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Adaptive estimation of battery pack state of charge with optical fibre strain measurements
Get PDFBattery packs are critical components in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, yet reliable pack state-of-charge (SOC) estimation remains challenging due to cell-to-cell heterogeneity, dense sensor wiring, and computation that scales with pack size when monitoring all individual cells. This study introduces an optical fibre sensing approach that replaces conventional multi-sensor networks with a more compact set of sensors capable of monitoring entire cell modules while maintaining only pack-level voltage measurements. This allows the development of an innovative strain–charge sensitivity (SCS) analysis methodology that identifies representative cells by capturing subtle mechanical behaviour changes during charging cycles. More specifically, the SCS analysis reveals distinctive peak patterns that correlate with battery ageing states, providing an accurate diagnostic indicator for cell degradation assessment. When the SCS analysis is assisted with a Gaussian Process Regression-based adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter, more accurate and robust battery pack SOC estimation can be achieved under variable operating conditions. Experimental validation using a battery pack composed of two NCR18650 cylindrical cells demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving SOC estimation with 1.28 % Mean Absolute Percentage Error under dynamic conditions, significantly outperforming conventional methods. Under static discharging conditions, the adaptive model maintains a Root Mean Square Error of 0.46, representing improvements exceeding 67 % compared to existing approaches. Additional validation using a LiFePO4 pouch cell pack confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method for different cell technologies, achieving 77.27 % improvement compared to existing methods. This integrated sensing–modelling framework represents a significant advancement in battery-pack state estimation for large-scale applications
A clearer picture: Using fetal MRI to diagnose neck masses and predict airway compromise
Get PDFIntroduction
Fetal neck masses are rare but can be life-threatening if causing airway compromise. Early and accurate diagnosis of these masses allows life-saving interventions to be undertaken at birth in the form of the EXIT procedure.
Methods
A single institution case series of all patients referred for fetal MRI to a tertiary center in the North of England due to presence of a neck mass on antenatal ultrasound. Data concerning the MRI findings for each patient and their final diagnosis were collected to create a flow chart proposing the most likely diagnosis based on fetal MRI features.
Results
13 patients who underwent fetal MRI for a neck mass with a final diagnosis available were included in the analysis. This review shows the range of diagnoses in these patients and that MRI was accurate in predicting airway compression and the need for the EXIT procedure.
Conclusion
Fetal MRI is a valuable tool in addition to ultrasound for refining the diagnosis of masses of the fetal neck and assessment of airway patency to allow planning for management at birth.
Summary
What's already known about this topic?
Early diagnosis of fetal neck masses is important for antenatal counselling and for planning management at birth.
What does this study add?
Use of fetal MRI allows refinement of the diagnosis and accurate assessment of airway patency prior to birth
Technical performance evolution of BEVs: range, consumption and weight projections to 2050
Get PDFBattery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are assuming a pivotal role in the road electrification, with continuous advancements in technology. This UK-focused study analyses the evolution of the technical parameters of BEVs between 2011 and 2024 and forecasts their development to 2050 for a range of scenarios (pessimistic, realistic and optimistic) focusing on range, energy consumption and vehicle weight. The research is underpinned by a data set of the technical specifications of 575 BEV models. The relationships between the parameters were revealed by machine learning (Random Forest and SHAP), with the forecast performed using the Prophet. The driving range of a typical C segment Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is forecast to increase by between 60 % and 180 %, vehicle weight and energy consumption varied between 1051–2000 kg and 267–286 Wh/mile, respectively, depending on the scenarios and underlying assumptions. The findings provide evidence-based insights for automotive technology planning and weight-based fiscal policy responses
Low-uncertainty measurement of the 239Pu(n,f) cross section at n_TOF in a very broad energy range from 0.02 eV up to 10 MeV
Get PDFThe 239Pu(n,f) cross section was measured with uncertainties below 4 % from 20 meV up to 10 MeV of neutron energy at CERN’s n_TOF facility using a novel fission fragment detector with a 185.59 m flight path. Measured cross section was normalized to 1059(6) eV · b in the 9–20 eV energy range, and is consistent within uncertainties with the standard thermal value and the IAEA reference 239Pu(n,f) cross section. Experimental key values include the integral ratio I3/I1=41.20(42) defined by Duran et al. 2024 and the spectrum averaged cross section in 252Cf(sf) reference neutron field of 1802(40) mb
NaNbO3–BaTiO3–Ba0.93Ca0.07TiO3 ceramic composites for temperature stable X8R rated dielectrics
Get PDFX7R rated dielectrics with room temperature relative permittivity (εr) of ∼2000 are produced as ceramic–ceramic composites based on a ferroelectric BaTiO3 matrix (BT, Curie Temperature, Tc = 122 °C) and a relaxor-ferroelectric Na0.6Ba0.4Nb0.6Ti0.4O3 filler (Tmax = −135 °C at 250 kHz) in a respective 80:20 wt. % mass fraction. X8R rating is achieved when the composite is formed with a Ba0.93Ca0.07TiO3 (BCT, Tc = 129 °C) matrix phase instead of BT. The enhancement from X7R to X8R performance is attributed to creating a broader εr peak at ∼121 °C due to a wider distribution of A-site cations in the composite, as opposed to an increase in Tc of monolithic BCT
Shifting paradigms:towards dynamic approaches to sustain Anthropocene lake ecosystems
Get PDFProtecting, managing, and restoring freshwater ecosystems in the Anthropocene is essential to tackling the triple planetary crises of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. However, conventional restoration frameworks often struggle to account for the rapid and nonlinear dynamics that characterize ecological transitions today. In this review, we synthesize emerging insights from freshwater restoration research and propose a novel bivariate framework that integrates both the rate and magnitude of change from a long-term, evolutionary perspective. By examining multidecadal to centennial trajectories and dynamics using paleoenvironmental records, our framework offers a more nuanced classification of ecosystem status along a degradation continuum. Specifically, we categorize four ecosystem types based on their state (from minimally disturbed to highly degraded) and their rate of change (from slow to fast). Each type is associated with distinct system dynamics, restoration potentials, and strategic considerations. To demonstrate practical utility, we apply the framework to a representative Anthropocene lake undergoing severe ecological degradation. While centered on freshwater systems, the framework offers broader relevance for understanding and guiding restoration in other ecosystem types. We conclude by identifying key knowledge gaps and future research directions needed to enhance ecosystem resilience and inform adaptive management in a rapidly changing world
A manifesto for plant science education
No full textSocietal Impact Statement
Plants provide oxygen, food, shelter, medicines and environmental services, without which human society could not exist. Tackling pressing and global challenges requires well-trained plant scientists and plant-aware individuals. This manifesto provides a practical evidence-based vision to strengthen plant science education, focused on five strategic priorities. It is relevant to all stakeholders within plant science and beyond: from frontline educators to institutional leaders; from commercial or charitable professionals to entrepreneurs and donors; from individual community members to their legislative representatives. Strengthening plant science education demands concrete actions from all stakeholders, ultimately to the benefit of us all.
Summary
Plant science education needs urgent attention. Skilled plant scientists are needed to address major environmental and societal challenges, and global communities require plant-aware professionals to drive impactful policy, research and environmental stewardship. This manifesto was collaboratively generated by a community of educators who gathered to reflect on the state of plant science education. The forward-facing document provides a clear strategy for plant science education, complementing existing research strategies. Five themes were identified as essential for meeting the evolving needs of plant science, educators and learners: (i) plants must be at the centre of an education that addresses global challenges and societal values; (ii) plant science education must prepare students for their futures using bold and effective pedagogies; (iii) equity, diversity and inclusion must be robustly embedded in educational practices; (iv) local and strategic partnerships (with industry and beyond) are required to strengthen academic education; and (v) plant science educators need resources and opportunities to develop and connect. The manifesto is intended as a framework for change. Educators, funders, publishers, industry representatives, policymakers and all other members of our communities must commit to sustained investment in plant science education. By proactively and collectively embracing the recommendations provided, the sector has an opportunity to cultivate a new generation equipped with the knowledge, skills and passion to unlock the full potential of photosynthetic organisms.
Graphical Abstract
Plants provide oxygen, food, shelter, medicines and environmental services, without which human society could not exist. Tackling pressing and global challenges requires well-trained plant scientists and plant-aware individuals. This manifesto provides a practical evidence-based vision to strengthen plant science education, focussed on five strategic priorities. It is relevant to all stakeholders within plant science and beyond: from frontline educators to institutional leaders; from commercial or charitable professionals to entrepreneurs and donors; from individual community members to their legislative representatives. Strengthening plant science education demands concrete actions from all stakeholders, ultimately to the benefit of us all
Friction and wear reduction by glycerol oleates: The molecular basis for performance variations in the presence of water and acetic acid
Get PDFFriction and wear reduction by pure and technical grade glycerol monooleates (GMOs) was investigated in commercial and model base oils, including the influence of water and acetic acid (AA) impurities. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) indicated they cause micelle swelling and elongation. AA reduces the separation of OFM from oil at room temperature (RT). Tribotests in a mini-traction machine with white light interferometry (WLI) show that OFMs decrease the traction coefficient, especially at higher temperatures. AA addition also lowered the traction coefficient at RT. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed surface chemical changes that depend on both tribotest conditions and lubricant composition. Wear was associated with the oxidation of metallic iron. The effects of impurities intrinsic to technical GMO appeared to be significant
Placement of dedicated lanes for autonomous vehicles considering the changes of urban spatial structure
No full textThis paper investigates the placement schemes of dedicated lanes for autonomous vehicles (AVs) considering the changes of urban spatial structure in a closed city, where AVs and regular vehicles (RVs) coexist. An urban spatial equilibrium model for a monocentric and circular city is formulated, in which the travel and residential location choice are interdependent, considering the variable road capacity and reduced value of travel time brought by AVs. The theoretical boundary for the AV proportion in flow with the positive and negative influence of dedicated AV lanes on traffic efficiency are given. Then, the optimized placement of dedicated lanes for AVs, with and without consideration of residential relocation, are examined. First, the short-term effects of a dedicated AV lane are examined under a fixed residential distribution, with the objective of minimizing total travel time. The results indicate that a dedicated AV lane improves traffic efficiency only when the market penetration rate (MPR) of AVs is at a moderate level. Second, the long-term effects of a dedicated AV lane are considered, allowing for changes in residential location choices. In this case, the design objective is to maximize social welfare, and the optimal solution requires a shorter dedicated AV lane compared to the short-term scenario. The findings reveal the opposite spatial changes, that is, dedicated AV lanes encourage AV users to relocate farther from the city center, while RV users tend to move closer. Furthermore, neglecting the long-term relocation behavior of residents leads to inaccurate travel time estimates and excessive infrastructure investments
Governance, regulation and public trust in xenotransplantation
No full textPurpose of review
Across the world, several solid organ xenotransplants have been reported as being provided to deceased people and to living patients. In the US, xenotransplants to living patients have been authorised under the Food and Drug Administration’s Expanded Access program, and clinical liver and kidney xenotransplants have also been reported in China. During 2025, the first clinical trials of kidney and liver xenotransplants have been approved in the US. These developments make it necessary to understand the regulatory and governance issues and challenges raised by clinical xenotransplants.
Recent findings
Key regulatory and governance issues remain to be addressed before xenotransplant clinical trials begin, including identifying the responsible regulator, drafting informed consent protocols, and establishing long-term monitoring regimens. International cooperation and collaboration are key to establishing appropriate and effective regulatory regimes and frameworks which enable science to proceed while offering the necessary protections to those involved. Public awareness, education and trust are central to the success of clinical xenotransplantation.
Summary
Starting xenotransplant clinical trials too soon without appropriate regulation and governance, may affect public trust in this biotechnology specifically and science more generally. The possible risks of xenotransplantation necessitate exploration of global harmonisation and regulatory frameworks for clinical xenotransplantation
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