A Fe-Co dual-metal co-doped N containing the carbon composite (FeCo-HNC) was prepared by adjusting the ratio of iron to cobalt as well as the pyrolysis temperature with the assistance of functionalized silica template. Fe₁Co-HNC, which was formed with 1D carbon nanotubes and 2D carbon nanosheets including a rich mesoporous structure, exhibited outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activities. The ORR half-wave potential is 0.86 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), and the OER overpotential is 0.76 V at 10 mA cm⁻² with the Fe₁Co-HNC catalyst. It also displayed superior performance in zinc–air batteries. This method provides a promising strategy for the fabrication of efficient transition metal-based carbon catalysts. Full article

Beekeeping provides products with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical characteristics. These products are characterized by abundance of bioactive compounds. For different reasons, honey, royal jelly, propolis, venom, and pollen are beneficial to humans and animals and could be used as therapeutics. The pharmacological action of these products is related to many of their constituents. The main bioactive components of honey include oligosaccharides, methylglyoxal, royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), and phenolics compounds. Royal jelly contains jelleins, royalisin peptides, MRJPs, and derivatives of hydroxy-decenoic acid, particularly 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuromodulatory, metabolic syndrome-preventing, and anti-aging properties. Propolis has a plethora of activities that are referable to compounds such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester. Peptides found in bee venom include phospholipase A2, apamin, and melittin. In addition to being vitamin-rich, bee pollen also includes unsaturated fatty acids, sterols, and phenolics compounds that express antiatherosclerotic, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the constituents of hive products are particular and different. All of these constituents have been investigated for their properties in numerous research studies. This review aims to provide a thorough screening of the bioactive chemicals found in honeybee products and their beneficial biological effects. The manuscript may provide impetus to the branch of unconventional medicine that goes by the name of apitherapy. Full article

A common flame-retardant and plasticizer, triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) is an aryl phosphate ester found in many aquatic environments at nM concentrations. Yet, most studies interrogating its toxicity have used µM concentrations. In this study, we used the model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio) to uncover the developmental impact of nM exposures to TPhP at the phenotypic and molecular levels. At concentrations of 1.5–15 nM (0.5 µg/L–5 µg/L), chronically dosed 5dpf larvae were shorter in length and had pericardial edema phenotypes that had been previously reported for exposures in the µM range. Cardiotoxicity was observed but did not present as cardiac looping defects as previously reported for µM concentrations. The RXR pathway does not seem to be involved at nM concentrations, but the tbx5a transcription factor cascade including natriuretic peptides (nppa and nppb) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (bmp4) were dysregulated and could be contributing to the cardiac phenotypes. We also demonstrate that TPhP is a weak pro-oxidant, as it increases the oxidative stress response within hours of exposure. Overall, our data indicate that TPhP can affect animal development at environmentally relevant concentrations and its mode of action involves multiple pathways. Full article

Pithiness is one of the physiological diseases of radishes, which is accompanied by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the sponging of parenchyma tissue in the fleshy roots. A respiratory burst oxidase homolog (Rboh, also known as NADPH oxidase) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the production of ROS in plants. To understand the role of Rboh genes in radish pithiness, herein, 10 RsRboh gene families were identified in the genome of Raphanus sativus using Blastp and Hmmer searching methods and were subjected to basic functional analyses such as phylogenetic tree construction, chromosomal localization, conserved structural domain analysis, and promoter element prediction. The expression profiles of RsRbohs in five stages (Pithiness grade = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, respectively) of radish pithiness were analyzed. The results showed that 10 RsRbohs expressed different levels during the development of radish pithiness. Except for RsRbohB and RsRbohE, the expression of other members increased and reached the peak at the P2 (Pithiness grade = 2) stage, among which RsRbohD1 showed the highest transcripts. Then, the expression of 40 genes related to RsRbohD1 and pithiness were analyzed. These results can provide a theoretical basis for improving pithiness tolerance in radishes. Full article

In this study, we present a novel approach for the real-time detection of high-speed moving objects with rapidly changing velocities using a high-resolution millimeter-wave (MMW) radar operating at 94 GHz in the W-band. Our detection methodology leverages continuous wave transmission and heterodyning of the reflected signal from the moving target, enabling the extraction of motion-related attributes such as velocity, position, and physical characteristics of the object. The use of a 94 GHz carrier frequency allows for high-resolution velocity detection with a velocity resolution of 6.38 m/s, achieved using a short integration time of 0.25 ms. This high-frequency operation also results in minimal atmospheric absorption, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the detection process. The proposed system utilizes cost-effective and less complex equipment, including compact antennas, made possible by the low sampling rate required for processing the intermediate frequency signal. The experimental results demonstrate the successful detection and characterization of high-speed moving objects with high acceleration rates, highlighting the potential of this approach for various scientific, industrial, and safety applications, particularly those involving targets with rapidly changing velocities. The detailed analysis of the micro-Doppler signatures associated with these objects provides valuable insights into their unique motion dynamics, paving the way for improved tracking and classification algorithms in fields such as aerospace research, meteorology, and collision avoidance systems. Full article

Background: In an era of dramatic technological progress, the consequent economic transformations, and an increasing need for an adaptable workforce, the importance of education has risen to the forefront of the social discourse. The concurrent increase in the awareness of issues pertaining to social justice and the debate over what this justice entails and how it ought to be effected, feed into the education policy more than ever before. From the nexus of the aforementioned considerations, concern about the so-called education gap has emerged, with worldwide efforts to close it. Methods: I analyze the premises behind such efforts and demonstrate that they are founded upon fundamentally flawed ideas. Results: I show that in a society in which education is delivered equitably, education gaps emerge naturally as a consequence of differentiation due to talents, the tendency for matched mate selection, and the heritability of intellectual traits. Conclusion: I issue a call for a redirection of efforts away from the ill-founded idea of closing the education gap to the understanding of the magnitude of its unfair contributions, as well as to those social aspects that can modulate it in accordance with what a society deems fair according to its values. Full article

Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) are compounds plotted to modify the chemical structures of prohibited substances, offering alternatives for consumption and evading legislation. The prompt emergence of these substances presents challenges in health concerns and forensic assessment because of the lack of analytical standards. A viable alternative for establishing these standards involves leveraging in silico methods to acquire spectroscopic data. This study assesses the efficacy of utilizing infrared spectroscopy (IRS) data derived from density functional theory (DFT) for analyzing NPSs. Various functionals were employed to generate infrared spectra for five distinct NPS categories including the following: amphetamines, benzodiazepines, synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and fentanyls. PRISMA software was conceived to rationalize data management. Unsupervised learning techniques, including Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), were utilized to refine the assessment process. Our findings reveal no significant disparities among the different functionals used to generate infrared spectra data. Additionally, the application of unsupervised learning demonstrated adequate segregation of NPSs within their respective groups. In conclusion, integrating theoretical data and dimension reduction techniques proves to be a powerful strategy for evaluating the spectroscopic characteristics of NPSs. This underscores the potential of this combined methodology as a diagnostic tool for distinguishing IR spectra across various NPS groups, facilitating the evaluation of newly unknown compounds. Full article

Infective pleural effusions are mainly represented by parapneumonic effusions and empyema. These conditions are a spectrum of pleural diseases that are commonly encountered and carry significant mortality and morbidity rates reaching upwards of 50%. The causative etiology is usually an underlying bacterial pneumonia with the subsequent seeding of the infectious culprit and inflammatory agents to the pleural space leading to an inflammatory response and fibrin deposition. Radiographical evaluation through a CT scan or ultrasound yields high specificity and sensitivity, with features such as septations or pleural thickening indicating worse outcomes. Although microbiological yields from pleural studies are around 56% only, fluid analysis assists in both diagnosis and prognosis by evaluating pH, glucose, and other biomarkers such as lactate dehydrogenase. Management centers around antibiotic therapy for 2–6 weeks and the drainage of the infected pleural space when the effusion is complicated through tube thoracostomies or surgical intervention. Intrapleural enzymatic therapy, used to increase drainage, significantly decreases treatment failure rates, length of hospital stay, and surgical referrals but carries a risk of pleural hemorrhage. This comprehensive review article aims to define and delineate the progression of parapneumonic effusions and empyema as well as discuss pathophysiology, diagnostic, and treatment modalities with aims of broadening the generalist’s understanding of such complex disease by reviewing the most recent and relevant high-quality evidence. Full article

Endophytic fungus is crucial for maintaining plant health and defense mechanisms, acting as protective barriers against pathogens, and producing medicinally beneficial bioactive compounds. Genome sequencing and metagenomics have significantly enhanced the understanding of fungal diversity and metabolic capabilities, enabling the identification of new genes and substances. Traditional culture-dependent methods have been complemented by culture-independent techniques, offering a more comprehensive view of fungal diversity. Using both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques, the present research investigation explored the diversity of endophytic fungi encountered in the foliage of Hardwickia binata. The study examined the topographical characteristics and nutritional content of soil samples collected from the locality of the selected plant sample, H. binata, to better comprehend the effects on the plant’s growth. The balanced nutrient constituted approximately a pH of 7.2, which suggested an alkaline nature and promoted plant development. The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium remained 3:1:1. A total of 25 fungal isolates, categorized into 17 morphotypes, were obtained using the culture-dependent approach; Curvularia and Nigrospora emerged as the most common genera. Furthermore, the prediction of the ITS2 secondary structure supports the identification of species, highlighting a wide variety of fungal species present in H. binata. The culture-independent approach generated 69,570 high-quality sequences, identifying 269 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). The dominant Ascomycota phylum, along with various genera, indicated a rich fungal community associated with H. binata. This study advances the understanding of the endophytic fungus communities that are associated with H. binata and the nature of soil ecology. The findings emphasize the significance of holistic techniques in the study of microbial dynamics within plant systems as well as their implications for ecosystem management and plant health. Full article

Diarrhoea is a serious cause of mortality worldwide that can lead to dehydration, gut barrier function impairment, nutrient malabsorption, and alterations of the gut microbiota (dysbiosis). The current solutions for its management, such as oral rehydration salts (ORS), inhibitors of gut motility, antibiotics, and living probiotics, only partially counteract the mechanisms of the disease and do not provide a full coverage of the problem. The potential risks of the use of living probiotic strains, particularly in immunocompromised patients, can be eliminated with the use of tyndallized (heat-killed) postbiotic bacteria and yeast. ABB C22^® is a postbiotic combination of three tyndallized yeasts, namely Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Kluyveromyces marxianus. To assess the action of the postbiotic combination on diarrhoea, immune and gut epithelial cell signalling assays, the gut barrier formation assay, and the rotavirus gene expression assay were performed. ABB C22^® showed a strong anti-inflammatory effect, an induction of the build-up of the gut epithelium, and a degree of protection against rotavirus infection. These experimental studies support the use of the postbiotic ABB C22^® as a solution for the management of diarrhoea and gastrointestinal conditions, alone or in combination with existing but incomplete treatments. Full article

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a critical disease with high morbidity and mortality rates that poses significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Prognostic factors for the clinical course of NF remain unclear and are currently under research. This study aims to identify such factors in a large cohort of patients which represents a major comprehensive investigation of prognostic factors for NF. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on necrotizing fasciitis cases from 2003 to 2023 at two German hospitals. Data included demographics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, infection site, causative microorganisms and outcomes. Statistical analysis involved t-tests, chi-square tests, and ROC analysis. Results: A total of 209 patients were included, with a mortality rate of 18%. Patients were categorized into survivors (n = 171) and non-survivors (n = 38). Non-survivors were significantly older (68.9 ± 13.9 years vs. 55.9 ± 14.3 years; p < 0.01) and exhibited a higher prevalence of peripheral vascular diseases, cancer, and heart, liver, or renal insufficiency. Laboratory findings and scoring results also varied significantly between the two groups. The ROC curve analysis identified age as a predictor of mortality, with an optimal cut-off value of 68.5 years (sensitivity: 60.5%, specificity: 81.9%). Higher age was associated with increased mortality risk. Conclusions: The patient’s age stands out as the primary predictive element for mortality in necrotizing fasciitis. Additionally, we advocate for employing the Laboratory and Anamnestic Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LARINF—score), which holds substantial prognostic significance and is straightforward to calculate. Considering our findings, crafting a clinical algorithm or scoring mechanism to forecast mortality in NF would be a promising target for future research. Full article

This study presents an innovative lateral flow microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) designed for conducting quantitative paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (p-ELISA), seamlessly executing conventional ELISA steps in a paper-based format. The p-ELISA device utilizes a passive fluidic circuit with functional elements such as a multi-bi-material cantilever (B-MaC) assembly, delay channels, and a buffer zone, all enclosed within housing for autonomous, sequential loading of critical reagents onto the detection zone. This novel approach not only demonstrates a rapid assay completion time of under 30 min, but also boasts reduced reagent requirements, minimal equipment needs, and broad applicability across clinical diagnostics and environmental surveillance. Through detailed descriptions of the design, materials, and fabrication methods for the multi-directional flow assay (MDFA), this manuscript highlights the device’s potential for complex biochemical analyses in a user-friendly and versatile format. Analytical performance evaluation, including a limit of detection (LOD) of 8.4 pM for Rabbit IgG, benchmarks the device’s efficacy compared to existing p-ELISA methodologies. This pioneering work lays the groundwork for future advancements in autonomous diagnostics, aiming to enhance global health outcomes through accessible and reliable testing solutions. Full article

Corynebacterium rouxii is one of the recently described species of the Corynebacterium diphtheriae complex. As this species can potentially infect different hosts and harbor the tox gene, producing diphtheria toxin, we present its first pangenomic analysis in this work. A total of fifteen genomes deposited in online databases were included. After confirming the taxonomic position of the isolates by genomic taxonomy, the genomes were submitted to genomic plasticity, gene synteny, and pangenome prediction analyses. In addition, virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes were investigated. Finally, epidemiological data were obtained through molecular typing, clustering, and phylogenetic analysis. Our data demonstrated genetic diversity within the species with low synteny. However, the gene content is extensively conserved, and the pangenome is composed of 2606 gene families, of which 1916 are in the core genome and 80 are related to unique genes. Prophages, insertion sequences, and genomic islands were found. A type I-E CRISPR-Cas system was also detected. Besides the tox gene, determinants involved in adhesion and iron acquisition and two putative antimicrobial resistance genes were predicted. These findings provide valuable insight about this species’ pathogenicity, evolution, and diversity. In the future, our data can contribute to different areas, including vaccinology and epidemiology. Full article

Background: Rare diseases, predominantly caused by genetic factors and often presenting neurological manifestations, are significantly underrepresented in research. This review addresses the urgent need for advanced research in rare neurological diseases (RNDs), which suffer from a data scarcity and diagnostic challenges. Bridging the gap in RND research is the integration of machine learning (ML) and omics technologies, offering potential insights into the genetic and molecular complexities of these conditions. Methods: We employed a structured search strategy, using a combination of machine learning and omics-related keywords, alongside the names and synonyms of 1840 RNDs as identified by Orphanet. Our inclusion criteria were limited to English language articles that utilized specific ML algorithms in the analysis of omics data related to RNDs. We excluded reviews and animal studies, focusing solely on studies with the clear application of ML in omics data to ensure the relevance and specificity of our research corpus. Results: The structured search revealed the growing use of machine learning algorithms for the discovery of biomarkers and diagnosis of rare neurological diseases (RNDs), with a primary focus on genomics and radiomics because genetic factors and imaging techniques play a crucial role in determining the severity of these diseases. With AI, we can improve diagnosis and mutation detection and develop personalized treatment plans. There are, however, several challenges, including small sample sizes, data heterogeneity, model interpretability, and the need for external validation studies. Conclusions: The sparse knowledge of valid biomarkers, disease pathogenesis, and treatments for rare diseases presents a significant challenge for RND research. The integration of omics and machine learning technologies, coupled with collaboration among stakeholders, is essential to develop personalized treatment plans and improve patient outcomes in this critical medical domain. Full article

In the process of collecting evidence of activities and events in network devices, there are problems with content and storage, and we aim to solve the problems faced by network devices in network forensics. In this paper, we propose a simple method for solving the problems with content and storage in acquiring communication logs on end hosts, implement a sniffing tool that captures raw packets with communication event control, compare it with existing tools, and conduct experiments and considerations. Through these experiments and considerations, we confirmed that the proposed communication log acquisition method can be implemented on the end host, and that the problem can be solved by using a tool that implements the proposed method. Also, we confirmed that it can be applied to real-world communication log collection scenarios, and that it can coexist with existing systems and tools that collect communication logs. Full article

The purpose of this mixed-method study was to (1) examine the effect of an adapted physical activity program, Fitness Access McGill (FAM), on leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), autonomous and controlled motivation, and the basic psychological needs of self-determination theory among university students/staff with a physical disability and/or chronic conditions, and (2) explore participants’ experiences after completing FAM. Nineteen participants completed validated questionnaires for all study outcomes pre- and post-FAM. Nine participants partook in a 30–60 min semi-structured interview conducted within three months of completing FAM. Quantitative data were analyzed using repeated measures effect size calculations. Qualitative data were analyzed using directed content analysis. Participants reported an increase in total LTPA (dRMpooled = 0.58), with the greatest positive change on strenuous intensity (dRMpooled = 0.81). Large effects were found for changes in autonomous motivation (dRMpooled = 0.52), autonomy (dRMpooled = 0.79), competence (dRMpooled = 0.79), and relatedness (dRMpooled = 0.89). Participants reported FAM being supportive towards their psychological needs, the development of a LTPA routine, and enhanced overall well-being. Future research can be built upon this study to develop a robust understanding as to how need-supportive, adapted LTPA programs could be implemented within community settings or out-patient rehabilitation to support exercise engagement, physical health and overall well-being among adults with disabilities. Full article

(1) Background: Although Physaloptera retusa is one of the most widespread species infecting reptiles in the Americas, numerous taxonomic problems and little genetic data are associated with it. To clarify the taxonomy of this species, we used an integrative approach. (2) Methods: Physaloptera retusa-infecting Erythrolamprus typhlus (snake) from the Pantanal wetlands, Brazil, was morphologically and genetically characterised (18S and 28S rDNA; COI mtDNA) and compared with conspecific sequences available in GenBank, from parasites of Tupinambis teguixin (lizard), using species delimitation methods. Type specimens of P. liophis were re-evaluated given its morphological similarities with P. retusa. (3) Results: The morphology of the present specimens was equal to that of P. retusa, in which the only difference from P. liophis was the relative position of the vulva. Species delimitation methods were more accurate for the COI dataset; all of them (except ABGD) indicated interspecificity among P. retusa sequences. However, a lack of morphological data or voucher material, associated with the deposited sequences, prevented more assertive conclusions. (4) Conclusions: The present results highlight the importance of a clear association between genetic data and morphology of the isolation source, or at least its adequate vouchering. Moreover, P. retusa may represent a species complex in cryptic speciation, since it is widespread and has low hosts specificity. Full article

The hepatobiliary system is vital for the biotransformation and disposition of endogenous molecules. Any impairment in the normal functioning of the hepatobiliary system leads to a spectrum of hepatobiliary diseases (HBDs), such as liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, biliary dyskinesia, gallbladder cancer, etc. Especially in pregnancy, HBD may result in increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Maternal HBD is a burden to the fetus’s growth, complicates fetal development, and risks the mother’s life. In fetal programming, the maternal mechanism is significantly disturbed by multiple factors (especially diet) that influence the development of the fetus and increase the frequency of metabolic diseases later in life. Additionally, maternal under-nutrition or over-nutrition (especially in high-fat, high-carbohydrate, or protein-rich diets) lead to dysregulation in gut hormones (CCK, GLP-1, etc.), microbiota metabolite production (SCFA, LPS, TMA, etc.), neurotransmitters (POMC, NPY, etc.), and hepatobiliary signaling (insulin resistance, TNF-a, SREBPs, etc.), which significantly impact fetal programming. Recently, biotherapeutics have provided a new horizon for treating HBD during fetal programming to save the lives of the mother and fetus. This review focuses on how maternal impaired hepatobiliary metabolic signaling leads to disease transmission to the fetus mediated through the gut–brain axis. Full article

As an innovative form in the digital age, VR art exhibitions have attracted increasing attention. This study aims to explore the key factors that influence visitors’ continuance intention to VR art exhibitions using the expectation confirmation model and experience economy theory and to explore ways to enhance visitor immersion in virtual environments. We conducted a quantitative study of 235 art professionals and enthusiasts, conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), to examine the complex relationship between confirmation (CON), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Aesthetic Experiences (AE), Escapist Experiences (EE), Satisfaction (SAT), and Continuance Intention (CI). The results show that confirmation plays a key role in shaping PU, AE, and EE, which in turn positively affect visitors’ SAT. Among these factors, AE positively impacts PU, but EE have no impact. A comprehensive theoretical model was then constructed based on the findings. This research provides empirical support for designing and improving VR art exhibitions. It also sheds light on the application of expectation confirmation theory and experience economy theory in the art field to improve user experience and provides theoretical guidance for the sustainable development of virtual digital art environment. Full article

The ability to overcome an opposition in team sports is reliant upon an understanding of the tactical behaviour of the opposing team members. Recent research is limited to a performance analysts’ own playing team members, as the required opposing team athletes’ geolocation (GPS) data are unavailable. However, in professional Australian rules Football (AF), animations of athlete GPS data from all teams are commercially available. The purpose of this technical study was to obtain the on-field location of AF athletes from animations of the 2019 Australian Football League season to enable the examination of the tactical behaviour of any team. The pre-trained object detection model YOLOv4 was fine-tuned to detect players, and a custom convolutional neural network was trained to track numbers in the animations. The object detection and the athlete tracking achieved an accuracy of 0.94 and 0.98, respectively. Subsequent scaling and translation coefficients were determined through solving an optimisation problem to transform the pixel coordinate positions of a tracked player number to field-relative Cartesian coordinates. The derived equations achieved an average Euclidean distance from the athletes’ raw GPS data of 2.63 m. The proposed athlete detection and tracking approach is a novel methodology to obtain the on-field positions of AF athletes in the absence of direct measures, which may be used for the analysis of opposition collective team behaviour and in the development of interactive play sketching AF tools. Full article

The surveillance and treatment of parasites are important features of preventative healthcare plans in zoological institutes. The parasite control strategies employed in temperate regions often involve prophylactic anthelmintic treatments during seasons where the burden of gastrointestinal parasites in fecal testing is high. These strategies are, however, not applicable in the tropics, where temperatures remain high throughout the year, allowing continuous parasitic development. A risk-based parasite management strategy was adopted by a tropical zoological institute. For parasite surveillance, routine fecal direct smears and magnesium sulfate flotations were performed to determine parasitic prevalence. The frequency of fecal checks for the year was determined by the frequency at which clinically relevant parasitism (fecal tests that resulted in the animal being treated) was detected during routine fecal checks in the previous year. A yearly anthelmintic drug-class rotation schedule was also implemented. The total number of fecal tests performed per year and the number of animals with clinically significant parasitic disease decreased by 30.0% (637/2126) and 46.9% (207/451), respectively, over the four-year period of the study. Anthelmintic class rotation also improved the efficacy of fenbendazole in treating Strongyloides spp. infecting the group of orangutans. This parasite control strategy is a targeted approach to managing preventative healthcare, reducing the work required to perform routine surveillance tests whilst maintaining the health of the collection of animals. Full article

This study offers an in-depth analysis and optimization of a microgrid system powered by renewable sources, designed for the efficient production of hydrogen and dimethyl ether—key elements in the transition toward sustainable fuel alternatives. The system architecture incorporates solar photovoltaic modules, advanced battery storage solutions, and electrolytic hydrogen production units, with a targeted reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the enhancement of overall energy efficiency. A rigorous economic analysis was conducted utilizing the HYSYS V12 software platform and encompassing capital and operational expenditures alongside profit projections to evaluate the system’s economic viability. Furthermore, thermal optimization was achieved through heat integration strategies, employing a cascade analysis methodology and optimization via the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS), yielding an 83% decrease in annual utility expenditures. Comparative analysis revealed that the energy requirement of the optimized system was over 50% lower than that of traditional fossil fuel-based reforming processes. A comprehensive assessment of CO₂ emissions demonstrated a significant reduction, with the integration of thermal management solutions facilitating a 99.24% decrease in emissions. The outcomes of this study provide critical insights into the engineering of sustainable, low-carbon energy systems, emphasizing the role of renewable energy technologies in advancing fuel science. Full article