Search Results (1,390)

As an emerging threat to global food security, wheat blast necessitates the development of a rapid and field-deployable detection system to facilitate early diagnosis, enable effective management, and prevent its further spread to new regions. In this study, we aimed to validate and improve a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification coupled with PCRD lateral flow detection (RPA-PCRD strip assay) kit for the rapid and specific identification of Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) in field samples. The assay demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, detecting as low as 10 pg/µL of target DNA, and exhibited no cross-reactivity with M. oryzae Oryzae (MoO) isolates and other major fungal phytopathogens under the genera of Fusarium, Bipolaris, Colletotrichum, and Botrydiplodia. The method successfully detected MoT in wheat leaves as early as 4 days post-infection (DPI), and in infected spikes, seeds, and alternate hosts. Furthermore, by combining a simplified polyethylene glycol-NaOH method for extracting DNA from plant samples, the entire RPA-PCRD strip assay enabled the detection of MoT within 30 min with no specialized equipment and high technical skills at ambient temperature (37–39 °C). When applied to field samples, it successfully detected MoT in naturally infected diseased wheat plants from seven different fields in a wheat blast hotspot district, Meherpur, Bangladesh. Training 52 diverse stakeholders validated the kit’s field readiness, with 88% of trainees endorsing its user-friendly design. This method offers a practical, low-cost, and portable point-of-care diagnostic tool suitable for on-site genomic surveillance, integrated management, seed health testing, and quarantine screening of wheat blast in resource-limited settings. Furthermore, the RPA-PCRD platform serves as an early warning modular diagnostic template that can be readily adapted to detect a wide array of phytopathogens by integrating target-specific genomic primers. Full article

The soft-shell mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) holds high market value, but rapid post-molting shell hardening limits its commercial viability. This study evaluated the effects of four live-preservation methods—ambient seawater (CK, 25 °C, pH 8.10), low-temperature seawater (LT, 14 °C, pH 8.10), ice-chilled storage (ICE, 2–6 °C), and low-temperature acidified seawater (LTA, 14 °C, pH 7.6)—on shell hardening and hepatopancreatic flavor in mud crabs. ICE and LTA significantly delayed hardening (p < 0.05), maintaining the hard-paper stage at 48 h post-molting, while CK and LT samples hardened considerably. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that both ICE and LTA down-regulated key genes involved in calcium signaling, autophagy, and lysosomal pathways, which may be associated with delayed shell hardening. Flavor profiling showed that ICE enhanced umami by increasing aspartate, inosine monophosphate, and adenosine monophosphate levels, and increased sweetness via elevated alanine and glycine, while reducing bitterness by lowering bitter amino acids. In contrast, LTA reduced umami and bitterness but did not improve sweetness. These findings demonstrate that ice-chilled storage effectively extends the soft-shell phase and better preserves flavor quality, offering a viable strategy for enhancing the preservation and marketability of live soft-shell crabs. Full article

Thermochromic smart windows are a promising technology to reduce energy consumption in buildings, particularly in tropical regions where cooling demands are high. Vanadium dioxide (VO₂) is the most studied thermochromic material due to its reversible semiconductor-to-metal transition near 68 °C. Conventional synthesis routes require long reaction times and post-annealing steps. In this work, we report a rapid hydrothermal synthesis of monoclinic VO₂(M) and tungsten-doped VO₂(M) powders obtained within only 6 h at 270 °C, using vanadyl sulfate as precursor and controlled precipitation at pH ≈ 8.5. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the reversible transition at 59 °C for the undoped VO₂, with a hysteresis of 18 °C, while tungsten doping reduced the transition temperature by ~17 °C per wt.% of W. X-ray diffraction verified the monoclinic phase with minor traces of VO₂(B), a non-thermochromic polymorph of VO₂, and microstructural analysis revealed crystallite sizes below 35 nm. Electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering confirmed particle sizes suitable for dispersion in polymeric matrices. This approach significantly reduces synthesis time compared to typical hydrothermal methods requiring 20–48 h and avoids further annealing. The resulting powders provide a low-cost and scalable route for fabricating thermochromic coatings with transition temperatures closer to ambient conditions, making them relevant for smart-window applications in tropical climates, where lower transition temperatures are generally regarded as beneficial. Full article

To reveal the physical evolution of methanol spray under different environmental conditions and injection strategies, this study focuses on the atomization and evaporation behavior of low-pressure methanol spray. The coupled effects of temperature, pressure, and injection parameters are systematically investigated based on constant-volume combustion chamber experiments and three-dimensional CFD simulations. The formation, evolution, and interaction mechanisms of the liquid column core and cooling core are revealed. The results indicate that temperature is the dominant factor influencing methanol spray atomization. When the temperature increases from 255 K to 333 K, the spray penetration distance increases by approximately 70%, accompanied by a pronounced shortening of the liquid-core length and enhanced evaporation and air entrainment. Under low-temperature conditions, a stable liquid-core structure and a strong cooling core are formed, characterized by a high-density, long-axis morphology and an extensive low-temperature region, which suppress fuel–air mixing and ignition. Increasing the ambient pressure improves spray–air mixing but reduces penetration; at 255 K, increasing the ambient pressure from 0.05 MPa to 0.2 MPa increases the spray cone angle by approximately 10% while reducing the penetration distance by about 50%. Furthermore, optimizing the injection pressure or shortening the injection pulse width effectively enhances atomization performance: increasing the injection pressure from 0.4 MPa to 0.6 MPa and reducing the pulse width from 5 ms to 2 ms increases the penetration distance by approximately 30% and reduces the mean droplet diameter by about 20%. Full article

This study investigates the dispersion and condensation behavior of tritiated water vapor released into the atmosphere using moist air as a carrier, with an emphasis on safety optimization for nuclear power plant effluent discharge. A coupled heat and mass transfer model was developed and implemented in CFD simulations to analyze the evolution of temperature and relative humidity during the mixing of exhaust moist air with ambient air. The effects of key atmospheric and operational parameters—including the ambient wind speed, turbulence intensity, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and exhaust velocity—were systematically examined. The results indicate that the temperature difference between the exhaust gas and ambient air is the primary factor governing condensation risk. Low wind speeds and weak turbulence favor near-field humidity accumulation, while higher wind speeds and turbulence intensities enhance mixing and dilution, thereby reducing local humidity peaks but extending the downwind impact range. Increasing exhaust velocity strengthens plume rise and long-range transport due to enhanced momentum and latent heat release, mitigating accumulation near the chimney outlet. Furthermore, high ambient temperatures significantly increase the air’s moisture-holding capacity, allowing higher exhaust humidity without inducing condensation. Full article

Vehicle emissions are key precursors to near-ground ozone and secondary aerosol formation. While China’s clean air actions have significantly reduced particulate pollution, ozone levels continue to rise in some city clusters, calling for a deeper understanding of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from gasoline vehicles. This study systematically evaluated the impacts of fuel composition (China 6b vs. Methyl tert-butyl ether -free (MTBE-free) gasoline), engine type (Port fuel injection (PFI) vs. Gasoline direct injection (GDI)), and ambient temperature (25 °C vs. −7 °C) on VOC emissions and ozone formation potential (OFP) under the World Harmonized Light-Duty Test Cycle (WLTC). Results of dynamometer experiments showed that MTBE-free gasoline reduced total VOC emissions by 47% compared to China 6b fuel, with aromatics accounting for 69% of this reduction. PFI vehicles exhibited higher VOC emissions than GDI vehicles at 25 °C, though this difference diminished at −7 °C. Low temperatures significantly increased VOC emissions and OFP, increasing by a factor of 10–13 compared to 25 °C. Aromatics were the dominant OFP contributors under all conditions. Our findings highlight the importance of fuel reformulation and temperature-specific emission controls in mitigating ozone pollution, particularly under cold-start conditions. Full article

This study examined the influence of short-term olive fruit storage on the quality of virgin olive oil (VOO) from three cultivars (‘Kalinjot’, ‘Leccino’, and ‘Frantoio’) grown in southwest Albania. Olive fruits were processed immediately after harvest, or after 10 days of storage under ambient conditions (20–22 °C) and refrigeration (5 °C). Oils were evaluated for physicochemical quality parameters (free acidity, peroxide value, and UV absorption indices), as well as bioactive and sensory-related compounds (bitterness index, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and total phenolic content). Results showed that immediate processing yielded the highest quality oils, with low free acidity (0.28–0.35%) and preserved bioactive compounds. Ambient storage led to marked deterioration, including significant increases in free acidity and peroxide values, loss of pigments, and 20–70% reduction in phenolic content, accompanied by decreased bitterness. In contrast, cold storage mitigated these effects, maintaining values closer to baseline and preserving sensory and functional attributes. ANOVA confirmed significant effects of storage duration, temperature, and cultivar on most parameters, with ‘Kalinjot’ exhibiting greater stability compared to ‘Frantoio’ and ‘Lecino’. These findings highlight that minimizing the interval between harvest and milling is critical for ensuring oil quality, while refrigerated storage offers a practical strategy to safeguard chemical and sensory characteristics when immediate processing is not feasible. Full article

In Mediterranean cities, high solar radiation combined with limited shading and vegetation intensifies the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. As the road network often covers a large portion of the cities’ surfaces and is mostly constructed using asphalt pavements, it can significantly affect the urban microclimate, leading to low thermal comfort and increased energy consumption. Recycled and waste materials are increasingly used in the construction of pavements in accordance with the principle of sustainability for minimizing waste and energy to produce new materials based on a circular economy. The scope of this study is to evaluate the effect of recycled or waste materials used in road pavements on the urban microclimate. The surface and ambient temperature of urban pavements constructed with conventional asphalt and recycled/waste-based mixtures are assessed through simulation. Two study areas comprising large street junctions near metro stations in the city of Thessaloniki, in Greece, are examined under three scenarios: a conventional hot mix asphalt, an asphalt mixture containing steel slag, and a high-albedo mixture. The results of the research suggest that the use of steel slag could reduce the air temperature by 0.9 °C at 15:00, east European summer time (EEST), while the high-albedo scenario could reduce the ambient temperature by 1.6 °C at 16:00. The research results are useful for promoting the use of recycled materials, not only as a means of sustainably using resources but also for the improvement of thermal comfort in urban areas, the mitigation of the UHI effect, and the reduction of heat stress for human health. Full article

Reducing CO₂ emissions in transport requires sustainable alternatives such as fuel cell electric vehicles. A critical challenge is the efficient and safe storage and fast refueling of hydrogen at 70 MPa. This study proposes a practical design-support tool to optimize hydrogen storage systems for heavy-duty vehicles with capacities up to 100 kg. A customizable, dynamic Matlab-Simulink model was developed, including all components from dispenser to onboard tanks, enabling evaluation of multiple design options. The aim is to provide clear guidelines to ensure fast, safe, and complete refueling compliant with SAE J2601-5 limits. Simulations showed Type III tanks deliver the best performance. The fastest refueling (~10 min) was achieved with shorter pipes, larger diameters and low temperatures (20 °C ambient, −40 °C dispenser), while Average Pressure Ramp Rate was maximized up to 9 MPa/min (220 g/s of hydrogen from the dispenser) without exceeding SAE limits for pressure and temperature. Full article

The sustained growth of electricity demand and the global transition toward low-carbon energy systems have intensified the need for efficient, flexible, and reliable operation of electrical distribution networks. In this context, the coordinated integration of distributed renewable energy resources and demand-side flexibility has emerged as a key strategy to improve technical performance and economic efficiency. This work proposes an integrated optimization framework for active power supply in a radial, distribution-like network through the optimal siting and sizing of photovoltaic (PV) units and wind turbines (WTs), combined with a real-time pricing (RTP)-based demand-side response (DSR) program. The problem is formulated using the branch-flow (DistFlow) model, which explicitly represents voltage drops, branch power flows, and thermal limits in radial feeders. A multiobjective function is defined to jointly minimize annual operating costs, active power losses, and voltage deviations, subject to network operating constraints and inverter capability limits. Uncertainty associated with solar irradiance, wind speed, ambient temperature, load demand, and electricity prices is captured through probabilistic modeling and scenario-based analysis. To solve the resulting nonlinear and constrained optimization problem, an Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (I-WaOA) is employed. The proposed algorithm enhances the classical Whale Optimization Algorithm by incorporating diversification and feasibility-oriented mechanisms, including Cauchy mutation, Fitness–Distance Balance (FDB), quasi-oppositional-based learning (QOBL), and quadratic penalty functions for constraint handling. These features promote robust convergence toward admissible solutions under stochastic operating conditions. The methodology is validated on a large-scale radialized network derived from the IEEE 118-bus benchmark, enabling a DistFlow-consistent assessment of technical and economic performance under realistic operating scenarios. The results demonstrate that the coordinated integration of PV, WT, and RTP-driven demand response leads to a reduction in feeder losses, an improvement in voltage profiles, and an enhanced voltage stability margin, as quantified through standard voltage deviation and fast voltage stability indices. Overall, the proposed framework provides a practical and scalable tool for supporting planning and operational decisions in modern power distribution networks with high renewable penetration and demand flexibility. Full article

Rhenium is one of the rarest and most strategically important metals, indispensable in high-temperature superalloys and platinum–rhenium catalysts used across the aerospace and petrochemical industries. Owing to its limited primary reserves, recovering rhenium from secondary sources, such as spent catalysts, superalloy residues, and metallurgical dusts, has become vital to ensuring supply security. This review examines technological developments between 1998 and 2025, focusing on how operational parameters, including temperature, leaching time, reagent concentration, and solid-to-liquid ratio, govern dissolution kinetics and overall process efficiency. Comparative evaluation of hydrometallurgical, alkaline, and hybrid processes indicates that modern systems can achieve recovery rates exceeding 98% through selective oxidation, alkaline activation, or combined pyro and hydrometallurgical mechanisms. Acid–chlorine leaching facilitates rapid, low-temperature dissolution; alkaline sintering stabilises rhenium as soluble perrhenates; and hybrid smelting routes enable the concurrent separation of rhenium and osmium. Sustainable aqueous systems employing nitric and ammonium media have also demonstrated near-complete recovery at ambient temperature under closed-loop recycling conditions. Collectively, these findings highlight a technological transition from energy-intensive, acid-based pathways towards low-impact, recyclable, and digitally optimised hydrometallurgical processes. The integration of selective oxidants, phase engineering, circular reagent management, and artificial intelligence-assisted modelling is defining the next generation of rhenium recovery, combining high extraction yields with reduced environmental impact and alignment with global sustainability goals. Full article

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) offers a decentralized and renewable solution to global freshwater scarcity. Bio-derived and hybrid aerogels, characterized by ultra-high porosity and hierarchical pore structures, show significant potential for high water uptake and energy-efficient, low-temperature regeneration. This PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesizes evidence on silica, carbon, MOF-integrated, and bio-polymer aerogels, emphasizing green synthesis and circular design. Our analysis shows that reported water uptake reaches up to 0.32 g·g⁻¹ at 25% relative humidity (RH) and 3.5 g·g⁻¹ at 90% RH under static laboratory conditions. Testing protocols vary significantly across studies, and dynamic testing typically reduces these values by 20–30%. Ambient-pressure drying and solar-photothermal integration enhance sustainability, but performance remains highly dependent on device architecture and thermal management. Techno-economic models estimate water costs from USD 0.05 to 0.40 per liter based on heterogeneous assumptions and system boundaries. However, long-term durability and real-world environmental stressor data are severely underreported. Bridging these gaps is essential to move from lab-scale promise to scalable, commercially viable deployment. We propose a strategic roadmap toward 2035, highlighting the need for improved material stability, standardized testing protocols, and comprehensive life cycle assessments to ensure the global viability of green aerogel technologies. Full article

Evacuated blood collection tubes are widely used in clinical and laboratory settings due to their simplicity and reliability. However, their performance is influenced by factors such as ambient pressure, temperature, tube design, and procedural conditions. This study systematically investigates and quantifies these effects on draw volume and filling dynamics, with a particular emphasis on high-altitude applications. A combination of theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and qualitative analysis was employed to identify critical parameters and assess their significance. The results demonstrate that standard tubes designed for sea-level conditions, particularly those with low fill ratios, may exhibit substantial deviations in draw volume at high altitudes. Factors such as blood temperature and venous pressure were found to have a considerable impact, while others, such as material creep, were negligible under typical conditions. By consolidating and analyzing these effects, this study provides a valuable resource for manufacturers and medical personnel, offering valuable insights to improve the design and use of evacuated blood collection tubes. The findings emphasize the importance of considering environmental conditions during production and clinical application, particularly for high-altitude scenarios. Future work should refine the models and expand testing under realistic conditions to enhance reliability and applicability. Full article

In cold climates, maintaining indoor comfort in winter requires heating systems to supply consistent and adequate heat at low ambient temperatures, making the proper definition of indoor and outdoor design temperatures critical for equipment selection. In this paper, a flexible parameter-adjustment design approach is proposed, combining on-site testing and simulation to refine heating load calculation, and a CO₂ cascade air-source heat pump (ASHP) renovation project for a cold-climate public building is used as a case study. The optimized approach ensured that the selected ASHP maintained indoor temperature above 20 °C, with the system achieving a heating season COP of 2.89. Even at −22.2 °C, it kept indoor temperature at 22.4 °C, with a COP of 2.70. This study confirms the effectiveness of the approach and offers a practical reference for similar projects. Full article

Given the deteriorating situation of ambient ozone (O₃) pollution in some areas of China, understanding the mechanisms driving O₃ formation is essential for formulating effective control measures. This study examines O₃ formation mechanisms and RO_x (OH, HO_2, and RO₂) radical cycling driven by photochemical processes in Bozhou, located at the junction of Jiangsu–Anhui–Shandong–Henan (JASH), a region heavily affected by O₃ pollution, by applying a zero-dimensional box model (Framework for 0-Dimensional Atmospheric Modeling, F0AM) coupled with the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM v3.3.1) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF 5.0) to characterize O₃ pollution, identify volatile organic compound (VOC) sources, and quantify radical budgets during pollution episodes. The results show that O₃ episodes in Bozhou mainly occurred in June under conditions of high temperature and low wind speed. Oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs), alkanes, and halocarbons were the dominant VOCs groups. The CH₃O₂ + NO reaction accounted for 24.3% of O₃ production, while photolysis contributed 68.7% of its removal. Elevated VOCs concentrations in Bozhou were largely maintained by anthropogenic sources such as vehicle exhaust, solvent utilization, and gasoline evaporation, which collectively enhanced O₃ production. The findings indicate that O₃ formation in the region is primarily regulated by NO_x availability. Therefore, emission reductions targeting NO_x, along with selective control of OVOCs and alkenes, would be the most effective strategies for lowering O₃ levels. Model simulations further highlight Bozhou’s strong atmospheric oxidation capacity, with OVOC photolysis identified as the dominant contributor to RO_x generation, accounting for 33% of the total. Diurnal patterns were evident: NO_x-related reactions dominated radical sinks in the morning, while HO₂ + RO₂ reactions accounted for 28.5% in the afternoon. By clarifying the mechanisms of O₃ formation in Bozhou, this study provides a scientific basis for designing ozone control strategies across the JASH junction region. In addition, ethanol was not directly measured in this study; given its potential to generate acetaldehyde and affect local O₃ formation, its possible contribution introduces additional uncertainty that warrants further investigation. Full article