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15 pages, 2676 KiB  
Article
Integration of a Double-Concentrated Solar Cooking System Operable from Inside a Home for Energy Sustainability
by Raul Asher García Uribe, Sergio Rodríguez Miranda, Lourdes Vital López, Marco Antonio Zamora Antuñano and Raúl García García
Energies 2025, 18(11), 2673; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112673 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Cooking food is a factor that contributes to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This research proposes the design, simulation using thermal resistances with MATLAB Simulink, and experimental evaluation of an automated double-concentrated solar cooking system operable from inside a home. Water [...] Read more.
Cooking food is a factor that contributes to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This research proposes the design, simulation using thermal resistances with MATLAB Simulink, and experimental evaluation of an automated double-concentrated solar cooking system operable from inside a home. Water was used as a cooking load. Each test for 25 min was entered into a system integrated by a programmable elevator to transport the food to the roof, a configurable temperature display, a photovoltaic power source, and double solar collection (direct through a modified box oven and reflected by a parabolic dish collector). When both solar components operated simultaneously, the system reached a temperature of 79 °C, representing a 57.34 °C increase. On average, the solar concentrator provided 78.02% more energy than the oven alone. This approach is expected to reduce cooking time and contribute to sustainable home design aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A2: Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems)
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21 pages, 5420 KiB  
Article
Effective Strategies for Mitigating the “Bowl” Effect and Optimising Accuracy: A Case Study of UAV Photogrammetry in Corridor Projects
by Sara Ait-Lamallam, Rim Lamrani, Wijdane Mastari and Mehdi Kechna
Drones 2025, 9(6), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9060387 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
UAV-Enabled Corridor Photogrammetry is applied to survey linear transport infrastructure projects’ sites. The corridor flight missions cause a misalignment of the point cloud called the “bowl” effect. The purpose of this study is to offer a methodology based on statistical compensation methods to [...] Read more.
UAV-Enabled Corridor Photogrammetry is applied to survey linear transport infrastructure projects’ sites. The corridor flight missions cause a misalignment of the point cloud called the “bowl” effect. The purpose of this study is to offer a methodology based on statistical compensation methods to mitigate this effect and to improve the accuracy and density of the generated point cloud. The aerial images’ post-processing was carried out by varying the aerotriangulation methods. Subsequently, the accuracy improvement was completed by integrating the coordinates of the ground control points (GCPs) through different spatial distributions. Finally, Mean and RANSAC compensations were proposed to address the errors induced by the “bowl” effect on the coordinates of the images’ perspective centres (PCs). The findings indicate that the optimised aerotriangulation using Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) data significantly contribute to reducing the “bowl” effect. Moreover, the GCP pyramidal spatial distribution allows accuracy improvement to a centimetre level. The Mean compensation method yields optimal outcomes in accuracy. It also helps to optimise on-site survey time and computing resources. RANSAC compensation optimises the accuracy and allows the retrieval of a 5-times-denser point cloud. Furthermore, the results give better accuracy compared to some current approaches. Full article
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18 pages, 1821 KiB  
Article
Harnessing High-Density-Polyethylene-Derived Liquid as a Model Solvent for the Co-Liquefaction of Low-Rank Coals: Toward Sustainable Mesophase Pitch for Making High-Quality Carbon Fibers from Waste Plastics
by Wenjia Wang, Adam Gallacher, Karissa Jolley, Mitchell G. Nelson and Eric Eddings
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4750; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114750 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
The accumulation of polyolefin waste, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE), presents a growing environmental challenge due to limited recycling options and poor end-of-life recovery. This study explores a strategy to convert HDPE into mesophase pitch (MP), a valuable carbon precursor, by integrating polyolefin recycling [...] Read more.
The accumulation of polyolefin waste, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE), presents a growing environmental challenge due to limited recycling options and poor end-of-life recovery. This study explores a strategy to convert HDPE into mesophase pitch (MP), a valuable carbon precursor, by integrating polyolefin recycling with the mild solvolysis liquefaction (MSL) of low-rank coals. HDPE was first hydrogenolyzed into a hydrogen-rich aromatic liquid (HDPE-liquid), which was then used as the liquefaction solvent. Under identical conditions (400 °C, 60 min), Utah Sufco coal co-liquefied with HDPE-liquid produced tar that formed mesophase pitch with a higher mesophase content (84.5% vs. 78.6%) and a lower softening point (~302 °C vs. >350 °C) compared to pitch from conventional tetralin (THN). The approach was extended to Illinois #6 and Powder River Basin coals, increasing the mesophase content from 12.4% to 32.6% and 17.8% to 62.1%, respectively. These improvements are attributed to differences in tar composition: HDPE-derived tars had lower terminal methyl (Hγ) contents, reducing cross-linking during thermal upgrading. This work demonstrates that HDPE-derived liquids can act as functional solvents for coal liquefaction, enabling an effective route to recycle polyolefin waste into durable carbon products, while also reducing reliance on fossil-based solvents for mesophase pitch production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Chemical Engineering and Technology)
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10 pages, 552 KiB  
Article
Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumors of the Hand: Analysis of Risk Factors for Surgical Margin and Recurrence
by Tolgahan Cengiz, Şafak Aydın Şimşek, Ercan Bayar, Furkan Erdoğan, Alparslan Yurtbay, Hüseyin Sina Coşkun, Ahmet Pişkin and Nevzat Dabak
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61060949 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Background and Objective: Tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCTs) are benign but potentially aggressive soft-tissue tumors, most commonly affecting the hand and frequently associated with local recurrence despite surgical treatment. While positive surgical margins are recognized as the strongest predictor of recurrence, the preoperative [...] Read more.
Background and Objective: Tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCTs) are benign but potentially aggressive soft-tissue tumors, most commonly affecting the hand and frequently associated with local recurrence despite surgical treatment. While positive surgical margins are recognized as the strongest predictor of recurrence, the preoperative identification of factors influencing margin status remains underexplored. This study analyzed the risk factors associated with surgical margin positivity and local recurrence in patients treated for localized hand TGCTs, contributing to more accurate preoperative risk stratification. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 44 patients diagnosed with localized TGCTs of the hand and treated surgically at a tertiary regional hospital between 2009 and 2023. Demographic characteristics, tumor size and location, anatomical relationships (bone, joint, and neurovascular proximity), Al Qattan classification, and surgical outcomes were recorded. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of these variables on surgical margin status and recurrence. Postoperative satisfaction was assessed using a four-choice questionnaire. Results: The mean patient age was 47.5 years, with 68.2% being female. The most common tumor site was the second finger (31.8%), and 20.5% of patients had positive surgical margins. Recurrence occurred in four patients (9.1%). Bone invasion, interphalangeal joint proximity, neurovascular involvement, and Al Qattan type 2 tumors were statistically significant risk factors for both surgical margin positivity and recurrence. Lesions with periosteal involvement, however, did not significantly impact recurrence risk. Among patients with positive margins, 44.4% developed recurrence. Conclusions: Complete surgical excision with clean margins remains the cornerstone of TGCT management. This study uniquely identifies preoperative predictors of margin positivity—key contributors to recurrence—highlighting the importance of meticulous surgical planning in high-risk cases. Close postoperative follow-up is essential, particularly for patients with positive margins, to detect and manage recurrence promptly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)
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20 pages, 1257 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Impact of Community-Based Medical Education on Health Literacy and Patient Empowerment in Underserved Populations: A Pilot Cohort Study
by Aida Aljafri, Persia Abba, Anita Sedghi, Andreas Conte and Waseem Jerjes
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(6), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15060097 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Background: Traditionally, community-based education (CBE) programmes have been utilised for teaching medical students clinical and interpersonal skills through placement in underserved environments. This pilot cohort study tested an extended model of CBE by infusing patient education into student-conducted consultations with the dual objectives [...] Read more.
Background: Traditionally, community-based education (CBE) programmes have been utilised for teaching medical students clinical and interpersonal skills through placement in underserved environments. This pilot cohort study tested an extended model of CBE by infusing patient education into student-conducted consultations with the dual objectives of stimulating improved learning for the students and improved health literacy for the patients. Methods: The intervention involved 38 final-year medical students and 85 adult patients and from underprivileged communities in North West London. The students first undertook online preparatory workshops on health literacy, communication skills, and cultural competence. Subsequently, they imparted 20–30 min educational sessions on chronic disease management and preventive care to the patients on their clinical placements. The quantitative measurement used pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, and the qualitative measurement was based on reflective diaries and patient feedback. Paired t-tests were used for statistical comparisons, while a thematic analysis was used for textual answers. Results: Student confidence in breaking down medical jargon improved from 2.8 ± 0.7 to 4.4 ± 0.5 (p < 0.01), and confidence in making use of visual aids improved from 2.5 ± 0.8 to 4.2 ± 0.6 (p < 0.01). Understanding among the patients of their health conditions improved from 27% to 74% (p < 0.001), and self-confidence in their ability to manage their health improved from 31% to 79% (p < 0.001). The qualitative feedback noted improved empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a positive effect on patient empowerment through tailored education. Conclusions: This CBE intervention had two benefits: improving teaching and communication skills in students and greatly enhancing health literacy in underserved patients. The integration of structured education into usual care encounters holds the promise of a scalable, sustainable method for addressing health disparities. Longer longitudinal studies are necessary to assess its long-term success and incorporation into medical education. Full article
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19 pages, 7450 KiB  
Article
Curcumin-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Glioma Cells Is Enhanced by Clusterin Deficiency
by Pinky Sultana and Jiri Novotny
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(6), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17060679 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options and significant resistance to conventional therapies. Methods: In this study, we explored the effects of combining curcumin treatment with clusterin inhibition on cell death in glioma cells. Results: We observed that the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options and significant resistance to conventional therapies. Methods: In this study, we explored the effects of combining curcumin treatment with clusterin inhibition on cell death in glioma cells. Results: We observed that the combination of clusterin silencing and curcumin treatment induces cell death. This combination therapy significantly elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering oxidative stress, which acted as a key upstream mediator of apoptosis. Elevated ROS levels were found to be associated with caspase activation, suggesting apoptosis as the primary mode of cell death. Furthermore, autophagy was induced as a complementary mechanism, with upregulation of LC3B contributing to the enhanced cytotoxic effects. Conclusions: The synergy between clusterin knockdown-induced senescence and curcumin’s pro-apoptotic and pro-autophagic effects highlights a potential novel therapeutic strategy for gliomas. These findings underscore the potential of this combination therapy in overcoming glioma resistance and improving treatment outcomes through the dual induction of oxidative stress and cell death pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy Approaches for Cancer Treatment)
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18 pages, 1990 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Microbial Transplantation from High-Productivity Soil to Improve Soybean Performance in Less Productive Farmland
by Danilo Tosta Souza, Aurélio Carneiro Soares Moreira, Hélio Danilo Quevedo and André May
Microorganisms 2025, 13(6), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13061177 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Microbial transplantation represents a sustainable strategy to address productivity gaps in agricultural soils by transferring microbiomes that enhance nutrient cycling, pathogen suppression, and stress tolerance. This study evaluates whether probiotic consortia from high-yield soybean soils (donor soil) could improve crop performance in less [...] Read more.
Microbial transplantation represents a sustainable strategy to address productivity gaps in agricultural soils by transferring microbiomes that enhance nutrient cycling, pathogen suppression, and stress tolerance. This study evaluates whether probiotic consortia from high-yield soybean soils (donor soil) could improve crop performance in less productive fields (recipient soil). We developed a host-adapted inoculant from soybean rhizospheres grown in donor soil and applied it to seeds at five concentrations (0.25–10 g/kg seed) in recipient soil, with untreated controls for comparison. To assess crop-specific microbial recruitment, we prepared a parallel bean-derived inoculant under identical conditions. Through 16S rRNA sequencing and growth/yield analysis, we found the following: (1) Distinct bacteriome assemblies between soybean- and bean-derived inoculants, confirming host specificity; (2) Successful enrichment of beneficial taxa (Enterobacteriaceae increased by 15–22%, Rhizobiaceae by 7–12%) despite native community resilience; and (3) Consistent yield improvement trends (4.8–6.2%), demonstrating potential to bridge productivity gaps. These results show that transplanted microbiomes can effectively modulate rhizosphere communities while maintaining ecological balance. This work establishes a scalable approach to address soil productivity limitations through microbiome transplantation. Future research should optimize (a) inoculant composition for specific productivity gaps; (b) delivery systems; and (c) compatibility with resident microbiomes, particularly in systems where niche-specific processes govern microbial establishment. Full article
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23 pages, 2112 KiB  
Article
Exploring Cancer Patients’ and Caregivers’ Perspectives and Knowledge Regarding Biomarker Testing in Canada
by Patil Mksyartinian, Selina Xu, Chrissa Barroma, Sandra Peláez and Barry D. Stein
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(6), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32060292 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
While biomarker testing can provide various benefits for cancer patient outcomes, numerous challenges persist that cause inequities in access across Canada. An online survey consisting of 51 questions was disseminated to evaluate biomarker testing and precision medicine knowledge and experiences from Canadian patients [...] Read more.
While biomarker testing can provide various benefits for cancer patient outcomes, numerous challenges persist that cause inequities in access across Canada. An online survey consisting of 51 questions was disseminated to evaluate biomarker testing and precision medicine knowledge and experiences from Canadian patients and caregivers. Responses were recorded between June 2023 and January 2024 and assessed various aspects of the biomarker testing experience including the expectations and challenges of patients. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel and R for descriptive and correlative data analysis, respectively. Among the 74 responses, patients reported an overall moderate experience with positive outcomes for those who underwent biomarker testing, including changes to treatment plans and the shrinking of tumours. The main challenges identified included knowledge gaps, a lack of testing availability, turnaround time for results, and financial constraints, all of which contribute to the disparities in biomarker testing access. Qualitative analysis of responses further emphasized a strong patient desire for patient-centred care and collaborative decision-making for biomarker testing options and treatment planning. Addressing these challenges through increased education, policy advocacy, and advancing infrastructure can help to reduce interprovincial inequities in biomarker testing and contribute to improving cancer patient outcomes. Full article
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26 pages, 9618 KiB  
Article
Predicting Energy Consumption and Time of Use of Home Appliances in an HEMS Using LSTM Networks and Smart Meters: A Case Study in Sincelejo, Colombia
by Zurisaddai Severiche-Maury, Carlos Uc-Ríos, Javier E. Sierra and Alejandro Guerrero
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4749; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114749 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Rising household electricity consumption, driven by technological advances and increased indoor activity, has led to higher energy costs and an increased reliance on non-renewable sources, exacerbating the carbon footprint. Home energy management systems (HEMS) are positioning themselves as an efficient alternative by integrating [...] Read more.
Rising household electricity consumption, driven by technological advances and increased indoor activity, has led to higher energy costs and an increased reliance on non-renewable sources, exacerbating the carbon footprint. Home energy management systems (HEMS) are positioning themselves as an efficient alternative by integrating artificial intelligence to improve their accuracy. Predictive algorithms that provide accurate data on the future behavior of energy consumption and appliance usage time are required in these HEMS to achieve this goal. This study presents a predictive model based on recurrent neural networks with long short-term memory (LSTM), known to capture nonlinear relationships and long-term dependencies in time series data. The model predicts individual and total household energy consumption and appliance usage time. Training data were collected for 12 months from an HEMS installed in a typical Colombian house, using smart meters developed in this research. The model’s performance is evaluated using the mean squared error (MSE), reaching a value of 0.0168 kWh2. The results confirm the effectiveness of HEMS and demonstrate that the integration of LSTM-based predictive models can significantly improve energy efficiency and optimize household energy consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)
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14 pages, 2387 KiB  
Article
Defects Induced by High-Temperature Neutron Irradiation in 250 µm-Thick 4H-SiC p-n Junction Detector
by Alfio Samuele Mancuso, Enrico Sangregorio, Annamaria Muoio, Saverio De Luca, Matteo Hakeem Kushoro, Erik Gallo, Silvia Vanellone, Eleonora Quadrivi, Antonio Trotta, Lucia Calcagno and Francesco La Via
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112413 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
The objective of the proposed work was to investigate the electrical performance of a 250 µm-thick 4H-SiC p-n junction detector after irradiation with DT neutrons (14.1 MeV energy) at high temperature (500 °C). The results showed that the current–voltage (I-V) characteristics of the [...] Read more.
The objective of the proposed work was to investigate the electrical performance of a 250 µm-thick 4H-SiC p-n junction detector after irradiation with DT neutrons (14.1 MeV energy) at high temperature (500 °C). The results showed that the current–voltage (I-V) characteristics of the unirradiated SiC detector were ideal, with an ideality factor close to 1.5. A high electron mobility (µn) and built-in voltage (Vbi) were also observed. Additionally, the leakage current remained very low in the temperature range of 298–523 K. High-temperature irradiation caused a deviation from ideal behaviour, leading to an increase in the ideality factor, decreases in the µn and Vbi values, and a significant rise in the leakage current. Studying the capacitance–voltage (C-V) characteristics, it was observed that neutron irradiation induced reductions in both Al-doped (p+-type) and N-doped (n-type) 4H-SiC carrier concentrations. A comprehensive investigation of the deep defect states and impurities was carried out using deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) in the temperature range of 85–750 K. In particular, high-temperature neutron irradiation influenced the behaviours of both the Z1/2 and EH6/7 traps, which were related to carbon interstitials, silicon vacancies, or anti-site pairs. Full article
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22 pages, 4602 KiB  
Article
Dynamics of Phyto- and Bacterioplankton in Southern Baikal and Irkutsk Reservoir During the Open Water Period of 2023 According to Metabarcoding Data
by Yuri Galachyants, Darya Petrova, Artem Marchenkov, Maria Nalimova and Yelena Likhoshway
Diversity 2025, 17(6), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17060369 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Artificial reservoirs formed by hydroelectric dams are young ecosystems requiring water quality monitoring, as they often serve local populations. Traditionally, this is performed through hydrochemical and sanitary assessments, alongside phytoplankton composition analysis. This study aimed to assess the seasonal dynamics of microbial communities—both [...] Read more.
Artificial reservoirs formed by hydroelectric dams are young ecosystems requiring water quality monitoring, as they often serve local populations. Traditionally, this is performed through hydrochemical and sanitary assessments, alongside phytoplankton composition analysis. This study aimed to assess the seasonal dynamics of microbial communities—both bacterioplankton and microeukaryotes including phytoplankton—in the Irkutsk Reservoir (IR), which is fed by the cold oligotrophic waters of Southern Baikal (SB). Using parallel metabarcoding of 16S and 18S rRNA gene fragments, we analyzed community composition during the open-water season and evaluated the ecological connectivity between these two freshwater systems. We demonstrated that seasonal changes in microeukaryotic communities were closely linked between SB and IR, with the greatest divergence observed in early summer and progressive convergence by autumn. Metabarcoding confirmed microscopy-based observations while providing higher taxonomic resolution and detecting otherwise overlooked groups. Bacterioplankton communities also exhibited seasonal variation and were shaped by environmental gradients and reservoir characteristics. Cyanobacteria peaked in SB in late summer but did not dominate communities, unlike in mesotrophic lowland reservoirs. These findings demonstrate the value of metabarcoding for freshwater monitoring and provide new insights into microbial community dynamics in river–reservoir systems influenced by oligotrophic lake inflow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue DNA Barcodes for Evolution and Biodiversity—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 10863 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Flower Color and Mechanical Barriers on Pollinator Selection Within the Papilionoideae of Fabaceae
by Xiang Zhao, Ruochun Gao, Jie Bai, Jing Rong, Xuexia Wei, Hairong Wang, Xiaojuan Zhu, Kun Sun and Qinzheng Hou
Plants 2025, 14(11), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111568 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Current understanding of synergistic trait effects in plant–pollinator systems remains limited, particularly regarding combined visual and mechanical screening mechanisms. Given the specialized flower opening mechanisms and diverse color signals in the Papilionoideae of Fabaceae, this study examines how floral color and mechanical traits [...] Read more.
Current understanding of synergistic trait effects in plant–pollinator systems remains limited, particularly regarding combined visual and mechanical screening mechanisms. Given the specialized flower opening mechanisms and diverse color signals in the Papilionoideae of Fabaceae, this study examines how floral color and mechanical traits jointly mediate pollinator selection in five co-flowering sympatric species. The flower structure of Papilionoideae typically features a keel formed by fused petal lobes that encloses reproductive organs, with flower operative strength thresholds directly reflecting the mechanical resistance required to dehisce the keel and access nectar/pollen. Flower operative strength thresholds and insect mechanical capabilities were quantified, and visitation behaviors were observed under natural conditions. Significant interspecific variation in flower mechanical strength (12.59–20.25 mN) was identified, with visiting insects consistently exhibiting strengths exceeding these thresholds, suggesting mechanical barriers selectively filter pollinators. Non-visiting insects exhibited either insufficient or excessive strength relative to floral thresholds, which is related to the flower-visiting preferences of different insects. Although no linear correlation was found between flower color (RGB color space) and mechanical strength, the combined analysis revealed synergistic screening where color attracted specific pollinators from a subset capable of overcoming mechanical barriers. These findings demonstrate that flower color and mechanical traits function as complementary filters, optimizing pollinator efficiency and excluding ineffective visitors. The study highlights the necessity to explore multi-trait interactions in plant–pollinator co-evolution, with implications for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)
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12 pages, 1810 KiB  
Article
Examining Stromal Cell Interactions in an In Vitro Blood–Brain Barrier Model with Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
by Andrea Margari, Simon Konig, Vignesh Jayarajan, Silvia Rizzato, Giuseppe Maruccio and Emad Moeendarbary
Cells 2025, 14(11), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14110759 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Understanding the function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in health and disease, as well as improving drug delivery across the BBB, remains a critical priority in neuroscience research. However, current in vitro models of the BBB have become increasingly complex and challenging to [...] Read more.
Understanding the function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in health and disease, as well as improving drug delivery across the BBB, remains a critical priority in neuroscience research. However, current in vitro models of the BBB have become increasingly complex and challenging to implement. In this study, we present a simplified microfluidic BBB model in which human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are cultured as a monolayer along a fibrin gel containing human pericytes and astrocytes. Remarkably, within just three days, the 3D co-culture significantly enhanced barrier formation and upregulated the expression of tight-junction proteins in HUVECs. These findings demonstrate that HUVECs, which have been extensively used for over 50 years to study vascular endothelium due to their ease of isolation and culture, can adapt their phenotype towards that of BBB endothelial cells under appropriate conditions. This microfluidic BBB model offers a valuable tool for drug development and for advancing our understanding of BBB physiology in both health and disease contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Emerging Topics in Vascular Endothelial Cell Biology)
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12 pages, 1841 KiB  
Article
Correlations Between Immunophenotypic Markers and Clinical Progression in Romanian Patients Diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
by Georgian Halcu, Anca Evsei-Seceleanu, Dana-Antonia Tapoi, Mihai Cerbu, Cristian Barta and Mihail Constantin Ceausu
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61060948 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a prevalent subtype of adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma; noted for its biological and clinical variability. Background and Objectives: This study seeks to assess the expression and prognostic implications of Ki-67, MYC, and BCL2 utilising immunohistochemistry on a cohort [...] Read more.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a prevalent subtype of adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma; noted for its biological and clinical variability. Background and Objectives: This study seeks to assess the expression and prognostic implications of Ki-67, MYC, and BCL2 utilising immunohistochemistry on a cohort of Romanian patients diagnosed with DLBCL while also addressing the limitations imposed by the absence of fluorescence in situ hybridisation testing in resource-constrained settings. Materials and Methods: A single-centre, retrospective study involved 66 cases of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens obtained from patients with this lymphoma. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 61.81 years, with most individuals being 60 years or older; 59.1% of the patients were male. Our study identified that 65.2% of the cases belonged to the non-GCB subtype (ABC). MYC-positive expression was observed in 5 out of 66 cases (7.6%), and BCL2 protein expression exhibited a trend toward statistical significance, indicating a lower overall survival for BCL-2-positive patients. The expression of Ki-67 demonstrated a significant correlation with variations in overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001). Patients with low Ki-67 expression had an average survival duration of 76.39 months, contrasting with individuals exhibiting high Ki-67 expression, with a mean survival of 38.98 months. In conclusion, MYC, BCL2, and Ki-67 may be valuable prognostic indicator biomarkers. Conclusions: The prognostic significance of each biomarker varies based on the established cut-off point value. Future research should examine the relationship between protein biomarkers, morphological characteristics, and clinical outcomes in Romanian patients diagnosed with DLBCL, aiming to elucidate clinical ramifications and foster effective management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Improved Cancer Diagnosis: New Developments in Histopathology)
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18 pages, 3200 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Emissions in China: Remote Sensing with Generalized Regression Neural Network and Partition Modeling Strategy
by Chen Chen, Kaitong Qin, Songjie Wu, Bellie Sivakumar, Chengxian Zhuang and Jiaye Li
Atmosphere 2025, 16(6), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16060631 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Accurate estimation of anthropogenic CO2 emissions is crucial for effective climate change mitigation policies. This study aims to improve CO2 emission estimates in China using remote sensing measurements of column-averaged dry air mole fractions of CO2 (XCO2) and [...] Read more.
Accurate estimation of anthropogenic CO2 emissions is crucial for effective climate change mitigation policies. This study aims to improve CO2 emission estimates in China using remote sensing measurements of column-averaged dry air mole fractions of CO2 (XCO2) and a neural network approach. We evaluated XCO2 anomalies derived from three background XCO2 concentration approaches: CHN (national median), LAT (10-degree latitudinal median), and NE (N-nearest non-emission grids average). We then applied the Generalized Regression Neural Network model, combined with a partition modeling strategy using the K-means clustering algorithm, to estimate CO2 emissions based on XCO2 anomalies, net primary productivity, and population data. The results indicate that the NE method either outperformed or was at least comparable to the LAT method, while the CHN method performed the worst. The partition modeling strategy and inclusion of population data effectively improved CO2 emission estimates. Specifically, increasing the number of partitions from 1 to 30 using the NE method resulted in mean absolute error (MAE) values decreasing from 0.254 to 0.122 gC/m2/day, while incorporating population data led to a decrease in MAE values between 0.036 and 0.269 gC/m2/day for different partitions. The present methods and findings offer critical insights for supporting government policy-making and target-setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Atmospheric Techniques, Instruments, and Modeling)
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16 pages, 1369 KiB  
Article
Conditioning of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Broodstock in a High-Altitude Recirculating Aquaculture System: First Spawning at 3000 m.a.s.l. in Northern Chile
by Renzo Pepe-Victoriano, Piera Pepe-Vargas, Jordan I. Huanacuni, Héctor Aravena-Ambrosetti, Germán Olivares-Cantillano, Felipe Méndez-Abarca, Sheda Méndez and Luis Espinoza-Ramos
Animals 2025, 15(11), 1506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15111506 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
This study monitored the conditioning of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) broodstock in a closed culture system at 3000 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.) to evaluate the feasibility of this culture method and assess the first spawning of the species under these [...] Read more.
This study monitored the conditioning of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) broodstock in a closed culture system at 3000 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.) to evaluate the feasibility of this culture method and assess the first spawning of the species under these conditions as an alternative production route for the communities present in the foothills of Cordillera de los Andes, northern Chile. A total of 120 specimens with an initial weight of 170 g were used. They were maintained in a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) composed of protected circular tanks, decanters, a biofilter, and oxygenation equipment. Fish growth was monitored through parameters such as specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and percent weight growth (PWG), parameters that were maintained within those reported by other authors for this species. The first successful spawning occurred after 12 months of broodstock conditioning, yielding 8570 eggs, of which 6569 hatched successfully. The success of this conditioning and spawning not only broadens the understanding of adaptability to high-altitude environments, but also provides evidence for the potential diversification of productive activities in foothill areas through aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)
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16 pages, 4172 KiB  
Article
An Upgraded FOS/TAC Titration Model Integrating Phosphate Effects for Accurate Assessments of Volatile Fatty Acids and Alkalinity in Anaerobic Media
by Xiaojun Liu, André Pauss, Laura André and Thierry Ribeiro
ChemEngineering 2025, 9(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9030053 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
The accurate determination of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and total alkalinity (TAC, mostly carried by bicarbonate ions) is critical for operating anaerobic digesters. The FOS/TAC titration method developed by Nordmann is widely used due to its simplicity and affordability. This method has known [...] Read more.
The accurate determination of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and total alkalinity (TAC, mostly carried by bicarbonate ions) is critical for operating anaerobic digesters. The FOS/TAC titration method developed by Nordmann is widely used due to its simplicity and affordability. This method has known limitations in dosing VFAs and TAC, since the presence of one interferes with the determination of the other, especially at higher VFA or bicarbonate concentrations. This study builds upon our prior research in 2021 by integrating the influence of phosphate (H2PO4/HPO42−) into numerical models correcting FOS/TAC titration results. A Scilab-based program was used to assess the impact of phosphate on titration results, revealing significant biases at lower concentrations. A revised multivariate regression formula was developed, incorporating phosphate effects, and demonstrating superior accuracy. The mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) for TAC and VFA estimation were reduced to less than 0.3%. The model maintains compatibility with standard Nordmann’s titration protocols and equipment while significantly improving reliability. These findings highlight the necessity of considering phosphate interference in FOS/TAC titration, particularly in AD systems with variable buffering conditions. The proposed correction model enhances process monitoring and control, providing a more robust tool for both research and industrial practice in anaerobic digestion. Full article
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20 pages, 5649 KiB  
Article
Edge-Deployed Band-Split Rotary Position Encoding Transformer for Ultra-Low-Signal-to-Noise-Ratio Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Speech Enhancement
by Feifan Liu, Muying Li, Luming Guo, Hao Guo, Jie Cao, Wei Zhao and Jun Wang
Drones 2025, 9(6), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9060386 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Addressing the significant challenge of speech enhancement in ultra-low-Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) scenarios for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) voice communication, particularly under edge deployment constraints, this study proposes the Edge-Deployed Band-Split Rotary Position Encoding Transformer (Edge-BS-RoFormer), a novel, lightweight band-split rotary position encoding transformer. While [...] Read more.
Addressing the significant challenge of speech enhancement in ultra-low-Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) scenarios for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) voice communication, particularly under edge deployment constraints, this study proposes the Edge-Deployed Band-Split Rotary Position Encoding Transformer (Edge-BS-RoFormer), a novel, lightweight band-split rotary position encoding transformer. While existing deep learning methods face limitations in dynamic UAV noise suppression under such constraints, including insufficient harmonic modeling and high computational complexity, the proposed Edge-BS-RoFormer distinctively synergizes a band-split strategy for fine-grained spectral processing, a dual-dimension Rotary Position Encoding (RoPE) mechanism for superior joint time–frequency modeling, and FlashAttention to optimize computational efficiency, pivotal for its lightweight nature and robust ultra-low-SNR performance. Experiments on our self-constructed DroneNoise-LibriMix (DN-LM) dataset demonstrate Edge-BS-RoFormer’s superiority. Under a −15 dB SNR, it achieves Scale-Invariant Signal-to-Distortion Ratio (SI-SDR) improvements of 2.2 dB over Deep Complex U-Net (DCUNet), 25.0 dB over the Dual-Path Transformer Network (DPTNet), and 2.3 dB over HTDemucs. Correspondingly, the Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) is enhanced by 0.11, 0.18, and 0.15, respectively. Crucially, its efficacy for edge deployment is substantiated by a minimal model storage of 8.534 MB, 11.617 GFLOPs (an 89.6% reduction vs. DCUNet), a runtime memory footprint of under 500MB, a Real-Time Factor (RTF) of 0.325 (latency: 330.830 ms), and a power consumption of 6.536 W on an NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier, fulfilling real-time processing demands. This study delivers a validated lightweight solution, exemplified by its minimal computational overhead and real-time edge inference capability, for effective speech enhancement in complex UAV acoustic scenarios, including dynamic noise conditions. Furthermore, the open-sourced dataset and model contribute to advancing research and establishing standardized evaluation frameworks in this domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Drone Communications)
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17 pages, 1105 KiB  
Review
Coordinating Mental Health Supports Across Out-of-School and In-School Providers: A Scoping Review
by Michael D. Lyons, Margaret Meldrum, Simon Daniel, Aisha N. Griffith, Ashlee L. Sjogren and Faith Zabek
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15060639 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
The coordination of school- and community-based mental health services is a promising strategy to respond to the rising mental health needs of youth. Out-of-school time (OST) programs are an under-utilized community-based resource that may be leveraged to help meet this need. We conducted [...] Read more.
The coordination of school- and community-based mental health services is a promising strategy to respond to the rising mental health needs of youth. Out-of-school time (OST) programs are an under-utilized community-based resource that may be leveraged to help meet this need. We conducted a scoping review to (a) identify practices that facilitate the coordination of care between schools and OST programs and (b) examine whether such practices align with those used in existing models of expanded school mental health (ESMH). EBSCOhost, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar, ERIC Scopus, MedLine, ScienceDirect, and national organization websites were used to identify articles, including peer-reviewed (n = 2) and grey literature (n = 7) published from 2004 to 2024 that were written in English and described U.S.-based schools and programs. Coordination practices were coded inductively and categorized as a school/program, district/community, or state-level practice. Practices within the vision/mission alignment, coordinating daily operations, training, and resource/information sharing domains were identified at the highest frequency. Many of the strategies identified are included in existing models of ESMH. Thus, expanding coordination models to include OST may be a feasible direction for increasing the capacity of communities to meet the mental health needs of youth. Given the paucity of research in this area, further empirical research is needed. Full article
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11 pages, 1480 KiB  
Opinion
Enhancing Early Drought Detection in Plants: The Consideration of Organ Sensitivity, Parameter Selection, and Measurement Timing
by Guanqiang Zuo, Naijie Feng and Dianfeng Zheng
Plants 2025, 14(11), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111571 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Drought stress constitutes one of the most severe constraints to global agricultural productivity. Early drought detection is pivotal for sustainable agriculture, yet current approaches overlook critical dimensions of plant sensitivity. While advancements in photosynthetic parameter analysis (e.g., gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence) have [...] Read more.
Drought stress constitutes one of the most severe constraints to global agricultural productivity. Early drought detection is pivotal for sustainable agriculture, yet current approaches overlook critical dimensions of plant sensitivity. While advancements in photosynthetic parameter analysis (e.g., gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence) have enhanced drought monitoring, three understudied factors limit progress: (1) differential drought sensitivity across plant organs (e.g., root nodules vs. leaves); (2) the selection of sensitive photosynthetic parameters and optimal measurement timing for stress detection; and (3) the identification of leaf layers most responsive to water deficits. By synthesizing insights from nodule physiology in legumes, cross-species evidence on multi-layered leaf senescence, and the temporal dynamics of stress sensitivity, this paper proposes a ‘whole-plant sensitivity analysis’ framework. Integrating organ-, parameter-, and time-specific perspectives, this paper aims to refine early drought detection in the field and enhance plant resilience research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)
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17 pages, 3653 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the mTERF Gene Family in Spinach and the Role of SomTERF5 in Response to Heat Stress
by Ziyue Sun, Li Li, Yaqi Liu, Yanshuang Liu, Gaojian Li, Yueyue Li, Qingbo Yu, Meihong Sun and Xiaofeng Xu
Plants 2025, 14(11), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111570 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), a globally consumed, nutrient-dense vegetable, contains diverse vitamins and minerals. However, elevated temperatures can constrain yield by interrupting leaf development and photosynthetic efficiency. The mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF) family, which regulates organellar gene expression, plays crucial roles [...] Read more.
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), a globally consumed, nutrient-dense vegetable, contains diverse vitamins and minerals. However, elevated temperatures can constrain yield by interrupting leaf development and photosynthetic efficiency. The mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF) family, which regulates organellar gene expression, plays crucial roles in plant growth and photosynthetic regulation. Thus, characterization of the spinach mTERF (SomTERF) family is critical for elucidating thermotolerance mechanisms in this crop. In this study, we systematically identified 31 SomTERF genes from the spinach genome, which are distributed across five chromosomes and nine unassembled genomic scaffolds. Subcellular localization predictions indicated that these proteins predominantly target chloroplasts and mitochondria. Conserved domain analyses confirmed that all SomTERF proteins possess canonical mTERF domains and ten conserved motifs. Phylogenetic clustering segregated these proteins into nine distinct subgroups (I–IX), with significant divergence observed in gene copy numbers among subgroups. Cis-element screening identified an abundance of heat-, cold-, and hormone-responsive motifs within SomTERF promoter regions. Notably, seven members (including SomTERF5) exhibited pronounced enrichment of heat shock elements (HSEs). Organ-specific expression profiling revealed preferential leaf expression of these seven genes. Comparative RT-qPCR in heat-sensitive (Sp73) and heat-tolerant (Sp75) cultivars under thermal stress demonstrated genotype-dependent expression dynamics. Functional validation of SomTERF5 was achieved through cloning, and transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing SomTERF5 showed significantly enhanced thermotolerance, as evidenced by improved survival rates following heat treatment. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays further revealed physical interaction between SomTERF5 and SopTAC2. This study provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding mTERF-mediated developmental regulation and advanced molecular breeding strategies for developing heat-resilient spinach varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Growth, Development, and Stress Response of Horticulture Plants)
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17 pages, 4941 KiB  
Article
Magnetite-Assisted Capture Affinity, Concentration Dependence, and Magnetic Extraction Rate of Bacillus cereus
by Gouri Nilakshika Atapattu, Michelle Giltrap and Furong Tian
Microorganisms 2025, 13(6), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13061176 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
The interactions between magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and bio-surfaces have impacted key industries such as food, biomedicine, water purification, and agriculture. Bacteria, with their diverse bio-surfaces, offer potential for such interactions. Yet, there is a paucity of research interpreting the dynamics behind bacteria–nanoparticle interactions. [...] Read more.
The interactions between magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and bio-surfaces have impacted key industries such as food, biomedicine, water purification, and agriculture. Bacteria, with their diverse bio-surfaces, offer potential for such interactions. Yet, there is a paucity of research interpreting the dynamics behind bacteria–nanoparticle interactions. Advancing this knowledge could improve the industrial applications. Current research gaps include information about the magnetic nanoparticle-assisted concentration dependence of Bacillus cereus and determination of the rate of bacterial extraction by MNPs such as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Using magnetic IONPs as the choice of MNP, this study aimed to investigate in vitro the interactions between model bacteria and IONPs, leveraging the bacterial magnetising property. IONPs were synthesised by co-precipitation and characterised. Magnetic capture efficiency was reported for four model bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium). The effect of particle concentration on the viability of Bacillus cereus and the rate of magnetic extraction of Bacillus cereus were evaluated. Bacillus cereus had the most robust interaction with IONP (90.34%). While the magnetic extraction was time-dependent, the average rate of magnetic extraction for Bacillus cereus was calculated as 3.617 CFU mL−1/min. Growth inhibition at 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg mL−1 of IONP was significant. Magnetic capture results indicated that members of the Bacillus genus screened for plant growth-promoting traits may be suitable to combine with IONPs for future land application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Biotechnology)
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18 pages, 3111 KiB  
Article
Advances in the Development of Hydrometallurgical Processes in Acidic and Alkaline Environments for the Extraction of Copper from Tailings Deposit
by Diego Davoise and Ana Méndez
Minerals 2025, 15(6), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15060550 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
The geopolitical and economic situation impacts raw materials demand. As principal ore deposits reach exhaustion, the study of new sources of raw materials becomes essential. Therefore, mining wastes emerge as alternative sources of raw materials. Their physicochemical properties, such as small particle size [...] Read more.
The geopolitical and economic situation impacts raw materials demand. As principal ore deposits reach exhaustion, the study of new sources of raw materials becomes essential. Therefore, mining wastes emerge as alternative sources of raw materials. Their physicochemical properties, such as small particle size or concentration of some metals of interest, enhance reprocessing. A number of critical raw materials (As, Co, Cu, Sb) and base metals (Pb, Zn), as well as precious metals (Ag), were found present in an abandoned tailing deposit composed by finely grounded washed roasted pyrites within the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Copper leaching from a sample of this deposit was investigated. Two hydrometallurgical approaches were studied: acidic leaching with and without activated carbon; and alkaline leaching with glycine solutions. Leaching tests were carried out during 24 h at ambient and moderate temperatures (60 °C). In acidic medium, the maximum copper extraction varied from 88 to 92.5%, while in alkaline medium, the maximum copper extraction was in the range of 71%–76%. Using activated carbon and H2O2 seemed to slightly promote the copper extraction with the maximum extraction (92.5%) after 2 h of leaching at 60 °C. Complementarily, above 50% of the zinc and cobalt contained were extracted. In contrast, temperature in alkaline conditions played a key role in reaction speed, but also in precipitation of copper insoluble compounds. In addition, the glycine solution at pH 10–10.5 showed high selectivity for copper over zinc, iron, lead, arsenic, and antimony. Two extra tests at pH above 12 showed arsenic dissolution (up to 51% at pH 12.5). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrometallurgical Treatments of Copper Ores, By-Products and Waste)
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25 pages, 3566 KiB  
Article
Active Gate Drive Based on Negative Feedback for SiC MOSFETs to Suppress Crosstalk Parasitic Oscillation and Avoid Decreased Efficiency
by Tiancong Shao, Yuhan Sun, Zhitong Bai, Trillion Q. Zheng, Yajing Zhang and Pengyu Jia
Electronics 2025, 14(11), 2100; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14112100 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
The high switching speed of SiC MOSFETs can induce resonance between parasitic inductors and capacitors, owing to rapid changes in current and voltage, leading to excessive crosstalk parasitic oscillation. This can increase SiC MOSFETs’ gate oxide voltage stress, reducing their service life and [...] Read more.
The high switching speed of SiC MOSFETs can induce resonance between parasitic inductors and capacitors, owing to rapid changes in current and voltage, leading to excessive crosstalk parasitic oscillation. This can increase SiC MOSFETs’ gate oxide voltage stress, reducing their service life and even directly leading to gate overvoltage failure. However, there is still a lack of investigations of active control of gate driving in systematic converters because crosstalk parasitic oscillation, indicated by high frequencies in MHz, is challenging to control in a power converter with gate voltage stability and high switching speed. This paper investigates an active gate drive based on negative feedback to fully drive SiC MOSFETs with high efficiency and stable gate voltage to exploit the advantages of high dv/dt over 20 V/ns in SiC MOSFETs and further realize the miniaturization of power conversion systems. It first investigates a dynamic model of SiC MOSFET gate-interfered oscillation in parallel application derived from a circuit with equivalent junction capacitance in power devices. Then, the operating principle of the Negative Feedback Active Gate Drive (NFAGD) application strategy for parallel SiC MOSFETs is demonstrated. Finally, the experiment verifies the proposed strategy’s effectiveness in suppressing crosstalk parasitic oscillation in parallel SiC MOSFETs, and an 8 kW synchronous buck converter prototype is built to verify the NFAGD’s performance in systematic converter applications. Full article
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16 pages, 2462 KiB  
Article
Study on the Combustion Behavior and Kinetic Characteristics of Semi-Coke from Oil Shale
by Fajun Zhao, Lei Zhang, Sen Liu, Tianyu Wang, Peiyong Xue, Mingxuan Wu and Jiankang Yun
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 5797; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15115797 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
This study systematically investigates the combustion behavior and kinetic characteristics of oil shale semi-coke. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) experiments, combined with both model-free and model-based methods, were used to explore the thermal characteristics, kinetic parameters, and reaction mechanisms of the combustion process. The results [...] Read more.
This study systematically investigates the combustion behavior and kinetic characteristics of oil shale semi-coke. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) experiments, combined with both model-free and model-based methods, were used to explore the thermal characteristics, kinetic parameters, and reaction mechanisms of the combustion process. The results show that the combustion process of oil shale semi-coke can be divided into three stages: a low-temperature stage (50–310 °C), a mid-temperature stage (310–670 °C), and a high-temperature stage (670–950 °C). The mid-temperature stage is the core of the combustion process, accounting for approximately 28–37% of the total mass loss, with the released energy concentrated and exhibiting significant thermal chemical activity. Kinetic parameters calculated using the model-free methods (OFW and KAS) and the model-based Coats–Redfern method reveal that the activation energy gradually increases with the conversion rate, indicating a multi-step reaction characteristic of the combustion process. The F2-R3-F2 model, with its segmented mechanism (boundary layer + second-order reaction), better fits the physicochemical changes during semi-coke combustion, and the analysis of mineral phase transformations is more reasonable. Therefore, the F2-R3-F2 model is identified as the optimal model in this study and provides a scientific basis for the optimization of oil shale semi-coke combustion processes. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were conducted on oil shale semi-coke samples before and after combustion to study the changes in the combustion residues. SEM images show that after combustion, the surface of the semi-coke sample exhibits a large number of irregular holes, with increased pore size and a honeycomb-like structure, indicating that the carbonaceous components were oxidized and decomposed during combustion, forming a porous structure. XRD analysis shows that the characteristic peaks of quartz (Q) are enhanced after combustion, while those of calcite (C) and pyrite (P) are weakened, suggesting that the mineral components underwent decomposition and transformation during combustion, particularly the decomposition of calcite into CO2 at high temperatures. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) analysis reveals that after combustion, the amount of hydrocarbons in the semi-coke decreases, while aromatic compounds and incompletely decomposed organic materials are retained, further confirming the changes in organic matter during combustion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Thermal Engineering)
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24 pages, 7561 KiB  
Article
Mechanism of Strain-Resistance Response of CNT/Polymer Composite Materials for Pavement Strain Self-Sensing Based on the Molecular Dynamics Simulation Method
by Xue Xin, Xingchi Zhao, Jing Gao, Zhanyong Yao and Yunzhen Li
Polymers 2025, 17(11), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17111427 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025
Abstract
Embedded and real-time monitoring of pavement mechanical state changes based on the strain detected by self-sensing sensors of polymer/conductive composites is a new way for pavement health monitoring. Strain monitoring, using polymer-based composite mechanosensitive materials, requires the formation of effective conductive networks and [...] Read more.
Embedded and real-time monitoring of pavement mechanical state changes based on the strain detected by self-sensing sensors of polymer/conductive composites is a new way for pavement health monitoring. Strain monitoring, using polymer-based composite mechanosensitive materials, requires the formation of effective conductive networks and conductive channels within the composite material so that the mechanosensitive material is electrically conductive at the macroscopic level. However, the deformation of the pavement structure is much smaller in magnitude, which is about hundreds or even tens of microstrains (10−6). Therefore, it is especially important to study the strain self-sensing mechanism of conductive composites at the με level. Micro- and nanostructured polymer composites have a complex structure with multiple layers, scales, and interactions, and thus present many difficulties when studying their microscopic conductive mechanisms. In this paper, the all-atom system of the micro-nanostructured composite mechanosensitive materials model was proposed with the help of molecular dynamics simulations. This achieved a breakthrough and realized the systematic study of the microscopic level of the relevant parameters of the composite’s conductivity from the molecular point of view to construct a relationship between the microscopic parameters, conductive network, and conductivity. The kinetic models of the micro-nanostructure and resin interface based on the molecular dynamics simulation technology were constructed to explore the dispersion state of the conductive filler, the interfacial interactions between the conductive filler and epoxy resin matrix, and the structural changes in the conductive network within the system under the tension state. Full article
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