Search Results (1,073)

The 1991 Gulf War contaminated more than 49 km² of Kuwaiti desert with hydrocarbon spills, a persistent threat to soil resources, infrastructure and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals embedded in Kuwait Vision 2035. Managing these legacy lands calls for predictive tools that capture spatial variability while remaining computationally tractable and statistically defensible at the small sample sizes typical of post-conflict monitoring. This study develops a multi-resolution physics-informed neural network that combines wavelet-based parameter encoding, scale-dependent regularisation and a progressive upsampling training protocol. The framework is evaluated on nine trial-pit observations at a single depth of 30 cm in the Al-Ahmadi field, where the contaminated pits show a mean internal friction angle of 26.8° compared with 36.0° at co-located control pits sampled at the same time. Generalisation is assessed by leave-one-out cross-validation across the nine locations. The framework attains a friction-angle root-mean-square error of 1.29°. Under the same data and compute budget, ordinary kriging and a standard physics-informed neural network remain statistically competitive. This outcome indicates that the physics residual acts as a mass-conservation-consistent smoothness regulariser rather than a site-calibrated transport predictor. A multi-objective remediation workflow produces a cost-versus-residual-risk Pareto front for a scenario-specific 1–2 km² case, presented as an illustrative decision-support envelope pending external pilot calibration. A projected pathway from these outcomes to six Sustainable Development Goals and two pillars of Kuwait Vision 2035 is also discussed; quantitative attribution at this sample size is beyond scope. The small-sample, single-depth and single-locality limitations that bound the admissible inference are stated explicitly. Full article

With rapid urbanization and increasing motorization, understanding the impact of parking facilities on urban metro ridership is crucial for alleviating traffic congestion and promoting public transport priority strategies. However, few studies have systematically examined the influence of built environment characteristics, especially parking facilities, on metro ridership. To address this research gap, this study utilizes metro ridership data and parking facility data, and employs a gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT) model to analyze the relationship between built environment factors (including parking) and metro ridership. Additionally, accumulated local effects (ALE) plots are used to reveal nonlinear effects and interaction patterns. The empirical results demonstrate that parking space density has a significant nonlinear influence on metro ridership. Furthermore, a clear threshold effect is observed in the joint impact of parking space density and distance to the central business district (CBD), providing valuable theoretical and practical insights for optimizing park and ride (P+R) facility planning around metro stations. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between built environment factors and metro ridership, offering evidence-based guidance for sustainable urban transport planning. Full article

This study investigates the thermodielectric properties of polyurethane-based microcomposites filled with hybrid microfiller systems based on combinations of wurtzite boron nitride (wBN), aluminium nitride (AlN), and aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)${}_3$). The dielectric properties (${\epsilon }_r$, $tan\delta$) in the mHz–MHz frequency range and the effective thermal conductivity ($k_{\mathrm{eff}}$) were experimentally characterised for filler loadings up to 40 wt.%. The hybrid systems (wBN+AlN, wBN+Al(OH)${}_3$, and AlN+Al(OH)${}_3$) yielded thermal conductivities in the range of 0.40–0.50 W·m${}^{-1}$·K${}^{-1}$ at 40 wt.% total loading ($0.19\le \varphi \le 0.23$), showing modest synergistic enhancement and remaining within the quasi-linear regime of the Nan model. These results demonstrate that the overall thermal transport in the composites depends far more on the formation of particle percolation networks than on the intrinsic thermal conductivity of the individual fillers, even when accounting for Kapitza interfacial resistance, as confirmed by simulations. Importantly, even at high filler loadings, the electrical insulation properties remain suitable for highly energy-dense applications in electric aircraft. In particular, $tan\delta$ values are comparable to or better than those of unfilled polyurethane, while dielectric strength results lie within the industrially relevant range. Full article

This review analyzes electrochemically deposited polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite thin films containing metallic, semiconducting, and dielectric fillers, including Ag/PANI, Mo/MoO_x/PANI, CeO₂/PANI, Fe₂O₃/PANI, Al₂O₃/PANI, CuO/PANI, Co₃O₄/PANI, and CoFe₂O₄/PANI. The work examines how filler chemistry and loading influence optical-gap evolution, Urbach disorder, dielectric dispersion, nonlinear optical response, structural coherence, and dc conductivity under comparable electrochemical growth conditions. The comparative analysis shows that optical-gap narrowing and conductivity enhancement are not necessarily coupled. Ag/PANI exhibits simultaneous optical softening and improved conductivity, consistent with metallic bridging, dielectric screening, and enhanced charge connectivity. In contrast, Mo/MoO_x/PANI shows strong optical-gap reduction but reduced conductivity, indicating that optically active interfacial states may remain localized or mobility-limiting. Oxide fillers produce additional regimes: CeO₂/PANI can suppress Urbach disorder and microstrain through order stabilization, whereas Al₂O₃/PANI may widen higher-energy transitions and reduce transport through wide-gap barrier effects. Based on these contrasts, a unified framework is proposed that separates the interfacial electronic function from the transport-connectivity function. This approach classifies PANI nanocomposites into transport-assisted metallic, mobility-limiting interfacial, order-stabilized oxide, and barrier-dominated dielectric regimes, providing practical criteria for selecting filler type and loading windows in optoelectronic, sensing, and photonic applications. Full article

Wilson’s disease (WD) is traditionally known as a monogenic disorder of copper transport, but immune activation is now being increasingly recognized in a subset of patients. In a single-center retrospective cohort study of 86 treatment-naïve WD patients who were rigorously diagnosed using the Leipzig score, Jiang et al. systematically evaluated the prevalence, clinical impact, and prognostic significance of autoimmune phenomena (AP), defined by autoantibody positivity and/or elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG). They found that 55.8% of patients met the criteria for AP, with about half showing at least one autoantibody, primarily low-titer antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), indicating that immune activation is common in newly diagnosed WD. Notably, patients with WD and AP (AP-WD) had more advanced hepatic dysfunction at baseline, including higher bilirubin levels, worse synthetic function, greater cirrhosis and ascites burden, and higher composite liver scores, as well as increased urinary copper excretion. Histological analysis in a subset of patients who underwent biopsy showed more intense portal inflammation and plasma cell infiltration in AP-WD, suggesting a distinct immunopathological phenotype. Over a 60-month period, AP-WD patients had a higher incidence of liver-related adverse events (death or liver transplantation), with a nearly fourfold increased hazard compared to patients without AP. Collectively, these findings support AP as a clinically significant modifier of disease expression and outcome in WD, emphasizing the importance of routine assessment of autoantibodies and IgG at diagnosis to improve risk stratification and guide follow-up care. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive characterization of carbon dust adhesion on the anode surface induced by the anode effect (AE) in the Hall–Héroult process. The primary objective was to verify the hypothesis of electrophoretic carbon particle transport and its subsequent stabilization on the electrode substrate. Unlike previous studies conducted in horizontal configurations where gravitational sedimentation could interfere with observations, this research employs a unique vertical electrode setup to provide direct physical evidence of purely electrophoretic transport. Authentic industrial carbon dust was used as a tracer material, its presence on the high-purity graphite surface being definitively confirmed through the detection of trace markers (Mg, Ca) via SEM-EDS. The multiscale structural analysis revealed that spike initiation occurs through a dynamic arc-induced nucleation mechanism. Morphological observations suggest that micro-arc discharges during the AE provide the extreme localized energy for direct carbon-to-carbon “welding,” creating a conductive, porous scaffold on the vertical anode wall. XRD analysis identified crystalline cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) and chiolite (Na₅Al₃F₁₄) within this structure. It was demonstrated that these fluoride phases represent the solidified product of molten, acidic electrolyte infiltration into the carbonaceous matrix via capillary action, rather than acting as binders that crystallize during the process. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the disordered, amorphous nature of the captured dust (high D-band intensity), distinguishing it from the highly ordered graphite substrate. Confocal microscopy visualized the topographical evolution from isolated clusters to interconnected three-dimensional “islands” as a function of AE duration. The results demonstrate that the anode effect serves as a critical flashpoint where synergistic electrophoretic forces and localized thermal anomalies initiate the growth of stable, conductive carbon–matrix composite spikes, providing new insights for mitigating current efficiency losses in industrial smelters. Full article

In this work, ternary Mo–Ni–X (X = Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, W) thin films with nominal composition Mo₈₀Ni₁₀X₁₀ (at. %) were prepared by magnetron sputtering and evaluated as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. The influence of alloy composition, substrate type, and deposition temperature on catalytic performance was systematically investigated. Electrochemical screening revealed a strong dependence of HER activity on both substrate conductivity and ternary alloying, with Al-, Cr-, and W-containing systems showing the best performance on glassy carbon substrates. This highlights the importance of interfacial charge-transfer efficiency in determining catalytic behavior. The Mo₈₀Ni₁₀Cr₁₀/GC system was selected for detailed analysis. Deposition temperatures ≥ 500 °C resulted in enhanced HER activity, reaching an overpotential of η₁₀ = −222 mV at j = −10 mA cm⁻². The improved performance is attributed to temperature-induced microstructural optimization and electrochemically driven surface reconstruction, leading to the formation of a Ni-enriched active interface. AFM analysis confirmed surface restructuring during operation, with roughness increasing from ~1 to ~3 nm, indicating the formation of additional electrochemically accessible active sites. XPS results suggest partial depletion of Mo during cycling, while Cr mainly contributes to structural stabilization of the evolving thin film. Overall, the results demonstrate that HER performance is governed by the coupled effects of alloy composition, substrate-dependent charge transport, and in situ surface reconstruction. This work highlights magnetron sputtering as a scalable approach for designing homogeneous noble-metal-free thin-film electrocatalysts with tunable activity. Full article

The Wadi Al-Ahsaba watershed is an arid to semi-arid catchment situated in southwestern Saudi Arabia, characterized by intermittent surface flow, high evaporation and low rainfall, and a dam reservoir built for flood control. The work aims to assess hydrological and anthropogenic controls on surface and groundwater quality, pollution status, and human health risks using an integrated approach of hydrogeochemical analysis, multivariable statistics, and water quality and contamination indices. A total of 21 water samples (15 surface water, 6 groundwater) were analyzed for general chemistry, major ions, and trace elements. Hydrogeochemical analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were implemented to differentiate the geogenic from anthropogenic control on water quality. The pollution status and associated risk were evaluated using water quality index (WQI), contamination degree (Cd), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI). Results suggest limited surface–groundwater interaction, with surface water dominated by Ca–Mg–HCO₃ facies, indicating recent recharge and limited water–rock interaction, whereas groundwater exhibits mixed Ca–Mg–Cl and Ca–Na–Cl–SO₄ types, revealing longer residence time and water–rock interaction. Nitrate (9.5–109 mg/L) and TDS (522–1003 mg/L) exceeded drinking water standards in 90% and 95% of tested samples, respectively, and WQI ranged from 43 to 134, reflecting excellent to poor water. High non-carcinogenic risk from nitrate was observed, especially for infants. The study concluded that the geogenic processes (water–rock interaction, evaporation, and mineral dissolution) control the general chemistry of tested water, while anthropogenic input from wastewater and agriculture input are likely contributors to nitrate contamination. The study contributes to the understanding of arid wadi-dam systems by revealing how limited recharge, hydrological connectivity, and episodic flow control contaminant transport and persistence, underscoring the critical role of integrated hydrological analysis and land use management in safeguarding freshwater resources in arid environments. Full article

CO₂ methanation with renewable hydrogen is a promising strategy for carbon valorization and synthetic natural gas (SNG) production. However, the molecular mechanisms behind catalyst-dependent adsorption and mass transport in zeolite-confined spaces are still not fully elucidated. Herein, we performed comparative molecular simulations on HZSM-5, Ni/ZSM-5 and Ru/ZSM-5 by combining density functional theory (DFT), grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics (MD) methods, aiming to clarify the thermodynamic and mass transport mechanisms of reactant enrichment and product desorption in CO₂ methanation. The electronic structures of the three systems were systematically evaluated via Mulliken charge analysis, differential charge density mapping, and frontier molecular orbital calculations. We further quantified the adsorption thermodynamics and diffusion kinetics of reactants and products, focusing specifically on the effects of temperature and framework Si/Al ratio for Ni/ZSM-5. The results show that Ni doping greatly modulates the local electronic environment of the ZSM-5 framework, enhancing the adsorption of CO₂ (−121.9 kJ·mol⁻¹) and H₂ (−81.6 kJ·mol⁻¹) and weakening the adsorption of CH₄ and H₂O. A higher Si/Al ratio reduces CO₂ adsorption capacity, while elevated temperatures inhibit reactant adsorption and lower the diffusion selectivity of CH₄. This demonstrates that moderately low temperatures and moderate Si/Al ratios can optimize the adsorption and diffusion behaviors of reactants and products. This work provides molecular-level insights into the adsorption and diffusion behaviors of Ni/ZSM-5 and offers theoretical references for the rational development of high-performance CO₂ methanation catalysts. Full article

The growing demand for high-speed marine transportation requires continuous improvement in ship design to achieve higher hydrodynamic efficiency. From an engineering design perspective, hull form modification is a key approach to optimizing the performance of planing vessels, particularly through the implementation of stepped hull configurations. This study aims to investigate the effects of step geometry and step position on the resistance and trim characteristics of a planing hull based on Taunton et al.’s Model C, with the objective of improving vessel efficiency. The design methodology integrates hull geometry modification, parametric variation in step position and step height, and numerical performance assessment. In this research, the governing equations are solved using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) framework with the Finite Volume Method (FVM) as the discretization technique. The turbulence model used is k-ω SST, while the interaction between water and air phases is represented using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. From a design performance perspective, the results demonstrate that stepped hull geometry significantly influences resistance and trim characteristics. The optimal design configurations achieved a resistance reduction of up to 17.93% and a trim of 1.53° was achieved with a stepped position of 430 mm from the transom and a stepped height of 25 mm (Model A3) at Fr 2.28. Meanwhile, a resistance reduction of 15.49% and a trim of 1.46° were observed for a stepped position of 860 mm from the transom and a stepped height of 25 mm (Model B3) at Fr 2.72. These findings highlight the importance of step geometry and placement as key design variables in improving planing hull performance. This study demonstrates that CFD-based evaluation can effectively support engineering design decisions for stepped hull optimization, providing a systematic approach for improving hydrodynamic efficiency in high-speed vessel design. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants whose mobility in soil and groundwater is strongly controlled by adsorption and desorption processes. In saturated clay-rich soils, these processes are complex because PFASs interact with hydrated mineral surfaces, organic matter, metal oxides, exchangeable cations, and pore-water constituents. This review synthesizes the current literature on PFAS adsorption and desorption in saturated soils, with an emphasis on clay mineralogy, mineral–water interfaces, pore-water chemistry, and electrochemical double layer (EDL) effects. PFAS retention is influenced by molecular properties such as chain length, functional head group, and charge state, as well as soil properties such as organic carbon content, clay mineral type, surface charge, cation exchange capacity, and Fe/Al oxide content. Longer-chain PFASs and sulfonate-based compounds generally show stronger retention, while shorter-chain PFASs tend to remain more mobile. This review focuses particularly on how an EDL affects PFAS behavior in saturated clay systems. Unlike dry clay surfaces, saturated clay surfaces are covered by structured water, exchangeable ions, and diffuse counterion layers. These hydrated interfacial conditions influence how closely anionic PFASs can approach negatively charged clay surfaces, how dissolved cations reduce electrostatic repulsion or promote cation-mediated binding, and how effectively short-range interactions such as hydrophobic association, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and surface association contribute to adsorption. Desorption is also emphasized because adsorption does not necessarily represent permanent immobilization. Changes in pH, ionic strength, cation composition, dissolved organic matter, or competing solutes can weaken retention and promote PFAS release. Overall, PFAS mobility in saturated clay-rich soils should be interpreted as a coupled interfacial process rather than simple partitioning to soil solids. Future work should better connect molecular-scale mechanisms, EDL behavior, adsorption–desorption experiments, and saturated transport studies to improve predictions of PFAS retention and long-term groundwater release. Full article

Introduction: Establishing baseline descriptions of inorganic elements in the early life stages of sharks and in their respective nursery areas is essential for assessing anthropogenic impacts and supporting conservation strategies. Objectives: This study presents the first baseline of plasma trace element concentrations (Al, Zn, As, Cu, Cr, Cd, Co, Mn, Ti, Ni, Hg, Pb) for four juvenile shark species (Carcharhinus limbatus, Paragaleus pectoralis, Rhizoprionodon acutus, and Sphyrna lewini) from Sal Rei Bay, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde—the first multi-species shark nursery area described in Atlantic Africa. Methodology: Seawater and sediment samples were collected from eight sites and analyzed along with plasma samples using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF). Sediment granulometry and pollution indices, including the enrichment factor (EF), ecological risk index (RI), and metal pollution index (MPI), were used to characterize habitat contamination. Data were analyzed using statistical models to explore spatial and element-specific patterns. Results: Overall, environmental contamination was low, with slight increases in Cd, Co, and Hg at sites 1 and 2, near the fishing port, and at site 5, likely reflecting natural transport, sediment redistribution, and enhanced nearshore deposition. Juvenile sharks exhibited generally low plasma trace element concentrations, although species-specific elemental signatures were evident: elevated levels of Al and Cu in C. limbatus, Zn in S. lewini, and As in R. acutus and P. pectoralis. Conclusions: These findings establish critical baseline reference values for trace elements in juvenile sharks from a key Atlantic nursery area. The results provide an essential framework for future biomonitoring efforts and contribute to the management and conservation of Cabo Verdean shark nursery habitats. Full article

In this study, the Nb from the lightweight Ti₆₅(AlCrNbV)₃₅ medium-entropy alloy was replaced with Zr to create lower-density Ti_x(AlCrZrV)_100−x (x = 65, 67, 70, or 75) alloys. All alloy ingots were fabricated through vacuum arc melting and drop casting. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed all as-cast alloys exhibited only a single body-centered cubic structure. As the Ti content increased, the strength of the as-cast alloys decreased from 1247 to 981 MPa, whereas their elongation marginally improved. Moreover, the mechanical properties of these alloys were considerably enhanced through thermomechanical treatment (50% hot rolling and 80% cold rolling) and then rapid annealing at 700 °C, 800 °C, or 900 °C. An increase in the annealing temperature led to a notable decrease in the yield strength of the alloys but a considerable increase in their ductility. Ti65, Ti67, and Ti70 alloys annealed at 700 °C or 800 °C exhibited a yield strength of ≥1200 MPa and a ductility of ≥10%. Of the fabricated alloys, the Ti67 alloy annealed at 700 °C exhibited the optimal mechanical properties (yield strength of 1552 MPa and ductility of 13.6%). It exhibited low density (4.89 g/cm³) and a specific yield strength of 317 MPa·cm³/g, thus demonstrating considerable potential for transportation and energy applications. Full article

This study investigates the breeding of the German wine yeast Oppenheimer Kreuz 1894, which carries a FOT1 allele of a fungal oligopeptide transporter, with Freya, a Kveik ale yeast, to enhance fermentation performance and aroma in beer and wine. By combining Kveik traits (osmotolerance, thermotolerance, and rapid fermentation kinetics) with those of a German wine yeast (ethanol tolerance, broadened nitrogen utilization, and aroma production) and introducing FOT1 into an ale background via classical breeding, we aimed to leverage the Saccharomyces biodiversity to improve fermentation activity and expand aromatic complexity. Fermentation products and volatile aroma compounds were quantified by HPLC and HS-SPME-GC-MS. Spore clone derivatives of initial hybrid strains (F₂-generation) showed improved fermentation profiles with increased CO₂ production. In wine fermentations, the best-performing spore clone, GYBC 901, yielded a rich aromatic profile with elevated fruity and floral notes. In beer fermentations, GYBC 899 produced the most diverse and complex aroma. FOT1 was of minor relevance to the breeding outcome, whereas meiotic recombination generated a set of diverse spore clones. These results highlight the potential of strategic yeast breeding to optimize fermentation processes and tailor flavor profiles to diverse product targets. Future work will elucidate metabolic pathways underlying these phenotypes and advance the development of application-specific strains, offering avenues to enhance beverage quality and product differentiation in the fermentation industry. Full article

Liquid electrolytes in conventional lithium-ion batteries pose safety risks associated with flammability, leakage, and explosion, whereas solid polymer electrolytes are generally limited by insufficient ionic conductivity at ambient temperature, restricting the development of high-energy lithium batteries. To address these issues, flexible poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)-based gel polymer electrolyte membranes (GPEs) were prepared via a slit-coating process combined with UV curing. NASICON-type lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7P₃O₁₂, LATP) and garnet-type tantalum-doped lithium lanthanum zirconate (Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂, LLZTO) were introduced as inorganic ceramic fillers to improve the ion-transport and interfacial properties of the GPE. Among the investigated samples, the PVDF-HFP-based GPE containing 10 wt% LLZTO exhibited the best overall performance, with an ionic conductivity of 3.40 × 10⁻⁴ S·cm⁻¹ at ambient temperature and a Li⁺ transference number of 0.77. Cyclic voltammetry results showed that the LLZTO-modified electrolyte membrane exhibited sharper and more symmetric redox peaks, higher peak current response, and better curve overlap during repeated cycles, indicating improved electrochemical reversibility and interfacial stability. In addition, LLZTO incorporation enhanced the mechanical strength, broadened the electrochemical stability window, and improved the flame-retardant behavior of the membrane. The LiFePO₄/GPE/Li cell assembled with the optimized membrane delivered an initial discharge capacity of 160 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and maintained 80 mAh·g⁻¹ at 1 C, demonstrating good rate capability. Moreover, a capacity retention of 96% was maintained after 100 cycles at 0.1 C, confirming excellent cycling stability. Therefore, this work provides an effective strategy for the structural optimization and scalable preparation of high-performance gel polymer electrolyte membranes for lithium battery applications. Full article