Search Results (1,409)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of fractionation by sieving on cold-pressed camelina cake by separating it into particle-sized fractions and evaluating their nutritional and functional properties. Two Camelina sativa varieties, NS Zlatka and NS Slatka, were mechanically cold-pressed using a screw press then ground into flour. The resulting material was fractionated into three particle-sized fractions, >250 µm, 250–180 µm, and <180 µm, using a laboratory dry sieving system. Both the whole cake and the separated fractions were analyzed for proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, tocopherol content, antioxidant potential, color characteristics, and water and oil absorption capacities. The results indicated that the finest cake fraction (<180 µm) from both camelina varieties contained the highest content of protein (~40%), fat (17–19%), essential amino acids (~17 g/100 g), γ-tocopherols (254–266 mg/kg), and the lowest content of condensed tannins (0.5–0.9 g/kg). It also displayed a lighter color and increased yellowness. However, it contained the highest concentrations of glucosinolates (24–27 μmol/g) and phytic acid (38–41 g/kg). In contrast, the coarsest fraction (>250 µm) had increased crude fiber content (13–15%), higher antioxidant potential, the greatest water absorption capacity, and a darker color with a more pronounced reddish color. It also contained the lowest levels of glucosinolates (19–21 μmol/g) and phytic acid (17–20 g/kg). In conclusion, whole camelina cake and its fractions demonstrate considerable potential for use in animal feed and a variety of human nutritional products, due to their favorable nutritional composition and functional properties. Fine fractions with high levels of antinutritional compounds could be used as a substrate for the extraction of bioactive compounds and may find further application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

The paper explores the application of heat pipes in thermal management for efficient heat dissipation, particularly in electrical equipment with high heat loads. Heat pipes are devices that transfer heat with high efficiency through the phase transition of the working medium (e.g., water, alcohol, ammonia) between the evaporator and the condenser, while they have no moving parts and are distinguished by their simplicity of construction. Different types of heat pipes—gravity, capillary, and closed loop (thermosiphon loop)—are suitable according to specific applications and requirements for the working position, temperature range, and condensate return transport. An example of an effective application is the removal of heat from the internal winding of a static energy converter transformer, where the use of a gravity heat pipe has enabled effective cooling even through epoxy insulation and kept the winding temperature below 80 °C. Other applications include the cooling of mounting plates, power transistors, and airtight cooling of electrical enclosures with the ability to dissipate lost thermal power in the order of 102 to 103 W. A significant advantage of heat pipes is also the ability to dust-tightly seal equipment and prevent the build-up of dirt, thereby increasing the reliability of the electronics. In the field of environmental technology, systems have been designed to reduce the radiant power of fireplace inserts by up to 40%, or to divert their heat output of up to about 3 kW into hot water storage tanks, thus optimising the use of the heat produced and preventing overheating of the living space. The use of nanoparticles in the working substances (e.g., Al₂O₃ in water) makes it possible to intensify the boiling process and thus increase the heat transfer intensity by up to 30% compared to pure water. The results of the presented research confirm the versatility and high efficiency of the use of heat pipes for modern cooling requirements in electronics and environmental engineering. Full article

The optimal control of cooling water systems is of great significance for energy saving in chiller plants. Previously optimal control methods optimize the flow rate, temperature or temperature difference setpoints but cannot control pumps and cooling tower fans directly. This study proposes a direct optimal control method for pumps and fans based on derivative control strategy by decoupling water flow rate optimization and airflow rate optimization, which can make the total power of chillers, pumps and fans approach a minimum. Simulations for different conditions were performed for the validation and performance analysis of the optimal control strategy. The optimization algorithms and implementation methods of direct optimal control were developed and validated by experiment. The simulation results indicate that total power approaches a minimum when the derivative of total power with respect to water/air flow rate approaches zero. The power-saving rate of the studied chiller plant is 13.2% at a plant part-load ratio of 20% compared to the constant-speed pump/fan mode. The experimental results show that the direct control method, taking power frequency as a controlled variable, can make variable frequency drives regulate their output frequencies to be equal to the optimized power frequencies of pumps and fans in a timely manner. Full article

Using an environmentally friendly approach, we successfully synthesized an asymmetric monomethine cyanine dye, 7-chloro-1-ethyl-4-((3-ethylbenzo[d]thiazol-2(3H)-ylidene)methyl) quinolin-1-ium iodide, named CHLoris (CHL), via a modified Knoevenagel-type condensation. The reaction was carried out mechanochemically in an ethanol–water medium using 1-ethyl-2-methylbenzothiazolium iodide and 4,7-dichloro-1-ethylquinolin-1-ium iodide in the presence of sodium carbonate as a base and catalytic amounts of Hünig’s base. The UV/VIS absorption spectra of CHL in both the buffer solution and ethanol revealed the formation of aggregates in aqueous media. Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations were employed to support the experimental findings further and provide insights into the self-association behavior of CHL in an aqueous solution. The photophysical properties of the dye were examined in the presence of DNA and RNA, and its performance was compared to that of the commercial dye Thiazole Orange (TO) under identical conditions. The results show that CHL is more sensitive towards RNA. Full article

Geothermal energy has been recognized as a promising renewable resource for sustainable power generation; however, the efficiency of conventional geothermal power plants has remained relatively low, and high investment costs have limited their competitiveness with other renewable technologies. In this context, the present study introduced an innovative geothermal electricity generation system aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Unlike traditional configurations, the system raised the geothermal source temperature passively by employing advanced heat transfer mechanisms, eliminating the need for additional energy input. Comprehensive energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic analyses were carried out, revealing a net power output of 43,210 kW and an energy efficiency of 30.03%, notably surpassing the conventional Kalina cycle’s typical 10.30–19.48% range. The system’s annual electricity generation was 11,138.53 MWh, with an initial investment of USD 3.04 million and a short payback period of 3.20 years. A comparative assessment confirmed its superior thermoeconomic performance. In addition to its technoeconomic advantages, the environmental performance of the proposed configuration was quantified. A streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed with a functional unit of 1 MWh of net electricity. The proposed system exhibited a carbon footprint of 20–60 kg CO₂ eq MWh⁻¹ (baseline: 45 kg CO₂ eq MWh⁻¹), corresponding to annual emissions of 0.22–0.67 kt CO₂ eq for the simulated output of 11,138.53 MWh. Compared with coal- and gas-fired plants of the same capacity, avoided emissions of approximately 8.6 kt and 5.0 kt CO₂ eq per year were achieved. The water footprint was determined as ≈0.10 m³ MWh⁻¹ (≈1114 m³ yr⁻¹), which was substantially lower than the values reported for fossil technologies. These findings confirmed that the proposed system offered a sustainable alternative to conventional geothermal and fossil-based electricity generation. Multi-objective optimization using NSGA-II was carried out to maximize energy and exergy efficiencies while minimizing total cost. Key parameters such as turbine inlet temperature (459–460 K) and ammonia concentration were tuned for performance stability. A sensitivity analysis identified the heat exchanger, the first condenser (Condenser 1), and two separators (Separator 1, Separator 2) as influential on both performance and cost. The exergoeconomic results indicated Separator 1, Separator 2, and the turbine as primary locations of exergy destruction. With an LCOE of 0.026 USD/kWh, the system emerged as a cost-effective and scalable solution for sustainable geothermal power production without auxiliary energy demand. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tea, the world’s second most consumed beverage after water, contains diverse phytochemicals that have garnered growing interest for their potential ability to modulate inflammasome activation. This study examined the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oolong tea (OLT) extracts, with a specific focus on their regulatory effects on NLRP3 inflammasome assembly—a critical mediator in chronic inflammatory diseases. Methods: OLT extracts were prepared from the Jin-Xuan cultivar with quantification for bioactive components (total phenolics, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and proanthocyanidins). J774A.1 murine macrophages were primed with LPS and stimulated with ATP to induce inflammasome activation. Therapeutic potentials of OLT extracts were assessed by measuring cytokine secretion, expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins (NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and IL-1β), inflammasome complex formation, and ROS generation via biochemical assays, immunoblotting, and fluorescence microscopy. Results: OLT extracts, particularly at 100 µg/mL, markedly suppressed both the priming and activation phases of NLRP3 inflammasome formation. OLT treatment reduced IL-1β secretion by more than 50%, attenuated ASC oligomerization and speck formation, inhibited caspase-1 cleavage, and lowered intracellular ROS levels by approximately 50%. Conclusions: These findings suggest that OLT extracts exert potent anti-NLRP3 inflammasome activity and offer immunomodulation potential in preventing inflammation-related diseases such as infections, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Further in vivo investigations, followed by clinical applications and epidemiological studies, are warranted to validate these preventive effects in human populations. Full article

Vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) is a promising desalination technology, which is likely to be integrated with solar energy, and offers a sustainable solution to freshwater scarcity. However, its industrial application remains limited due to high specific energy consumption and water production costs. The key to improving VMD performance lies in enhancing the recovery of the latent heat of condensation. In this investigation, four different configurations are proposed; each differs in the method of condensation and energy recovery. The first is applied by using a basic condenser, preheating seawater with latent heat from vapor. The second is implemented by incorporating a liquid ring vacuum pump (LRVP), enabling both condensation and vacuum generation. The third is performed by coupling VMD with a heat pump, which operates by using a refrigerant fluid. Lastly, the fourth is employed by using mechanical vapor compression (MVC), where the vapor is compressed to recover heat efficiently. The results show that the VMD-MVC is the most efficient configuration, offering the lowest specific energy consumption (154.6 kWh/m³), the highest energy recovery rate (54.64%), the highest gained output ratio (GOR) of 5.52, and the lowest water production cost (4.6 USD/m³). In contrast, the VMD system coupled with a heat pump presented the highest water production cost (36.4 USD/m³) among all the evaluated configurations. Full article

This article presents the results of a study on the possibility of using a single-speed multiphase model with free surface allowance for simulating boiling and condensation processes. The simulation is based on the VOF method, which allows the position of the interphase boundary to be tracked. To increase the stability of the iterative procedure for numerically solving volume fraction transfer equations using a finite volume discretization method on arbitrary unstructured grids, the basic VOF method is been modified by writing these equations in a semi-divergent form. The models of Tanasawa, Lee, and Rohsenow are considered models of interphase mass transfer, in which the evaporated or condensed mass linearly depends on the difference between the local temperature and the saturation temperature with accuracy in empirical parameters. This paper calibrates these empirical parameters for each mass transfer model. The results of our study of the influence of the values of the empirical parameters of models on the intensity of boiling and evaporation, as well as on the dynamics of the interphase boundary, are presented. This research is based on Stefan’s problem of the movement of the interphase boundary due to the evaporation of a liquid and the problem of condensation of vapor bubbles water columns. As a result of a series of numerical experiments, it is shown that the average error in the position of the interfacial boundary for the Tanasawa and Lee models does not exceed 3–6%. For the Rohsenow model, the result is somewhat worse, since the interfacial boundary moves faster than it should move according to calculations based on analytical formulas. To investigate the possibility of condensation modeling, the results of a numerical solution of the problem of an emerging condensing vapor bubble are considered. A numerical assessment of its position in space and the shape and dynamics of changes in its diameter over time is carried out using the VOF method, taking into account the free surface. It is shown herein that the Tanasawa model has the highest accuracy for modeling the condensation process using a VOF method taking into account the free surface, while the Rohsenow model is most unstable and prone to deformation of the bubble shape. At the same time, the dynamics of bubble ascent are modeled by all three models. The results obtained confirm the fundamental possibility of using a VOF method to simulate the processes of boiling and condensation and taking into account the dynamics of the free surface. At the same time, the problem of the studied models of phase transitions is revealed, which consists of the need for individual selection of optimal values of empirical parameters for each specific task. Full article

Traditional synthetic methods, often limited by inefficiency, are increasingly being replaced by sustainable alternatives. This study presents a green approach combining microwave irradiation with in situ FTIR spectroscopy for real-time monitoring and optimising nitrogen-heterocycle synthesis, focusing on quinoxalines. Although both microwave-assisted synthesis and time-resolved FTIR are established techniques, their combined application remains underexplored, limiting their synergistic potential. The methodology was applied to synthesising 2,3-diphenylquinoxaline, a compound of interest in medicinal chemistry. Optimisation of the condensation between benzil and 1,2-phenylenediamine was achieved by exploiting the accelerated kinetics of microwave irradiation and continuous monitoring via in situ FTIR. Three catalytic systems were evaluated—hydrochloric acid (Brønsted acid), Montmorillonite K10 (heterogeneous catalyst), and molecular iodine (halogen/Lewis acid)—alongside a range of solvents, including ethanol, methanol, water, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, and dichloromethane. Iodine proved to be the most efficient catalyst, while acetonitrile and ethyl acetate provided the most effective solvent systems. This integrated monitoring strategy reduces reliance on trial-and-error optimisation and establishes a streamlined, scalable, and efficient protocol. The dual-technique approach highlights a versatile pathway for advancing green synthetic methodologies with applications across the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Dew is an important water source for vegetation growth in arid regions and plays a significant role in maintaining ecosystem balance. The characteristics of dew formation vary under different topographic conditions. In response to the challenges posed by climate change to the sustainability of water resources and ecosystems, this study explored the impact of topography on dew formation, and leaf wetness sensors (LWSs) were employed to conduct field observations from April 2023 to April 2025 in typical hilly and gully regions of China’s Loess Plateau. We analyzed the characteristics, influencing factors, and ecological significance of near-surface water vapor condensation. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) During the observation period, dew primarily occurred between 19:00 and 07:00 the next day, peaking between 05:30 and 07:00 in the early morning. The monthly average dew amounts for the hilly region and gully region were 2.15 mm and 3.38 mm, respectively, and the monthly maximum dew amounts were 8.57 mm and 11.88 mm, respectively, both peaking in autumn, with the gully region exhibiting higher dew amounts. (2) Dew formation at a 0.2 m height was favored when relative humidity at 0.2 m exceeded 70%, the air temperature–dew point difference was less than 8 °C, the wind direction was between 150 and 210° and 240 and 270° for the hilly region and gully region, respectively, and the standardized wind speed at a 10 m height was less than 0.5 m/s and 1.5 m/s for the hilly region and gully region, respectively. (3) Moderate rainfall facilitates dew condensation. The monthly average dew-to-precipitation (dew and rain) ratio reached its maximum in November for both the Loess hilly region and gully region, at 12.88% and 18.91%, respectively. (4) The gully region experienced larger dew events more frequently than the hilly region, resulting in a higher overall dew amount in the gully region during the observation period. The dew formation characteristics observed in this study can provide a scientific basis for assessing the future supply potential of non-precipitation water sources in the Loess Plateau under climate change and their supporting role in the ecological environment. Full article

The mammalian epidermis forms a critical barrier against environmental insults and water loss. The formation of its outermost layer, the stratum corneum, involves a rapid terminal differentiation process that has traditionally been explained by the “bricks and mortar” model. Recent advances reveal a more dynamic mechanism governed by intracellular liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). This review proposes that the lifecycle of the granular layer is orchestrated by LLPS. Evidence is synthesized showing that keratohyalin granules (KGs) are biomolecular condensates formed by the phase separation of the intrinsically disordered protein filaggrin (FLG). The assembly, maturation, and pH-triggered dissolution of these condensates are essential for cytoplasmic remodeling and the programmed flattening of keratinocytes, a process known as corneoptosis. In parallel, an LLPS-based signaling pathway is described in which the kinase RIPK4 forms condensates that activate the Hippo pathway, promoting transcriptional reprogramming and differentiation. Together, these structural and signaling condensates drive skin barrier formation. This review further reinterprets atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, and Bartsocas-Papas syndrome as diseases of aberrant phase behavior, in which pathogenic mutations alter condensate formation or material properties. This integrative framework offers new insight into skin biology and suggests novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention through biophysics-informed biomaterial and regenerative design. Full article

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), the main pathogen in periodontal disease, requires effective control to maintain oral health. Due to cytotoxicity and antimicrobial resistance associated with chemical agents, safe natural alternatives are needed. This study assessed the antibacterial activity and biological safety of Sambucus williamsii var. coreana (S. williamsii var. coreana) extract against P. gingivalis. The extract was prepared by hot-water extraction with 70% ethanol, concentrated, and freeze-dried. Antibacterial effects were tested by applying different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/mL) to P. gingivalis under anaerobic conditions for 24 h, followed by colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. Cytotoxicity and morphology of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were evaluated using Water-Soluble Tetrazolium Salt (WST-1) and Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays. The extract showed dose-dependent antibacterial activity, achieving 99.99% reduction at 5 mg/mL and complete inhibition at 40 mg/mL (p < 0.05). WST-1 results indicated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with approximately 50–57% cell viability at 10 mg/mL. SRB assay showed no significant morphological damage was observed at concentrations below 10 mg/mL, however concentrations above this level induced nuclear condensation. These findings suggest that S. williamsii var. coreana extract has strong antibacterial effects against P. gingivalis with acceptable cytocompatibility, making it a promising natural alternative to chemical antimicrobials for periodontal disease prevention and treatment. Full article

This study investigates the potential of Pinus pinaster subsp. atlantica bark, a forestry by-product from northern Portugal, as a source of phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was used to optimize recovery, assessing the effects of solvent composition (water, ethanol, and 50:50 water–ethanol), extraction time (15 or 30 min), and temperature (90, 110, or 130 °C) using a one-variable-at-a-time approach. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) profiling characterized the polyphenol composition. The results showed that solvent choice strongly influenced extract composition and bioactivity, with hydroethanolic and ethanolic extracts exhibiting the highest antioxidant activities in DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC assays. Optimal conditions—50:50 water–ethanol, 130 °C, 15 min—yielded 11.13% (w/w) extract, 3.10 mg GAE/mL total phenolics, and 2.01 mg CE/mL condensed tannins, comparable to commercial extracts such as Pycnogenol^®. MAE proved effective, rapid, and solvent-efficient, enhancing phenolic recovery without degrading extract quality. These findings highlight the potential of P. pinaster bark extracts for biomedical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications, supporting the sustainable valorization of forestry residues and aligning with circular economy principles. Full article

The wide application of natural gas will help to achieve the goal of double carbon. The potential of energy saving and carbon reduction after deep condensation of a natural gas flue gas can reach as much as 10~12%. In this paper, the interplay between sensible and latent heat transfer in the process of condensation heat transfer was explored by adjusting the flue gas temperature, relative humidity, cooling water temperature, and other parameters entering the condensation heat exchanger by the condensation heat transfer experimental platform of a gas-fired boiler. The Ln number presents the proportion of water vapor condensation in flue gas, and the P number shows the total amount of water vapor condensation. The increase in Ln and p values promotes the enhancement of water vapor condensation, and the condensation heat transfer coefficient can reach about three to eight times that of a sensible heat transfer coefficient. As the Ln number increases from 0 to 0.35, the promoting effect of sensible heat is enhanced, up to a maximum of 2.5 times. However, from 0.35 to 0.75, the promotion gradually weakens. When the Ln number exceeds 0.75, sensible heat transfer begins to be suppressed, with a minimum coefficient of 0.7. The correction term of the sensible and latent heat transfer coefficient is added to the existing empirical correlation of pure convection heat transfer, which is applicable to various heat exchanger structures and verified by experiments. The micro-element superposition calculation method of the condensing heat exchanger is proposed to realize the digital accurate design of the condensing heat exchanger, which lays the foundation for the extensive promotion and application of the flue gas condensing heat exchanger. Full article

In order to investigate the formation pathway of hydrochar during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and to identify the optimal process conditions for producing high-quality pyrolysis feedstock, the effect of hydrothermal temperature (220, 250, and 280 °C) on tar and hydrochar properties were analyzed by GC-MS, XRD, XPS, FT-IR, and SEM using protein-rich brewer’s spent grain (BSG) as raw material. The results showed that aromatic compounds play a major role in tar production. Increasing hydrothermal temperature significantly enhanced volatile matter removal and consequently increased the fixed carbon content from 23.14 wt.% in HC-220 to 27.07 wt.% in HC-280, while the catalytic effect of H₃O⁺ produced by high-temperature water facilitated the dehydration and decarboxylation reactions, resulting in a reduction in the H/C atomic ratio from 1.44 in HC-220 to 1.25 in HC-280 and the O/C atom ratio from 0.32 in HC-220 to 0.25 in HC-280. HC-280 exhibited superior fuel properties, with a high heating value (HHV) of 35.4 MJ/kg. XPS analysis indicated that elevated temperatures promote the conversion of sp³ C to sp² C (the value of sp² C/sp³ C increased from 1.13 in HC-220 to 1.49 in HC-280), significantly increasing the aromatic condensation degree of hydrochar. The more pronounced reduction in the -OH content compared to -COOH indicated that dehydration reactions predominated over decarboxylation. Finally, the formation pathways of hydrochar during HTC were revealed based on the properties of different products. The results demonstrate that HTC is an effective method for converting BSG into pyrolysis feedstock with potential applications in energy production. Future work should focus on the technical–economic assessment of the process at a pilot scale and evaluating the hydrochar’s performance in real pyrolysis systems. Full article