Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (746)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = targeted temperature management

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
58 pages, 2345 KB  
Review
Overview of Thermal Management System for Hydrogen-Fueled Aero-Engines Driven by Energy Conservation and Digital Intelligence
by Yiqiao Li, Jing Huang, Yang Xiao, Shanlin Liu, Yifei Chen, Luyuan Gong, Yali Guo and Shengqiang Shen
Machines 2026, 14(7), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines14070749 - 2 Jul 2026
Viewed by 79
Abstract
Under the background of the green transformation and energy conservation in the aviation field, hydrogen-fueled aero-engines are the primary direction for achieving sustainable aviation power development. However, the unique thermophysical properties of hydrogen fuel induce extreme thermal load challenges to engine thermal management. [...] Read more.
Under the background of the green transformation and energy conservation in the aviation field, hydrogen-fueled aero-engines are the primary direction for achieving sustainable aviation power development. However, the unique thermophysical properties of hydrogen fuel induce extreme thermal load challenges to engine thermal management. Based on the requirements of energy conservation and digital-intelligent technologies, this paper reviewed the recent research progress, important challenges, and future development directions in the thermal management field for hydrogen-fueled aero-engines, and filled the gaps in existing related reviews. (1) As for the liquid hydrogen thermal properties and thermal management requirements, the unique thermal physical properties of liquid hydrogen can easily cause fluctuations in heat load, large temperature differences, and material compatibility issues such as hydrogen embrittlement during storage, transportation, and combustion. The application of thermal barrier coatings, the design of targeted cooling structures, and the regulation of heat loss in the pipeline of the hydrogen supply system require particular attention. (2) As for the technical architecture and optimization of thermal management, the optimization of the high-pressure side manifolds in the cooled cooling air heat exchanger increases the flow uniformity by 18.8% and reduces the weight by 22.5%. The intercooled recuperated engine with the optimum area ratio reduces specific fuel consumption by 5.3% compared to the baseline engine in cruise. However, the system-level optimization research of the above widely recognized solutions is relatively limited in terms of coordinating the energy flow of engines. The baseline engine employed the method of system integration optimization to achieve a 2.99% increase in thrust and a 6.78% reduction in fuel consumption. (3) As for the thermal management modeling and simulation, the intelligent optimization method based on computational fluid dynamics reduces the pressure loss coefficient of the vane-integrated heat exchanger by 36%. Nevertheless, the multiphysics coupling model confronts a contradiction between computational cost and accuracy. (4) As for the comprehensive evaluation method, the advanced configuration of the hydrogen-fueled aero-engine can approximately reduce specific fuel consumption by 68.5% and NOx emission by 12.7% under the same maximum thrust condition. The hydrogen consumption of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells system model compared with the baseline system, optimized by the multi-objective optimization algorithm, has decreased by 15%, while the thermal uniformity has improved by 20–30%. However, the current evaluation system mostly focuses on a single dimension, lacking the analysis of nonlinear coupling among multiple factors and a closed-loop mechanism for evaluation, optimization, and verification. Future research should focus on the matching model of liquid hydrogen’s thermophysical properties and full flight conditions, global multi-energy flows optimization methods, multidimensional collaborative numerical simulation, multiphysics coupling models, and multidimensional comprehensive evaluation systems, to provide closed-loop theoretical support for the efficient, intelligent, and reliable thermal management system for hydrogen-fueled aero-engines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Tools for Precision Machining: Design, Control and Prospects)
26 pages, 23307 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Modeling and Uncertainty Quantification of Reference Evapotranspiration Using Machine Learning and Bayesian Model Averaging in Benin
by Bienvenue Christela Finounou Mizele, Modeste Meliho, Vinasetan Ratheil Houndji, Semevo Arnaud R. M. Ahouandjinou and Collins A. Orlando
Geomatics 2026, 6(4), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics6040073 - 2 Jul 2026
Viewed by 83
Abstract
Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) represents the atmospheric demand for water from a well-watered vegetated surface and is a key component of the hydrological cycle and agricultural water management. This study evaluated the performance of seven machine learning (ML) models: linear regression (LR), [...] Read more.
Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) represents the atmospheric demand for water from a well-watered vegetated surface and is a key component of the hydrological cycle and agricultural water management. This study evaluated the performance of seven machine learning (ML) models: linear regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Decision Trees (DT), and Cubist, for predicting monthly FAO-56 Penman–Monteith ET0 in Benin. The target variable was calculated from data collected at six synoptic stations over the 2017–2021 period. Ten remote-sensing and topographic predictors were used: MODIS Land Surface Temperature (LST), six Sentinel-2 optical vegetation indices (NDVI, EVI, NDMI, NDWI, MSI, NDRE), elevation, and cyclic month encoding. Models were trained on the 2017–2019 period and evaluated on an independent temporal test set (2020–2021). All models showed positive predictive performance, with the BMA ensemble achieving the highest accuracy (RMSE = 7.0% of mean ET0, R2 = 0.802), followed by Cubist (RMSE = 7.3%, R2 = 0.787) and DT (RMSE = 7.5%, R2 = 0.776). The seven models were combined via Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) with posterior weights estimated by the EM algorithm to produce 1 km monthly ET0 maps for Benin for 2025. BMA-derived inter-model standard deviation provided spatially explicit uncertainty estimates, revealing that prediction uncertainty is greatest in the northern Sudanian zone during the dry season. The ET0 target variable was constructed as a hybrid product combining station temperature observations with solar radiation, wind speed, and vapor pressure deficit extracted from the TerraClimate gridded reanalysis dataset; this methodological choice is discussed as a study limitation. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

32 pages, 4063 KB  
Article
Indoor Environmental Air Quality Assessment of University Workspaces in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
by Sara Al Darras, Rami Elhadi, Maha Abu Mahfoud, Lucy Semerjian, Nada Jaradat and Khaled Abass
Atmosphere 2026, 17(7), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos17070664 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 135
Abstract
This study investigated indoor environmental air quality (IEAQ) across university workspaces at a higher education institution in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), assessing environmental conditions that may influence occupant health, the surrounding environment, and sustainability. Physical parameters (temperature, relative humidity, noise, and illuminance), [...] Read more.
This study investigated indoor environmental air quality (IEAQ) across university workspaces at a higher education institution in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), assessing environmental conditions that may influence occupant health, the surrounding environment, and sustainability. Physical parameters (temperature, relative humidity, noise, and illuminance), chemical parameters (indoor gases and particulate matter), and biological contaminants (airborne bacteria and fungi) were measured in semi-occupied indoor environments with a total of 68 random samples collected and analyzed. Perceived heat discomfort and environmental variability were assessed using the Thom Discomfort Index (TDI), Humidex Index, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, and one-sample t-tests. Average measurements of relative humidity, temperature, noise, and illuminance were 60.7%, 21.6 °C, 57.5 dB, and 440 lux, respectively. Average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, CO, and CO2 were 1223 ppm, 104 ppm, 1 ppm, and 623 ppm, respectively. Microbial contamination was generally insignificant across most investigated workspaces. While most measured parameters remained within recommended threshold limit values (TLVs), elevated levels of noise, illuminance, and particulate matter were observed in selected workspaces. These findings demonstrate that university indoor environments generally maintain acceptable air quality conditions; however, targeted interventions, including improved HVAC maintenance and indoor pollutant management, are required to enhance sustainable university indoor environments and optimize occupant comfort. Full article
17 pages, 10125 KB  
Article
Occurrence, Source Apportionment and Health Risk Potential of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Urban Soils from Thessaloniki City (Northern Greece): A Case Study
by Anna Bourliva, Evangelia E. Golia, Evangelos Bakeas, Konstantinos Koukoulakis and Ioannis Papadopoulos
Toxics 2026, 14(7), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14070582 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Urban soils act as sinks for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) indicating the intensity of the anthropogenic load, while potential environmental and human health concerns may arise. In the present study, the concentrations, spatial distribution, source apportionment and potential health risks of 16 priority [...] Read more.
Urban soils act as sinks for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) indicating the intensity of the anthropogenic load, while potential environmental and human health concerns may arise. In the present study, the concentrations, spatial distribution, source apportionment and potential health risks of 16 priority PAHs were investigated in urban soils from the city of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Surface soil samples were collected from 19 locations characterized by different land uses and traffic conditions. The total levels of the 16 PAHs exhibited substantial variability, with a range of 14.09–1565.4 μg kg−1, reflecting heterogeneous contamination patterns across the city. PAH profiles were dominated by high-molecular-weight compounds (4–6 rings) accounting for over 80% of the total PAHs. Diagnostic molecular ratios highlighted pyrogenic sources, verifying that high-temperature combustion processes dominated the PAH inputs in the urban soils from Thessaloniki city. The factor score plot made prominent the presence of localized contamination hotspots in areas characterized by intense and continuous traffic activity, spotlighting vehicular traffic emissions and transport-related activities as primary sources of PAHs in the study area. Carcinogenic risk assessment based on the BaP-EQ approach indicated acceptable risk levels for most of the sampled soils, although limited localized hotspots with elevated carcinogenic risk were identified. This study provides important baseline information for understanding PAH contamination in urban environments and supports the development of targeted pollution mitigation and environmental management strategies. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 11147 KB  
Article
Decoding Elevation-Mediated Wildfire Regimes in Mountain Forest Landscapes Using Hybrid Machine Learning
by Lehan Ma, Ruiheng Huang, Qiulin Liao, Changlin Li, Sheng Chen, Dapeng Li, Weiwei Wang, Hui Qiu, Tian Dou, Xiaoyuan Wu, Yuchi Cao, Jiaao Chen, Peng Xiao, Yi Tang, Yueyuan Huang and Shouyun Shen
Forests 2026, 17(7), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17070775 - 30 Jun 2026
Viewed by 86
Abstract
Wildfire regimes in mountain forest landscapes are shaped by complex interactions among topography, climate, vegetation, and human activity. However, predicting and interpreting fire occurrence in topographically heterogeneous regions remains challenging because fire–environment relationships vary strongly across elevation gradients and temporal scales. This study [...] Read more.
Wildfire regimes in mountain forest landscapes are shaped by complex interactions among topography, climate, vegetation, and human activity. However, predicting and interpreting fire occurrence in topographically heterogeneous regions remains challenging because fire–environment relationships vary strongly across elevation gradients and temporal scales. This study developed a hybrid machine-learning framework integrating an Information Value Model (IVM), Random Forest (RF), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to decode elevation-mediated wildfire regimes in western Sichuan, China, a mountainous forest region characterized by strong vertical environmental gradients and high ecological conservation value. Multi-source datasets, including Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) burned-area records, topographic variables, monthly meteorological data, vegetation indices, land-cover information, and human-accessibility proxies, were integrated at a 500 m spatial resolution. Environmentally comparable non-fire samples were generated from unburned vegetated pixels, and model training, RF-based feature selection, hyperparameter tuning using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and performance evaluation were conducted within a nested spatial block cross-validation framework. The model produced continuous wildfire occurrence probabilities and showed strong discriminatory performance under the adopted validation protocol, with AUC values exceeding 0.95 across temporal datasets and low probability-error metrics. RF importance and correlation analyses identified mean temperature, elevation, and precipitation as the dominant predictors of wildfire probability. Spatial analyses revealed pronounced elevation-mediated differentiation in wildfire regimes: low-elevation valleys showed higher fire probability and stronger associations with human-accessibility proxies, whereas high-elevation plateau areas exhibited lower and more scattered fire patterns associated with climatic constraints. Seasonal and monthly analyses further showed that winter and spring fires dominated the regional fire regime, with risk intensifying during the pre-monsoon dry period. By combining probabilistic fire-risk mapping, spatial-context learning, and elevation-gradient interpretation, this study provides a transferable framework for understanding wildfire regimes in complex mountain forest landscapes. The findings support adaptive forest fire management, targeted monitoring, and risk zoning in mountainous regions where forest ecosystems, human activities, and conservation values intersect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards and Risk Management)
30 pages, 2189 KB  
Article
Exploring the Spatial Heterogeneity and Driving Mechanisms of Vegetation NPP Change in the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2024
by Yadi Li, Bowen Li, Jiachen Liu, Congshuo Bai, Le Yin, Meizhen Bi and Baolei Zhang
Land 2026, 15(7), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15071177 - 30 Jun 2026
Viewed by 104
Abstract
Net primary productivity (NPP) is a key indicator of the carbon sequestration capacity of terrestrial ecosystems, and its dynamics are jointly influenced by climate change and human activities. However, quantitatively disentangling their respective contributions and clarifying their non-linear interactions remains challenging. In this [...] Read more.
Net primary productivity (NPP) is a key indicator of the carbon sequestration capacity of terrestrial ecosystems, and its dynamics are jointly influenced by climate change and human activities. However, quantitatively disentangling their respective contributions and clarifying their non-linear interactions remains challenging. In this study, remote sensing, meteorological, and anthropogenic data were integrated to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation NPP in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) from 2000 to 2024. Six scenarios were constructed to quantify the relative contributions of climate change and human activities. Furthermore, an XGBoost-SHAP framework was employed to elucidate the underlying non-linear driving mechanisms. The results indicate that vegetation NPP exhibited a significant increasing trend over the study period, with a rapid recovery phase after 2012 and a peak in 2024 (351.75 gC·m−2·a−1), representing a 71.43% increase compared with the baseline period. Spatially, the upper reaches were primarily climate-driven (58.74%), the middle reaches showed a strong synergistic effect between climate and human factors (97.41%), while the lower reaches were dominated by human activities (73.02%). The XGBoost-SHAP analysis identifies land surface temperature (LST) as the primary moderator of carbon sequestration across river basins (mean SHAP > 12.0). The driving mechanisms exhibit a clear longitudinal shift, transitioning from a heat-dominated regime in the upper reaches to a complex interplay of precipitation and intense urbanization in the middle and lower reaches. These non-linear interactions reveal critical feedback loops between natural hydrological constraints and urban expansion pressures. These findings clarify the drivers of regional carbon sequestration, providing a scientific basis for targeted ecological management and carbon neutrality strategies in the YRB. Full article
16 pages, 4928 KB  
Article
Ecological Risk Assessment of Ammonia Nitrogen in China’s Surface Water: Implications for Environmental Management from Concentration-Risk Misalignment
by Yue Lu, Yizhang Zhang, Guanglei Zhao, Huiling Zhang and Zhenguang Yan
Toxics 2026, 14(7), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14070576 - 30 Jun 2026
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) is a ubiquitous and critical pollutant in global surface waters. In China, regulatory oversight largely relies on static standard limits, often overlooking the influence of environmental factors on ammonia toxicity. Based on large-scale monitoring data from seven major river [...] Read more.
Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) is a ubiquitous and critical pollutant in global surface waters. In China, regulatory oversight largely relies on static standard limits, often overlooking the influence of environmental factors on ammonia toxicity. Based on large-scale monitoring data from seven major river basins across China from 2021 to 2024, this study employed pH- and temperature-dependent Local Water Quality Criteria (LWQC) to identify the spatiotemporal decoupling between TAN concentrations and Risk Quotients (RQs). The results reveal a “double-peak” seasonal pattern in TAN concentrations nationwide, namely a primary peak in winter (December to February) and a secondary peak in summer (June to August), driven by low flow during the dry season and rainfall-induced non-point source runoff, respectively. Crucially, the study confirms a significant “concentration-risk paradox”: while TAN concentrations are highest in winter, ecological risk remains at an annual low due to the protective effect of low temperatures on toxicity. Conversely, despite lower total concentrations in summer, high temperatures and elevated pH trigger a sharp decline in LWQC and a surge in the proportion of highly toxic un-ionized ammonia (NH3), marking summer as the peak period for ecological risk. Comparative analysis indicates that approximately 61.43% of river sections meeting the current Grade III water quality standards remain in a high-risk state. This underscores the inadequacy of static standards in providing sufficient protection during sensitive seasons. We suggest that water environmental management should shift from “concentration-based compliance” to “risk-based management,” implementing differentiated TAN control strategies specifically targeting the sensitive summer window. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

42 pages, 9170 KB  
Review
Advanced Characterization of Biphasic Ceramic Tritium Breeder Pebbles for Fusion Energy
by Viktor Dolin, Rosa Lo Frano, Antonio Bulgheroni and Salvatore A. Cancemi
Eng 2026, 7(7), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7070316 - 30 Jun 2026
Viewed by 226
Abstract
Tritium breeding blanket is a key component of future fusion power plants, and its performance depends on the selection, fabrication, and qualification of lithium-based ceramic material. Among the proposed lithium ceramics materials, the main candidates for ceramic breeders are lithium orthosilicate (Li4 [...] Read more.
Tritium breeding blanket is a key component of future fusion power plants, and its performance depends on the selection, fabrication, and qualification of lithium-based ceramic material. Among the proposed lithium ceramics materials, the main candidates for ceramic breeders are lithium orthosilicate (Li4SiO4) and lithium metatitanate (Li2TiO3). These advanced ceramics and their biphasic composites are the leading candidates due to their high lithium density, favorable tritium breeding ratio (TBR ≈ 1.15–1.25 with Be12Ti multiplier and 90% 6Li enrichment), and robust thermo-mechanical behavior within the 200–900 °C operational window of helium-cooled pebble bed (HCPB) blankets. This review provides an engineering-oriented assessment covering fabrication routes (solid-state, hydrothermal, melt-based, drip casting, powder injection molding, microwave sintering, and digital light processing additive manufacturing); microstructure–property relationships and performance under neutron irradiation; and tritium generation, retention, and release as functions of chemical composition, defect structure, and operating temperature. Induced radioactivity of Li-based ceramics and key impurity elements is quantified using activation formalisms applied to WWR-K reactor conditions, providing guidance for raw-material selection and waste-management assessment. Authors’ original contributions include (i) an empirical model of pebble crush load vs. biphasic composition (R2 > 0.99); (ii) two universal semi-empirical kinetic models (exponential growth and non-linear strength degradation, R2 = 0.97–0.99) for nine structural and mechanical parameters of Li2TiO3 under He2+ and H+ irradiation; (iii) a consolidated table of Arrhenius tritium diffusion parameters from reactor experiments and DFT; and (iv) an induced radioactivity calculation for the biphasic system with two-exponential post-irradiation decay analysis. The review identifies biphasic Li4SiO4–Li2TiO3 composites with ~30 ± 5 mol.% Li2TiO3 as particularly promising and formulates specific data gaps and modeling needs for the reliable deployment of ceramic breeder pebbles in helium-cooled fusion blanket systems. It should be specifically noted that Li4SiO4 pebbles fabricated via the melt method, as an example, typically exhibit exceptionally high densities, generally exceeding 90% of the theoretical density (TD). Building on the calculation of induced radioactivity, it is crucial to consider the microstructural distribution of highly radioactive nuclides (e.g., Co, Mn) within the ceramic matrix. If these impurities segregate at grain boundaries rather than being homogeneously distributed, there is a potential pathway to develop targeted wet-chemical methods, such as selective acid leaching, to remove these impurities post-irradiation, thereby lowering the waste disposal classification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Engineering)
Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 3270 KB  
Article
Topology Design, Multi-Objective Optimization, and Dynamic Performance Evaluation of a PCM-Buffered SOFC-MGT Hybrid Powertrain for Heavy-Duty Trucks
by Saeed Shirazi, Majid Ghassemi and Mahmoud Chizari
Vehicles 2026, 8(7), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/vehicles8070144 - 27 Jun 2026
Viewed by 125
Abstract
Decarbonizing heavy-duty logistics requires powertrains that integrate novel topology design, degradation-aware optimization, and robust dynamic performance under real-world operational loads. While solid oxide fuel cells offer high efficiency, their application in transportation is hindered by thermal fatigue. This study proposes a novel hybrid [...] Read more.
Decarbonizing heavy-duty logistics requires powertrains that integrate novel topology design, degradation-aware optimization, and robust dynamic performance under real-world operational loads. While solid oxide fuel cells offer high efficiency, their application in transportation is hindered by thermal fatigue. This study proposes a novel hybrid powertrain topology integrating a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), a micro gas turbine (MGT), and an aluminum–silicon phase change material (PCM) thermal buffer. A high-fidelity dynamic model is developed and coupled with a multi-objective optimization framework to size the PCM buffer and battery pack, balancing capital expenditure and system lifetime. Furthermore, a degradation-aware energy management strategy based on a thermal state-of-charge metric is introduced. Simulations over a 10 h dynamic drive cycle indicate that the optimal configuration (120 kg PCM, 80 kWh battery) extends the SOFC’s simulated remaining useful life to 38,400 h, a 2.5-fold improvement over unbuffered systems. Concurrently, the proposed energy management strategy reduces the MGT mechanical wear index by 98% compared to conventional load-following strategies. The system demonstrates robust performance across ambient temperatures from −20 °C to +45 °C and achieves a 22% reduction in projected capital expenditure compared to standard proton exchange membrane fuel cell powertrains. This topology offers a highly durable and economically viable pathway for next-generation zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. This work addresses a critical gap in the literature: the lack of integrated thermal buffering and degradation-aware control strategies for high-temperature fuel cell systems in dynamic vehicular applications. By coupling a physical latent heat buffer with a novel Thermal-SOC-proportional Energy Management Strategy, the proposed architecture directly targets the primary degradation mechanisms that have historically impeded SOFC commercialization in heavy-duty transport. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Vehicle Powertrain Control and Energy Management Strategies)
22 pages, 1869 KB  
Article
Selective Lithium Recovery from Ni-Based Li-Ion Batteries via Sucrose-Assisted Reductive Roasting
by Martin Jantson, Rasmus Teppo and Kerli Liivand
Recycling 2026, 11(7), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling11070114 - 25 Jun 2026
Viewed by 224
Abstract
The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) raises concerns about the security of critical raw material supply and the management of hazardous waste. Efficient recycling can alleviate these issues by transforming spent batteries into high-value secondary materials for the circular economy. Industrial recycling [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) raises concerns about the security of critical raw material supply and the management of hazardous waste. Efficient recycling can alleviate these issues by transforming spent batteries into high-value secondary materials for the circular economy. Industrial recycling has traditionally focused on the recovery of nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), whereas lithium (Li) recovery has often been sidelined due to technical complexities and fluctuating economic incentives. To meet the European Union (EU) Batteries Regulation target of 80% lithium recovery by the end of 2031, technically effective and economically viable lithium recovery strategies are required. This study investigates the use of food-grade sucrose as an organic reductant for the targeted recovery of lithium from NMC622 and NCA battery materials. The process combines sucrose-assisted reductive roasting with selective water leaching. The effects of roasting temperature, holding time, sucrose dosage, and heating rate were systematically evaluated and optimised. Under the best conditions of 600 °C, 15 min, 15 wt% sucrose, and a heating rate of 20 °C/min, lithium leaching efficiencies of 93.2% and 87.6% were achieved for separated NMC622 cathode material and NMC622-derived black mass, respectively. The method was also applicable to NCA-based black mass, reaching 83.7% lithium recovery under the same conditions. Mechanistic analysis revealed that lithium release was strongly controlled by the extent of transition metal reduction. Cobalt was fully reduced to its metallic state under all tested conditions. However, maximum lithium recovery required nickel to be reduced to metallic Ni and manganese-containing phases to be converted to MnO. The sucrose-assisted roasting process was rapid and holding times longer than 15 min decreased lithium recovery. This decrease was caused by the formation of poorly soluble lithium-containing phases, such as LiF and Li3PO4. F composition analysis showed the black mass (1.06 wt%) and anode fractions (2.26 wt%) to contain significantly more F than the cathode fraction (0.46 wt%), hence leading to the 5% Li leaching efficiency difference between cathode and black mass fractions under most conditions tested. Overall, these results demonstrate that sucrose-assisted reductive roasting, followed by selective water leaching, provides a rapid and effective route for high-efficiency lithium recovery from NMC- and NCA-based battery materials. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 953 KB  
Article
Refined THI Models for Evaluating the Effects of Heat Stress on Egg Production in Thai Native and Black-Boned Chickens
by Doungnapa Promket, Khanitta Pengmeesri, Vibuntita Chankitisakul and Wuttigrai Boonkum
Animals 2026, 16(13), 1966; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16131966 - 25 Jun 2026
Viewed by 190
Abstract
Heat stress is a major constraint on poultry productivity in tropical environments, where persistent high temperature and humidity intensify its negative effects on production traits. In this study, we quantified the relationship between thermal load and monthly egg production in black-boned and Thai [...] Read more.
Heat stress is a major constraint on poultry productivity in tropical environments, where persistent high temperature and humidity intensify its negative effects on production traits. In this study, we quantified the relationship between thermal load and monthly egg production in black-boned and Thai native chickens and developed a refined temperature–humidity index intended to improve the assessment of heat stress under tropical conditions. A large dataset comprising 136,816 monthly egg production records from 11,530 birds was analyzed using regression models and seven THI equations. The results confirmed that heat stress significantly reduces monthly egg production, while conventional indices showed only moderate explanatory power. In contrast, the refined index consistently improved model performance, providing modest improvements in model fit compared with the original formulation. Notably, genotype-specific responses were identified, with Thai native chickens exhibiting greater tolerance to elevated thermal conditions. Distinct heat stress thresholds were also established, with values of 72 for black-boned and 74 for Thai native chickens. These findings highlight the environmentally sensitive nature of monthly egg production traits and demonstrate that targeted refinement of thermal indices enhances the detection of heat stress effects. This study provides a practical framework for integrating environmental indicators into management and breeding strategies aimed at improving thermal resilience in poultry systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heat Stress Management in Poultry)
15 pages, 1334 KB  
Article
Predicting the Potential Habitat Distribution of Scomber japonicus in the High Seas of the Northwest Pacific Ocean Using MaxEnt and GARP Models
by Zechen Zhu and Bilin Liu
Fishes 2026, 11(7), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11070381 - 25 Jun 2026
Viewed by 229
Abstract
Accurate prediction of the potential habitat distribution of Scomber japonicus, an important target species in China’s distant-water fisheries, is essential for fishing ground forecasting. Using catch data for S. japonicus collected from Chinese large-scale purse-seine and trawl fisheries in the Northwest Pacific [...] Read more.
Accurate prediction of the potential habitat distribution of Scomber japonicus, an important target species in China’s distant-water fisheries, is essential for fishing ground forecasting. Using catch data for S. japonicus collected from Chinese large-scale purse-seine and trawl fisheries in the Northwest Pacific Ocean from May to November during 2015–2024, this study applied the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) and the genetic algorithm for rule-set production (GARP) model to predict the potential habitat distribution of S. japonicus in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the true skill statistic (TSS) were used to evaluate model performance. The MaxEnt model predicted a relatively concentrated highly suitable habitat, whereas the GARP model identified a broader highly suitable area. To reduce the bias and uncertainty associated with single-model predictions, the outputs of the MaxEnt and GARP models were integrated using a weighted ensemble approach, with the optimal weights for MaxEnt and GARP determined as 0.7:0.3. The ensemble model achieved higher predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.983 and a TSS of 0.840. The highly suitable habitat of S. japonicus was mainly concentrated within 147° E–156° E and 40° N–44° N. Chlorophyll concentration, sea surface temperature (SST), and temperatures at depths of 150 m and 200 m were the main environmental variables affecting the potential habitat distribution of S. japonicus in the MaxEnt model. These findings provide useful information for resource utilization, fishing ground forecasting, and sustainable management of S. japonicus in the high seas of the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Approach for Fish Stock Assessment)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 411 KB  
Review
Effects of Heatwaves and Tropical Nights on Sleep in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Scoping Review
by Jelena Krčum, Neriman Ezgin, Nikola Šutulović, Nemanja Rajković, Emilija Djurić, Dušan Mladenović, Milena Vesković, Arif E. Cetin, Aleksandra Rašić-Marković, Olivera Stanojlović and Dragan Hrnčić
Clocks & Sleep 2026, 8(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/clockssleep8030037 - 23 Jun 2026
Viewed by 316
Abstract
Heatwaves and tropical nights are emerging as significant public health challenges under accelerating climate change, with middle-aged and older adults demonstrating heightened vulnerability. This scoping review maps the existing evidence on how nocturnal heat affects sleep in middle-aged and older adults aged 45 [...] Read more.
Heatwaves and tropical nights are emerging as significant public health challenges under accelerating climate change, with middle-aged and older adults demonstrating heightened vulnerability. This scoping review maps the existing evidence on how nocturnal heat affects sleep in middle-aged and older adults aged 45 and above, synthesizing findings from experimental and observational studies published in English over the past decade. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus, supplemented by reference screening, identified 31 relevant studies. Data on study design, population characteristics, heat exposure metrics, sleep outcomes, and interventions were charted and synthesized narratively due to methodological heterogeneity. Across studies, elevated nighttime temperatures consistently reduced total sleep time and sleep efficiency, increased wake after sleep onset, and disrupted sleep architecture, particularly REM and N3 stages. Environmental, behavioral, and physiological interventions such as improved ventilation, targeted cooling strategies, and pre-sleep thermal management partially mitigated heat-related sleep disruption. Overall, the findings highlight gaps in standardized exposure metrics and harmonized sleep assessment, providing guidance for future research and public health strategies aimed at protecting sleep health in middle-aged and aging populations amid increasingly frequent extreme heat events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Basic Research & Neuroimaging)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 361 KB  
Article
Association of Serial Lactate-to-Albumin and C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratios with In-Hospital Mortality After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
by Wan Young Heo, Dong Hun Lee, Seok Jin Ryu, Byung Kook Lee, Yong Hun Jung and Kyung Woon Jeung
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 4851; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15134851 - 23 Jun 2026
Viewed by 133
Abstract
Background: The lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) are biomarkers for metabolic stress and inflammation. However, their prognostic significance after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association [...] Read more.
Background: The lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) are biomarkers for metabolic stress and inflammation. However, their prognostic significance after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between serial LAR/CAR measurements and in-hospital mortality. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study included adult comatose patients with OHCA treated with targeted temperature management between January 2022 and December 2025. Serum lactate, albumin, and C-reactive protein levels were measured at admission and at 24, 48, and 72 h after ROSC. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess independent associations of LAR and CAR with in-hospital mortality, and discriminatory performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Of the 284 eligible patients, 253 were included in the final analysis. Of these, 80 patients died in hospital, corresponding to an in-hospital mortality rate of 31.6%. LAR and CAR were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors at admission and at 24, 48, and 72 h after ROSC. After adjustment for potential confounders, LAR was associated with in-hospital mortality at all assessed time points. CAR was independently associated with in-hospital mortality at admission and at 48 and 72 h after ROSC, but not at 24 h. The AUCs of LAR for predicting in-hospital mortality ranged from 0.702 to 0.734, whereas those of CAR ranged from 0.640 to 0.690. Conclusions: In this single-center retrospective cohort of post-ROSC OHCA patients, sequential tracking of LAR and CAR profiles during the first 72 h after ROSC provided meaningful insights into in-hospital mortality. LAR showed a more consistent independent association with mortality and fair discriminatory performance, whereas CAR demonstrated limited prognostic value despite its association with mortality. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4476 KB  
Article
Multiphysics Investigation on Thermal Characteristics of Internal Bio-Inspired V-Ribbed Cooling Channels for Outer Rotor PMSM
by Xin Xiong, Xiangyu Li, Shawn You, Bing Zhu, Ping Ding, Huanhuan Gao and Zongqi Hou
Biomimetics 2026, 11(6), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11060441 - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 395
Abstract
Meeting the rigorous performance standards of modern electrified transit necessitates the deployment of high-performance outer rotor PMSMs with elevated power-to-volume ratios. However, their unique internal heat source topology inherently restricts heat dissipation. This limitation risks permanent magnet demagnetization and winding insulation failure. To [...] Read more.
Meeting the rigorous performance standards of modern electrified transit necessitates the deployment of high-performance outer rotor PMSMs with elevated power-to-volume ratios. However, their unique internal heat source topology inherently restricts heat dissipation. This limitation risks permanent magnet demagnetization and winding insulation failure. To address these thermal bottlenecks, this paper proposes internal bio-inspired cooling channels. These channels feature micro-scale V-shaped ribs. This design targets a 60 kW outer rotor PMSM. The motor uses a fractional-slot concentrated winding. The analytical procedure commences with the formulation of a transient 2D numerical model utilizing the Time-Stepping Finite Element approach (TS-FEM). It is coupled with the Bertotti model to compute electromagnetic losses. This approach accurately determines losses under high-frequency rated conditions. Results reveal that stator iron loss constitutes the dominant heat source. It accounts for 76.4 percent of the total electromagnetic loss. Furthermore, these losses show severe spatial concentration at the stator teeth. Subsequently, a three-dimensional fluid-solid coupled CFD model is developed. This model evaluates the proposed internal cooling channels. The design integrates bio-inspired vein networks and V-shaped ribs. These internal ribs disrupt the near-wall thermal boundary layer. This disruption enhances the local convective heat transfer. Comparative multiphysics analyses indicate improved hydraulic and thermal performance of the bio-inspired design under the same numerical boundary conditions. The bio-inspired channel achieves a more uniform static pressure distribution and reduces severe fluid stagnation zones. In the numerical model, the maximum stator and permanent magnet temperatures are reduced to 48 °C and 42 °C, respectively. This work provides a numerical design reference for thermal management in high-performance electric aviation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomimetic Design, Constructions and Devices)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop