Search Results (159)

The essential oils (EOs) represent a natural source of diverse phytoconstituents that may exert a wide range of health-promoting effects, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities. Compounds with antioxidative and anti-tyrosinase properties present in EOs may suppress excessive melanin production and protect skin cells from oxidative stress factors that often aggravate the pigmentation process. Acorus calamus L. and Juniperus communis L. plants have been traditionally used in phytotherapy, either individually or in combination. However, the biological and pharmacological effects of the essential oils derived from A. calamus rhizomes (EOA) and J. communis cone-berries (EOJ) remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate (1) the chemical composition of both EOA and EOJ using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique; (2) the anti-tyrosinase activity of the two examined EOs; and (3) their antioxidant potential against DPPH and ABTS free radicals. In addition, the anti-tyrosinase and antioxidant activities of mixtures of EOA and EOJ were also investigated. GC-MS analyses identified 48 and 81 chemical compounds in the EOA and EOJ, respectively. The main constituents of the EOA were sesquiterpenoids, including acorenone (18.1%), preisocalamendiol (12.0%), shyobunone (7.5%), and isoshyobunone (5.7%). In contrast, EOJ was primarily composed of α-pinene (22%), a monoterpene. In vitro analyses demonstrated that both individual and combined EOs exhibited notable antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. The health-promoting potential of these EOs is discussed. Full article

The stability and mechanical properties of municipal solid waste (MSW) deposits in closed landfills are critical for safe land reclamation and infrastructure development. This study employs Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) to evaluate the geotechnical parameters of aged waste at three closed landfill sites in central Poland. Key parameters, including shear strength, internal friction angle, density, and liquidity index, were assessed to determine slope stability and bearing capacity for future redevelopment. Due to the heterogeneous nature of MSW, CPT results were analyzed in conjunction with empirical correlations and nomograms to improve accuracy, so the parameters can be used for future numerical modeling and proposing new computational approaches for landfill body elastic and mechanical behavior predictions. The findings indicate significant variability in landfill waste mechanical properties, influenced by waste composition, decomposition stage, and compaction history. The study highlights CPT’s reliable detremination of geotechnical parameters for landfill restoration projects, particularly for infrastructure, creating the potential for green energy and sustainable development. The results contribute to improving engineering practices in landfill restoration and ensuring the long-term stability of post-closure land use. This study also contributes to obtaining reliable results on anthropogenic waste material mechanical parameters at both the material point and at the overall structural scale, benefiting future computational methods and modeling approaches for analyzing structural and geotechnical safety of such complex and demanding structures as landfills. Full article

Müller glia exhibit a remarkable regenerative capacity in zebrafish through spontaneous reprogramming post-injury but remain limited in mammals. This review highlights the key mechanisms underlying Müller glia reprogramming, including gene regulatory networks, cytokine signaling, signal transduction pathways, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptional regulation. Cross-species analyses have uncovered conserved gene networks that suppress neurogenesis in mammals, while injury-induced transcriptional profiles reveal divergent regenerative strategies. Combinatorial approaches may enhance the reprogramming of mammalian Müller glia into functional neurons. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, such as variability in the efficacy of direct reprogramming methods and the limited regeneration of cone photoreceptors, even in regenerative species. We conclude that targeting epigenetic barriers and species-specific regulatory pathways offers promising avenues for clinical translation in retinal disorders such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa. Moving forward, research efforts should prioritize the functional integration of regenerated neurons and the development of standardized methodologies to accelerate therapeutic advancements. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable road infrastructure necessitates alternative materials that enhance soil stabilization while reducing environmental impact. This study investigated the application of organosilane-based nanotechnology to improve the structural performance and durability of road corridors in Peru, offering a viable alternative to conventional stabilization methods. A comparative experimental approach was employed, where modified soil and asphalt mixtures were evaluated against control samples without nanotechnology. Laboratory tests showed that organosilane-treated soil achieved up to a 100% increase in the California Bearing Ratio (CBR), while maintaining expansion below 0.5%, significantly reducing moisture susceptibility compared to untreated soil. Asphalt mixtures incorporating nanotechnology-based adhesion enhancers exhibited a Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) exceeding 80%, ensuring a superior resistance to moisture-induced damage relative to conventional mixtures. Non-destructive evaluations, including Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) and Pavement Condition Index (PCI) tests, confirmed the improved long-term durability and load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the International Roughness Index (IRI) revealed a mean value of 2.449 m/km, which is well below the Peruvian regulatory threshold of 3.5 m/km, demonstrating a significant improvement over untreated pavements. Furthermore, a comparative reference to IRI standards from other countries contextualized these results. This research underscores the potential of nanotechnology to enhance pavement resilience, optimize resource utilization, and advance sustainable construction practices. Full article

The coal industry remains a significant source of environmental pollution. Development of coal–water fuel allows for the reduction of harmful emissions (CO₂, SO₂, etc.) due to a more complete and environmentally friendly combustion of the fuel, making it an attractive transition solution towards cleaner energy. This study uses electropulse processing, which significantly increased the efficiency of the coal grinding process compared to mechanical action methods (cone mills, drum mills, etc.). The main advantages of electropulse technology are grinding efficiency, reduced high environmental impact (no need for chemical reagents and waste minimization), and the ability to produce coal powder with improved porosity and a larger surface area. The electrode in electropulse devices plays a decisive role in obtaining coal powder for coal–water fuel. The positive electrode must be resistant to high temperatures and aggressive conditions arising during the pulse processing. We have developed an optimal electrode design, including a gap between the metal rod and insulation, which ensures high resistance to pulse discharges. Increasing the capacity of the capacitor and the number of pulse discharges has had a positive effect on the yield of the finished product. The developed technology of electric impulse coal grinding helps to reduce the negative impact of the coal industry on the environment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Up to 30% of cervical dysplastic lesions are missed by colposcopy alone. We performed a comparative evaluation of the diagnostic capacity for identifying cervical dysplastic lesions between shear wave elastography (SWE) of the endocervix and exocervix, defined as SonoElastoColposcopy (SEC), and colposcopy. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 84 patients indicated for cervical conization surgery (presence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3 (CIN-2 or 3), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), or high-grade suspicious lesions). All patients underwent colposcopy with lesion identification and biopsy, and SEC and SWE evaluation of the endocervix and exocervix with measurement of lesion stiffness (KPa). Cervical lesions identified by colposcopy or SEC were localized in quadrants, and a comparative evaluation of the diagnostic capacity of both techniques was performed in relation to the anatomical pathology of the cone biopsy. Results: A total of 82 women were evaluated (two cases were lost). The mean age was 38.84 ± 8.44 years. Colposcopy was adequate in 95.12% of cases. In SEC, we observed an elasticity in the lesion area of 105.42 ± 36.32 KPa compared to 19.98 ± 9.29 KPa (p < 0.0001) in the healthy area of the exocervix. In the endocervix, the results were 109.8 ± 40.86 KPa versus 18.5 ± 9.07 KPa (p < 0.0001), respectively. The concordance for colposcopy was 0.456 compared to 0.815 (p < 0.05) for SEC. Conclusions: SEC demonstrates a better ability to identify the area of cervical dysplastic lesions than colposcopy. Full article

As humans expanded across the globe, the Americas were the last continents to be colonized. While debates persist regarding the timing and mechanisms of this process, it is widely accepted that by the Pleistocene–Holocene transition, the New World was populated from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. During this period, hunter-gatherer societies demonstrated remarkable cultural and adaptive diversity, particularly in subsistence strategies and technological innovations. The colonization of the Americas offers valuable insights into population dynamics, human–environment interactions, species extinctions, and adaptive capacities. From an interdisciplinary perspective that combines an isotopic analysis of megafaunal remains with archaeological evidence, this study examines human interactions with Pleistocene fauna in the south–central region of South America’s Southern Cone. Isotopic analyses provide information about the diets, adaptations, and climatic challenges faced by megafaunal communities. Archaeological evidence reveals that humans utilized megafauna and other Pleistocene species for food and tool production. These findings are supported by evidence such as cut marks and bone tools, but also by sealed sediment layers and/or indisputable associations of lithic artifacts. This research contributes to our understanding of human dispersal in the Southern Cone during the colonization of the Americas, shedding light on the regional environments and adaptive strategies of early populations. Full article

(1) Background: Over 90% of hop crops are currently used in beer production, with a small part used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Spent hops as a waste product contain one of the strongest antioxidants, xanthohumol. The aim of the study was to purify spent hop extracts by magnetic dispersive extraction using iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) to obtain pure xanthohumol; (2) Methods: The extract from the waste product obtained after supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of hops was prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction utilizing different solvents, i.e., ethyl acetate, propanol, acetone, 80% methanol, ethyl acetate-methanol (1:1, v/v), and propanol-methanol (1:1, v/v). The hydrodynamic diameters and zeta potential of IONPs before and after incubation were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Isolated xanthohumol was identified based on the DAD spectrum in the range of 200–600 nm and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy/attenuated total reflectance (FT-IR/ATR); The antioxidant activity of extracts before and after incubation with IONPs was assessed using SNPAC (Silver Nanoparticle Antioxidant Capacity), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays, as well as total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). (3) Results: The amount of added IONPs, the kind of solvent, and the contact time of the extract with nanoparticles were optimized. We found that 80% MeOH extract after incubation with IONPs (865 µg IONPs/g of spent hops) at room temperature for 48 h contains 74.61% of initial xanthohumol content, providing a final xanthohumol concentration of 43 µg mL⁻¹. (4) Conclusions: The proposed method of magnetic dispersive extraction using IONPs allows for the purification of spent hops extract and obtaining a pure product, namely xanthohumol, with a wide potential for practical applications in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, and agriculture. This is clear evidence of the usefulness of IONP as an effective sorbent. The method allows the use of residues from the brewing industry, i.e., the biomass of used hop cones to obtain a valuable substance. Full article

This paper presents the design and experimental evaluation of a throttleable pintle-centrifugal injector system tailored for hybrid rocket engines, aimed at improving combustion efficiency and enabling precise throttling control. The novel injector system combines the principles of swirl injection and pintle-based throttling, offering fine adjustment of oxidizer flow rates to optimize combustion dynamics. Cold-flow experiments using deionized water were conducted to assess the injector’s performance across a range of flow rates and pintle strokes. Results demonstrate that the pintle stroke effectively regulates injection pressure drop and atomization characteristics, with significant improvements observed in spray cone angle and droplet size distribution. The injector system achieved a pressure drop variation ratio of 4.162 at a flow rate adjustment ratio of 6.841, indicating a strong capacity for deep throttling. These findings highlight the potential of the pintle-centrifugal injector to enhance the performance and adaptability of hybrid rocket motors, offering promising applications in modern aerospace propulsion systems. Full article

As shallow coal resources in China become increasingly depleted, deep coal mining in complex geological areas has become an inevitable trend. However, the technical challenges associated with deep mining are becoming more significant, particularly the issues related to mine water hazards. This study utilized hydrogeological data from the III3 Mining Area in the Zhuxianzhuang Coal Mine, Anhui Province, and employed GMS (Groundwater Modeling System) software to construct a numerical karst water flow model under deep mining conditions. By simulating variations in the flow field, the study verified the drainage potential of the limestone water at the base of Seam 10 and assessed the water conductivity and connectivity of the F22 fault. The following conclusions were obtained: The simulation effectively captured the formation process of the karst water drawdown cone in the study area. The observed water level variations in different monitoring wells aligned well with the engineering reality after validation. The limestone water at the base of Seam 10 in the III3 Mining Area exhibited good transmissivity, weak recharge, and high drainage potential. Although the F22 fault is a normal fault with a maximum displacement of 550 m, offsetting formations from Seam 3 to the Ordovician limestone, its connectivity and water conductivity are poor, exhibiting significant water-blocking properties. The specific capacity (q) ranges from 1.40 × 10⁻⁴ to 3.26 × 10⁻³ m³/(s·m), and the hydraulic conductivity (K) ranges from 2.10 × 10⁻⁵ to 6.80 × 10⁻⁵. Under deep coal mining conditions, the extraction of coal disturbs the underlying limestone, generally resulting in an increase in its permeability coefficient compared to pre-mining conditions. The permeability coefficient (K) from the measured data before mining impact ranged from 0.000067 to 0.0022, while the simulated values after mining impact ranged from 0.0021 to 0.09. Additionally, mining activities affect the hydraulic head, flow rate, and flow paths of the karst water; the floor karst water is easily drainable, effectively reducing water pressure and the inrush coefficient, thus lowering water hazard risks. Although the mining area is affected by the large F22 fault, its water-resisting properties under sufficient drainage conditions prevent direct connectivity between the coal seam and the aquifer, avoiding water hazards. As global coal resources continue to be exploited, deep mining will inevitably become a common trend in coal extraction worldwide. This study develops a hydrogeological model tailored to deep mining under fault conditions, offering a solid theoretical foundation and practical reference for the prevention and management of mine water hazards on a global scale. This advancement contributes to the development of sustainable mining practices across the global industry. Full article

The large-scale integration of renewable energy sources and new loads, such as distributed photovoltaics and electric vehicles, has resulted in frequent power quality issues within distribution networks. Traditional AC distribution networks lack the necessary flexibility and have limited capacity to accommodate these new energy sources and loads. Transforming the conventional distribution network into an AC-DC hybrid network using flexible interconnection devices like Voltage Source Converters can enhance the network’s flexibility, mitigating the power quality challenges arising from the integration of renewable energy and new loads. Electric buses, with their substantial capacity, mobility, and centralized management, offer potential as mobile energy storage. They can participate in the dispatching of the distribution network, thereby improving the network’s flexibility in power regulation. This paper proposes a coordinated optimization approach that integrates electric buses and VSCs for distribution network dispatch. This method enables electric buses to assist in power dispatch without interfering with their primary public transport duties, thus enhancing the network’s capacity to absorb new energy sources and loads. Firstly, considering the mobility characteristics of electric buses, a multi-layer stochastic Time–Space Network model is developed for bus dispatching. Secondly, an optimization model is constructed that accounts for the coordination of charging and discharging power between VSCs and electric buses, with the objective of minimizing the network losses in the distribution system. Finally, the proposed model is transformed into a second-order cone programming formulation, facilitating its solution through convex optimization techniques. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through a case study. Full article

This study examined the influence of the effective embedment depth h_ef of undercut anchors and the diameter of their heads on the formation of the so-called cone failure angle α. Cone failure formation during simulated anchor pull-out tests was analyzed numerically using the Finite Element Method (FEM) with the ABAQUS software and the XFEM algorithm. The analysis was conducted for three sizes of undercut anchor heads and four embedment depths. The numerical analysis results were compared with field test results obtained during pull-out tests of anchors installed in a rock medium (sandstone). Good agreement was observed between the numerical and field test results. The results of the numerical study are highly consistent with those obtained during the field survey. Moreover, they align closely with findings from previous numerical studies conducted by members of the research team, as presented in earlier publications. For the assumed simulation and field test conditions (sedimentary rocks, gray sandstone), no clear correlation was found between the embedment depth or the anchor head diameter and the value of the cone failure angle in the initial phase of the failure zone development. This result contrasts with certain findings reported in the literature. Many existing studies on anchor bolts focus on material properties or load-bearing capacity, but lack an in-depth analysis of how anchor depth influences the geometry of the failure cone. This research addresses that gap, providing valuable insights with practical implications for design codes and safety evaluations. Full article

The intraspecific trait variations in the reproductive structures and early growth of seedlings may be critical in determining further regeneration. However, modularly built organisms, such as trees, challenge our notion of the phenotype concept, as the arrays of nonidentical homologous organs, such as seed-bearing cone scales and seeds, depending on the individual capacity to produce phenotypically variable arrangements, but they also reflect abiotic selective effects. We investigated the variability in cone scale morphology, seed traits, and germination dynamics in coexisting fir (Abies marocana) and cedar (Cedrus atlantica) trees from northern Morocco. We quantified the degree of trait overlap in two co-occurring populations of both species, as a measure of population/species functional similarity. Cone scale size and seedling growth rate were species-dependent traits, as 70%–80% of the variance was explained by the species, while only 0%–2% was explained by the population. Conversely, seed weight was a tree-dependent trait, as 70% of the variation was observed among trees, while the species only explained 20% of the variation, and the contribution of the population was negligible. Species and populations showed the same characteristics in the correlations between variables, supporting different magnitudes but a constant relationship. Substantial variations in seed weight and early seedling growth occur concurrently among cones of a single tree, independently of the tree species or population. Further studies should consider both phenotype selection and inheritance of traits’ variance on the establishment, survival, and growth of seedlings in A. marocana and C. atlantica in nurseries and reforestation sites to improve adaptive capacity to changing environmental conditions. Full article

The intelligent soft open point (SOP) has powerful power flow regulation capabilities in the distribution network. If applied to the distribution network, it can flexibly cope with the output uncertainty of unmanageable distributed energy sources. However, considering the investment, operation, and maintenance costs, as well as the assistance of reactive power equipment, the site selection and capacity determination of SOP have become an urgent problem to be solved. This article proposes the optimal configuration strategy of SOP in a flexible interconnected distribution network, taking into account the features of distributed generation and reactive power sources. Firstly, based on the unpredictability of DG output, this paper uses improved sensitivity analysis to determine the optimal SOP installation location. Subsequently, with the optimization objective of minimizing the annual cost of the distribution network, this paper considers the characteristics of DGs, CBs, and OLCTs and uses second-order cone programming to optimize and solve SOP capacity under constraints such as trends. Finally, in the enhanced IEEE 33-node distribution system model, the effects of different scenarios on node voltage, reactive power components, and SOP location and capacity are compared. Full article

With the issue of energy shortages becoming increasingly serious, the need to shift to sustainable and clean energy sources has become urgent. However, due to the intermittent nature of most renewable energy sources, developing underground hydrogen storage (UHS) systems as backup energy solutions offers a promising solution. The thick and regionally extensive salt deposits in Unit B of Southern Ontario, Canada, have demonstrated significant potential for supporting such storage systems. Based on the stratigraphy statistics of unit B, this study investigates the feasibility and stability of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in salt caverns, focusing on the effects of cavern shape, geometric parameters, and operating pressures. Three cavern shapes—cylindrical, cone-shaped, and ellipsoid-shaped—were analyzed using numerical simulations. Results indicate that cylindrical caverns with a diameter-to-height ratio of 1.5 provide the best balance between storage capacity and structural stability, while ellipsoid-shaped caverns offer reduced stress concentration but have less storage space, posing practical challenges during leaching. The results also indicate that the optimal pressure range for maintaining stability and minimizing leakage lies between 0.4 and 0.7 times the vertical in situ stress. Higher pressures increase storage capacity but lead to greater stress, displacements, and potential leakage risks, while lower pressure leads to internal extrusion tendency for cavern walls. Additionally, hydrogen leakage rate drops with the maximum working pressure, yet total leakage mass keeps a growing trend. Full article