transfer, thereby influencing the curing rate and frontal velocity. The results offer valuable insights into optimizing the design and manufacturing processes for high-performance epoxy-based composites through FP, where precise control over curing is critical. Full article
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14 pages, 287 KB  
Article
Bicomplex k-Mittag-Leffler Functions with Two Parameters: Theory and Applications to Fractional Kinetic Equations
by Ahmed Bakhet, Shahid Hussain, Mohra Zayed and Mohamed Fathi
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(6), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9060344 - 26 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1020
Abstract
In this paper, we aim to extend the bicomplex two-parameter Mittag-Leffler (M-L) function by introducing a new k-parameter. This results in the definition of the bicomplex k-M-L function with two parameters. This generalization offers more flexibility and broader applicability in modeling [...] Read more.
In this paper, we aim to extend the bicomplex two-parameter Mittag-Leffler (M-L) function by introducing a new k-parameter. This results in the definition of the bicomplex k-M-L function with two parameters. This generalization offers more flexibility and broader applicability in modeling complex fractional systems. We explore its key properties, develop new theorems, and establish the corresponding k-Riemann–Liouville fractional calculus within the bicomplex setting for the extended function. Furthermore, we solve several fractional differential equations using the bicomplex k-M-L function with two parameters. The results prove the enhanced flexibility and generality of the proposed function, particularly in deriving fractional kinetic equations, offering novel insights beyond existing bicomplex fractional models. Full article
15 pages, 1322 KB  
Article
Viscosity of Polycaprolactone Microplastic Dispersions and Nonlinear Kinetic Models of Plastic Fragmentation
by Vincenzo Villani and Pier Luigi Gentili
Molecules 2025, 30(10), 2235; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30102235 - 21 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1165
Abstract
Viscosimetric experiments and microscopy measurements on microdispersions of polycaprolactone (PCL) plastics showed an unexpected exponential decrease in viscosity over the first 3 months and a plateau for a further 4 months of observations. This behavior is due to the release of nanoplastics from [...] Read more.
Viscosimetric experiments and microscopy measurements on microdispersions of polycaprolactone (PCL) plastics showed an unexpected exponential decrease in viscosity over the first 3 months and a plateau for a further 4 months of observations. This behavior is due to the release of nanoplastics from semicrystalline particles that reduce the viscosity of the dispersion, and leave stable and fine crystalline microplastics ranging in size from 30 to 180 μm. The development of nonlinear kinetic models for the fragmentation process from macro- to meso-, micro-, and nanoplastics reveals complex behavior that we call a cracking–leaching mechanism. The autocatalytic mechanical cracking of macroplastics larger than 5 mm is followed by a logistic-type mechanical cracking of mesoplastics between 5 and 1 mm. Therefore, microplastics smaller than 1 mm experience the leaching diffusion modeled via nonlinear coupled kinetic differential equations: semicrystalline microplastics quickly release nanoplastics from the amorphous fraction, followed by fine and stable crystalline microplastics. This proposed mechanism explains the size distribution of floating plastic debris in the oceans, with an unexpected gap of microplastics. Considering the outcome, a general reflection is made on the critical issues that currently appear unsolvable regarding plastic pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Macromolecular Chemistry)
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29 pages, 5273 KB  
Article
Ion Channel Memory Drives Cardiac Early Afterdepolarizations in Fractional Models
by Noemi Zeraick Monteiro, Rodrigo Weber dos Santos and Sandro Rodrigues Mazorche
Mathematics 2025, 13(10), 1585; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13101585 - 12 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 973
Abstract
Understanding how past factors influence ion channel kinetics is essential for understanding complex phenomena in cardiac electrophysiology, such as early afterdepolarizations (EADs), which are abnormal depolarizations during the action potential plateau associated with life-threatening arrhythmias. We developed a mathematical framework that extends Hodgkin-Huxley [...] Read more.
Understanding how past factors influence ion channel kinetics is essential for understanding complex phenomena in cardiac electrophysiology, such as early afterdepolarizations (EADs), which are abnormal depolarizations during the action potential plateau associated with life-threatening arrhythmias. We developed a mathematical framework that extends Hodgkin-Huxley type equations with gamma Mittag-Leffler distributed delays, using tools from Fractional Calculus. Traditional memoryless two-variable models fail to reproduce EADs. Our approach modifies FitzHugh-Nagumo, Mitchell-Schaeffer, and Karma cardiac models, enabling the generation of EADs in each of them. We analyze the emergence of these oscillations by discussing the fractional parameters and the mean and variance of the memory kernels. Stability observations are also presented. Full article
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35 pages, 13648 KB  
Article
Parameterizing the Tip Effects of Submerged Vegetation in a VARANS Solver
by Lai Jiang, Jisheng Zhang, Hao Chen, Chenglin Liu and Mingzong Zhang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040785 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1096
Abstract
This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation of submerged vegetation flow, with a particular focus on vegetation-related terms, especially in the vicinity of the free end. Experimental results indicate that substantial shear stress is observed near the top of vegetation, where the [...] Read more.
This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation of submerged vegetation flow, with a particular focus on vegetation-related terms, especially in the vicinity of the free end. Experimental results indicate that substantial shear stress is observed near the top of vegetation, where the drag coefficient increases significantly due to the disturbance caused by the free end. Furthermore, wake generation is notably suppressed, particularly at heights where wake-generated turbulence dominates, leading to a reduction in turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). A numerical model based on the volume-averaged Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (VARANS) equations was developed, incorporating a vertically varying drag coefficient. The two-scale kε turbulence model is further modified with the inclusion of a new damping function to capture the suppression of wake generation. The model accurately simulates both unidirectional and oscillatory flows, as well as the associated turbulence structures, with good agreement with experimental measurements. The influence of the tips on wave-induced currents, mass transport and TKE distribution is also investigated. It was found that the tip effects play a significant role in strengthening wave-induced currents at the top of loosely arranged, short, and sparse vegetation, with shear kinetic energy (SKE) serving as a critical component of TKE, contributing to the nonuniform distribution. Both Eulerian currents and Stokes drift contribute to streaming in the direction of wave propagation near the vegetation top, which intensifies with increasing solid volume fraction, while tip effects further enhance the onshore mass transport. Within the vegetation, mass transport is more sensitive to wave period and wave height, shifting from onshore to offshore as wavelength increases under constant water depth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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23 pages, 2901 KB  
Article
Wood Gasification Biochar as an Effective Biosorbent for the Remediation of Organic Soil Pollutants
by Elisabetta Loffredo, Nicola Denora, Danilo Vona, Antonio Gelsomino, Carlo Porfido and Nicola Colatorti
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9010018 - 24 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2740
Abstract
A biochar (BC) generated by the pyrogasification of wood chips from authorized forestry cuts was extensively characterized and evaluated for its efficacy in retaining/releasing two agrochemicals, namely the fungicide penconazole (PEN), the herbicide S-metolachlor (S-MET), and the xenoestrogen bisphenol A (BPA) widely present [...] Read more.
A biochar (BC) generated by the pyrogasification of wood chips from authorized forestry cuts was extensively characterized and evaluated for its efficacy in retaining/releasing two agrochemicals, namely the fungicide penconazole (PEN), the herbicide S-metolachlor (S-MET), and the xenoestrogen bisphenol A (BPA) widely present in industrial effluents. The elemental composition of BC was evaluated using CN elemental analysis and total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy which showed the abundance of elements typically found in BCs (Ca, K, P) along with essential trace elements such as Fe and Mn. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) described the surface features of BC along with the major surface elements, while Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed, as expected, a large specific surface area (366 m2 g−1). High porosity (0.07 cm3 g−1) was demonstrated by the density functional theory (DFT) method, while Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy highlighted the presence of a prominent aromatic structure and the abundance of reactive functional groups responsible for the binding of the compounds. The sorption/desorption capacity of BC was studied by means of sorption kinetics and isotherms in batch trials, and by modeling the experimental data with various theoretical equations. All compounds reached sorption equilibrium on BC very rapidly, following preferentially pseudo-second-order kinetics. Freundlich adsorption constants of PEN, S-MET, and BPA were 37.3, 13.2, and 11.6 L g−1, respectively, thus demonstrating the great affinity of BC for hydrophobic pollutants. The adsorption process was hysteretic as only a small fraction of each compound was slowly desorbed from BC. The overall results obtained highlighted the great potential of BC of acting as a biosorbent of contaminants, which is of great importance for the containment of pollution in agricultural soils and for limiting the entry of toxic compounds into the human and animal food chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Processes in Soils and Sediments)
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