Mode-dependent inductor current peak control for achieving ZVS in four-switch buck-boost converters

Simultaneous detection of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is crucial for the analysis of seized materials and cannabis-based preparations. To address this need, a simple, rapid, and selective electrochemical method was developed for the preliminary detection and quantification of both cannabinoids. The proposed method employs unmodified carbon screen-printed electrodes (carbon-SPEs) in a strongly alkaline medium (0.5molL-1 NaOH solution). The electrochemical behaviors of THC and CBD were investigated over a wide range of pH values, enabling a simultaneous detection with distinct peak potentials observed on carbon-SPE (vs Ag). THC exhibited a single irreversible oxidation process (O1T) on the carbon-SPE surface, whereas CBD showed, for the first time, five well-defined electrochemical processes, with two reduction processes (R1C and R2C) and three oxidation processes (O1C, O2C and O3C). Square wave voltammetric technique was optimized for the simultaneous determination of THC and CBD using their oxidation processes at O1T and O3C on carbon-SPE, with limits of detection of 0.09μmolL-1 and 2.72μmolL-1, respectively. Moreover, consistent electrochemical responses were obtained using either the same (N=5) or different SPEs (N=3), with RSDs lower than 5.6% and 2.0 % for peak currents and peak potentials, respectively. Method applicability was confirmed by analyzing thirty-five (35) real seized samples and seven cannabis-based products, showing good agreement with GC-MS results. Addition-recovery studies using real seized samples yielded values close to 100 % for both analytes: 102±2 % for O1T (THC) and 103.3±0.8 % for O3C (CBD). These findings highlight the method's potential as a reliable, low-cost, and field-deployable tool for forensic screening and quality control in cannabis-derived products.

In recent years, several multiplexed point-of-care platforms have been developed as diagnostic tools for sepsis. However, the current versions suffer from poor electrode consistency, analyte interference, and complicated production challenges. Here, we report a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based trimodal multiplex sensor for the concurrent detection of three sepsis biomarkers: procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The device has three active sensing areas. Each area contains a conductive paste comprising trypan blue (TB)-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF). The MOF paste acts as a transduction layer and is modified with aptamers specific to each analyte. The design includes barriers, optimized channel geometries, and capillary stops to keep electrolytes separate, preventing cross-contamination and off-target binding. The TB-MOF material, with its extended π-conjugation, allows direct electron transfer, which is amplified by surface modification with 3-phosphonopropionic acid (3-PPA). This enhanced electron transfer reduces charge transfer resistance (Rct), lowers redox potential, and increases peak currents by ∼5-10-fold compared to the unmodified MOF paste. The increased density and orientation of aptamers, caused by the phosphonic acid groups of 3-PPA, also increase the number of binding sites, leading to significant changes in electrochemical reversibility following immobilization. With such arrangements, the subsequent aptasensors achieved detection limits of approximately 0.204 pg mL-1 (PCT), 0.02 mg mL-1 (CRP), and 0.315 pg mL-1 (IL-6), with cross-reactivity below 5%. Overall, this single-formulation platform is graphene-free, shows reproducible baseline stability, and provides a cost-effective approach for producing disposable diagnostic cartridges for sepsis with high specificity.

We report on express hydrogen peroxide detection in breath aerosol, omitting the stage of its intermediate collection. Express detection is possible through aerosol capillary condensation by graphene oxide (GO) and hygroscopic salt (KF) layers onto the sensor surface based on Prussian Blue (PB) being the most advantageous electrocatalyst for H2O2 reduction. The optimal composition of the condensing membrane (≥30 μg·cm-2 of GO; ∼6 μmol·cm-2 of KF) ensures sufficient PB electroactivity with the redox-peak separation below 100 mV already after 5 s from the start of aerosol passage (80 mL·s-1). Express aerosol analysis is performed by short-circuiting the working and Ag electrodes, resulting in a current peak generated within 2 s. Its height is proportional to the H2O2 content in the aerosol liquid phase in the range from 0.3 to 10 µM. Similar to the standard method based on preliminary aerosol collection, the collection-free direct H2O2 detection in breath aerosol allows distinguishing pulmonary oxidative stress of patients suffering from inflammatory diseases and that of smokers. The express analysis of breath aerosol on the basis of its capillary condensation would obviously open a new area in non-invasive diagnostics of pulmonary disorders.

ABSTRACT Unreliable piped water systems in peri-urban areas force households to employ complex multi-source water management strategies, yet little is understood about these interconnected choices. This study examines household water supply decisions in peri-urban Central India using discrete choice modelling with 250 households. Binary and multinomial logit models analyse pipe network connections and source selection for drinking versus bathing. Results show higher income, education and storage capacity increase piped water use for bathing, while female literacy and quality perceptions favour piped/hand pump water for drinking. The study recommends differentiated service levels based on willingness to pay, emphasizing demand-side management approaches.

Modular stacked bioelectrocatalytic-triphasic constructed wetland for continuous wastewater treatment.

Brightness optimization in a 200 keV DTEM source by geometry-driven aberration suppression.

Toward a just and robust energy transition in Indonesia: A multi-scale, multi-dimensional assessment of coal moratorium and renewable energy integration.

The transition toward sustainable cities requires integrated energy planning frameworks that coordinate multiple technologies, policy instruments, and social considerations. This study proposes a robust optimization framework for rich-renewables eco-sustainable urban communities, where multi-energy hubs including electricity, thermal, cooling, and hydrogen systems are jointly managed under uncertainty. A scenario-independent static robust model is developed to ensure reliable operation under renewable intermittency, supported by sensitivity analyses. The framework introduces hydrogen chemistry consortium processes, integrating electrolyzers, methanation, fuel cells, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage to enhance renewable utilization and reduce emissions. Both stationary storage systems and electric public transportation fleets are incorporated to provide distributed and mobile energy flexibility. Demand-side management and policy mechanisms, including carbon taxation and cap-and-trade, are embedded to align operations with environmental targets. A digital-social welfare layer evaluates affordability and equitable access. Simulation results across multiple scenarios demonstrate that the proposed framework reduces operational costs by over 45%, improves grid independence by more than 35%, and achieves emission reductions exceeding 90%. Welfare indicators also show significant improvement, confirming the effectiveness of the integrated approach.

This study investigates the electrochemical interaction between CuCl2 and a pyridine-based Schiff base ligand in aqueous KCl using cyclic voltammetry at 302.15K. Significant shifts in peak potentials and currents confirmed stable Cu(II)-ligand complex formation. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters revealed diffusion-controlled processes and favorable complexation with negative Gibbs free energy values. Molecular docking studies were conducted on the free ligand against the SARS-CoV-2 protein (7JWY), showing moderate binding affinity through hydrogen bonding interactions. The ligand also exhibited antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 0.154 mg mL- 1.

This study investigates the fabrication of laser-scribed graphene (LSG) electrodes on polyimide substrates using a CO2 laser cutter for label-free L-Histidine detection in artificial sweat. Two-level full factorial and central composite designs were employed to optimize critical manufacturing parameters, including laser speed, power, and electrode width. Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry with K3Fe[CN]6 demonstrated superior LSG electrode performance compared to standard glassy carbon electrodes, exhibiting a 702 ± 62% higher oxidation current peak at 0.56 mM K3Fe[CN]6 in 0.1 M KCl. We successfully demonstrated the label-free electrochemical detection of L-Histidine in artificial sweat using these LSG electrodes. The results show a linear relationship (R2 = 0.987) between current peak and L-Histidine concentration within the 8.3 mM to 50 mM range, demonstrating high sensitivity towards L-Histidine. These findings highlight the potential of this optimized LSG electrode fabrication approach for developing high-performance, user-friendly, and disposable wearable biosensors for real-time and non-invasive health monitoring applications in sweat analysis.

Enhancing hybrid renewable system performance through load shifting: A multi-objective optimization and forecasting approach

Optimization dispatching strategy for microgrid clusters with the integration of carbon quota trading

Stress-testing the EU energy system: Modeling resilience without Russian gas

A 4-MA fast linear-transformer-driver facility with six modules in parallel has been built at the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology. To meet different experimental requirements, a series of current pulse tailoring experiments were performed by adjusting the charging voltage and trigger time of the six modules. Through single-module discharge experiments, the transmission characteristics of a single electrical pulse in the stack-MITL system and its impact on other pulse sources were studied in advance. By optimizing the discharge sequence of the six modules in time and space, the tailoring experiments did not cause damage to the facility. The results show that the 4-MA facility can generate a ramp current pulse with a rise time of 100-375ns and a peak current of 1.45-4 MA. In addition, a quasi-square pulse with a 1.25-MA peak current and a 350-ns pulse length (80%) was achieved.

Abstract A commercial screen-printed carbon electrode was employed as a low-cost platform for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA). The surface of the working electrode and solutions of AA were characterized by Raman and UV–Vis analysis. The surface of the working and counter electrodes is composed of carbon, while the surface of the reference electrode is made of polyester. The surface of the electrode became covered with material when in contact with AA, and EDS showed a decrease in the content of carbon in the electrode area and an increase in the content of oxygen and of elements that are a part of the PBS buffer solution. The UV–Vis spectra of AA showed an absorption band at wavelengths of 265–270 nm, which increased in intensity with increase in concentration. The electrochemical behavior of AA was found to involve an irreversible oxidation and a broad anodic peak with no cathodic peak. The current of the anodic peak varied linearly with the square root of the scan rate, indicating that the mass transport process is controlled by a diffusion mechanism. Chronoamperometry provided stepwise current responses that varied linearly with the concentration of AA. A calibration plot was obtained with R 2 = 0.997 for the concentration range of 10–100 µM. Chronoamperometry was found to be the most convenient method for the detection of AA using the commercial screen-printed carbon electrode.

This research develops a water-centric nexus assessment framework for Thailand’s major crops: rice, sugarcane, and cassava, within shared cultivation areas. The framework examines interaction among water use, agricultural productivity, and economic performance, positioning water as the central analytical dimension. A 10-year monthly dataset (2013–2022) from official sources was examined, and farmer interviews confirmed the relevance of variables, cost structures, and adaptive capacity. Applying a system-thinking approach using VENSIM software to construct causal loop diagrams and perform scenario-based analyses rather than full dynamic simulations. The framework integrates three normalized components: water mass productivity, economic water productivity, and water security, into a composite nexus index. Results indicate that sugarcane has the highest water productivity (0.010 tons/m 3 ), followed by cassava (0.004 tons/m 3 ) and rice (0.00031 tons/m 3 ). Sugarcane also demonstrates superior economic water productivity, yielding higher profits per unit of water consumed. Sensitivity analysis reveals that expanding cultivation areas generally reduces water security; however, productivity and water-use efficiency improvements can offset these impacts up to crop-specific land-use thresholds. The sustainable annual expansion rates are estimated at 0.68% for sugarcane and 0.75% for cassava, while rice requires a 0.26% reduction in cultivated area to sustain a positive Water–Economy–Food nexus. Beyond these thresholds, the nexus turns unfavorable. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of demand-side water management, strategic crop allocation, and farmer adaptability in sustaining a stable water-centric nexus. The proposed framework provides a practical decision-support tool for integrated agricultural water management and policy development in Thailand. • Developed a validated WEF Nexus framework using 10 years of real data for Thailand’s agricultural systems. • Sugarcane shows the highest water productivity and economic return, highlighting its resource efficiency potential. • Identified critical crop area thresholds beyond which WEF Nexus stability declines, guiding sustainable land use. • Farmers show moderate-high adaptability, with advanced varieties and controlled irrigation improving system resilience.

A multi-function shared hybrid battery energy storage system for commercial applications: Energy arbitrage, university building and electrical vehicle charging station

Demand-side management for smart homes with battery energy storage systems and electric vehicles integration under day-ahead pricing

A systematic study was conducted to relate gold nanoparticle (AuNP) loading–dependent film morphology on indium tin oxide (ITO) to electron-transfer characteristics and electrochemical signal reproducibility for aptasensor interface design. AuNPs were electrostatically immobilized on amine-functionalized ITO substrates to provide Au S anchoring sites for thiolated DNA aptamers, enabling target-general electrochemical transduction. Combined scanning electron microscopy and square-wave voltammetry revealed that AuNP concentration critically determined film morphology, charge-transport pathways, and measurement dispersion. An intermediate AuNP concentration of 1.0 mM produced the most uniform coverage, minimized charge-transfer resistance surrogates, and yielded the narrowest distribution of SWV peak currents, reflecting reduced coverage-induced heterogeneity while preserving conductive connectivity. In contrast, insufficient (0.5 mM) or excessive (3.0 mM) nanoparticle deposition caused incomplete coverage or aggregation, resulting in attenuated electrochemical response and elevated coefficients of variation. The optimized AuNP/ITO electrodes also exhibited stable, reproducible current attenuation upon aptamer–cell interaction, confirming their suitability as robust electrochemical aptasensor interfaces. These findings establish quantitative design principles for nanostructured AuNP/ITO conductive interfaces by identifying an intermediate coverage regime that maximizes current stability across repeats and supports reliable aptamer-based sensing.