Search Results (228)

Background/Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is emerging as a significant GI sequela post-COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of SIBO post-COVID-19 infection across different age groups and to identify associated risk factors in a global cohort. Methods: A retrospective study utilized the TriNetX database and included adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with SIBO following COVID-19 infection (1 January 2022–30 May 2024). A propensity score matching (1:1) was used to adjust for demographics and SIBO risk factors. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis assessed the SIBO incidence within 12 months. Results: Among 1,660,092 COVID-19 patients and 42,322,017 controls, SIBO was diagnosed in 353 COVID-19 patients without hydrogen breath tests (BT) and 78 with BT, compared to 3368 controls without BT and 871 with BT. Age-specific analysis demonstrated a clear, progressive increase in the SIBO incidence, becoming distinctly significant by 6 months and highest at 12 months post-infection. The highest risks were noted in ages 60–69 (0.011% vs. 0.004%, OR 2.6, p = 0.0003) and 70–79 (0.011% vs. 0.005%, OR 2.0, p = 0.0004), with younger age groups (30–49 years) also showing significantly increased risks. The medication analysis revealed strong associations with chronic opioid, proton pump inhibitor, and antidiarrheal medication. Conclusions: COVID-19 significantly increased the risk of SIBO, particularly within the first 12 months post-infection, across various age groups and, notably, in association with certain chronic medications. Clinical vigilance and targeted management strategies are recommended to mitigate long-term GI consequences. Full article

In petroleum production processes, the water used to maintain formation pressure often plays a key role and is pumped into injection wells to compensate for the pressure drop in the formation after oil extraction and displacement of the remaining petroleum products to the development well. The source of such water may be produced by waters extracted together with oil and previously purified from mechanical impurities and hydrocarbons. However, a significant disadvantage of using such water is the presence of pollutants such as sulphur-reducing bacteria (SRB) and a high content of hydrogen sulfide. Traditional purification methods against them show low efficiency. Hydrogen sulfide and SRB are not only a threat of environmental pollution, but they also pose a high risk to pipelines in the petroleum industry due to an increase in the rate of metal corrosion. In this paper, formation water was treated with a field deployment flow-mode plasma discharge unit. A significant decrease in the growth rate of SRB in treated water was achieved. Bacterial growth was suppressed for up to 14 days after three treatment cycles of treatment. The hydrogen sulfide content was reduced by 33% after one cycle of plasma discharge water treatment. Full article

The article discusses a regenerative heat exchange system for a solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) used in the production of green hydrogen. The heating system comprises four heat exchangers, one condenser heat exchanger, and a mixer evaporator. A pump and two throttle valves have been added to separate the hydrogen at an elevated steam condensation temperature. Assuming steady flow, a thermodynamic analysis was performed to validate the design and to predict the main parameters of the heating system. Numerical optimization was then used to determine the optimal temperature distribution, ensuring the lowest possible additional external energy requirement for the regenerative system. The proportions of energy gained through heat exchange were determined, and their distribution analyzed. The calculated thermal efficiency of the regenerative system is 75%, while its exergy efficiency is 73%. These results can be applied to optimize the design of heat exchangers for hydrogen production systems using SOECs. Full article

Cost-effective procedures usually cannot achieve complete removal of priority contaminants present in water at very low concentrations (as pesticides or pharmaceuticals). Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) represent promising technologies for removing priority contaminants from water at trace concentrations, yet practical implementation remains limited due to technical and economic constraints. This study presents an innovative flow-through photodegradation device designed to overcome current limitations while achieving efficient contaminant removal at industrial scale. The device integrates a UVC 254 nm lamp-equipped flow chamber with automated dosing pumps for hydrogen peroxide and/or solid catalyst suspensions, coupled with a 30 nm porous membrane filtration system for catalyst recirculation. This configuration optimizes light–catalyst–pollutant contact while enabling combined catalytic processes. Performance evaluation using acesulfame (ACE) and iohexol (IHX) as model contaminants demonstrated rapid and effective removal. IHX degradation with UVC and 75 μM H₂O₂ achieved complete removal with t₉₅% = 7.23 ± 1.21 min (pseudo-order 0.25, t₁/₂ = 3.27 ± 0.39 min), while ACE photolysis (with UVC only) required t₉₅% = 14.88 ± 2.02 min (pseudo-order 1.27, t₁/₂ = 2.35 ± 0.84 min). The introduction of t₉₅% as a performance metric provides practical insights for near-complete contaminant removal requirements. Real-world efficacy was confirmed using tertiary wastewater treatment plant effluents containing 14 μg/L IHX, achieving complete removal within 8 min. However, carbamazepine degradation proved slower (t₉₅% > 74 h), highlighting the need for combined catalytic approaches for recalcitrant compounds. Spiking experiments (1000 μg/L) revealed concentration-dependent kinetics and synergistic effects between co-present contaminants. Analysis identified degradation byproducts consistent with previous studies, including tri-deiodinated iohexol (474.17 Da) intermediates. This scalable system, constructed from commercially available components, demonstrates potential for cost-effective industrial implementation. The modular design allows adaptation to various contaminants through adjustable AOP combinations (UV/H₂O₂, photocatalysts, ozone), representing a practical advancement toward addressing the gap between laboratory-scale photocatalytic research and full-scale water treatment applications. Full article

This research introduces a two-stage, low-carbon industrial heating process, leveraging advanced waste heat recovery (WHR) technologies and exploiting waste heat (WH) to drive decentralised hydrogen production. This study is supported by a data-driven analysis of individual technologies, followed by 0D modelling of the integrated system for technical and feasibility assessment. Within 10 years, the EU industry will be supported by two main strategies to transition to low-carbon energy: (a) shifting from grid-mix electricity towards fully renewable sources, and (b) expanding low-carbon hydrogen infrastructure within industrial clusters. On the demand side, process heating in the industrial sector accounts for 70% of total energy consumption in industry. Almost one-fifth of the energy consumed to fulfil the process heat demand is lost as waste. The proposed heating solution is tailored for process heat in industry and stands apart from the dual-mode residential heating system (i.e., heat pump and gas boiler), as it is based on integrated and simultaneous operation to meet industry-level reliability at higher temperatures, focusing on WHR and low-carbon hydrogen. The solution uses a cascaded heating approach. Low- and medium-temperature WH are exploited to drive high-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs), followed by hydrogen burners fuelled by hydrogen generated on-site by electrolysers, which are powered by advanced WHR technologies. The results revealed that the deployment of the solution at scale could fulfil ~14% of the process heat demand in EU/UK industries by 2035. Moreover, with further availability of renewable energy sources and clean hydrogen, it could have a higher contribution to the total process heat demand as a low-carbon solution. The economic analysis estimates that adopting the combined heating solution—benefiting from the full capacity of WHR for the HTHP and on-site hydrogen production—would result in a levelised cost of heat of ~EUR 84/MWh, which is lower than that of full electrification of industrial heating in 2035. Full article

Background: Trichosporon spp. are opportunistic fungi, capable of causing infection, especially in critically ill individuals who often use broad-spectrum antibiotics, invasive devices, and have comorbidities. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze individuals’ clinical characteristics, evaluate tolerance to biocides, as well as biofilm formation and efflux pump activity in isolates of Trichosporon asahii. Methods: Clinical isolates of T. asahii collected between 2020 and 2023 from both hospitalized and non-hospitalized individuals, of both sexes, regardless of age, were tested for tolerance to sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, benzalkonium chloride, and ethyl alcohol. Efflux pump activity was also assessed using ethidium bromide, and biofilm formation was measured with the Safranin test. Clinical parameters such as outcomes, source, and length of hospitalization were analyzed through electronic medical records. Results: A total of 37 clinical isolates of T. asahii were identified. Thirty-three (83.8%) isolates were from hospitalized individuals, with 81.82% collected in ICUs, an average hospital stay of 35 days, and a mortality rate of 51.6%. The tested strains displayed the largest mean inhibition zone for 2% sodium hypochlorite, indicating lower tolerance. A high level of efflux pump expression was detected among clinical isolates. Biofilm formation was detected in 25/67.5% of the isolates. Conclusions: These findings highlight the clinical relevance of T. asahii, particularly in critically ill individuals, and underscore the pathogen’s ability to tolerate biocides, express efflux pumps, and form biofilms, all of which may contribute to its persistence and pathogenicity in hospital environments. Enhanced surveillance and effective microbial control measures are essential to mitigate the risks associated with T. asahii infections. Full article

The large-scale integration of volatile and intermittent renewables necessitates greater flexibility in the power system. Improving this flexibility is key to achieving a high proportion of renewable energy consumption. In this context, the scientific selection of energy storage technology is of great significance for the construction of new power systems. From the perspective of life cycle cost analysis, this paper conducts an economic evaluation of four mainstream energy storage technologies: lithium iron phosphate battery, pumped storage, compressed air energy storage, and hydrogen energy storage, and quantifies and compares the life cycle cost of multiple energy storage technologies. On this basis, a three-dimensional multi-energy storage comprehensive evaluation indicator system covering economy, technology, and environment is constructed. The improved grade one method and entropy weight method are used to determine the comprehensive performance, and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to carry out multi-attribute decision-making on the multi-energy storage technology in the source, network, and load scenarios. The results show that pumped storage and compressed air energy storage have significant economic advantages in long-term and large-scale application scenarios. With its fast response ability and excellent economic and technical characteristics, the lithium iron phosphate battery has the smallest score change rate (15.2%) in various scenarios, showing high adaptability. However, hydrogen energy storage technology still lacks economic and technological maturity, and breakthrough progress is still needed for its wide application in various application scenarios in the future. Full article

We present a miniaturized, inexpensive, and user-friendly microfluidic platform to support biological applications. The system integrates a mini-incubator providing controlled environmental conditions and housing a microfluidic device for long-term cell culture experiments. The incubator is designed to be compatible with standard inverted optical microscopes and Raman spectrometers, allowing for the non-invasive imaging and spectroscopic analysis of cell cultures in vitro. The microfluidic device, which reproduces a dynamic environment, was optimized to sustain a passive, gravity-driven flow of medium, eliminating the need for an external pumping system and reducing mechanical stress on the cells. The platform was tested using Raman analysis and adherent tumoral cells to assess proliferation prior and subsequent to hydrogen peroxide treatment for oxidative stress induction. The results demonstrated a successful adhesion of cells onto the substrate and their proliferation. Furthermore, the platform is suitable for carrying out optical monitoring of cultures and Raman analysis. In fact, it was possible to discriminate spectra deriving from control and hydrogen peroxide-treated cells in terms of DNA backbone and cellular membrane modification effects provoked by reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity. The 800–1100 cm⁻¹ band highlights the destructive effects of ROS on the DNA backbone’s structure, as its rupture modifies its vibration; moreover, unpaired nucleotides are increased in treated sample, as shown in the 1154–1185 cm⁻¹ band. Protein synthesis deterioration, led by DNA structure damage, is highlighted in the 1257–1341 cm⁻¹, 1440–1450 cm⁻¹, and 1640–1670 cm⁻¹ bands. Furthermore, membrane damage is emphasized in changes in the 1270, 1301, and 1738 cm⁻¹ frequencies, as phospholipid synthesis is accelerated in an attempt to compensate for the membrane damage brought about by the ROS attack. This study highlights the potential use of this platform as an alternative to conventional culturing and analysis procedures, considering that cell culturing, optical imaging, and Raman spectroscopy can be performed simultaneously on living cells with minimal cellular stress and without the need for labeling or fixation. Full article

The increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES) in power systems presents challenges related to variability, stability, and efficiency, particularly in smart microgrids. This systematic review, following the PRISMA 2020 methodology, analyzed 66 studies focused on advanced energy storage systems, intelligent control strategies, and optimization techniques. Hybrid storage solutions combining battery systems, hydrogen technologies, and pumped hydro storage were identified as effective approaches to mitigate RES intermittency and balance short- and long-term energy demands. The transition from centralized to distributed control architectures, supported by predictive analytics, digital twins, and AI-based forecasting, has improved operational planning and system monitoring. However, challenges remain regarding interoperability, data privacy, cybersecurity, and the limited availability of high-quality data for AI model training. Economic analyses show that while initial investments are high, long-term operational savings and improved resilience justify the adoption of advanced microgrid solutions when supported by appropriate policies and financial mechanisms. Future research should address the standardization of communication protocols, development of explainable AI models, and creation of sustainable business models to enhance resilience, efficiency, and scalability. These efforts are necessary to accelerate the deployment of decentralized, low-carbon energy systems capable of meeting future energy demands under increasingly complex operational conditions. Full article

The management of municipal solid waste remains a critical environmental and energy challenge across the European Union (EU), where a significant portion of waste still ends up in landfills, generating landfill gas (LFG) rich in methane and harmful impurities. In Latvia, despite national strategies to enhance circularity, untreated LFG is underutilized due to inadequate purification infrastructure, particularly in meeting biomethane standards. This study addressed this gap by proposing and evaluating an innovative, multistep LFG purification system tailored to Latvian conditions, with the aim of enabling the broader use of LFG for energy cogeneration and potentially biomethane injection. The research objective was to design, describe, and preliminarily assess a pilot-scale LFG purification prototype suitable for deployment at Latvia’s largest landfill facility—Landfill A. The methodological approach combined chemical composition analysis of LFG, technical site assessments, and engineering modelling of a five-step purification system, including desulfurization, cooling and moisture removal, siloxane filtration, pumping stabilization, and activated carbon treatment. The system was designed for a nominal gas flow rate of 1500 m³/h and developed with modular scalability in mind. The results showed that raw LFG from Landfill A contains high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, siloxanes, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), far exceeding permissible thresholds for biomethane applications. The designed prototype demonstrated the technical feasibility of reducing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) concentrations to <7 mg/m³ and siloxanes to ≤0.3 mg/m³, thus aligning the purified gas with EU biomethane quality requirements. Infrastructure assessments confirmed that existing electricity, water, and sewage capacities at Landfill A are sufficient to support the system’s operation. The implications of this research suggest that properly engineered LFG purification systems can transform landfills from passive waste sinks into active energy resources, aligning with the EU Green Deal goals and enhancing local energy resilience. It is recommended that further validation be carried out through long-term pilot operation, economic analysis of gas recovery profitability, and adaptation of the system for integration with national gas grids. The prototype provides a transferable model for other Baltic and Eastern European contexts, where LFG remains an underexploited asset for sustainable energy transitions. Full article

Hydrogen-powered aircraft constitute a transformative innovation in aviation, motivated by the imperative for sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. This paper aims to concentrate on the design of hydrogen powertrains employing a system approach to propose representative design models for distribution and propulsion systems. Initially, the requirements for powertrain design are formalized, and a use-case-driven analysis is conducted to determine the functional and physical architectures. Subsequently, for each component pertinent to preliminary design, an analytical model is proposed for multidisciplinary analysis and optimization for powertrain sizing. A double-wall pipe model, incorporating foam and vacuum multi-layer insulation, was developed. The internal and outer pipes sizing were performed in accordance with standards for hydrogen piping design. Valves sizing is also considered in the present study, following current standards and using data available in the literature. Furthermore, models for booster pumps to compensate pressure drop and high-pressure pumps to elevate pressure at the combustion chamber entrance are proposed. Heat exchanger and evaporator models are also included and connected to a burning hydrogen engine in the sizing process. An optimal liner pipe diameter was identified, which minimizes distribution systems weight. We also expect a reduction in engine length and weight while maintaining equivalent thrust. Full article

Renewable energy sources (RESs) are increasingly being recognized as sustainable and accessible alternatives for the energy future. However, their intermittent nature poses significant challenges to system reliability and stability, necessitating the integration of energy storage systems (ESSs) to ensure sustainability and dependability. This study examines various ESS alternatives, evaluating their suitability for different applications using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. The methodology accommodates diverse criteria types, including qualitative and quantitative factors, represented as linguistic terms, interval values, and crisp numerical data. A techno-socio-economic framework for ESS selection is proposed and applied to Jordan’s unique energy landscape. This framework integrates technical performance, economic feasibility, and social considerations to identify suitable ESS solutions aligned with the country’s renewable energy goals. The study ranks twelve energy storage systems (ESSs) based on key performance criteria. Pumped hydro storage (PHS), thermal energy storage (TES), supercapacitors (SCs), and lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion BESS) lead the ranking. These systems showed the best performance in terms of scalability, efficiency, and integration with grid-scale applications in Jordan. Key applications analyzed include renewable energy integration, grid stability, load shifting, peak load regulation, frequency regulation, and seasonal energy storage. Results indicate that Li-ion batteries are most suitable for renewable energy integration, while flywheels excel in grid stability and frequency regulation. PHS was found to be the preferred solution for load shifting, peak load regulation, and seasonal storage, with hydrogen storage emerging as a promising option for long-duration needs. These findings provide critical insights to guide policy and infrastructure planning, offering a robust model for comprehensive ESS assessment in energy transition planning for countries facing similar challenges. Full article

In this study, platinum (Pt) nanocatalysts were synthesized via a sol-gel method over the non-stoichiometric, Magnéli phase titanium oxides (TinO_2n−1) at varying Pt loadings (10–40 wt.%). Their structural and morphological properties were characterized, and after preliminary electrochemical screening, the catalysts were integrated into commercially available gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) with a three-layer structure to enhance mass transport and catalyst utilization. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were fabricated using a Nafion^® 117 polymer membrane and tested in a laboratory PEM cell under controlled conditions. The electrochemical activity toward the hydrogen reduction reaction (HRR) was evaluated at room temperature and at elevated temperatures to determine the catalytic efficiency and stability. The optimal Pt loading was determined to be 30 wt.%, achieving a current density of approximately 0.12 A cm⁻² at 0.25 V, demonstrating a balance between catalyst efficiency and material utilization. The chronoamperometry tests showed minimal degradation over prolonged operation, suggesting that the catalysts were durable. These findings highlight the potential of Pt-based catalysts supported on Magnéli phase titanium oxides (TinO_2n−1) for efficient HRRs in electrochemical hydrogen pumps/compressors, offering a promising approach for improving hydrogen compression efficiency and advancing sustainable energy technologies. Full article

The electrification of industrial processes offers sustainable opportunities for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy efficiency in the chemical industry. This paper presents the technical and environmental evaluation (life cycle assessment) of a proposed process for methanol production from the conversion of a conventional process to produce gray hydrogen by SMR technology at a plant located in the Magdalena Medio region of Colombia. The new process incorporates the concept of industrial electrification including a heat pump (HP) system with the use of propane as a working fluid for the distillation and separation system of the water–methanol mixture. The process includes the use of photovoltaic energy (PV) as a thermal supply mechanism for the methanol production process and carbon capture utilization (CCU). The proposed process is compared with a reference methanol production process that uses a dry and wet conversion mechanism. The results obtained using the HYSYS V12.1 simulation software allow identifying a 5% improvement in the performance for methanol production and a reduction in energy consumption of between 30 and 53%, which provides important perspectives on the overall energy efficiency of the process with a significant contribution to the decarbonization (−62%) of the methanol synthesis and production process. Full article

The capacity and generation of wind, solar, storage, nuclear, and gas are estimated for large, idealized copper-plate electric grids. Wind and solar penetrations of 30% to 80% are considered together with different storage systems such as vanadium and lithium-ion batteries, pumped hydroelectric, compressed air, and hydrogen. In addition to a baseline dispatchable fleet without wind/solar, two bounding cases with wind/solar are analyzed: one without storage and one where the whole wind/solar fleet is connected to the storage system, hence providing a buffer between the wind/solar fleet and the grid. The reality will likely be somewhere between these bounding cases. The viability of a power grid with a large wind/solar penetration and no storage is not guaranteed but was nonetheless considered to provide a lower-bound capital cost estimate. Overall, the options that rely strongly on wind, solar, and storage could be significantly more capital-intensive than those that rely strongly on nuclear, depending on the amount of storage necessary to ensure grid stability. This is especially true in the long run because wind, solar, and storage assets have shorter lifetimes than nuclear plants and, consequently, need to be replaced more frequently. More analyses (e.g., grid stability and public acceptance) are necessary to determine which option is most likely to provide the path of least resistance to powering a clean, affordable, and reliable grid in a timely manner. Depending on the priorities, the path of least resistance may not necessarily be the one that is less capital intensive. Full article