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Search Results (1,976)

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32 pages, 2224 KB  
Article
Fuel Cell–Battery Hybrid Trains for Non-Electrified Lines: A Dynamic Simulation Approach
by Giuliano Agati, Domenico Borello, Alessandro Ruvio and Paolo Venturini
Energies 2025, 18(20), 5457; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205457 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025
Abstract
Hydrogen-powered hybrid trains equipped with fuel cells (FC) and batteries represent a promising alternative to diesel traction on non-electrified railway lines and have significant potential to support modal shifts toward more sustainable transport systems. This study presents the development of a flexible MATLAB-based [...] Read more.
Hydrogen-powered hybrid trains equipped with fuel cells (FC) and batteries represent a promising alternative to diesel traction on non-electrified railway lines and have significant potential to support modal shifts toward more sustainable transport systems. This study presents the development of a flexible MATLAB-based tool for the dynamic simulation of fuel cell–battery hybrid powertrains. The model integrates train dynamics, rule-based energy management, system efficiencies, and component degradation, enabling both energy and cost analyses over the vehicle’s lifetime. The objective is to assess the techno-economic performance of different powertrain configurations. Sensitivity analyses were carried out by varying two sizing parameters: the nominal power of the fuel cell (parameter m) and the total battery capacity (parameter n), across multiple real-world railway routes. Results show a slight reduction in lifecycle costs as m increases (5.1 €/km for m = 0.50) mainly due to a lower FC degradation. Conversely, increasing battery capacity (n) lowers costs by reducing cycling stress for both battery and FC, from 5.3 €/km (n = 0.10) to 4.5 €/km (n = 0.20). In general, lowest values of m and n provide unviable solutions as the battery discharges completely before the end of the journey. The study highlights the critical impact of the operational profile: for a fixed powertrain configuration (m = 0.45, n = 0.20), the specific cost dramatically increases from 4.44 €/km on a long, flat route to 15.8 €/km on a hilly line and up to 76.7 €/km on a mountainous route, primarily due to severe fuel cell degradation under transient loads. These findings demonstrate that an “all-purpose” train sizing approach is inadequate, confirming the necessity of route-specific powertrain optimization to balance techno-economic performance. Full article
13 pages, 3509 KB  
Article
Sol–Gel Synthesis and Multi-Technique Characterization of Graphene-Modified Ca2.95Eu0.05Co4Ox Nanomaterials
by Serhat Koçyiğit
Polymers 2025, 17(20), 2767; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17202767 - 16 Oct 2025
Abstract
This study employs a multi-technique approach to elucidate how graphene incorporation affects phase formation, microstructure, and thermal behavior in PVA-assisted sol–gel synthesized Ca2.95Eu0.05Co4Ox nanomaterials. XRD confirms the preservation of the primary phases (hexagonal CaCO3 and [...] Read more.
This study employs a multi-technique approach to elucidate how graphene incorporation affects phase formation, microstructure, and thermal behavior in PVA-assisted sol–gel synthesized Ca2.95Eu0.05Co4Ox nanomaterials. XRD confirms the preservation of the primary phases (hexagonal CaCO3 and cubic CoO) alongside a distinct graphene (002) reflection; a systematic low-angle shift of the calcite (104) peak evidences partial relaxation of residual lattice strain with increasing graphene content, while Scherrer analysis indicates tunable crystallite size. Raman spectroscopy corroborates graphene incorporation through pronounced D (~1300 cm−1) and G (~1580 cm−1) bands and supports the XRD-identified phase coexistence via cobalt-oxide and calcite vibrations in the 200–700 cm−1 region, also indicating increased defect/disorder with graphene loading. SEM shows grain refinement, denser/bridged lamellar textures, and reduced porosity at low–moderate graphene contents (1–3 wt.%), contrasted by agglomeration-driven heterogeneity at higher loadings (5–7 wt.%). EDX reveals increasing carbon with Ca/Co redistribution at accessible surfaces, and TG–DSC corroborates the removal of oxygen-containing groups and oxidative combustion of graphene at mid temperatures. Collectively, Raman–XRD-consistent evidence demonstrates that graphene provides a tunable handle over lattice strain, crystallite size, and grain-boundary architecture, establishing a processing–composition basis for optimizing functional (e.g., electrical/thermoelectric) performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers in Inorganic Chemistry: Synthesis and Applications)
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20 pages, 3336 KB  
Article
Adaptive Risk-Driven Control Strategy for Enhancing Highway Renewable Energy System Resilience Against Extreme Weather
by Peiqiang Cui, Hongde Li, Wenwu Zhao, Xiaowu Tian, Jin Liu, Weijie Qin, Liya Hai and Fan Wu
Energies 2025, 18(20), 5417; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205417 - 14 Oct 2025
Abstract
Traditional centralized highway energy systems exhibit significant resilience shortcomings in the face of climate change mitigation requirements and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. Meanwhile, prevailing microgrid control strategies remain predominantly focused on economic optimization under normal conditions, lacking the flexibility to address dynamic [...] Read more.
Traditional centralized highway energy systems exhibit significant resilience shortcomings in the face of climate change mitigation requirements and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. Meanwhile, prevailing microgrid control strategies remain predominantly focused on economic optimization under normal conditions, lacking the flexibility to address dynamic risks or the interdependencies between transportation and power systems. This study proposes an adaptive, risk-driven control framework that holistically coordinates power generation infrastructures, microgrids, demand-side loads, energy storage systems, and transport dynamics through continuous risk assessment. This enables the system to dynamically shift operational priorities—from cost-efficiency in stable periods to robustness during emergencies. A multi-objective optimization model is established, integrating infrastructure resilience, operational costs, and traffic impacts. It is solved using an enhanced evolutionary algorithm that combines the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II with differential evolution (NSGA-II-DE). Extensive simulations under extreme weather scenarios validate the framework’s ability to autonomously reconfigure operations, achieving 92.5% renewable energy utilization under low-risk conditions while elevating critical load assurance to 98.8% under high-risk scenarios. This strategy provides both theoretical and technical guarantees for securing highway renewable energy system operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Technologies)
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44 pages, 1083 KB  
Review
Major Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry: Implications for Human Health and the Poultry Industry and Probiotic Mitigation Strategies
by Shreeya Sharma, Sukhman Kaur, Mostafa Naguib, Ari Bragg, Abigail Schneider, Raveendra R. Kulkarni, Ali Nazmi and Khaled Abdelaziz
Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2363; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102363 - 14 Oct 2025
Abstract
Poultry production has become the fastest-growing sector in global meat supply. However, the intensification of poultry farming has increased the risk of zoonotic transmission of bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, and Listeria monocytogenes. [...] Read more.
Poultry production has become the fastest-growing sector in global meat supply. However, the intensification of poultry farming has increased the risk of zoonotic transmission of bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, and Listeria monocytogenes. These bacterial agents pose major public health concerns, contributing to millions of human infections annually and substantial economic losses. Historically, antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) were widely used to mitigate disease burden and improve poultry productivity. Yet, the global shift away from AGPs due to concerns over antimicrobial resistance has spurred interest in antimicrobial alternatives. Among these, probiotics have been explored as a promising preharvest intervention. This review investigates major bacterial foodborne pathogens associated with poultry and evaluates the practical implementation of probiotic-based strategies in modern poultry production systems, with the goal of reducing pathogen load and enhancing overall food safety. Full article
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18 pages, 3816 KB  
Article
Quantitative Strain Measurements of Kevlar Fibers in Composite Concrete Using Raman Spectroscopy
by Fuyong Qin, Xinmin Fan, Jianxin Zhang, Zaifa Du, Yan Wang, Wenjing Qiu, Jiahui Shi, Xiuhua Zhang, Wendi Wang, Qingju Wu, Yibo Meng and Fengliang Song
Photonics 2025, 12(10), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12101013 - 14 Oct 2025
Abstract
This study presents a Raman-spectroscopy-based quantitative analysis technique for measuring strain in Kevlar single fibers embedded in concrete. By irradiating the fibers with a laser, the researchers established a linear relationship between Raman scattering intensity and the fibers’ cross-sectional area, linking spectral parameters [...] Read more.
This study presents a Raman-spectroscopy-based quantitative analysis technique for measuring strain in Kevlar single fibers embedded in concrete. By irradiating the fibers with a laser, the researchers established a linear relationship between Raman scattering intensity and the fibers’ cross-sectional area, linking spectral parameters (e.g., peak position, half-width, intensity, and area) to mechanical strain. Experiments on DuPont Kevlar 49 fibers involved axial tensile loading using a micro-loading device, with Raman spectra (785 nm laser) captured at each displacement step. The results showed that the G’ peak position (1610 cm−1) shifted linearly with strain, while the peak area provided the most reliable correlation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) validation confirmed the method’s accuracy for early-stage strain measurements (maximum deviation: 7.31%), although excessive loading caused surface damage and signal distortion. The study demonstrates the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy for micro-scale strain analysis in fiber-reinforced concrete, despite sensitivity to experimental conditions (e.g., laser intensity, optical alignment). Full article
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19 pages, 10259 KB  
Article
Fabrication of Novel n-n Heterojunction Bi2O2CO3/AgVO3 Photocatalytic Materials with Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity Enhancement
by Weijie Hua, Huixin Yuan and Songhua Huang
Materials 2025, 18(20), 4705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18204705 - 14 Oct 2025
Viewed by 7
Abstract
This research successfully synthesized a novel n-n heterojunction Bi2O2CO3/AgVO3 nanocomposite photocatalyst via the in situ chemical deposition process. Characterization results strongly confirmed the formation of a tight heterojunction at the Bi2O2CO3 [...] Read more.
This research successfully synthesized a novel n-n heterojunction Bi2O2CO3/AgVO3 nanocomposite photocatalyst via the in situ chemical deposition process. Characterization results strongly confirmed the formation of a tight heterojunction at the Bi2O2CO3/AgVO3 interface. The nanocomposite exhibited characteristic XRD peaks and FT-IR vibrational modes of both Bi2O2CO3 and AgVO3 simultaneously. Electron microscopy images revealed AgVO3 nanorods tightly and uniformly loaded onto the surface of Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets. Compared to the single-component Bi2O2CO3, the composite photocatalyst exhibited a red shift in its optical absorption edge to the visible region (515 nm) and a decrease in bandgap energy to 2.382 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra demonstrated the lowest fluorescence intensity for the nanocomposite, indicating that the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs was suppressed. After 90 min of visible-light irradiation, the degradation efficiency of Bi2O2CO3/AgVO3 toward methylene blue (MB) reached up to 99.55%, with photodegradation rates 2.51 and 2.79 times higher than those of Bi2O2CO3 and AgVO3, respectively. Furthermore, the nanocomposite exhibited excellent cycling stability and reusability. MB degradation was gradually enhanced with increasing the photocatalyst dosage and decreasing initial MB concentration. Radical trapping experiments and absorption spectroscopy of the MB solution revealed that reactive species h+ and ·O2 could destroy and decompose the chromophore groups of MB molecules effectively. The possible mechanism for enhancing photocatalytic performance was suggested, elucidating the crucial roles of charge carrier transfer and active species generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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27 pages, 33417 KB  
Article
Self-Synchronized Common-Mode Current Control Strategy for Power Rebalancing in CPS-PWM Modulated Energy-Storage Modular Multilevel Converters
by Biyang Liu, Cheng Jin, Gong Chen, Kangli Liu and Jianfeng Zhao
Electronics 2025, 14(20), 3990; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14203990 - 12 Oct 2025
Viewed by 112
Abstract
Capacitor voltage imbalance among submodules in energy storage modular multilevel converters (MMCs) can lead to current distortion, power oscillations, and even system instability. Traditional voltage control strategies, inherited from non-storage MMCs, offer limited regulation capabilities and are insufficient to address the complex balancing [...] Read more.
Capacitor voltage imbalance among submodules in energy storage modular multilevel converters (MMCs) can lead to current distortion, power oscillations, and even system instability. Traditional voltage control strategies, inherited from non-storage MMCs, offer limited regulation capabilities and are insufficient to address the complex balancing requirements across phases, arms, and submodules in distributed Energy-Storage MMCs (ES-MMC). This paper proposes a self-synchronized common-mode current strategy to achieve capacitor voltage rebalancing in Carrier Phase-Shifted PWM (CPS-PWM) modulated ES-MMCs. The proposed method establishes both phase-level and arm-level power rebalancing pathways by utilizing the common-mode current in the upper and lower arms. Specifically, the DC component of the common-mode current is employed to regulate common-mode power between the arms, while the fundamental-frequency component, through its interaction with the fundamental modulation voltage, is used to adjust differential-mode power. By coordinating these two power components within each phase, the method enables effective capacitor voltage rebalancing among submodules in the presence of power imbalance caused by a nonuniform distributed energy storage converter. A comprehensive analysis of differential- and common-mode voltage regulation under CPS-PWM is presented. The corresponding control algorithm is developed to inject adaptive common-mode voltage based on capacitor voltage deviations, thereby inducing self-synchronized balancing currents. Simulation and experimental results verify that the proposed strategy significantly improves power distribution uniformity and reduces capacitor voltage deviations under various load and disturbance conditions. Full article
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36 pages, 8903 KB  
Article
Sustainable Valorization of Bovine–Guinea Pig Waste: Co-Optimization of pH and EC in Biodigesters
by Daniela Geraldine Camacho Alvarez, Johann Alexis Chávez García, Yoisdel Castillo Alvarez and Reinier Jiménez Borges
Recycling 2025, 10(5), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10050190 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 369
Abstract
The agro-industry is among the largest methane emitters, posing a critical challenge for sustainability. In rural areas, producers lack effective technologies to manage daily organic waste. Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a circular pathway by converting waste into biogas and biofertilizers; however, its adoption [...] Read more.
The agro-industry is among the largest methane emitters, posing a critical challenge for sustainability. In rural areas, producers lack effective technologies to manage daily organic waste. Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a circular pathway by converting waste into biogas and biofertilizers; however, its adoption is limited by inappropriate designs and insufficient operational control. Theoretical-applied research addresses these barriers by improving the design and operation of small-scale biodigesters, elevating pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) from passive indicators to first-order control variables. Based on the design of a compact biodigester previously validated in the Chillón Valley and replicated in Huaycán under a utility model patent process (INDECOPI, Exp. 001087-2025/DIN), a stoichiometric NaHCO3 strategy with joint pH–EC monitoring was formalized, defining operational windows (pH 6.92–6.97; EC 6200–6300 μS/cm and dose–response curves (0.3–0.4 kg/day for 3–4 day) to buffer VFA shocks and preserve methanogenic ionic strength. The system achieved stable productions of 370–462 L/day, surpassing the theoretical potential of 352.88 L/day calculated by Buswell’s equation. A multivariable predictive model (linear, quadratic, interaction terms pH × EC, temperature, and loading rate) was developed and validated with field data: R2 = 0.78; MAPE = 2.7%; MAE = 11.2 L/day; RMSE = 13.8 L/day; r = 0.89; residuals normally distributed (Shapiro–Wilk p = 0.79). The proposed approach enables daily decision-making in low-instrumentation environments and provides a replicable and scalable pathway for the safe valorization of organic waste in rural areas. The design consolidates the shift from reactive to proactive and co-optimized pH–EC control, laying the foundation not only for standardized protocols and training in rural systems but also for improved environmental sustainability. Full article
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11 pages, 606 KB  
Article
Effects of a Pneumatic External Abdominal Pressure Assist Belt on Trunk and Lower Limb Muscle Activity and Joint Kinematics During Lifting Tasks
by Yuki Nakai and Yasufumi Takeshita
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 10897; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152010897 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 183
Abstract
Manual lifting is a major risk factor for low back pain, with intra-abdominal pressure playing a key role in spinal stability. This study investigated the effects of a pneumatic external abdominal pressure assist belt on trunk and lower limb muscle activity and joint [...] Read more.
Manual lifting is a major risk factor for low back pain, with intra-abdominal pressure playing a key role in spinal stability. This study investigated the effects of a pneumatic external abdominal pressure assist belt on trunk and lower limb muscle activity and joint kinematics during lifting. Twenty-four healthy adults performed lifting tasks under four external abdominal pressure assist conditions. Trunk and lower limb muscle activities were measured using surface electromyography. Sagittal limb angles were assessed using 3D motion analysis. Peak and mean muscle activities (%MVIC) and joint angles were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA or Friedman tests. Peak muscle activity significantly decreased in the internal oblique, erector spinae, and biceps femoris (all p < 0.05), while increases were observed in the multifidus, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis (all p < 0.05). Mean amplitude analysis showed reduced internal oblique activity (p < 0.001) and significant increases in rectus femoris and multifidus (p < 0.05). Hip and knee flexion angles were significantly greater under assisted conditions (p = 0.002), indicating a shift toward squat-type lifting. The pneumatic external belt redistributed peak loads from the back to the knee extensors, reduced internal oblique activity, and modestly increased multifidus activation. It also induced greater hip and knee flexion, suggesting a shift toward squat-type lifting. These effects were statistically significant but small, indicating limited practical relevance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomechanics and EMG Signal Processing)
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20 pages, 904 KB  
Article
Impact on Competitive Performance and Assessment of Fatigue and Stress Based on Heart Rate Variability
by Galya Georgieva-Tsaneva, Yoan-Aleksandar Tsanev, Miroslav Dechev and Krasimir Cheshmedzhiev
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 10892; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152010892 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Background: Optimizing training load and recovery is crucial for achieving peak performance in competitive wrestling, a sport characterized by high physical, technical, and psychological demands. Methods: This study compared the effects of two different training programs—one emphasizing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions and [...] Read more.
Background: Optimizing training load and recovery is crucial for achieving peak performance in competitive wrestling, a sport characterized by high physical, technical, and psychological demands. Methods: This study compared the effects of two different training programs—one emphasizing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions and the other based on traditional volume-oriented training—on both competitive performance and autonomic regulation measured by heart rate variability (HRV). A total of 24 elite wrestlers were divided into two equal groups, each following a different weekly training regimen over a 3-month period. HRV was recorded using a wearable 3-channel ECG Holter before training, immediately after training, and during recovery phases (up to 2 h post-exercise). HRV parameters were analyzed to assess training-induced stress and recovery status. Competitive performance was evaluated using official national championship scores and ranking positions. Results: Both training programs improved competitive performance, the HIIT-based regimen induced greater short-term suppression of parasympathetic activity (RMSSD: −32% vs. −14%; HF power: −40% vs. −18%) and increased sympathetic dominance (LF/HF: +56% vs. +22%) after training. Wrestlers in the HIIT group achieved a mean competition score of 17.92 ± 4.50 points, compared to 15.08 ± 6.26 points in the volume-oriented group. These acute autonomic shifts may provide a higher readiness for intense and explosive actions, which is advantageous in short and dynamic matches. In contrast, the volume-oriented program induced smaller acute autonomic changes but showed a slower recovery to baseline. Conclusions: These findings suggest that HRV-derived measures can serve as sensitive indicators of training load tolerance, recovery capacity, and stress susceptibility in combat sports athletes. This study highlights the value of integrating HRV monitoring into the periodization of combat training to individualize the load, prevent overtraining, and optimize performance outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Performance in Sports and Training)
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30 pages, 1428 KB  
Review
Healthcare 5.0-Driven Clinical Intelligence: The Learn-Predict-Monitor-Detect-Correct Framework for Systematic Artificial Intelligence Integration in Critical Care
by Hanene Boussi Rahmouni, Nesrine Ben El Hadj Hassine, Mariem Chouchen, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Raul Ioan Muntean, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi and Ismail Dergaa
Healthcare 2025, 13(20), 2553; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202553 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
Background: Healthcare 5.0 represents a shift toward intelligent, human-centric care systems. Intensive care units generate vast amounts of data that require real-time decisions, but current decision support systems lack comprehensive frameworks for safe integration of artificial intelligence. Objective: We developed and validated the [...] Read more.
Background: Healthcare 5.0 represents a shift toward intelligent, human-centric care systems. Intensive care units generate vast amounts of data that require real-time decisions, but current decision support systems lack comprehensive frameworks for safe integration of artificial intelligence. Objective: We developed and validated the Learn–Predict–Monitor–Detect–Correct (LPMDC) framework as a methodology for systematic artificial intelligence integration across the critical care workflow. The framework improves predictive analytics, continuous patient monitoring, intelligent alerting, and therapeutic decision support while maintaining essential human clinical oversight. Methods: Framework development employed systematic theoretical modeling integrating Healthcare 5.0 principles, comprehensive literature synthesis covering 2020–2024, clinical workflow analysis across 15 international ICU sites, technology assessment of mature and emerging AI applications, and multi-round expert validation by 24 intensive care physicians and medical informaticists. Each LPMDC phase was designed with specific integration requirements, performance metrics, and safety protocols. Results: LPMDC implementation and aggregated evidence from prior studies demonstrated significant clinical improvements: 30% mortality reduction, 18% ICU length-of-stay decrease (7.5 to 6.1 days), 45% clinician cognitive load reduction, and 85% sepsis bundle compliance improvement. Machine learning algorithms achieved an 80% sensitivity for sepsis prediction three hours before clinical onset, with false-positive rates below 15%. Additional applications demonstrated effectiveness in predicting respiratory failure, preventing cardiovascular crises, and automating ventilator management. Digital twins technology enabled personalized treatment simulations, while the integration of the Internet of Medical Things provided comprehensive patient and environmental surveillance. Implementation challenges were systematically addressed through phased deployment strategies, staff training programs, and regulatory compliance frameworks. Conclusions: The Healthcare 5.0-enabled LPMDC framework provides the first comprehensive theoretical foundation for systematic AI integration in critical care while preserving human oversight and clinical safety. The cyclical five-phase architecture enables processing beyond traditional cognitive limits through continuous feedback loops and system optimization. Clinical validation demonstrates measurable improvements in patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and clinician satisfaction. Future developments incorporating quantum computing, federated learning, and explainable AI technologies offer additional advancement opportunities for next-generation critical care systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare)
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24 pages, 11341 KB  
Article
Phytoplankton Dynamics in a Large Lagoon: Nutrient Load Reductions, Climate Change, and Cold- and Heatwaves
by Gerald Schernewski, Maria Schneider, Thomas Neumann and Mario von Weber
Environments 2025, 12(10), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100370 - 9 Oct 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
The coastal Oder/Szczecin Lagoon is subject to multiple external changes, particularly the reduction in external nutrient loads and the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. By combining monitoring data covering the past 40 years with 3D ecosystem modelling, [...] Read more.
The coastal Oder/Szczecin Lagoon is subject to multiple external changes, particularly the reduction in external nutrient loads and the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. By combining monitoring data covering the past 40 years with 3D ecosystem modelling, we assess changes in phytoplankton abundance and diversity across different temporal scales, ranging from long-term trends to the short-term effects. Despite strong reductions in external nutrient loads, neither the average annual phytoplankton biomass nor the long-term species composition changed significantly, although extreme summer blooms appear to have decreased. In summer, cyanobacteria, usually dominated by Microcystis, can reach a relative biovolume of up to 90%. Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) contribute up to 72% of the annual relative biovolume and dominate in spring. Both interannual and short-term variability in phytoplankton biomass and composition are pronounced. Heat- and coldwaves show no consistent immediate effects; however, results suggest that cyanobacteria, particularly Microcystis, benefit from hot summers. In contrast, diatoms appear less responsive to temperature, although they tend to contribute more in colder years, with distinct shifts in species composition observed between hot and cold springs. Model simulations indicate that a 1.5 °C increase in air temperature would, via elevated water temperatures, raise average monthly phytoplankton biomass by 4% in July and by 9% in August, further promoting cyanobacteria growth. Full article
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28 pages, 5673 KB  
Article
Liver-Specific Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery and MMP-Triggered Release of Veratridine to Effectively Target Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
by Mahadi Hasan, Morgan Eikanger, Sanam Sane, Krishantha S. K. Wijewardhane, John L. Slunecka, Jessica Freeling, Khosrow Rezvani and Grigoriy Sereda
Cancers 2025, 17(19), 3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17193253 - 8 Oct 2025
Viewed by 435
Abstract
Background: Despite considerable advances to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) survival over the last decade, therapeutic challenges remain due to the rapid metastatic dissemination of primary tumors. This study revealed the apoptotic and anti-growth mechanism of VTD, a previously used anti-hypertensive supplement, can elevate [...] Read more.
Background: Despite considerable advances to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) survival over the last decade, therapeutic challenges remain due to the rapid metastatic dissemination of primary tumors. This study revealed the apoptotic and anti-growth mechanism of VTD, a previously used anti-hypertensive supplement, can elevate UBXN2A, a known tumor suppressor protein in CRC, and simultaneously enhance intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis in metastatic cancer cells. Methods and Results: An AOM/DSS mouse model of CRC showed that UBXN2A haplosufficient (UBXN2A +/−) mice treated with VTD had less tumor burden than mice with the full UBXN2A gene treated with vehicle. We have previously shown that casein-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) offer an effective local delivery of drugs at tumor sites. Our findings demonstrate that the high rate of extracellular release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-7, by metastatic colon cancer cells, triggers the release of VTD from casein-coated mesoporous MSNs. This shows the “Zip Code” mechanism for the local enrichment of VTD at the tumor sites. After in vitro drug release verification, two independent mouse experiments, a xenograft and a splenolepatic metastatic mouse model of CRC, were used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of VTD-loaded and casein-coated carboxylated mesoporous silica nanoparticles, MSN-COOH/VTD/CAS (VTD, 0.2 mg/kg). Animal experiments revealed that MSN-COOH/VTD/CAS (VTD, 0.2 mg/kg) slows down the progress of tumors. Mass spectrometry (MS) revealed improved pharmacokinetics (PK) profile as MSN-COOH/VTD/CAS had less VTD accumulation in non-cancerous organs compared to pure VTD. We further improved nanoparticle targeting and drug release by shifting to calcium-based particles (CBPs). The engineered CBPs demonstrated higher drug-releasing performance. Without the MMPs trigger, MSNs show slow and continuous “drug leak” over longer period of time whereas CCSMPs stops leakage within an hour. Additionally, CBPs showed higher sensitivity to MMP-7 than MMP-9, enhancing the targetability of CBPs for CRC metastatic tumors with excessive extracellular MMP-7. Conclusions: This study introduces a new platform utilizing nanoparticle-based site-specific delivery of a plant-based anti-metastatic molecule, veratridine, with enhanced safety and therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of metastatic CRC. Full article
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28 pages, 7519 KB  
Article
Multiaxial Fatigue Behavior of CFRP Thin-Walled Tubes: An Experimental Study with Analysis of the Acoustic Signals
by Szymon Duda, Michał Smolnicki, Paweł Zielonka, Paweł Stabla and Grzegorz Lesiuk
Polymers 2025, 17(19), 2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17192701 - 7 Oct 2025
Viewed by 411
Abstract
The fatigue behavior of continuous fiber-reinforced composite materials is still not fully understood, particularly under multiaxial out-of-phase loading conditions. This study assesses the multiaxial fatigue behavior of thin-walled carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tubular specimens fabricated by filament winding (FW). A comprehensive experimental study [...] Read more.
The fatigue behavior of continuous fiber-reinforced composite materials is still not fully understood, particularly under multiaxial out-of-phase loading conditions. This study assesses the multiaxial fatigue behavior of thin-walled carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tubular specimens fabricated by filament winding (FW). A comprehensive experimental study is presented, investigating axial-torsion loads, phase shifts (0°, 45°, and 90°), and load ratios (−1, 0.05, and 0.5). Simultaneously, the acoustic emission (AE) method provides supplementary data for assessing fatigue damage accumulation. Consequently, a shear nonlinear material model and progressive damage in a shell-based finite element model were applied for stress analysis. The experimental results demonstrate the negative influence of a 90° out-of-phase load and the detrimental effect of mean stress for investigated positive load ratios. These findings offer valuable insights into the impact of phase shift (δ) and load ratio (R) in filament-wound carbon composites. These are essential for accurately modeling the fatigue behavior of composite materials under complex multiaxial loading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites)
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24 pages, 10733 KB  
Article
Sensorless Control of Linear Motion in a Linear-Rotary Reluctance Actuator Integrated into an Electromagnetic Dog Clutch
by Bogdan Miroschnitschenko
Actuators 2025, 14(10), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14100484 - 4 Oct 2025
Viewed by 193
Abstract
A reluctance actuator integrated into the double-sided dog clutch of a gearbox can significantly simplify the gear shifting system. However, its disadvantage is that an axial position sensor is required to shift the neutral gear. The sensor is placed in the aggressive environment [...] Read more.
A reluctance actuator integrated into the double-sided dog clutch of a gearbox can significantly simplify the gear shifting system. However, its disadvantage is that an axial position sensor is required to shift the neutral gear. The sensor is placed in the aggressive environment of a gearbox and reduces the reliability of the entire system. Sensorless methods proposed in the literature deal with electrical machines or actuators with one degree of freedom (linear motion or rotation). In the dog clutch, the shift sleeve rotates and moves along its rotation axis simultaneously, moreover, the coil inductances are highly dependent not only on the axial position but also on the relative angular position between the shift sleeve teeth and the slots of its counterpart. This work proposes an original algorithm of sensorless control, which main novelty is the applicability for systems with two degrees of freedom, such as the considered actuator. The voltage induced in one of the coils and the prediction of the shift sleeve motion, which is based on the electromechanical model of the clutch, are used to control the currents. Not only an axial position sensor but also angular encoders are not required to apply the proposed method. The algorithm was tested both in simulations and experiments under different conditions. The results show that the proposed method allows to shift the neutral gear sensorless at different rotation speeds and different loads on the sleeve, regardless of what gearwheel is initially engaged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Control Systems)
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