Search Results (123)

The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate and quantify the effect of strain rate (SR) and environmental parameters on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of a high-strength, aluminum–copper alloy. Slow strain rate (SSR) tests were carried out in air at 25 °C, over a SR range from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁷ s⁻¹ and controlled relative humidity (RH) between 40% and 80%. The influence of the pre-soaking period in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was also assessed. A major effect of pre-soaking was identified, as it was necessary for the onset of SCC. Increasing RH over 40% and decreasing SR below 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹ significantly intensified SCC susceptibility, leading to ductility loss up to 84%. SSR test results were supported by microstructural investigations, with particular emphasis on the role of second phases. Their electrochemical activity was examined by scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM), while intergranular corrosion (IGC) susceptibility was evaluated according to the ISO 11846 standard. The pronounced IGC susceptibility of the alloy led to predominantly intergranular fracture morphologies in cross-section peripheral areas after SSR testing. The results confirmed the synergistic effect among microstructure, IGC susceptibility and SCC behavior, identifying a critical window of mechanical and environmental parameters governing SCC. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutritional intake plays an important role in modulating lead absorption and toxicity. In addition to micronutrient status, emerging evidence suggests that body fat distribution may influence heavy metal toxicokinetics, yet this aspect remains poorly explored in occupational settings. This study aimed to investigate the associations of dietary intake of zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and protein, as well as anthropometric indicators, with blood lead levels (BLLs) among lead-exposed male workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 144 male workers from five areas with varying degrees of environmental lead contamination in Java, Indonesia. Nutrient intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). BLLs were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of elevated BLLs. Results: The median BLL was 6.8 µg/dL (Q1–Q3: 4.75–13.08), and 32% of participants had BLLs above 10 µg/dL. BLLs differed significantly across exposure areas (p < 0.001). In bivariate analysis, WHtR, protein intake, zinc intake, and vitamin D intake were significantly associated with BLLs. Workers with higher WHtR had a greater proportion of elevated BLLs (p = 0.023), whereas BMI was not associated. In multivariate analysis, low zinc intake (p = 0.031) and low vitamin D intake (p = 0.021) remained significant predictors of high blood lead levels. Conclusions: Environmental exposure remains the main determinant of BLLs, while low intake of zinc and vitamin D increases the risk of high blood lead levels. Central adiposity, reflected by WHtR, may represent a potential anthropometric marker of lead burden, suggesting a potential role of body fat distribution in lead toxicokinetics that warrants further investigation. Full article

The high emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere have driven the development of carbon capture, transport, and storage (CCTS) technologies. These focus on capturing CO₂ from industrial exhaust gases and transporting it through existing pipeline networks. Although various capture techniques are available, they may introduce impurities such as O₂, N₂, Ar, H₂O, NH₃, and others into the CO₂ stream. These contaminants can significantly alter the thermophysical behaviour of the fluid, making the phase behaviour predictions, reliable for pure CO₂, much more complex. Pressure and temperature variations along pipelines can induce unexpected phase transitions, affecting fluid composition and potentially triggering corrosion. This review examines the formation of condensates within pipelines and their role in initiating corrosion phenomena, with a focus on top of the line corrosion (TLC) and conventional CO₂-induced corrosion (sweet corrosion). The main literature findings highlight how phase changes and altered fluid composition due to corrosion processes can significantly intensify degradation mechanisms during CO₂ transport. Full article

O3-type layered transition-metal oxides are widely regarded as promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to their intrinsically high sodium content and favorable energy density. Nevertheless, their practical rate capability is hindered by sluggish Na⁺ transport and relatively high diffusion barriers. To address this issue, elemental substitution has emerged as an effective modification strategy. In this work, fluorine (F), characterized by strong electronegativity and a small ionic radius, is introduced to partially substitute oxygen in the bulk lattice of O3-type NaNi_1/3Fe_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (NNFM). First-principles calculations demonstrate that F incorporation leads to an expansion of the interlayer spacing along the c-axis and a weakening of Na–O interactions, both of which facilitate Na⁺ migration. Among the considered configurations, Mn-adjacent substitution exhibits the lowest formation energy, indicating enhanced thermodynamic stability. Furthermore, electronic structure analysis reveals a reduced band gap (from 0.515 eV to 0.342–0.356 eV) and strengthened O-2p/Mn-3d orbital hybridization, contributing to improved electronic conductivity. These findings provide atomistic insights into F-induced modulation mechanisms and suggest an effective pathway for optimizing Na⁺ transport in O3-type cathodes. Full article

The agriculture sector in Nepal is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its traditional practices, limited technological intervention, and low adaptive capacity. Owing to the country’s complex topography, the impacts of climate change are spatially heterogeneous, making local-level climate change assessments highly relevant. This study focuses on the impact of climate change on three major crops (rice, wheat, and maize), in the Doti district of Nepal, based on meteorological records, crop yield data, questionnaire surveys, and focus group discussions. Climate records from 1982 to 2022 show a trend in annual rainfall at a rate of −3.28 mm per year, with a particularly pronounced decline during the monsoon season. Both maximum and minimum temperatures exhibit statistically significant increasing trends of 0.01 °C and 0.03 °C per year, respectively. The most significant warming for maximum temperature occurs during the monsoon season, while minimum temperature shows the highest increase during the pre-monsoon season. During the same period, annual yields of paddy, maize, and wheat show statistically significant increasing trends. These trends in climate variables and crop yields align with the perceptions of local communities. Linear correlation analysis indicates that maximum and minimum temperatures have a positive influence on crop yields, whereas precipitation and diurnal temperature range have negative effects. Among these, minimum temperature has the greatest impact on crop yields, followed by maximum temperature and rainfall. Multiple linear regression analysis reveals that climate variables better explain long-term trends in crop yields rather than year-to-year variability. The impact of climate is most pronounced in wheat where climate variables account for approximately 55% of the yield variability, followed by paddy (R²~49%) and maize (R²~20%). Despite the overall increase in crop yields, interannual variability has grown, consistent with increased variability in climate parameters. To cope with this uncertainty, local communities have adopted various adaptation strategies, including the use of improved seed varieties, green manure, and changes in crop types. Other key practices include the use of inorganic fertilizers, selection of short-duration crops, crop rotation, minimum tillage farming, and river conservation. Full article

The Morus genus comprises several tree species whose fruits are used in human nutrition, while the leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to highlight the antioxidant, cholinesterase inhibitory, and neuroprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extracts from Morus alba (MAE) and Morus nigra (MNE) leaves. RP-UHPLC-PDA analysis of extracts revealed the presence of polyphenols in higher quantities in MNE extract compared to MAE. Both extracts demonstrated antioxidant properties in the hydroxyl radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. MNE exhibited a superior antioxidant capacity compared to MAE; the IC₅₀ values for the inhibition of plasma lipid oxidation assay were 25.31 ± 2.54 µg/mL for MNE and 29.85 ± 0.97 µg/mL for MAE. Both extracts showed cholinesterase inhibitory activity. The IC₅₀ values for acetylcholinesterase inhibition were 24.34 ± 0.86 µg/mL for MNE and 46.87 ± 2.16 µg/mL for MAE. The inhibitory potency of MNE was comparable to that of galantamine, which was used as standard. Both extracts reversed, in a dose-dependent manner, the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and behavioural alterations in scopolamine-treated zebrafish (Danio rerio) as evaluated by the Y-maze test, novel tank diving test, and novel object recognition test. Full article

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have emerged as effective nature-based solutions (NbS) for the treatment of industrial dairy wastewater (DWW), which is characterized by high organic loads, elevated nutrient concentrations, and pronounced operational variability. Despite increasing implementation, quantitative engineering evidence supporting design optimization and scalability remains fragmented. Herein, we present a semi-quantitative synthesis of CW performance for DWW treatment, explicitly linking hydraulic and operational parameters with pollutant removal efficiencies. A systematic review of 38 peer-reviewed studies published between 1995 and 2025 was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Treatment performance was normalized and evaluated as a function of hydraulic retention time (HRT), organic loading rate (OLR), system configuration, and climatic context. The results demonstrate that hybrid CWs combining vertical and horizontal subsurface flow most frequently achieved COD and BOD₅ removal efficiencies exceeding 90% when operated within an observed operating envelope, typically including HRT ranges of 4–8 h (VSSF; n = 4) and 3–7 days (HSSF; n = 14), and OLR values below 30 g COD m⁻² d⁻¹ (n = 7, among studies reporting OLR). Operation outside this operating envelope was generally associated with reduced treatment stability and an increased likelihood of operational constraints (e.g., clogging). Substrate porosity, vegetation diversity, and climate further modulated long-term performance and system resilience. Based on the consolidated evidence, this review suggests transferable operational design envelopes and configuration-specific implementation pathways that translate empirical findings into practical engineering guidance, supporting the scalable adoption of CWs as low-energy NbS for decentralized and sustainable DWW management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to a disease in which stomach acid rises into the oesophagus. Currently, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly used medications to treat GERD. However, long-term use of PPIs is not free from side effects, and new treatment strategies are needed. The present study was conducted to evaluate the gastroprotective potential of four different formulations containing both antiacids and medicinal plants considered useful for the treatment of GERD. Methods: The protective effects of the formulations on gastric ulcers in pyloric ligation-induced gastric mucosal lesions in mice were evaluated by measuring gastric emptying, the ulcer index, gastric content, total acidity, and the pH of the gastric fluid. Gastric damage was also assessed by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Results: Formulations containing Glycyrrhiza glabra L. or Glycyrrhiza glabra L. plus Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. and Olea europaea L. (formulations 3 and 4, respectively) increased gastric emptying. All formulations decreased gastro-oesophageal damage (ulceration and MPO activity) and gastric contents and had no effects on total acidity or gastric fluid pH in the pyloric ligation ulcer model. Conclusions: Our results show that all formulations are able to exert cytoprotective and anti-ulcerative effects. However, among the formulations, formulation 4 seems to be the most promising because of its better effects on gastric injury and gastric emptying. These results support the hypothesis of the possible use of medicinal plants in combination with antacid agents in the treatment of GERD. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) present a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion systems due to the abundance and low environmental impact of sodium. However, their integration into multifunctional structural battery systems that combine electrochemical and mechanical properties remains unexplored. This work investigates the electrochemical performance of sodium-ion chemistry within a structural battery framework using unsized carbon fiber (UCF) as both a structural substrate and active electrode material. Ultrasonic spray coating was employed to deposit Mesocarbon Microbeads (MCMB) and NaNi_1/3Fe_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (NFM) on UCF to form hybrid anode and cathode half-cells, respectively, with 1 M NaPF₆ in diglyme electrolyte. The MCMB on UCF hybrid anode demonstrated dual graphitic and carbon fiber storage mechanisms, achieving 50 mAh g⁻¹ capacity over 500 cycles at 1C with excellent Coulombic efficiency. The NFM–UCF cathode exhibited an initial capacity of 27.5 mAh g⁻¹ and maintained over 80% capacity retention for 230 cycles, continuing to cycle stably beyond 400 cycles. Post-cycling SEM imaging revealed surface cracking, particle expansion, and gas-pocket formation in both electrodes. These results demonstrate the electrochemical viability of sodium-ion chemistry in a multifunctional structural configuration and establish ultrasonic coating as a scalable, precise method for fabricating carbon fiber electrodes toward future sodium-ion structural batteries. Full article

Water pollution caused by petroleum-derived volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), as well as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), poses a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. These contaminants, together with the organic matter and nutrients present in municipal wastewater, highlight the need for sustainable treatment technologies adapted to tropical conditions. This study evaluated the removal efficiency of BTEX, MTBE, and conventional pollutants using hybrid constructed wetlands (HCWs) that combine vertical subsurface flow (VSSF-CW) and horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF-CW) systems. Two plant species—Heliconia latispatha and Phragmites australis—were tested, along with a polyculture and an unvegetated control. The hybrid systems treated synthetic influents formulated to simulate contaminated municipal wastewater. Parameters including COD, TSS, N–NH₄⁺, N–NO₃⁻, P–PO₄³⁻, BTEX, and MTBE were monitored and analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Vegetated systems achieved COD removal efficiencies exceeding 85%, compared with 72% in the control. Phragmites australis obtained the highest removal of suspended solids (92 ± 3%) and ammonium nitrogen (88 ± 2%), whereas Heliconia latispatha exhibited superior phosphorus removal (84 ± 4%). The polyculture displayed a synergistic effect, achieving removal rates of 93% for benzene, 91% for toluene, and 88% for MTBE, with statistically significant differences relative to the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, hybrid constructed wetlands planted with Heliconia latispatha and Phragmites australis demonstrated high efficiency and stability in removing BTEX, MTBE, and conventional pollutants under tropical conditions, positioning themselves as a sustainable, low-cost, and esthetically valuable treatment alternative. Full article

Background: Dose-sparing approaches can be effective in maintaining immunogenicity and safety while expanding vaccine coverage. We previously demonstrated that a half dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 is as effective and immunogenic for primary vaccination. Methods: This non-inferiority, non-randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness, humoral, and cellular immune responses of a third booster dose—comparing half-dose and full-dose regimens—in individuals aged 18–49 years, with a 1-year follow-up. Results: A total of 2801 participants were enrolled: 2352 received half doses and 449 received full doses. The incidence rate of COVID-19 was 225.0 per 1000 person-years in the half-dose group and 173.8 in the full-dose group, with no significant difference in effectiveness (β = −0.05; 95% CrI: −0.24 to 0.15). No deaths occurred, and hospitalization rates were similar. In a subsample (n = 558), anti-S IgG levels peaked 28 days post-dose and declined by day 180 after the primary series [175 (121–252) vs. 121 (71–208) GMT, p < 0.001], but remained elevated after the booster [192.1 (124–297) vs. 550 (380–797) GMT, p < 0.001]. Booster antibody levels were similar between groups [592.4 (318–1140) vs. 550 (380–797) GMT]. The half-dose group showed high titers against Omicron and robust T/B-cell responses (e.g., EMCD4, EMCD8, IFN⁺CD4⁺, CD19⁺TNF⁺). Conclusions: Fractional half dose of ChAdOx nCov-19 was effective and non-inferior to a full booster dose. Homologous regimen with 3 half doses or 3 full doses induced a similar increase in antibody titers and robust cellular response. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05059106). Full article

O3-type NaNi_1/3Mn_1/3Fe_1/3O₂ (NFM) cathodes for sodium-ion batteries face critical challenges of sluggish Na⁺ diffusion and structural degradation during cycling. In this study, we implement an Sb³⁺ doping strategy that enhances structural stability and interfacial stability by modulating the NFM grain morphology to promote densification of primary particles and shorten Na⁺ migration paths. The optimized Sb-doped NFM1Sb (1%mol Sb) cathode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, achieving 86.48% capacity retention after 200 cycles at 1 C and a high rate capability of 122.2 mAh g⁻¹ at 5 C. These improvements are attributed to the alleviation of stress concentration and suppression of microcrack formation during cycling. This work demonstrates the critical role of grain morphology regulation through heavy-metal doping in developing long-life and high-rate SIBs, providing a viable pathway toward next-generation energy storage systems. Full article

Minerals bearing rare earth elements (REEs) are formed through long geological processes, among which monazite, bastnasite, xenotime, and ionic adsorption clays are the most economically exploited. Although Brazil has one of the largest reserves of REEs on the planet, its production is still not significant on the world stage. China remains dominant, with the largest reserves of REEs and controlling more than half of world production. Due to their important application in advanced clean and low-carbon energy technologies, REEs have become fundamental to the energy transition process. Technological applications related to catalyst synthesis, ceramics production, and metallurgy have been explored. Furthermore, the use of REEs in devices of great demand today, such as computer memory, rechargeable batteries, and mobile phones, has been cited. With the growing demand for these critical minerals, large mining companies are seeking to implement cleaner production policies in their processes and save natural resources to minimize the environmental impacts of the exploration. Robust analytical techniques have made it possible to characterize these elements in multi-element geological matrices, with the increasing exploration and identification of new REE mineral reserves. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different storage conditions on seed viability, vigor, and agronomic performance in six forage pea (Pisum sativum L. var. arvense) cultivars: Uysal, Özkaynak, Kurtbey, Ürünlü, Taşkent, and Nany. The research was conducted under Manisa (Türkiye) field conditions during the 2021–2022 growing season, with supporting laboratory tests performed in Ankara. Seeds were evaluated before and after a three-month storage period under two conditions: room temperature and cold storage (5 °C, 60% RH). Laboratory analyses included germination percentage, germination speed, electrical conductivity (EC), and field emergence tests. Results revealed that cold storage significantly preserved seed vigor and viability, as indicated by lower EC values, higher germination and field emergence rates. Among cultivars, ‘Taşkent’ and ‘Nany’ demonstrated superior physiological seed quality, while ‘Uysal’ was more sensitive to adverse storage conditions. In field trials, cold-stored seeds produced taller plants, earlier flowering, and higher green and dry forage yields compared to room-stored seeds. The cultivar ‘Ürünlü’ stood out with the highest average forage yield. These findings underline the importance of genotype-specific responses and proper seed storage practices to maintain seed quality and optimize forage productivity in cool-season legumes. Full article

Plant genders could express different functional strategies to compensate for different reproductive costs, as females have an additional role in fruit and seed production. Secondary sexual dimorphism (SSD) expression is frequently greater under stress than under optimal growth conditions. The early gender identification in papaya may help to reduce orchard costs because the most desirable fruit shape is formed by hermaphrodite plants. We hypothesized that (a) gender ecophysiological phenotyping can be an alternative to make gender segregations in papaya seedlings, and (b) such gender segregation will be more efficient after a short drought exposure than under adequate water conditions. To test such hypotheses, seedlings of two papaya varieties (‘Candy’ and ‘THB’) were exposed to two kind of treatments: (1) water shortage (WS) for 45 h, after which they were well watered, and (2) continuously well-watered (WW). Study assessed the ecophysiological responses, such as stomatal conductance (g_s), SPAD index, optical reflectance indices, morphological traits, and biomass accumulation in females (F) and hermaphrodites (H). In WS treatment, the SSD was expressed in 14 of 18 traits investigated, while in WW treatment, the SSD was expressed only in 7 of 18 traits. As tools for SSD expression, g_s and simple ratio pigment index (SRPI) must be measured on the first or second day after the imposed WS was interrupted, respectively, while the other parameters must be measured after a period of four days. In some traits, the SSD was expressed in only one variety, or the response of H and F plants were of opposite values for two varieties. The choice of the clearest responses of gender segregation in WS treatment will be greenness index, combination of normalized difference vegetation index (CNDVI), photochemical reflectance index (PRI), water band index (WBI), SRPI, leaf number, leaf dry mass, and leaf mass ratio. If the WW conditions are maintained for papaya seedling production, the recommendation in gender segregation will be the analysis of CNDVI, carotenoid reflectance index 2 (CRI2), WBI, and SRPI. The non-destructive optical leaf indices segregated papaya hermaphrodites from females under both water conditions and eventually could be adjusted for wide-scale platform evaluations, with planned space arrangements of seedlings, and sensor’s set. Full article