Life cycle energy consumption and GHG emissions analysis of a cellulosic ethanol biorefinery: a scenario-based study on process waste valorization strategies.

Biochemical and molecular stress responses to enrofloxacin in Mytilus galloprovincialis: transient or lasting effects?

Warming climate intensifies systemic neurobehavioral-metabolic disruption induced by polyethylene microplastics in Tenebrio molitor.

Sustainable polyhydroxyalkanoates in the bioeconomy: A review of recent advances in production innovations, economic feasibility, and patents landscape.

Ecotoxicological impacts of imazethapyr herbicide on amphibian larvae: Evidence from Physalaemus cuvieri.

Accelerated dissolution mechanisms of rare earth elements in waste permanent magnet with oxygen vacancy.

Gender and organ responsiveness in Dreissena polymorpha exposed to the antidepressant sertraline: from uptake to effects.

Infection dynamics of Metarhizium anisopliae in Rhipicephalus microplus and the role of tick traits in susceptibility.

Buildings account for nearly 32% of global energy consumption and serve as key demand-side flexibility resources in power systems with high renewable penetration. However, their utilization is constrained by the lack of an integrated framework that can jointly quantify energy-adjustable margin (BAM) and response duration (RD) under realistic operational and thermal comfort constraints. This study presents a coupled data–physical simulation framework integrating a Particle Swarm Optimization–Long Short-Term Memory–Random Forest (PSO-LSTM-RF) hybrid load forecasting model with EnergyPlus(24.1.0)-based building simulation. The PSO-LSTM-RF model achieves high-accuracy short-term load prediction, with an average R2 of 0.985 and mean absolute percentage errors of 1.92–5.75%. Predicted load profiles are mapped to physically consistent baseline and demand-response scenarios using a similar-day matching mechanism, enabling joint quantification of BAM and RD under explicit thermal comfort constraints. Case studies on offices, shopping malls, and hotels reveal significant heterogeneity: hotels exhibit the largest BAM (up to 579.27 kWh) and longest RD (up to 135 min), shopping malls maintain stable high flexibility, and offices show moderate BAM with minimal operational disruption. The framework establishes a closed-loop link between data-driven prediction and physics-based simulation, providing interpretable flexibility indicators to support demand-response planning, virtual power plant aggregation, and coordinated optimization of source–grid–load interactions.

Exercise-induced fatigue involves oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation. While the anti-aging protein α-Klotho regulates metabolism and oxidative stress, its role in exercise fatigue is unexplored. This study investigated whether α-Klotho supplementation mitigates cumulative exercise-induced fatigue and elucidated the underlying tissue-specific mechanisms. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups (n = 10 per group), the control group, fatigue treated with saline, or α-Klotho (0.2 mg/kg, i.p. daily) group. Fatigue was induced by a 6-day exhaustive swimming protocol (5% body weight load). Tissues were collected 24h post-final exercise. Assessments included daily exhaustion time, grip strength, serum creatine kinase (CK), urea nitrogen (BUN), oxidative stress markers (H2O2, MDA, SOD, GSH/GSSG), tissue glycogen, and pathway protein expression (Western blot). α-Klotho supplementation prevented exercise-induced weight loss and restored grip strength. While exhaustive exercise markedly increased serum CK and BUN levels, α-Klotho selectively normalized CK without effecting serum BUN. α-Klotho attenuated oxidative damage by reducing hydrogen peroxide levels while enhancing antioxidant capacity, accompanied by activation of the NRF2/HO-1 pathway and further upregulation of PGC-1α. Notably, α-Klotho induced striking hepatic glycogen supercompensation through activation of the AKT/GS signaling pathway and upregulation of GLUT4, whereas muscle glycogen levels remained unchanged. In conclusion, α-Klotho ameliorates cumulative exercise-induced fatigue through dual recovery-phase mechanisms: NRF2/HO-1-mediated antioxidant protection in skeletal muscle and AKT/GS-triggered hepatic glycogen supercompensation, thereby facilitating oxidative stress resolution and enhancing energy reserve restoration.

Over the past few decades, the population of cod in the Eastern Baltic has faced numerous challenges due to environmental changes, overfishing, and predation, as well as the effects of infection by third-stage larvae of the Anisakidae parasite in the liver. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and infection level of Anisakidae nematodes in the Eastern Baltic cod stock over a five-year period and analyze the effect of infection on cod health condition. A total of 1946 samples of the Eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) were collected and tested for the presence of Anisakidae nematode larvae. All nematodes found in livers were identified as Anisakidae with an overall prevalence of 30.9%, a mean infection density of 0.8 (median 0.4) nematodes per gram of liver tissue, and a range of 0.01–29.2 nematodes per gram. The prevalence of infection tended to increase with the age of the fish. In multivariate analysis, increasing infection intensity decreased the odds of cod having good Fulton’s and Clark’s condition scores and a hepatosomatic index (HSI) above the population average. While our study shows a clear Anisakidae effect on Fulton’s and Clark’s condition scores and the HSI, these indicators could also be influenced by other environmental, physiological, and pathological factors.

Growing demand for computing resources is increasing electricity use and cooling needs in data centres (DCs). Simultaneously, it creates opportunities for decarbonisation through the integration of waste heat (WH) into district heating (DH) systems. Such integration reduces primary energy (PE) consumption and emissions, particularly in low-temperature DH networks. In this study, the possibility for utilisation of WH from DC hybrid cooling system into third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), and fifth generation (5G) DH systems is investigated. The work is based on the dynamic simulations in TRNSYS. The model of the hybrid cooling system consists of a direct liquid cooling (DLC) loop (25–30 °C) and a chilled water rack coolers (CRCC) loop (10–15 °C). For 3G DH, a high-temperature water-to-water heat pump (HP) is applied to ensure the required water temperature in the system. Measured meteorological and equipment data are used to reproduce real DC operating conditions. Relative to the reference system, integrating WH into 5G DH reduces PE consumption and CO2 emissions by 88%. Results indicate that integrating WH into 5G DH and 4G DH minimises global cost and achieves a payback period of less than one year, whereas 3G DH, requiring high-temperature HPs, achieves 14 years. This approach to integrating waste heat from a hybrid DLC+CRCC DC cooling system is technically feasible, economically and environmentally viable for planning future urban integrations of waste heat into DH systems.

The article presents a possible energy-economic method for assessing the level of energy efficiency development in a country, based on the ratio of total primary energy consumption to gross domestic product. The proposed approach makes it possible to identify qualitative trends in energy efficiency, but it is not intended for quantitative analysis of individual sectors. At the same time, the obtained results indicate an insufficient level of implementation of measures to increase the energy efficiency of buildings and structures in Ukraine, and also demonstrate the existence of significant potential for further development in this area. The study emphasizes the relevance of implementing comprehensive energy conservation measures that have technical, organizational, and regulatory dimensions. The approaches and quantitative indicators of energy conservation requirements in countries around the world are analyzed, modern practices for improving energy efficiency in the construction sector are revealed, and the possibilities for their adaptation to the conditions in Ukraine are shown. Key factors determining the energy efficiency class of buildings and structures are indicated separately, including the level of thermal characteristics of enclosing structures, the efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, the use of renewable energy sources, and the impact of climatic conditions. A separate aspect of the study is the analysis of the demographic dynamics of the city of Kyiv and the Kyiv region, which determines the growing need for energy-efficient residential and public buildings and reinforces the relevance of implementing energy-saving measures in the region. Quantitative indicators of the reduced heat transfer resistance of building envelopes are provided, and the concepts of energy demand, energy consumption and primary energy are clarified in an international context. Potential areas for development in Ukraine are systematized, including: improving the regulatory framework, expanding the building certification system, introducing innovative design and operation technologies, and creating economic incentives for investors and consumers. Another important factor is the consideration of the mass and thermal inertia of internal and external enclosing structures, which directly affect the energy performance of buildings.

Abstract. At present, due to the growing global energy consumption, the demand for energy sources continues to increase every year. Consequently, there is a growing need for the development of powerful energy generators and storage devices capable of delivering large amounts of energy over extended periods. Lithium-ion batteries are currently among the most widely used energy storage systems in portable electronic devices. These batteries are characterized by a high energy density and low self-discharge rate, with a specific energy reaching up to 300 Wh·kg⁻¹, which is sufficient to power even electric vehicles. However, optimization of the performance of these types of batteries under high current loads is still required. To improve the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries, special attention is being paid to the development and modification of cathode materials, which play a decisive role in determining the capacity, stability, and lifetime of the cell. Various approaches, such as surface coating, doping, and structural modification, have been proposed to enhance their conductivity and structural integrity. Advanced fabrication techniques, including electrospinning and controlled annealing, allow for the formation of nanostructured cathodes with improved ion diffusion pathways. Additionally, the introduction of conductive additives helps to minimize internal resistance and increase rate capability (C-rate). Continued research in this area aims to achieve higher efficiency, safety, and sustainability of lithium-ion energy storage systems.

Globally, buildings are responsible for around 32% of energy consumption and 34% of greenhouse gas emissions. One reason for this is the poor energy efficiency of much of the current building stock. Around 75% of today’s buildings are projected to still be in use in 2050, highlighting the importance of retrofitting existing buildings for energy efficiency. Such a strategy presents substantial opportunities to decrease global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. While building retrofit projects have been implemented in many developed countries, studies in hot-humid climates and developing countries are still lacking. The challenges posed by hot-humid climates make developing the right energy retrofit strategies even more difficult. This study reviews and analyses previous energy retrofit studies and optimisations in building energy retrofit that used multi-objective optimisation methods, especially in hot-humid climate regions, using a bibliometric mapping tool called “VOSviewer” (version 1.6.20). The study also follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework for systematic reviews. This literature review highlights the paucity of research related to Multi-Objective Optimisation building-energy retrofit for buildings in countries with hot-humid climates and aims to identify the optimal strategies for energy retrofitting buildings in hot-humid climates using an optimisation method. The results of this study will significantly impact stakeholders’ decision-making processes, enabling them to identify the most advantageous objectives and energy efficiency measures for retrofitting buildings.

The residential building sector is responsible for a substantial share of global energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, driven largely by resource-intensive materials such as reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and fired clay bricks. At the same time, many households in tropical regions struggle with escalating construction costs and poor thermal comfort, leading to increased reliance on mechanical cooling. This paper presents a comparative design and simulation study of a designing single family housing unit that replaces conventional RCC and fired clay brick construction with a low-energy, high-mass material palette compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) for walls, bamboo for primary structure, and fly ash bricks for internal partitions. Using cradle to gate embodied energy estimation and dynamic thermal performance simulation for a typical peak summer day (outdoor maximum 40 °C); the proposed design is compared against a conventional RCC fired brick baseline of similar size and spatial programme. Results indicate that the sustainable scheme can achieve approximately 70% reduction in embodied carbon and about 22% reduction in construction cost, primarily by substituting high-impact materials and eliminating plaster and paint through exposed CSEB finishes. Thermal simulations show that the proposed unit maintains indoor temperatures up to 9 °C cooler than the outdoor peak, largely through orientation, buffer zones, stack-effect ventilation, and high thermal-mass walls. The findings are discussed against recent literature on CSEB performance, bamboo as a structural material, fly ash based bricks, and passive cooling strategies in hot and humid climates. The study concludes that combining vernacular principles with tested alternative materials can deliver affordable, low-carbon, thermally comfortable housing, while also supporting local livelihoods. Limitations and directions for future empirical field monitoring and detailed life-cycle assessment are outlined.

For a modern large city, the decarbonization of heat supply is a key area that determines the level of energy efficiency, independence, and resilience. Decarbonization of district heating (DH) systems is a highly relevant issue for countries with well-developed DH infrastructure, most of which was built in the previous century and designed for the use of fossil fuels. These systems face simultaneous challenges: reducing heat consumption, replacing obsolete equipment, and substituting fossil fuels with renewable energy sources and waste energy resources. At the same time, the reliable supply of consumers with thermal energy must be ensured. Addressing such a complex and multifaceted task requires the development of a scientifically justified strategy. The pace of DH modernization and decarbonization differs significantly across countries. For Ukraine, which has a developed but outdated DH sector, decarbonization of this important energy infrastructure is being implemented based on European experience while taking into account national specifics. This study is devoted to methodological and techno-economic aspects of the decarbonization strategy for large, outdated DH systems, considering the current state of such systems in Ukraine. The research addresses the problem of heat supply decarbonization at the scale of a large city with approximately 200,000 inhabitants, characterized by a developed but obsolete DH system: inefficient gas-fired boilers, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, outdated solid waste management system and non-integrated heat networks. Three principal directions for urban DH decarbonization are examined: 1) Reduction of primary energy consumption through building retrofitting, energy demand management, and heat loss reduction in networks; 2) Replacement of fossil fuel-based heat generation with environmentally friendly energy sources; 3) Integration of district heating networks. Bibl. 20, Fig. 9, Tab. 8.

This study evaluates the impact of an innovative dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) system featuring electrodes immersed in a conductive liquid (H2O + NaCl) and double Pyrex insulation. The experiments used soft, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) (harvest 2024; lot SPR-2024-TA-079).The results show that the interaction between cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and the seed surface, at five exposure times (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50s) and applied voltages (8.27, 8.75, and 9.93kV), significantly increases the germination rate (up to 97.66%) at exposure times of 20 and 30s compared to the untreated control group (44.75%). This enhancement is attributed to the controlled generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), which improve surface hydrophilicity (minimum contact angle of 40°) and activate key metabolic mechanisms such as seed coat permeabilization and mobilization of energy reserves. However, prolonged exposure times (40 and 50s) or higher voltages (9.93kV) reduce efficacy, likely due to oxidative stress and recombination of reactive species. The proposed experimental configuration with electrodes immersed in conductive liquid and a double dielectric barrier improves plasma uniformity, minimizes contamination by metallic particles, and enables modulation of energy density, positioning it as a scalable and sustainable technology for agricultural applications. The findings support the use of DBD as a non-thermal tool to enhance crop performance, aligning with resilient and ecologically intensive agricultural practices. This work lays the groundwork for the development of efficient seed treatment technologies with the potential to reduce agrochemical dependence and contribute to global food security.

The free-living infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are critical biological control agents against insect pests. The field efficacy of EPNs is largely determined by their tolerance to low-humidity stress, a trait closely linked to the mobilization of their energy reserves. This study aims to investigate how varying levels of humidity stress influence energy reserve dynamics in two EPNs, Steinernema kraussei 0657L and Heterorhabditis brevicaudis 0641TY, and their relationship with the survival rate and pathogenicity. The results demonstrated that lipids were the predominant energy reserve, followed by proteins and sugars. Notably, neutral lipid constituted approximately 3% of the total lipid content. Among sugars, soluble sugar levels were the highest, followed by glycogen and trehalose. Exposure to low-humidity stress resulted in increased levels of protein, total lipid, glycogen, and trehalose in nematodes. These increases were more pronounced in S. kraussei 0657L, a highly drought-resistant strain, compared to H. brevicaudis 0641TY. Furthermore, the accumulation of protein, total lipid, and trehalose was negatively correlated with survival rate and pathogenicity. However, positive correlations were observed between trehalose and both total lipids and soluble sugars. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that under low-humidity stress, S. kraussei 0657L exhibited an enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. This indicates that S. kraussei 0657L regulated energy metabolism to adapt to low-humidity stress. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying drought resistance in EPNs and offer an experimental basis for their application in arid environments.

Abstract The increasing integration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) for renewable energy sources (RESs) generation into power systems has a significant impact on their frequency transient behaviour. This is due to the variability and partially non-programmability of RES power generation and the lack of rotating inertia due to the use of static converters. This research work aims to analyse how frequency transients are affected by the increasing share of generation from RES, e.g. photovoltaics (PV), in the total generation, focusing on the types of inverters used as an interface with the grid, Grid Following (GFL) or Grid Forming (GFM) inverters. A quantitative analysis of the impact on the frequency transient of different GFM percentages on total IBR generation is provided. The study shows that a share of 50% of GFM inverter allows a frequency transient with a similar Nadir and still a higher Rate of Change of Frequency ( RoCoF ) of a system with only synchronous generators (SGs). The frequency-supporting actions of these technologies will be evaluated considering the periods of overgeneration, characterised by the need to cut PV production, creating a reserve of available but untapped energy.