Search Results (4,011)

Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) is a well-known nanomaterial template formed under specific electrochemical conditions. By adjusting voltage, temperature, electrolyte type, and concentration, various microstructural modifications of AAO can be achieved within its hexagonally arranged pore array. To enable broader applications or enhance performance, post-treatment is often employed to further modify its nanostructure after anodization. Among these post-treatment techniques, AAO membrane detachment methods have been widely studied and can be categorized into traditional etching methods, voltage reduction methods, reverse bias voltage detachment methods, pulse voltage detachment methods, and further anodization techniques. Among various delamination processes, the mechanism is highly related to the selectivity of wet etching, as well as the Joule heating and stress generated during the process. Each of these detachment methods has its own advantages and drawbacks, including processing time, complexity, film integrity, and the toxicity of the solutions used. Consequently, researchers have devoted significant effort to optimizing and improving these techniques. Furthermore, through-hole AAO membranes have been applied in various fields, such as humidity sensors, nanomaterial synthesis, filtration, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and tribo-electrical nano-generators (TENG). In particular, the rough and porous structures formed at the bottom of AAO films significantly enhance sensor performance. Depending on specific application requirements, selecting or refining the appropriate processing method is crucial to achieving optimal results. As a versatile nanomaterial template, AAO itself is expected to play a key role in future advancements in environmental safety, bio-applications, energy technologies, and food safety. Full article

Driving fatigue poses a serious threat to road safety. To detect fatigue accurately and thereby improve vehicle safety, this paper proposes a novel semi-dry electrode with the ability to automatically replenish the conductive fluid for monitoring driving fatigue. This semi-dry electrode not only integrates the advantages of both wet and dry electrodes but also incorporates an automatic conductive fluid replenishment mechanism. This design significantly extends the operational lifespan of the electrode while mitigating the limitations of manual replenishment, particularly the risk of signal interference. Additionally, this study adopts a transfer learning approach to detect driving fatigue by analyzing electroencephalography (EEG) signals. The experimental results indicate that this method effectively addresses the issue of data sparsity in real-time fatigue monitoring, overcomes the limitations of traditional algorithms, shows strong generalization performance and cross-domain adaptability, and achieves faster response times with enhanced accuracy. The semi-dry electrode and transfer learning algorithm proposed in this study can provide rapid and accurate detection of driving fatigue, thereby enabling timely alerts or interventions. This approach effectively mitigates the risk of traffic accidents and enhances both vehicle and road traffic safety. Full article

Changing the topography of electrodes by ultrafast laser ablation has shown great potential in enhancing electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. The generation of microstructured channels within the electrodes creates shorter pathways for lithium-ion diffusion and mitigates strain from volume expansion during electrochemical cycling. The topography modification enables faster charging, improved rate capability, and the potential to combine high-power and high-energy properties. In this study, we present a preliminary exploration of this approach for sodium-ion battery technology, focusing on the impact of laser-generated channels on hard carbon electrodes in sodium-metal half-cells. The performance was analyzed by employing different conditions, including different electrolytes, separators, and electrodes with varying compaction degrees. To identify key factors contributing to rate capability improvements, we conducted a comparative analysis of laser-structured and unstructured electrodes using methods including scanning electron microscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and electrochemical cycling. Despite being based on a limited sample size, the data reveal promising trends and serve as a basis for further optimization. Our findings suggest that laser structuring can enhance rate capability, particularly under conditions of limited electrolyte wetting or increased electrode density. This highlights the potential of laser structuring to optimize electrode design for next-generation sodium-ion batteries and other post-lithium technologies. Full article

Hamatocaulis vernicosus is a pleurocarpous moss of conservation concern, listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive due to its significant and ongoing decline across Europe. H. vernicosus is also listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the Red List of Romanian Bryophytes. Despite its protected status, the species remains under-recorded in Romania, where many potentially suitable habitats have yet to be surveyed. The ecosystems, classified as Transition mire and quaking bog (NATURA 2000 code: 7140), are wet peatlands with oligo- to mesotrophic conditions and a pH of 5.0–7.5. H. vernicosus is recorded in 58 Romanian locations (10 confirmed by us, 5 new), spanning the Continental and Alpine bioregions. Models showed good performance (AUC 0.79–0.83; TSS 0.54–0.59), with distribution mainly shaped by mean annual temperature and temperature range, and secondarily by precipitation. The species favors cold, stable climates with high seasonal rainfall. Even though the number of localities reported for this species has increased in recent years, this does not indicate an improvement in its conservation status, but rather is an effect of recent recording efforts. To support targeted conservation planning, an ensemble species distribution model was developed in order to predict the suitable habitats of H. vernicosus across Romania. Both climate models project major range losses for the varnished hook-moss: ~30% by 2050 and ~40–60% by 2100, depending on the scenario. Losses are gradual under SSP245 but more abrupt under SSP585, with increased fragmentation, especially between the Eastern and Southern Carpathians. By integrating field observations with predictive climate change modeling, our study brings critical insights applicable to the conservation of H. vernicosus and the unique peatland ecosystems it relies on. Full article

With the increasing demand for sustainable building materials, it is essential to investigate the durability of recycled fine aggregate concrete (RFAC) under corrosive environmental conditions. This study systematically assessed the performance of RFAC with three compressive strengths after dry–wet cycles in chloride and sulfate environments, respectively. The experimental program encompassed measurements of compressive strength, mass variation, porosity, ion penetration depth, and free ion content, complemented by comprehensive microstructural characterization. Results show that under sulfate exposure, 20 MPa and 40 MPa RFAC suffered significant strength losses of 60.1% and 18.0% after 70 cycles, while 60 MPa RFAC gained 2.5% strength. In chloride environments, 20 MPa and 40 MPa RFAC experienced strength reductions of 30.7% and 6.9%, whereas 60 MPa RFAC increased in strength by 6.6%. Compared to sulfate exposure, all groups exhibited slight mass increases or porosity reduction under chloride exposure, with high-strength RFAC showing the most noticeable densification. The chloride penetration depth in RFAC of 60 MPa was measured at 14.65 mm, representing a 41.0% reduction compared to RFAC of 20 MPa; sulfate penetration depth was 17.84 mm, which is 44.6% lower than that of the 20 MPa counterpart. Microstructural analysis revealed that sulfate-induced ettringite and gypsum formation triggered crack propagation, while chloride mainly affected pore structure through crystallization and filling, and the formation of C-S-H in high-strength RFAC inhibits pore expansion and mitigates deterioration. Full article

Phytic acid, as a natural originated compound with multi phosphate side groups, is known to increase the corrosion protection and thermal resistance of the coatings. In this study, two different acrylic emulsion polymers containing epoxy and silane reactive functional groups (glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES)) were synthesized via emulsion polymerization and mixed with phytic acid (PA) solution in different ratios (5, 10, 15 wt%) for use as binders in leather finishing applications. The colloidal stability, particle size distribution, and chemical structures of the synthesized polymers were characterized through comprehensive analyses. The resulting reactive copolymer dispersions were used as binders in finishing formulations and applied to crust shoe upper leathers The coating performance was evaluated in terms of rub fastness, flex resistance, water spotting, and thermal resistance, using the unmodified reactive acrylic binders (G0 and V0) as reference systems to assess the improvements achieved. Both phytic acid-modified binders exhibited strong film integrity and maintained high dry rub fastness up to 2000 cycles and wet rub fastness up to 250 cycles at phytic acid concentrations of 5–10 wt%. Increasing the phytic acid content beyond this range led to reduced dispersion stability and partial loss of coating performance. The results confirm that incorporating moderate levels of phytic acid into reactive acrylic emulsions enhances coating durability and thermal resistance without compromising film appearance, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional crosslinking systems for leather finishing applications. Full article

Rainfall retention and runoff detention are the key hydrological processes that reduce runoff from green roofs. This study aims to quantify and model the hydrological response of nine combinations of growing substrates and drainage layers for extensive green roofs. Retention and detention capacities were evaluated using laboratory column experiments under two extreme initial moisture conditions—air-dried (D) and field capacity (W)—and three rainfall intensities (30, 60, and 100 mm h⁻¹). Regardless of the substrate–drainage combination, retention capacity, W_R, was significantly higher under dry conditions than under wet ones. Under wet conditions and rainfall intensity of 30 mm h⁻¹ (30 W tests), the mean W_R value (5.2 mm) was significantly lower than those recorded at higher intensities (14.3 and 14.2 mm, for 60 W and 100 W tests, respectively). Detention capacity, W_D, was less influenced by initial moisture and rainfall intensity, with mean values ranging from 7.4 to 10.9 mm. The distinct hydrological responses of green roof columns in the two antecedent moisture conditions were attributed to contrasting infiltration mechanisms: capillary flow dominated under dry conditions, while gravity-driven preferential flow prevailed under wet conditions. The application of a simple reservoir-routing model revealed that the AgriTerram (AT)—expanded perlite (EP) combination achieved the greatest reduction in total outflow volume and peak runoff. Under wet initial conditions, no single configuration clearly outperformed the others. This study highlights how the combined use of simulated rainfall experiments and a reservoir-routing model enables the identification of the most effective combination of substrate and drainage system to improve the hydrological performance of green roofs. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of enzymatically produced collagen hydrolysate and Salicornia perennans extract on the quality, oxidative stability, and nutritional composition of canned canine meat pâtés. Two formulations were prepared: a control 2% NaCl, no hydrolysate and an experimental sample containing 3% collagen hydrolysate sheep:camel:bovine = 1:1:1, 1% Salicornia perennans extract, and 1% NaCl. Physicochemical, textural, amino-acid, fatty-acid, and oxidative parameters were monitored over 10 days of storage. The treated pâtés showed similar proximate composition moisture 76.1%, protein 9.2%, metabolizable energy (ME) 102 kcal·100 g⁻¹; p > 0.05 but exhibited enhanced functional stability, with reduced water loss syneresis 1.8 vs. 3.1%; p < 0.05 and improved cohesiveness 0.46 vs. 0.41; p < 0.05. Amino-acid enrichment included higher aspartic acid +33%; p < 0.05, methionine +53%; p < 0.05, and tryptophan +39%; p < 0.05, while the lipid profile showed lower SFA 52.8 vs. 56.4%; p < 0.05, higher n-3 PUFA 1.5 vs. 0.8%; p < 0.05, and a reduced n-6:n-3 ratio 3.8 vs. 5.6; p < 0.05. During storage, oxidative markers decreased: TBARS −45%, carbonyls −14%, acid value −18%, and color stability improved by +2.0 pp. These findings confirm the synergistic antioxidant and structuring effects of collagen-derived peptides and Salicornia polyphenols, as evidenced by a 45% reduction in TBARS, 14% lower protein carbonyls, and 18% lower acid value relative to the control (p < 0.05). This synergy enabled a sodium-reduced, clean-label formulation with improved technological performance, oxidative resistance, and shelf-life stability for functional wet dog foods. In addition, it enhanced the color and visual appeal—key attributes that influence both animal palatability and the purchasing decisions of pet owners. Full article

Background: Mammalian orthoreovirus is a ubiquitous double-stranded RNA virus that causes mild respiratory and enteric infections, primarily in infants and young children. Its significant environmental stability and association with conditions like celiac disease highlight an unmet medical need, as no licensed vaccine or antiviral treatment currently exist. Methods: An immunoinformatics-driven approach was employed to design a multi-epitope vaccine. The highly antigenic inner capsid protein Sigma-2 was used to predict cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), helper T lymphocyte (HTL), and linear B cell epitopes using NetCTL, NetMHCpan, NetMHCIIpan, and IEDB tools. Selected epitopes were fused with appropriate linkers. The construct’s antigenicity, allergenicity, and physicochemical properties were evaluated. The tertiary structure was predicted with AlphaFold2, refined, and validated. Molecular docking with TLR2 and TLR4 was performed using HDOCK, and immune response simulation was conducted with C-ImmSim. Finally, the sequence was codon-optimized for E. coli expression using JCat. Results: The final vaccine construct comprises one CTL, four HTLs, and one B cell epitope. It is antigenic (VaxiJen score: 0.5026), non-allergenic, and non-toxic and possesses favorable physicochemical properties, including stability (instability index: 32.28). Molecular docking revealed exceptionally strong binding to key immune receptors, particularly TLR2 (docking score: −324.37 kcal/mol). Immune simulations predicted robust antibody production (elevated IgM, IgG1, and IgG2) and lasting memory cell formation. Codon optimization yielded an ideal CAI value of 0.952 and a GC content of 57.15%, confirming high potential for recombinant expression. Conclusions: This study presents a novel multi-epitope vaccine candidate against reovirus, designed to elicit broad cellular and humoral immunity. Comprehensive in silico analyses confirm its structural stability, potent interaction with innate immune receptors, and high potential for expression. These findings provide a strong rationale for further wet-lab studies to validate its efficacy and advance it as a promising prophylactic candidate. Full article

The increasing decentralization of energy systems calls for robust frameworks to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of hybrid renewable configurations at the community scale. This study presents an integrated methodology that combines Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), sensitivity analysis, and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making to assess hybrid systems in Castanheira de Pera, a small community in central Portugal. Fourteen configurations (C1–C14) integrating hydropower, solar PV, wind, and battery storage were simulated using HOMER Pro 3.16.2, PVsyst 8.0.16, Python 3.14.0, and Excel under both wet and dry hydrological conditions. A gate-controlled hydro-buffering model was applied to optimize short-term storage operation, increasing summer energy generation by 52–88% without additional infrastructure. Among all configurations, C8 achieved the highest Net Present Value (≈EUR 153,700) and a strong Internal Rate of Return (IRR), while maintaining a stable Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of around 0.042 EUR/kWh. Comparative decision scenarios highlight distinct stakeholder priorities: storage-intensive systems (C14, C11) maximize energy security, whereas medium-scale hybrids (C8, C7) offer superior economic performance. Overall, the results confirm that hybridization significantly improves community energy autonomy and resilience. Future work should extend this framework to include environmental and social indicators, enabling a more comprehensive techno-socio-economic assessment of hybrid renewable systems. Full article

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite–metal joint structures are susceptible to localized discharge and thermal damage under lightning current, posing serious safety concerns for critical aircraft components such as fuel tanks. In this study, we investigated the conductive behavior of composite–metal lap joint structures subjected to multiple continuous lightning current components (A, B, and C*) through a combination of experimental testing and numerical simulations. The effects of fastener assembly methods on ignition events were systematically examined, and the ignition source generation mechanisms under interference-fit and clearance-fit conditions were revealed. The protective performance of different assembly approaches against ignition sources was also evaluated. The results indicate that the assembly type and installation method have a pronounced influence on the ignition threshold and damage modes. Specifically, interference-fit joints with wet installation exhibited no ignition even at a current of 91 kA, whereas clearance-fit joints without wet installation generated potential ignition sources at 14 kA. Wet installation effectively increased the ignition threshold by approximately twofold. Copper mesh on the composite surface played a crucial role in current conduction. The simulation results further demonstrated that the current became concentrated at the composite–metal interface upon removal of the copper mesh, causing local temperatures to exceed the resin pyrolysis temperature (893 K), thereby creating potential ignition sites. This study enhances the understanding of lightning ignition mechanisms in composite–metal lap joint structures and provides both theoretical and experimental foundations for improving lightning protection design in aircraft fuel tank structures. Full article

Synthesis of anionic metal–organic framework Na[Ce(BDC)₂(DMF)₂] based on cerium (III)–sodium terephthalate was performed. The crystal structure, studied by the Rietveld method, consists of anionic [Ce(BDC)₂]⁻ layers, connected by interlayer sodium cations in a 3D network. Variable-temperature PXRD, total X-ray scattering with pair distribution function analysis, and DFT calculations revealed framework structure stability upon DMF elimination and thermal treatment up to 300 °C. Modification with copper cations was performed using wetness impregnation with a Cu(NO₃)₂ methanol solution to obtain a catalyst for carbon monoxide oxidation. Cu²⁺@Na[Ce(BDC)₂(DMF)₂] in situ decomposition leads to the catalytic activity of the resulting CuO/CeO₂ composite during CO gas oxidation by air. Full article

The rapid development of industry has led to the discharge of large quantities of organic pollutants into water bodies, posing a significant threat to aquatic safety. It is imperative to develop efficient and environmentally friendly methods for the elimination of organic pollutants. The integration of hydrogel membranes with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for water purification has attracted considerable interest due to their high efficiency. However, conventional wet membrane materials stored in aqueous environments are more prone to swelling and leakage of loaded metal species. This limits its application in the degradation of organic pollutants. This study employs a vacuum drying strategy for wet hydrogels, incorporating molybdenum disulfide as a cocatalyst and Co²⁺ cross-linking within the alginate matrix, resulting in a dried MoS₂–cobalt alginate hydrogel membrane (D-MoS₂-CoAlg). The drying process of the D-MoS₂-CoAlg membrane not only significantly enhanced its mechanical strength and anti-swelling capacity but also effectively mitigated the leaching of Co²⁺. Throughout five consecutive cycles, the concentration of leached Co²⁺ remained below 0.032 mg/L. This enables the membrane to achieve a balance between reusability and environmental compatibility. Under the conditions of a drying time of 60 min, a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) dosage of 0.2 mmol/L, and an initial methylisothiazolinone (MIT) concentration of 20 mg/L, the D-MoS₂-CoAlg membrane exhibited exceptional catalytic performance, achieving a degradation rate of MIT as high as 92.14% within 5 min. The D-MoS₂-CoAlg membrane demonstrates high catalytic activity and good stability, showing promising potential for application in the field of organic wastewater treatment. Full article

The taiga shrew (Sorex isodon), a boreal forest species widely distributed across northern Eurasia, had not previously been recorded in the Baltic states. We report the first occurrence of S. isodon in Lithuania, which extends the species range westward into the Baltic region. The specimen, which was initially misidentified as Sorex araneus, was collected in 2023 near Vilnius during non-systematic snap-trapping. A detailed examination of tail, cranial, and dental characteristics confirmed the identification as S. isodon. The individual was a non-adult male, weighing 5.8 g, and was trapped in a wet mixed forest influenced by beaver activity. This suggests that the microhabitat conditions are similar to those reported in Belarus and Ukraine. This finding extends the western boundary of S. isodon distribution by approximately 200–630 km. This study underscores the potential underreporting of this species in the Baltic region and highlights the importance of revisiting existing skull collections, conducting targeted trapping, and performing genetic analyses. Verifying additional records will clarify the habitat preferences and conservation relevance of S. isodon at the western edge of its range. Full article

The construction industry is among the most resource-intensive sectors, generating nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions and over two billion tonnes of construction and demolition waste (CDW) annually. This study investigates the sustainable reuse of CDW in developing binder-free alkali-activated paste (AAP) using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as an activator. Eleven formulations were prepared by varying the brick-to-total waste ratio (BW/TW: 0–1), NaOH concentrations (0–10%), and curing durations (7, 28, and 60 days). The mixes were evaluated for unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear modulus (G_o), durability (wet–dry and freeze–thaw cycles), and microstructural evolution. Results showed significant improvements in mechanical and durability properties with increased NaOH content, BW/TW ratios up to 0.9, and longer curing times. The optimal mix (10% NaOH, BW/TW = 0.9, 60 days of curing) achieved a UCS of 28.7 MPa and a G_o of 30 GPa, while exhibiting minimal mass loss (<2% freeze–thaw; <3% wet–dry). Microstructural analyses revealed densified matrices and enhanced gel formation. A dimensional analysis using the Buckingham π theorem yielded a scalable predictive model that correlates material composition, alkaline activation, and curing with mechanical performance. The study underscores the feasibility of transforming CDW into durable, high-performance AAPs for sustainable infrastructure development. Full article