Hybrid Generation Research Articles

Synthetic Strategies Towards the Generation of Penicillin-Containing Hybrids in the Search for Anticancer Activity.

An extended library of hybrids that combined a penicillin derivative with a peptoid moiety was designed and synthetized using either a solid-phase or a mixed solid-phase/solution-phase strategy. The library was further evaluated for antiproliferative activity. While none of the different synthesized compounds showed significant cytotoxicity against a normal cell line, tumor cell results drew several conclusions, when comparing with our reference, the highly active triazolylpeptidyl penicillin derivative, TAF7f. Thus, when the 1,2,3-triazole group was exchanged by its "retro-inverse" analogue, no change was noted in the activity of the hybrids; however, better performance was generally obtained if the triazole is replaced by a glycine moiety. Additionally, the absence of hydrogen bond donor groups decreased the compounds activity, which could explain that, in general, this set of derivatives were less active than their peptide-containing analogues. From this study, is indisputable that, regardless of the type of chain (peptide, peptoid or mixture) attached to penicillin, an isobutyl side chain placed in the position closest to penicillin and a benzyl in the next position are determinant for the activity.

Antiplasmodial and Insecticidal Activities of Third-Generation Ivermectin Hybrids.

Preclinical and/or clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of Ivermectin (IVM) for malaria control. In order to improve its antiplasmodial activity and build on previous knowledge, we have designed a third generation of hybrid molecules in which selected pharmacophores were appended to the IVM macrolide, while retaining one or both sugar moieties at the C-13 position. Moreover, we synthesized IVM hybrids that contain structural features of potent IVM metabolites. The evaluation of the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of these compounds against Plasmodium berghei pre-erythrocytic stages and Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic stages identified molecules that displayed enhanced activity against the latter when compared to IVM. Additionally, two IVM intermediates and one IVM hybrid retained the insecticidal activity of the parental molecule, clarifying the contribution of the sugar moieties to this feature. Altogether, these results provide key structure-activity relationships to guide the rational design of new generations of IVM hybrids.

Pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations inhibit melanoma metastasis.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are frequent in cancer, yet their precise role in cancer progression remains debated. To functionally evaluate the impact of mtDNA variants on tumor growth and metastasis, we developed an enhanced cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) generation protocol and established isogenic human melanoma cybrid lines with wild-type mtDNA or pathogenic mtDNA mutations with partial or complete loss of mitochondrial oxidative function. Cybrids with homoplasmic levels of pathogenic mtDNA reliably established tumors despite dysfunctional oxidative phosphorylation. However, these mtDNA variants disrupted spontaneous metastasis from primary tumors and reduced the abundance of circulating tumor cells. Migration and invasion of tumor cells were reduced, indicating that entry into circulation is a bottleneck for metastasis amid mtDNA dysfunction. Pathogenic mtDNA did not inhibit organ colonization following intravenous injection. In heteroplasmic cybrid tumors, single-cell analyses revealed selection against pathogenic mtDNA during melanoma growth. Collectively, these findings experimentally demonstrate that functional mtDNA is favored during melanoma growth and supports metastatic entry into the blood.

A Synergistically Enhanced Triboelectric-Electromagnetic Hybrid Generator Enabled by Multifunctional Amorphous Alloy for Highly Efficient Self-Powered System.

Triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator (TEHG) has emerged as an effective technology for mechanical energy harvesting. However, the independent operation of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG), along with tribo-materials wear and magnetic field divergence, constrain the device's overall performance. To address these challenges, a synergistically enhanced TEHG (SE-TEHG) is proposed based on the multifunctional amorphous alloy. Following detailed material analyses, Fe72Si8B20 is selected as the synergistic layer for its low surface roughness, high Vickers-hardness, amorphous structure, and high magnetization. Compared to Al, this material not only boosts TENG's output current and current retention rate by 28.75% and 85.24%, but also improves EMG's output power by 51.05%. In constructing a self-powered system with TEHG, a significant impedance discrepancy exists between the energy harvester (with matched impendence of 16 MΩ for TENG and 110 kΩ for EMG) and the application end. Without power management circuits, the demonstrated self-powered variable impedance system achieves an energy utilization efficiency that is 2.98 times greater than the conventional constant impedance system. The integration of multifunctional materials to realize strong-coupling hybrid generators, combined with the customization of variable impedance systems, set a milestone in efficient mechanical energy harvesting and utilization.

Heritability and Variability of Productivity Traits in Spring Soft Wheat Hybrids of the First to Fourth Generations

Abstract Under the conditions of the Absheron region, the effects of interaction between genotype and environment were determined in nine varieties of spring soft wheat and seven hybrid populations F1…F4 formed with their participation. A reliable effect of environmental conditions on all the studied traits was established. The contribution of the “year” factor to the number of grains per ear in varieties and hybrids was 10.9 and 13.9%, respectively; to the weight of 1000 grains – 5.8 and 19.5%; to the yield – 47.3 and 41.1%. The genetic component made a significant contribution to the weight of 1000 grains in varieties and hybrids (81.5 and 58.8%), as well as to the number of grains in varieties (38.4%). A higher varietal specificity in the manifestation of traits in parental varieties was noted compared to hybrids. Two component traits of ear productivity in a series of generations against the background of various lim-factors were analyzed, shifts of their average values and their influence on the yield were predicted and determined. The phenotypic dominance index (hp) was determined in the first generation by the number of grains per ear and 1000-grain weight, combinations with a high level were identified. The selection differential and efficiency of selections carried out under contrasting environmental conditions in the second and third hybrid generations were calculated. The yield in the initial populations varied within 219.0…789.6 g/m2, in the selected progeny – 317.0…647.6 g/m2. The average yield increase in the progeny selected in a dry year, in relation to the initial populations, was 56.8 g/m2; in the progeny selected under conditions of excess moisture – 10.8 g/m2. Correlation analysis revealed an average positive relationship between the hp indicator in the first generation and the selection differential in subsequent generations for the traits “weight of 1000 grains” and “number of grains per ear”.

High-Performance Rotating Structure Triboelectric-Electromagnetic Hybrid Nanogenerator for Environmental Wind Energy Harvesting.

As environmental energy harvesting gains increasing importance in self-powered systems and large-scale energy demands, wind energy, as a clean, pollution-free, and renewable source, has garnered widespread attention. However, achieving efficient wind energy collection remains challenging. This study proposes a high-performance rotating structure triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator designed for environmental wind energy harvesting. By optimizing the magnetic circuit design of the electromagnetic generator, the dispersed radial magnetic field is converted into a unified axial magnetic field, enabling efficient power generation with only a single annular coil, thereby simplifying the generator design and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Additionally, a triboelectric nanogenerator design with soft contact friction between polycarbonate (PC) fur and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) film was implemented, optimizing the spacing between the electrode and friction layers, thus enhancing output performance and device durability. Furthermore, we simulated and experimentally tested the output waveform of the designed hybrid generator structure, with the results showing a high degree of similarity, further validating the rationality of the device design and providing guidance for structural optimization. Subsequently, we achieved efficient energy storage using an energy management circuit (EMC). With the integration of the EMC, the generator successfully powered a Bluetooth temperature and humidity sensor at a wind speed of 10 m/s, achieving wireless transmission, and demonstrating its potential application in traffic signal systems and other natural environmental systems. This research provides an important reference for further exploration of novel wind energy harvesting technologies.

Establishing the green algae Chlamydomonas incerta as a platform for recombinant protein production.

Chlamydomonas incerta, a genetically close relative of the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, shows significant potential as a host for recombinant protein expression. Because of the close genetic relationship between C. incerta and C. reinhardtii, this species offers an additional reference point for advancing our understanding of photosynthetic organisms, and also provides a potential new candidate for biotechnological applications. This study investigates C. incerta's capacity to express three recombinant proteins: the fluorescent protein mCherry, the hemicellulose-degrading enzyme xylanase, and the plastic-degrading enzyme PHL7. We have also examined the capacity to target protein expression to various cellular compartments in this alga, including the cytosol, secretory pathway, cytoplasmic membrane, and cell wall. When compared directly with C. reinhardtii, C. incerta exhibited a distinct but notable capacity for recombinant protein production. Cellular transformation with a vector encoding mCherry revealed that C. incerta produced approximately 3.5 times higher fluorescence levels and a 3.7-fold increase in immunoblot intensity compared to C. reinhardtii. For xylanase expression and secretion, both C. incerta and C. reinhardtii showed similar secretion capacities and enzymatic activities, with comparable xylan degradation rates, highlighting the industrial applicability of xylanase expression in microalgae. Finally, C. incerta showed comparable PHL7 activity levels to C. reinhardtii, as demonstrated by the in vitro degradation of a polyester polyurethane suspension, Impranil® DLN. Finally, we also explored the potential of cellular fusion for the generation of genetic hybrids between C. incerta and C. reinhardtii as a means to enhance phenotypic diversity and augment genetic variation. We were able to generate genetic fusion that could exchange both the recombinant protein genes, as well as associated selectable marker genes into recombinant offspring. These findings emphasize C. incerta's potential as a robust platform for recombinant protein production, and as a powerful tool for gaining a better understanding of microalgal biology.

Water-Triboelectrification-Complemented Moisture Electric Generator.

Energy harvesting from ubiquitous natural water vapor based on moisture electric generator (MEG) technology holds great potential to power portable electronics, the Internet of Things, and wireless transmission. However, most devices still encounter challenges of low output, and a single MEG complemented with another form of energy harvesting for achieving high power has seldom been demonstrated. Herein, we report a flexible and efficient hybrid generator capable of harvesting moisture and tribo energies simultaneously, both from the source of water droplets. The moisture electric and triboelectric layers are based on a water-absorbent citric acid (CA)-mediated polyglutamic acid (PGA) hydrogel and porous electret expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE), respectively. Such a waterproof E-PTFE film not only enables efficient triboelectrification with water droplets' contact but also facilitates water vapor to be transferred into the hydrogel layer for moisture electricity generation. A single hybrid generator under water droplets' impact delivers a DC voltage of 0.55 V and a peak current density of 120 μA cm-2 from the MEG, together with a simultaneous AC output voltage of 300 V and a current of 400 μA from the complementary water-based triboelectric generator (TEG) side. Such a hybrid generator can work even under harsh wild environments with 5 °C cold and saltwater impacts. Significantly, an optical alarm and wireless communication system for wild, complex, and emergency scenarios is demonstrated with power from the hybrid generators. This work expands the applications of water-based electricity generation technologies and provides insight into harvesting multiple potential energies in the natural environment with high output.

The inheritance pattern for the dwarf phenotype in hybrids from crosses among sunflower lines differing in alleles of the Rht1 locus

Background. Sunflower seed production is based on utilization of the heterosis effect, manifesting itself in improving both yield and plant height in hybrids. Short-stemmed lines need to be used to develop commercial hybrids with an optimum height. Molecular bases of the trait manifestation in the dwarf lines from VIR’s sunflower genetic collection have not yet been studied. Materials and methods. The material included 27 short-stemmed and 10 tall sunflower lines from VIR’s genetic collection, as well as the F1 and F2 hybrid generations derived from crossing the tall (VIR 340) and dwarf (VIR 171) genotypes. The parental lines and hybrids were phenotyped for plant height, leaf number, and internode length. Genotyping for the Rht1 locus (HaDella1 candidate gene), encoding the negative regulator of the gibberellin response, the DELLA protein, was performed using the developed CAPS marker. Results. The average plant height in the VIR 340 line over a three-year study was 162 cm, the number of leaves 29, and the internode length 6 cm. The VIR 171 line demonstrated the plant height of 66 cm, leaf number of 24, and internode length of 2.8 cm. The F1 hybrids were uniform, with the height of 180–190 cm, that indicated the dominance of the long stem trait. Analyzing the segregation in the F2 hybrid generation led to an assumption admitting the digenic control of the dwarf phenotype in the VIR 171 line. The CAPS marker G-D-1/ Bmt I was developed to identify a missense mutation T>C in the first exon of the HaDella1 gene, which results in the substitution of leucine with proline in the DELLA motif. Using the marker, the mutant Rht1 allele was identified in the VIR 171 and VIR 434 dwarf lines, similar in their origin and phenotype. The results of validation in the F2 hybrid population (VIR 340 × VIR 171) confirmed the efficiency of the G-D-1 / Bmt I marker for selecting dwarf genotypes homozygous for the Rht1 mutant allele.

Two-stage low-carbon economic dispatch of an integrated energy system considering flexible decoupling of electricity and heat on sides of source and load

Under the goal of "double carbon", in order to further enhance the level of new energy consumption and solve the problem of restricting the flexibility of the system by "ordering power by heat" of combined heat and power (CHP) units, a low-carbon economic planning strategy with flexible decoupling of electricity and heat is proposed, by introducing a new type of electric-thermal coupling equipment on both sides of the source and load. Firstly, Consideration of the low-carbon and environmentally friendly characteristics of green ammonia production and ammonia-doped combustion technologies, a wind power(WT) – power to ammonia(P2A) - CHP units - thermal power (TH) units joint operation strategy is proposed on the source side. This strategy realizes the conversion of abandoned wind to green ammonia to ammonia coal hybrid generation, the decoupled operation of CHP units and promotes the consumption of wind power and the low-carbon operation of the system. Secondly, A dynamic incentive demand response model is developed to meet the demand of high proportion distributed PV in situ consumption on the load side. The dynamic incentive price guides the distributed power-to-heat load to change the response capacity, tracks the abandonment of wind and light, realizes the flexible conversion of power and heat load, and cooperates with the source side to promote the coupling operation of electric pyrolysis. On this basis, consider the flexible decoupling capability of electric-heat coupling equipment on both sides of the source and load to establish a two-phase low-carbon scheduling model for the day-before and day-after phases. In the day-ahead phase, the source-side electric-thermal-ammonia joint operation strategy is considered, and the electric and thermal energy supply plans are adjusted centrally; In the intra-day phase, the flexible adjustment range of power-to-heat devices and the heat load inertia on the load side are taken into account, and the electricity and heat planning strategies are adjusted in a distributed-centralised manner in conjunction with the source side. Finally, through the simulation of different cases, the results show that compared with the traditional electric heating system, the total cost of the system considering the scheduling strategy proposed in this paper decreases by ￥826,900, the carbon emission decreases by 1.2 t, and basically realises the consumption of wind power and distributed photovoltaic power output. The proposed scheme reduces carbon emissions, promotes the consumption of wind power and distributed photovoltaic output, and is able to reach the goal of low-carbon economic dispatch.

Genetic Identification of Putative Hybrids Between Grey Wolf and Golden Jackal

We describe the results of genetic analysis of 11 phenotypically deviant individuals of grey wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) sensu lato collected in Voronezh State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Chernozem zone of European Russia) and Dagestan (Northern Caucasus, Russia) putatively identified morphologically as hybrids between grey wolf and golden jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758). By means of maternally inherited mtDNA (sequences of cytochrome b gene fragment) and paternal lineage markers ZfY no F1 wolf-jackal hybrids were identified. As well, possibility of classification of the studied individuals to next generation hybrids from crosses between different wolf-jackal F1s. However, attribution of these animals to complex hybrids such as various backcrosses cannot be rejected. From the results of analysis by a set of autosomal microsatellite loci we putatively diagnosed a single F2 hybrid. As well, we obtained data that can be considered as traces of hybridization between wolf and jackal in southern regions of European Russa, albeit direct indications of introgression between these species not found. At the same time, the results of both genetic and craniological studies could be interpreted as indication to hybridization between wolves and domestic dogs on the same territories.

Hybrid Wind‐Solar Self‐Powered Detector System Using a Triboelectric‐Photovoltaic Generator for Smart Agriculture

The growth of crops is affected by factors such as temperature, humidity, and salinity, so it is critical to monitor these indicators through detectors in smart agriculture. Collecting renewable energy in the farmland environment to power the detector will provide a feasible approach. Therefore, a triboelectric‐photovoltaic hybrid generator (WS‐TPHG) is proposed to collect solar and wind energy efficiently. The generator structure includes a photovoltaic panel (PV) and a wind‐driven triboelectric nanogenerator (W‐TENG). The switching function of the power supply can be realized through the power management circuit. In the case of sufficient light, the detector is powered by PV steadily, and in the case of insufficient light, the detector is powered by W‐TENG via the switching function. The PV can supply a stable voltage of 8.1 V, and the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of W‐TENG can reach 478.6 V at 180 rpm. The results verify that the detection of temperature, humidity, and salinity can be successfully achieved through the detector which is powered by WS‐TPHG. In this article, the potential application of WS‐TPHG is demonstrated in farmland to provide a solution for the sustainable development of agriculture.

Wearable Pendulum-Rotor-Separated Hybrid Generator for Smart Healthcare Monitoring.

Human biomechanical energy, with features of fluctuating amplitudes and low frequency, has been considered as a potential sustainable power source for wearable healthcare monitoring devices. Developing an effective energy harvester to ensure robust energy harvesting efficiency remains highly desired. Herein, we propose a wearable pendulum-rotor-separated triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator (PTEHG). The novel pendulum-rotor separation design can make the rotor propelled in one direction by the swinging pendulum, which can further facilitate a wearable hybrid energy harvester with stable energy harvesting, a broad operating bandwidth, and system reliability. By converting the biomechanical energy into electric power, the peak power density of 83.12 W/m3 is delivered by the PTEHG at a frequency of 1.6 Hz. A PTEHG-based healthcare monitoring system was also demonstrated for real-time motion tracking and fall detection. This work paves a new way for enhancing the efficiency of human biomechanical energy harvesting and presents a practical pathway for continuous healthcare monitoring.

Adaptability of hybrid populations of Linum usitatissimum L. in conditions of the Northern Transural region

Relevance. The selection of genotypes with high adaptive properties for the conditions of the Tyumen region allows us to contribute to the development of a regional strategy for breeding and genetic work, selection and cultivation of varieties in connection with changing weather and climatic conditions.Material and methodology. The research was carried out over a three-year period (2020-2022) in the northern forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen region. Intervarietal hybridization (4x4 scheme), evaluation of the obtained material according to morphological (4 pcs.), biological (1 pc.), adaptive indicators (2 pcs.) was carried out using generally accepted methods. The objects of study were 12 combinations of fiber flax, first obtained in the region.Results. Significant differences (p<0.05*) were determined between hybrid populations of fiber flax in the influence of genotype, environment, and genotype-environment interaction on the degree of implementation of the studied traits. Correlation relationships have been identified that determine the fiber content in the stem (r=0.79-0.91*, growing season, plant height, inflorescence length, softness, camber), the number and weight of seeds per plant (r=0.79-0 ,91*, inflorescence length, number, size and crackability of the capsule). Based on the results of individual selection in the third hybrid generation (F3), early ripening (4 pieces), tall (n=4), with the maximum number of bolls (n=4) and the number of seeds in them (n=7), fiber content (n =4) in the stem of the combination.Conclusions. Hybrid combinations of fiber flax with high levels of stable properties (G1, G3, G9, G10, G11), productivity criteria (G1, G2, G4, G7, G8, G9, G11, G12) can be valuable in breeding work.

New bulk rock and age data on the changes in magma evolution during the Miocene, Galatean volcanic area, central Anatolia, Turkey: A review

The Galatean Volcanic Province (GVP) lies within the Sakarya tectonic belt in the northwest of central Anatolia, Turkey, south of the North Anatolian Fault, cropping out over 12,000 km2. It consists of Early Miocene intermediate to acid lavas, pyroclastic rocks, volcaniclastic deposits, and Late Miocene OIB-like basalts. Our study is based on new bulk geochemistry, SrNd isotopes, and 40Ar/39Ar dating of the volcanic rocks from the south-western part of GVP, but integrates all the available previous data to understand how magmas evolved in the post-collisional geodynamic condition in the GVP. The initial eruptions were rhyolitic, as domes or pyroclastic deposits (Group 1) and basaltic lavas (Group 2) during the Early Miocene. Group 2 is also represented by large volumes of basaltic-andesitic, trachyandesite-dacite/trachydacite lava flows, small intrusions, and pyroclastic deposits as generated between 21 and 14 Ma. Relatively low 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.705–0.706) of the early rhyolites (Group 1), similar to all the rocks from Group (2), suggest the generation of hybrid melts with variable contributions of mantle-derived and crustal material. The volcanic activity ends with OIB-like basalts (11–7 Ma) showing the lowest 87Sr/86Sr (∼0.703) suggesting an asthenospheric origin.The geodynamic model, based on post-Cyprian slab rollback, results in long-term (22–13 Ma) post-collisional delamination/drip processes that support magmatism. This magmatism is generated in the lithospheric mantle, with the formation of basaltic melts and acid hybrid melts showing variable contributions of mantle-derived and crustal materials in a complex trans-crustal magma plumbing system. Complex mixing of various intra-crustal magmas and fractional crystallization processes generated a huge volume of volcanic rocks. The Late Miocene small-volume OIB basalts were asthenospheric melts that during the late stage recorded localized decompression melting processes.

Integrating Micro-Hydro and Solar PV in Rainwater Harvesting: A Hybrid Generation Approach

As the scarcity of water worsens and the frequency of severe weather increases, the efficient harvesting of rainwater becomes more critical. Despite its potential to conserve water and mitigate flooding, the integration of rainwater harvesting with solar PV and micro-hydro technologies remains underutilized in renewable energy production. A significant barrier to widespread adoption is the challenge of accurately quantifying energy generation and optimizing management practices. This project aims to address these issues by proposing a method to develop a rainwater harvesting system that integrates solar PV and micro-hydro technologies. The primary objective is to evaluate the practical performance of this hybrid system in driving applications such as irrigation and sanitation. The findings demonstrate that the integrated system outperforms conventional methods, suggesting its effectiveness in rainwater utilization as a renewable energy resource.

Optimal Control Strategy for Power Management Control of an Independent Photovoltaic, Wind Turbine, Battery System with Diesel Generator

The need for a greater supply of energy from sustainable sources is growing because of increasing energy prices, concerns about nuclear power, climate change, and power grid disruptions. This research offers a method for the balance of power management of a combination of multi-source DC and AC supplier systems that enables sources of clean energy based on an independent grid to function economically and with the highest levels of system predictability and stability possible. The DC microgrid's hybrid generation source consists of a diesel power source, wind, photovoltaic (PV) power, and a battery bank. The energy system can fulfill the load demand for electricity at any moment by connecting various renewable sources. It can function both off and on the grid. The microgrid may occasionally not be able to provide sufficient electricity, while every green energy source's electricity contribution is based on how its supply varies and how much power is needed to meet demand. As a result, a diesel generator is required as additional backup power, particularly while operating off-grid. This paper designs and implements an MPPT technique for a PV system based on the GWO algorithm. By creating PWM pulses in response to variations in the PV panel voltage, this method modifies the converter's duty cycle, while wind turbines using MPPT based on P&O, to get the most out of hybrid energy sources that are renewable while simultaneously enhancing the quality of power. The priority sources of electricity for the grid are photovoltaics and wind power. Based on the results of simulations and experiments, the proposed control method for DC, which uses the MPPT approach, can dynamically switch between all of the system's various modes of operation, independent of the battery's condition or environment, ensuring safe operation and constant bus voltage. An analysis was conducted on the suggested system's performance. It has been noted that compared to the conventional approaches, the suggested GWO-based MPPT methodology is quicker and produces fewer MPP oscillations. It offers a more effective reaction to quickly shifting atmospheric conditions. Results of simulation for the recommended control scheme with MATLAB/Simulink.

Fluctuating selection in a monkeyflower hybrid zone

Abstract While hybridization was viewed as a hindrance to adaptation and speciation by early evolutionary biologists, recent studies have demonstrated the importance of hybridization in facilitating evolutionary processes. However, it is still not well-known what role spatial and temporal variation in natural selection play in the maintenance of naturally occurring hybrid zones. To identify whether hybridization is adaptive between two closely related monkeyflower species, Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus laciniatus, we performed repeated reciprocal transplants between natural hybrid and pure species’ populations. We planted parental genotypes along with multiple experimental hybrid generations in a dry (2021) and extremely wet (2023) year in the Sierra Nevada, CA. By taking fine-scale environmental measurements, we found that the environment of the hybrid zone is more similar to M. laciniatus’s seasonally dry rocky outcrop habitat than M. guttatus’s moist meadows. In our transplants hybridization does not appear to be maintained by a consistent fitness advantage of hybrids over parental species in hybrid zones, but rather a lack of strong selection against hybrids. We also found higher fitness of the drought-adapted species, M. laciniatus, than M. guttatus in both species’ habitats, as well as phenotypic selection for M. laciniatus-like traits in the hybrid habitat in the dry year of our experiment. These findings suggest that in this system, hybridization might function to introduce drought-adapted traits and genes from M. laciniatus into M. guttatus, specifically in years with limited soil moisture. However, we also find evidence of genetic incompatibilities in second generation hybrids in the wetter year, which may balance a selective advantage of M. laciniatus introgression. Therefore, we find that hybridization in this system is both potentially adaptive and costly, and that the interaction of positive and negative selection likely determines patterns of gene flow between these Mimulus species.

Impact of electric circuit configurations on power generation in a photovoltaic and thermoelectric generator hybrid system

Energy harvesting using a thermoelectric generator (TEG) leverages the Seebeck effect to generate electricity from temperature differences. As the demand for electrical energy rises, especially in zero-energy buildings and building conversions, there is an increasing focus on recovering untapped energy sources within buildings. This study aims to analyze the thermal characteristics of a hybrid energy harvester that integrates a TEG with phase change materials (PCM), with the objective of recovering and generating power from wasted sunlight and heat within a building envelope. Additionally, we experimentally investigated the circuit configuration of the TEG to optimize energy harvesting. The experimental results highlighted distinct power generation patterns depending on the TEG's location. To achieve maximum power output, TEGs exhibiting similar power generation patterns should be configured in series to ensure optimal performance. Implementing the maximum power circuit configuration resulted in a 70 % increase in power generation compared to a non-optimized configuration. Moreover, configuring an equal number of TEGs in series yielded a 94.4 % increase in power generation compared to a scenario where all TEGs were connected in series on a single panel.

Technical and economic feasibility of hybrid power generation from urban solid waste associated with solar energy, considering the impact of the sale of carbon credits

In the global context of energy transition, from a model dependent on fossil fuels to a low-carbon matrix, hybrid plants, those that combine more than one energy source, prove to be an effective strategy for the increasing of the use of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the creation of instruments that consider the environmental benefits of energy sources, such as the carbon credit market, which allows the trading of avoided CO2 emissions in the energy generation process, can contribute to the economic viability of low emission sources. In this sense, the objective of this research was to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of hybrid generation from municipal solid waste (MSW) associated with photovoltaic energy, to meet the demands of small city councils in Brazil, considering the commercialization of carbon credits. The economic indicators Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Capital Payback Time (PAYBACK) and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) were calculated for four different MSW management scenarios of the Intermunicipal Consortium of Municipalities of the Alto Sapucaí for Sanitary Landfill (CIMASAS, in portuguese), considering different percentages of recycling of dry and organic materials. The generation modalities Self-Production (APE, in portuguese) and Mini and Micro Distributed Generation (MMGD, in portuguese), provided for in the Brazilian regulatory framework, were considered. The results demonstrated that there are technical and economic viability in the proposed hybrid generation in all scenarios analyzed, and as the percentage of recovery of recyclable materials increases, there is an improvement in economic indicators. On average, in the APE modality, the NPV was 49.10 % higher than in MMGD, the IRR was 21.66 % higher, the payback was 51.68 % lower and the LCOE was 40.80 % lower than in MMGD. The inclusion of revenue from the sale of carbon credits promoted an average increase of 47.33 % in NPV, 24.09 % in IRR, and a decrease of, on average, 28.17 % in payback and 40.57 % in LCOE, in APE modality. In the MMGD modality, there was an average increase of 134.99 % in NPV, 39.46 % in IRR, and a decrease of, on average, 38.61 % in payback and 36.98 % in LCOE. These results demonstrate how the incorporation of environmental valuation in energy generation can contribute to increasing the economic attractiveness of hybrid generation from renewable sources.