This study proposes a novel hybrid polygeneration system based on a solid oxide fuel cell - gas turbine (SOFCGT) combined cycle integrating a closed Brayton cycle (CBC), an absorption refrigeration cycle (ARC), a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEME), and thermoelectric generators (TEGs) to simultaneously produce electric power, hydrogen (H 2 ), oxygen (O 2 ), and cooling. A thermodynamic analysis is carried out to evaluate the performance of this innovative hybrid system. The results reveal that the SOFC-GT system provides a net electric power output of 598.3 kW, the ARC delivers a cooling capacity of 106.9 kW, and the CBC generates 10.04 kW of net power, including 2.82 kW recovered by the integrated TEG units. The H 2 and O 2 production rates are found to be 1.11 kg/h and 8.78 kg/h, respectively, with a PEME efficiency of 60%. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the proposed system are determined as 63.2% and 51.2%, respectively, with the major exergy destruction occurring in the SOFC-GT subsystem. In addition, parametric analyses are performed to investigate the effects of SOFC stack inlet temperature, current density, and fuel utilization factor on the overall performance of the proposed system.
This study examined how nine wheat cultivars (Glosa, Cömert 2, Bagira, Lucilla, Esperia, Alp 1, Pehlivan, Tosunbey, Hüseyinbey) affect the biological performance and population dynamics of Diuraphis noxia (Russian wheat aphid) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) using the age-stage, two-sex life table approach. The results showed that the pest’s developmental duration, survival patterns, reproductive traits, and population growth parameters differed significantly among host cultivars. Glosa and Cömert 2 were the most favourable hosts for D. noxia, with short pre-adult development, high daily and lifetime fecundity, extended adult longevity, and high intrinsic rates of increase (r). In contrast, Hüseyinbey, Tosunbey, Pehlivan, and Alp 1 were poorly suitable hosts, displaying prolonged development, reduced reproductive output, delayed onset of oviposition, and notably low values of r, λ, and R0. Analyses of age-specific survival (lx), age-stage life expectancy (exj), and reproductive value (vxj) revealed significant reductions in both survival probability and reproductive potential on the more resistant cultivars. In the population projection simulations, a cohort initiated with 10 nymphs expanded to several million individuals on Glosa by day 60, whereas on Hüseyinbey it reached only about 1900 aphids. These projections clearly demonstrate that host-plant resistance is a key factor limiting long-term population growth. The findings indicate that resistant wheat cultivars can be an effective means to reduce reliance on chemical insecticides in managing D. noxia. Overall, the results emphasise that incorporating resistant hosts into integrated pest management (IPM) programmes is essential for sustainable crop production and provides valuable groundwork for future breeding efforts.
The genotype-level compositional stability of essential oil (EO) chemotype expression in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is critical for industrial quality assurance and may also be relevant for preliminary food safety screening, yet remains poorly characterised across the environmental variation encountered in production. This study characterises the environmental modulation of EO yield and chemotype composition in a pre-selected panel of 12 basil genotypes representing four chemotypes (linalool, estragole, citral, and methyl cinnamate) using a three-layer experimental design: (i) ecological variation across three contrasting Turkish locations (Bursa, Eskişehir, Tokat) over two years, (ii) ontogenetic variation across three developmental stages at Bursa, and (iii) seasonal variation between summer and autumn harvests at Tokat (144 unique EO profiles). EO yield was highest at Bursa (0.98 mL·100 g⁻1 dry weight). At Bursa, EO yield increased from pre-flowering to onset of flowering, whereas at Tokat, autumn harvests produced higher yields than summer harvests. Genotype R-10A, representing the estragole chemotype, showed very high genotype-specific compositional stability under the tested ecological conditions (Layer 1 CV = 2.8
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a globally consumed herb whose hydroxycinnamic acid esters and flavonoids contribute to dietary antioxidant intake. This study aimed to characterise the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and developmental-stage variability of twelve Turkish basil genotypes grown across three ecologically contrasting sites. Twelve genotypes were evaluated in a two-year field experiment (Year 1 and Year 2) at three ecologically contrasting locations in Türkiye: Bursa, Eskişehir, and Tokat. Agronomic performance, nine-compound HPLC–TOF phenolic profiles (Year 1), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) were measured. The effects of developmental stage on the phenolic composition of plants from Bursa (Year 1) were characterised. Location was the dominant source of variation in phenolic quality. Plants from Tokat ranked highest for individual phenolic concentrations (Year 1 HPLC–TOF data) and for all three antioxidant assays (two-year means). Rosmarinic acid varied 4.4-fold (59.0–261.8 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW; Year 1), with the highest values recorded for genotypes R-3k, R-19, R-15, and R-4 from Tokat. ABTS antioxidant capacity was 113
The increasing demands associated with higher train speeds and heavier axle loads require ballast materials with well-characterized mechanical, durability, and deformation properties. While numerous studies examine individual aspects of ballast behaviour, few provide an integrated assessment linking small-scale index properties with large-scale cyclic performance. This study addresses this gap through a comprehensive experimental program evaluating four lithologies commonly used or regionally considered for railway infrastructure: olivine, limestone, basalt and phonolite. The program includes particle shape characterization, abrasion and impact resistance tests, freeze–thaw and magnesium sulphate soundness assessments, permeability measurements, modified Proctor and California Bearing Ratio testing, and large-scale cyclic triaxial tests to determine resilient modulus, Poisson’s ratio and permanent deformation. The results reveal clear lithological distinctions. Basalt exhibited the most favourable overall performance, with the lowest abrasion losses, high specific gravity, resilient modulus values exceeding 1500 MPa at 150 kPa confining stress, and permanent deformation below 2 mm after 10,000 load cycles. Olivine showed advantageous particle geometry and high density but recorded the highest Micro-Deval losses and notable freeze–thaw degradation. Limestone displayed moderate mechanical performance and limited durability, whereas phonolite exhibited acceptable stiffness and bearing capacity but higher water absorption and freeze–thaw susceptibility. Permanent deformation followed the logarithmic model with R² values between 0.83 and 0.93, and deformation accumulated primarily within the first 1000 cycles. By integrating thermal, mechanical, and dynamic evaluations within a single framework, this study provides performance-based insights for more reliable, sustainable ballast selection. The findings support a rigorous trade-off analysis between conventional and regional high-performance lithologies, ultimately contributing to improved long-term maintenance strategies for ballasted railway infrastructure.
