Search Results (1,124)

Efficient and clean utilization remains a pivotal development focus within the coal industry. Nevertheless, the application of weakly caking coal results in energy loss due to the caking property, thereby leading to a waste of resources. This paper, therefore, concentrates on the caking property, offering insights into the relevant caking mechanism, evaluation indexes, and regulation technologies associated with it. The caking mechanism delineates the transformation process of coal into coke. During pyrolysis, the active component generates the plastic mass in which gas, liquid, and solid phases coexist. With an increase in temperature, the liquid phase is diminished gradually, causing the inert components to bond. Based on the caking mechanism, evaluation indexes such as that characteristic of char residue, the caking index, and the maximal thickness of the plastic layer are proposed. These indexes are used to distinguish the strength of the caking property. However, they frequently exhibit a poor differentiation ability and high subjectivity. Additionally, some technologies have been demonstrated to regulate the caking property. Technologies such as rapid heating treatment and hydrogenation modification increase the amount of plastic mass generated, thereby improving the caking property. Meanwhile, technologies such as mechanical breaking and pre-oxidation reduce the caking property by destroying agglomerates or consuming plastic mass. Full article

During the process of oil and gas drilling, due to the existence of pores or micro-cracks, drilling fluid is prone to invade the formation. Under the action of hydration expansion of clay in the formation and liquid pressure, wellbore instability occurs. In order to reduce the wellbore instability caused by drilling fluid intrusion into the formation, this study proposed a method of forming a dynamic hydrogen bond cross-linked network weak gel structure with modified nano-silica and P(AM-AAC). The plugging performance of the drilling fluid and the performance of inhibiting the hydration of shale were evaluated through various experimental methods. The results show that the gel composite system (GCS) effectively optimizes the plugging performance of drilling fluid. The 1% GCS can reduce the linear expansion rate of cuttings to 14.8% and increase the recovery rate of cuttings to 96.7%, and its hydration inhibition effect is better than that of KCl and polyamines. The dynamic cross-linked network structure can significantly increase the viscosity of drilling fluid. Meanwhile, by taking advantage of the liquid-phase viscosity effect and the physical blocking effect, the loss of drilling fluid can be significantly reduced. Mechanism studies conducted using zeta potential measurement, SEM analysis, contact angle measurement and capillary force assessment have shown that modified nano-silica stabilizes the wellbore by physically blocking the nano-pores of shale and changing the wettability of the shale surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic when the contact angle exceeds 60°, thereby reducing capillary force and surface free energy. Meanwhile, the dynamic cross-linked network can reduce the seepage of free water into the formation, thereby significantly lowering the fluid loss of the drilling fluid. This research provides new insights into improving the stability of the wellbore in drilling fluids. Full article

Maintaining well integrity is essential in the oil and gas industry to prevent environmental hazards, operational risks, and economic losses. Cement bond log (CBL) tools are essential in evaluating cement bonding and ensuring wellbore stability. This study presents a patent landscape review of CBL technologies, based on 3473 patent documents from the Lens.org database. After eliminating duplicates and irrelevant entries, 167 granted patents were selected for in-depth analysis. These were categorized by technology type (wave, electrical, radiation, neutron, and other tools) and by material focus (formation, casing, cement, and borehole fluid). The findings reveal a dominant focus on formation evaluation (59.9%) and a growing reliance on wave-based (22.2%) and other advanced tools (25.1%), indicating a shift toward high-precision diagnostics. Geographically, 75% of granted patents were filed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and 97.6% were held by companies, underscoring the dominance of corporate innovation and the minimal presence of academia and individuals. The review also identifies notable patents that reflect significant technical innovations and discusses their role in advancing diagnostic capabilities. These insights emphasize the need for broader collaboration and targeted research to advance well integrity technologies in line with industry goals for operational performance and safety. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Traumatic dental injuries, particularly complicated crown fractures of permanent incisors, are common in adolescents, with maxillary central incisors most frequently affected due to their prominent position. These injuries, often resulting from sports or accidents, require prompt management to prevent complications such as pulp necrosis or infection, which can compromise long-term prognosis. Fragment reattachment offers a conservative, esthetically favorable approach when the fractured segment is intact, with outcomes comparable to composite restorations. This case report underscores the importance of timely intervention and advanced restorative techniques in pediatric dentistry. Case Presentation: A 16-year-old male presented with a complicated crown fracture of the upper left central incisor sustained during a soccer game. The fracture extended subgingivally with pulp exposure. The patient preserved the fragment in saline. Treatment involved fragment reattachment using a dentin bonding agent and flowable composite resin, followed by single-visit root canal therapy due to delayed presentation (48 h). A glass fiber post was placed to reinforce the restoration due to significant coronal loss. Three years of follow-up visits (1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months) revealed no clinical or radiographic complications, with the tooth remaining asymptomatic and functional. Conclusions: This case underscores the effectiveness of fragment reattachment when combined with meticulous technique and long-term monitoring. Full article

Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogen that is associated with respiratory diseases, mastitis, and arthritis in cattle, leading to significant economic losses in the global cattle industry. Most notably in this study, we pioneer the discovery that its secreted effector ENO1 (α-enolase) directly targets host cytoskeletal proteins for metabolic–immune regulation. Using an innovative GST pull-down/mass spectrometry approach, we made the seminal discovery of β-actin (ACTB) as the primary host target of ENO1—the first reported bacterial effector–cytoskeleton interaction mediating metabolic reprogramming. ENO1–ACTB binding depends on a hydrogen bond network involving ACTB’s 117Glu and 372Arg residues. This interaction triggers (1) glycolytic activation via Glut1 upregulation, establishing Warburg effect characteristics (lactic acid accumulation/ATP inhibition), and (2) ROS-mediated activation of dual inflammatory axes (HIF-1α/IL-1β and IL-6/TNF-α). This work establishes three groundbreaking concepts: (1) the first evidence of a pathogen effector hijacking host ACTB for metabolic manipulation, (2) a novel ‘glycolysis–ACTB–ROS-inflammation’ axis, and (3) the first demonstration of bacterial proteins coordinating a Warburg effect with cytokine storms. These findings provide new targets for anti-infection therapies against Mycoplasma bovis. Full article

This study investigates the impact of partially replacing cement with fly ash (FA) on the mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced rubberized concrete (FRRC) incorporating waste tyre rubber and recycled macro-synthetic fibers (MSF). FRRC mixtures were prepared with varying fly ash replacement levels (0%, 25%, and 50%), rubber aggregate contents (0%, 10%, and 20% by volume of fine aggregate), and macro-synthetic fiber dosages (0% to 1% by total volume). The fresh properties were evaluated through slump tests, while hardened properties including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength were systematically assessed. Results demonstrated that fly ash substitution up to 25% improved the interfacial bonding between rubber particles, fibers, and the cementitious matrix, leading to enhanced tensile and flexural performance without significantly compromising compressive strength. However, at 50% replacement, strength reductions were more pronounced due to slower pozzolanic reactions and reduced cement content. The inclusion of MSF effectively mitigated strength loss induced by rubber aggregates, improving post-cracking behavior and toughness. Overall, an optimal balance was achieved at 25% fly ash replacement combined with 10% rubber and 0.5% fiber content, producing a more sustainable composite with favorable mechanical properties while reducing carbon and ecological footprints. These findings highlight the potential of integrating industrial by-products and waste materials to develop eco-friendly, high-performance FRRC for structural applications, supporting circular economy principles and reducing the carbon footprint of concrete infrastructure. Full article

The majority of studies of fungal utilization of chitosan are associated with the production of a specific enzyme, chitosanase, which catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of the macrochain. In our opinion, the development of approaches to obtaining materials with new functional properties based on non-destructive chitosan transformation by living organisms and their enzyme systems is promising. This study was conducted using a wide range of classical and modern methods of microbiology, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. The ability of the ascomycete Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. to modify films of chitosan with average-viscosity molecular weights of 200, 450, and 530 kDa was discovered. F. oxysporum was shown to use chitosan as the sole source of carbon/energy and actively overgrew films without deformations and signs of integrity loss. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) recorded an increase in the porosity of film substrates. An analysis of the FTIR spectra revealed the occurrence of oxidation processes and crosslinking of macrochains without breaking β-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds. After F. oxysporum growth, the resistance of the films to mechanical dispersion and the degree of ordering of the polymer structure increased, while their solubility in the acetate buffer with pH 4.4 and sorption capacity for Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ decreased. Elemental analysis revealed a decrease in the nitrogen content in chitosan, which may indicate its inclusion into the fungal metabolism. The film transformation was accompanied by the production of extracellular hydrolase (different from chitosanase) and peroxidase, as well as biosurfactants. The results obtained indicate a specific mechanism of aminopolysaccharide transformation by F. oxysporum. Although the biochemical mechanisms of action remain to be analyzed in detail, the results obtained create new ways of using fungi and show the potential for the use of Fusarium and/or its extracellular enzymes for the formation of chitosan-containing materials with the required range of functional properties and qualities for biotechnological applications. Full article

This research investigates resonator width optimization for simultaneously enhancing electrical performance and mechanical reliability in wideband RF MEMS filters through systematic evaluation of three configurations: 0% (L1), 60% (L2), and 100% (L3) matching ratios between cap and bottom wafers using Au-Au thermocompression bonding. The study demonstrates that resonator width alignment significantly influences both electromagnetic field coupling and bonding interface integrity. The L3 configuration with complete width matching achieved optimal RF performance, demonstrating 3.34 dB insertion loss across 4.5 GHz bandwidth (25% fractional bandwidth), outperforming L2 (3.56 dB) and L1 (3.10 dB), while providing enhanced electromagnetic wave coupling and minimized contact resistance. Mechanical reliability testing revealed superior bonding strength for the L3 configuration, withstanding up to 7.14 Kgf in shear pull tests, significantly exceeding L1 (4.22 Kgf) and L2 (2.24 Kgf). SEM analysis confirmed uniform bonding interfaces with minimal void formation (~180 nm), while Q-factor measurements showed L3 achieved optimal loaded Q-factor (Q_L = 3.31) suitable for wideband operation. Comprehensive environmental testing, including thermal cycling (−50 °C to +145 °C) and humidity exposure per MIL-STD-810E standards, validated long-term stability across all configurations. This investigation establishes that complete resonator width matching between cap and bottom wafers optimizes both electromagnetic performance and mechanical bonding reliability, providing a validated framework for developing high-performance, reliable RF MEMS devices for next-generation communication, radar, and sensing applications. Full article

Theranostic agents enable the simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and they are particularly useful in fluorescent imaging and cancer therapies. In this study, carbon quantum dots were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method using citric acid and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as precursors. The resulting CQDs exhibited spherical morphology, an average size of 4 nm, and an amorphous graphitic structure. FT-IR characterization revealed the presence of amide bonds and oxygenated functional groups. At the same time, optical analysis showed excitation at 320 nm and emission between 360 and 400 nm, with fluorescent stability maintained for one month. Furthermore, the CQDs demonstrated good thermal stability and photothermal efficiency, reaching temperatures above 41 °C within 15 min under NIR irradiation, with a mass loss of less than 1%. Their stability was evaluated in media with different pH levels, simulating physiological and tumor environments. While their behavior was affected under acidic conditions, their excellent photothermal conversion capacity and overall stability in triple-distilled water positioned them as promising candidates for theranostic applications in cancer, effectively combining diagnostic imaging and thermal therapy. Full article

An anion exchange-assisted technique was used for the synthesis of platinum-decorated SnO₂ supports, providing nanocatalysts with enhanced activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). In this study, a series of SnO₂ supports, namely SnA (synthesized almost at room temperature), SnB (hydrothermally treated at 180 °C), and SnC (annealed at 600 °C), are systematically investigated, all loaded with 1 mol% Pt from H₂PtCl₆ under identical mild conditions. The chloride ions from the SnCl₄ precursors were efficiently removed via a strong-base anion exchange reaction, resulting in highly dispersed, crystalline ~5 nm cassiterite SnO₂ particles. All Pt/SnO₂ composites displayed mesoporous structures with type IVa isotherms and H₂-type hysteresis, with SP1a (Pt on SnA) exhibiting the largest surface area (122.6 m²/g) and the smallest pores (~3.5 nm). STEM-HAADF imaging revealed well-dispersed PtOx domains (~0.85 nm), while XPS confirmed the dominant Pt⁴⁺ and Pt²⁺ species, with ~25% Pt⁰ likely resulting from photoreduction and/or interactions with Sn–OH surface groups. Raman spectroscopy revealed three new bands (260–360 cm⁻¹) that were clearly visible in the sample with 10 mol% Pt and were due to the vibrational modes of the PtOx species and Pt-Cl bonds introduced due the addition and hydrolysis of H₂PtCl₆ precursor. TGA/DSC analysis revealed the highest mass loss for SP1a (~7.3%), confirming the strong hydration of the PtOx domains. Despite the predominance of oxidized PtOx species, SP1a exhibited the highest catalytic activity (k_app = 1.27 × 10⁻² s⁻¹) and retained 84.5% activity for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP after 10 cycles. This chloride-free low-temperature synthesis route offers a promising and generalizable strategy for the preparation of noble metal-based nanocatalysts on oxide supports with high catalytic activity and reusability. Full article

Canadian sawmills commonly use chipper-canters to process softwood logs into squared lumber and wood chips for pulp mills. However, the declining demand for newsprint and print paper has led to an oversupply of wood chips, resulting in economic losses and environmental concerns. To address this issue, a strander-canter capable of producing both softwood cants and strands for oriented strand board (OSB) presents a promising alternative. This study evaluates the feasibility of using jack pine strands generated by a novel strander-canter equipped with a cutterhead for OSB strand production. Strands were generated from frozen and unfrozen logs under varying cutting parameters and incorporated in the core layer of the panels. Industrial aspen strands were used for the surface layers. OSB panels were assessed for mechanical and physical properties following the CSA O325:21 standard. Strand size distribution and vertical density profiles were also analyzed. The results indicated that panels made from jack pine strands demonstrated bending and internal bond properties that were either comparable to or superior to those of the control panels. However, including jack pine strands in the core layer increased the thickness swelling of the panels. Full article

This study looked at the performance requirements of repair materials for concrete structures in cold regions, systematically analyzing the effects of steel fiber dosage (0.7–2.1%), early-strength agent PRIORITY dosage (6–10%), and their coupling effects on the workability, interfacial bond strength, and freeze–thaw resistance of rapid-hardening ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Through fluidity testing, bond interface failure analysis, freeze–thaw cycle testing, and pore analysis, the mechanism of steel fibers and early-strength agent on the multi-dimensional performance of fast-hardening UHPC was revealed. The results showed that when the steel fiber dosage exceeded 1.4%, the flowability was significantly reduced, while a PRIORITY dosage of 8% improved the flowability by 20.5% by enhancing the paste lubricity. Single addition of steel fibers decreased the interfacial bond strength, but compound addition of 8% PRIORITY offset the negative impact by optimizing the filling effect of hydration products. Under freeze–thaw cycles, excessive steel fibers (2.1%) exacerbated the mass loss (1.67%), whereas a PRIORITY dosage of 8% increased the retention rate of relative dynamic elastic modulus by 10–15%. Pore analysis shows that the synergistic effect of 1.4% steel fiber and 8% PRIORITY can reduce the number of pores, optimize the pore distribution, and make the structure denser. The study determined that the optimal compound mixing ratio was 1.4% steel fibers and 8% PRIORITY. This combination ensures construction fluidity while significantly improving the interfacial bond durability and freeze–thaw resistance, providing a theoretical basis for the design of concrete repair materials in cold regions. Full article

Mycelium-bonded composites (MBCs), or myco-composites, represent a novel engineered material that combines natural lignocellulosic substrates with a fungal matrix. As a sustainable alternative to plastics, MBCs are gaining increasing interest; however, their large-scale industrial adoption remains limited, partly due to low social acceptance resulting from their unattractive appearance. Laser engraving provides a promising method for fabricating intricate patterns and functional surfaces on MBCs, minimizing tool wear, material loss, and environmental impact, while enhancing esthetic and engineering properties. This study investigates the influence of CO₂ laser parameters on the material removal rate during the engraving of myco-composites, focusing on the effects of variable laser power, beam defocus, and head feed rate on engraving outcomes. The results demonstrate that laser power and beam focus significantly impact material removal in mycelium-bonded composites. Specifically, increasing the laser power results in greater material removal, which is more pronounced when the beam is focused due to higher energy density. In contrast, a beam defocused by 1 mm produces less intense material removal. These findings highlight the critical role of beam focus—surpassing the influence of power alone—in determining engraving quality, particularly on irregular or uneven surfaces. Moreover, reducing the laser head feed rate at a constant power level increases the material removal rate linearly; however, it also results in excessive charring and localized overheating, revealing the low thermal tolerance of myco-composites. These insights are essential for optimizing laser processing techniques to fully realize the potential of mycelium-bonded composites as sustainable engineering materials, simultaneously maintaining their appearance and functional properties. Full article

Mussels are nutrient-rich but perishable, resulting in substantial resource loss. A protease-producing strain (Bacillus velezensis Z-1, Mytilus edulis) isolated from marine sludge was used to hydrolyze mussels, producing Y-1, a hydrolysate with antioxidant activity. In this study, ultrafiltration, gel chromatography, and LC-MS/MS were employed to isolate and identify bioactive peptides from the hydrolysate. The results revealed that the hydrolysate exhibited antioxidant activity, pancreatic cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity, pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Molecular docking using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6 was performed to analyze the interactions of peptides with CD38 and Keap1, leading to the identification of five potentially bioactive peptides: VPPFY, IMLFP, LPFLF, FLPF, and FPRIM. These peptides formed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with CD38 and Keap1, demonstrating strong DPPH radical scavenging and superoxide anion radical scavenging capacities. This study highlights the multifunctional bioactive potential of these peptides, offering insights into their therapeutic applications. The findings provide a novel approach for the effective utilization of mussel resources and highlight their potential application value in the development of functional foods. Full article

Silicon carbide (SiC) half-bridge power modules are widely utilized in new energy power generation, electric vehicles, and industrial power supplies. To address the research gap in collaborative validation between electro-thermal coupling models and process reliability, this paper proposes a closed-loop methodology of “design-simulation-process-validation”. This approach integrates in-depth electro-thermal simulation (LTspice XVII/COMSOL Multiphysics 6.3) with micro/nano-packaging processes (sintering/bonding). Firstly, a multifunctional double-pulse test board was designed for the dynamic characterization of SiC devices. LTspice simulations revealed the switching characteristics under an 800 V operating condition. Subsequently, a thermal simulation model was constructed in COMSOL to quantify the module junction temperature gradient (25 °C → 80 °C). Key process parameters affecting reliability were then quantified, including conductive adhesive sintering (S820-F680, 39.3 W/m·K), high-temperature baking at 175 °C, and aluminum wire bonding (15 mil wire diameter and 500 mW ultrasonic power/500 g bonding force). Finally, a double-pulse dynamic test platform was established to capture switching transient characteristics. Experimental results demonstrated the following: (1) The packaged module successfully passed the 800 V high-voltage validation. Measured drain current (4.62 A) exhibited an error of <0.65% compared to the simulated value (4.65 A). (2) The simulated junction temperature (80 °C) was significantly below the safety threshold (175 °C). (3) Microscopic examination using a Leica IVesta 3 microscope (55× magnification) confirmed the absence of voids at the sintering and bonding interfaces. (4) Frequency-dependent dynamic characterization revealed a 6 nH parasitic inductance via Ansys Q3D 2025 R1 simulation, with experimental validation at 8.3 nH through double-pulse testing. Thermal evaluations up to 200 kHz indicated 109 °C peak temperature (below 175 °C datasheet limit) and low switching losses. This work provides a critical process benchmark for the micro/nano-manufacturing of high-density SiC modules. Full article