Search Results (1,009)

The electro-hydraulic hybrid system has emerged as a critical technology in new energy vehicles, owing to the remarkable power density and efficient energy regeneration capabilities of hydraulic technology, coupled with the high energy density of electric power. This system effectively enhances vehicle range and battery life. We developed an energy management strategy (EMS) for the electro-hydraulic hybrid system (EHHS) to ensure smooth energy conversion, while ensuring the full utilization of electrical and hydraulic energy within a reasonable and efficient range. To enhance the system’s overall performance, it is imperative to address pivotal technologies, including power coupling and energy management. In this research, the structure of an electro-hydraulic hybrid vehicle (EHHV) is classified, compared and discussed. The application of existing EHHVs is studied. Subsequently, an analysis and summary are conducted on the current status and development trends of EMSs and collaborative operation control strategies (COCSs), and a novel mechanical-electro-hydraulic power-coupled system (MEHPCS) is put forward that successfully converts mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic energy in performance. Simultaneously, other applications of the system are forecasted. Finally, some suggestions for the electro-hydraulic hybrid systems’ future development are made. This study can promote the development of sustainable transportation technologies. The system integrates mechanical engineering, control theory, and environmental science, enabling interdisciplinary methodological innovation. In addition, relevant studies provide data support for policy makers by quantifying energy consumption indicators. Full article

As the maritime industry transitions toward Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), Vessel Traffic Service Operators (VTSOs) face new challenges in managing mixed traffic of conventional and autonomous vessels. Effective VTSO selection is becoming increasingly critical for maritime safety, yet current recruitment processes rely on subjective methods that limit objective evaluation of candidate suitability. This study presents the first machine learning-based classification model for VTSO recruitment. Eight features were defined, including sea service experience, navigation career, education, certifications, and language proficiency. Due to limited access to actual recruitment data, expert-validated simulated datasets were constructed through labeling by 40 maritime professionals and density estimation-based augmentation. Four algorithms were compared, with XGBoost achieving 94.6% F1-score. Feature importance analysis revealed TOEIC score as the most critical predictor, followed by seafaring career, with 3–4 years of experience identified as optimal. These findings indicate that English proficiency for communication with shore remote control centers and practical maritime experience for assessing autonomous vessel behaviors constitute core VTSO competencies in the MASS era. The proposed model demonstrates potential to improve subjective recruitment methods by discovering quantifiable competency patterns, offering a pathway toward data-driven, standardized, and transparent decision-making for enhanced maritime safety. Full article

Electrocatalytic water splitting offers a promising route to sustainable H₂, but the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media remains the principal bottleneck for activity and durability. This review focuses on alkaline OER and integrates mechanism, kinetics, materials design, and cell-level considerations. Reaction mechanisms are outlined, including the adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) and the lattice oxygen mediated mechanism (LOM), together with universal scaling constraints and operando reconstruction of precatalysts into active oxyhydroxides. Strategies for electronic tuning, defect creation, and heterointerface design are linked to measurable kinetics, including iR-corrected overpotential, Tafel slope, charge transfer resistance, and electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). Representative catalyst families are critically evaluated, covering Ir and Ru oxides, Ni-, Fe-, and Co-based compounds, carbon-based materials, and heterostructure systems. Electrolyte engineering is discussed, including control of Fe impurities and cation and anion effects, and gas management at current densities of 100–500 mA·cm⁻² and higher. Finally, we outline challenges and directions that include operando discrimination between mechanisms and possible crossover between AEM and LOM, strategies to relax scaling relations using dual sites and interfacial water control, and constant potential modeling with explicit solvation and electric fields to enable efficient, scalable alkaline electrolyzers. Full article

Mathematical modeling of unitized regenerative fuel cells (URFCs) faces significant challenges in reconciling parameter conflicts between fuel cell (FC) and electrolysis cell (EC) modes. This study establishes a COMSOL-based multi-physics framework coupling water–gas–heat–electric transport for both operational states. The critical factors associated with the model were identified through a systematic sensitivity analysis of structural and operational parameters, including temperature, exchange current density, conductivity, porosity, and flow rates. FC modes exhibited strong sensitivity to exchange current density (27.8–40.5% performance variation) and conductivity of membrane (10.1–35.6%), while temperature degraded performance (−4.2% to −4.0%). Spatial analysis revealed temperature-induced membrane dehydration and accelerated gas depletion at electrodes, thus explaining the negative correlation. EC modes were dominantly governed by temperature (8.6–9.4%), exchange current density (13.0–16.4%), and conductivity (2.5–13.3%). Channel simulations revealed that elevated temperature contributed to enhanced liquid water fluidity, while high flow rates had a relatively limited effect on mitigating species concentration gradients. Parameter optimization guided by sensitivity thresholds (e.g., porosity > 0.4 in FC GDLs, conductivity > 222 S/m in EC modes) enabled dual-mode calibration. The model achieved <4% error in polarization curve validation under experimental conditions, demonstrating robust prediction of voltage–current dynamics. This work resolves key conflicts of URFC modeling through physics-informed parameterization to provide a foundation for efficient dual-mode system design. Full article

Functionalized nanochannels are crucial for achieving excellent ion transport properties and enable versatile applications such as ion gating, biosensing, and energy conversion. Conical single nanochannels were fabricated in single-ion-track polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes using the ion-track-etching method. Leveraging the high programmability of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strands, a series of DNA molecules were designed to functionalize the outer surface at the tip region (small opening) of the conical PET nanochannels. This approach enabled precise regulation of both spatial charge distribution and steric hindrance on the outer surface, enabling the investigation of ion transport properties under the dominance of outer surface charge effects across ions of different valences. In contrast to the low-valence K⁺, the high-valence cation Ru(NH₃)₆³⁺ exhibited far greater enhancement in ionic current rectification (ICR) within PET films functionalized with DNA of varying charge densities. We used COMSOL simulations to corroborate that higher-valence ions exert more pronounced effects on ion transport in conical nanochannels with greater outer surface charge density. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the tip region plays a critical role in modulating the ion transport properties of conical nanochannels, thereby validating outer surface functionalization as a rational and efficient strategy. Full article

Multinary metal oxides are widely applied in energy storage and conversion, heterogeneous catalysis and environmental technologies, but their wide band gaps, low intrinsic electronic conductivity and limited density of active sites severely restrict their practical efficiency. This review examines non-metallic doping via the substitutional, interstitial or mixed incorporation of light elements such as B, C, N, F, P and S as a versatile strategy to overcome these fundamental limitations. We begin by outlining the primary synthesis methodologies for doped oxides, such as sol–gel, chemical vapor deposition, and hydrothermal routes, followed by a critical discussion of the multi-technique characterization framework required to verify successful dopant incorporation and elucidate its structural and electronic consequences. We focus on the fundamental principles of how doping parameters—such as mode, element type, and concentration—can be tuned to regulate material properties. The key mechanisms for performance enhancement, including synergistic lattice reconstruction, defect engineering, and electronic structure modulation, are emphasized. Significant advancements are highlighted in applications like energy storage, fuel cells, water splitting, and CO₂ reduction. Finally, we assess current challenges, such as the precise control of doping sites and long-term stability, and offer perspectives on the rational design of next-generation oxide materials. Full article

Epoxy resin coatings are widely employed for steel protection owing to their excellent adhesion, chemical stability, mechanical strength, and barrier properties. However, conventional bisphenol A-based resins and organic solvents may pose risks to reproductive, developmental, and immune systems, as well as contribute to atmospheric pollution. This mini-review critically evaluates recent advancements in fully waterborne bio-based epoxy nanocomposites as sustainable alternatives, with particular emphasis on their enhanced antibacterial and corrosion-resistant performance in tropical marine environments. A central focus is the role of chitosan-grafted graphene oxide (Chi-GO) as a multifunctional nanofiller that significantly enhances both antibacterial efficacy and barrier capabilities. For instance, coatings reinforced with Chi-GO exhibit up to two orders of magnitude lower corrosion current density than pristine epoxy coatings, and achieve over 95% bacterial inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at a 1 wt.% loading. The review summarizes key synthesis methods, functional modification techniques, and commonly adopted evaluation approaches. Emerging research further underscores environmental performance metrics, including reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and improved life-cycle assessments. By integrating bio-based polymer matrices with Chi-GO, these composite systems present a promising pathway toward environmentally benign and durable protective coatings. Nevertheless, critical challenges concerning scalability and long-term stability under real-world operating conditions remain insufficiently addressed. Future research should emphasize scalable manufacturing strategies, such as roll-to-roll processing, and conduct extended tropical exposure testing (e.g., salt spray tests beyond 2000 h). Additionally, developing comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks will be crucial for sustainable industrial implementation. Full article

Ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) wall bushings are critical components in DC transmission systems, ensuring insulation integrity and operational reliability. In recent years, surface discharge incidents induced by charge accumulation at the gas–solid interface have become increasingly prominent. A comprehensive understanding of the electric field distribution and charge accumulation behavior of wall bushings under UHVDC is therefore essential for improving their safety and stability. In this work, an electrostatic field model of a ±800 kV UHVDC wall bushing core was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.3. Based on this, a geometrically scaled model of the bushing core was further established to investigate charge distribution characteristics along the gas–solid interface under varying voltage amplitudes, application durations, and practical operating conditions. The results reveal that the maximum surface charge density occurs near the geometric corner of the core, with charge accumulation increasing as the applied voltage amplitude rises. Over time, the accumulation exhibits a saturation trend, approaching a steady state after approximately 480 min. Moreover, under actual operating conditions, the charge accumulation at the gas–solid interface increases by approximately 40%. These findings provide valuable insights for the design optimization of UHVDC wall bushings, thereby contributing to improved insulation performance and enhanced long-term operational reliability of DC transmission systems. Full article

This paper describes the status of developing Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesizer (JAWS) chips at NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China). To obtain high junction integration density and fewer data input channels, the chip employs an on-chip Wilkinson power divider and inside/outside dc blocks, enabling both arrays to be driven by a single pulse-generator channel. In addition, the tapered coplanar waveguide structure is used to ensure the microwave uniformity of the long-junction array. Each array consisted of 4000 double-stack Nb/Nb_xSi_1−x/Nb junctions, and 16,000 junctions are integrated in the chip in total. The JAWS chip demonstrates good performance, capable of synthesizing a 300 mV root mean square (rms) voltage with exceptionally low harmonic distortion. Dc and ac voltage-current characteristics measurements indicate that the junctions are with a critical current of 2.5 mA, and a normal-state resistance of 4.5 mΩ per junction. Contact aligners are manually operated to fabricate the chips, and process errors in the fabrication are estimated in this paper. Full article

Introduction: Acromegaly is a chronic endocrine disorder caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Acromegaly leads to a wide range of systemic alterations, including metabolic disturbances, abnormalities in bone microarchitecture, soft tissue overgrowth, and morphological changes in the maxilla and mandible. All these factors may significantly complicate the planning and success of implant therapy. Study Aim: This narrative review aimed to critically analyze the impact of acromegaly on bone healing and osseointegration, with particular emphasis on the stability of implant biomaterials, and to assess whether the disease constitutes a contraindication to implant prosthetic treatment. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering publications from 2000 to August 2025. Manual screening of reference lists from key articles was also performed. Peer-reviewed publications in English, including experimental and preclinical studies, case reports, biomaterials research, and conceptual reviews, were included based on their relevance to acromegaly, bone metabolism, stomatognathic alterations, and implant therapy outcomes. No formal inclusion or exclusion criteria were applied, and methodological quality was not formally assessed, reflecting the exploratory and conceptual nature of this review. Results: Patients with acromegaly exhibit persistent structural bone deficits, such as reduced trabecular number, irregular trabecular distribution, and increased cortical porosity, despite normal or even elevated bone mineral density. In parallel, profound changes in soft tissues and dentition are observed, including macroglossia, diastemas, gingival overgrowth, and mandibular prognathism, which further complicate prosthetic rehabilitation. Animal studies suggest that GH and IGF-1 may support early osseointegration, although the long-term effects of their excess remain inconclusive. Clinical data, although limited, indicate that implant placement in patients with acromegaly is feasible when treatment is meticulously planned and carried out within an interdisciplinary setting. Standard biomaterials, such as titanium and its alloys, may undergo degradation under conditions of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, underscoring the need for innovative solutions integrating bioactive and immunomodulatory materials, as well as patient-specific implants manufactured using 3D printing technologies. Conclusions: Acromegaly should not be regarded as an absolute contraindication to implant therapy; however, the current evidence is limited. Implant placement requires individualized planning, endocrine control, and interdisciplinary coordination. Further clinical and preclinical studies are needed to establish reliable treatment protocols for this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic complication of prematurity, associated with significant morbidity. Nutrition is a key modifiable factor influencing lung growth, repair, and overall development. This review summarizes current evidence on nutritional strategies for BPD prevention and management. Methods: Narrative review was conducted with literature search in major databases using relevant keywords. Results: Early nutritional deficits are strongly associated with BPD. Higher early protein (3.5–4 g/kg/day) and energy intake (>60 kcal/kg/day in the first week, with progressive increases) reduce ventilator dependence. Lipids are essential to achieve caloric goals. Fluid restriction may reduce BPD risk but often results in undernutrition. Nutrient density, rather than fluid volume, is critical. Enteral nutrition, particularly mother’s own milk, consistently reduces BPD risk, whereas formula feeding is linked to higher BPD incidence. In established BPD, nutritional requirements are substantially increased. Feeding is frequently complicated by fluid restriction, gastroesophageal reflux, and poor oral coordination. Management strategies include higher energy intake (130–150 kcal/kg/day), adequate protein provision (3.5–4 g/kg/day), and careful use of lipid-based energy sources. Fortified human milk or enriched preterm formulas are essential, with individualized fortification improving growth. Micronutrient support is critical, and long-term follow-up is required, as post-discharge growth remains vulnerable and predicts later outcomes. Conclusions: Nutritional strategies to mitigate BPD should focus on early optimization of protein and energy intake, prioritization of nutrient density and promotion of human milk feeding. Targeted micronutrient support, individualized fortification and multidisciplinary care are essential to improve pulmonary and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Full article

Water resources are fundamental to human survival, as well as critical to the sustainable progress of the economy and society. This study selects representative indicators and employs the TOPSIS model to evaluate the water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) in the Chang–Zhu–Tan region (2006–2022). Based on this, kernel density estimation and Moran’s I are applied to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution and evolution trends of WRCC. Additionally, the Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, and imbalance index are utilized to examine the alignment between WRCC and socio-economic growth. Finally, a system dynamics model is used to simulate WRCC and matching dynamics under different scenarios. The findings reveal the following: (1) The overall WRCC is favorable but exhibits a declining temporal trend, with widening inter-district disparities and strong spatial agglomeration. (2) The match between WRCC and economic development is unbalanced, though alignment has gradually improved over time. (3) The WRCC varies across different scenarios. In current development scenario, WRCC declines significantly. In economic priority development and industrial restructuring scenarios, this reduction is slowed. Specifically, in water resource policy control scenario, WRCC can be enhanced. Aside from the industrial restructuring scenario, all other scenarios contribute to improving the coordination between WRCC and economic development. Full article

The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at low operating temperatures is critical for public health, environmental monitoring, and industrial safety, yet it remains a significant challenge for conventional sensor technologies. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as highly versatile precursors for creating advanced sensing materials. This review critically examines the transformation of MOFs into functional catalytic interfaces for low-temperature chemiresistive VOC sensing. We survey the key synthetic strategies, with a focus on controlled pyrolysis, that enable the conversion of insulating MOF precursors into semiconducting derivatives with tailored porosity, morphology, and catalytically active sites. This review establishes the crucial synthesis-structure-performance relationships that govern sensing behavior, analyzing how factors like calcination temperature and precursor composition dictate the final material’s properties. We delve into the underlying chemiresistive sensing mechanisms, supported by evidence from advanced characterization techniques such as in situ DRIFTS and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which elucidate the role of oxygen vacancies and heterojunctions in enhancing low-temperature catalytic activity. A central focus is placed on the persistent challenges of achieving high selectivity and robust performance in complex, real-world environments. We critically evaluate and compare strategies to mitigate interference from confounding gases and ambient humidity, including intrinsic material design and extrinsic system-level solutions like sensor arrays coupled with machine learning. Finally, this review synthesizes the current state of the art, identifies key bottlenecks related to stability and scalability, and provides a forward-looking perspective on emerging frontiers, including novel device architectures and computational co-design, to guide the future development of practical MOF-derived VOC sensors. Full article

Rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) high-temperature superconductors, owing to their ability to maintain high critical current density (J_c) under liquid-nitrogen-temperature and high-magnetic-field conditions, are widely regarded as one of the most promising material systems among all superconductors. This review systematically summarizes fabrication strategies for REBCO coated conductors, with a focus on pulsed laser deposition (PLD) for achieving high-quality epitaxial growth with precise composition control. To enhance in-field performance, strategies for introducing artificial pinning centers (APCs) are examined, including rare-earth element doping, substrate surface decoration, and nanoscale secondary phase incorporation. The mechanisms of vortex pinning from different dimensional defects and their synergistic effects are compared. Finally, we suggest potential future directions aimed at further enhancing the superconducting properties. Full article

This review surveys theoretical frameworks developed to describe rubber contact and friction on rough surfaces, with a particular focus on tire–road interaction. It begins with classical continuum approaches, which provide valuable foundations but show limitations when applied to viscoelastic materials and multiscale roughness. More recent formulations are then examined, including the Klüppel–Heinrich model, which couples fractal surface descriptions with viscoelastic dissipation, and Persson’s theory, which applies a statistical mechanics perspective and later integrates flash temperature effects. Grosch’s pioneering experimental work is also revisited as a key empirical reference linking friction, velocity, and temperature. A comparative discussion highlights the ability of these models to capture scale-dependent contact and energy dissipation while also noting practical challenges such as calibration requirements, parameter sensitivity, and computational costs. Persistent issues include the definition of cutoff criteria for roughness spectra, the treatment of adhesion under realistic operating conditions, and the translation of detailed power spectral density (PSD) data into usable inputs for predictive models. The review emphasizes progress in connecting material rheology, surface characterization, and operating conditions but also underscores the gap between theoretical predictions and real tire–road performance. Bridging this gap will require hybrid approaches that combine physics-based and data-driven methods, supported by advances in surface metrology, in situ friction measurements, and machine learning. Overall, the paper provides a critical synthesis of current models and outlines future directions toward more predictive and application-oriented tire–road friction modeling. Full article