Search Results (6,858)

Fenbendazole is an important anti-parasitic medicine widely used in the veterinary field and has recently been considered as a possible anti-cancer agent in humans by some researchers. Fenbendazole encounters challenges in its usage due to its limited aqueous solubility, which consequently impacts its therapeutic efficacy. In this work, an in vitro mechanistic investigation was conducted to evaluate the compatibility, amorphization behaviour and dissolution profile of fenbendazole dispersed in Soluplus^® using the solid dispersion approach via hot-melt extrusion. Three different fenbendazole/Soluplus^® ratios were formulated and characterised through systematic experimentation. Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed for thermal, physical, chemical and morphological analyses. The solubility of the drug formulation during a dissolution test was investigated using Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometric measurements. In vitro dissolution testing in acidic and neutral media was employed as a controlled environment to compare dissolution behaviour among different loadings. The extrudates demonstrated markedly enhanced apparent solubility compared to neat fenbendazole, with the 5% formulation showing the highest dissolution rate (approximately 85% after 48 h). This improvement can be attributed to better wetting properties and drug dispersion within the Soluplus^® matrix. This innovative strategy holds promise in surmounting fenbendazole’s solubility limitations, presenting a comprehensive solution to enhance its therapeutic effectiveness. Full article

In this study, semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels based on methacrylated dextran and native inulin were designed as biodegradable carriers for the colon-specific delivery of uracil as a model antitumor compound. The hydrogels were synthesized via free-radical polymerization, using diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA) as a crosslinking agent at varying concentrations (5, 7.5, and 10 wt%), and their structural, thermal, and biological properties were systematically evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful crosslinking and physical incorporation of uracil through hydrogen bonding. Concurrently, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed an increase in glass transition temperature (T_g) with increasing crosslinking density (149, 153, and 156 °C, respectively). Swelling studies demonstrated relaxation-controlled, first-order swelling kinetics under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C) and high gel fraction values (84.75, 91.34, and 94.90%, respectively), indicating stable network formation. SEM analysis revealed that the hydrogel morphology strongly depended on crosslinking density and drug incorporation, with increasing crosslinker content leading to a more compact and wrinkled structure. Uracil loading further modified the microstructure, promoting the formation of discrete crystalline domains within the semi-IPN hydrogels, indicative of physical drug entrapment. All formulations exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies (>86%), which increased with increasing crosslinker content, consistent with the observed gel fraction values. Simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion showed negligible drug release under gastric conditions and controlled release in the intestinal phase, primarily governed by crosslinking density. Antimicrobial assessment against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, used as an initial or indirect indicator of cytotoxic potential, revealed no inhibitory activity, suggesting low biological reactivity at the screening level. Overall, the results indicate that DEGDA-crosslinked dextran/inulin semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPN) hydrogels represent promising carriers for colon-targeted antitumor drug delivery. Full article

TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple sol–gel route followed by high-temperature calcination at 800 °C, aiming to obtain an anatase-dominant reference photocatalyst with enhanced structural stability after severe thermal treatment. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed that anatase is the major crystalline phase, with only a minor rutile contribution after calcination at 800 °C. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements revealed a narrow mesoporous contribution arising from interparticle voids and a relatively high specific surface area (108 m² g⁻¹) despite the severe thermal treatment, while electron microscopy showed nanometric primary particles assembled into compact agglomerates. Surface hydroxyl groups were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, consistent with sol–gel-derived TiO₂ systems. Diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy combined with Kubelka–Munk and Tauc analysis yielded an optical band gap of 3.12 eV, typical of anatase TiO₂. Methylene blue (MB) was used as a probe molecule to evaluate photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. Under UV illumination, degradation kinetics were governed by band-gap excitation and reactive oxygen species generation, whereas a slower but reproducible reference behavior under visible light was predominantly associated with surface-related effects and dye sensitization rather than intrinsic visible-light absorption. Overall, the results establish this anatase-dominant TiO₂ as a reliable high-temperature reference photocatalyst, retaining measurable activity after calcination at 800 °C and exhibiting UV-driven behavior as the dominant contribution. Full article

The relentless rise in global plastic consumption has intensified the challenge of managing plastic waste pollution. Current conventional recycling technologies face significant limitations in processing efficiency and environmental compatibility, hindering the effective recovery of plastic resources. Against this background, microwave pyrolysis technology has emerged as a promising solution, leveraging its dual advantages of thermal and non-thermal effects. This technology enables uniform and rapid heating, substantially reducing processing time and energy consumption. Its characteristics open new pathways for the high-value conversion of waste plastics. Through this approach, waste plastics can be efficiently transformed into valuable products such as pyrolysis oil, hydrogen gas, and solid carbon, demonstrating broad application prospects. This paper first systematically reviews the shortcomings of existing plastic pyrolysis technologies. It then delves into the operational mechanisms, process characteristics, and key influencing factors of microwave-assisted pyrolysis. Finally, it examines current challenges and issues while outlining future research directions, offering insights for the sustainable resource utilisation of waste plastics. Full article

The nucleating agents with different alkyl chain lengths sodium 4-[(benzyl)amino] benzoate (SAB-Be), sodium 4-[(heptanoyl)amino] benzoate (SAB-7C), and sodium 4-[(stearoyl)amino] benzoate (SAB-18C) were synthesized via chemical to improve the crystallization and mechanical properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) that had been damaged during mechanical recycling. The rPET/nucleating agent blends were prepared by melt blending. The molecular structure and thermal stability of the nucleating agents were characterized using the utilization of fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the crystallization properties of the rPET had been improved. In addition, the glass transition temperatures (T_g) of rPET, rPET/SAB-Be, rPET/SAB-7C, and rPET/SAB-18C were 80.3 ± 0.3 °C, 80.4 ± 0.9 °C, 77.0 ± 1.2 °C, and 69.7 ± 0.9 °C, respectively, demonstrating that the length of the alkyl chain in the nucleating agents was essentially proportional to the lubrication effect on rPET. Meanwhile, the rheological properties also supported the conclusion. The isothermal thermodynamic analysis indicated that the compatibility between nucleating agents and rPET was related to the length of the alkyl chain in the nucleating agents. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results of the fracture surfaces of the rPET/nucleating agent blends showed that the longer the alkyl chain in the nucleating agent, the greater the compatibility with rPET. Furthermore, the rPET/SAB-18C exhibited the best mechanical properties of the samples used in this research, with flexural strength and impact strength increased by 5.1% and 58.9%, respectively, compared to rPET. Overall, this work provided the new approach for rPET upcycling by combining molecular design strategies. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive characterization of bottom ash generated during biomass combustion in fluidized boilers, with a focus on its potential use in a circular economy. Two biomass bottom ash samples (BBA 1 and BBA 2) from commercial combined heat and power plants were tested. The scope of this study included the determination of chemical composition, phase composition, and leachability testing of selected impurities. The results showed that the bottom ashes tested are calcium silicate materials with varying proportions of calcium phases (anhydrite, portlandite, and calcite) and silica phases (quartz), depending on the type of biomass and combustion technology. Thermal analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic dehydration, decarbonation, and polymorphic transformations of quartz, with a low organic content. Leachability tests showed low mobility of most trace elements and heavy metals, with increased solubility of sulfates, chlorides, and alkali ions, typical for fluidized ash. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Hg in the eluates were low or below the limit of quantification, indicating the favorable chemical stability of the tested waste. The results obtained suggest that bottom ashes from biomass combustion in fluidized boilers may be a promising secondary raw material for engineering applications, especially in binding materials and bonded layers, and potentially also in selected agricultural applications, provided that the contents of sulfates, chlorides, and pH are controlled. Full article

Incorporating waste engine oil bottoms (WEOBs) as rejuvenators into reclaimed asphalt pavement offers a sustainable solution to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources. To explore the effect of WEOBs on aged asphalt, WEOB-rejuvenated asphalt (WEOB-asphalt) with different thermal-oxidative aging times was prepared. Subsequently, viscosity, double-edge-notched tension (DENT), temperature sweep, linear amplitude sweep (LAS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were conducted to investigate the performance of WEOB-asphalt. The results indicate that WEOB-asphalt shows acceptable thermal-oxidative aging ability within 180 min. The WEOB-asphalt experiences a small decrease in critical crack tip opening displacement within a 180 min aging time. Additionally, the temperature sensitivity of WEOB-asphalt is low, and the rutting factors at temperatures of 46 °C and 52 °C can significantly distinguish the thermal-oxidative aging performance of asphalt at different aging degrees. The fatigue life of WEOB-asphalt decreases compared to the original asphalt after 540 min of aging when the strain exceeds 0.04%. Furthermore, WEOB-asphalt displays increased carbonyl and sulfoxide groups, indicating poorer thermal-oxidative aging resistance than the original asphalt. Based on these results, it is suggested that WEOB-asphalt should be used in areas with mild climate conditions to avoid its rapid secondary aging. Full article

One of the major factors currently hindering the development of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) is the autoxidation of hemoglobin to inactive methemoglobin (MetHb). The effects of spermine on the stability, aggregation, structure, and function of adult hemoglobin (HbA) were studied. The interaction of spermine with HbA was elucidated by dynamic light scattering, colloid osmotic pressure measurements, thermal denaturation analysis, static light scattering, and oxygen dissociation assay. The antioxidant capacity of spermine was confirmed through UV–vis spectroscopic recordings, calculations of MetHb formation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging. The P50 value was determined by the oxygen dissociation curve to investigate the roles of spermine in increasing HbA’s oxygen affinity. The pH-dependent affinity between spermine and HbA was validated through surface plasmon resonance experiments. The transformation of HbA’s partial α-helix to a β-sheet structure induced by spermine was clarified using a microfluidic modulation spectrometer. The binding of spermine to βASP99, βGLU101, αTHR38, and αASN97 on HbA and the conformational shift in HbA towards the ‘R’ state were investigated via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. In a word, spermine can enhance the oxygen affinity of HbA, effectively reduce autoxidation, and hold promise for applications in the research of HBOCs or hemoglobin modification. Full article

To address the limitations of parameter drift in physical models and poor generalization in data-driven methods, this paper proposes a self-evolving digital twin framework for PMSM thermal safety. The framework integrates a dynamic-batch Bayesian calibration (DBBC) algorithm and a hierarchical physics-aware network (HPA-Net). First, the DBBC eliminates plant–model mismatch by robustly identifying stochastic parameters from operational data. Subsequently, the HPA-Net adopts a “physics-augmented” strategy, utilizing the calibrated physical model as a dynamic prior to directly infer high-fidelity temperature via a hierarchical training scheme. Furthermore, a real-time demagnetization safety margin (DSM) monitoring strategy is integrated to eliminate “false safe” zones. Experimental validation on a PMSM test bench confirms the superior performance of the proposed framework, which achieves a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.919 °C for the stator winding and 1.603 °C for the permanent magnets. The proposed digital twin ensures robust thermal safety even under unseen operating conditions, transforming the monitoring system into a proactive safety guardian. Full article

The global clean energy transition requires power conversion technologies that combine high efficiency, operational flexibility, and reduced environmental impact over their entire service life. Solid-state transformers (SSTs) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional line-frequency transformers, offering bidirectional power flow, high-frequency isolation, and advanced control capabilities that support renewable integration and electrified infrastructures. This paper presents a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of conventional transformers and SSTs across representative power-system applications, including residential and industrial distribution networks, electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure, and transmission–distribution interface substations. The analysis follows a cradle-to-grave approach and is based on literature-derived LCA data, manufacturer specifications, and harmonized engineering assumptions applied consistently across all case studies. The results show that, under identical assumptions, SST-based solutions are associated with indicative lifecycle CO₂ emission reductions of approximately 10–30% compared to conventional transformers, depending on power rating and operating profile (≈90–1000 t CO₂ over 25 years across the four cases). These reductions are primarily driven by lower operational losses and reduced material intensity, while additional system-level benefits arise from enhanced controllability and compatibility with renewable-rich and hybrid AC/DC grids. The study also identifies key challenges that influence the sustainability performance of SSTs, including higher capital cost, thermal management requirements, and the long-term reliability of power-electronic components. Overall, the results indicate that SSTs represent a relevant enabling technology for future low-carbon power systems, while highlighting the importance of transparent assumptions and lifecycle-oriented evaluation when comparing emerging grid technologies. Full article

Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was performed using the eddy-dissipation concept coupled with detailed hydrogen oxidation kinetics and a reduced two-step methane mechanism for a newly proposed W-shaped radiant tube burner (RTB). The effects of the hydrogen volume fraction (0–100%) and excess air ratio (0%, 10%, 20%) on the flame morphology, temperature distribution, and NO_X emissions are systematically analyzed. The results deliver three main points. First, a flame-shape transformation was identified in which the near-injector flame changes from a triangular attached mode to a splitting mode as the mixture reactivity increases with the transition occurring at a characteristic laminar flame speed window of about 0.33 to 0.36 m/s. Second, NO_X shows non-monotonic behavior with dilution, and 10% excess air can produce higher NO_X than 0% or 20% because OH radical enhancement locally promotes thermal NO pathways despite partial cooling. Third, a multi-parameter coupling strategy was established showing that hydrogen enrichment raises the maximum gas temperature by roughly 100 to 200 K from 0% to 100% H₂, while higher excess air improves axial temperature uniformity and can suppress NO_X if over-dilution is avoided. These findings provide a quantitative operating map for balancing stability, uniform heating, and NO_X–CO trade-offs in hydrogen-enriched industrial RTBs. Full article

In response to the urgent need for developing super-low-energy buildings (SLEBs) under extreme climatic conditions, a critical research gap lies in scientifically quantifying the passive climate adaptation mechanisms of vernacular architecture and translating them into modern design strategies. To this end, this study proposes a multidimensional “Monitoring–Visualization–Quantification” analytical method. Using the Aijing Zhuang building in central Fujian, China, as a case study, this method systematically analyzed its passive regulatory performance through high-frequency monitoring and spatial-interpolation techniques. This research revealed a distinct “Gradient-Buffering-and-Dynamic-Adjustment” mechanism: a maximum indoor–outdoor temperature difference of 5.7 °C was achieved, with indoor temperature variability reduced by 62%. The courtyard, functioning as a “Thermal Buffer” and “Ventilation Hub”, orchestrated the internal climatic gradients. This study provides systematic quantitative evidence for the modern translation of traditional wisdom, and the revealed mechanism can be directly transformed into design strategies for SLEBs adapted to extreme climates. Full article

The presence of the brittle β/B2 phase in TiAl alloys often deteriorates their mechanical properties, posing a significant challenge for manufacturing large-sized, high-performance sheets. To address this issue, this study systematically investigates the synergistic effect of pack rolling and subsequent heat treatment on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of a Ti-44Al-4Nb-1.5Mo-0.1B-0.1Y alloy. Sheets with two different deformation levels (R7: 69.8% and R11: 83.0% reduction) were prepared via pack rolling. This was followed by a series of heat treatments at different temperatures (1150–1350 °C) and cyclic heat treatments at 1250 °C (3, 6, and 9 cycles). The results demonstrate that the higher deformation level (R11) promoted extensive dynamic recrystallization, resulting in a uniform microstructure of equiaxed γ, α₂, and β phases, while the lower deformation (R7) retained a significant fraction of deformed γ/α₂ lamellae. Heat treatment at 1250 °C was identified as optimal for transforming the microstructure into fine lamellar colonies while effectively reducing the β/B2 phase. Cyclic heat treatment at this temperature further decreased the β-phase content to 4.1% after 9 cycles. The elimination mechanism was determined to follow the β→ α → γ + α₂ phase transformation sequence, driven by the combined effect of rolling-induced defects and cyclic thermal stress. Cyclic heat treatment at this temperature was particularly effective in generating a high density of nucleation sites within the lamellar colonies, leading to significant refinement of the lamellar structure. Consequently, the R11 sheet subjected to 9 cycles of heat treatment exhibited a 15.5% increase in tensile strength and an 8.3% improvement in elongation compared to the hot-isostatically pressed state. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the significant refinement of lamellar colonies and the reduction in interlamellar spacing. This work presents an effective integrated processing strategy for fabricating high-performance TiAl alloy sheets with superior strength and toughness. Full article

This paper presents a closed-loop price–dispatch framework for park-scale virtual power plants (VPPs) with coupled electric–thermal processes under high penetrations of photovoltaics (PVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The outer layer clears time-varying prices for operator electricity, operator heat, and user feed-in using an improved particle swarm optimizer with adaptive coefficients and velocity clamping. Given these prices, the inner layer executes a lightweight linear source decomposition with feasibility projection that enforces transformer limits, combined heat-and-power (CHP) and boiler constraints, ramping, energy balances, and EV state-of-charge requirements. PV uncertainty is represented by a small set of scenarios and a conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) term augments the welfare objective to control tail risk. On a typical winter day case, the coordinated setting aligns EV charging with solar hours, reduces evening grid imports, and improves a social welfare proxy while maintaining interpretable price signals. Measured outcomes include 99.17% PV utilization (95.14% self-consumption and 4.03% routed to EV charging) and a reduction in EV charging cost from CNY 304.18 to CNY 249.87 (−17.9%) compared with an all-from-operator benchmark; all transformer, CHP/boiler, and EV constraints are satisfied. The price loop converges within several dozen iterations without oscillation. Sensitivity studies show that increasing risk weight lowers CVaR with modest welfare trade-offs, while wider price bounds and higher EV availability raise welfare until physical limits bind. The results demonstrate an effective, interpretable, and reproducible pathway to integrate market signals with engineering constraints in park VPP operations. Full article

Effective monitoring of maize phenology under stress conditions is crucial for optimizing agricultural management and mitigating yield losses. Crop prediction models constructed from Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) have been widely applied. However, CNNs often struggle to capture long-range temporal dependencies in phenological data, which are crucial for modeling seasonal and cyclic patterns. The Transformer model complements this by leveraging self-attention mechanisms to effectively handle global contexts and extended sequences in phenology-related tasks. The Transformer model has the global understanding ability that CNN does not have due to its multi-head attention. This study, proposes a synergistic framework, in combining CNN with Transformer model to realize global-local feature synergy using two models, proposes an innovative phenological monitoring model utilizing near-ground remote sensing technology. High-resolution imagery of maize fields was collected using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with multispectral and thermal infrared cameras. By integrating this data with CNN and Transformer architectures, the proposed model enables accurate inversion and quantitative analysis of maize phenological traits. In the experiment, a network was constructed adopting multispectral and thermal infrared images from maize fields, and the model was validated using the collected experimental data. The results showed that the integration of multispectral imagery and accumulated temperature achieved an accuracy of 92.9%, while the inclusion of thermal infrared imagery further improved the accuracy to 97.5%. This study highlights the potential of UAV-based remote sensing, combined with CNN and Transformer as a transformative approach for precision agriculture. Full article