Search Results (99)

The paper presents an FPGA-based, hardware-accelerated IEC 61850-9-2 Sampled Measured Values (SMV) subscriber—termed the high-speed SMV subscriber (HS3)—by integrating real-time energy-quality (EQ) analytics directly into the subscriber pipeline while preserving a deterministic, microsecond-scale operation under high stream counts. Building on a prior hardware decoder that achieved sub-3 μs SMV parsing for up to 512 subscribed svIDs with modest logic utilization (<8%), the proposed design augments the pipeline with fixed-point RTL modules for single-bin DFT frequency estimation, windowed true-RMS computation, and per-sample active power evaluation, all operating in a streaming fashion with configurable windows and resolutions. A lightweight software layer performs only residual scalar combinations (e.g., apparent power, form factor) on pre-aggregated hardware outputs, thereby minimizing CPU load and memory traffic. The paper’s aim is to bridge the gap between software-centric analytics—common in toolkit-based deployments—and fixed-function commercial firmware, by delivering an open, modular architecture that co-locates SMV subscription and EQ pre-processing in the same hardware fabric. Implementation on an MPSoC platform demonstrates that integrating EQ analytics does not compromise the efficiency or accuracy of the primary decoding path and sustains the latency targets required for protection-and-control use cases, with accuracy consistent with offline references across representative test waveforms. In contrast to existing solutions that either compute PQ metrics post-capture in software or offer limited in-FPGA analytics, the main contributions lie in a cohesive, resource-efficient integration that exposes continuous, per-channel EQ metrics at microsecond granularity, together with an implementation-level characterization (latency, resource usage, and error against reference calculations) evidencing suitability for real-time substation automation. Full article

Recycling washed mineral waste, generated as a byproduct of the mechanical wastewater treatment process, can be a beneficial alternative to widely used natural sand in construction. Studies on material from the Warsaw agglomeration, available in quantities sufficient for construction applications, demonstrated its high usability in specific hydrotechnical applications. Key laboratory tests for material characterization included physical, permeability, mechanical, and chemical property analyses. The tested waste corresponds to uniformly graded medium sands (uniformity coefficient: 2.20) and weakly calcareous (calcium carbonate content: 2.25–3.29%) mineral soils with organic content ranging from 0.24% to 1.49%. The minimum heavy metal immobilization level reached 91.45%. At maximum dry density of the soil skeleton (1.78/1.79 g/cm³) and optimal moisture content (11.34/11.95%), the hydraulic conductivity reached 4.38/7.71 m/d. The mechanical parameters of washed mineral waste included internal friction angle (34.4/37.8°) and apparent cohesion (9.37/14.98 kPa). The values of the determined parameters are comparable to those of natural sands used as construction aggregates. As a result, washed mineral waste has a high potential for use as an alternative material to natural sand in the analyzed hydrotechnical applications, particularly for flood embankment construction, by applicable technical standards and construction guidelines. Full article

This study investigates the impact of mineralogical and petrographic characteristics on the mechanical behavior of granitic and mafic rocks from the Shuangjiangkou (Sichuan Province) and Damiao complexes (Hebei Province) in China. The research methodology combined petrographic investigation, comprising optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) methods, with methodical geotechnical characterization to establish quantitative relationships between mineralogical composition and engineering properties. The petrographic studies revealed three lithologic groups: fine-to-medium-grained Shuangjiangkou granite (45%–60% feldspar, 27%–35% quartz, 10%–15% mica), plagioclase-rich anorthosite (more than 90% of plagioclase), and intermediate mangerite (40%–50% of plagioclase, 25%–35% of perthite). The uniaxial compressive strength tests showed great variations: granite (127.53 ± 15.07 MPa), anorthosite (167.81 ± 23.45 MPa), and mangerite (205.12 ± 23.87 MPa). Physical properties demonstrated inverse correlations between mechanical strength and both water absorption (granite: 0.25%–0.42%; anorthosite: 0.07%–0.44%; mangerite: 0.10%–0.25%) and apparent porosity (granite: 0.75%–0.92%; anorthosite: 0.20%–1.20%; mangerite: 0.29%–0.69%), with positive correlations to specific gravity (granite: 1.88–3.03; anorthosite: 2.67–2.90; mangerite: 2.43–2.99). Critical petrographic features controlling mechanical behavior include the following: (1) mica content in granite creating anisotropic properties, (2) extensive feldspar alteration through sericitization increasing microporosity and reducing intergranular cohesion, (3) plagioclase micro-fracturing and alteration to clinozoisite–sericite assemblages in anorthosite creating weakness networks, and (4) mangerite’s superior composition of >95% hard minerals with minimal sheet mineral content and limited alteration. Failure mode analysis indicated distinct patterns: granite experiencing shear-dominated failure (30–45° diagonal planes), anorthosite demonstrated tensile fracturing with vertical splitting, and mangerite showed catastrophic brittle failure with extensive fracture networks. These findings provide quantitative frameworks that relate petrographic features to engineering behavior, offering valuable insights for rock mass assessment and engineering design in similar crystalline rock terrains. Full article

We inspected a sector of the Apennines (central–southern Italy) in geographic and structural continuity with the Quaternary-active extensional belt but where clear geomorphic and seismological signatures of normal faulting are unexpectedly missing. The evidence of active tectonics in this area, between Abruzzo and Molise, does not align with geodetic deformation data and the seismotectonic setting of the central Apennines. To investigate the apparent disconnection between active deformation and the absence of surface faulting in a sector where high lithologic erodibility and landslide susceptibility may hide its structural evidence, we combined multi-scale and multi-source data analyses encompassing morphometric analysis and remote sensing techniques. We utilised high-resolution topographic data to analyse the topographic pattern and investigate potential imbalances between tectonics and erosion. Additionally, we employed aerial-photo interpretation to examine the spatial distribution of morphological features and slope instabilities which are often linked to active faulting. To discern potential biases arising from non-tectonic (slope-related) signals, we analysed InSAR data in key sectors across the study area, including carbonate ridges and foredeep-derived Molise Units for comparison. The topographic analysis highlighted topographic disequilibrium conditions across the study area, and aerial-image interpretation revealed morphologic features offset by structural lineaments. The interferometric analysis confirmed a significant role of gravitational movements in denudating some fault planes while highlighting a clustered spatial pattern of hillslope instabilities. In this context, these instabilities can be considered a proxy for the control exerted by tectonic structures. All findings converge on the identification of an ~20 km long corridor, the Castel di Sangro–Rionero Sannitico alignment (CaS-RS), which exhibits varied evidence of deformation attributable to active normal faulting. The latter manifests through subtle and diffuse deformation controlled by a thick tectonic nappe made up of poorly cohesive lithologies. Overall, our findings suggest that the CaS-RS bridges the structural gap between the Mt Porrara–Mt Pizzalto–Mt Rotella and North Matese fault systems, potentially accounting for some of the deformation recorded in the sector. Our approach contributes to bridging the information gap in this complex sector of the Apennines, offering original insights for future investigations and seismic hazard assessment in the region. Full article

To investigate the interaction effects of resting times (0, 6, and 12 h) and NaHCO₃ concentrations (0, 2, 4, and 6 g/kg) on chicken myofibrillar protein (CMP), this study analyzed the changes in solubility, active sulfhydryl groups, rheological behavior, fluorescence, and gel properties of CMP solutions (60 mg/mL). The results indicated that pH significantly increased with higher NaHCO₃ concentrations and longer resting times. Consequently, solubility, active sulfhydryl groups, apparent viscosity, shear stress, G’ value at 80 °C, hardness, springiness, and cohesiveness all significantly increased, while particle size, turbidity, and whiteness significantly decreased. However, these trends were not observed in samples treated with an amount of 6 g/kg NaHCO₃ and/or a resting time of 12 h. The findings suggest that treatment with 4 g/kg NaHCO₃ and a resting time of 6 h effectively reduced protein aggregation and enhanced solubility. Conversely, excessive NaHCO₃ or prolonged resting times resulted in decreased protein solubility and deteriorated textural properties. Full article

Leuconostoc mesenteroides RSG7 was previously isolated from pepino, and its exopolysaccharide has potential bioactivities. To better understand the function of RSG7 exopolysaccharide (RE), its effects on the stability and flavour characteristics of set yoghurt were comprehensively investigated. RE was incorporated into milk at 0% (control), 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% (w/v), respectively. Subsequently, samples were fermented and stored at 4 °C for 24 h. The pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), texture profiles, rheological properties, microstructure, and flavour characteristics were analyzed. The results showed that the addition of RE significantly enhanced the WHC; improved hardness, gumminess, chewiness, springiness, adhesiveness, apparent viscosity, and storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″); and reduced the cohesiveness and loss tangent (tan δ) of set yoghurt in a dose-dependent manner, which might be attributed to the interaction between RE and proteins based on the compact microstructure. These results suggested that RE endowed yoghurt with better gel properties and more stability. No differences were observed in the pH of set yoghurt, while RE significantly improved flavour characteristics such as sourness, according to an electronic nose and tongue and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses. Consequently, our results suggest that the bioactive properties, such as its interaction with milk proteins and flavour modulation capabilities, make it a promising functional ingredient for designing yoghurt formulations with enhanced texture, stability, and sensory profiles. This study deepens the understanding of RE functions and shows potential applications in the dairy industry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Helminth infections, particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, have been extensively studied for their effects on human health. With the emergence of new infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola, their impact on disease outcomes become more apparent. While individual studies have explored the impact of helminth co-infections on disease severity and vaccine efficacy, the findings are often inconsistent and context-dependent. Furthermore, the long-term effects of helminth-mediated immunosuppression on vaccine efficacy and its broader implications for co-infections in endemic regions remain not fully understood. Methods: This systematic review conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines synthesizes the current evidence, identifies patterns, and highlights areas needing further research, offering a cohesive understanding of the topic. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched to include studies published from 2003 to February 2025. Results: Co-infection reveals a dual role of helminths in modulating immune responses, with both beneficial and detrimental interactions reported across studies. It may confer benefits against respiratory viral infections by muting hyper-inflammation associated with the severity of conditions like COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV. However, they can exacerbate disease outcomes in most bacteria and blood-borne viral conditions by impairing immune functions, such as neutrophil recruitment and antibody response, leading to more severe infections and higher viral loads. The stage of helminth infection also appears critical, with early-stage infections sometimes offering protection, while late-stage infections may worsen disease outcomes. Helminth infection can also negatively impact vaccine efficacy by suppressing B cell activity, reducing antibody levels, and decreasing vaccine effectiveness against infectious diseases. This immunosuppressive effect may persist after deworming, complicating efforts to restore vaccine efficacy. Maternal helminth infections also significantly influence neonatal immunity, affecting newborn vaccine responses. Conclusions: There is a need for targeted interventions and further research in helminth-endemic regions to mitigate the adverse effects on vaccine efficacy and improve public health outcomes. Full article

The seepage caused by heavy rainfall and storm runoff is not a static phenomenon. On the contrary, it is a dynamic process known as unsaturated transient seepage. Under the condition, the spatiotemporal variations in suction stress cannot be overlooked. With the development of tunnel mechanics, there has been an emergence of tunnels affected by high ground temperatures or temperature influences, highlighting the necessity of incorporating temperature effects into the analysis. This article proposes a new framework for the spatiotemporal response of tunnel face safety to temperature-affected and unsaturated transient seepage conditions. A one-dimensional transient seepage assumption is used to develop an analytical model describing unsaturated transient seepage, which is then integrated centered on suction stress strength theory for unsaturated soils to acquire suction stress variations with depth and time. The temperature impact on the unsaturated soil shear strength is incorporated, applying a temperature-sensitive effective stress model in conjunction with the soil–water characteristic curve to quantitatively analyze temperature-induced apparent cohesion changes. The 3D logarithmic spiral failure model is used to analyze the tunnel face stability. The validity of the proposed failure model is demonstrated through an engineering calculation. The rates of internal dissipation and external work are calculated, and a kinematic approach related to strength reduction is used to determine the safety factor of the tunnel face with zero support pressure. The results show that considering transient unsaturated seepage and temperature effects can increase the safety factor. The influence of these effects mainly depends on the soil type, tunnel geometric parameters, and seepage conditions. This work explores the influence of variations in a series of parameters on the failure mode of tunnel faces under temperature effects, taking into account unsaturated transient seepage, thereby providing valuable references for the design and construction of tunnels in the future. Full article

The influence of dietary glutamate (Glu) was evaluated in a 56-day feeding trial on the growth performance and flesh quality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). A total of 1170 fish (average body weight 24.05 ± 0.22 g) were randomly allocated into six groups, with three replicates per group. They were fed diets containing Glu in levels of 11.40% (G1), 11.88% (G2), 12.53% (G3), 13.27% (G4), 14.33% (G5), and 15.62% (G6). We found that, over a 56-day feeding period, the final body weight (FBW) of largemouth bass was about 4–5 times the IBW. The FBW, percent weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) initially increased and then decreased with elevating dietary Glu levels. Likewise, protein content, lipid content, apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter (ADC_D), and apparent digestibility coefficient of protein (ADC_P) followed a similar pattern. Supplementation with Glu significantly improved the hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI), and relative gut length (RGL). Moreover, dietary Glu augmentation noticeably enhanced flesh composition such as muscle protein, ash, lipid, amino acid contents, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Furthermore, dietary Glu supplementation enhanced muscle physicochemical quality (such as drip loss and pH), textural properties (adhesiveness and cohesiveness), and biochemical indices such as total protein (TP) and salt-soluble protein, while decreasing muscle cathepsin B (CtsB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) contents, thereby improving flesh quality. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Glu plays a crucial role in enhancing both growth performance and muscle quality in largemouth bass. The optimal dietary requirement for juvenile largemouth bass was estimated to be approximately 125.1 g/kg of diet based on SGR analysis. Full article

In this study, three types of non-meat proteins, including soybean protein, wheat gluten, and whey protein, were used as additives to improve the 3D printing performance of chicken meat. The effects of non-meat proteins on rheological behavior, textural properties, moisture characteristics, and the microstructure of gels were investigated. Chicken meat paste without non-meat proteins added was taken as a control. Rheological results showed that the addition of non-meat proteins increased the apparent viscosity and the storage modulus of chicken meat paste. Textural properties of gels, including hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, springiness, and resilience were also improved. The microstructure of gels with non-meat protein addition became denser and more compact, with improved connectivity. Nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the signals of bound water, immobilized water, and free water moved to the left towards lower relaxation time (p < 0.05) and part of immobile water and free water changed to bound water. The samples containing 15% soybean protein exhibited good shape-forming and shape-keeping capacities. There was an obvious increase in hardness (1991.40 ± 88.22 g), springiness (0.92 ± 0.00), cohesiveness (0.72 ± 0.01), gumminess (1299.14 ± 21.21), and resilience (0.34 ± 0.01) in these samples. The cooking loss of samples containing 15% soybean protein was 2.46 ± 0.36%, which was significantly lower than that of other treatments (p < 0.05). In summary, 15% soybean protein-added samples showed great potential for 3D printing. Full article

With the rapid advancement of 3D printing technology in low-carbon construction, the constructability of 3D printing materials has increasingly garnered attention. The constructability of these materials is intrinsically linked to their rheological properties. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of additives, specifically hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE), on the rheological properties of materials. The findings indicated that HPMC significantly increased both shear stress and apparent viscosity while also enhancing the thixotropic loop area. In contrast, PCE was found to reduce viscosity and yield stress, thereby improving fluidity and plasticity. The judicious incorporation of PCE (less than 0.003) and HPMC (less than 0.002) can enhance the rheological properties of the printing material, thereby improving the stability and interlayer bonding characteristics of the 3D printing structure. However, an excessive amount will result in a reduction in fluidity and cohesion, adversely impacting the printing quality. At this stage, the occurrence of cracks increases, which is detrimental to interlayer adhesion. Therefore, the judicious control of the proportions of PCE and HPMC can enhance the fluidity and viscosity of the material, thereby improving interlayer bonding strength and print quality. Full article

This study investigates the scale effects on the experimental shear strength of earthen walls, a critical parameter influencing the seismic performance of adobe and rammed-earth (RE) buildings. Recognized for their historical significance and sustainable construction practices, earthen structures require a comprehensive understanding of their mechanical behavior under shear loads to ensure effective design and preservation. This research compiles data from over 120 in-plane shear wall tests (adobe and RE), nearly 20 direct shear tests from the scientific and technical literature, and new cyclic direct shear tests performed on large cubic specimens (300 mm side length) made from the same material as a previously tested two-story RE wall. Based on the findings, this study recommends a minimum specimen cross-sectional area of 0.5 m² for reliable shear strength testing of earthen walls in structural laboratories. This recommendation aims to prevent the unconservative overestimation of shear strength commonly observed in smaller specimens, including direct shear tests. Furthermore, the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion outlined in the AIS-610 Colombian standard is validated as a conservative lower bound for all compiled shear strength data. Cyclic direct shear tests on nine 300 mm cubic specimens produced a Mohr–Coulomb envelope with an apparent cohesion of 0.0715 MPa and a slope of 0.66, whereas the full-scale two-story wall (5.95 × 6.20 × 0.65 m) constructed with the same material exhibited a much lower cohesion of 0.0139 MPa and a slope of 0.26. The analysis reveals significant scale effects, as small-scale specimens consistently overestimate shear strength due to their inability to capture macro-structural behaviors such as compaction layer interactions, construction joint weaknesses, and stress redistributions. Based on the analysis of the compiled data, the novelty of this study lies in defining a strength reduction factor for direct shear tests (3.4–3.8 for rammed earth, ~3.0 for adobe) to align with full-scale wall behavior, as well as establishing a minimum specimen size (≥0.5 m²) for reliable in-plane shear testing of earthen walls, ensuring accurate structural assessments of shear strength. This study provides a first approach to the shear behavior of unstabilized earth. To expand its application, future research should explore how the scale of specimens with different stabilizers affects their shear strength. Full article

In recent years, the employment of rejuvenators and warm mix asphalt (WMA) additives for reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has been recognized as a popular approach to increase the recycling rate of waste materials and promote the sustainable development of pavement engineering. However, the composition of warm mix recycled asphalt binder is complicated, and the microstructural changes brought about by the rejuvenators and WMA additives are critical in determining its macroscopic mechanical properties. This research focuses on the atomic modeling of the rejuvenators and WMA additives diffusion behavior of the warm mix recycled asphalt binder. The objective is to reveal the thermodynamic performance and diffusion mechanism of the WMA binder under the dual presence of rejuvenators and WMA additives. Three types of mutual diffusion systems (Aged and oil + virgin + wax, Aged + virgin + wax, and Aged and oil + virgin) were established, respectively, for a comparative investigation of the glass transition temperature, viscosity, thermodynamics, free volume, and diffusion behavior. The results indicate a 44.27% and 31.33% decrease in the glass transition temperature and apparent viscosity, respectively, after the incorporation of 5% oil rejuvenators in the Aged + virgin + wax asphalt binder, demonstrating the improved cracking resistance and construction workability. The presence of the RAP binder and organic WMA additives raised the cohesion of the asphalt binder and decreased self-healing ability and free volume, and these detrimental influences can be offset by the introduction of rejuvenators. The combined use of rejuvenators and organic WMA additives remarkably enhanced the de-agglomeration to asphaltenes, stimulated the activity of aged RAP macromolecular components, and ultimately improved the blending efficiency of virgin binders with the overall structure of RAP binders. Full article

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a relevant technology and an alternative to conventional concrete in complex structures due to its exceptional workability. The rheological parameters demonstrated by SCC provide high fluidity and cohesion, resulting in high mould-filling capability and segregation resistance, as well as optimising concreting processes and reducing costs. In view of this, self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLC) has emerged as a possible alternative as it combines the benefits of SCC and lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC). In the production of LWC, the most widely used lightweight aggregate in the world, and also in Brazil, is still expanded clay; however, Brazilian production is restricted to the southeast region. In this context, previous studies have verified the feasibility of producing lightweight aggregates from the sintering of industrial waste and regional raw materials (Rio Grande do Norte/Brazil), such as sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), scheelite mining residue (SMR), and local clay. Therefore, this study evaluates the influence of three lightweight aggregates, analysing their performance in comparison with SCLC produced with commercial lightweight aggregate (expanded clay). The concretes studied were subjected to characterisation tests in a fresh state; fluidity, apparent viscosity, visual stability, and passing ability were assessed through slump flow tests, flow time (T500), visual stability index, and J-ring, respectively, as well as measurement of the fresh specific mass. In the hardened state, tests were carried out to determine the compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, the dry specific mass, the chloride ion diffusion coefficient, and the thermal conductivity. The new concretes had density values ranging from 1.94 to 2.03 g/cm³ and compressive strength values at 28 days between 26.11 and 36.72 MPa. The results obtained show that it is feasible to produce SCLC with unconventional lightweight aggregates based on sugarcane bagasse waste and scheelite mining waste. Full article

As tunnel excavation technology matures and the demand for transportation infrastructure continues to grow, several high-temperature tunnels have successively emerged in high geothermal areas. The construction of tunnels in high-temperature regions is gradually becoming a new challenge encountered in the engineering field. This study aims to conduct a stability analysis of tunnel face excavation under different temperatures. In addition, soil is often considered to be unsaturated. A framework for assessing the stability of tunnel faces in unsaturated soils under fluctuating temperature conditions is proposed, with an analytical approach. The theoretical basis of this framework is established on the influence of temperature on the shear strength of unsaturated soil. The matric suction of unsaturated soil changes with temperature, thereby inducing variations in shear strength. The temperature-induced variation in apparent cohesion is quantified utilizing a temperature-sensitive effective stress model coupled with a soil–water characteristic curve. These models are subsequently incorporated into the stability assessment of tunnel faces in unsaturated soils under steady-state flow conditions. A three-dimensional logarithmic spiral model is utilized to ascertain the unsupported pressure on tunnel faces, with the safety factor (FS) being calculated through an iterative methodology. Subsequently, a comprehensive suite of parametric studies is undertaken to explore the influence of temperature on tunnel face stability under unsaturated seepage conditions, offering valuable insights for practical engineering endeavors. Full article