Články z časopisů s impakt faktorem / Articles from Impact Factor Journals

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Now showing 1 - 20 out of 6791 results

Impact of antiphospholipid syndrome on placenta and uterine NK cell function: insights from a mouse model
(Springer Nature, 2024) Martirosyan, Anush; Kriegová, Eva; Savara, Jakub; Abroyan, Liana; Ghonyan, Susanna; Slobodová, Zuzana; Nesnadná, Romana; Manukyan, Gayane
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is associated with recurrent pregnancy morbidity, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We performed multifaceted characterization of the biological and transcriptomic signatures of mouse placenta and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells in APS. Histological analysis of APS placentas unveiled placental abnormalities, including disturbed angiogenesis, occasional necrotic areas, fibrin deposition, and nucleated red blood cell enrichment. Analyses of APS placentas showed a reduced cell proliferation, lower protein content and thinning of endothelial cells. Disturbances in APS trophoblast cells were linked to a cell cycle shift in cytotrophoblast cells, and a reduced number of spiral artery-associated trophoblast giant cells (SpA-TGC). Transcriptomic profiling of placental tissue highlighted disruptions in cell cycle regulation with notable downregulation of genes involved in developmental or signaling processes. Cellular senescence, metabolic and p53-related pathways were also enriched, suggesting potential mechanisms underlying placental dysfunction in APS. Thrombotic events, though occasionally detected, appeared to have no significant impact on the overall pathological changes. The increased number of dysfunctional uNK cells was not associated with enhanced cytotoxic capabilities. Transcriptomic data corroborated these findings, showing prominent suppression of NK cell secretory capacity and cytokine signaling pathways. Our study highlights the multifactorial nature of APS-associated placental pathologies, which involve disrupted angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and NK cell functionality.
Complexity of synovial fluid-derived monocyte-macrophage-lineage cells in knee osteoarthritis
(Elsevier, 2024) Mikulková, Zuzana; Gallo, Jiří; Manukyan, Gayane; Trajerová, Markéta; Savara, Jakub; Shrestha, Bishu; Dýšková, Tereza; Nesnadná, Romana; Slobodová, Zuzana; Štefančík, Michal; Kriegová, Eva
Synovial fluid (SF)-derived monocyte-macrophage (MON-Mf)-lineage cells in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remain poorly understood. We analyzed SF samples from 420 patients with KOA with effusion. The MONMf cells accounted for 47.4% (median; range 7.1%-94.4%) of CD45+ cells and consisted of four subpopulations that correlated with the distribution and activation of other immune cells. The most abundant subpopulation was that of inactive CD11b+CD14-CD16- myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs; cDC2), which exhibited low cytokine production, low T lymphocyte stimulation, and high migratory ability. Other major subpopulations included CD11b+CD14+CD16- monocyte-like cells and CD11b+CD14+CD16+ macrophages, which share a similar transcriptomic profile. A subpopulation of CD11b-CD14-CD16- mDCs (cDC1) was less common. A higher proportion of CD11b+CD14-CD16- mDCs was linked to early-stage KOA and mild joint pain. Dendritic cells were rarely present in KOA synovium. This study revealed the considerable complexity of SF-derived MON-Mf subpopulations and highlighted the role of inactive mDCs in KOA.
Parameter extraction model of wind turbine based on a novel pigeon-inspired optimization algorithm
(Taiwan Academic Network Executive Committee, 2024) Pan, Jeng-Shyang; Liu, Fei-Fei; Tian, Ai-Qing; Kong, Lingping; Chu, Shu-Chuan
This paper has been designed to address the problems of slow convergence and low convergence accuracy of the pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) algorithm. The evolutionary mechanism of the PIO algorithm contains two stages, exploration and exploitation, which also exist to solve various numerical optimization problems not well. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a novel pigeon-inspired optimization (NPIO) algorithm, which fuses the two stages of the operator into one stage, where exploitation and exploration are carried out simultaneously, and can assist the algorithm to find the optimal solution better. Numerical optimization problems can be solved with a smaller number of iterations. To verify the performance of the NPIO, standard test functions and practical application scenarios are selected for validation. Firstly, this paper uses 23 test functions to test and cross-sectionally compare with five optimization algorithms. The experimental results show that the NPIO is more competitive than the other five algorithms. Secondly, this paper is based on a high-precision mathematical model commonly used for wind turbines. It uses measurable quantities of wind turbines under actual operating conditions for the theoretical analysis of parameter identifiability. The results show that NPIO has a strong performance in wind turbine parameter identification.
Overcoming nanosilver resistance: Resensitizing bacteria and targeting evolutionary mechanisms
(American Chemical Society, 2024) Sun, Rui; Cui, Yueting; Wu, Yining; Gao, Meng; Xue, Shiyuan; Li, Ruibin; Zbořil, Radek; Zhang, Chengdong
The rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance poses a critical threat to global health and the environment. Antimicrobial nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are being explored as innovative solutions; however, the emergence of nanoresistance challenges their effectiveness. Understanding resistance mechanisms is essential for developing antievolutionary strategies. AgNPs exhibit diverse resistance mechanisms, and our findings reveal a dynamic transition between these mechanisms: from flagellin-mediated AgNP precipitation (state I) to activation of the copper efflux pump (CusCFBA) system (state II). We designed targeted physicochemical interventions to counteract these mechanisms. Energy supply blocking was effective for state I, while for state II, neutralizing intracellular acidic pH significantly reduced resistance. These strategies reduced nanoresistance/tolerance by up to 10,000-fold. Additionally, resistance evolution can be completely halted by disrupting the energy supply using carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone and overactivating sigma E, one of the key envelope stress regulators that govern resistance transitions. Our findings provide practical strategies to overcome nanoresistance, offering a groundbreaking approach to enhance nanoantimicrobials' efficacy in medical therapies and combat resistance evolution.
High cumulative glucocorticoid dose is associated with increased levels of inflammation-related mediators in active rheumatoid arthritis
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2024) Petráčková, Anna; Horák, Pavel; Savara, Jakub; Skácelová, Martina; Kriegová, Eva
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), leading to high cumulative doses in long-term treated patients. The impact of a high cumulative GC dose on the systemic inflammatory response in RA remains poorly understood. Methods We investigated long-treated patients with RA (n = 72, median disease duration 14 years) through blood counts and the serum levels of 92 inflammation-related proteins, and disease activity was assessed using the Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Patients were grouped based on the cumulative GC dose, with a cut-off value of 20 g (low/high, n = 49/23). Results and discussion Patients with a high cumulative GC dose within the active RA group had elevated serum levels in 23 inflammation-related proteins compared with patients with a low dose (cytokines/soluble receptors: CCL3, CCL20, CCL25, IL-8, CXCL9, IL-17A, IL-17C, IL-18, sIL-18R1, IL-10, sIL-10RB, OSM and sOPG; growth factors: sTGF alpha and sHGF; other inflammatory mediators: caspase 8, STAMBP, sCDCP1, sirtuin 2, 4E-BP1, sCD40, uPA and axin-1; pcorr < 0.05). In non-active RA, the high and low GC groups did not differ in analysed serum protein levels. Moreover, patients with active RA with a high GC dose had an increased white blood cell count, increased neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratios and a decreased lymphocyte-monocyte ratio compared with the low dose group (p < 0.05). This is the first study to report elevated serum levels in inflammation-related proteins and deregulated blood counts in patients with active RA with a high cumulative GC dose. The elevated systemic inflammation highlights the importance of improving care for patients receiving high cumulative GC doses.
Enhanced wombat optimization algorithm for multi-objective optimal power flow in renewable energy and electric vehicle integrated systems
(Elsevier, 2025) Nagarajan, Karthik; Rajagopalan, Arul; Bajaj, Mohit; Raju, Valliappan; Blažek, Vojtěch
In this study, the authors propose the Enhanced Wombat Optimization Algorithm (EWOA) as a solution for the optimal power flow (OPF) issue that occurs in transmission networks. With the incorporation of different types of uncertainties like wind energy, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), the conventional OPF was made to undergo transformation as a stochastic OPF. In order to enhance the method's diversity, a Levy flight mechanism was integrated into the algorithm. For this study, the OPF problem was developed as a Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) problem with the following objectives such as active power loss, emissions and generation cost. Then, the authors deployed the Monte Carlo simulations to determine the generation costs incurred upon wind energy, solar PV, and PEV sources. This was done so to reduce the overall costs and also overcome the system issues like feasibility and affordability. Further, the authors also used Weibull, lognormal and normal probability distribution functions (PDFs) for characterizing the uncertainties faced in solar PV, wind energy and PEV sources. In various scenarios, the proposed method was validated for its efficacy on IEEE 30-bus, IEEE 57-bus, and IEEE 118-bus systems. This was done so to demonstrate its capability and address the complexities involved in OPF problem under different conditions. The key advancement of the proposed EWOA is that it integrates the Levy flight mechanism and chaotic sine map, which in turn dramatically boost its optimization capabilities. These mechanisms further contribute to optimal outcomes in terms of less active power loss and low operation costs and emissions. To be specific, the proposed EWOA attained the finest outcomes in terms of generation cost ($731.41/h) and 0.1989 ton/h for emissions in the altered IEEE 30-bus system, $35,642.53/h for cost and 0.8683 ton/h for emissions in the altered IEEE 57-bus system, and $127,753.82/h for cost and 33.2763 MW for real power loss in the altered IEEE 118-bus system. In line with the outcomes, the EWOA presented in this study exhibits strong convergence characteristics and effectively explores the Pareto front. In summary, the EWOA method surpasses the standard WOA outcomes by providing superior exploration capabilities, rapid convergence, robust constraint management, and low sensitivity to variations in the parameters. These advantages make EWOA an effective solution for tackling optimal power flow and other such complex multi-objective optimization challenges.
Techno-economic optimization and sensitivity analysis of off-grid hybrid renewable energy systems: A case study for sustainable energy solutions in rural India
(Elsevier, 2025) Kumar, Pujari Harish; Alluraiah, N. Chinna; Gopi, Pasala; Bajaj, Mohit; Kumar, P. Sunil; Kalyan, CH. Naga Sai; Blažek, Vojtěch
In the twenty-first century, global energy consumption is rapidly increasing, particularly in emerging nations, hastening the depletion of fossil fuel reserves and emphasizing the vital need for sustainable and renewable energy sources. This study aims to analyze hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) that use solid waste to generate power, focusing on difficulties linked to intermittent renewable sources using a techno-economic framework. Employing the HOMER Pro software, prefeasibility analysis is performed to meet the energy needs of an Indian community. System architecture optimization depends on factors like minimizing net present cost (NPC), achieving the lowest cost of energy (COE), and maximizing renewable source utilization. This study evaluates the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) comprising a 400-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array, a 100-kW wind turbine (WT), a 100-kW electrolyzer, 918 number of 12V batteries, a 200-kW converter, a 200-kW reformer, and a 15-kg hydrogen tank (H-tank). This optimal configuration has the lowest NPC of $26.8 million and COE of $4.32 per kilowatt-hour, and a Renewable Fraction (RF) of 100 %. It can provide a dependable power supply and satisfy 94 % of the daily onsite load demand, which is 1080 kilowatt-hours per day. The required electricity is sourced to load demand entirely from renewable energy at the given location. Additionally, the study highlights the benefits of HRES in solid waste management, considering technological advancements and regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is conducted to measure economic factors that influence HRES, accounting for fluctuations in load demand, project lifespan, diesel fuel costs and interest rates. Installing an HRES custom-made to the local environmental conditions would provide a long-lasting, reliable, and cost-effective energy source. The results show that the optimal HRES system performs well and is a viable option for sustainable electrification in rural communities.
Implication of cenozoic tectono-sedimentary evolution for the geoenergy potential in the NW Transcarpathian Basin
(Ústav vied o Zemi Slovenskej akadémie vied, 2024) Subová, Viktória; Rybár, Samuel; Hudáčková, Natália; Jamrich, Michal; Jourdan, Fred; Mayers, Celia; Sliva, Ľubomír
The extensive Pannonian Basin System comprises several hydrocarbon-bearing sub-basins, including the moderately explored Transcarpathian Basin located in its NW part. Tectono-sedimentary and volcanic events have influenced the sub-basin's infill and geoenergy potential. Through a comprehensive analysis of petrophysical, organic geochemical, sedimentological, and biostratigraphic data, we aim to uncover the characteristics of petroleum and geothermal plays in the challenging-to-sample Prešov depocenter (NW corner of the Transcarpathian Basin) and its surrounding areas. The results highlight two significant tectono-sedimentary events: first, the opening and subsequent disintegration of the compressional foreland Central Carpathian Paleogene Basin, and its Lower Miocene continuation, which facilitated the deposition of source rocks. Second, the initial phase of rifting in the transtensional Prešov sub-basin, part of a broader back-arc system, created accommodation space for Karpatian to Badenian (Burdigalian to Serravallian) facies. This process led to the formation of fault system that deformed whole sedimentary infill, including the preCenozoic basement carbonates, which resulted in the creation of structural traps and pathways for horizontal and vertical migration. This research reaffirms the geoenergy potential of Paleogene sedimentary records in Central Europe as viable source rocks for hydrocarbons. Contrary to established knowledge, organic lean kerogen type III appears to not only produce methane gas but also wet gas. A promising hydrocarbon trap has been identified in the Triassic to basal Paleogene carbonate breccia reservoirs, though it includes a risk of CO2 and N2 contamination. Notably, this risk diminishes in the uppermost sections of the carbonate traps, where the highest concentrations of methane and wet gas are found, likely due to the gravitational separation of gases by molecular weight. Additionally, these carbonate breccias show moderate geothermal potential.
Cortisol detection using a long period fiber grating immunosensor coated with graphene oxide
(Elsevier, 2025) Soares, Simone; Giannetti, Ambra; Esposito, Flavio; Sansone, Lucia; Srivastava, Anubhav; Campopiano, Stefania; Giordano, Michele; Facão , Margarida; Santos, Nuno F.; Iadicicco, Agostino; Marques, Carlos; Chiavaioli, Francesco
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) have revolutionized the protein production sector in aquaculture, leading to significant growth and expansion of the industry. Despite the success of RAS in aquaculture, there are challenges related to stress in fish raised in these systems, which can impact their food intake, growth, and overall well-being. One of the major limitations in the aquaculture industry is the lack of smart sensors for realtime detection of stress hormones like cortisol, hindering our ability to understand and effectively manage the welfare of fish in these systems. In this work, a graphene oxide (GO) coated long period grating (LPG) was fabricated into a double-clad optical fiber (DCF) with W-shaped refractive index profile. The working point of the device was tuned to the mode transition region to enhance its sensitivity against outer medium changes. It was further integrated into a microfluidic system and the fiber surface was functionalized with specific anti-cortisol antibodies for the detection of cortisol. Finally, the performance of this immunosensor was evaluated for a cortisol concentration range of 0.01 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL, a wide working range of concentrations of relevant interest, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.06 ng/mL. Moreover, a selectivity test using testosterone and glucose as interfering substances was carried out.
Optimal design of a novel modified electric eel foraging optimization (MEEFO) based super twisting sliding mode controller for controlling the speed of a switched reluctance motor
(Springer Nature, 2024) Das, Debiprasanna; Sahu, Binod Kumar; Pati, Swagat; Mohapatra, Bhabashis; Sitikantha, Debashis; Bajaj, Mohit; Blažek, Vojtěch; Prokop, Lukáš
Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) has a very high potential for adjustable speed drive operation due to their cost-effectiveness, high efficiency, robustness, simplicity, etc. Now a days SRMs are widely used in automotive industries as traction motors in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, air-conditioning compressors, and for other auxiliary services. In this article, a novel super twisting sliding mode controller (STSMC) is proposed to improve the performance of an SRM for reducing the ripple in speed and torque. Initially, a novel Modified Electric Eel Foraging Optimization (MEEFO) technique is developed by incorporating a quasi-oppositional phase and its performance is compared with the conventional Electric Eel Foraging Optimization (EEFO) technique with four popular benchmark functions. Then, both MEEFO and EEFO techniques are implemented to optimally design PI, SMC and STSMC controllers to effectively control the speed of an SRM. The study is carried in three different scenarios such as during starting, during a torque change and during a speed change. Finally, performance of the SRM in real time is studied with OPAL-RT 4510 simulator. It is observed that MEEFO based STSMC exhibits significant improvements in effectively controlling speed of the SRM, as compared to its other proposed counterparts.
Study of complex dynamics and novel soliton solutions of the Kraenkel-Manna-Merle model describing saturated ferromagnetic materials
(Elsevier, 2024) Jhangeer, Adil; Alhussain, Ziyad A.; Raza, Nauman; Farman, Muhammad
This paper introduces a framework for nonlinear short wave propagation in an external field for saturated ferromagnetic materials with zero conductivity: the Kraenkel-Manna-Merle system. New solutions are produced via the G ' /(bG ' + G + a )-expansion technique. The suggested method is easier to understand, more precise, and simpler to compute. Specifically, a set of singular-periodic and kink-shaped exact soliton solutions is produced. Contour plots, 3D, and 2D visualizations with suitable parametric values are employed to present the computed solutions, which are derived through constraint conditions. For the development of certain novel soliton structures, the arbitrary functions in the solutions are selected. Moreover, bifurcation and chaos theory are applied to the primary dynamical system in order to provide a qualitative analysis of the system under study. Phase portraits of bifurcation are presented at fixed locations to illustrate different situations about parameter values in the dynamic system. However, adopting techniques for identifying chaos in a dynamical system and applying an external force verifies the occurrence of chaotic behavior in system. These results offer new perspectives that can enhance understanding of the dynamics of the KMM system.
Using tanned leather waste to derive biochars for supercapacitor electrodes in various electrolytes
(Springer Nature, 2025) Stejskal, Jaroslav; Fei, Haojie; Vilčáková, Jarmila; Joseph, Nikhitha; Sáha, Petr; Sáha, Tomáš; Grycová, Barbora; Klemencová, Kateřina; Leštinský, Pavel; Trchová, Miroslava; Prokeš, Jan
Chromium-tanned pigskin leather was carbonized in three ways: (1) pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere at 800 degrees C, (2) pre-carbonization at 500 degrees C followed by the activation with KOH at 800 degrees C, and (3) direct activation with excess KOH at 800 degrees C. The yield of biochars was comparable, 24-28 wt.%. The elemental composition of derived biochars and the content of inorganic elements in ash were determined, and the predominance of chromium and iron was discussed. The changes in the molecular structure after carbonization were assessed with the help of FTIR and Raman spectra. The KOH activation increased specific surface area and porosity but had minimal impact on conductivity. The electric conductivity of powders was determined as a function of applied pressure, achieving a value of approximately 1 S cm(-1) at 10 MPa. The electrochemical performance was evaluated using aqueous electrolytes (1 M Na2SO4 and 6 M KOH), as well as an organic electrolyte (1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate in acetonitrile, TEABF(4)/ACN). The highest specific capacitance achieved was 187.7 F g(-1) in 6 M KOH using the three-electrode system. Biochar was also tested in a symmetrical supercapacitor, achieving a specific capacitance of 150.9 F g(-1) in 6 M KOH, and maintaining 95% capacitance after 5000 charge/discharge cycles. The supercapacitor in 6 M KOH showed the highest power density of 10.5 kW kg(-1), whereas the one in 1 M TEABF(4)/ACN demonstrated the highest energy density of 21.3 Wh kg(-1).
Defective TiO2 for CO2 photoreduction: Influence of alkaline agent and reduction temperature modulation
(Elsevier, 2025) Ricka, Rudolf; Wanag, Agnieszka; Kusiak-Nejman, Ewelina; Filip Edelmannová, Miroslava; Reli, Martin; Łapinski , Marcin; Słowik, Grzegorz; Morawski, Antoni W.; Kočí, Kamila
This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of Black TiO2 photocatalyst (TiO2-x) through the sol-gel method combined with NaBH4 reduction at different temperatures (350 degrees C, 500 degrees C, and 650 degrees C). The photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction was evaluated, revealing that TiO2-x_500 degrees C sample exhibited the highest efficiency. This enhanced performance is mainly attributed to a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies and successful nitrogen doping resulting from ammonia water addition during synthesis. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, and XPS confirmed the presence of defects and their correlation with increased photocatalytic activity. These findings confirm the importance of defect engineering and doping in optimizing TiO2-based photocatalysts for CO2 photoreduction.
Appropriate agro-environmental strategy for ZnO-nanoparticle foliar application on soybean
(Polskie Towarzystwo Gleboznawcze, 2024) Ernst, Dávid; Kolenčík, Marek; Straka, Viktor; Šebesta, Martin; Ďurišová, Ľuba; Tomovičová, Lenka; Kratošová, Gabriela; Ravza, Ivan; Žitniak Čurná, Veronika; Černý, Ivan; Qian, Yu; Gažo, Ján; Ducsay, Ladislav; Polláková, Nora; Juriga, Martin
Although the nanoparticle (NP) utilization in agronomy is currently orientated to intensify crop yield, the potential negative effects on soil and plant reproductive organs, including effects on pollen are largely absent in the literature. For this reason, our study was set to evaluate the impact of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the selective properties of Fluvisol, on the direct microbial activity and zinc (Zn) phytoavailability, and crop yield after their foliar application on soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merril] under field conditions. Additionally, the potential hazardous impact to plant reproductive structures was evaluated, focusing on the agronomically and environmentally sensitive biomarker - pollen viability. The soil biological activity was evaluated through microbial respiration while Zn phytoavailability was determined using reaction agents with nutrients analysis conducted through flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). Pollen viability was evaluated using the iodine potassium iodide (IPI) test. The experiments were carried out at an experimental site of the Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources (FAFR) at the Slovak University of Agriculture (SUA) in Nitra, located in Central Europe, during the 2023 vegetation season. Depending on increasing concentrations of ZnO-NPs through order of 1.4, 14, and 140 mg L-1, revealed no harmful effect on soil microbial activity or hazardous Zn accumulation in the context of its Fluvisol-phytoavailable distribution compared to NPs-free control. A positive impact on soybean pollen viability was observed at all applied ZnO-NP concentrations compared to the NP-free control. The highest pollen viability, reaching up to 97.04%, was achieved at a concentration of 1.4 mg L-1, and, subsequently, it slightly decreased with increasing concentrations of ZnO-NPs. Moreover, the application of ZnO-NPs had a positive impact on soybean weight of thousand seeds and seed yield, where it's the highest concentration was the most effective. Thus, our results directly demonstrate the positive efficiency on selective properties of soil and reproductive structure - pollen, where ZnO-NP spray application acted positively and stimulatingly. Additionally, ZnO-NPs had positive impact on weight of thousand seeds (TSW) and seed yield. Therefore, the use of nanoparticles in foliar applications could be considered as kind of novelty in precision and sustainable agriculture.
Signal detection by sensors and determination of friction coefficient during brake lining movement
(MDPI, 2024) Hrabovský, Leopold; Molnár, Vieroslav; Fedorko, Gabriel; Mikušová, Nikoleta; Blata, Jan; Fries, Jiří; Jachowicz, Tomasz
This article presents a laboratory device by which the course of two signals can be detected using two types of sensors-strain gauges and the DEWESoft DS-NET measuring apparatus. The values of the coefficient of friction of the brake lining when moving against the rotating shell of the brake drum were determined from the physical quantities sensed by tensometric sensors and transformed into electrical quantities. The friction coefficient of the brake lining on the circumference of the rotating brake disc shell can be calculated from the known values measured by the sensors, the design dimensions of the brake, and the revolutions of the rotating parts system. The values of the friction coefficient were measured during brake lining movement. A woven asbestos-free material, Beral 1126, which contained brass fibers and resin additives, showed slightly higher values when rotating at previously tested speeds compared to the friction coefficient values obtained when the brake drum rotation was uniformly delayed. The methodology for determining the friction coefficient of the brake lining allowed the laboratory device to verify its magnitude for different friction materials under various operating conditions.
Erosive wear behavior of sandstone under low-pressure pulsating water jet
(Elsevier, 2025) Vavro, Leona; Vavro, Martin; Nag, Akash; Klichová, Dagmar; Stolárik, Gabriel; Gupta, Munish Kumar; Hloch, Sergej
The consequences of erosion caused by the mutual interaction of water droplets with sedimentary rock such as sandstone are not satisfactorily elucidated in the literature. This topic is important from many points of view, and its practical applications include the protection of cultural heritage or the targeted removal of material. This study assessed the wear rates on Bozanov sandstone caused by multiple-droplet impingement, with water droplet impact speeds of v = 58 m/s, 92 m/s and 127 m/s corresponding to supply pressure of p = 2, 5 and 10 MPa, respectively. As a droplet generator, a pulsating water jet with a frequency of 20 kHz was used. Water droplets determined by a nozzle diameter d = 1 mm were distributed along a linear trajectory three times for each run. The water droplet impact density was varied by changing the traverse speed. In order to investigate the development of integrity damage, the samples were scanned using a digital microscope. Material loss was determined via weighing and compared using a non-contact measuring method. The results showed that the erosion responses, such as erosion depth and volume removed, increased with an increase in the supply pressure and a decrease in traverse speed. Moreover, it was found that at the lowest supply pressure p = 2 MPa, the effect of the number of drops density is invariant for traverse speeds in the range of 1-10 mm/s. When the pressure was increased from 5 to 10 MPa, the material removal values tripled. This significant increase may be attributed to the formation of an abrasive pulsating water stream within the created groove.
FOAEAUC-SARP: A novel energy-efficient protocol integrating unequal clustering and intelligent routing for sustainable wireless sensor networks
(Elsevier, 2025) Vijayaragavan, P.; Saravanan, V.; Suresh, Chalumuru; Manikavelan, D.; Maheshwari, A.; Vijayalakshmi, K.; Hrbáč, Roman; Demel, Lukáš; Kolář, Václav; Narayanamoorthi, R.
Unequal clustering (UC) integrated with intelligent routing approaches offers a significant advancement in optimizing energy consumption and extending the lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Unlike traditional clustering methods that uniformly allocate energy-intensive tasks among sensor nodes (SNs), UC leverages the heterogeneity in node capabilities, assigning high-energy nodes as cluster heads (CHs) for data aggregation and transmission, while low-energy nodes perform lighter tasks. This hierarchical structure enhances energy efficiency and prolongs network longevity. While existing research has explored optimization techniques for clustering and routing, this study introduces the novel integration of the Fox Optimization Algorithm (FOA) and Snake Algorithm (SA) in the FOAEAUC-SARP framework to address energy balancing and routing challenges in heterogeneous WSNs. FOAEAUC-SARP employs a two-stage process: FOA-based unequal clustering for CH selection and SA-based routing for optimal data transmission. Through extensive simulations analysis, the proposed FOAEAUC-SARP demonstrates superior energy efficiency and performance compared to state-of-the-art models, addressing key limitations of prior approaches and offering a robust solution for advancing WSN performance. The analysis was conducted for three different case scenarios which are replicating with the real-world applications and comparing the performance of the proposed approach various existing approaches. The measured results show that there is a significant difference with the other methods in all the performance measures.
Deformation dynamics of the retro-wedge foreland: Seismic interpretation and numerical modeling study of the Llanos Basin, Colombia
(Elsevier, 2026) Nemčok, Michal; Hermeston, Steve A.; Henk, Andreas; Mora, Andres; Higuera, Camilo; Parra, Mauricio; Rybár, Samuel; Ledvényiová, Lucia
Combining reflection seismic interpretation with numerical modeling, this paper studies the deformation dynamics of the foreland plate overridden by the retro-wedge of an advancing subduction zone. The post-middle Eocene Llanos foreland basin serves as the natural laboratory. The reflection seismic interpretation identifies five elongated clusters of flexure-driven normal-faults, centered on the forebulge axis. Clusters have different stratigraphies of their syn-tectonic strata. They are located foreland-ward of thickness maxima of the coeval foreland basin fill. Normal faults are mostly planar, steep and die out with depth without being detached. Both fault clusters and infill thickness maxima are characterized by the SW-to-NE migration in time. Those sub-sets of normal faults, which are adjacent to retro-wedge, underwent tectonic inversion. They became reverse faults in a short time interval, likely less than 1-2 million years. The modeling demonstrates that the inversion requires a stress regime with sub-horizontal sigma 1 stress affecting the foreland crust located between the forebulge and retrowedge. This regime does not occur when the foreland plate is only loaded by the retro-wedge and foreland basin fill. It requires both vertical loads plus horizontal compression affecting the foreland plate. The modeling also indicates that both aforementioned loading scenarios result in the development of forebulge axis-centered clusters of flexure-driven normal faults. The modeling also indicates that the orogen-parallel Jurassic-Early Cretaceous rift-related crustal thinning zone located in the foreland plate results in its narrow flexure mode. Instead, the lack of crustal thinning results in a broad flexure mode of the foreland plate.
Roadmap of flexible electrodes for next-generation wearable electronics
(American Chemical Society, 2026) Manoharan, Kaaviah; Pumera, Martin
With the rapid growth of smart innovations, flexible electronics recognized for their lightweight, tremendous flexibility, and extraordinary scalability are growing more integrated into our daily life. Flexible electronics, known for their lightweight, high flexibility, and seamless integration with biological and nonbiological systems, are driving advances in wearable and implantable devices. Central to this progress are flexible electrodes, which enable energy storage, sensing, and health monitoring. This review highlights the evolution of flexible electrode materials over the past decade, focusing on carbon-based systems, transition metal compounds, MXenes, conductive polymers, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Advances in flexible electrolytes, including aqueous, nonaqueous, ionic, and redox gel systems, are also discussed. Key applications span health monitoring, robotics, and plant wearables. We critically analyze material advantages, fabrication challenges, and integration hurdles while outlining future prospects for scalable, biocompatible, and multifunctional electrode systems.
Indium recovery from ITO in LCD glass using magnetic separation and sulfuric acid: Influence of fractions and process conditions
(MDPI, 2025) Willner, Joanna; Janáková, Iva; Jabłońska, Magdalena; Yandem, George; Hrečin, David; Sedlakova-Kadukova, Jana
This study emphasizes the role of magnetic separation as a novel pretreatment strategy for the recovery of indium from ITO coatings in LCD screen glass. Previous studies have primarily focused on the magnetic separation of leaching residues. In this work, a reverse approach is proposed, and for the first time, magnetic separation was systematically applied prior to leaching. Our results demonstrate that indium accumulates in the ferromagnetic fraction, indicating its association with Fe-rich phases. In addition to Fe, the behavior of Sr and Si was also evaluated, providing a broader understanding of elemental distribution within LCD glass. This finding offers new insights into the distribution and mobility of indium during hydrometallurgical processing and highlights magnetic separation as a valuable step for improving recovery efficiency. To establish optimal leaching conditions, preliminary experiments were performed on ground LCD glass using sulfuric acid at three concentrations (0.1, 1, and 5 M) and two temperatures (21 degrees C and 65 degrees C) for both coarse (>1 mm) and fine (<1 mm) particle fractions. All residues and solid-state analyses were performed using the XRF method. Acid molarity was found to be the dominant factor controlling indium dissolution, with 5 M H2SO4 selected as the most effective leaching medium. Statistical evaluation further clarified the dissolution trends of these elements and confirmed the significance of magnetic separation in enhancing the efficiency of indium recovery.

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