Search Results (85)

Surface quality control of hot-dip galvanized sheets is a critical research topic in the metallurgical industry. Zinc dross, the most common surface defect in the hot-dip galvanizing process, significantly affects the sheet’s service performance. In this manuscript, a novel magnetic flux leakage (MFL) detection method was proposed to detect zinc dross defects on the surface of hot-dip galvanized steel sheets. Instead of using exciting coils in traditional methods, a tiny permanent magnet with a millimeter magnitude was employed to reduce the size and weight of the equipment. Additionally, a high-precision tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor with a sensitivity of 300 mV/V/Oe was selected to achieve higher detection accuracy. The experimental setup was established, and the x-axis direction (sample movement direction) was determined as the best measurement axis by vector analysis through experiments and numerical simulation. The detection results indicate that this novel MFL detection method could detect industrial zinc dross with an equivalent size of 400 μm, with high signal repeatability and signal-to-noise ratio. In the range of 0–1200 mm/s, the detection speed has almost no effect on the measurement signal, which indicates that this novel method has higher adaptability to various conditions. The multi-path scanning method with a single probe was used to simulate the array measurement to detect a rectangular area of 30 × 60 mm. Ten zinc dross defects were detected across eight measurement paths with 4 mm intervals, and the positions of these zinc dross defects were successfully reconstructed. The research results indicate that this novel MFL detection method is simple and feasible. Furthermore, the implementation of array measurements provides valuable guidance for subsequent in-depth research and potential industrial applications in the future. Full article

With rising populations and increasing food consumption, the demand for food is placing significant strain on freshwater resources. Exploring crops that can thrive under saline conditions is crucial to ensuring food security. Although brackish and seawater is abundant, it is generally unsuitable for irrigation. However, some plants exhibit tolerance to moderate levels of salinity. This study investigated the effects of varying light intensities (150 and 250 photosynthetic photon flux densities) and salinity levels (<1.5, 5, 10, and 17 parts per thousand, equivalent to <26, 86, 171, and 291 millimolars) on the growth and nutrient composition of Russian kale (Brassica oleracea) grown in indoor hydroponics. The experiment was conducted over five months, from September 2023 to January 2024. The results revealed that a light intensity of 250 PPFD and salinity levels of <1.5–5 ppt (<26–86 mM) were optimal for maximizing the biomass yield of the kale, whereas a significant reduction in the yield was observed at salinity levels exceeding 10 ppt (171 mM). In contrast, the dry matter percentage was significantly higher at 17 ppt (291 mM). The macronutrient contents, particularly the total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorus (TP), and magnesium (Mg), were consistent across both light intensities (150–250 PPFDs) and at salinity levels between <1.5 and 10 ppt (<26–171 mM) but were reduced at 17 ppt (291 mM). The micronutrient concentrations, such as those of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn), were higher at the lower light intensity (150 PPFD) across the salinity levels. These findings suggest that optimizing the light conditions is essential for enhancing the nutritional value of kale in saline environments. These outcomes are particularly vital for improving agricultural productivity and resilience in salt-affected regions, thereby supporting broader food security and sustainability goals. Full article

This work presents the development of a magnetic levitation system with a ferrite core, designed for electromagnetic energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations. The system consists of a fixed enamel-coated copper coil and five neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets housed within a PVC spool. To enhance magnetic flux concentration, a manganese-zinc ferrite (Mn-Zn) ring was employed within the spool. Experimental tests were conducted at frequencies up to 20 Hz, demonstrating the device’s potential for harvesting energy from small vibrations, such as those generated by human biomechanical movements, achieving operating voltages up to 3 V. Additionally, the architecture is scalable for larger systems and allows for the integration of multiple transducers without magnetic field interference, independent of the frequency or excitation phase of each transducer. Full article

In this paper, we present a study on the direct growth of ${\mathrm{H}\mathrm{g}}_{0.7}{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{d}}_{0.3}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{e}$ thin films on layered transparent van der Waals mica (001) substrates through weak interface interaction through molecular beam epitaxy. The preferred orientation for growing ${\mathrm{H}\mathrm{g}}_{0.7}{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{d}}_{0.3}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{e}$ on mica (001) substrates is found to be the (111) orientation due to a better lattice match between the ${\mathrm{H}\mathrm{g}}_{0.7}{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{d}}_{0.3}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{e}$ layer and the underlying mica substrate. The influence of growth parameters (mainly temperature and Hg flux) on the material quality of epitaxial ${\mathrm{H}\mathrm{g}}_{0.7}{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{d}}_{0.3}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{e}$ thin films is studied, and the optimal growth temperature and Hg flux are found to be approximately 190 °C and 4.5 × ${10}^{-4}$ Torr as evidenced by higher crystalline quality and better surface morphology. ${\mathrm{H}\mathrm{g}}_{0.7}{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{d}}_{0.3}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{e}$ thin films (3.5 µm thick) grown under these optimal growth conditions present a full width at half maximum of 345.6 arc sec for the X-ray diffraction rocking curve and a root-mean-square surface roughness of 6 nm. However, a significant number of microtwin defects are observed using cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, which leads to a relatively high etch pit density (mid-${10}^7$ ${\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{-2}$) in the ${\mathrm{H}\mathrm{g}}_{0.7}{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{d}}_{0.3}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{e}$ thin films. These findings not only facilitate the growth of HgCdTe on mica substrates for fabricating curved IR sensors but also contribute to a better understanding of growth of traditional zinc-blende semiconductors on layered substrates. Full article

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a highly productive crop economically significant for food, cosmetics, and biofuels. Abiotic stresses such as low water availability, salt accumulation, and high temperatures severely impact oil palm growth, physiology, and yield by restricting water flux among soil, plants, and the environment. While drought stress’s physiological and biochemical effects on oil palm have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms underlying drought stress tolerance remain unclear. Under water deficit conditions, this study investigates two commercial E. guineensis cultivars, IRHO 7001 and IRHO 2501. Water deficit adversely affected the physiology of both cultivars, with IRHO 2501 being more severely impacted. After several days of water deficit, there was a 40% reduction in photosynthetic rate (A) for IRHO 7001 and a 58% decrease in IRHO 2501. Further into the drought conditions, there was a 75% reduction in A for IRHO 7001 and a 91% drop in IRHO 2501. Both cultivars reacted to the drought stress conditions by closing stomata and reducing the transpiration rate. Despite these differences, no significant variations were observed between the cultivars in stomatal conductance, transpiration, or instantaneous leaf-level water use efficiency. This indicates that IRHO 7001 is more tolerant to drought stress than IRHO 2501. A differential gene expression and network analysis was conducted to elucidate the differential responses of the cultivars. The DESeq2 algorithm identified 502 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The gene coexpression network for IRHO 7001 comprised 274 DEGs and 46 predicted HUB genes, whereas IRHO 2501’s network included 249 DEGs and 3 HUB genes. RT-qPCR validation of 15 DEGs confirmed the RNA-Seq data. The transcriptomic profiles and gene coexpression network analysis revealed a set of DEGs and HUB genes associated with regulatory and transcriptional functions. Notably, the zinc finger protein ZAT11 and linoleate 13S-lipoxygenase 2-1 (LOX2.1) were overexpressed in IRHO 2501 but under-expressed in IRHO 7001. Additionally, phytohormone crosstalk was identified as a central component in the response and adaptation of oil palm to drought stress. Full article

Mammalian spermatozoa rely on glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for energy leading up to fertilization. Sperm capacitation involves a series of well-regulated biochemical steps that are necessary to give spermatozoa the ability to fertilize the oocyte. Additionally, zinc ion (Zn²⁺) fluxes have recently been shown to occur during mammalian sperm capacitation. Semen from seven commercial boars was collected and analyzed using image-based flow cytometry before, after, and with the inclusion of 2 mM Zn²⁺ containing in vitro capacitation (IVC) media. Metabolites were extracted and analyzed via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying 175 metabolites, with 79 differentially abundant across treatments (p < 0.05). Non-capacitated samples showed high levels of respiration-associated metabolites including glucose, fructose, citric acid, and pyruvic acid. After 4 h IVC, these metabolites significantly decreased, while phosphate, lactic acid, and glucitol increased (p < 0.05). With zinc inclusion, we observed an increase in metabolites such as lactic acid, glucitol, glucose, fructose, myo-inositol, citric acid, and succinic acid, while saturated fatty acids including palmitic, dodecanoic, and myristic acid decreased compared to 4 h IVC, indicating regulatory shifts in metabolic pathways and fatty acid composition during capacitation. These findings underscore the importance of metabolic changes in improving artificial insemination and fertility treatments in livestock and humans. Full article

Pavement construction practices have evolved due to increasing environmental impact and urban heat island (UHI) effects, as pavements, covering over 30% of urban areas, contribute to elevated air temperatures. This study introduces heat-reflective pavements, by replacing conventional black bitumen with a clear binder and pigment-modified clear binders. Titanium dioxide white, zinc ferrite yellow, and iron oxide red pigments are used to give asphalt corresponding shades. The asphalt and bitumen specimens were subjected to thermal analysis in heat sinks, under varying solar fluxes. The pigment dosage was maintained at 4%, according to the weight of the total mix, for all pigment types. The samples were heated and cooled for 3 h and 2 h, respectively. Mechanical testing was conducted to ascertain the impact of temperature variations on both the neat clear binder (C.B) and pigmented C.B and asphalt mixture samples. Wheel tracking and dynamic modulus tests were conducted to evaluate their performance under high temperatures. The results indicate that non-black asphalt mixtures exhibit significant temperature reductions, up to 9 °C, which are further enhanced by pigmented binders, up to 11 °C. It was found that asphalt with a clear or transparent binder demonstrated lower temperatures and faster heat dissipation in extreme conditions. Moreover, C.B asphalt mixtures displayed a rut resistance of 15%, with the pigmented C.B asphalt mixture showing a remarkable rut resistance of 73%, outperforming conventional asphalt. Non-black mixtures, especially C.B + zinc ferrite, showed improved resistance to permanent deformation in dynamic modulus tests. Full article

Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in T cell immunity. During T cell activation, zinc is not only structurally important, but zinc signals can also act as a second messenger. This research investigates zinc signals in T cell activation and their function in T helper cell 1 differentiation. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated via the T cell receptor-CD3 complex, and via CD28 as a costimulatory signal. Fast and long-term changes in intracellular zinc and calcium were monitored by flow cytometry. Further, interferon (IFN)-γ was analyzed to investigate the differentiation into T helper 1 cells. We show that fast zinc fluxes are induced via CD3. Also, the intracellular zinc concentration dramatically increases 72 h after anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulation, which goes along with the high release of IFN-γ. Interestingly, we found that zinc signals can function as a costimulatory signal for T helper cell 1 differentiation when T cells are activated only via CD3. These results demonstrate the importance of zinc signaling alongside calcium signaling in T cell differentiation. Full article

The zinc anode mainly faces technical problems such as short circuits caused by the growth of dendrite, low coulomb efficiency, and a short cycle life caused by side reactions, which impedes the rapid development of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, a common ionic liquid, 1,1-Spirobipyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate ([SBP]BF₄), is selected as a new additive for pure ZnSO₄ electrolyte. It is found that this additive could regulate the solvation sheath of hydrated Zn²⁺ ions, promote the ionic mobility of Zn²⁺, homogenize the flux of Zn²⁺, avoid side reactions between the electrolyte and electrode, and inhibit the production of zinc dendrites by facilitating the establishment of an inorganic solid electrolyte interphase layer. With the 1% [SBP]BF₄-modified electrolyte, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell delivers an extended plating/stripping cycling life of 2000 h at 1 mA cm⁻², which is much higher than that of the cell without additives (330 h). As a proof of concept, the Zn‖V₂O₅ battery using the [SBP]BF₄ additive shows excellent cycling stability, maintaining its specific capacity at 97 mAh g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹, which is much greater than the 46 mAh g⁻¹ capacity of the non-additive battery. This study offers zinc anode stabilization through high-efficiency electrolyte engineering. Full article

It has been shown that increased concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) in the soil are harmful to plant growth. However, the sensitivity of different wheat cultivars to nano-ZnO stress is still unclear. To detect the physiological response process of wheat varieties with different tolerance to nano-ZnO stress, four wheat cultivars (viz., cv. TS1, ZM18, JM22, and LM6) with different responses to nano-ZnO stress were selected, depending on previous nano-ZnO stress trials with 120 wheat cultivars in China. The results found that nano-ZnO exposure reduced chlorophyll concentrations and photosynthetic electron transport efficiency, along with the depressed carbohydrate metabolism enzyme activities, and limited plant growth. Meanwhile, the genotypic variation in photosynthetic carbon assimilation under nano-ZnO stress was found in wheat plants. Wheat cv. JM22 and LM6 possessed relatively lower Zn concentrations and higher leaf nitrogen per area, less reductions in their net photosynthetic rate, a maximum quantum yield of the PS II (F_v/F_m), electron transport flux per cross-section (ETo/CSm), trapped energy flux per cross-section (TRo/CSm), and total soluble sugar and sucrose concentrations under nano-ZnO stress, showing a better tolerance to nano-ZnO stress than wheat cv. TS1 and ZM18. In addition, the chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters F_v/F_m, ETo/CSm, and TRo/CSm could be used to rapidly screen wheat varieties resistant to nano-ZnO stress. The results here provide a new approach for solving the issues of crop yield decline in regions polluted by heavy metal nanoparticles and promoting the sustainable utilization of farmland with heavy metal pollution. Full article

Time-series samples intercepted via three synchronized moored sediment traps, deployed at 1000 m, 2150 m, and 3200 m in the northern South China Sea (NSCS) during June 2009–May 2010, were analyzed to quantify the bioactive trace metal fluxes in sinking particles and investigate their different source contributions. Iron (Fe) primarily originated from lithogenic sources. Manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) exhibited various degrees of enrichment over their continental crustal ratios. Since the sources of bioactive trace metals in sinking particles can be divided into lithogenic, biogenic, and excess fractions, mass conservation calculations were used to quantify the contribution of each source. The results showed that Fe, Mn, and Co had extremely low biogenic proportions (0.1–3.3%), while Ni, Cu, and Zn had higher proportions (2.7–17.3%), with the biogenic fraction decreasing with the depth. Moreover, excess sources accounted for a significant proportion of Mn (68–75%), Co (34–54%), Ni (60–62%), Cu (59–74%), and Zn (56–65%) in sinking particles at the three sampling depths. The excess fractions of Mn, Co, and Cu in sinking particles can be affected by authigenic particles. This is supported by their similar scavenging-type behavior, as observed via the increase in their fluxes and enrichment patterns with the increasing depth. Furthermore, the excess fractions of Ni, Cu, and Zn may have significant contributions from anthropogenic sources. The variability of Fe in sinking particles was mainly controlled via lithogenic matter. Notably, organic matter and opal were found to be pivotal carriers in the export of excess bioactive trace metals (Mn, Co, Ni, and Cu) via the water column, accompanied with the elevated ballast effect of lithogenic matter with the depth. However, the transportation of excess Zn was more complicated due to the intricate processes involved in Zn dynamics. These findings contribute to our understanding of the sources and transport mechanisms of bioactive trace metals in the marine environment. Full article

The impact of yogurts made with starter culture bacteria (L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) and supplemented with ingredients (maitake mushrooms, quercetin, L-glutamine, slippery elm bark, licorice root, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, zinc orotate, and marshmallow root) that can help treat leaky gut were investigated using the Caco-2 cell monolayer as a measure of intestinal barrier dysfunction. Milk from the same source was equally dispersed into nine pails, and the eight ingredients were randomly allocated to the eight pails. The control had no ingredients. The Caco-2 cells were treated with isoflavone genistein (negative control) and growth media (positive control). Inflammation was stimulated using an inflammatory cocktail of cytokines (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β) and lipopolysaccharide. The yogurt without ingredients (control yogurt) was compared to the yogurt treatments (yogurts with ingredients) that help treat leaky gut. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular permeability were measured to evaluate the integrity of the Caco-2 monolayer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunofluorescence microscopy (IM), and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTQPCR) were applied to measure the integrity of tight junction proteins. The yogurts were subjected to gastric and intestinal digestion, and TEER was recorded. Ferrous ion chelating activity, ferric reducing potential, and DPPH radical scavenging were also examined to determine the yogurts’ antioxidant capacity. Yogurt with quercetin and marshmallow root improved the antioxidant activity and TEER and had the lowest permeability in fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–dextran and Lucifer yellow flux among the yogurt samples. TEM, IM, and RTQPCR revealed that yogurt enhanced tight junction proteins’ localization and gene expression. Intestinal digestion of the yogurt negatively impacted inflammation-induced Caco-2 barrier dysfunction, while yogurt with quercetin, marshmallow root, maitake mushroom, and licorice root had the highest TEER values compared to the control yogurt. Yogurt fortification with quercetin, marshmallow root, maitake mushroom, and licorice root may improve functionality when dealing with intestinal barrier dysfunction. Full article

Multifunctional membrane technology has gained tremendous attention in wastewater treatment, including oil/water separation and photocatalytic activity. In the present study, a multifunctional composite nanofiber membrane is capable of removing dyes and separating oil from wastewater, as well as having antibacterial activity. The composite nanofiber membrane is composed of cellulose acetate (CA) filled with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in a polymer matrix and dipped into a solution of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs). Membrane characterization was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and water contact angle (WCA) studies were utilized to evaluate the introduced membranes. Results showed that membranes have adequate wettability for the separation process and antibacterial activity, which is beneficial for water disinfection from living organisms. A remarkable result of the membranes’ analysis was that methylene blue (MB) dye removal occurred through the photocatalysis process with an efficiency of ~20%. Additionally, it exhibits a high separation efficiency of 45% for removing oil from a mixture of oil–water and water flux of 20.7 L.m⁻² h⁻¹ after 1 h. The developed membranes have multifunctional properties and are expected to provide numerous merits for treating complex wastewater. Full article

The elevated accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and tea (Camellia sinensis L.) grown in agricultural soils may lead to a variety of adverse health effects. This study collected and analyzed crop samples along with paired rhizosphere soil samples from 61 sites in Cd-contaminated regions in Anhui Province, China. The findings revealed that both the diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) and soil solution were capable of effectively predicting Cd contents in crops. Conventional chemical extraction methods were inappropriate to evaluate the bioavailability of Cd. However, the effective concentrations (C_E) corrected by the DGT-induced fluxes in soils (DIFS) model exhibited the strongest correlation with crop Cd contents. Except for C_E, various measurement methods yielded better results for predicting Cd bioavailability in tea compared to rice. Pearson’s correlation analysis and the random forest (RF) model identified the key influencing factors controlling Cd uptake by rice and tea, including pH, soil texture, and contents of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) in soils, which antagonize Cd. To reduce the potential health risk from rice and tea, the application of soil liming and/or Se-oxidizing bacteria was expected to be an effective management strategy. Full article

Metal micronutrients are essential for plant nutrition, but their toxicity threshold is low. In-depth studies on the response of light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis to metal micronutrients are needed, and the analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence transients is a suitable technique. The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L., a model organism also used in biomonitoring, allowed us to accurately study the effects of metal micronutrients in vivo, particularly the early responses. Gametophytes were treated with copper (Cu), iron (Fe) or zinc (Zn) for up to 120 h. Copper showed the strongest effects, negatively affecting almost the entire light phase of photosynthesis. Iron was detrimental to the flux of energy around photosystem II (PSII), while the acceptor side of PSI was unaltered. The impact of Fe was milder than that of Cu and in both cases the structures of the photosynthetic apparatus that resisted the treatments were still able to operate efficiently. The susceptibility of M. polymorpha to Zn was low: although the metal affected a large part of the electron transport chain, its effects were modest and short-lived. Our results may provide a contribution towards achieving a more comprehensive understanding of response mechanisms to metals and their evolution in plants, and may be useful for supporting the development of biomonitoring techniques. Full article