Next Issue
Volume 13, April
Previous Issue
Volume 13, February
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.1
2.8
Journals
Processes
Volume 13
Issue 3
share announcement

Processes, Volume 13, Issue 3 (March 2025) – 330 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The coupling of offshore wind farms with electrolyzers for green hydrogen production could contribute significantly to the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors. However, this integration faces key challenges, primarily the mismatch between the intermittent nature of wind energy and the steady power supply required by electrolyzers. This paper provides a modelling approach to support design, sizing and techno-economic analysis. It also explores the role of batteries in stabilizing energy flows. The relationship between electrolyzer capacity and wind farm configurations is explored through three scenarios. The results show that the best energy balance is achieved with an electrolyzer-to-wind capacity ratio of 80%. View this paper
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
20 pages, 4846 KiB  
Article
Improved Vehicle Object Detection Algorithm Based on Swin-YOLOv5s
by Haichao An, Jianhua Tang, Ying Fan and Meiqin Liu
Processes 2025, 13(3), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030925 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 232
Abstract
In response to the challenges of low detection accuracy, slow speed, and high rates of false positives and missed detections in existing YOLOv5s vehicle detection models under complex traffic scenarios, an improved Swin-YOLOv5s vehicle detection algorithm is proposed in this paper. By incorporating [...] Read more.
In response to the challenges of low detection accuracy, slow speed, and high rates of false positives and missed detections in existing YOLOv5s vehicle detection models under complex traffic scenarios, an improved Swin-YOLOv5s vehicle detection algorithm is proposed in this paper. By incorporating the Swin Transformer attention mechanism to replace the original C3-1 network, the computational load is reduced and the capability of capturing global features is enhanced. The Self-Concat feature fusion method is enhanced to enable adaptive adjustment of the feature map weights, thereby enhancing positive features. The results of experiments conducted on the KITTI dataset and tests with the Tesla V100 indicate that the proposed improved Swin-YOLOv5s algorithm achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of 95.7% and an F1 score of 93.01%. These metrics represent improvements of 1.6% and 0.56%, respectively, compared to YOLOv5s. Additionally, the inference speed for a single image increases by 1.11%, while the overall detection speed in frames per second (FPS) improves by 12.5%. This enhancement effectively addresses issues related to false positives and missed detections encountered by YOLOv5s under severe vehicle occlusion conditions. The ablation experiments and comparative experiments with different network models validate both the efficiency and accuracy of this model, demonstrating its enhanced capability to meet practical vehicle detection requirements more effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section AI-Enabled Process Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 12567 KiB  
Article
Design and Thermal Performance Analysis of a Liquid Cooling Plate Based on Gradually Varied Circular Notched Fins for Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Huaibin Gao, Xingwang Hou, Wei Ma and Yu Ma
Processes 2025, 13(3), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030924 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
Thermal management of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for enhancing the performance and safety of electric vehicles. This study proposes a novel liquid cooling plate featuring gradually varied circular notched fins (GV-CNF) to improve the thermal management of a commercial LiFePO4 battery. The [...] Read more.
Thermal management of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for enhancing the performance and safety of electric vehicles. This study proposes a novel liquid cooling plate featuring gradually varied circular notched fins (GV-CNF) to improve the thermal management of a commercial LiFePO4 battery. The results indicate that GV-CNF provides a more uniform temperature distribution, a lower Ta, and a reduced ∆P compared to circular fins under identical conditions, leading to a 41.1% improvement in the comprehensive performance evaluation indicator (TP). Notably, the value of TP increases with the height of the coolant channel; however, when the channel height exceeds 4 mm, the change in TP value becomes minimal. Afterward, further studies were conducted to investigate the effects of different inlet–outlet configurations on the cooling performance. The single-inlet, dual-outlet configuration (Type III) for the liquid cooling plate not only reduces the Ta value but also exhibits the lowest ∆P and a smaller high-temperature region. Additionally, when the outlet spacing (L) is 81 mm, the lowest Ta recorded is 27.87 °C, and the ∆P is 3.13 Pa, indicating that this is the best outlet spacing. Additionally, comparative analysis of GV-CNF with serpentine-channel and circular-fin cooling structures reveals that the GV-CNF design effectively reduces the maximum temperature of the battery module, minimizes localized heat accumulation, and maintains low energy consumption, demonstrating superior overall thermal performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4638 KiB  
Review
Fluorometric Sensing of Arsenic in Water: Recent Developments in Metal-Organic Framework-Based Sensors
by Soutick Nandi and Rana Dalapati
Processes 2025, 13(3), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030923 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 346
Abstract
Arsenic is a well-known, highly toxic carcinogen element that is widely found in nature, with numerous studies highlighting its hazardous impact on human health and the environment. Therefore, considering its toxicity and adverse health effects on mammals and the environment, rapid, sensitive, and [...] Read more.
Arsenic is a well-known, highly toxic carcinogen element that is widely found in nature, with numerous studies highlighting its hazardous impact on human health and the environment. Therefore, considering its toxicity and adverse health effects on mammals and the environment, rapid, sensitive, and effective methods for the recognition of arsenic are necessary. Over the past decade, a variety of fluorescent probes, such as small molecules, nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), carbon dots (CDs), quantum dots (QDs), and more, have been designed and successfully employed for the recognition of lethal arsenic. Compared to other conventional sensor materials, sensors based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are advantageous due to their simple preparation, easy functional group modulation, large specific surface area, and excellent chemical stability. In recent years, MOFs have been utilized as dual-functional materials for the detection and adsorptive removal of arsenic from water. This unique functionality distinguishes MOF-based materials from conventional sensors and arsenic adsorbents. Herein, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge on the current development of MOFs for the fluorogenic detection of arsenic in aqueous media. Furthermore, the underlying detection mechanisms are also summarized in this review. The existing challenges in this field and potential remedial strategies for improving detection are elaborated upon in the relevant sections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): Synthesis and Applications in Industry, Environment and Energy)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 6177 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Property Characterization of AM/AMPS/C18DMAAC/NVP Tetrameric Temperature-Sensitive Thickening Copolymer
by Xu Chen, Xiangpeng Zhu, Cheng Gan, Yigang Li and Diren Liu
Processes 2025, 13(3), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030922 - 20 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 268
Abstract
The stability of cement slurries under high-temperature conditions poses a significant engineering challenge in cementing operations. This study explored the development of a novel tetrameric thermosensitive thickening polymer (TTSTC) as a solution to this problem. Aqueous free radical polymerization was employed to synthesize [...] Read more.
The stability of cement slurries under high-temperature conditions poses a significant engineering challenge in cementing operations. This study explored the development of a novel tetrameric thermosensitive thickening polymer (TTSTC) as a solution to this problem. Aqueous free radical polymerization was employed to synthesize the polymer. The base monomers 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and acrylamide (AM) were employed, in conjunction with the long-chain thermosensitive monomers octadecyldimethylallylammonium chloride (C18DMAAC) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP). The optimal synthesis conditions were determined by orthogonal experiments as follows: monomer molar ratio (AM:AMPS:C18DMAAC:NVP) = 15:10:5:5, initiator concentration of 16 wt%, cross-linker concentration of 0.45 wt%, pH 6, and polymerization temperature of 60 °C. The chemical structure of TTSTC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, Zeta potential, and particle size measurement. The results verified the successful synthesis of the target polymer. Its thermal stability, thermosensitive thickening behavior, and salinity resistance were systematically investigated. Furthermore, the impact of TTSTC on the settling stability, rheological characteristics, and compressive strength of cement paste was assessed. The experimental findings demonstrated that TTSTC displayed noteworthy thermosensitive thickening properties at temperatures up to 279 °C, pH values ranging from 11 to 13, and NaCl/CaCl2 concentrations between 0.05 and 0.5 g/L. The optimal performance of TTSTC was observed at mass fractions ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 wt%. When incorporated into the slurry at 0.6–1.0 wt%, TTSTC significantly improved the slurry settling stability, thickening properties, and 28d compressive strength at elevated temperatures compared with the control. When comparing the temperature-sensitive thickening performance of the newly developed treatment agent with that of the commercially available xanthan gum thickener, the results showed that for the cement slurry system containing the new treatment agent at a mass fraction of 0.6%, the reduction in consistency was 30.9% less than that of the cement slurry system with xanthan gum at a mass fraction of 0.6%. These findings indicate that TTSTC has the potential to function as a highly effective additive in cementing operations conducted in extreme environments, thereby enhancing the stability and dependability of such operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Innovation in the Production of Green Materials for Advanced Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5221 KiB  
Article
Thermal Performance and Entropy Generation of Unsteady Natural Convection in a Trapezoid-Shaped Cavity
by Md. Mahafujur Rahaman, Sidhartha Bhowmick and Suvash C. Saha
Processes 2025, 13(3), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030921 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 310
Abstract
In this study, a numerical investigation of unsteady natural convection heat transfer (HT) and entropy generation (EG) is performed within a trapezoid-shaped cavity containing thermally stratified water. The cavity’s bottom wall is heated, the sloped walls are thermally stratified, and the top wall [...] Read more.
In this study, a numerical investigation of unsteady natural convection heat transfer (HT) and entropy generation (EG) is performed within a trapezoid-shaped cavity containing thermally stratified water. The cavity’s bottom wall is heated, the sloped walls are thermally stratified, and the top wall is cooled. The finite volume (FV) method is employed to solve the governing equations. This study uses a Prandtl number (Pr) of 7.01 for water, an aspect ratio (AR) of 0.5, and Rayleigh numbers (Ra) varying between 10 and 106. To examine the flow behavior within the cavity, various relevant parameters are determined for different Ra values. These parameters include streamline and isotherm contours, temperature time series, limit point and limit cycle analysis, average Nusselt number (Nu) at the heated walls, average entropy generation (Eavg), and average Bejan number (Beavg). It is found that the flow transitions from a steady symmetrical state to a chaotic state as the Ra value increases. During this transition, three bifurcations occur. The first is a pitchfork bifurcation between Rayleigh numbers of 9 × 104 and 105, followed by a Hopf bifurcation between Rayleigh numbers of 105 and 2 × 105. Finally, another bifurcation occurs, shifting the flow from periodic to chaotic between Rayleigh numbers of 4 × 105 and 5 × 105. The present study shows an increase in Eavg of 94.97% between Rayleigh numbers of 103 and 106, while the rate of increase in Nu is 81.13%. The findings from this study will enhance understanding of the fluid flow phenomena in a trapezoid-shaped cavity filled with stratified water. The current numerical results are compared and validated against previously published numerical and experimental data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Hydrodynamics of Industrial Processes: Energy Efficiency and Optimization)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2640 KiB  
Article
Inverse Characteristic Locus Method for Power System Low-Frequency Oscillation Control and Optimal Design
by Peng Shi, Yongcan Wang, Xi Wang, Chengwei Fan, Jiayu Bai, Baorui Chen, Hao Xu, Deqiang Gan and Chutong Wang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030920 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 181
Abstract
Recent results indicate that the characteristic locus method provides a convenient approach for analyzing power system low-frequency stability. In this study, an enhanced version of the method, referred to as the inverse characteristic locus method, is introduced. By inverting the similarity matrix of [...] Read more.
Recent results indicate that the characteristic locus method provides a convenient approach for analyzing power system low-frequency stability. In this study, an enhanced version of the method, referred to as the inverse characteristic locus method, is introduced. By inverting the similarity matrix of the loop transfer function matrix of the system, a more reliable and accurate stability metric is obtained. The proposed method is applied to assess the impact of changes in wind turbine generator (WTG) dynamics and system operating conditions on stability. Simulation results demonstrate that variations in system operating conditions exert a greater influence on stability compared to changes in WTG dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimal Design, Control and Simulation of Energy Management Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 16405 KiB  
Article
Control Mechanism of Earthquake Disasters Induced by Hard–Thick Roofs’ Breakage via Ground Hydraulic Fracturing Technology
by Feilong Guo, Mingxian Peng, Xiangbin Meng, Yang Tai and Bin Yu
Processes 2025, 13(3), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030919 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 256
Abstract
To investigate the mechanism of ground hydraulic fracturing technology in preventing mine earthquakes induced by hard–thick roof (HTR) breakage in coal mines, this study established a Timoshenko beam model on a Winkler foundation incorporating the elastoplasticity and strain-softening behavior of coal–rock masses. The [...] Read more.
To investigate the mechanism of ground hydraulic fracturing technology in preventing mine earthquakes induced by hard–thick roof (HTR) breakage in coal mines, this study established a Timoshenko beam model on a Winkler foundation incorporating the elastoplasticity and strain-softening behavior of coal–rock masses. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) The periodic breaking step distance of a 15.8 m thick HTR on the 61,304 Workface of Tangjiahui coal mine was calculated as 23 m, with an impact load of 15,308 kN on the hydraulic support, differing from measured data by 4.5% and 4.8%, respectively. (2) During periodic breakage, both the bending moment and elastic deformation energy density of the HTR exhibit a unimodal distribution, peaking 1.0–6.5 m ahead of cantilever endpoint O, while their zero points are 40–41 m ahead, defining the breaking position and advanced influence area. (3) The PBSD has a cubic relationship with the peak values of bending moment and elastic deformation energy density, and the exponential relationship with the impact load on the hydraulic support is FZJ=5185.2e0.00431Lp. (4) Theoretical and measured comparisons indicate that reducing PBSD is an effective way to control impact load. The hard–thick roof ground hydraulic fracturing technology (HTRGFT) weakens HTR strength, shortens PBSD, effectively controls impact load, and helps prevent mine earthquakes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Security Intelligent Monitoring and Big Data Utilization in Coal Mining Process, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 23960 KiB  
Article
Process-Mineralogy-Guided Flotation for Cu-Co Recovery: A Case Study of DRC Copper–Cobalt Sulfide Ore
by Yuchen Shi, Jun Wang, Hongfei Ba, Wei Liu, Yiquan Yang, Xinyu Liu, Tianhao Chen and Chaojun Fang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030918 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Process mineralogy is an important technique to evaluate the economic value of ore, and it also has an important guiding role in flotation. Copper–cobalt sulfide ore, a significant source of copper and cobalt metals, is abundant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [...] Read more.
Process mineralogy is an important technique to evaluate the economic value of ore, and it also has an important guiding role in flotation. Copper–cobalt sulfide ore, a significant source of copper and cobalt metals, is abundant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In this paper, DRC copper–cobalt sulfide ore is employed to validate process mineralogy guidance for flotation, thereby enhancing Cu-Co recovery. Process mineralogy results indicate that the economically valuable metals in copper–cobalt sulfide ore are Cu and Co. Cu is predominantly deposited in chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, and carrollite, while Co is primarily found in carrollite. However, a part of the chalcopyrite and carrollite is closely embedded with other minerals, which complicates mineral dissociation and poses challenges for the efficient recovery of Cu and Co. Guided by process mineralogy results, conditional, open-circuit, and locked-cycle experiments were conducted to explore the feasibility of flotation recovery for Cu and Co. The results show that through flotation, the grade of Cu/Co can be increased from 1.27%/0.56% to 24.43%/9.78%, and the recovery of Cu/Co reached 94.47%/86.35%, which is significantly better than conventional flotation without the guidance of process mineralogy. This case is of great significance for process-mineralogy-guided flotation for the efficient recovery of Cu-Co in the DRC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Separation Processes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 699 KiB  
Communication
A Reconsideration of the Conventional Rule in Catalysis and the Consequences
by Hans Kral and Wladimir Reschetilowski
Processes 2025, 13(3), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030917 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 268
Abstract
The conventional rule that a catalyst increases a reaction rate by lowering the activation energy according to Arrhenius’ law is the starting point of this article. However, this rule is incomplete, because the corresponding assignment of the true and the apparent activation energies [...] Read more.
The conventional rule that a catalyst increases a reaction rate by lowering the activation energy according to Arrhenius’ law is the starting point of this article. However, this rule is incomplete, because the corresponding assignment of the true and the apparent activation energies is missing. The general validity of the rule can be determined by considering the entire reaction route depending on the temperature level. It forms an S-shaped curve, starting from the lowest and going to the highest conversion. In the middle of the curve, there is a turning point, which in catalysis is called the “isokinetic point”. This turning point divides the curve into two parts: Below this point, the curve is exponential, and therefore, the Arrhenius equation and even the conventional rule can be applied. This means that the conventional rule does not have a general validity that can be applied to the whole curve. For this reason, an additional rule is introduced for the upper operating state: high activation energy is the condition for very high activity. The further point is the activation energy, which is regarded as an important term in catalysis. According to its definition, the “activation energy” is the “energy barrier” that a reaction must overcome. But this definition does not agree with the roots of this term. In reality, the Arrhenius energy is the temperature coefficient connected with the energy term. The catalyst reduces the temperature of the homogeneous reaction (that means the reaction without the catalyst) to the reaction temperature, and this results in a gain in energy, which will be called “reaction energy” to have a clear distinction with the Arrhenius energy. It is shown that the two energies significantly differ in their magnitudes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization and Application of Heterogeneous Catalysts)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

39 pages, 3045 KiB  
Review
Microbial Degradation of Soil Organic Pollutants: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Advances in Forest Ecosystem Management
by Pengfei Liu, Shizhi Wen, Shanshan Zhu, Xi Hu and Yamin Wang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030916 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 699
Abstract
With industrialization and widespread chemical use, soil organic pollutants have become a major environmental issue. Forest ecosystems, among the most important on Earth, have unique potential for controlling and remediating soil pollution. This article explores the mechanisms of microbial community degradation of organic [...] Read more.
With industrialization and widespread chemical use, soil organic pollutants have become a major environmental issue. Forest ecosystems, among the most important on Earth, have unique potential for controlling and remediating soil pollution. This article explores the mechanisms of microbial community degradation of organic pollutants, their adaptability across forest ecological conditions, and the effects of environmental factors on degradation efficiency. For example, acidic pH (pH < 5.5) favors PAH degradation, near-neutral pH (6.0–7.5) enhances pharmaceutical and PPCP degradation, and alkaline conditions (pH > 7.5) facilitate petroleum hydrocarbon, VOC, and PPCP breakdown. Optimal microbial degradation occurs with humidity levels between 60% and 80%, and SOM content of 2–5%. This review analyzes advancements in microbial degradation technologies for forest ecosystem soil pollution treatment, including genetic engineering, composting, bioaugmentation, and bio-stimulation techniques, and their integration with phytoremediation. The review also addresses the challenges of real-world implementation, such as maintaining microbial diversity, managing pollutant complexity, adapting to environmental changes, and highlighting future research opportunities. The next decade will focus on synthetic biology, omics technologies, microbial-electrochemical systems, community dynamics, eco-engineering, and plant-microbe synergy to develop efficient, sustainable bioremediation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remediation of Contaminated Sites: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5457 KiB  
Article
Study on the Disintegration Resistance of Different Types of Schist on the Eastern Slope of the Tongman Open-Pit Mine
by Yiming Wen, Xiangdong Niu, Yongfeng Lu, Yong Cheng, Ping Lu, Jianbo Xia, You Lin, Li Tang, Qi Nie and Kaishan Lin
Processes 2025, 13(3), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030915 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 213
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the disintegration resistance of schist on the eastern slope of the Tongman open-pit mine. It examined the effects of cycle number and mineral composition on the disintegration resistance indexes of four types of schist through thin section identification [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the disintegration resistance of schist on the eastern slope of the Tongman open-pit mine. It examined the effects of cycle number and mineral composition on the disintegration resistance indexes of four types of schist through thin section identification and laboratory disintegration resistance tests. Furthermore, we analyzed the morphological characteristics of the disintegration residues using laboratory tests. Based on pore micro-damage theory, the mechanisms responsible for the differences in disintegration resistance among the four types of schist were further explored. The results show a negative correlation between the disintegration resistance index and the number of cycles. For the same number of cycles, the disintegration resistance indices for the four schist types were ranked as follows: greenish-gray chlorite-bearing muscovite schist > gray weakly chloritized biotite–muscovite schist > greenish-gray muscovite schist > gray muscovite schist. The disintegration residues of schist samples were categorized into four morphological patterns: thin sheet-like, moderately thick sheet-like, blocky, and granular. These patterns were then thoroughly elucidated. The differences in the disintegration resistance characteristics of schist were closely related to their material composition. The microstructural pore damage within the rock is the essential factor causing schist disintegration. Variations in rock porosity led to differing damage factors, which explain the distinct disintegration resistance characteristics observed across the four types of schist. The proposed preventive measures, developed through a systematic analysis of schist disintegration mechanisms, provide an effective framework for slope stability management. This research offers valuable insights into the weathering characteristics of rock masses in slope engineering, which is significant for understanding the progressive failure modes of disintegrating metamorphic formations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation and Engineering Application of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (Second Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 6458 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Assessment of Paleogene Hydrocarbon Source Rocks in the Hydrocarbon-Rich Sub-Sag of the Zhu-1 Depression
by Junyan Zhan, Guosheng Xu, Yuling Shi, Wanlin Xiong and Shengli Niu
Processes 2025, 13(3), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030914 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 318
Abstract
There are two sets of hydrocarbon source rock formations developed in the Paleogene of the Zhu-1 Depression: the Wenchang Formation of semi deep lacustrine facies and the Enping Formation of lacustrine facies. Their basic geochemical characteristics, chemical structures, kerogen components, sedimentary paleoenvironments, etc., [...] Read more.
There are two sets of hydrocarbon source rock formations developed in the Paleogene of the Zhu-1 Depression: the Wenchang Formation of semi deep lacustrine facies and the Enping Formation of lacustrine facies. Their basic geochemical characteristics, chemical structures, kerogen components, sedimentary paleoenvironments, etc., are not the same. High quality hydrocarbon source rocks are the basic conditions for oil and gas generation. This article comprehensively evaluates the key depression Paleogene hydrocarbon source rocks in the Zhu-1 Depression, and studies the development mechanism and controlling factors of hydrocarbon source rocks in this area, which is of great significance for understanding the development conditions, quality, and predicting potential high-quality hydrocarbon source rocks. After conducting rock pyrolysis, major and trace element analysis, and infrared spectroscopy experiments on the samples, it was found that the main source rock type of the Wenchang Formation is type II1, which has a high HI value; the Enping Formation is mainly composed of II2-III types with low HI values (with a small number of II1 types), and the source rocks of the Wenchang Formation have a strong hydrocarbon producing aliphatic structure, with the sapropelic and shell formations being larger than the Enping Formation source rocks. By using methods such as CIA values, C values, and Mo-U covariant models, it can be concluded that during the Wenchang to Enping periods, the climate changed from warm and dry to cool and humid, and the overall environment was characterized by freshwater, weak oxidation weak reduction, and gradually decreasing paleo-productivity. At the same time, it was analyzed that the formation of organic rich sediments in the source rocks of the Zhu-1 Depression played an important role in the relative oxygen phase. The ratio of V/(V + Ni) to V/Cr can better indicate the redox environment of the water body and show a good correlation with TOC. Two sets of development models of source rocks controlled by paleooxygen phase were initially established, providing sufficient scientific basis for oil and gas exploration in the area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Enhancing Unconventional Oil/Gas Recovery, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1696 KiB  
Article
Fluoride Removal by Spherical Agglomeration Technique Process in Water Using Sunflower Oil as a Sustainable Alternative to n-Heptane
by Alfredo González-Zamora, María Teresa Alarcón-Herrera, Jaime Cristóbal Rojas-Montes, María Dolores Josefina Rodríguez-Rosales and Félix Alonso Alcázar-Medina
Processes 2025, 13(3), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030913 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 316
Abstract
Fluoride contamination in water sources presents critical public health challenges, particularly in regions where groundwater exhibits elevated fluoride levels. Chronic exposure can result in dental and skeletal fluorosis, necessitating efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. This study investigates the spherical agglomeration technique (SAT) as [...] Read more.
Fluoride contamination in water sources presents critical public health challenges, particularly in regions where groundwater exhibits elevated fluoride levels. Chronic exposure can result in dental and skeletal fluorosis, necessitating efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. This study investigates the spherical agglomeration technique (SAT) as an alternative fluoride removal method, assessing the performance of sunflower oil versus n-heptane as humectants and evaluating the synergistic effects of Agave durangensis leaf extract. A factorial experimental design optimized dosage parameters in aqueous models and well water samples, ensuring reliable fluoride removal. Sunflower oil significantly outperformed n-heptane, achieving fluoride removal efficiencies of up to 95.19% under optimal conditions (5 mL Hum/g TMCs at pH 6.5). Incorporating A. durangensis extract sustained high fluoride removal while reducing the required extract dosage to 0.5 g Extr/g TMCs. When applied to well water samples, the SAT consistently maintained an 88.9% fluoride removal efficiency. Compared to conventional methods such as coagulation–flocculation and adsorption, the SAT demonstrated enhanced effectiveness with a lower environmental footprint. These findings reinforce the viability of sunflower oil and A. durangensis extract as eco-friendly alternatives to n-heptane, positioning the SAT as a scalable, cost-effective solution for large-scale fluoride remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4089 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Product Quality of the Injection Process Using eXplainable Artificial Intelligence
by Jisoo Hong, Yongmin Hong, Jung-Woo Baek and Sung-Woo Kang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030912 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
The injection molding process is a traditional technique for making products in various industries such as electronics and automobiles via solidifying liquid resin into certain molds. Recently, research has continued to reduce the defect rate of the injection molding process. This study proposes [...] Read more.
The injection molding process is a traditional technique for making products in various industries such as electronics and automobiles via solidifying liquid resin into certain molds. Recently, research has continued to reduce the defect rate of the injection molding process. This study proposes an optimal injection molding process control system to reduce the defect rate of injection molding products with eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) approaches. Boosting algorithms (XGBoost version 2.1.3 and LightGBM version 4.1.0) are used as tree-based classifiers for predicting whether each product is normal or defective. The main features to control the process for improving the product are extracted by Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), while the individual conditional expectation analyzes the optimal control range of these extracted features. To validate the methodology presented in this work, the actual injection molding AI manufacturing dataset provided by the Korea AI Manufacturing Platform (KAMP) is employed for the case study. The results reveal that the defect rate decreases from 1.00% (original defect rate) to 0.21% with XGBoost and 0.13% with LightGBM, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1060 KiB  
Review
Smart Card-Based Vehicle Ignition Systems: Security, Regulatory Compliance, Drug and Impairment Detection, Through Advanced Materials and Authentication Technologies
by Vincenzo Vitiello, Alessandro Benazzi and Paolo Trucillo
Processes 2025, 13(3), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030911 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 312
Abstract
This study investigates the integration of smart card readers into vehicle ignition systems as a multifaceted solution to enhance security, regulatory compliance, and road safety. By implementing real-time driver verification, encryption protocols (AES-256, RSA), and multifactor authentication, the system significantly reduces unauthorized vehicle [...] Read more.
This study investigates the integration of smart card readers into vehicle ignition systems as a multifaceted solution to enhance security, regulatory compliance, and road safety. By implementing real-time driver verification, encryption protocols (AES-256, RSA), and multifactor authentication, the system significantly reduces unauthorized vehicle use and improves accident prevention. A critical advancement of this research is the incorporation of automated drug and impairment detection to prevent driving under the influence of substances, including illicit drugs and prescription medications. Risk models estimate that drug-related accidents could be reduced by 7.65% through the integration of these technologies into vehicle ignition systems, assuming high compliance rates. The study evaluates drug applications leveraging the same sensor-based monitoring technologies as used for impairment detection. These systems can facilitate the real-time tracking of medication intake and physiological responses, offering new possibilities for safety applications in medical transportation and assisted driving technologies. High-performance polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) enhance the durability and thermal stability of smart card readers, while blockchain-based verification strengthens data security and regulatory compliance. Despite challenges related to cost (USD 100–300 per unit) and adherence to ISO standards, these innovations position smart card-based ignition systems as a comprehensive, technology-driven approach to vehicle security, impairment prevention, and medical monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Innovation in Chemical Plant Design)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2548 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ice Storage on Freshness and Biochemical, Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Quality of Leg Muscle Samples from Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
by Edgar Iván Jiménez-Ruíz, Santiago Valdez-Hurtado, Víctor Manuel Ocaño-Higuera, Dalila Fernanda Canizales-Rodríguez, Alba Mery Garzón-García, Enrique Marquez-Rios, Saúl Ruíz-Cruz, Carmen Lizette Del-Toro-Sanchez, Estefania Guadalupe Valdez-Álvarez and Gerardo Trinidad Paredes Quijada
Processes 2025, 13(3), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030910 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 263
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effect of ice storage on the freshness and quality of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) leg muscle. Biochemical, chemical, physical, and microbiological changes during 24 days of storage were analyzed. A rapid degradation of ATP into its intermediates [...] Read more.
The present study evaluated the effect of ice storage on the freshness and quality of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) leg muscle. Biochemical, chemical, physical, and microbiological changes during 24 days of storage were analyzed. A rapid degradation of ATP into its intermediates (AMP, IMP, inosine, and hypoxanthine) was observed, with a significant increase in K-index (6.78% to 79.33%) and hypoxanthine concentration (3.93 ± 0.87 µmol/g), indicating a progressive reduction in freshness. The pH initially decreased due to post-mortem glycolysis but subsequently increased due to microbial activity and protein degradation. Volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content increased significantly, reaching 27.36 mg/100 g, reflecting protein breakdown. A loss of texture was recorded, with a reduction in muscle firmness from 21.93 ± 1.36 Nw to 10.87 ± 1.08 Nw. Microbiological analyses showed an increase in bacterial load, with mesophiles and psychrophiles reaching 6.75 and 6.45 log CFU/g, respectively. These results indicate that the freshness and quality of bullfrog leg under ice storage remain within acceptable limits until day 18, but its quality and freshness decrease significantly toward the end of the study period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Development and Application of Food Chemistry Technology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 11557 KiB  
Article
Numerical Investigation of Vertical Hydraulic Fracture Propagation and Fracturing Parameter Optimization in Deep Coalbed Methane Reservoirs
by Lianlian Qiao, Erhu Liu, Dong Sun, Qiaosen Dong, Linsheng Qiao, Xiaofang Bai, Zhaohuan Wang, Xu Su, Haiyang Wang and Desheng Zhou
Processes 2025, 13(3), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030909 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 230
Abstract
Deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs hold substantial resource potential and play a crucial role in China’s unconventional natural gas development. However, the vertical propagation behavior of hydraulic fractures in deep CBM formations remains inadequately understood, posing challenges for optimizing fracturing parameters to control [...] Read more.
Deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs hold substantial resource potential and play a crucial role in China’s unconventional natural gas development. However, the vertical propagation behavior of hydraulic fractures in deep CBM formations remains inadequately understood, posing challenges for optimizing fracturing parameters to control fracture height growth and enhance fracture development within the coal seam. To address this, this study establishes numerical simulation models to investigate hydraulic fracture propagation in directional wells, incorporating three typical lithological combinations representative of deep CBM reservoirs. Through these models, the influence mechanisms of bedding density, stress ratio, rock friction coefficient, and fracturing parameters on vertical fracture propagation and post-fracture productivity were systematically analyzed. The results reveal that the fracture propagation characteristics vary significantly with lithological combinations. Initially, hydraulic fractures penetrated adjacent formations near the wellbore while simultaneously generating branched fractures, leading to the formation of a complex fracture network. As propagation continues, branch fractures exhibited reduced width compared to the primary fracture. Well-developed bedding planes in the roof or floor, combined with lower stress ratios and friction coefficients, effectively constrained vertical fracture growth. Furthermore, optimizing fracturing fluid volume, reducing injection rate, and lowering proppant concentration promoted fracture development within the coal seam, thereby enhancing post-fracture well productivity. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the optimization of hydraulic fracturing strategies in deep CBM reservoirs, contributing to more effective reservoir stimulation and resource recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 2256 KiB  
Article
Technological Challenges of Spirulina Powder as the Functional Ingredient in Gluten-Free Rice Crackers
by Ivana Nikolić, Ivana Lončarević, Slađana Rakita, Ivana Čabarkapa, Jelena Vulić, Aleksandar Takači and Jovana Petrović
Processes 2025, 13(3), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030908 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Technological issues with the production of gluten-free rice crackers with spirulina powder were examined in this work through their rheological, textural, color, sensory, and nutritional aspects. A part of gluten-free whole-grain rice flour was replaced with 5, 10, and 15% spirulina powder in [...] Read more.
Technological issues with the production of gluten-free rice crackers with spirulina powder were examined in this work through their rheological, textural, color, sensory, and nutritional aspects. A part of gluten-free whole-grain rice flour was replaced with 5, 10, and 15% spirulina powder in an appropriate recipe for crackers. The rheological analysis presented obtained dough samples as viscoelastic systems with dominant elastic components (G′ > G″ and Tan δ = G″/G′ is less than 0). The addition of spirulina contributed to a softer dough consistency according to a statistically significant (p < 0.5) decrease of Newtonian viscosity during the creep phase for a maximum of 43.37%, compared to the control dough. The 10 and 15% quantities of spirulina powder led to a statistically significant (p < 0.5) increase in the viscoelastic parameter Jmax, which indicated a greater dough adaptability to stress. The textural determination of the dough pointed statistically significantly (p < 0.05) to decreased dough hardness and improved dough extensibility and confirmed all rheological measurements with high correlation coefficients, indicating good physical dough properties during processing. Spirulina certainly affected the change in the color of the dough from a yellow-white to intense green, which also had a significant impact on the sensory quality of the baked crackers. Many sensory properties of the crackers were improved by the addition of and increasing amounts of spirulina (appearance, brittleness, hardness, graininess, and stickiness). The results for the dough and for the final crackers pointed to very good technological aspects for the development of a gluten-free bakery product with high nutritional value, such as increased polyphenolic content (with the majority of catechins), protein, total dietary fibers, and mineral content compared to the control sample. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rheological Properties of Food Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 7859 KiB  
Review
Topical and Transdermal Delivery of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for Inflammation and Pain: Current Trends and Future Directions in Delivery Systems
by Kalliopi Drosopoulou, Ramonna I. Kosheleva, Anna Ofrydopoulou, Alexandros Tsoupras and Athanassios Mitropoulos
Processes 2025, 13(3), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030907 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 404
Abstract
The use of topical and transdermal drug delivery systems for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has transformed pain management, inflammation, and skin conditions. This analysis highlights the topical and transdermal applications of ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and flurbiprofen, highlighting their excellent skin permeability and localized pain [...] Read more.
The use of topical and transdermal drug delivery systems for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has transformed pain management, inflammation, and skin conditions. This analysis highlights the topical and transdermal applications of ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and flurbiprofen, highlighting their excellent skin permeability and localized pain relief, as well as an evaluation of their safety in such applications. Their compatibility with diverse formulations, minimal systemic side effects, and widespread use in commercial products makes them ideal candidates for skin research and targeted therapy. Advances in transdermal delivery processes, such as the use of chemical enhancers, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, vesicular systems, and hydrogels, have enhanced NSAID penetration and bioavailability. Physical techniques like iontophoresis and sonophoresis further enhance the transport of drugs across the stratum corneum of the skin. These approaches and processes enable more efficient and localized treatment of inflammatory conditions. The review emphasizes the need for continued innovation, interdisciplinary processes, and collaboration to overcome existing challenges. Future developments in nanotechnology and advanced drug delivery systems have the capability to enhance the effectiveness and safety of NSAIDs, paving the way for novel therapeutic solutions in managing pain and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2631 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Fermentation Parameters in a Brewery: Modulation of Yeast Growth and Yeast Cell Viability
by Krzysztof Kucharczyk, Krzysztof Żyła and Tadeusz Tuszyński
Processes 2025, 13(3), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030906 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 336
Abstract
The growth and viability of yeast cells used for fermentation of lager beer (anaerobic process) were optimized under high-gravity brewing conditions (15.5 °P) in an industrial plant. The influence of different levels of pitching rates (6–10 million cells/mL), aeration (8–12 mgO2/L), [...] Read more.
The growth and viability of yeast cells used for fermentation of lager beer (anaerobic process) were optimized under high-gravity brewing conditions (15.5 °P) in an industrial plant. The influence of different levels of pitching rates (6–10 million cells/mL), aeration (8–12 mgO2/L), times (4.5–13.5 h) of filling cylindroconical tanks (CCTs) (3850 hL), and different fermentation temperatures (8.5–11.5 °C) on the multiplication of yeast biomass and the percentage of dead yeast cells was investigated using a response surface methodology (RSM, Box–Behnken design). The obtained results of the influence of the tested parameters on the increase in yeast biomass and their viability were characterized by statistical significance (p < 0.05). Except for the fermentation temperature, which had no effect on the viability of fermenting yeast cells, all independent variables affected both the yeast growth and yeast cell viability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Process Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 8971 KiB  
Article
A Review of CO2 Capture Utilization and Storage in China: Development Status, Cost Limits, and Strategic Planning
by Mingqiang Hao, Ran Bi and Yang Liu
Processes 2025, 13(3), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030905 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 299
Abstract
The CCUS industry is developing rapidly worldwide, and its projects are gradually transitioning from single-section initiatives to whole-industry applications. Capture targets have expanded from power plants and natural gas processing to include steel, cement, kerosene, fertilizer, and hydrogen production. This paper analyzes CO [...] Read more.
The CCUS industry is developing rapidly worldwide, and its projects are gradually transitioning from single-section initiatives to whole-industry applications. Capture targets have expanded from power plants and natural gas processing to include steel, cement, kerosene, fertilizer, and hydrogen production. This paper analyzes CO2 emissions in eight major industries around oil regions in China, including emission factors, emission scale, and the composition and distribution of emission sources. The cost of CO2 sources and CO2-EOR affordable cost limits under different scenarios are calculated for different oil regions. The main influencing factors of the cost are analyzed, and possible ways to fill the cost gap are proposed. This paper also constructs a CO2-EOR strategic planning framework and a mathematical programming model, formulating short-term, mid-term, and long-term strategic plans for CO2-EOR and storage in 10 oil regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unconventional Energy, Clean Energy and Carbon Sequestration: Progress in Technology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2531 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Stability Analysis of Haloperidol: Insights from Advanced Chromatographic and Thermal Analysis
by Khadidja Djilali, Rachida Maachi, Hocine Boutoumi, Sabrina Lekmine, Zohra Ait Mesbah, Sabry M. Attia, Noureddine Nasrallah, Rachida Bouallouche, Jie Zhang, Hichem Tahraoui and Abdeltif Amrane
Processes 2025, 13(3), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030904 - 19 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 315
Abstract
In this study, we thoroughly investigated the stability of haloperidol using a comprehensive set of chromatographic and thermal analyses. Various stress conditions were examined, including exposure to oxidizing agents (such as hydrogen peroxide), dry heat, photolytic conditions, and acid and alkaline hydrolysis. Significant [...] Read more.
In this study, we thoroughly investigated the stability of haloperidol using a comprehensive set of chromatographic and thermal analyses. Various stress conditions were examined, including exposure to oxidizing agents (such as hydrogen peroxide), dry heat, photolytic conditions, and acid and alkaline hydrolysis. Significant degradation was observed in acidic and alkaline environments, leading to the formation of degradation by-products, specifically DPA, DPB, DPC, and DPD for acidic and basic conditions. In contrast, haloperidol demonstrated robust stability under photolytic, oxidative, and dry-heat conditions. For the analysis of the drug and its degradation products, a C-18 column was employed, coupled with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and a phosphate buffer (pH = 9.8) in a 90:10 (v/v) ratio. The analytical method was rigorously validated according to ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. This method exhibited excellent linearity within a concentration range of 1 to 50 µg/mL, with an R2 of 0.999. Additionally, this method is applicable to commercial formulations, without the need for prior extraction. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed distinct m/z values and fragmentation spectra corresponding to the degradation products, including an impurity not documented in the European Pharmacopoeia monograph for the drug. Three additional degradation products were identified based on m/z values and base fragments. Thermal analyses, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and differential thermal analysis (DTA), provided further evidence of the active ingredient’s thermal stability, with a melting temperature of approximately 150 °C. These results collectively offer valuable insights into the degradation behavior of haloperidol, providing critical implications for its pharmaceutical quality and integrity under various environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Carriers Production Processes for Innovative Human Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 11658 KiB  
Article
Polymer Flooding Injectivity Maintaining and Enhancement Strategies: A Field Case Study of Chinese Offshore EOR Project
by Chenxi Wang, Jian Zhang, Bo Huang, Hong Du, Xianghai Meng, Xianjie Li, Xinsheng Xue, Yi Su, Chao Li and Haiping Guo
Processes 2025, 13(3), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030903 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 274
Abstract
Polymer flooding has been gradually applied in Chinese offshore oilfields to enhance oil recovery (EOR). Injectivity loss during polymer flooding is a common issue that could cause lower displacement speed and efficiency, and eventually compromise the polymer flooding result. This paper presents a [...] Read more.
Polymer flooding has been gradually applied in Chinese offshore oilfields to enhance oil recovery (EOR). Injectivity loss during polymer flooding is a common issue that could cause lower displacement speed and efficiency, and eventually compromise the polymer flooding result. This paper presents a case study of a Chinese offshore field where injectivity loss issues were encountered in the polymer flooding project. A series of measures are applied to enhance the injectivity. The injectivity enhancement strategies are proposed and conducted from three main aspects, namely, (1) surface polymer fluid preparation; (2) downhole wellbore stimulation; and (3) reservoir–polymer compatibility, respectively. For the surface polymer fluid preparation, a series of sieve flow tests are conducted to obtain the optimal mesh size to improve the polymer fluid preparation quality and reduce the amount of “fish eyes”. The downhole wellbore stimulations involve oxidization-associated acidizing treatment and re-perforation. Polymer–reservoir compatibility tests are conducted to optimize the molecular weight (MW). Regarding the surface measures, the optimal filtration sieve mesh number is 200, which could reduce fish eyes to a desirable level without causing mesh plugging. After mesh refinement, the average injection pressure of the twelve injection wells decreases by 0.5 MPa. For the downhole stimulations, acidizing treatment are applied to six injection wells, which decreases the injection pressures by 6 to 7 MPa. For Well A, where acidizing does not work, the re-perforation measure is used and enhances the injectivity by 300%. Moreover, the laboratory and field polymer–reservoir compatibility tests show that the optimal polymer molecular weight (MW) is sixteen million. Proposed strategies applied from the surface, downhole, and reservoir aspects could be used to resolve different levels of injectivity loss, which could provide guidance for future offshore polymer projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Reservoir Development and Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 4025 KiB  
Article
Heavy Metal Pollution in a Cu Mine Dump and in Close Agricultural Soils and Crops in Mozambique
by Severino dos Santos Savaio, Ana Barreiro, Avelino Núñez-Delgado, Antonio Suluda, Esperanza Álvarez-Rodríguez and María J. Fernández-Sanjurjo
Processes 2025, 13(3), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030902 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution is investigated for a mine dump and soils and crops located 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3 and 6 km from a Cu mine, analyzing the total, available and exchangeable Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd and Pb. The maximum total contents in [...] Read more.
Heavy metal pollution is investigated for a mine dump and soils and crops located 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3 and 6 km from a Cu mine, analyzing the total, available and exchangeable Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd and Pb. The maximum total contents in the dumping site reached 10,000, 1500, 1000, 230, 180 and 0.6 mg kg−1 for Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd, respectively. Within agricultural soils, those located 1.5 km away showed the highest total concentrations. The available Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb values were higher in the dump compared with the soils, while Cr and Ni stood out in the samples located 1.5 km away. Regarding crops, the Cu, Cr, Ni, Cd and Pb concentrations were higher in plants situated 3 km away. Considering the toxicity limits, Cr and Ni presented higher levels in most cases, while Cu exceeded the limits in most of the dump and soil samples located 1.5 km away, whereas Pb only exceeded them in the dump. The contents in crops indicated higher values in plants growing 3 km away, with all samples showing Cr pollution problems. These results can be considered of environmental significance, both for Mozambique and globally in areas affected by heavy metal pollution caused by mining activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Remediation Processes)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 4600 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on the Recent Technological Advancements in the Processing, Safety, and Quality Control of Ready-to-Eat Meals
by Zhi Zhang, Guangzhi Xu and Shengqun Hu
Processes 2025, 13(3), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030901 - 19 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 622
Abstract
Ready-to-eat meals (RTEMs) are increasingly popular due to their convenience, but ensuring their safety and quality presents significant challenges. This comprehensive review analyzes recent technological advancements in RTEM safety control throughout the entire supply chain, from raw material sourcing to consumer consumption. We [...] Read more.
Ready-to-eat meals (RTEMs) are increasingly popular due to their convenience, but ensuring their safety and quality presents significant challenges. This comprehensive review analyzes recent technological advancements in RTEM safety control throughout the entire supply chain, from raw material sourcing to consumer consumption. We examine cutting-edge detection methods, including chromatography–mass spectrometry, real-time PCR, and CRISPR-based techniques for contaminants such as pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, heavy metals, and microorganisms. The review also explores innovative sterilization processes, such as irradiation, microwave, and radio frequency technologies, emphasizing their impact on microbial safety and product quality. Furthermore, we discuss the crucial role of packaging innovations, including modified atmosphere packaging, functional antimicrobial materials, and intelligent packaging systems, in preserving RTEM freshness and extending shelf life. This review provides valuable insights into current trends and future directions in RTEM safety and quality control, aiming to contribute to sustainable growth and consumer confidence in this rapidly expanding industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Process Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 283 KiB  
Article
Effects of Zn-Organic Supplementation on Growth, Body Composition, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality of Grazing Lambs Fed with Two Levels of Concentrate
by Daniel Trujillo-Gutiérrez, Ignacio Arturo Domínguez-Vara, Daniel Márquez-Hernández, Jessica Reyes-Juárez, Ernesto Morales-Almaráz, Juan Edrei Sánchez-Torres, Gisela Velázquez-Garduño, Juan Manuel Pinos-Rodríguez and Jacinto Efrén Ramírez-Bribiesca
Processes 2025, 13(3), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030900 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 277
Abstract
Supplemental zinc in fattening lambs improves their health, performance, and meat quality. However, the Zn effect on grazing animals combined with different levels of concentrate should be known unknown. The objective was to evaluate the Zn-organic effect in the diet of grazing lambs [...] Read more.
Supplemental zinc in fattening lambs improves their health, performance, and meat quality. However, the Zn effect on grazing animals combined with different levels of concentrate should be known unknown. The objective was to evaluate the Zn-organic effect in the diet of grazing lambs supplemented with two levels of concentrate on growth, dry matter (DM) intake, carcass traits, body composition, meat quality, and fatty acid profile in Longissimus dorsi muscle. Twenty-eight lambs were used in a factorial arrangement of two levels of concentrate (C) feed intake (C-0.75 and C-1.5% of live weight) and two Zn-Met levels (0 and 80 ppm Zn kg−1 DM) on the grazing of Lolium perenne L. Digestibility and dry matter intake, weight gain, and productive performance were measured. At the end of the fattening period (90 d), the lambs were slaughtered and the carcass traits, body composition, instrumental quality, and lipid profile of meat were evaluated. The effect of treatment (T), measurement period (P), and T × P interaction was observed (p < 0.05) for dry matter intake (DMI). For the final live weight (FLW) and daily weight gain (DWG), there was an effect (p < 0.05) of T and P, with Zn-80 ppm + C-1.5% treatment being greater. The live weight at slaughter (LWS) and leg length (LL) showed an effect (p < 0.05) of C × Zn. Zn-80 ppm + C-1.5% treatment was higher in the kidney fat, empty body weight, carcass fat, fat and retained energy but lower in protein content (p < 0.05). The physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid content of meat were not affected (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that the concentrated-organic zinc synergy in grazing lambs improved the performance, weight gain, and body composition, which resulted in heavier carcasses with greater amounts of fat, protein, and energy deposited. Furthermore, the physical and chemical meat traits were not affected, but the n-3 fatty acid content and n-3/n-6 ratio in Longissimus dorsi was affected by the Zn level supplemented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production, Processing and Quality Assessment of Livestock Meat Products)
14 pages, 3840 KiB  
Article
Fast Recognition of Bright Spot Structures in Divertor Region Based on Improved DeepLabv3+ Image Segmentation on EAST
by Yahao Wu, Yang Ye, Jianhua Yang, Mingsheng Tan, Fubin Zhong, Chengming Qu, Xiaopeng Wang, Chao Wang and Defeng Kong
Processes 2025, 13(3), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030899 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
The presence of a bright spot structure in the divertor region during the discharge process, indicative of localized overheating, has been observed through multi-band and high-speed endoscope diagnostic on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). This localized deposition of hyperthermal heat flux can [...] Read more.
The presence of a bright spot structure in the divertor region during the discharge process, indicative of localized overheating, has been observed through multi-band and high-speed endoscope diagnostic on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). This localized deposition of hyperthermal heat flux can lead to erosion and melting of the target plate material, thereby posing a significant risk to the safe operation of the device. Moreover, it may introduce impurities into the main plasma, negatively impacting plasma performance. Therefore, real-time monitoring of the divertor and rapid identification of localized overheating regions during experiments are crucial. In this context, this paper proposes an improved DeepLabv3+-based highlight structure image-segmentation algorithm, which uses minimum value, image difference method, and Prewitt operator for dataset preprocessing. In order to realize the rapid identification of local overheated regions, this paper introduces the application of the improved DeepLabv3+ neural network algorithm based on MobileNetV2 as the backbone network in the bright spot structure segmentation task for the first time. The results show that the algorithm achieves a 65.36% average crosslinking rate (mIoU), 78.75% accuracy, 0.78 s per-iteration processing time, and 22.4 MB parameter size. This provides substantial advantages in terms of reduced computing and memory resources and real-time detection performance. Ultimately, the method proposed in this paper enables the rapid identification of the bright spot structure in the localized overheating region of the divertor on the EAST; it identifies areas of overheating and prevents damage to the divertor or other critical components due to overheating, ensuring safe operation of the device. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2423 KiB  
Article
Dual-Branch Discriminative Transmission Line Bolt Image Classification Based on Contrastive Learning
by Yan-Peng Ji, Jian-Li Zhao, Liang-Shuai Liu, Hai-Yan Feng, Jia-Qi Du and Xia Fang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030898 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 200
Abstract
The classification of transmission tower bolt images faces challenges such as class imbalance, sample scarcity, and the low pixel proportion of pins. Traditional classification methods exhibit poor performance in identifying key categories with small proportions, fail to leverage the correlation between transmission line [...] Read more.
The classification of transmission tower bolt images faces challenges such as class imbalance, sample scarcity, and the low pixel proportion of pins. Traditional classification methods exhibit poor performance in identifying key categories with small proportions, fail to leverage the correlation between transmission line fittings and bolts, and suffer from severe false positive issues. This study proposes a novel approach that dynamically integrates two sampling strategies to address the class imbalance problem while incorporating contrastive learning and category labels to enhance the discrimination of easily confused samples. Additionally, an auxiliary branch discrimination mechanism effectively exploits the correlation between fittings and bolts and, combined with a threshold-based decision process, significantly reduces the false positive rate (by 3.74%). The experimental results demonstrate that, compared to the baseline SimCLR framework with ResNet18, the proposed method improves accuracy (Acc) by 10.22%, reduces the false alarm rate by 5%, and significantly enhances classification reliability in transmission line inspections, thereby mitigating unnecessary human resource consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Power Science and Technology, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 8153 KiB  
Article
Swelling and Plugging Properties of AM/PF Temperature-Resistant Polymer Microspheres
by Dexi Zhao, Xianjie Li, Ke Hu, Jian Zhang, Jincheng Shan, Ning Liu, Tianhui Wang and Zihao Yang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030897 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Due to the high formation temperature of high-temperature reservoirs, ordinary polyacrylamide microspheres cannot meet the requirements for temperature resistance. To address the challenge of deep profile control in high-temperature reservoirs, we prepared AM/PF polymer microspheres with excellent temperature resistance through the copolymerization of [...] Read more.
Due to the high formation temperature of high-temperature reservoirs, ordinary polyacrylamide microspheres cannot meet the requirements for temperature resistance. To address the challenge of deep profile control in high-temperature reservoirs, we prepared AM/PF polymer microspheres with excellent temperature resistance through the copolymerization of water-soluble phenolic resin (PF) and acrylamide (AM). The swelling properties of AM/PF polymer microspheres were examined using a visible light microscope, SEM, and laser diffraction. The plugging and migration characteristics of the microspheres were evaluated using membrane filtration tests and sand-filled tube displacement tests. The results indicate that the average particle size of AM/PF microspheres prepared via inverse suspension polymerization is approximately 30 μm, and the swelling process is relatively slow. The microspheres take approximately 15 days to fully swell, with a volume swelling ratio of roughly 34.25. At high temperatures, the swollen microsphere dispersion system can effectively block microporous membranes with specific pore sizes. As the concentration of microspheres increases, their plugging effect gradually enhances; however, this effect diminishes as permeability increases. The AM/PF polymer microspheres exhibit excellent temperature stability along with favorable plugging and migration characteristics at specific permeabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5526 KiB  
Article
Mechanism of Pore Structure Evolution in Tight Sandstone Subjected to ScCO2–H2O Treatment
by Run Chen, Tianzheng Dou, Xiaowei Shi, Meng Lin and Qingbao Yang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030896 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 303
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in sandstones is vital for enhancing oil/gas recovery and reducing CO2 emissions. The introduction of CO2 into sandstone reservoirs leads to chemical reactions between CO2 and minerals present in sandstone, which changes the pore [...] Read more.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in sandstones is vital for enhancing oil/gas recovery and reducing CO2 emissions. The introduction of CO2 into sandstone reservoirs leads to chemical reactions between CO2 and minerals present in sandstone, which changes the pore structure of the sandstone reservoir. Herein, tight sandstone samples from the Coal-Measure Strata of the Shanxi Formation in the Huxiang area, Henan Province, were selected for simulation in this experimental study under supercritical CO2 (ScCO2)–H2O treatment in reservoir conditions. Further, mercury intrusion porosimetry and low-pressure nitrogen adsorption/desorption methods were used to analyze the evolution of the pore structures of tight sandstones, and the mechanism of pore structure evolution was discussed. The results show that pore volumes and specific surface areas in the micropores and transitional pores decreased after the ScCO2–H2O treatment, while those in the mesopores and macropores increased. In the micropores and transitional pores, some of the pores changed from open pores and ink-bottle-shaped pores to semi-closed pores after the ScCO2–H2O treatment, and the pore morphology became narrower, which might have deteriorated the pore connectivity. A pore structure evolution model of ScCO2–H2O-treated tight sandstones was proposed. The evolution of pore structure is a result of the synergistic effect of pore enlargement caused by mineral dissolution and secondary mineral precipitation, which together play a controlling role in pore structure evolution. This study is conducive to understanding the pore structure evolution under ScCO2–H2O treatment and implementing CO2 storage and enhancing oil/gas recovery in sandstone reservoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-330
Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop