Search Results (583)

This article designs and validates a P-Q-based shunt active power filter (SAPF) to mitigate voltage harmonics in EERSA’s 13.2 kV feeder 1500080T03. A CYMDIST feeder model, calibrated with field measurements, reveals worst-case voltage THD up to 9.48% due to legacy high-pressure sodium (HPS) street lighting. Co-simulation with a MATLAB/Simulink R2024b, controller guides the sizing of a 150 kVA SAPF at Substation 8. Simulations reduce peak THD at a representative node from 9.48% to 1.51%; replacing HPS with LEDs further improves efficiency while lowering distortion. The retrofit complies with IEEE Std 519-2022, enhances supply reliability, and yields an internal rate of return above 17%, indicating a technically and financially attractive solution for Latin American distribution networks. Full article

Selenium, a crucial trace element, has garnered significant attention in functional food development due to its effective conversion into organic forms. This study systematically investigated the selenium enrichment potential and metabolic regulation mechanisms of 50 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains from Xinjiang. Through sodium selenite tolerance tests, eight core strains with over 80% selenium enrichment were selected, with optimal enrichment conditions being a 37 °C temperature, 2% sodium chloride concentration, and pH of 6.0 in MRS medium. Functional tests demonstrated that selenium-enriched strains exhibited a significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity (demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities) and improved gastrointestinal fluid tolerance, with strain No.41 showing the most outstanding performance. Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) revealed nanoscale selenium (1.34 keV) on cell surfaces. Further characterization showed that 68.94% of selenium was incorporated into selenoproteins, 7.61% into nucleic acids, and 7.02% into polysaccharides. Integrated metabolomic and proteomic studies have shown that selenium reduces the content of L-cysteine primarily by replacing sulfur and competing for key sites in cysteine-S-conjugate-β-lyase, S-adenosyl-L-cysteine hydrolase, and homocysteine synthase, ultimately leading to the synthesis of selenocysteine and selenomethionine. A correlation analysis between differential metabolites and proteins revealed selenium’s significant impacts on the metabolic networks of LAB, antioxidant mechanisms, energy metabolism, and membrane stability. This research provides new insights for developing selenium-enriched probiotics for functional dairy products and health supplements. Full article

This study evaluated the potential of chicken by-products (hearts, gizzards, and skin) as functional raw materials for protein–fat emulsions to partially replace animal fat in pâtés. Five variants of pâté (PV1–PV5) were prepared, including a control without emulsion and four samples with increasing emulsion levels. Emulsions were formulated from chicken by-product mixtures and vegetable oil with potato starch, sodium bicarbonate, and salt to improve solubility and viscosity. The chemical composition of by-product mixtures varied with organ ratio: heart-rich mixtures supplied higher protein, supporting emulsion stability, whereas skin-rich mixtures contributed more fat for texture. Emulsion composition ranged from 6.6–8.1% protein, 19.1–28.4% fat, and 56.7–66.9% moisture. Functional properties depended on formulation balance: water-holding (58–67%), fat retention (70–83%), emulsifying capacity (50–62%), and stability (47–55%). Variant 5 achieved the most favorable combination of composition, stability, and viscosity. In pâtés, emulsion addition reduced protein and fat but increased ash and carbohydrate contents (p < 0.05), improving hydration and stability. Fat retention rose up to 83% and emulsion stability up to 62%. Drip loss declined markedly from 9.2% in the control to 3.6% in Variant 5, while yield stress decreased by 25%, producing softer, more spreadable products. Sensory evaluation favored emulsion-containing samples, with PV-5 scoring highest in texture and appearance. TBARS values rose with the amount of emulsion due to higher PUFA, but acid numbers increased more slowly, indicating reduced hydrolytic rancidity. Overall, pâté with 25% of emulsion offered the best balance of technological performance, sensory quality, and lipid stability, highlighting chicken by-products as sustainable emulsifiers in pâté production. Full article

Producing solid biofuels with high calorific value and high storage stability under limited energy consumption has become a crucial focus in the global energy field. Low temperature torrefaction below 300 °C is a common method for producing solid biofuels. However, this approach limits the carbon content and higher heating value (HHV) of the resulting biochar. Sodium percarbonate is a solid oxidant that can assist in the pyrolysis of organic molecules during the torrefaction to increase carbon content of biochar. Incorporating sodium percarbonate as a strategic additive presents a viable means to address the constraints associated with the torrefaction technologies. This study blended sodium percarbonate with spent coffee grounds (SCGs) to prepare torrefied SCG solid biofuels with high calorific value and high carbon content. Based on the Taguchi method with L9 orthogonal arrays, torrefaction temperature is identified as the most influential factor affecting higher heating value (HHV). Results from FTIR, water activity, hygroscopicity, and mold observation confirmed that torrefied SCGs blended with 0.5 wt% sodium percarbonate (0.5TSSCG) exhibited good storage stability. They were not prone to mold growth under ambient temperature and pressure. 0.5TSSCG with a carbon content of 61.88 wt% exhibited a maximum HHV of 29.42 MJ∙kg⁻¹. These findings indicate that sodium percarbonate contributes to increasing the carbon content and HHV of torrefied SCGs, enabling partial replacement of traditional coal consumption. Full article

Hemodynamic management is extremely important in cardiac patients undergoing surgery. Traditionally, the approach towards hemodynamic stabilization included the control of both mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cardiac output (CO) using Sodium Nitroprusside and Dopamine. More efficient and safer drugs have been introduced, such as Norepinephrine. The focus of this manuscript is to provide some preliminary results regarding the closed loop control of MAP using Norepinephrine. However, to design a dedicated control system, a mathematical model describing the effect of Norepinephrine on mean arterial pressure is required. Only a handful of papers describe a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model. In this paper, a simplified model suitable for designing a controller is determined based on PK-PD insights and existing clinical data. Existing closed loop controllers are based on the simple proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, with limited robustness to patient variability. In this paper, two advanced control strategies are proposed to replace PID. The closed loop simulation results include reference tracking and disturbance rejection and show the efficiency and robustness of the proposed control algorithms. The preliminary results set the background for further research in this area. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requires renal replacement therapy, commonly hemodialysis (HD). This treatment necessitates dietary changes due to impaired excretory function and protein-energy wasting (PEW). A structured diet with adequate energy, protein, electrolytes, and fluids is essential. The aim was to characterize habitual dietary intake in adults on HD relative to KDOQI and ESPEN recommendations. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 adults on maintenance HD at the Medical University of Warsaw completed a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (55 items, nine frequency categories). The study was questionnaire-based and did not collect, link, or analyze dialysis efficacy indices, residual diuresis, or anthropometric measurements; all dietary estimates are independent of these clinical parameters. Estimated intakes of energy, macronutrients, fiber, electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, P), and fluids were compared with KDOQI 2020 and ESPEN 2021 recommendations. Sensitivity analyses included deterministic scenarios and Monte Carlo simulations. Results: Mean intakes were 2696.9 ± 1392.7 kcal and 87.7 ± 35.3 g protein; 64% and 82% met reference values. Sensitivity analyses revealed per-kg shortfalls in heavier patients (>75 kg): Monte Carlo medians were 37.8 kcal/kg/day and 1.28 g/kg/day. Diets were fat-dominant (~46%E), with low carbohydrates (~40%E) and low fiber, about 8 g per 1000 kcal. Sodium and phosphorus were elevated, about 1119 mg and 498 mg per 1000 kcal, while calcium was low (~346 mg/1000 kcal). Conclusions: Despite adequate mean intake, sensitivity analyses revealed per-kg energy/protein deficits and elevated sodium and phosphorus. Individualized counseling with electrolyte and fluid management, greater dietary diversity, and psychosocial support is warranted in HD. Full article

Consumer demand for organic and nitrite-free meat products has stimulated the search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic curing agents. Conventional nitrites are effective in stabilizing color, inhibiting lipid oxidation, and suppressing pathogens, but their use raises health concerns due to potential nitrosamine formation. This study investigated the application of Portulaca oleracea powder as a multifunctional ingredient to fully replace sodium nitrite in organic cooked frankfurters. Two formulations were produced: control frankfurters with sodium nitrite and experimental frankfurters with purslane powder 1.2%. Physicochemical, oxidative, proteomic, and antioxidant parameters were monitored during refrigerated storage. Purslane incorporation improved the lipid profile by increasing α-linolenic acid and lowering the ω-6/ω-3 ratio, while peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and acid values remained significantly lower than in nitrite-containing controls after 10 days. Protein oxidation was also reduced, and SDS-PAGE profiles confirmed that the major structural muscle proteins remained stable, indicating that purslane addition did not disrupt the core proteome. Antioxidant assays showed strong ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity 13.7 mg GAE/g and enhanced 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity 22.3%, highlighting purslane’s contribution to oxidative stability. Although redness (a*) was lower than in nitrite controls, overall color stability (L*, b*) remained high. Taken together, purslane enhanced oxidative stability and quality attributes of nitrite-free organic frankfurters; microbiological validation is ongoing and will be reported separately. Full article

Background: Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown cardioprotective effects beyond glucose control. In aortic stenosis, SGLT2 expression is upregulated in myocardium and valve tissue, contributing to inflammation, oxidative stress, thrombogenicity, and calcification. SGLT2 inhibition may counteract these mechanisms, potentially reducing bioprosthetic valve failure after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), where the diseased native valve remains in place. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether SGLT2i use is associated with improved clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality and bioprosthetic valve failure, following TAVR. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX global health research network. Adults with non-rheumatic aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR were stratified by SGLT2i use. Propensity score matching (1:1) was applied to balance baseline characteristics (n = 2297 per group). Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and bioprosthetic valve failure during follow-up. Results: Before matching, SGLT2i users had more cardiovascular comorbidities. After matching, SGLT2i use was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71–0.97; p = 0.02) and bioprosthetic valve failure (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39–0.99; p = 0.04). Conclusions: In a large real-world cohort of TAVR recipients, SGLT2i use was independently associated with reduced mortality and lower risk of bioprosthetic valve failure. These findings support a potential disease-modifying role for SGLT2 inhibitors in this high-risk population and warrant further prospective investigation. Full article

Crumb rubber, obtained from discarded tires, presents a sustainable alternative in the construction industry, particularly in rubberized concrete. Treated crumb rubber offers improved mechanical performance; however, limited reports are available on its behavior at elevated temperatures. This study investigates the performance of rubberized concrete containing treated and untreated crumb rubber when exposed to elevated temperatures. The treatments employed are chemical (sodium hydroxide (NaOH)) and physical (cement coating) methods. M30-grade concrete was used as a control mix, and crumb rubber (CR) was added by replacing a portion of the fine aggregate. In order to mitigate the strength reduction, silica fume and polypropylene fibers were added. An optimal mix was determined using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array, by varying proportions of crumb rubber, silica fume (SF), and polypropylene (PP) fiber. The ideal mix contained 10% CR, 5% SF, and 0.2% PP fiber based on compressive strength. Specimens were cured for 28 days and exposed to temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C for 1 h. Mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity were evaluated, along with an ultrasonic pulse velocity test. The results indicate that treated crumb rubber enhances bonding, improving the mechanical and thermal performance of rubberized concrete under high temperature. Full article

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and severe complication in trauma patients, affecting up to 28% of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality, and long-term renal impairment. Trauma-related AKI (TRAKI) arises from diverse mechanisms, including hemorrhagic shock, ischemia–reperfusion injury, systemic inflammation, rhabdomyolysis, nephrotoxicity, and complex organ crosstalk involving the brain, lungs, and abdomen. Pathophysiologically, TRAKI involves early disruption of the glomerular filtration barrier, tubular epithelial injury, and renal microvascular dysfunction. Inflammatory cascades, oxidative stress, immune thrombosis, and maladaptive repair mechanisms mediate these injuries. Trauma-related rhabdomyolysis and exposure to contrast agents or nephrotoxic drugs further exacerbate renal stress, particularly in patients with pre-existing comorbidities. Traditional markers such as serum creatinine (sCr) are late indicators of kidney damage and lack specificity. Emerging structural and stress response biomarkers—such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), interleukin-18 (IL-18), C-C motif chemokine ligand 14 (CCL14), Dickkopf-3 (DKK3), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 × insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (TIMP-2 × IGFBP-7)—allow earlier detection of subclinical AKI and better predict progression and the need for renal replacement therapy. Together, functional indices like urinary sodium and fractional potassium excretion reflect early microcirculatory stress and add clinical value. In parallel, risk stratification tools, including the Renal Angina Index (RAI), the McMahon score, and the Haines model, enable the early identification of high-risk patients and help tailor nephroprotective strategies. Together, these biomarkers and risk models shift from passive AKI recognition to proactive, personalized management. A new paradigm that integrates biomarker-guided diagnostics and dynamic clinical scoring into trauma care promises to reduce AKI burden and improve renal outcomes in this critically ill population. Full article

As the demand for more efficient energy storage solutions grows, emerging battery chemistries are being developed to complement or potentially replace conventional lithium-ion technologies. This review explores the circular economy potential of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and aluminum (Al) battery systems as alternative post-lithium configurations. Through a comparative literature analysis, it identifies key barriers related to material complexity, recovery efficiency, and regulatory gaps, while highlighting opportunities for design improvements and policy alignment to enhance sustainability across battery life cycles. However, end-of-life (EoL) material recovery remains constrained by complex chemistries, low technology readiness levels, and fragmented regulatory frameworks. Embedding materials/battery design principles, transparent life cycle assessment (LCA) data (e.g., publishing LCAs in open repositories using a standard functional unit), and harmonized policy early could close material loops and transform the rising post-lithium battery stream into a circular-economy resource rather than a waste burden. Full article

Mining activities generate huge volumes of mine tailings (MTs), which pose huge environmental management challenges. Reuse as cemented paste backfill (CPB), a mixture of tailings with water and a binder—often cementitious or alkaline—is amongst the best methods to reduce surface disposal, and it is used to backfill underground mine voids. Although the most widely used binder in CPB production remains Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), it is associated with a high carbon footprint and a high economic cost. In this study, both the economic feasibility and the environmental performance of three alkaline activators—sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃), and a high MgCO₃ and MgO content calcined magnesite residue—are evaluated as OPC replacements in CPB products. A gate-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed at a CPB plant located in southwestern Spain with the use of tailings from a massive sulfide deposit. The results from the uniaxial compressive strength test and LCA demonstrate that paste formulations using the magnesite residue achieve comparable mechanical performance while significantly reducing both the environmental footprint and total cost relative to OPC-based mixtures. These results support the use of alkaline binders as viable substitutes that enable more sustainable and cost-effective tailings management practices in the mining sector. Full article

To enhance the utilization efficiency of coal gangue aggregate, coarse aggregates are chemically modified with 5% sodium silicate solution. The effects of this modification on the compressive strength and microstructural characteristics of concrete are systematically investigated through integrated macro-testing and micro-characterization. By evaluating the compressive performance of modified coal gangue concrete blocks, the optimal mix ratio of each strength grade of blocks is determined. Experimental results indicate that the apparent density, water absorption, and crushing index of the modified coal gangue coarse aggregate exhibit better mechanical properties than the control group. The modified coal gangue coarse aggregate demonstrates improved mechanical performance, with the compressive strength of 28-day concrete showing a 15.3% increase relative to the control group. Furthermore, using a sodium silicate solution effectively enhances the interface transition zone’s performance between coal gangue coarse aggregate and cement mortar, improving the compactness of this interface. The modified coal gangue concrete blocks exhibit higher compressive strength than the original material. When the substitution rate remains constant, the compressive strength of modified coal gangue concrete decreases with increasing water–cement ratio. Similarly, at a constant water–binder ratio, compressive strength decreases with higher modified gangue aggregate replacement. Finally, compressive tests are conducted on masonry constructed with hollow blocks of strength grades MU7.5, MU10, and MU15. Then, a calculation model for the average compressive strength of modified coal gangue concrete hollow block masonry is proposed, providing theoretical support for its engineering application. Full article

Background: [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTATOC is widely used in PET imaging of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) due to its high affinity for somatostatin receptors. Given the short physical half-life of gallium-68 (~68 min), rapid, reproducible, and GMP-compliant synthesis is essential for clinical application. Methods: An optimized cassette-based automated synthesis protocol was developed using a commercial cassette. Improvements included direct generator elution into the reactor without pre-purification, use of a SepPak^® C18 Plus Light cartridge for purification, replacement of HEPES with 0.3 M sodium acetate buffer (final pH ~3.8), and implementation of a non-vented sterile filter enabling automated pressure-hold integrity testing. Results: Across all batches, the synthesis yielded [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTATOC with high radiochemical purity (> 97%) and reproducible decay-corrected radiochemical yields up to 88.3 ± 0.6%. Total synthesis time was approximately 13 min. The final product remained stable for at least 3 h post-synthesis. The use of acetate buffer eliminated the need for HEPES-specific testing, streamlining the workflow. Automated filter testing improved GMP-compliant documentation and reduced radiation exposure for personnel. Conclusions: This optimized, cassette-based synthesis protocol enables fast, high-yield, and GMP-compliant production of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTATOC. It supports clinical theranostic workflows by ensuring product quality, process standardization, and regulatory compliance. Full article

This paper presents an assessment of the impact of maintenance of a road lighting luminaire with a high-pressure sodium lamp and an LED luminaire on the lighting parameters on the road and the energy efficiency of the entire road lighting installation. Improper maintenance of road lighting installations, especially of luminaires, can significantly worsen road traffic safety. In addition, after performing maintenance activities, e.g., after replacing a lamp in the luminaire, the energy consumption of the road lighting installation can increase. Both active and reactive energy can increase. Using the examples of a road luminaire with a high-pressure sodium lamp and an LED luminaire, it was shown that such a phenomenon can occur. An assessment of maintenance in terms of energy performance indicators was performed for the luminaire using the indicators described in the lightning standard and those proposed by the authors of this paper. This approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of maintenance on energy performance indicators—energy efficiency. Full article