The concentrating solar spectrums splitter (CSSS)-driven solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is an attractive technology for green hydrogen production. The CSSS mainly comprises a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV), which converts sunlight with shorter wavelengths into electricity, and a concentrating solar collector (CSC), which converts the remaining sunlight into heat. However, the optimal splitting of the solar spectrums is a critical challenge that directly impacts the efficiency and normal operation of the SOEC. To address this challenge, a mathematical model integrating the CSSS with the SOEC is developed based on principles from thermodynamics and electrochemistry. By analyzing the requirements of electricity and heat for the SOEC, the model determines the optimal configuration and operational parameters. The results show that the anode-supported type, higher operating temperature, larger inlet flow rate of water, higher operating pressure of the SOEC, higher operating temperature of the CSC, and larger electric current of the CPV contribute to allocating more solar spectrums to the CSC for heat generation. However, the greater effectiveness of the heat exchangers, higher operating temperature, and larger optical concentration ratio of the CPV exhibit contrasting effects on the spectrum allocation. The obtained results provide valuable theoretical guidance for designing and running the CSSS for hydrogen production through SOEC. Full article

In this study, the influence of total sn-2 palmitic triacylglycerols (TAGs) and ratio of 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoylglycerol (OPL) to 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO) in human milk fat substitute (HMFS) on the metabolic changes were investigated in Sprague–Dawley rats. Metabolomics and lipidomics profiling analysis indicated that increasing the total sn-2 palmitic TAGs and OPL to OPO ratio in HMFS could significantly influence glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism pathways in rats after 4 weeks of feeding, which were mainly related to lipid, bile acid and energy metabolism. Meanwhile, the up-regulation of taurine, L-tryptophan, and L-cysteine, and down-regulations of lysoPC (18:0) and hypoxanthine would contribute to the reduction in inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and improvement of immunity function in rats. In addition, analysis of targeted biochemical factors also revealed that HMFS-fed rats had significantly increased levels of anti-inflammatory factor (IL-4), immunoglobulin A (IgA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA), compared with those of the control fat-fed rats. Collectively, these observations present new in vivo nutritional evidence for the metabolic regulatory effects of the TAG structure and composition of human milk fat substitutes on the host. Full article

Mushroom production and consumption are gaining increased interest due to their unique flavor and nutritional value. However, in the mushroom industry, large amounts of by-products are generated, which have a high negative environmental and economic impact. In this study, an osmotic dehydration process followed by hot-air-drying was applied to mushroom stems to produce dried mushrooms as the end product. The osmotic dehydration conditions (concentration of hypertonic solution, specifically, 10–30% maltodextrin and 20–40% oligofructose; a treatment time of 40–80 min; and a temperature range of 30–50 °C) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that a four-factor three-level Box–Behnken experimental design was effectively implemented to evaluate the effect of the process parameters and identify the optimal osmotic dehydration conditions for producing osmotically dehydrated mushrooms. The main factor affecting mass transfer was the osmosis temperature, and the optimal conditions were found to be 38 °C, 40% oligofructose and 19.3% maltodextrin as the osmotic agents, and 80 min of immersion time. Moreover, the results showed that osmotic pretreatment, in the optimal conditions, significantly reduced the required drying time of the by-products compared to traditional hot-air-drying, especially at milder drying temperatures. Consequently, the required energy was also reduced by at least 40% at 50 °C. Full article

Tie rods play a crucial role in civil engineering, particularly in controlling lateral thrusts in arches and vaults, and enhancing the structural integrity of masonry buildings, both historic and contemporary. Accurately assessing the tensile axial forces in tie rods is challenging due to the limitations of existing methodologies. These methodologies often rely on indirect measurements, computational models, and optimization procedures, resulting in single-point solutions and neglecting both modeling and measurement uncertainties. This study introduces a novel Bayesian updating framework to effectively address these limitations. The framework aims to accurately identify the structural parameters influencing tie rod behavior and estimate uncertainties using natural frequencies as references. A key innovation lies in the mathematical formulation of Bayesian updating, which is founded upon the definition of computational models integrating uncertain updating parameters and latent random variables derived from a rigorous sensitivity analysis aimed at quantifying the impact of the updating parameters on the natural frequencies. Notably, the application of Bayesian updating to the structural identification problem of ancient tie rods represents a significant advancement. The framework provides a comprehensive description of the uncertainties associated with computational models, offering valuable insights for practitioners and researchers alike. Moreover, the results of the sensitivity analysis serve as a valuable tool for setting up inverse problems geared towards accurately identifying tensile axial forces. Full article

As global urban infrastructure renewal progresses, the urgent need for sustainability-driven urban renewal intensifies amidst resource scarcity and environmental concerns. Effective evaluation and decision making regarding urban road renewal schemes are prerequisites for their successful implementation. However, variation in the prioritization of indicators in project evaluations and the poor adaptability of existing frameworks hinder the quick assessment of diverse projects. To address this issue, this paper proposes a scheme evaluation framework with embedded renewal project features comprising four modules. Following the initial construction of a sustainability-driven evaluation system, an indicator-filtering mechanism combining the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model with a text similarity algorithm is developed. The Entropy Weight-–TOPSIS method is then employed to derive the final optimal decision based on selected indicators. Applying the decision framework to the G15 Jialiu Widening and Reconstruction Project in Shanghai, China, indicators are reduced by 48.3%, with the optimal scheme decision consistent with the traditional Entropy Weight–TOPSIS method. The framework is robust and enhances decision efficiency, filling theoretical gaps in existing indicator-filtering mechanisms. Full article

The efficient testing and validation of the high-voltage (HV) insulation of small-outline integrated circuit (SOIC) packages presents numerous challenges when trying to achieve faster and more accurate processes. The complex behavior these packages when submerged in diverse physical media with varying densities requires a detailed analysis to understand the factors influencing their behavior. We propose a systematic and scalable mathematical model based on trapezoidal motion patterns and a deterministic analysis of hydrodynamic forces to predict SOIC package misalignment during automated high-voltage testing in a dielectric fluid. Our model incorporates factors known to cause misalignment during the maneuvering of packages, such as surface tension forces, sloshing, cavity formation, surface waves, and bubbles during the insertion, extraction, and displacement of devices while optimizing test speed for minimum testing time. Our model was validated via a full-factorial statistical experiment for different SOIC package sizes on a pick-and-place (PNP) machine with preprogrammed software and a zero-insertion force socket immersed in different dielectric fluids under controlled thermal conditions. Results indicate the model achieves 99.64% reliability with a margin of error of less than 4.78%. Our research deepens the knowledge and understanding of the physical and hydrodynamic factors that impact the automated testing processes of high-voltage insulator SOIC packages of different sizes for different dielectric fluids. It enables improved testing times and higher reliability than traditional trial-and-error methods for high-voltage SOIC packages, leading to more efficient and accurate processes in the electronics industry. Full article

Candida albicans Prn1 is a protein with an unknown function similar to mammalian Pirin. It also has orthologues in other pathogenic fungi, but not in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Prn1 highly increases its abundance in response to H₂O₂ treatment; thus, to study its involvement in the oxidative stress response, a C. albicans prn1∆ mutant and the corresponding wild-type strain SN250 have been studied. Under H₂O₂ treatment, Prn1 absence led to a higher level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a lower survival rate, with a higher percentage of death by apoptosis, confirming its relevant role in oxidative detoxication. The quantitative differential proteomics studies of both strains in the presence and absence of H₂O₂ indicated a lower increase in proteins with oxidoreductase activity after the treatment in the prn1∆ strain, as well as an increase in proteasome-activating proteins, corroborated by in vivo measurements of proteasome activity, with respect to the wild type. In addition, remarkable differences in the abundance of some transcription factors were observed between mutant and wild-type strains, e.g., Mnl1 or Nrg1, an Mnl1 antagonist. orf19.4850, a protein orthologue to S. cerevisiae Cub1, has shown its involvement in the response to H₂O₂ and in proteasome function when Prn1 is highly expressed in the wild type. Full article

The climate challenges posed by the European Union are particularly difficult for emerging and developing economies. This causes reluctance to undertake them and even denial of their validity. For this reason, this article seeks to answer the question of whether it is possible to carry out an effective transformation of energy resources in the developing economies of the Visegrad Group. Analyses in this area are conducted in a long-term, 58-year research perspective (1965–2022) and concern the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The effectiveness of the examined transformation is assessed in two dimensions as follows: (1) resource and (2) emission, which are then synthesized using a multi-criteria analysis. This research shows that an effective resource transformation aimed at a zero-emission economy is possible even in emerging and developing economies, although it undoubtedly requires time and consistency in the implementation of the once-chosen energy policy. Hungary—a leader in assessed climate effectiveness—has systematically decarbonized while reducing the use of total non-renewable resources. The Hungarian resource transition strategy assumed the use of nuclear energy and an increase in the share of renewable resources. The result of these activities is a quite diversified energy mix, which is greater resource self-sufficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions. The Czech Republic also achieved a similar strategy and results. Poland and Slovakia coped much worse with the climate challenge: although they gave up coal, they replaced it largely with other non-renewable resources. It is worth emphasizing that Poland has managed to significantly increase the use of renewable resources, and nuclear energy and hydropower have also appeared in the Slovak mix. Nevertheless, this did not allow for achieving good climatic results. Full article

This study synthesized a novel oat β-glucan (OBG)-Cr(III) complex (OBG-Cr(III)) and explored its structure, inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and hypoglycemic activities and mechanism in vitro using an insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cell model. The Cr(III) content in the complex was found to be 10.87%. The molecular weight of OBG-Cr(III) was determined to be 7.736 × 10⁴ Da with chromium ions binding to the hydroxyl groups of OBG. This binding resulted in the increased asymmetry and altered spatial conformation of the complex along with significant changes in morphology and crystallinity. Our findings demonstrated that OBG-Cr(III) exhibited inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Furthermore, OBG-Cr(III) enhanced the insulin sensitivity of IR-HepG2 cells, promoting glucose uptake and metabolism more efficiently than OBG alone. The underlying mechanism of its hypoglycemic effect involved the modulation of the c-Cbl/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 signaling pathway, as revealed by Western blot analysis. This research not only broadened the applications of OBG but also positioned OBG-Cr(III) as a promising Cr(III) supplement with enhanced hypoglycemic benefits. Full article

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) has emerged as a promising sustainable nitrogen removal technology that offers significant advantages over conventional nitrification–denitrification processes, such as reduced energy consumption, a 60% reduction in oxygen demand, and a 90% reduction in sludge production. However, the practical application of ANAMMOX is hindered by several challenges, including the slow growth of ANAMMOX bacteria, long start-up periods, and high sensitivity to environmental disturbances. Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) in the formation, activity, and stability of ANAMMOX biofilms and granules. An EPS is a complex mixture of high-molecular-weight polymers secreted by microorganisms, mainly composed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. The diverse physicochemical properties and functional groups of EPSs enable them to serve as a structural scaffold, protective barrier, sorption site, electron shuttle, and nutrient source for ANAMMOX bacteria. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest research progress on harnessing the potential of EPSs to enhance the ANAMMOX process. The characteristics, compositions, and extraction methods of ANAMMOX-derived EPSs are summarized. The mechanisms of how EPSs facilitate the enrichment, immobilization, aggregation, and adaptation of ANAMMOX bacteria are elucidated. The strategies and effects of EPS supplementation on improving the performance and robustness of ANAMMOX reactors under various stresses are critically reviewed. The challenges and future perspectives of the EPS-mediated optimization of the ANAMMOX process are also discussed. This review sheds new light on exploiting EPSs as a renewable bioresource to develop more efficient and stable ANAMMOX applications for sustainable wastewater treatment. Full article

Longjing tea is favored by consumers due to its refreshing and delicate aroma, as well as its fresh and sweet flavor. In order to study the processing technology of Longjing tea with ‘Baiye 1’ tea varieties, solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry were used to analyze the volatile components of Longjing tea in different process stages. The results revealed the identification of 275 aroma metabolites in the processing samples of Longjing tea. The sensory evaluation and principal component analysis revealed that the leaves of fresh (XY) and spreading (TF) were different from the leaves of first panning (YQ), second panning (EQ), final panning (HG), and fragrance enhancing (TX). The relative contents of geraniol (1199.95 and 1134.51), linalool (745.93 and 793.98), methyl salicylate (485.22 and 314.67), phenylethyl alcohol (280.14 and 393.98), 2-methylfuran (872.28 and 517.96), 2-butenal (56.01 and 154.60), and 2-hexenal (46.22 and 42.24), refreshing and floral substances in the XY and TF stages, were higher than other stages. The aroma contents of 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-methyl-1-penten-3-one, 3-hexen-2-one, dodecane, hexanoyl hexanoate, 2,5-dimethyl-pyrazine, and methyl-pyrazine were found to be significantly positively correlated with the intensity of chestnut aroma. In conclusion, this study contributes to a better understanding of the composition and formation mechanism of chestnut-like aroma and provides new insights into the processing technology to improve the quality of albino green tea. Full article

Since sheet metal exhibits significant anisotropy in processing and forming, which has a significant impact on its performance during processing, forming, and use, we explore the anisotropic behavior of materials in the forming process of sheet metal. The ability of the Yld2000-2d criterion to describe anisotropic behavior is analyzed, and its accuracy for characterization of the anisotropic behavior of metal plates is improved, based on which anisotropic behavior is predicted in three-dimensional space. Theoretical and experimental results on the anisotropy of sheet metal are compared, and two materials, 5754O aluminum alloy and DP980 steel plate, are tested and analyzed, and the anisotropic behaviors, such as three-point bending and cylindrical deep-drawing, are well predicted. Full article

In this article, we study the optimized structures, spin crossover, and coherent quantum transport properties of a series of cyclopentadienyl metalloporphyrin (PTMCp, TM = transition metal) complexes using the density functional theory combined with the non-equilibrium Green’s function method. The structure of the complexes can be classified into the sandwich type and the biplanar type. Energetic analyses of spin states reveal that the IS(intermediate-spin)-HS(high-spin) spin transition may appear in PMnCp and PFeCp, and the LS(low-spin)-IS(intermediate-spin)-HS(high-spin) two-step spin transition may appear in PCoCp under external stimulus. We predict that giant magnetoresistance may be observed in the ground-state sandwich PTMCp depending on the contact between the electrodes and the molecule in measurements. These results indicate that PTMCp complexes could be promising materials for spintronics. Full article

Distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) and distal neuropathic pain (DNP) remain significant challenges for older people with HIV (PWH), necessitating enhanced clinical attention. HIV and certain antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) can compromise mitochondrial function and impact mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, which is linked to DSP in ART-treated PWH. This study investigated mtDNA, mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins, and mitochondrial electron transport chain protein changes in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) and sural nerves (SuNs) of 11 autopsied PWH. In antemortem standardized assessments, six had no or one sign of DSP, while five exhibited two or more DSP signs. Digital droplet polymerase chain reaction was used to measure mtDNA quantity and the common deletions in isolated DNA. We found lower mtDNA copy numbers in DSP+ donors. SuNs exhibited a higher proportion of mtDNA common deletion than DRGs in both groups. Mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) proteins were altered in the DRGs of DSP+ compared to DSP− donors, particularly Complex I. These findings suggest that reduced mtDNA quantity and increased common deletion abundance may contribute to DSP in PWH, indicating diminished mitochondrial activity in the sensory neurons. Accumulated ETC proteins in the DRG imply impaired mitochondrial transport to the sensory neuron’s distal portion. Identifying molecules to safeguard mitochondrial integrity could aid in treating or preventing HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy. Full article

 The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a highly specialized fibrous tissue comprising heterogeneous cell populations of an intricate nature. These complexities, along with challenges due to cell culture, impede a comprehensive understanding of periodontal pathophysiology. This study aims to address this gap, employing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to analyze the genetic intricacies of PDL both in vivo and in vitro. Primary human PDL samples (n = 7) were split for direct in vivo analysis and cell culture under serum-containing and serum-free conditions. Cell hashing and sorting, scRNA-seq library preparation using the 10x Genomics protocol, and Illumina sequencing were conducted. Primary analysis was performed using Cellranger, with downstream analysis via the R packages Seurat and SCORPIUS. Seven distinct PDL cell clusters were identified comprising different cellular subsets, each characterized by unique genetic profiles, with some showing donor-specific patterns in representation and distribution. Formation of these cellular clusters was influenced by culture conditions, particularly serum presence. Furthermore, certain cell populations were found to be inherent to the PDL tissue, while others exhibited variability across donors. This study elucidates specific genes and cell clusters within the PDL, revealing both inherent and context-driven subpopulations. The impact of culture conditions—notably the presence of serum—on cell cluster formation highlights the critical need for refining culture protocols, as comprehending these influences can drive the creation of superior culture systems vital for advancing research in PDL biology and regenerative therapies. These discoveries not only deepen our comprehension of PDL biology but also open avenues for future investigations into uncovering underlying mechanisms.  Full article

Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) is the protocol of choice for many applications that require distributed consensus between a number of participant nodes. While PBFT assumes a single voting committee, many applications recognize different groups of participants that need to reach a consensus separately before accepting a proposal. To this end, we propose to count the votes by separate groups or committees of participating nodes, instead of all together as in the original PBFT. We then investigate the performance impact of this approach on the mean time to accept a data block and the number of nodes involved in making the final decision. Our results indicate that the proposed solutions impose a slight performance penalty which may be countermanded by reducing the quorum numbers needed in different subsets of the original committee. Full article

Neisseria gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to every antibiotic currently approved for the treatment of gonorrhea, prompting the development of new therapies. The phenoxazine dye resazurin exhibits robust antimicrobial activity against N. gonorrhoeae in vitro but fails to limit vaginal colonization by N. gonorrhoeae in a mouse model. The lack of in vivo efficacy may be due to oxygen limitation as in vitro susceptibility assays with resazurin are conducted under atmospheric oxygen while a microaerophilic environment is present in the vagina. Here, we utilized broth microdilution assays to determine the susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae to resazurin under low and atmospheric oxygen conditions. The minimal inhibitory concentration of resazurin for multiple N. gonorrhoeae clinical isolates was significantly higher under low oxygen. This effect was specific to resazurin as N. gonorrhoeae was equally susceptible to other antibiotics under low and atmospheric oxygen conditions. The reduced susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae to resazurin under low oxygen was largely attributed to reduced oxidative stress, as the addition of antioxidants under atmospheric oxygen mimicked the reduced susceptibility to resazurin observed under low oxygen. Together, these data suggest oxygen concentration is an important factor to consider when evaluating the efficacy of new antibiotics against N. gonorrhoeae in vitro. Full article

Addressing the issues of weak echo signals and strong background interference in the laser detection of ships’ wakes, an analysis of the laser backscatter detection characteristics of ships’ wakes has been conducted. Based on the Monte Carlo method, a simulation model for the dual-mode fusion detection of ship wake bubbles using laser technology was constructed under different target characteristics. A dual-mode fusion detection system for ships’ wakes was designed, and an indoor experimental platform for the dual-mode fusion detection of ship wake bubbles using laser technology was established. To address problems such as a wide range of echo signal intensity changes, severe signal fluctuations, low resolution, poor image contrast, and blurred target edge information, an algorithm based on multi-timescale hierarchical fusion signal processing and temporal difference accumulation image processing was proposed. Verification experiments for ship wake detection were conducted, which revealed that the dual-mode fusion detection method for ship wake bubbles using laser technology can effectively enhance the detection signal-to-background ratio and counter the maneuvering evasion of underwater weapons by ships. It achieved high sensitivity, large dynamic range, high resolution, and a wide field of view detection and real-time signal processing of ship wake bubble targets of different magnitudes against a strong reverberation background. The effectiveness of the dual-mode fusion detection mode was validated, providing theoretical support for the overall system design and parameter settings. Full article

Honey has become popular as a potential treatment for several ailments, including cancer. Honeys from different parts of the world have been shown to have different anti-proliferative, immune-modulatory, and anti-inflammatory actions. Yemeni Sidr honey (YSH) is world-renowned for its anti-inflammatory activity and has been suggested to have anti-cancer activity, although empirical evidence is lacking. We tested three YSH samples by HPLC to show they contained similar sugars and an overlapping group of phenolic and flavonoid components, as described previously. YSH’s apoptotic and anti-proliferative activities were measured in in vitro models of cancer growth. The treatment of breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), and mouse melanoma cells (B16-BL6) with 1% (w/v) YSH in media for 48–72 h almost completely inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. In contrast, a non-malignant HBL-100 cell line was more resistant to treatment with YSH. This suggests that YSH may be a good candidate as an anti-cancer treatment, which requires further study. Full article

On 6 February 2023, the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes clearly showed that the elastic spectrum curves in TBEC-2018 are insufficient to represent earthquake behavior. In this study, the effect of using a site-specific spectrum curve instead of the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 on the earthquake safety of a building is investigated. For this purpose, the provinces in southwest Anatolia, Türkiye, which is one of the most tectonically complex regions with frequent seismic events, were selected. In the first stage of the study, spectrum curves were obtained for earthquakes with return periods of 2475, 475, and 72 years for each of the provinces in this region. These spectrum curves were obtained using probabilistic seismic hazard studies that take into account the active faults of the provinces and earthquake activity in both historical and instrumental periods. In the second stage of the study, analytical models of a selected model RC building were created according to each province, and static pushover analyses of these building models were performed both according to the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 and according to the spectrum curve created specifically for the province. The results of the analyses show that the change in the spectrum changes the target displacement level of the buildings, and as a result, the cross-sectional damage zone of the structural elements under the earthquake effect is changed. So much so that using the site-specific instead of the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 changed the damage zone of 43% of the beams and 26.4% of the columns in the İzmir model. The change in the section damage zones changed the performance level of some floors of the models and the performance level of the building. The study revealed the importance of using the most realistic elastic spectrum curves in order to determine the earthquake performance of buildings that is as close as possible to their behavior in a possible earthquake. Full article

A hybrid free-space optical (FSO) and radio frequency (RF) communication system has been considered an effective way to obtain a good trade-off between spectrum utilization efficiency and high-rate transmission. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to deal with the switching and rate adaption problems between FSO/RF links, this paper investigated their modulation adapting mechanism based on a machine learning (ML) algorithm. Hybrid link budgets were estimated for different modulation types in various environments, particularly severe weather conditions. For the adaptive modulation (AM) scheme with different order PPM/PSK/QAM, a rate-compatible soft-switching model for hybrid FSO/RF links was established with a random forest algorithm based on ML. With a given target bit error rate, the model categorized a link budget threshold of the hybrid FSO/RF system over a training data set from local weather records. The switching and modulation adaption accuracy were tested over the testing weather data set especially focusing on rain and fog. Simulation results show that the proposed adaptive modulation scheme based on the random forest algorithm can have a good performance for soft-switching hybrid FSO/RF communication links. Full article

The automobile industry is shifting from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or electric vehicles (EVs) extremely fast. Our calculation regarding the most popular private car brand in Bangladesh, Toyota, shows that the life cycle cost (LCC) of a Toyota BZ3 (EV), USD 43,409, is more expensive than a Toyota Aqua (HEV) and Toyota Prius (HEV), but cheaper than a Toyota Axio (ICEV) and Toyota Allion (ICEV). It has been found that about a 25% reduction in the acquisition cost of a Toyota BZ3 would lower its LCC to below others. EVs can be a good choice for those who travel a lot. Changes in electricity prices have little effect upon the LCC of EVs. With the expected decline in the annual price for batteries, which is between 6 and 9%, and the improvement of their capacities, EVs will be more competitive with other vehicles by 2030 or even earlier. EVs will dominate the market since demand for alternative fuel-powered vehicles is growing due to their environmental and economic advantages. Full article