Search Results (32,660)

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) has emerged as a material for electrochemical energy conversion, serving dual primary roles in fuel cell technologies: (i) as an electrocatalyst precursor for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) through pyrolysis-derived N-doped porous carbons and metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C) structures, and (ii) as a membrane component that enhances proton conductivity via imidazole-mediated Grotthuss hopping while suppressing fuel crossover through molecular sieving. This comprehensive review systematically evaluates ZIF-8 performance across multiple fuel cell types, including primarily proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as well as direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), and microbial fuel cells (MFCs), while also covering related electrochemical applications such as zinc–air batteries, supercapacitors, and water splitting devices, where ZIF-8-derived materials demonstrate improved catalytic activity. The review examines structure–performance relationships, highlighting strategies such as heteroatom doping, bimetallic synergy, hierarchical porosity engineering, and polymer composite fabrication that have enabled ZIF-8-based catalysts to achieve ORR half-wave potentials and PEMFC power densities, rivaling commercial Pt/C systems. ZIF-8 composite membranes demonstrate proton conductivities in polybenzimidazole systems and effective methanol blocking. Despite improved progress, challenges persist regarding long-term stability, scalable synthesis, and degradation mechanism understanding. This review critically analyzes recent advances, identifies performance-limiting factors across applications, and outlines future research directions for developing commercially viable ZIF-8-based electrochemical technologies. Full article

Thermal runaway propagation in large-capacity battery energy storage systems can be driven by casing conduction, vented products, and pack-level thermal coupling. This study experimentally evaluated whether a static dielectric-liquid boundary can prevent propagation between 314 Ah rectangular cells. Three-cell modules were tested in air and in two liquids at relative immersion heights of 10–20 mm, followed by two non-circulating 1P52S pack tests. Propagation was assessed using trigger-cell temperature and venting, adjacent-cell voltage and venting, and post-test state. Under AIR-0, adjacent-cell voltage fell to 0 V and propagation occurred; the trigger cell reached its primary peak of 613 °C at 1560 s, followed by a secondary-heating maximum of 971 °C at 1893 s. All six immersed module tests maintained stable adjacent-cell voltages, with no adjacent-cell venting or propagation, while trigger-cell maximum temperatures were 403–498 °C. Using a common window from trigger-cell venting to its primary peak, the apparent equivalent surface-averaged heat-flux indicator was 31.2 kW/m² in AIR-0 and 22.5–29.3 kW/m² under immersion, corresponding to a reduction of approximately 6.1–27.8%. In both pack tests, no fire, explosion, adjacent-cell venting, or pack-level propagation occurred. Under the tested module and pack configurations, no propagation from the trigger cell to adjacent cells was observed with static immersion, supporting its potential as a passive safety boundary for large-capacity battery storage systems. Full article

Background: Epithelial ingrowth is an uncommon but potentially vision-threatening complication after keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx). Although this complication is well described after flap-based refractive surgery, its occurrence after flapless lenticule extraction remains rare and is mainly reported in isolated cases. This narrative review summarizes the available literature on epithelial ingrowth after KLEx, with particular attention to proposed mechanisms, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and surgical management. An illustrative case of severe epithelial ingrowth managed with crocodile-forceps extraction is also presented. Methods: A literature search was performed to identify published reports describing epithelial ingrowth after SMILE/KLEx. Relevant articles were reviewed and compared with regard to onset, suspected mechanism, clinical severity, treatment strategy, anatomical outcome, visual recovery, and recurrence. Results: The affected eye developed extensive epithelial ingrowth associated with a postoperative tunnel laceration and marked visual deterioration during the first postoperative week. Surgical clearance through the original incision was performed using crocodile forceps followed by copious interface irrigation. Approximately one hour after treatment, AS-OCT demonstrated complete clearance of the hyperreflective interface material, corneal topography showed marked regularization, and wavefront aberrometry demonstrated a reduction in overall OPD RMS from 1.21 to 0.58 µm and higher-order RMS from 1.03 to 0.37 µm at a 4 mm pupil. Visual acuity subsequently improved over the following postoperative days, with no recurrence during 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: Severe epithelial ingrowth after KLEx may require prompt surgical intervention when rapid progression and visual deterioration occur. In this case, crocodile-forceps-assisted interface clearance through the original incision was feasible and was associated with rapid anatomical and optical recovery without cap-to-flap conversion or chemical adjuvants. Further cases are required to determine the reproducibility, safety, and long-term outcomes of this approach. Full article

The building and construction sector is a major contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need for material-level strategies to minimise environmental impacts throughout the building life cycle. This study presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a prototypical two-storey brick veneer residence in Sydney, Australia, using eToolLCD software V4.7 to V5.40. Two environmental impact categories were evaluated, namely embodied energy (EE) and global warming potential (GWP). Over the 55-year reference service life, the case study residence generated a total EE of 1,191,015 MJ NCV and a total GWP of 82,678 kg CO₂ eq, equivalent to 98.18 MJ NCV/m² gross floor area (GFA)/year and 6.816 kg CO₂ eq/m² GFA/year, respectively. The products stage dominated both environmental impact indicators, accounting for 99.35% of total EE and 67.85% of total GWP. Among the building elements, the wall structure was identified as one of the primary contributors, accounting for 29.54% of total EE and 31.12% of total GWP. To identify sustainable alternatives, two international case studies employing AAC block walls were examined, namely, the Wilson Residence in Florida, United States, and the IPCW Residence in Surabaya, Indonesia. A controlled wall area-based comparative environmental analysis of three wall construction systems (brick veneer, AAC blocks, and hollow concrete blocks) demonstrated that the AAC block wall system exhibited the lowest EE (9.752 MJ NCV/m² GFA/year) and GWP (1.2615 kg CO₂ eq/m² GFA/year), representing approximately a 44.1% reduction in EE and 23.9% in GWP compared to the brick veneer wall system. This wall-system finding was corroborated by a supplementary comparative analysis using environmental product declaration (EPD) data for generic AAC blocks and clay brick. Under the specific assumptions, system boundaries, and impact categories examined, AAC block walls demonstrated lower EE and GWP than brick veneer walls in this Sydney case study residence, indicating their potential as a lower-impact wall material for Australian residential construction. Compared to brick veneer walls, AAC block walls may reduce both EE and GWP while maintaining high thermal performance, durability, and construction efficiency, thereby contributing to more sustainable housing and support Australia’s transition towards net-zero emissions. Full article

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is widely used in winemaking for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, its intake is associated with adverse health effects such as headaches and respiratory issues in sensitive individuals, prompting the search for safer alternatives. This study evaluated the impact of ascorbic acid (ASC), fumaric acid (FUM), and glutathione (GSH) as potential substitutes for SO₂ on the phenolic composition of red and white wines, providing mechanistic insights into their protective limitations. In red wines, ASC, FUM, and GSH resulted in lower concentrations of anthocyanins, flavonols, and hydroxycinnamic acids compared to the control. This reduction is attributed to insufficient microbiological control and oxidative side-reactions, such as the crossover effect in ASC treatments, where the lack of SO₂ allows for the generation of hydrogen peroxide and subsequent pigment degradation. In white wines, FUM better preserved certain phenolic groups, whereas ASC and GSH resulted in reduced hydroxycinnamic acids. The findings indicate that ASC, FUM, and GSH did not fully replicate the antioxidant role of SO₂, leading to phenolic compound losses. Among the tested alternatives, FUM demonstrated the greatest potential in white wines; however, FUM’s limited microbiological protection suggests it should be used with caution as a standalone preservative. These results provide novel insights into the role of ASC, FUM, and GSH as SO₂ alternatives. Full article

Simulating CO₂ mineral trapping in basaltic formations requires geochemical reaction networks, but including all candidate reactions is often computationally prohibitive, and no established criterion exists for selecting a reduced yet representative set. We propose a two-stage reduction framework, motivated by the insight that trapping efficiency and pH buffer capacity are orthogonal criteria: a set that maximizes one is not guaranteed to satisfy the other. Stage A combines K-means clustering, Bayesian optimization, and a genetic algorithm to select reactions maximizing a trapping-efficiency score (J-score, integrating reaction extent, saturation state, and ionic contribution). Stage B independently verifies whether the selected set preserves pH buffer capacity (B-score), using CMG-GEM flow-coupled simulations validated against laboratory experiments. This two-stage check proved necessary: a set selected by J-score alone failed to converge in flow simulation due to excessive mineral precipitation, confirming that trapping efficiency alone is insufficient and identifying Anorthite as the dominant pH-buffering phase. A minimal two-reaction set (Anorthite and Dolomite) achieved a 94% reduction in computational cost under the present single-block column model, while maintaining pH fidelity against benchmark data; extrapolation of this efficiency gain to field-scale, multi-cell simulation remains a direction for future work. This framework reframes reaction-set selection from single-objective optimization to constrained design. The results are demonstrated for a single basaltic rock sample (Basalt Sample A); the approach is potentially transferable to reducing reaction-set uncertainty in other CO₂-basalt mineralization systems, subject to lithology-specific recalibration. Full article

Global climate change and intensifying anthropogenic pressures pose unprecedented challenges to global biodiversity, with endangered species often experiencing particularly severe reductions in suitable habitats. In this study, we used the MaxEnt model to predict and evaluate the potential suitable habitats of Machilus nanmu in China under current and future climate scenarios. After parameter optimization (RM = 0.5, FC = LQH), the model showed excellent predictive performance, with a mean AUC of 0.946 and a CBI value of 0.988. The analysis of key environmental variables indicated that Mean UV-B of the High-est Month (Uvb3, 24.5% contribution), Temperature Seasonality (bio4, 19.6%), and Population Distribution (human_pd, 19.5%) were the dominant factors shaping habitat suitability, while Temperature Seasonality had the highest permutation importance (34.1%). Under current conditions, the highly suitable habitat area was estimated to be approximately 21,109.94 km², accounting for 0.22% of the total study area, and was mainly concentrated in the Sichuan Basin and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Under future climate scenarios, the highly suitable area of M. nanmu under the low-emission scenario (SSP1–2.6) showed an overall fluctuating trend, with an initial decline followed by a later expansion, resulting in an approximately 6.3% increase by the 2090s relative to the current period. In contrast, under the medium-emission scenario (SSP2–4.5), the highly suitable area also exhibited fluctuations but ultimately increased by approximately 3.9% by the 2090s. Centroid shift analysis further revealed an oscillatory east–west migration pattern of distribution centroids under SSP1–2.6, with a brief southwestward shift between the 2050s and 2070s, whereas under SSP2–4.5 the centroid trajectory was more complex: it first shifted westward and northward, then moved significantly southwestward, and finally turned eastward. These findings highlight the significant impacts of climate change on the suitable habitats of M. nanmu and provide a scientific basis for its conservation and sustainable management. Full article

To proactively identify performance anomaly evolution and potential operational risks of marine main engines and reserve a sufficient time window for maintenance intervention, this paper proposes a data-driven multi-algorithm fusion framework for performance evaluation and anomaly early warning of marine main engines. The framework first adopts a steady-state detection strategy to filter valid operating conditions and introduces the CLIQUE clustering algorithm to realize adaptive partitioning of high-dimensional operating parameters; comparative experiments with the classical K-means++ clustering algorithm demonstrate that CLIQUE achieves finer-grained operating condition classification without pre-defining the number of clusters and better adapts to the uneven distribution of actual marine engine operating conditions, which addresses the limitations of traditional single-parameter analysis and conventional dimensionality reduction methods in practical shipboard scenarios. On this basis, the Mahalanobis distance evaluation model is constructed under each partitioned operating condition, which further improves the stability and anti-interference performance of quantitative performance assessment for the main engine. Meanwhile, by integrating cumulative anomaly trend analysis and the Yamamoto mutation test, the framework accurately captures statistical mutation characteristics of the performance deviation trajectory and identifies the first mutation point as the retrospective candidate change point, forming a systematic anomaly detection mechanism. Validation using field measurement data from a 6RT-flex82T marine main engine shows that the proposed framework can comprehensively characterize the overall operating state of the main engine and capture long-term performance deviation evolution patterns. Retrospective analysis indicates that the first statistical mutation of the multivariate performance deviation precedes the significant abnormal fluctuation of a single parameter by approximately 20 days, showing the potential of providing a maintenance buffer period. The proposed method can provide technical reference and support for condition-based maintenance of marine main engines and intelligent operation and maintenance of shipboard power equipment. Full article

Farm-level yield models are commonly evaluated using random train–test partitions; however, spatial dependence among geographically related observations can lead to overly optimistic estimates of predictive performance and may not adequately reflect generalization to unseen locations. This study evaluated whether supervised machine-learning models could predict farm-level hard dry maize yield in previously unseen parishes of Manabí, Ecuador. The response variable was record-level maize yield, while predictors included survey-derived farm, crop, producer, management, socioeconomic, and digital-access characteristics. Climate-enhanced models additionally included crop-season cumulative precipitation, longest dry spell, mean 2 m air temperature, and mean upper-layer soil moisture. The analysis comprised 518 sole-crop hard dry maize records representing 433 producers in 45 parishes. Elastic Net, Random Forest, and histogram-based gradient boosting models were compared with a training-fold mean benchmark using nested cross-validation grouped by parish. The mean observed yield was 4.09 t ha⁻¹. The benchmark achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.534 t ha⁻¹, whereas the best survey-only and survey-plus-climate models achieved MAE values of 1.535 and 1.548 t ha⁻¹, respectively. For histogram-based gradient boosting, the estimated climate-related MAE reduction was −0.013 t ha⁻¹ (−0.85%; parish-cluster bootstrap 95% CI: −0.061 to 0.036). All model configurations produced negative pooled R² values. Random record-level validation yielded more favorable results, indicating potential spatial optimism. The findings do not imply that management practices or climate conditions are agronomically unimportant; rather, they indicate that the available survey data and parish-level climate variables were insufficient to support reliable yield prediction for individual crop records in previously unseen parishes. Full article

Ultrasonic bonding offers a promising alternative to traditional sewing and other plastic bonding techniques, with several potential advantages. This paper comprehensively analyzes ultrasonic bond characteristics in PVC-coated hybrid textiles, prevalent in awnings and camping tents. Untreated samples were used as controls to compare the effects of ultrasonic bonding on various characteristics. Developed experimental designs were applied using a 12 mm welding width in a lapped seam, with carefully selected parametric levels to achieve higher bond strength based on preliminary test results. Mechanical properties (tensile, cyclic, and tear strength, including thickness reduction) were thoroughly examined to assess ultrasonic bond seam efficiency. The analysis covered thermal, chemical, morphological, and weight loss aspects before and after ultrasonic welding. Results showed that the weld seam tensile efficiency ranged from 68.27% to 96.13%, indicating enhanced durability. Cyclic efficiency exceeded 95%, tear efficiency surpassed 70%, and both treated and untreated samples showed strengths above standard thresholds. Thermal findings indicated a 3% increase in crystallinity after ultrasonic treatment, enhancing thermal stability with lower weight loss and causing shifts in glass transition and melting temperatures. FTIR spectra revealed that ultrasonic bonding had no significant impact on the material’s chemical properties. Morphological analysis identified pre-existing microvoids, with no significant increase in their number and/or size following ultrasonic treatment. Overall, the study demonstrates the efficacy of ultrasonic welding in improving the mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of PVC-coated hybrid textiles, providing valuable insights for applications like awnings, camping tents, and roofing materials for short- and long-term use. Full article

Onshore power supply (OPS) can reduce emissions from auxiliary engines during port stays, but limited electrical capacity and investment resources require vessel prioritisation. This study develops the Index for the Prioritisation of Onshore Power Implementation (ILAPP) and applies it to ferry and Ro-Ro traffic at the Port of Algeciras. The dataset comprised 3901 valid calls by 27 vessels during two periods in 2026; 25 vessels were retained for energy, emissions and EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) modelling. ILAPP integrated six criteria: call frequency, navigation fuel consumption, cumulative berth time, net CO₂ reduction through OPS, gross tonnage and EU ETS exposure. Weights from a five-member expert panel were combined with objective CRITIC weights. A 60/40 expert–CRITIC configuration was selected after comparison with alternative hybrid schemes. Under the central scenario, OPS demand reached 18.32 GWh and yielded a net reduction of 11,370.11 tCO₂, equivalent to 77.5% of conventional at-berth emissions. Total modelled CO₂-related EU ETS allowance exposure for eligible vessels was approximately EUR 1.72 million, while displaced at-berth emissions represented EUR 0.74 million in potentially avoided allowance obligations. Kattegat ranked first, followed by Tanger Express, Villa de Agaete, Nápoles and Wasa Express. Temporal agreement was weak, although Kattegat remained first in both periods and in the aggregated sample. The results show that call frequency alone is insufficient and that correlated energy, environmental and regulatory criteria require balanced weighting. ILAPP provides a transparent vessel-level first-stage framework for identifying short-term and structural OPS priorities, while final investment decisions require additional technical, electrical and economic assessment. Full article

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aortic stiffness measured with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a validated predictor of CVD and has been shown to be elevated in PLWH at HIV diagnosis. Objectives: To prospectively evaluate the effect of 9 months of contemporary antiretroviral therapy (ART) on aortic stiffness in newly diagnosed PLWH. Methods: A group of ART-naïve PLWH with modest cardiovascular risk and without known CVD were recruited at the time of HIV diagnosis. Aortic stiffness was measured using carotid-femoral PWV (ViCorder, Skidmore Medical, UK) before ART initiation and after 9 months on treatment. Results: Seventy-three participants were analysed (mean age 32 ± 7 years; 45% female). PWV decreased significantly after 9 months of ART (5.93 ± 1.0 vs. 5.69 ± 1.0 m/s; p = 0.01) with increased aortic distensibility (0.36 [IQR 0.30 to 0.46] vs. 0.40 [IQR 0.34 to 0.50] mmHg⁻¹; p = 0.02). The reduction in PWV remained significant after adjustment for covariates (mean change −0.26 m/s; 95% CI −0.07 to −0.45; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Aortic stiffness improved in a group of newly diagnosed PLWH after ART initiation at 9 months, in keeping with a modifiable component of HIV-associated vascular dysfunction. The findings are consistent with reversible functional vascular abnormality, potentially mediated by changes in vasomotor tone, although it is unknown if this effect will be sustained long-term. The trajectory of aortic stiffness in PLWH and the mechanisms that underpin vasomotor tone require further study. Full article

As a traditional Tibetan medicine and health food, the fleshy roots of Sphallerocarpus gracilis were adopted to extract polyphenol powder(PP) in this research. Using a DSS-induced colitis mouse model combined with multi-omics analysis and experimental validation, we explored the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of PP against intestinal inflammation. PP mitigated colitis-related symptoms in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines and dose-dependently reversed elevated IL-10 levels to BC group. Multi-omics data revealed that PP intervention was associated with gut microbiota remodeling, enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila, restoration of bacterial–fungal homeostasis, and improvement of tryptophan and biotin metabolism. By suppressing HMGB1 and RAGE expression, PP blocked the AGE-RAGE-mediated inflammatory cascade. In addition, PP maintained intestinal mucosal integrity through goblet cell protection, MDA reduction, and the regulation of BAX/Bcl-2, MMP3 and MMP9. Overall, PP relieves UC by regulating gut microecology, host metabolism and the AGE-RAGE pathway, which supports the translational potential of natural polyphenols for inflammatory bowel disease treatment as a gut microecological modulator. Full article

Background: This study aims to develop an amyloid-beta-induced three-dimensional (3D) Alzheimer’s disease model using the Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) technique and rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) (rat pheochromocytoma) cells. Methods: Initially, optimization studies were performed to determine the appropriate paramagnetic agent concentration and cell number required for the formation of 3D cellular structures. The formation of these structures was monitored by light microscopy, and cell viability was evaluated using a live/dead assay. Filamentous actin (F-actin) expression was assessed by immunostaining. Subsequently, amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ1–42) aggregates were introduced into the 3D cellular structures to establish a 3D Alzheimer’s disease model. The 3D disease model was characterized by immunostaining of Choline Acetyltransferase (ChAT). Finally, the applicability of the developed model for therapeutic evaluation was demonstrated using curcumin as a representative neuroprotective compound. Results: The optimization studies successfully enabled the formation of 3D cellular structures using the magnetic levitation technique. Immunostaining analysis showed an increase in F-actin expression in 3D structures. Following the introduction of Aβ1–42 aggregates, a significant decline in cell viability was observed by day 21. ChAT immunostaining revealed a decrease in fluorescence intensity (F.I.) to 28% of the control level, corresponding to an approximately 72% reduction in ChAT expression. Curcumin treatment increased cell viability by 22%, 23%, and 13% on days 7, 15, and 21, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, the findings showed that the 3D Aβ 1–42 induced 3D Alzheimer’s disease model can provide a valuable experimental platform for investigating neurodegenerative diseases and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions. Full article

The potential of combining Clostridium butyricum (CB) and glucose oxidase (GOD) in poultry production remains to be systematically evaluated. This study evaluated the effects of dietary CB and GOD, supplied alone or in combination, on ileal antioxidant status, jejunal immune responses, gut epithelial barrier function, and cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) composition in broilers, with the aim of comparing their practical effects rather than investigating synergistic or interactive effects. A total of 192 1-day-old broilers (white-feathered) were randomly distributed among 4 experimental groups, each having 6 replicate pens of 8 chicks. The groups had comparable starting weights (43.53 ± 0.51 g) and an equal male-to-female ratio. The control diet (CON) contained no additives, whereas the other three diets were formulated with CB at an inclusion rate of 400 mg/kg, GOD at the same level, or a mixture of both (400 mg/kg each), corresponding to the CB, GOD, and MIX groups, respectively. This experiment spanned 42 days, comprising an early stage (from day 1 to day 21) and a later stage (from day 22 to day 42). At day 21, the GOD group exhibited a significant elevation in ileal SOD activity relative to the CON group (p < 0.05). Jejunal interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly decreased in the CB and MIX groups (p < 0.05), while the MIX group also showed a significant decrease in IL-2 and a significant increase in interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels (p < 0.05). The GOD and MIX groups showed a significant elevation of sIgA (p < 0.05), while the CB and GOD groups exhibited marked upregulation of Occludin mRNA (p < 0.05). Butyrate concentrations in the cecum were significantly higher in the CB group than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Likewise, acetate levels were elevated in the MIX group compared with CON (p < 0.05). At day 42, the MIX group exhibited a significant reduction in ileal MDA content compared with the control (p < 0.05). In the jejunum of the MIX group, IL-6 was significantly reduced and IL-10 was significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Additionally, ZO-1 mRNA expression was markedly upregulated in the same group (p < 0.05). Ileal GSH-Px activity was significantly higher only in the CB group (p < 0.05). Overall, combined supplementation with CB and GOD exerted beneficial effects on broiler antioxidant status, immune responses, intestinal barrier-related parameters, and cecal SCFA composition, although the magnitude of these effects varied among endpoints and sampling ages. Full article