Search Results (29,285)

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ offers a sustainable approach to transforming carbon dioxide into value-added products when powered by renewable energy. However, current electrocatalysts lack efficiency and selectivity, hindering commercial application. Combining tin’s high formate selectivity with copper’s ability to reduce CO₂ via COOH* pathway offers a promising strategy. This synergy mitigates copper’s low selectivity, providing a cost-effective catalyst with enhanced performance over pure Sn-based systems. This work investigates CuSn bimetallic electrocatalysts synthesised by scalable electrodeposition onto gas diffusion layers to boost formate production. Catalytic performance and cell potential were evaluated at current densities ranging from 50 to 200 mA cm⁻² and varying Sn compositions. Catalysts with Sn content below 4% predominantly formed CO and H₂, but smaller particles and improved metal dispersion increased formate production. A catalyst containing 12% Sn achieved a maximum faradaic efficiency (FE) of 52% at 50 mA cm⁻² with an iR-corrected potential of −0.56 V vs. SHE. At 200 mA cm⁻², it exhibited a 30% FE for formate, along with 31% FE for CO and 9.3% FE for H₂, while other gases contributed to less than 4% FE, indicating potential as syngas feedstock. Higher Sn content, combined with smaller, well-distributed particles, effectively suppressed H₂, CO, and other by-products, highlighting a strong dependence of FE on Sn content and bimetallic distribution, demonstrating compositional tuning importance via electrodeposition. Full article

This study reconstructs the geography of meaning of the German perception verb schmecken on the basis of 30 major dialect dictionaries, treating them as a distributed semantic corpus and coding attestations as binary variables reflecting the presence or absence of semantic options. Combining a construal-based framework with spatial modeling, the analysis shows that the polysemy of schmecken is structured by three mutually reinforcing forces: embodied sensory organization, construal-based perspectivization, and regionally patterned areal dynamics. The gustatory–olfactory axis forms the semantic core of the verb, from which tactile, visual, affective, and epistemic extensions emerge. These extensions align with systematic pathways constrained by agentive, experiential, emissive, and evaluative construals, demonstrating that semantic extension is channeled through specific construal modes—notably emissive and agentive—rather than determined by sensory modality alone. A detailed areal analysis reveals a pronounced north–south divide. While Low German dialects conform to the cross-linguistically more common tendency to avoid colexifying taste and smekk—itself the outcome of historical change rather than uninterrupted differentiation—Upper German varieties preserve a typologically rare gustatory–olfactory cluster and exhibit the richest range of cross-modal and abstract extensions. The resulting semantic graph formalizes how regional varieties activate different subsets of a lexeme’s semantic potential and demonstrates that semantic networks themselves display spatial organization. The study thus provides an empirically grounded reconstruction of a German geography of meaning and illustrates how dialect data illuminate the interplay between embodied cognition, construal-based lexical architecture, and areal dynamics. Full article

At present, the global logistics sector faces critical challenges, including rising energy costs and pressure to reduce CO₂ emissions. Traditional linear supply chains are becoming inefficient, necessitating a transition toward shared logistics based on the principles of the sharing economy. This paper presents a progressive three-layer architecture that transforms conventional reactive data collection into an autonomous, proactive management system for the distribution of consumable materials. While previous research established foundations in IoT connectivity for smart vending machines, this study advances the process by integrating an intelligent layer of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. The framework utilizes Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks for demand forecasting, dynamic route optimization (VRP/ACO) for replenishment, and Isolation Forest/DBSCAN algorithms for real-time anomaly detection. To evaluate the framework, a numerical simulation was conducted using representative pilot scenarios. The results indicate that within the simulated environment, the system achieves over 95% accuracy in inventory depletion prediction (MAPE = 4.02%). In these analyzed instances, this leads to a 25–30% reduction in stock-out risks and a 25% reduction in replenishment distance. These findings demonstrate the significant potential for reducing operational costs and carbon footprints in green logistics. The study confirms that the synergy between IoT infrastructure and AI-driven analysis provides a robust foundation for transitioning from static methodologies to resilient, collaborative logistics ecosystems. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare, with applications ranging from predictive analytics to clinical decision support. In clinical nutrition, AI tools offer opportunities to improve workflow efficiency, enhance dietary assessment, and personalize nutrition care. Despite growing interest, little is known about registered dietitian nutritionists’ (RDNs) perceptions of AI in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to assess RDNs’ attitudes toward AI use within a large healthcare system, along with their perceived barriers in this regard. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was developed through expert review and distributed electronically via REDCap to RDNs across Mayo Clinic’s academic campuses and affiliated health system sites. The 23-item survey included Likert-scale items addressing AI’s potential utilization within clinical care, perceived benefits and risks, and readiness for adoption. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. Factor analysis identified underlying constructs related to AI attitudes. Differences stratified by age and years of experience were evaluated using ANOVA. Results: Of the 185 RDNs invited, 64 (35%) responded. Two factors emerged: optimism regarding AI usage (Cronbach’s α = 0.94) and skepticism about implementation (α = 0.76). The overall mean ± SD score for optimism was 0.1 ± 0.6 (neutral), while skepticism averaged 1.0 ± 0.6 (moderate). Skepticism differed by years of experience (p = 0.012), with the lowest levels observed among RDNs with ≥21 years of practice. No significant differences were observed across age groups. Discussion: RDNs demonstrated neutral attitudes toward AI use but expressed concerns about accuracy, training, and implementation challenges. Addressing these concerns through education and structured implementation strategies may facilitate successful adoption of AI in dietetic practice. Full article

This study investigated the effects of microwave irradiation on the particle size distribution, rheological properties, fluorescent characteristics, and sensory characteristics of wine. Wine samples were treated under varying microwave power (100–500 W), temperature (20–60 °C), and time (1–5 min). Results indicated that microwave treatment modified the particle size distribution, especially the proportion of particles in the range of 0.3–0.5 μm, which increased with microwave power, temperature, and time. Rheological analysis indicated that the behaviour followed the Power-law model, with all samples exhibiting expansion fluid properties (n > 1). Fitting with the Casson model revealed that microwave treatment increased the yield stress (τ₀) and viscosity coefficient (K), with optimal improvements observed at 300 W, 30 °C, and 3 min (τ₀ = 0.7769 Pa, K = 2.9367 × 10⁻³ Pa s^0.5). These changes contributed to enhanced leg phenomenon and thickening effect. Furthermore, microwave treatment elevated the fluorescence intensity of wine, indicating accelerated formation of fluorescent substances. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that microwave treatment, particularly at 400 W, 40 °C, and 3 min, significantly improved colour, clarity, and mouthfeel while reducing astringency and bitterness. In conclusion, microwave treatment effectively modifies the sensory characteristics of wine, offering a viable technological approach to accelerate wine ageing and supporting its potential application in winemaking. Full article

Heavy metals in agricultural systems pose a significant challenge to food security, especially in regions with long-term intensive land use. While the Pannonian Plain represents Croatia’s primary breadbasket, accounting for a significant portion of the nation’s cereal production, data on the soil-to-grain transfer of heavy metals and the associated human exposure risk are limited. The objective of this study was (i) to determine the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in agricultural soils and corresponding grains (wheat, barley, and maize) across four principal counties within the Pannonian region of Croatia; (ii) to evaluate the soil-to-grain transfer factors that varied regionally and among cereal types; and (iii) to assess the potential non-carcinogenic health risks for both adults and children highlighting differences in exposure due to body weight and consumption patterns. Soil and cereal grain samples were collected in 2019 and 2020, and metal concentrations were determined by ICP-MS after microwave acid digestion. The transfer of metals from soil to grain was estimated using the transfer factor (TF), while exposure assessment was conducted by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI). Due to the nonlinear distribution of the data and the lack of strictly matched soil and grain samples, median metal concentrations pooled across all studied regions were used for exposure assessment. For As, a conservative approach was applied, assuming that 50% of the total As is in inorganic form. Additionally, a probabilistic risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulations was conducted to account for variability in body weight and cereal intake, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of potential exposure. The results showed differences in metal accumulation among cereal species, with wheat and barley tending to accumulate more Cd than maize, while As and Pb concentrations in grains were low for all crops studied. Although soil metal concentrations in Međimurje County were generally low, elevated TF values for As and Pb were observed, indicating enhanced soil-to-plant transfer under specific local soil conditions. In contrast, high soil metal concentrations in Slavonski Brod–Posavina County were associated with low TF values, suggesting limited bioavailability and restricted transfer to cereal grains. Both deterministic and probabilistic assessments indicated that the HQ and HI for adults and children were below 1, suggesting low non-carcinogenic risk from cereal consumption. These findings highlight pronounced regional and crop-specific differences in soil-to-plant metal transfer and confirm that low soil contamination does not necessarily imply low transfer potential, emphasizing the importance of integrated soil–plant–grain monitoring for food safety assessment. Full article

The endemic Minuartia nifensis, the only known gynodioecious species of its genus, offers a suitable model for understanding the relationships between floral characteristics, pollination, and mating systems in species with narrow distributions and single populations. We analyzed population structure, floral morphology, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, mating system components, and pollinator assemblages using field observations, morphometric measurements, controlled pollination experiments (autogamy, allogamy, apomixis and open pollination), and standardized pollinator surveys. The population exhibited an approximately balanced hermaphrodite–female ratio (0.97:1) and clear sexual dimorphism, with hermaphrodite flowers significantly larger than female flowers. Despite this dimorphism, pollinator visitation was similar between morphs, with 52.54% of visits to hermaphrodite flowers and 47.46% to female flowers. A total of 1734 visits by seven visitor species were recorded, of which approximately 95% of potentially effective pollen transfer was attributable to three bee taxa. Pollen viability, stigma receptivity, and visitation frequency peaked between 12:00 and 14:00, accounting for 58% of total insect visits. Controlled pollination experiments showed highest reproductive success under cross-pollination and limited success under self-pollination, indicating a mixed but predominantly outcrossing mating system. Together, these results suggest that gynodioecy in M. nifensis may be supported by floral differentiation, temporal reproductive traits, and pollinator-mediated pollen transfer. Full article

As well as the off-line phenomenon between the pantograph strip and the contact wire that occurs frequently, the current collection quality of trains is potential under threat. Pantograph arcing can bring about overvoltage and harmonics in the traction circuit, which can seriously threaten the construction’s strength and efficiency of current collection. Meanwhile, the electrified railway might meet very complex environments, including the various routes under different air pressures. When the train runs in a medium- or low-pressure area, the reduction in air pressure may result in significant differences in the dynamic evolution characteristics of pantograph arcing. So it is necessary to carry out a detailed study on the influence of pantograph arcing on the current collection of electrified trains in a low-pressure environment. In this paper, we proposed an improved pantograph arcing model suitable for medium-to-low-pressure regions, with the pressure parameters taken into consideration. Furthermore, we examined the influence of pantograph arcing under medium-to-low-pressure environments on the traction power supply system. The arcing dynamics, including the arc duration, the current zero-crossing, and the arcing-released energy at different air pressures were compared. The overvoltage and the harmonic distribution of the traction drive system were also analyzed. This work may be helpful for the design and maintenance of electrified railways under medium-to-low-pressure environments. Full article

Dogs, especially as pets but also an increasing number of stray dogs, share environments with humans, facilitating the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) between genetic compartments, with zoonotic and public health implications that must be addressed within One Health. In this cross-sectional comparative study, we explored the distribution of seven selected clinically relevant ARGs in both genomic DNA (gDNA) and plasmid DNA (pDNA), and the phenotypic resistance profile of the cultivable microbiota, between pet dogs (PeDs, n = 12) and free-roaming dogs (FRDs, n = 10) in Mexico. Tetracycline resistance genes (tetQ, tetW, and tetM) predominated in both compartments (40% to 100%), suggesting the presence of a core tetracycline-associated resistome. In contrast, plasmid-associated differences were group-specific: in pDNA cfxA was enriched in FRDs (90%) and tetK in PeDs (42%), whereas blaTEM-1 and ermC were absent in two dog populations. Cultivable bacteria from both groups exhibited phenotypic multidrug resistance, particularly by β-lactams, macrolides, lincosamides, and tetracyclines. FRDs also harbored pathogenic–zoonotic bacteria such as Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter jejuni, and Enterococcus faecalis. Our findings indicated that FRDs and PeDs harbor substantial resistomes, with differences in plasmid-associated ARGs, revealing a transfer potential related to environmental exposure. Full article

Computational simulation is a valuable tool for advancing personalized ergonomics. This study evaluated the ability of musculoskeletal simulation to estimate individual lumbar loading during manual lifting tasks representative of construction activities. Fifty-six Colombian adults were recruited to reflect national anthropometric distributions and grouped by BMI and stature. Participants performed two standardized lifting tasks with a 10 kg load: symmetric lifting from the floor to xiphoid height and lateral lifting from a 0.40 m surface to shoulder height with contralateral transfer. Whole-body kinematics and ground reaction forces were processed in OpenSim software using the validated model to estimate L5–S1 compression and shear forces. Results showed a moderate association between lumbar compression and body weight, while shear forces exhibited low correlations with kinematic variables. Subject-specific scaled models revealed substantial inter-individual differences in lumbar loading related to lifting technique and anthropometric characteristics, highlighting the potential of musculoskeletal simulation for personalized risk assessment in construction. Full article

This paper presents a thermodynamic analysis of free-turbine turboshaft engines, focusing on the quantitative distribution of turbine power and related energy parameters between the gas generator turbine and the free power turbine. The study is based on an analytical calculation model combining catalog specifications and validated experimental data, applied to a series of turboshaft engines from different manufacturers with similar free-turbine architectures and power classes ranging from approximately 960 kW to 2100 kW. The comparative analysis is conducted at take-off conditions for the engine series, while a detailed regime-dependent investigation from idle to take-off is performed for the TV2-117A reference engine. The results indicate that, at take-off, the gas generator turbine typically absorbs between 55% and 66% of the total turbine power to drive the compressor, whereas the free power turbine delivers the remaining 34% to 45% as usable shaft output. For all analyzed engines, the total actual specific enthalpy drop of the expansion process exceeds 98% of the available thermal potential, demonstrating efficient turbine energy utilization. Total turbine temperature drops are found to range between approximately 335 K and 565 K, depending on engine power class and cycle characteristics. In the case of the TV2-117A engine, the gas generator turbine power share decreases from about 75% at idle to roughly 65% at take-off, confirming a clear regime-dependent redistribution of expansion work. Thermal efficiency values at take-off vary between approximately 23% and 31% across the analyzed engine series. Unlike previous studies primarily focused on single-engine modeling or control strategies, this work introduces a unified and experimentally validated multi-engine thermodynamic framework that quantifies internal turbine power distribution patterns and provides transferable design-oriented benchmarks for free-turbine turboshaft engines. Full article

In this paper, a metasurface-enabled dual-channel optical image authentication based on polarization multiplexing is proposed. During encryption, authentication phases corresponding to dual-channel plaintext images are firstly calculated by using a sparse-constraint-driven authentication-holography (SCDAH) algorithm. Then, target transmission phase and geometric phase of metasurface to be designed are obtained accordingly by the composite phase modulation (CPM) principle. Next, the nanopillar-type metasurface unit is performed with parameter scanning to establish the transmission and geometric phase databases. Finally, the structural parameters of each nanopillar are determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis to complete the construction of polarization-multiplexing authentication metasurface (PMAM). During authentication, the PMAM are respectively illuminated by the left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) and right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) light to obtain pseudo-random images produced by far-field diffraction, and then the nonlinear correlation distribution between diffraction image and corresponding channel plaintext image is calculated, and the final authentication result of each channel is determined based on whether the signal-to-noise ratio of the nonlinear correlation distribution meets the standard. In fact, a new physical-characteristic-driven dual-channel optical image authentication technology is formed, where double identities of the user holding this PMAM can be simultaneously verified, breaking through the rigid constraint of conventional single metasurface-to-single image, meanwhile improving the capacity and efficiency for authentication metasurface from the perspective of physical mechanism. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, and the simulation results prove that the proposed method exhibits high feasibility and security as well as strong robustness against cropping attack, showing a promising application potential in the field of identity recognition and authentication. Full article

Arsenic (As) pollution has become a global concern, and the search for effective and sustainable As remediation methods has attracted much attention. Sustainable and cost-effective technologies for As remediation are essential to protect public health. This study aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by transforming agricultural waste into value-added biochar for environmental remediation. Currently, studies on the remediation of As pollution using iron-modified biochar (Fe-BC) and cerium-modified biochar (Ce-BC) have demonstrated promising application potential. Although there is an established research foundation regarding their remediation performance and mechanisms, comparative studies evaluating their performance and mechanisms under unified experimental conditions remain limited. As in this study, Fe-BC and Ce-BC were prepared and systematically investigated. The As remediation performance and mechanisms of the two biochars were compared and analyzed through material characterization, aqueous adsorption experiments, and soil remediation assessments. The results showed that the specific surface areas of Fe-BC and Ce-BC were 94.380 m²·g⁻¹ and 36.388 m²·g⁻¹, respectively, both higher than that of the original biochar (BC). The Langmuir and Freundlich models adequately fitted the As adsorption processes of all three materials. Fe-BC and Ce-BC exhibited a tendency toward monolayer adsorption for As(III). The Freundlich distribution coefficient K_F of Fe-BC was 0.1604, which was higher than that of BC and Ce-BC, indicating superior adsorption performance for As(III). In the pot experiment, when Fe-BC and Ce-BC were applied at 5%, the As content in ryegrass decreased by 78.38% and 77.15%, respectively. Fe-BC reduced the available As content in soil by 63.1% and decreased As accumulation in ryegrass by 78.38%. The reduction in available As content achieved by Fe-BC was greater than that achieved by Ce-BC. Fe(III) oxides supported on Fe-BC immobilized As through complexation and precipitation mechanisms. Fe⁰ and Fe₃O₄ in the materials altered the redox potential of the local microenvironment, affecting the transformation and stabilization of As species. Ce-BC primarily oxidized As(III) to As(V), and Ce⁴⁺ facilitated the formation of CeAsO₄ precipitates due to its high redox potential. Full article

This study evaluates the effectiveness of laser cleaning techniques for the non-contact removal of unwanted deposits from the surface of contemporary urban mural paintings. Two sets of mock-up samples, painted with popular graffiti spray paints on lime-based plaster, and artificially contaminated, were subjected to various cleaning procedures using Nd:YAG lasers operated in Q-switched (QS), long Q-switched (LQS) or short free-running mode (SFR). A multi-analytical approach—including X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), colorimetry, and hyperspectral imaging (HSI)—was used to identify pigments and binders, and to evaluate cleaning efficiency and pigment preservation. XRF and FTIR were useful in understanding the composition of the sprays, while colorimetric ΔE values quantified cleaning efficiency and potential damage, and hyperspectral reflectance and LSU (linear spectral unmixing) abundance maps provided spatial distribution insights into contaminant removal and pigment preservation. The results demonstrate that laser cleaning effectiveness and selectivity are strongly dependent on the operational regime and fluence. In particular, long Q-switched laser irradiation at moderate fluence levels achieved effective contaminant removal with minimal chromatic and chemical alteration of the original paint layers. These findings support the development of tailored, sustainable, and non-contact laser cleaning protocols for the conservation of contemporary urban murals and contribute to the establishment of objective, multi-parameter criteria for evaluating cleaning outcomes in street art conservation. Full article

Fungicide contamination is an increasing global environmental concern, due to the harm they may pose to non-target organisms, their contribution to antimicrobial resistance, and the potential risks to human health when drinking water (DW) sources are impacted. Many fungicides used in agriculture are chiral and may exist as racemates, or a combination of diastereoisomers and/or enantiomers. Since enantiomers can differ in environmental fate, distribution, and toxicity, enantioselective analysis of chiral fungicides is crucial. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an analytical method for the determination of azole chiral and achiral fungicides in DW using solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS). Chromatographic separation of one achiral fungicide and five chiral fungicides was achieved using a polysaccharide chromatographic column under reverse elution mode. The validated method demonstrated high sensitivity with method detection limits (MDL) below 0.86 ng L⁻¹ and was successfully applied to 13 DW samples collected from various supply networks across Portugal. Seven out of the 15 targeted analytes were found at trace concentrations (>MDL). Fluconazole was the most frequently detected (~87% of the samples). The hazard quotients (HQs) for individual compounds for each individual fungicide (sum of the enantiomers for those chiral) and the hazard index (HI, sum of the individual HQ values) were calculated in each DW sample, indicating no significant health risks to consumers, since it is well below 0.1 for all compounds. Full article