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Search Results (710)

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Keywords = low-pressure-plasma

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16 pages, 1991 KiB  
Article
Antihypertensive Effects of Lotus Seed (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Extract via eNOS Upregulation and Oxidative Stress Reduction in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats
by Anjaree Inchan, Tippaporn Bualeong, Worasak Kaewkong, Nitra Nuengchamnong, Phapada Apaikawee, Pakaporn Sa-Nguanpong, Wiriyaporn Sumsakul, Natthawut Charoenphon, Usana Chatturong, Watcharakorn Deetud and Krongkarn Chootip
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081156 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus) seeds have traditionally been used to treat hypertension, though their mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the antihypertensive effects of lotus seed extract (LSE) and its mechanisms in rats with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus) seeds have traditionally been used to treat hypertension, though their mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the antihypertensive effects of lotus seed extract (LSE) and its mechanisms in rats with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats received L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) in drinking water and were treated orally with LSE (5, 10, or 100 mg/kg/day), captopril (5 mg/kg/day), or a combination of LSE and captopril (2.5 mg/kg/day each) for 5 weeks. Hemodynamic parameters and histological changes in the left ventricle and aorta were assessed. Mechanistic studies included measurements of plasma nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and protein expression via western blot. Results: L-NAME elevated systolic blood pressure and induced cardiovascular remodeling, oxidative stress, and renin-angiotensin system activation. LSE treatment reduced blood pressure, improved antioxidant status, increased NO bioavailability, and downregulated gp91phox and AT1R expression. The combination of low-dose LSE and captopril produced stronger effects than LSE alone, with efficacy comparable to captopril. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LSE exerts antihypertensive effects via antioxidant activity and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system, supporting its potential as an adjunct therapy for hypertension. Full article
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14 pages, 3135 KiB  
Article
Selective Gelation Patterning of Solution-Processed Indium Zinc Oxide Films via Photochemical Treatments
by Seullee Lee, Taehui Kim, Ye-Won Lee, Sooyoung Bae, Seungbeen Kim, Min Woo Oh, Doojae Park, Youngjun Yun, Dongwook Kim, Jin-Hyuk Bae and Jaehoon Park
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151147 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 255
Abstract
This study presents a photoresist-free patterning method for solution-processed indium zinc oxide (IZO) thin films using two photochemical exposure techniques, namely pulsed ultraviolet (UV) light and UV-ozone, and a plasma-based method using oxygen (O2) plasma. Pulsed UV light delivers short, high-intensity [...] Read more.
This study presents a photoresist-free patterning method for solution-processed indium zinc oxide (IZO) thin films using two photochemical exposure techniques, namely pulsed ultraviolet (UV) light and UV-ozone, and a plasma-based method using oxygen (O2) plasma. Pulsed UV light delivers short, high-intensity flashes of light that induce localised photochemical reactions with minimal thermal damage, whereas UV-ozone enables smooth and uniform surface oxidation through continuous low-pressure UV irradiation combined with in situ ozone generation. By contrast, O2 plasma generates ionised oxygen species via radio frequency (RF) discharge, allowing rapid surface activation, although surface damage may occur because of energetic ion bombardment. All three approaches enabled pattern formation without the use of conventional photolithography or chemical developers, and the UV-ozone method produced the most uniform and clearly defined patterns. The patterned IZO films were applied as active layers in bottom-gate top-contact thin-film transistors, all of which exhibited functional operation, with the UV-ozone-patterned devices exhibiting the most favourable electrical performance. This comparative study demonstrates the potential of photochemical and plasma-assisted approaches as eco-friendly and scalable strategies for next-generation IZO patterning in electronic device applications. Full article
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12 pages, 2715 KiB  
Article
Room-Temperature Plasma Hydrogenation of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs)
by Benjamin Wang, Trevor Jehl, Hongtao Zhong and Mark Cappelli
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2333; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082333 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable energy has spurred the exploration of advanced technologies for biodiesel production. This paper investigates the use of Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD)-generated low-temperature plasmas to enhance the conversion of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) into hydrogenated fatty acid methyl [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for sustainable energy has spurred the exploration of advanced technologies for biodiesel production. This paper investigates the use of Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD)-generated low-temperature plasmas to enhance the conversion of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) into hydrogenated fatty acid methyl esters (H-FAMEs) and other high-value hydrocarbons. A key mechanistic advance is achieved via in situ distillation: at the reactor temperature, unsaturated C18 and C20 FAMEs remain liquid due to their low melting points, while the corresponding saturated C18:0 and C20:0 FAMEs (with melting points of approximately 37–39 °C and 46–47 °C, respectively) solidify and deposit on a glass substrate. This phase separation continuously exposes fresh unsaturated FAME to the plasma, driving further hydrogenation and thereby delivering high overall conversion efficiency. The non-thermal, energy-efficient nature of DBD plasmas offers a promising alternative to conventional high-pressure, high-temperature methods; here, we evaluate the process efficiency, product selectivity, and scalability of this room-temperature, atmospheric-pressure approach and discuss its potential for sustainable fuel-reforming applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasma Science and Plasma-Assisted Applications)
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23 pages, 6480 KiB  
Article
Mechanism Analysis and Evaluation of Formation Physical Property Damage in CO2 Flooding in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs of Ordos Basin, China
by Qinghua Shang, Yuxia Wang, Dengfeng Wei and Longlong Chen
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2320; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072320 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 423
Abstract
Capturing CO2 emitted by coal chemical enterprises and injecting it into oil reservoirs not only effectively improves the recovery rate and development efficiency of tight oil reservoirs in the Ordos Basin but also addresses the carbon emission problem constraining the development of [...] Read more.
Capturing CO2 emitted by coal chemical enterprises and injecting it into oil reservoirs not only effectively improves the recovery rate and development efficiency of tight oil reservoirs in the Ordos Basin but also addresses the carbon emission problem constraining the development of the region. Since initiating field experiments in 2012, the Ordos Basin has become a significant base for CCUS (Carbon capture, Utilization, and Storage) technology application and demonstration in China. However, over the years, projects have primarily focused on enhancing the recovery rate of CO2 flooding, while issues such as potential reservoir damage and its extent have received insufficient attention. This oversight hinder the long-term development and promotion of CO2 flooding technology in the region. Experimental results were comprehensively analyzed using techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and ion chromography (IG). The findings indicate that under current reservoir temperature and pressure conditions, significant asphaltene deposition and calcium carbonate precipitation do not occur during CO2 flooding. The reservoir’s characteristics-high feldspar content, low carbon mineral content, and low clay mineral content determine that the primary mechanism affecting physical properties under CO2 flooding in the Chang 4 + 5 tight sandstone reservoir is not, as traditional understand, carbon mineral dissolution or primary clay mineral expansion and migration. Instead, feldspar corrosion and secondary particles migration are the fundamental reasons for the changes in reservoir properties. As permeability increases, micro pore blockage decreases, and the damaging effect of CO2 flooding on reservoir permeability diminishes. Permeability and micro pore structure are therefore significant factors determining the damage degree of CO2 flooding inflicts on tight reservoirs. In addition, temperature and pressure have a significant impact on the extent of reservoir damage caused by CO2 flooding in the study region. At a given reservoir temperature, increasing CO2 injection pressure can mitigate reservoir damage. It is recommended to avoid conducting CO2 flooding projects in reservoirs with severe pressure attenuation, low permeability, and narrow pore throats as much as possible to prevent serious damage to the reservoir. At the same time, the production pressure difference should be reasonably controlled during the production process to reduce the risk and degree of calcium carbonate precipitation near oil production wells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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11 pages, 2031 KiB  
Article
Electrical Characteristics of the Pantograph-Catenary Arc in Urban Rail Transit Under Different Air Pressure Conditions
by Xiaoying Yu, Liying Song, Yang Su, Junrui Yang, Xiaojuan Lu, Caizhuo Wei, Yongjia Cheng and Yixiao Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6285; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146285 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 239
Abstract
Nowadays, urban rail transit is expanding towards high-elevation zones, and the effect of the low air pressure environment on the pantograph-catenary system is becoming increasingly prominent. As a key indicator for evaluating the electrical contact performance of a pantograph-catenary system, research on the [...] Read more.
Nowadays, urban rail transit is expanding towards high-elevation zones, and the effect of the low air pressure environment on the pantograph-catenary system is becoming increasingly prominent. As a key indicator for evaluating the electrical contact performance of a pantograph-catenary system, research on the electrical characteristics of the pantograph-catenary arc is of great significance. For this reason, this paper established a plasma mathematical model applicable to the arc of the urban rail transit bow network based on the theory of magnetohydrodynamics. The mathematical model of the pantograph-catenary arc was used to set the relevant initial conditions. Based on COMSOL Multiphysics finite element simulation software, this study developed a multi-physics simulation model of the pantograph-catenary arc and systematically analysed its voltage characteristics and current density distribution under varying air pressure conditions. The results showed that as the air pressure decreases, the potential at the axial points declines, the pressure drop across the arc poles becomes more pronounced, and the current density decreases accordingly. This study provides theoretical and technical support for optimizing the design of and promoting the sustainable development of urban rail transit pantograph-catenary systems in high-altitude areas. Full article
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23 pages, 2710 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Chemical Vapor Deposition of Hexagonal Boron Nitride on Insulating Substrates
by Hua Xu, Kai Li, Zuoquan Tan, Jiaqi Jia, Le Wang and Shanshan Chen
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141059 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 612
Abstract
Direct chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on insulating substrates offers a promising pathway to circumvent transfer-induced defects and enhance device integration. This comprehensive review systematically evaluates recent advances in CVD techniques for h-BN synthesis on insulating substrates, including [...] Read more.
Direct chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on insulating substrates offers a promising pathway to circumvent transfer-induced defects and enhance device integration. This comprehensive review systematically evaluates recent advances in CVD techniques for h-BN synthesis on insulating substrates, including metal–organic CVD (MOCVD), low-pressure CVD (LPCVD), atmospheric-pressure CVD (APCVD), and plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD). Key challenges, including precursor selection, high-temperature processing, achieving single-crystalline films, and maintaining phase purity, are critically analyzed. Special emphasis is placed on comparative performance metrics across different growth methodologies. Furthermore, crucial research directions for future development in this field are outlined. This review aims to serve as a reference for advancing h-BN synthesis toward practical applications in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Full article
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15 pages, 5527 KiB  
Article
Screen Printing Conductive Inks on Textiles: Impact of Plasma Treatment
by Julia Guérineau, Jollan Ton and Mariia Zhuldybina
Sensors 2025, 25(13), 4240; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25134240 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 405
Abstract
Textile-based wearable devices are rapidly gaining traction in the Internet of Things paradigm and offer distinct advantages for data collection and analysis across a wide variety of applications. Seamlessly integrating electronics in textiles remains a technical challenge, especially when the textiles’ essential properties, [...] Read more.
Textile-based wearable devices are rapidly gaining traction in the Internet of Things paradigm and offer distinct advantages for data collection and analysis across a wide variety of applications. Seamlessly integrating electronics in textiles remains a technical challenge, especially when the textiles’ essential properties, such as comfort, breathability, and flexibility, are meant to be preserved. This article investigates screen printing as a textile post-processing technique for electronic integration, and highlights its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability in terms of design and customization. The study examines two silver-based inks screen-printed on an Oxford polyester textile substrate with a focus on substrate preparation and treatment. Before printing, the textile samples were cleaned with nitrogen gas and then subjected to low-pressure oxygen plasma treatment. For comparative analysis, two samples printed on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) serve as a reference. The findings highlight the importance of plasma treatment in optimizing the printability of textiles and demonstrate that it notably improves the electrical properties of conductive inks. Despite some remaining challenges, the study indicates that screen-printed electronics show promising potential for advancing the development of e-textiles and sensor-integrated wearables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensors Development)
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14 pages, 3062 KiB  
Article
Nanosized Anisotropic Sm–Fe–N Particles with Metastable TbCu7-Type Structures Prepared by an Induction Thermal Plasma Process
by Yusuke Hirayama, Jian Wang, Masaya Shigeta, Shunsuke Tsurumi, Makoto Sugimoto, Zheng Liu, Kenta Takagi and Kimihiro Ozaki
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(13), 1045; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15131045 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
TbCu7-type Sm-based compounds can be produced in bulk and potentially surpass Nd2Fe14B as permanent magnets. However, as the processes to prepare anisotropic magnetic particles are limited, the full potential of TbCu7-type Sm-based compounds cannot be [...] Read more.
TbCu7-type Sm-based compounds can be produced in bulk and potentially surpass Nd2Fe14B as permanent magnets. However, as the processes to prepare anisotropic magnetic particles are limited, the full potential of TbCu7-type Sm-based compounds cannot be exploited. In this study, metastable TbCu7-type phases of anisotropic Sm–Fe–N ultrafine particles were prepared using the low-oxygen induction thermal plasma (LO-ITP) process. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the obtained TbCu7-type Sm–Fe alloy nanoparticles exhibited a c/a value of 0.8419, with an Fe/Sm atomic ratio of ~8.5. After nitrogenation, the obtained Sm–Fe–N nanoparticles were aligned under an external magnetic field, indicating that each alloy particle exhibited anisotropic magnetic properties. A substantially high degree of alignment of 91 ± 2% was achieved, quantitatively estimated via pole figure measurements. Numerical analysis following Sm–Fe nanoparticle formation showed that, compared with Fe condensation, Sm condensation persisted even at low temperatures, because of a significant difference in vapor pressure between Sm and Fe. Though this led to a relatively large compositional distribution of Sm within particles with a Sm concentration of 9–12 at%, the preparation of single-phase TbCu7-type Sm–Fe–N particles could be facilitated by optimizing several parameters during the LO-ITP process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Plasma-Induced Synthesis of Nanomaterials)
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34 pages, 10462 KiB  
Article
Inter-Laboratory Characterisation of a Low-Power Channel-Less Hall-Effect Thruster: Performance Comparisons and Lessons Learnt
by Thomas F. Munro-O’Brien, Mohamed Ahmed, Andrea Lucca Fabris and Charles N. Ryan
Aerospace 2025, 12(7), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12070601 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 368
Abstract
A collaborative inter-laboratory study was conducted to characterise the performance of the novel 250 W External Discharge Plasma Thruster (XPT) with a channel-less Hall effect-type thruster designed to address lifetime limitations and lower-power efficiency challenges in conventional Hall effect thrusters. This study aimed [...] Read more.
A collaborative inter-laboratory study was conducted to characterise the performance of the novel 250 W External Discharge Plasma Thruster (XPT) with a channel-less Hall effect-type thruster designed to address lifetime limitations and lower-power efficiency challenges in conventional Hall effect thrusters. This study aimed to validate performance measurements across different facilities and thrust stands, investigating potential facility effects on thrust characterisation. Performance testing was conducted both at the University of Surrey using a torsional thrust balance and at the University of Southampton with a double inverted pendulum thrust stand, providing independent verification of the thrust and efficiency metrics. The comparison highlighted the importance of cross-facility testing with differing background pressures, calibration methods, and thrust balance types. These differences provide valuable insights, ensuring more robust and reliable low-power thruster characterisation. The XPT thruster demonstrated consistent performance across both the University of Surrey and University of Southampton facilities, with thrust levels ranging from 1.60 mN to 11.8 mN, specific impulses from 327 s to 1067 s, and anode efficiencies up to 11%. Higher anode voltages and mass fluxes at Southampton enabled extended operational envelopes, revealing performance plateaus at elevated powers, particularly for flow rates above 8 sccm. Cross-facility testing highlighted facility-dependent influences, with Southampton achieving a higher thrust and specific impulse at lower flow rates (5–6 sccm) due to increased anode currents, while discrepancies between test sites of up to 25% were observed at higher flow rates (8–10 sccm) and powers above 200 W. Characterisation identified an optimal operating range at 200 W of anode power with a mass flux below 8 sccm. This work underscores the importance of inter-laboratory validation in electric propulsion testing and provides insights into the best practices for assessing next-generation Hall effect-type thrusters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Astronautics & Space Science)
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15 pages, 328 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Students: Associations with Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, and Sociodemographic Factors
by Ema Dejhalla, Tina Zavidić, Branislava Popović and Tatjana Čulina
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4389; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134389 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 421
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among youth is rising, and the increase is closely linked to unhealthy lifestyle patterns. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among University of Rijeka students and investigate its associations with dietary habits, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among youth is rising, and the increase is closely linked to unhealthy lifestyle patterns. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among University of Rijeka students and investigate its associations with dietary habits, physical activity, gender, and faculty type (health and non-health faculties). Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from September 2024 to March 2025 involved 217 randomly selected students from 16 faculties. The validated questionnaires Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), as well as a general data questionnaire, were used alongside anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference) and biochemical measurements (fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol). MetS was diagnosed using a combination of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and Polish Experts Consensus (2022) criteria. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Spearman’s correlation, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: MetS was identified in 5.5% of students. Significant risk factors included obesity (body mass index, BMI, p < 0.05), low physical activity (IPAQ-SF, p < 0.05), elevated blood pressure (p < 0.01), high triglyceride levels (p < 0.05), and increased waist-to-height ratio (WHtR, p < 0.01). Female students reported lower physical activity than males (p < 0.05), while students from non-health faculties had lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS, p < 0.05) and reduced physical activity (p < 0.05). Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlated with lower BMI and triglyceride levels (p < 0.05), whereas lower adherence was associated with reduced physical activity (Spearman’s r = −0.35, p < 0.01). Logistic regression with WHR as the dependent variable showed waist circumference (WC) as the strongest predictor (OR = 45.925, 95% CI: 5.238–402.666, p = 0.001), followed by triglycerides (OR = 3.395, 95% CI: 1.322–8.718, p = 0.011). BMI was inversely associated with WHR (OR = 0.068, 95% CI: 0.006–0.780, p = 0.031). HDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting glucose were not significant predictors (p > 0.05), indicating limited predictive power in this model. Conclusions: The 5.5% MetS prevalence underscores the need for targeted interventions promoting Mediterranean diet adherence and physical activity, particularly among non-health faculty students and females. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess intervention efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)
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11 pages, 2422 KiB  
Article
Low-Temperature Degradation of Aflatoxins via Oxygen Plasma: Kinetics and Mechanism Driven by Atomic Oxygen Flux
by Nina Recek, Rok Zaplotnik, Gregor Primc, Peter Gselman and Miran Mozetič
Materials 2025, 18(13), 2924; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18132924 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 407
Abstract
Aflatoxins are toxic organic substances that are synthesized on the surfaces of seeds, nuts, and similar products by some fungi under elevated humidity. They decompose at temperatures well above 130 °C, so standard heating or autoclaving is an obsolete technique for the degradation [...] Read more.
Aflatoxins are toxic organic substances that are synthesized on the surfaces of seeds, nuts, and similar products by some fungi under elevated humidity. They decompose at temperatures well above 130 °C, so standard heating or autoclaving is an obsolete technique for the degradation of toxins on surfaces without significant modification of the treated material. Non-equilibrium plasma was used to degrade aflatoxins at low temperatures and determine the efficiency of O atoms. A commercial mixture of aflatoxins was deposited on smooth substrates, and the solvent was evaporated so that about a 3 nm thick film of dry toxins remained on the substrates. The samples were exposed to low-pressure oxygen plasma sustained by an inductively coupled radiofrequency (RF) discharge in either the E or H mode. The gas pressure was 20 Pa, the forward RF power was between 50 and 700 W, and the O-atom flux was between 1.2 × 1023 and 1.5 × 1024 m−2 s−1. Plasma treatment caused the rapid degradation of aflatoxins, whose concentration was deduced from the fluorescence signal at 455 nm upon excitation with a monochromatic source at 365 nm. The degradation was faster at higher discharge powers, but the degradation curves fitted well when plotted against the dose of O atoms. The experiments showed that the aflatoxin concentration dropped below the detection limit of the fluorescence probe after receiving the O-atom dose of just above 1025 m−2. This dose was achieved within 10 s of treatment in plasma in the H mode, and approximately a minute when plasma was in the E mode. The method provides a low-temperature solution for the efficient detoxification of agricultural products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plasma Treatment of Materials)
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24 pages, 7568 KiB  
Article
Developing a Superhydrophilic/Underwater Superoleophobic Plasma-Modified PVDF Microfiltration Membrane with Copolymer Hydrogels for Oily Water Separation
by Hasan Ali Hayder, Peng Shi and Sama M. Al-Jubouri
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6654; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126654 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 555
Abstract
Polymer membranes often face challenges of oil fouling and rapid water flux decline during the separation of oil-in-water emulsions, making them a focal point of ongoing research and development efforts. Coating PVDF membranes with a hydrogel layer equips the developed membranes with robust [...] Read more.
Polymer membranes often face challenges of oil fouling and rapid water flux decline during the separation of oil-in-water emulsions, making them a focal point of ongoing research and development efforts. Coating PVDF membranes with a hydrogel layer equips the developed membranes with robust potential to mitigate oil fouling. However, developing a controllable thickness of a stable hydrogel layer to prevent the blocking of membrane pores remains a critical issue. In this work, atmospheric pressure low-temperature plasma was used to prepare the surface of a PVDF membrane to improve its wettability and adhesion properties for coating with a thin hydrophilic film of an AM-NaA copolymer hydrogel. The AM-NaA/PVDF membrane exhibited superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic properties, along with exceptional anti-crude oil-fouling characteristics and a self-cleaning function. The AM-NaA/PVDF membrane achieved high separation efficiency, exceeding 99% for various oil-in-water emulsions, with residual oil content in the permeate of less than 10 mg/L after a single-step separation. Additionally, it showed a high-water flux of 5874 L/m2·h for crude oil-in-water emulsions. The AM-NaA/PVDF membrane showed good stability and easy cleaning by water washing over multiple crude oil-in-water emulsion separation and regeneration cycles. Adding CaCl2 destabilized emulsions by promoting oil droplet coalescence, further boosting flux. This strategy provides a practical pathway for the development of highly reusable and oil-fouling-resistant membranes for the efficient separation of emulsified oily water. Full article
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23 pages, 3341 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Working Characteristics of Microwave-Assisted Spark Plug Igniter
by Hao Zeng, Changqin Fu, Zhiyu Zhao, Nan Jiang and Zhihao Liu
Fire 2025, 8(6), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8060231 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 870
Abstract
In this paper, a study on the working characteristics of microwave-assisted spark plug igniter was carried out. Experiments were carried out in a vacuum chamber to investigate the effects of microwave feeding with different parameters on the spark plug discharge process, breakdown voltage, [...] Read more.
In this paper, a study on the working characteristics of microwave-assisted spark plug igniter was carried out. Experiments were carried out in a vacuum chamber to investigate the effects of microwave feeding with different parameters on the spark plug discharge process, breakdown voltage, average power, discharge spectral intensity, and characteristic temperature of the discharge plasma under different ambient pressures (0.1 MPa at atmospheric pressure and 0.05 MPa at low pressure). The results show that the breakdown voltage decreased by 15.2% and the average power of discharge increased by 49% when the microwave pulse peak power increased from 0 W to 200 W under a low-pressure environment; meanwhile, the breakdown voltage decreased by 10.8% and the average power increased by 23% under an atmospheric-pressure environment. When the microwave pulse frequency was increased from 1 kHz to 10 kHz, the breakdown voltage further decreased by 15.2% in a low-voltage environment, but there was no significant effect on the average power. The plasma characteristic temperature rose significantly with the peak power: the electron temperature rose from 1.961 eV to 2.154 eV with the power at atmospheric pressure, and the vibrational and rotational temperatures also increased significantly. Full article
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11 pages, 874 KiB  
Article
Low Tidal Volume Ventilation in Percutaneous Liver Ablations: Preliminary Experience on 10 Patients
by Francesco Giurazza, Francesco Coletta, Antonio Tomasello, Fabio Corvino, Silvio Canciello, Claudio Carrubba, Vincenzo Schettini, Francesca Schettino, Romolo Villani and Raffaella Niola
Diagnostics 2025, 15(12), 1495; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15121495 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 397
Abstract
Objectives: Low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) is a ventilatory strategy with the advantages of minimizing diaphragm movements and reducing hypercapnia and barotrauma risks. This preliminary study aims to report on the safety and effectiveness of LTVV applied during percutaneous US-guided liver ablations of [...] Read more.
Objectives: Low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) is a ventilatory strategy with the advantages of minimizing diaphragm movements and reducing hypercapnia and barotrauma risks. This preliminary study aims to report on the safety and effectiveness of LTVV applied during percutaneous US-guided liver ablations of focal malignancies. Methods: Patients affected by focal liver malignancies treated with percutaneous microwaves ablation were retrospectively included in this single-center analysis. Arterial gas analysis was performed immediately before and after ablation to evaluate the arterial pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), and plasma lactate levels. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LTVV during percutaneous liver cancer ablation. The secondary endpoint was to assess the procedural technical success in terms of correct needle probe targeting without the need for repositioning. Results: Ten patients affected by a single liver lesion had been analyzed. The ASA score was three in all patients, with three patients also suffering from COPD. The procedural technical success was 100%: ablations were performed with a single liver puncture without the need for changing access or repositioning the needle. No variations in post-ablation arterial gas analysis requiring anesthesiological management remodulation occurred. Lactate levels remained stable and hemodynamic balance was preserved during all procedures. No switch to standard volume ventilation was required. Conclusions: In this preliminary study, LTVV was a safe and effective anesthesiological protocol in patients treated with percutaneous ablations of liver malignancies, offering an ideal balance between patient safety and percutaneous needle probe positioning precision. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article
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14 pages, 6581 KiB  
Article
High-Precision Diagnosis of the Whole Process of Laser-Induced Plasma and Shock Waves Using Simultaneous Phase-Shift Interferometry
by Lou Gao, Hongchao Zhang, Jian Lu and Zhonghua Shen
Photonics 2025, 12(6), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12060601 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 747
Abstract
This study employs the simultaneous phase-shift interferometry (SPSI) system to diagnose laser-induced plasma (LIP) and shock wave (SW). In high-density LIP diagnostics, the Faraday rotation effect causes probe light polarization deflection, rendering traditional fixed-phase-demodulation methods ineffective, the Carré phase-recovery algorithm is adopted and [...] Read more.
This study employs the simultaneous phase-shift interferometry (SPSI) system to diagnose laser-induced plasma (LIP) and shock wave (SW). In high-density LIP diagnostics, the Faraday rotation effect causes probe light polarization deflection, rendering traditional fixed-phase-demodulation methods ineffective, the Carré phase-recovery algorithm is adopted and its applicability is verified. Uncertainty analysis and precision verification show that the total phase shift uncertainty is controlled within 0.045 radians, equivalent to a refractive index accuracy of 8.55×106, with sensitivity to weak perturbations improved by approximately one order of magnitude compared to conventional carrier-frequency interferometry. Experimental results demonstrate that the SPSI system precisely captures the initial spatiotemporal evolution of LIP and tracks shock waves at varying attenuation levels, exhibiting notable advantages in weak shock wave detection. This research validates the SPSI system’s high sensitivity to transient weak perturbations, offering a valuable diagnostic tool for high-vacuum plasmas, low-pressure shock waves, and stress waves in optical materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Laser Measurement)
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