Jiahao Liu^1,#, Xinyu Zhang^1,#, Huiwei Wang¹, Yupeng Li¹, Shan Jin¹, Guanxian Qiu¹, Ce Sun^1,2,*, Haiyan Tan¹, Yanhua Zhang^1,2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.4, pp. 669-685, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0042 - 21 April 2025

Abstract In recent years, degradable materials to replace petroleum-based materials in preparing high-performance foams have received much research attention. Degradable polymer foaming mostly uses supercritical fluids, especially carbon dioxide (Sc-CO₂). The main reason is that the foams obtained by Sc-CO₂ foaming have excellent performance, and the foaming agent is green and pollution-free. In current research, Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly (lactic acid) (PLA), and other degradable polymers are generally used as the main foaming materials, but the foaming performance of these degradable polyesters is poor and requires modification. In this work, 10% PLA was added to PBAT to… More > Graphic Abstract

Antonio Rodrigues da Cunha Neto¹, Alexandra dos Santos Ambrósio¹, Arlinda de Jesus Rodrigues Resende¹, Breno Régis Santos¹, Michele Carla Nadal^2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.3, pp. 539-560, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.061776 - 31 March 2025

Abstract Cytokinins are plant hormones that are essential for plant growth and development and are involved in a variety of processes. They are synthesized by the modification of adenine with an isoprenoid chain, resulting in cytokinins such as isopentenyladenine and zeatin. The levels of these hormones are regulated by conjugation, degradation and oxidation processes that modulate their activity. Cytokinins are perceived by cells through specific receptors that, when activated, trigger signaling cascades responsible for regulating the expression of genes critical for development. In addition, cytokinins interact with other hormones, such as auxins, to coordinate plant growth… More >

Ramesh Kumar^1,2, Abdullah Bin Queyam³, Manish Kumar Singla^1,4,*, Mohamed Louzazni⁵, Mishra Dipak Kumar⁶

Energy Engineering, Vol.122, No.4, pp. 1373-1386, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ee.2025.058058 - 31 March 2025

Abstract Enhancing the efficiency of Rankine cycles is crucial for improving the performance of thermal power plants, as it directly impacts operational costs and emissions in light of energy transition goals. This study sets itself apart from existing research by applying a novel optimization technique to a basic ideal Rankine cycle, focusing on a specific power plant that has not been previously analyzed. Currently, this cycle operates at 41% efficiency and a steam quality of 76%, constrained by fixed operational parameters. The primary objectives are to increase thermal efficiency beyond 46% and raise steam quality above… More >

Jianying Li^1,2,*, Donglai Li^1,2, Tiefeng Li^1,2

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.21, No.3, pp. 445-470, 2025, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2025.062337 - 01 April 2025

Abstract Hydrodynamic cavitation, as an efficient technique applied in many physical and chemical treatment methods, has been widely used by various industries and in several technological fields. Relevant generators, designed with specific structures and parameters, can produce cavitation effects, thereby enabling effective treatment and reasonable transformation of substances. This paper reviews the design principles, performance, and practical applications associated with different types of cavitation generators, aiming to provide theoretical support for the optimization of these systems. It systematically analyzes the underpinning mechanisms and the various factors influencing the cavitation phenomena, also conducting a comparative analysis of More > Graphic Abstract

Ruibin Wang, Fuyong Su^*, Shuo Huang, Shengyong Ma

Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol.23, No.1, pp. 325-344, 2025, DOI:10.32604/fhmt.2024.058835 - 26 February 2025

Abstract The main function of a hot blast stove is to deliver a high-temperature and stable hot blast to the blast furnace, which has an important impact on the blast furnace ironmaking process. To improve the combustion efficiency, a simulation model of the combustion part of an internal combustion hot blast stove was established by combining turbulence, combustion, and radiation models. Based on the original model, a new type of internal combustion hot blast stove is proposed. The results indicated insufficient combustion in the original structure and higher CO concentrations in the corners of the eyes… More >

Su-Ee Lau^1,2,*, Lucas Wei Tze Lim³, Mohd Fadhli Hamdan⁴, Colin Chan⁵, Noor Baity Saidi⁶, Janna Ong-Abdullah⁶, Boon Chin Tan^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 1-31, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059930 - 24 January 2025

Abstract Abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, salinity, and heavy metal contamination severely affect global agricultural productivity. Between 2005 and 2015, droughts caused losses of approximately USD 29 billion in developing countries, and from 2008 to 2018, droughts accounted for over 34% of crop and livestock yield losses, totaling about USD 37 billion. To support the growing human population, agricultural output must increase substantially, necessitating a 60%–100% rise in crop productivity to meet the escalating demand. To address environmental challenges, organic, inorganic, and microbial biostimulants are increasingly employed to enhance plant resilience through various morphological, physiological,… More >

Mohamed M. Kamara^1,*, Nora M. Al Aboud², Hameed Alsamadany³, Abeer M. Kutby⁴, Imen Ben Abdelmalek⁵, Diaa Abd El-Moneim⁶, Motrih Al-Mutiry⁷

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 101-122, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.058033 - 24 January 2025

Abstract Nitrogen (N) is a crucial nutrient vital for the growth and productivity of maize. However, excessive nitrogen application can result in numerous environmental and ecological problems, such as water pollution, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, breeding maize hybrids resilient to low nitrogen conditions is crucial for sustainable agriculture, especially under low nitrogen conditions. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the combining ability and heterosis of maize lines, recognize promising hybrids, and study gene action controlling key traits under low and recommended N stress conditions. The half-diallel mating design hybridized seven maize inbreds, resulting… More >

Rūdolfs Bērziņš^*, Aigars Pāže, Guntis Sosins, Daniela Godiņa, Laima Vēvere, Jānis Rižikovs

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.12, pp. 2095-2113, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056769 - 20 December 2024

Abstract Birch outer bark (BOB) from Betula pendula Roth. is a unique and valuable biomass feedstock that contains suberin. The biopolyester suberin is built from bifunctional fatty acids-suberinic acids (SA)-which can be obtained through a depolymerization process in an alkaline medium and used as a binder due to their adhesive properties. The aim of this study was to develop the SA-containing binder and identify suitable pressing conditions to produce plywood that meets the shear strength requirements of the EN 314-2 standard 3rd moisture resistance class for bonding quality, ensuring durability in unprotected exterior conditions (shear strength ≥… More > Graphic Abstract

Xin Qi^1,2, Xingtao Shi¹, Yingwen Liu^1,*

Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol.22, No.6, pp. 1661-1678, 2024, DOI:10.32604/fhmt.2024.058959 - 19 December 2024

Abstract After optimizing the compressor design, condenser tube diameter, and tube row arrangement, air supply volumetric flow rate, and refrigerant charge of the domestic dehumidifier. The optimized design schemes were obtained from the original combinations by non-dominated sorting, and the optimized design schemes were experimentally verified under three environmental conditions according to the test method of T/CAS 342-2020 to obtain a complete idea of dehumidifier multi-component improvement. The results show that the dehumidifying capacity of Scheme 5 is slightly increased by 2.5% at 27°C/60% RH, and its energy factor is significantly increased by 24.6%. When the… More >

Mingzhi Chen¹, Zhandong Wang², Guifang Sun^1,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.29, No.4, pp. 1-1, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.012203

Abstract Marine environments pose severe corrosion challenges to underwater equipment, thereby leading to significant risks and demanding immediate in-situ restoration. Here we developed an underwater laser directed energy deposition (UDMD) technique to repair the E690 steel and enhance its corrosion resistance. Systematic investigations about the underwater pressure (P) and 316L stainless steel (SS316L) coatings on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of the repaired E690 steel were conducted. Results show that water cooling can refine grain, promote the formation of lath martensite, and increase dislocation density. No obvious relationship between the pressure and microstructure evolution… More >