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The present study investigates the enhancement of latent heat capacity and thermal stability in hybrid nano-enhanced solid–solid phase change materials (SS-PCMs) using Neopentyl Glycol (NPG) as the base material. The key contribution of this work lies in incorporating copper oxide (CuO) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles to optimize thermal performance and ensure long-term stability. CuO (1 wt.%) and TiO₂ (0.1, 0.3, 0.5,0.7 wt%) were introduced into the matrix, and the thermal properties were systematically evaluated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) before and after 500 thermal cycles. The optimal composition, consisting of 1 wt% CuO and 0.3 wt% TiO₂, demonstrated an initial latent heat capacity of 117 J/g, which increased to 123 J/g post-cycling, indicating exceptional thermal stability and phase retention. To further enhance predictive capabilities and reduce experimental costs, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed using the Keras API in Python to estimate thermal behaviour. The model achieved a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9479) and a low root-mean-square error (RMSE = 2.0307), underscoring its accuracy and reliability. These findings establish the efficacy of hybrid nanoparticle incorporation in improving SS-PCMs’ thermal properties and emphasise the viability of machine learning as a robust predictive tool, mitigating the time and economic constraints associated with extensive experimental investigations.

Climate change poses significant challenges to livestock production worldwide. Wherein, it affects communities in developing nations primarily dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry. Its direct and indirect deleterious effects on agriculture and animal husbandry includes aberrant changes in weather patterns resulting in disturbed homeorhetic mechanism of livestock vis a vis indirectly affecting nutrient composition of feed and fodder. The nutritional stress (i.e. non-availability of nutrients in the required quantity and quality for particular livestock) is the critical factor affecting livestock performance, productivity, and reproductive efficiency. Nutritional stress may arise from both macro- and micro- nutrient imbalances; however, micronutrients are of paramount importance in climate change context due to their role in various vital functions of body namely, body metabolism, production, reproduction, and health. The micronutrients, minerals and vitamins, when supplied in adequate quantity and proportion aid in mitigating the stress induced by climate change on animals. Here, we tried to discuss the impact of climate change induced stresses on milk production, reproduction, and metabolic acclimation of heat-stressed animals. Furthermore, emphasis is given on the importance of dietary micronutrients management strategies to support livestock health and resilience during changing climatic conditions. By addressing the nutritional needs of livestock, farmers can achieve sustainability and well-being in livestock production under changing climatic condition.

ABSTRACTThe analysis of the dispatchable potential of fuel‐cell hybrid electric vehicle (FCHEV) is particularly important to ensure the stable operation of the power system, but the uncertainty of vehicle owners' charging scheduling brings challenges to the analysis of the dispatchable potential of FCHEV aggregators. Therefore, this paper comprehensively considers the influence of vehicle charging scheduling uncertainty on the dispatchable potential of FCHEV aggregators, and proposes an analysis method for the dispatchable potential of FCHEV aggregators. In the context of urban transportation networks, the charging behavior of FCHEV is analyzed and modeled. From the subjective and objective perspectives, the evaluation index of the owner's charging scheduling was established. According to the relevant theories of behavioral psychology, the willingness of vehicle owners to participate in the dispatch of the power system is calculated, and the dispatchable potential of FCHEV aggregators is analyzed. Through the verification of examples, the analysis method proposed in this paper can effectively describe the uncertainty of vehicle owners' charging scheduling and ensure the validity of the evaluation results of dispatchable potential.

The study employed batch shake flasks to evaluate the impact of various nitrogen sources, phosphate levels, and sodium acetate (Na-acetate) on the Rhodotorula mucilaginosa growth and metabolite production. Adding Na-acetate to the medium resulted in significant improvements in critical metabolites. In shake flask experiments, this led to a cell dry weight (CDW) of 1.65 ± 0.94 g L-1, with lipids comprising 66.53% of the biomass. While β-carotene and carotenoid were 5.84 ± 0.05 and 37.66 ± 2.13 µg g-1, respectively. Subsequent experiments in a batch reactor with Na-acetate supplementation further improved these metrics. CDW increased to 5.02 ± 0.83 g L-1, and lipid content to 65.73 ± 0.81%. Carotenoid production rose to 40.33 ± 1.84 µg g-1, with β-carotene reaching 17.63 ± 0.32 µg g-1. The most promising results were obtained using a fed-batch bioreactor strategy with Na-acetate. R. mucilaginosa achieved the highest yields across all parameters: 48.36 ± 1.14 µg g-1 of total carotenoids, 21.38 ± 1.14 µg g-1 of β-carotene, and a lipid content of 68.58 ± 1.95%.

Abstract This research presents a straightforward and economically efficient design for a microbial fuel cell (MFC) that can be conveniently integrated into a borehole to monitor natural attenuation in groundwater. The design employs conventional, transparent, and reusable PVC bailers with graphite tape and granular activated carbon to create high surface area electrodes. These electrodes are connected across redox environments in nested boreholes through a wire and variable resistor setup. The amended electrodes were installed in pre-existing boreholes surrounding a groundwater plume near a former gasworks facility. Among all the MFC locations tested, the MFC at the plume fringe exhibited the highest electrical response and displayed significant variations in the differential abundance of key bacterial and archaeal taxa between the anode and cathode electrodes. The other MFC configurations in the plume center and uncontaminated groundwater showed little to no electrical response, suggesting minimal microbial activity. This straightforward approach enables informed decision-making regarding effectively monitoring, enhancing, or designing degradation strategies for groundwater plumes. It offers a valuable tool for understanding and managing contaminant degradation in such environments.

This study quantified the environmental impacts of residue burning of major produced and burned crops in Madhya Pradesh, central India. The environmental impacts were quantified using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) coupled with Monte Carlo simulation of 1000 iterations. Crop wise marginal impacts of the crops have been quantified using Multivariate regression model. The results showed that sugarcane and rice have the highest emissions in key impact categories, such as particulate matter formation (PMF) and global warming potential (GWP), whereas wheat and maize exhibit comparatively lower impacts. The combustion of residues significantly increases marine eutrophication (MEUT), agricultural land use (ALU), terrestrial acidification (TEAF) and GWP. Each kilogram of burned residue results in an increase of 21% in MEUT, 0.05% in ALU, 0.046% in TEAF and 0.028% in GWP, intensifying climate change. The results underscore the immediate necessity for specialized residue management strategies for sugarcane and rice crops. It is advisable to utilize sustainable alternatives such as composting or biochar production to mitigate emissions and enhance soil health, thereby addressing environmental and human health issues.

The construction industry consumes natural resources rapidly due to the increased population which requires the development of modern buildings. Therefore, several researchers pay attention to promoting sustainable construction. Among different types of waste, ceramic waste (CW) gained attention in concrete production which reduced the waste dumps from the ceramic industry and improved concrete sustainability. Although several researchers recommend the suitability of CW in concrete production. However, a detailed review is required which summarizes all the relevant information and provides compressive information on its impact on concrete performance. Recently, different researchers reviewed the suitability of CW in concrete. However, most researchers focus on strength properties while limited researchers focus on the durability and microstructure properties of CM concrete. Therefore, this review summarized the concrete durability and microstructure aspects with the substitution of CW. The durability performance of concrete was evaluated through percentages of voids, chloride penetration, water absorption, sulfuric acid resistance, shrinkage, freeze and thaw effect, corrosion resistance, and sulfate resistance. Furthermore, microstructure was reviewed through x ray diffraction, thermal stability, pozzolanic activity and scanning electronic microstructure. Also, the review evaluates the environmental and cost-benefits analysis of CW concrete through embodied energy (EE), carbon emissions (ECO2e), and costs. The findings indicate that CW can effectively replace 10%–15% of conventional materials in concrete, offering both environmental and economic advantages.

Increasing evidence demonstrates a robust link between environmental pollutants and allergic reactions, with air and indoor pollution exacerbating respiratory allergies and climate change intensifying seasonal allergies. Comprehensive action, including government regulations, public awareness, and individual efforts, is essential to mitigate pollution's impact on allergies and safeguard public health and ecological balance. Recent findings indicate a strong correlation between environmental pollutants and allergic reactions, with air pollution from vehicular emissions and industrial activities exacerbating respiratory allergies like asthma and allergic rhinitis. Additionally, indoor pollutants such as mold and volatile organic compounds are significant triggers of allergic responses, especially among vulnerable populations. Furthermore, climate change, driven by pollution, is intensifying seasonal allergies due to altered weather patterns and increased pollen production. This review emphasizes the critical importance of addressing pollution and allergies, highlighting the growing concerns in contemporary society. This review highlights the urgent need to address pollution and allergies, emphasizing their increasing significance in modern society and outlining effective allergy management strategies.

The present work aims to perform a thermoeconomic assessment of a battery pack integrating a novel compact coolant system through which Al2O3, TiO2, CuO, and Cu nanofluids flow at different Reynolds numbers and concentrations. The inlets in the north and west and the outlets in the south and east directions are found to be the best configuration since the least number of batteries exhibits higher temperatures. A nanofluid-based cooling system offers an improvement of 15 K in battery core temperature when compared to the pack without any coolant system at 200 s; however, a reduction of 0.3 K is noticed when compared to water. CuO nanoparticles perform better at a low concentration of 2%, whereas Cu particles have an advantage over other nanoparticles at a concentration greater than 2%. An economic analysis of the nanofluid has also been performed, eradicating the idea of using Cu–water nanofluid in the coolant system owing to its significantly high cost. Though the cost of the CuO and Al2O3 nanofluid is 13 times lower than Cu, using pure water as the coolant is recommended since there is a marginal reduction of 0.1–0.3 K in the battery pack temperature when water is replaced by nanofluid.