Search Results (406)

This paper presents the design, implementation, and experimental validation of a Condition Monitoring (CM) circuit for SiC-based Power Electronics Converters (PECs). The paper leverages in situ drain–source resistance (R_ds,on) measurements, interfaced with cloud connectivity for data processing and lifetime assessment, addressing key limitations in current state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods. Traditional approaches rely on expensive data acquisition systems under controlled laboratory conditions, making them unsuitable for real-world applications due to component variability, time delay, and noise sensitivity. Furthermore, these methods lack cloud interfacing for real-time data analysis and fail to provide comprehensive reliability metrics such as Remaining Useful Life (RUL). Additionally, the proposed CM method benefits from noise mitigation during switching transitions by utilizing delay circuits to ensure stable and accurate data capture. Moreover, collected data are transmitted to the cloud for long-term health assessment and damage evaluation. In this paper, experimental validation follows a structured design involving signal acquisition, filtering, cloud transmission, and temperature and thermal degradation tracking. Experimental testing has been conducted at different temperatures and operating conditions, considering coolant temperature variations (40 °C to 80 °C), and an output power of 7 kW. Results have demonstrated a clear correlation between temperature rise and R_ds,on variations, validating the ability of the proposed method to predict device degradation. Finally, by leveraging cloud computing, this work provides a practical solution for real-world Wide Band Gap (WBG)-based PEC reliability and lifetime assessment. Full article

The economic impact of health promotion and disease prevention interventions in ageing populations remains debated, as theories of morbidity compression and expansion offer contrasting views on the relationship between life expectancy and duration of morbidity. A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify studies evaluating the economic impact of health promotion or primary or secondary prevention interventions in OECD countries, over a lifetime time horizon. Among the 29 studies included, 16 reported cost-saving interventions (reducing costs while improving health outcomes), 11 reported cost-effective interventions (health gains at an acceptable additional cost based on an established threshold), and two presented cost-ineffective interventions (costs exceeding the threshold for the health benefits achieved). Interventions targeting diabetes and obesity prevention were cost-saving; cancer screening and fall prevention strategies were cost-effective; whereas interventions targeting rare diseases were cost-ineffective. Regulatory interventions were also cost-saving, while most programme-based interventions were cost-effective. Cost-saving or cost-effective interventions generally adopted broader analytical perspectives, while cost-ineffective ones employed narrower perspectives. The four studies that incorporated competing risks—despite using a narrower healthcare sector perspective—still found the interventions to be cost-saving or cost-effective interventions. None of the included studies assessed whether interventions led to morbidity compression or expansion. Only a few studies considered equity impact; those that did reported improved outcomes for disadvantaged groups, in regulatory and community-based interventions. Further research is needed to quantify morbidity outcomes and enhance methodological consistency, particularly with respect to analytical perspectives, the integration of competing risks, and the inclusion of equity analyses. Full article

The increasing share of electric vehicles (EVs) offers many advantages, including a reduced CO₂ footprint over the vehicles’ lifetime and improved resource efficiency through the recycling of high-voltage batteries. At the same time, the growing EV share presents challenges, such as ensuring sufficient power supply for the simultaneous charging of EVs within existing distribution grids. The scientific community has conducted numerous studies on the interaction between EVs and distribution grids, employing increasingly complex modeling techniques. However, the benefits of more complex modeling are rarely quantified. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the impact of modeling complexity on transformer peak loads and busbar voltage for three communities with real-world distribution grid data. Since numerous stochastic factors influence EV charging patterns, this paper introduces a modular framework that accounts for the interconnection of these factors through microsimulation. The framework models charging events of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and comprises modules for synthetic population generation, weekly mobility pattern assignment, and energy demand modeling based on vehicle class and ambient conditions. The findings reveal that cost-optimized charging strategies and seasonal factors, such as cold weather, have a significantly greater impact on the distribution grid than the detailed modeling of sociodemographic mobility patterns or detailed modeling of a diversified vehicle fleet. Full article

As an emerging information technology, Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) provide a lot of convenience for the development of the medical field. A WBAN is composed of many miniature sensor nodes in the form of an ad hoc network, which can realize remote medical monitoring. However, the data transmission between sensor nodes in the WBAN not only consumes the energy of the node but also causes the temperature of the node to rise, thereby causing human tissue damage. Therefore, in response to the energy consumption problem in the Wireless Body Area Network and the hot node problem in the transmission path, this paper proposes a temperature state awareness-based energy-saving routing protocol (TSAER). The protocol senses the temperature state of nodes and then calculates the data receiving probability of nodes in different temperature state intervals. A benefit function based on several parameters such as the residual energy of the node, the distance to sink, and the probability of receiving data was constructed. The neighbor node with the maximum benefit function was selected as the best forwarding node, and the data was forwarded. The simulation results show that compared with the existing M-ATTEPMT and iM-SIMPLE protocols, TSAER effectively prolongs the network lifetime and controls the formation of hot nodes in the network. Full article

The formulation of eco-friendly coatings with protective properties against corrosion and/or mechanical degradation requires the selection of appropriate bio-based binders and functional additives. Although the concentration of additives remains limited, the replacement of fossil-based additives with bio-based additives may deliver an important contribution to improving the carbon footprint of a coating, in parallel with their influences on coating performance, lifetime, and processing. However, the role of bio-based additives in life-cycle analysis (LCA) is often neglected and minorly considered in current literature. Reasons for this include the complexity of the full system, together with a lack of data, methodological inconveniences, and appropriate design of realistic scenarios. Within this work, an approach of simplified LCA is followed by ab initio cradle-to-gate analysis of coating formulations focusing on the replacement of specific fossil additives (e.g., carbon black, silicates, and calcium carbonate) with bio-based additives (e.g., biochar, bio-based wax, recovered calcium carbonate, and nanocellulose). The different environmental impact parameters (human health, eco-toxicity, resource scarcity, and carbon footprint) for bio-based additives and coating formulations are calculated from eco-cost analysis (Idemat 2024 v2.2 database), indicating a 15 to 30% gain in carbon footprint for coatings with bio-based additives. In a particular case study for improving coating performance by substituting cellulosic additives into nanocellulose from different sources, the reduction in environmental impact parameters is positively associated with their high performance at low concentration. The need for intermediate processing of bio-based additives is a main parameter contributing to their environmental impact, but environmental benefits are abundantly compensated by their carbon storage credit and performance improvement. Full article

Background: Hereditary cancer syndromes such as BRCA1/2 and Lynch syndrome significantly increase the lifetime risk of ovarian, fallopian tube, and endometrial cancers. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) and hysterectomy are standard preventive strategies. Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) has recently emerged as a minimally invasive, scarless alternative that may enhance patient acceptance while maintaining oncologic safety. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize the current evidence regarding the role of vNOTES in risk-reducing gynecologic surgery for women with hereditary cancer syndromes, focusing on surgical feasibility, technical considerations, oncologic safety, and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science for studies published between January 2000 and April 2025, using terms related to vNOTES, prophylactic gynecologic surgery, BRCA mutations, and Lynch syndrome. Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting outcomes of vNOTES in risk-reducing or oncologic contexts. A total of eight studies were included for qualitative synthesis. Results: vNOTES has demonstrated technical feasibility and favorable surgical outcomes in risk-reducing procedures such as RRSO and hysterectomy in BRCA and Lynch syndrome carriers. Comparative studies report lower postoperative pain, faster recovery, and high patient satisfaction, with oncologic standards maintained through specimen containment, peritoneal inspection, and adherence to the SEE-FIM protocol. Limitations include the learning curve and restricted access to the upper abdomen, which may necessitate hybrid approaches in selected cases. Conclusions: vNOTES offers a promising, patient-centered surgical approach for hereditary cancer prevention, combining oncologic safety with enhanced recovery and cosmetic benefits. Further research is needed to standardize protocols, evaluate long-term outcomes, and define its role within broader personalized cancer prevention strategies. Full article

This work systematically explores the impact of spark plug electrode number on engine performance and environmental effects, including noise, vibration, fuel consumption, and exhaust emissions. Indicators of combustion efficiency and mechanical health are engine vibration and noise; emissions directly affect ecological sustainability. Four-electrode spark plugs reduce vibration by 10%, noise by 5%, and fuel economy by 15%, according to experimental results showing they outperform single-electrode designs. Especially four-electrode designs also lower harmful hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by up to 20%, indicating more complete combustion and providing significant environmental benefits through lower air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Reduced exhaust temperatures of surface discharge plugs indicate better combustion efficiency and perhaps help with decarbonization. With poorer emission profiles, two- and three-electrode configurations raise fuel consumption, noise, and vibration. Reduced quenching effects, improved spark distribution, and accelerated flame propagation all help to explain enhanced combustion efficiency in multi-electrode designs and so affect the fundamental combustion chemistry. These results highlight the possibilities of four-electrode spark plugs to improve engine performance and reduce environmental impact, providing information for automotive engineers and legislators aiming at strict emissions standards (e.g., Euro 7) and sustainability targets. With an eye toward the chemical processes involved, additional study is required to investigate electrode geometry, material innovations, and lifetime environmental impacts. Full article

With the accelerating global transition toward sustainable energy, the role of battery energy storage systems (ESSs) becomes increasingly prominent. This study employs the isothermal battery calorimetry (IBC) measurement method and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to develop a multi-domain thermal modeling framework for battery systems, spanning from individual cells to modules, clusters, and ultimately the container level. Experimental validation confirms the model’s accuracy, with the simulated maximum cell temperature of 36.2 °C showing only a 1.8 °C deviation from the measured value of 34.4 °C under real-world operating conditions. Furthermore, by integrating on-site calibrated thermodynamic parameters of the container, a battery system energy efficiency model is established. Combined with the battery aging engineering model, a coupled lifetime–energy efficiency model is constructed. Six different control strategies are simulated and analyzed to quantify the system’s comprehensive lifecycle benefits. The results demonstrate that the optimized control strategy enhances the overall energy storage station revenue by 2.63%, yielding an additional cumulative profit of CNY 13.676 million over the entire lifecycle. This research provides an effective simulation framework and decision-making basis for the thermal management optimization and economic evaluation of battery ESSs. Full article

Single-junction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies owing to their high-power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of ~27% and the low-cost fabrication processes involved, which pay off significantly given their distinct structural characteristics. Recently, inorganic hole-transport materials (HTMs) such as nickel oxide (NiO_x) have been developed and received considerable attention for use in OPVs due to their excellent thermal stability, low-cost materials, and compatibility with scalable deposition methods. Here, we summarize the recent progress on inorganic HTMs for PSCs, which can be divided into three categories: NiO_x, copper-based compounds, and emerging new alternatives. The deposition method (sputtering, atomic layer deposition, or a solution-based technique) is one of the most important factors affecting the performance and stability of PSCs. Finally, we review interfacial engineering strategies, such as surface modifications and doping, which can enhance charge transport and extend a device’s lifetime. We also balance the benefits of inorganic HTMs against the key challenges in advancing to commercialization, namely interior defects and environmental degradation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress and challenges toward developing cost-efficient and stable PSCs with inorganic HTMs and provide insights into the future development of these materials. Full article

Wind energy is paramount to the European Union’s decarbonization and electrification goals. As wind farms expand with larger turbines and more powerful generators, conventional ‘greedy’ control strategies become insufficient. Coordinated control approaches are increasingly needed to optimize not only power output but also structural loads, supporting longer asset lifetimes and enhanced profitability. Despite recent progress, the effective implementation of multi-objective wind farm control strategies—especially those involving yaw-based wake steering—remains limited and fragmented. This study addresses this gap through a structured review of recent developments that consider both power maximization and fatigue load mitigation. Key concepts are introduced to support interdisciplinary understanding. A comparative analysis of recent studies is conducted, highlighting optimization strategies, modelling approaches, and fidelity levels. The review identifies a shift towards surrogate-based optimization frameworks that balance computational cost and physical realism. The reported benefits include power gains of up to 12.5% and blade root fatigue load reductions exceeding 30% under specific scenarios. However, challenges in model validation, generalizability, and real-world deployment remain. AI emerges as a key enabler in strategy optimization and fatigue damage prediction. The findings underscore the need for integrated approaches that combine physics-based models, AI techniques, and instrumentation to fully leverage the potential of wind farm control. Full article

Gastrointestinal health is critical to the productivity and welfare of pigs. The transition from milk to plant-based feeds represents an intestinal challenge at wean that can result in dysbiosis and pathogen susceptibility. Prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates that can reach the hind gut to promote gut health, either by enhancing the abundance of beneficial members of the intestinal microbiota or via direct interaction with the gut epithelium. Amongst the changes in the intestinal microbiota, GOS and XOS promote populations of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus. SCFAs benefit the host by providing nutritional support for the gut, enhance intestinal barrier function and regulate inflammatory responses. By modifying the indigenous microbiota, prebiotics offer a sustainable alternative to the use of antimicrobial growth promoters that have led to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and represent a growing threat to public health. This review examines microbial and cellular mechanisms whereby prebiotic feed supplements can support the development of a diverse and robust microbiota associated with a healthy and productive digestive system over the lifetime of the animal, and which is in sharp contrast to the development of dysbiosis often associated with existing antimicrobial treatments. The application of prebiotic feed supplements should be tailored to their modes of action and the developmental challenges in production, such as the provision of GOS to late gestational sows, GOS and XOS to pre-weaning piglets and GOS and XOS to growing/fattening pigs. Full article

Plastic packaging materials can play a significant role in turning the plastic industry towards a circular economy, owing to their large volumes and short product lifetimes. This study emphasizes the role and interaction of design for recycling (DfR), appropriate specifications, and efficient sorting. DfR is enhancing the recyclability of plastic packaging by selecting appropriate materials and designs, improving the quality of recyclates without compromising safety or the original requirement. A significant barrier to achieving a circular economy is the lack of comprehensive standards for recycled plastics. While some specifications exist, a more integrated and globally accepted standardization regime, similar to that in the aerospace industry, is necessary to ensure quality and consistency in recycled materials. The potential of advanced sorting technologies to improve sorting efficiency and feedstock quality is highlighted, significantly enhancing recovery yields and the quality of recyclates. Information-based tracking technologies, such as digital watermarks, offer substantial benefits in identifying and sorting materials with high granularity, improving sorting mechanisms, enhancing resource recovery, and providing valuable data for stakeholders across the plastic value chain. The implementation of information-based technologies can reduce production costs and environmental impacts, with exemplary calculations indicating a potential 30% reduction in the production cost of PP recyclate. Full article

Background and Objectives: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are among the most common fractures globally, with a lifetime incidence of around 9%. They typically present in two age peaks: high-impact trauma in patients under 40 and low-energy trauma in those over 40. Intra-articular DRFs are classified according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification, influencing the treatment approach. Surgical management, particularly open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using volar plate osteosynthesis, is considered the gold standard. This study aims to compare the treatment costs of fluoroscopy-assisted ORIF and arthroscopy-assisted ORIF for intra-articular DRF. The analysis includes surgical procedure costs, material expenses, and operating time to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of both methods, considering reimbursement within the German healthcare system. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, monocentric study was conducted at Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Hospital, a supraregional hand trauma center in southern Germany. Patients with DRFs requiring ORIF were treated either with fluoroscopy or arthroscopic assistance. Group 1 included patients treated by the Department of Hand Surgery (Plastic Surgery), subdivided into Group 1a (arthroscopy-assisted) and Group 1b (fluoroscopy-only). Group 2 comprised patients treated by Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (fluoroscopy-only). Costs associated with surgical procedures, including materials, operating time, and postoperative care, were analyzed. Results: A total of 43 DRFs were treated. Group 1 consisted of 17 cases, with an average age of 49.6 years (SD = 19.4) and a 64% majority of female patients. Of these, 10 cases were treated with arthroscopy-assisted ORIF (Group 1a) and 7 with fluoroscopy-only ORIF (Group 1b). In Group 1a, the average age was 53.9 years (SD = 16.3) with 60% female and 40% male patients, while in Group 1b, the average age was 43.6 years (SD = 23.1) with 71.4% female patients. Group 2 included 25 cases, with an average age of 54.2 years (SD = 21.0) and a distribution of 64% female and 36% male patients. There was no significant difference in age and gender distribution within the groups and subgroups (p > 0.05). The mean procedure time was longer for arthroscopically assisted ORIF (111.5 min) compared to fluoroscopy-only ORIF (80.1 min), and even longer compared to Group 2 (65.0 min). Material costs were slightly higher in Group 1. Total costs for Group 1 averaged EUR 4906.58, with subgroup costs of EUR 5448.24 for arthroscopy-assisted and EUR 4132.80 for fluoroscopy-only. In comparison, Group 2 costs averaged EUR 3344.08. Conclusions: Intra-articular DRFs with severely displaced fragments or concomitant injuries benefit from arthroscopically assisted fracture treatment. While material costs do not significantly differ between arthroscopically assisted and fluoroscopy-only treatments, the significantly longer procedure time for arthroscopy-assisted ORIF results in the largest cost component. Despite this, reimbursement through the DRG system remains fixed and does not account for the increased operative duration or complexity of arthroscopic procedures. Our findings demonstrate that DRF treatment, regardless of the method used, is either not or only marginally cost-covering under the current German reimbursement structure. In the context of the ongoing shift towards outpatient hand surgery, including the management of DRF, adequate reimbursement rates are necessary to ensure the economic viability of DRF management, particularly for complex intra-articular fractures requiring arthroscopic assistance. Full article

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to muscle atrophy, paralysis, and respiratory failure. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current knowledge on ALS pathophysiology, clinical heterogeneity, diagnostic frameworks, and evolving therapeutic strategies. Mechanistically, ALS arises from complex interactions between genetic mutations (e.g., in C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP (TDP-43), and FUS) and dysregulated cellular pathways, including impaired RNA metabolism, protein misfolding, nucleocytoplasmic transport defects, and prion-like propagation of toxic aggregates. Phenotypic heterogeneity, manifesting as bulbar-, spinal-, or respiratory-onset variants, complicates its early diagnosis, which thus necessitates the rigorous application of the revised El Escorial criteria and emerging biomarkers such as neurofilament light chain. Clinically, ALS intersects with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in up to 50% of the cases, driven by shared TDP-43 pathology and C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions. Epidemiological studies have revealed a lifetime risk of 1:350, with male predominance (1.5:1) and peak onset between 50 and 70 years. Disease progression varies widely, with a median survival of 2–4 years post-diagnosis, underscoring the urgency for early intervention. Approved therapies, including riluzole (glutamate modulation), edaravone (antioxidant), and tofersen (antisense oligonucleotide), offer modest survival benefits, while dextromethorphan/quinidine alleviates the pseudobulbar affect. Non-pharmacological treatment advances, such as non-invasive ventilation (NIV), prolong survival by 13 months and improve quality of life, particularly in bulb-involved patients. Multidisciplinary care—integrating physical therapy, respiratory support, nutritional management, and cognitive assessments—is critical to addressing motor and non-motor symptoms (e.g., dysphagia, spasticity, sleep disturbances). Emerging therapies show promise in preclinical models. However, challenges persist in translating genetic insights into universally effective treatments. Ethical considerations, including euthanasia and end-of-life decision-making, further highlight the need for patient-centered communication and palliative strategies. Full article

The type of silane coupling agent (SCA) has an important influence on carbon fiber (CF) modification efficiency and the properties of the obtained CF-based polymer composites. To quantitatively reveal the effects of SCA type, three kinds of SCA (γ-aminopropyl triethoxylsilane, γ-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxylsilane, and γ-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxylsilane)-modified CF-incorporated silicon rubber (SR) composites were prepared. The microstructure (free volume characteristic and interfacial interaction) of the obtained CF/SR composites was revealed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). Based on the results of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, the relationship between microstructure and performance was established. This investigation provides a powerful approach to the quantitative description of polymer composite microstructures, which will benefit the construction of structure–property relationships and high-performance polymer composites. Full article