Search Results (584)

Background: Polybasic peptides are being developed as components of reagents for diagnosing and treating patients with systemic amyloidosis. In addition to fibrils, amyloid deposits ubiquitously contain heparan sulfate proteoglycans. We have hypothesized that pan amyloid-targeting peptides can specifically engage, in addition to fibrils, a subset of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with high negative charge density. In this study, we characterized the binding of peptides p5+14 (a PET imaging agent for amyloid [¹²⁴I-evuzamitide]) and p5R (a fusion protein used in the therapeutic AT-02) to GAGs. Methods: The peptide structure was evaluated in the presence of low molecular weight heparin using circular dichroism, and their interaction with synthetic GAGs of varying length and charge was interrogated. The binding patterns of p5+14 and p5R were compared using correlation analyses. Results: The peptides exist as mixed structural-fractions in solution but adopt an α-helical structure in the presence of heparin. Both peptides preferentially recognize heparin and heparan sulfate GAGs with a linear positive correlation between binding and the total charge and charge density. Conclusions: These peptides have previously been shown to specifically target amyloid deposits in vivo. A component of this specificity is their preferential interaction with a subset of heparan sulfate GAGs that have high charge density, potentially related to the degree of 6-O-sulfation. These data support the hypotheses that amyloid-associated GAGs have unique sulfation patterns, thereby explaining why these peptides do not bind GAGs found on the plasma membrane and extracellular matrix of healthy tissues. Full article

Fully weathered phyllite is widely encountered along railway corridors in China, yet its suitability as subgrade fill remains insufficiently documented. This study provides an integrated laboratory and field evaluation of both untreated and low-dosage cement-stabilized phyllite for sustainable transport constructions. Laboratory investigations covered mineralogy, classification, compaction, permeability, compressibility, shear strength, and bearing capacity, while large-scale field trials examined the influence of loose lift thickness, moisture content, and compaction sequence on subgrade quality. Performance indicators included the degree of compaction and the subgrade reaction modulus K₃₀, defined as the plate load modulus measured with a 30 cm diameter plate. A recommended cement dosage of 3.5% (by weight of dry soil) was established based on preliminary trials to balance strength development with construction reliability. The results show that untreated phyllite, when compacted under controlled conditions, can be used in lower subgrade layers, whereas cement stabilization significantly improves strength, stiffness, and constructability, enabling reliable application in the main load-bearing subgrade layers. Beyond mechanical performance, the study demonstrates a methodological innovation by linking laboratory mix design directly with field compaction strategies and embedding these within a life-cycle perspective. The sustainability analysis shows that using stabilized in-situ phyllite achieves lower costs and approximately 30% lower CO₂ emissions compared with importing crushed rock from 30 km away, while promoting resource reuse. Overall, the findings support circular economy and carbon-reduction objectives in railway and road earthworks, offering practical guidance for low-carbon, resource-efficient infrastructure. Full article

Thin-walled structures have been extensively adopted as energy absorbers in various engineering fields. The energy accumulated in the coal and rock is released instantly, resulting in varying degrees of damage and failure to support equipment. To improve the crushing performance of underground support equipment, a metal thin-walled tube with high-bearing capacities is placed in the column as an energy-absorbing column. Based on the characteristics of non-dimensional parameters governing the crashworthiness of thin-walled tubes by the author’s team, a type of high-performance bi-tubular tube (HPBT) with mixed multicellular configurations is innovatively proposed. First, the finite element models of the HPBTs are established in LS-DYNA, and the accuracy of the FE model is verified by crushing tests. Second, the theoretical model of the mean crushing force (MCF) is derived. Moreover, the effects of the cross-sectional shapes and the wall thickness gradient distribution on the deformation modes and crashworthiness are investigated. The results show that the design strategies of the bi-tubular structures mixed multicellular configurations significantly improve the values of ω. The MCF of HPBT_C2 is 4458.0 kN, which is 28% and 56% higher than those of the conventional circular tube and square tube. The theoretical MCF is consistent with the simulated MCF, with a maximum discrepancy of 6.0%. The gradient distribution (k) of wall thickness significantly affects the crushing behaviors of the HPBT. Considering the energy absorption efficiency, the crushing stability, and the wall thickness gradient distribution, the HPBT_C2 with k = 0.6 has the best overall performance. The results can provide insights and guidelines for designing energy absorption devices with superior crashworthiness for support equipment. Full article

The present study explores the enablers for the integration of Industry 5.0 principles within the automotive industry, emphasizing the transition towards human-centric, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing. This research utilized a three-round Delphi method involving a panel of experts to identify, evaluate, and prioritize key enablers associated with the adoption of Industry 5.0. In order to enhance the analytical depth, consensus trajectory mapping was employed to track opinion convergence across rounds. Fuzzy ranking was applied to provide a more nuanced evaluation of item prioritization. The results indicate a substantial degree of consensus on subjects such as collaborative robotics, cognitive automation, and circular manufacturing. The present study offers theoretical and practical implications, providing a roadmap for researchers and automotive stakeholders seeking to operationalize Industry 5.0 values. Full article

This study systematically investigates the influence of varying corrosion severity on the bearing capacity of K-shaped circular-section joints, with explicit consideration of weld line positioning. Four full-scale circular-section joint specimens with clearance gaps were designed to simulate localized corrosion through artificially introduced perforations, and axial static loading tests were performed to assess the degradation of structural performance. Experimental results indicate that the predominant failure mode of corroded K-joints manifests as brittle fracture in the weld-affected zone, attributable to the combined effects of material weakening and stress concentration. The enlargement of corrosion pit dimensions induces progressive deterioration in joint stiffness and ultimate bearing capacity, accompanied by increased displacement at failure. A refined finite element model was established using ABAQUS. The obtained load–displacement curve from the simulation was compared with the experimental data to verify the validity of the model. Subsequently, a parametric analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of multiple variables on the residual bearing capacity of the nodes. Numerical investigations indicate that the severity of corrosion exhibits a positive correlation with the reduction in bearing capacity, whereas web-chord members with smaller inclination angles demonstrate enhanced corrosion resistance, when θ is equal to 30 degrees, K_s decreases from approximately 0.983 to around 0.894. Thin-walled joints exhibit accelerated performance deterioration compared to thick-walled configurations under equivalent corrosion conditions. Furthermore, increased pipe diameter ratios exacerbate corrosion-induced reductions in structural efficiency, when the corrosion rate is 0.10, β = 0.4 corresponds to K_s = 0.98, and when β = 0.7, it is approximately 0.965. and distributed micro-pitting results in less severe capacity degradation than concentrated macro-pitting over the same corrosion areas. Full article

This study aims to examine how organizations disclose Circular Economy (CE) information through multimodal communication. While conventional reporting often fails to capture the complexity of CE, we adopt a Multi-Discourse Analysis (MDA) framework that integrates textual, numerical, visual, spatial, and sensory dimensions. The methodology involves a qualitative content analysis of non-financial reports from 13 Italian electronics firms, a sector with a high environmental impact and low circularity. Key findings show a dominance of textual narratives and increasing use of numerical indicators aligned with the European Union Taxonomy. Visual elements are underutilized and largely symbolic, reflecting a product-centric rather than systemic view of circularity. The spatial dimension, operationalized through ESRS E5 categories, reveals fragmented CE integration and limited forward-looking financial disclosures. The sensory dimension, assessed via integrated thinking, highlights a polarization between firms that embed CE into strategy and those that do not. Recommendations are provided to enhance the clarity, comparability, and strategic relevance of CE disclosures, with implications for corporate practice, regulatory development, and future research. Overall, this study advances the understanding of CE by applying MDA to reveal the interplay of communicative modes, the gaps in systemic representation, and the degree of strategic integration in sustainability reporting. Full article

The large amounts of chrome-tanned leather waste (CLTW) produced annually can be valorized by applying circular economy principles in various fields due to the valuable substances contained (mainly collagen). The main problem for the direct valorization of these wastes is the presence in their composition of dangerous substances, such as chromium. Thus, before being used as raw material in new processes, chrome-tanned leather waste must be subjected to a preliminary stage of chromium removal. In this article, we propose to identify the optimal working conditions for the extraction of chromium ions from chrome-tanned hides in the presence of oxalic acid with various concentrations, at various temperatures and contact times, so that the degree of collagen hydrolysis is minimal. In this sense, the response surface methodology (RSM) method was used to optimize the working conditions, to maximize the efficiency of chrome extraction from the leather, and to minimize the efficiency of collagen hydrolysis: An undesirable process. To optimize both the extraction yield (%) and the degree of hydrolysis (%), the key operational variables, namely oxalic acid concentration (%), contact time (%), and temperature (°C), were systematically adjusted using the Box–Behnken design within the response surface methodology (RSM). The most favorable extraction conditions were identified at an oxalic acid concentration of approximately 7%, a contact time close to 120 min, and a temperature near 49 °C. Under these optimized parameters, the hydrolysis degree remained very low, around 0.38%, indicating minimal degradation during the process. Full article

Quantifying the environmental benefits of designing buildings for disassembly and flexibility (DfD/DfF) remains challenging within current life cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks. This study assesses the climate impact of a two-story Swedish timber multifamily building (377 m²) designed for future transformation and reuse. An LCA covering modules A–D was performed for one linear scenario (S0: demolition without reuse) and three circular scenarios (S1: layout change, S2: relocation, S3: vertical extension), applying three allocation methods: 100:0, 50:50, and system expansion. All circular scenarios reduced climate impact compared to the linear reference, though to varying degrees. Reductions ranged from 8–50% within the system boundary (A–C), depending on scenario and allocation method. While the 50:50 approach attributed significant reductions within A–C, the 100:0 method emphasized benefits primarily in module D. The 50:50 method yielded the lowest impacts within the system boundary, whereas system expansion showed the largest overall reductions but relied on uncertain assumptions. The study concludes that including future scenarios in LCA is more effective in promoting circularity than the specific choice of allocation method. It emphasizes the need for standardized frameworks that account for multiple use cycles and support fair comparisons in policy and procurement. Full article

In order to investigate the change in the axial compression performance of circular recycled concrete-filled steel tubular short columns under chloride ion corrosion, 24 circular recycled concrete-filled steel tubular (RCFST) short columns and 12 circular natural concrete-filled steel tubular (NCFST) short columns for axial compression tests after being subjected to different corrosion degrees were designed. The experimental parameters include the corrosion degree (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14%) and the recycled concrete replacement rate (0, 100%). The experimental results show that the damage mode of the specimen after corrosion is localized buckling deformation of the steel tube. Due to the good confinement effect of the steel tube, the internal concrete was crushed only at the localized buckling part of the steel tube. The stiffness and ductility decreased significantly with increasing corrosion degree. As the corrosion degree increased from 0 to 14%, the stiffness of the circular RCFST short columns decreased by approximately 36.3%, and the ductility dropped by around 23.3%. And the corrosion resistance of the circular RCFST short column was worse than that of the circular NCFST short column. Based on the experimental results, the ultimate load capacity calculation model of the circular concrete-filled steel tubular short column is proposed. Full article

This study evaluated a light-cure orthodontic adhesive with the incorporation of bioactive glass particles and its effects on shear bond strength (SBS), adhesive remnant index (ARI), degree of conversion (DC), calcium release, and particle size distribution. Bioactive glass was added to the Transbond XT Adhesive (3M ESPE), resulting in five groups: TXT (0% wt of bioactive glass-incorporated—negative control); TXT20 (20% wt of bioactive glass-incorporated); TXT30 (30% wt of bioactive glass-incorporated), TXT50 (50% wt of bioactive glass-incorporated), and FLB (positive control—FL BOND II adhesive system with S-PRG particles, SHOFU Inc.). Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Quantitative SEM analysis confirmed submicron particle agglomerates (median equivalent circular diameter 0.020–0.108 µm). The TXT20 exhibited the highest values of degree of conversion (p < 0.05) (73.02 ± 3.33A). For SBS (in MPa): Control Group TXT—19.50 ± 1.40A, Group TXT20 18.22 ± 1.04AB, Group FLB 17.62 ± 1.45B, Group TXT30 14.48 ± 1.46C and Group TXT50 14.13 ± 1.02C (p < 0.05). For calcium release the group TXT50 2.23 ± 0.11D showed higher values (p < 0.05). The incorporation of distinct bioactive glass particle concentrations influenced the shear bond strength, degree of conversion, and calcium release. While the 50 wt% bioactive glass group exhibited the highest calcium release, both 20 wt% of bioactive glass group and the positive control group exhibited the highest degree of conversion without compromising the bonding strength. Full article

The recycling rate of silage and stretch films is low. The low degree of recycling of polymer films used in agriculture results from the high contamination of films and technological problems in their processing. Material recycling of haylage preservation films is conditioned by the possibility of their effective and cost-effective cleaning. Thus, the study focuses on designing a new generation material for wrapping hay-silage bales that meet the closed-loop material cycle condition while at the same time guaranteeing the desired operating conditions. The developed new generation silage films made it possible to achieve 100% recycling, while this indicator for traditional films did not exceed 50%. The concept is based on the notion of circular economy. The study compared four types of film—one that is commonly used for feed preservation and three types of new generation film. The nanosilver-containing film and the film containing a microbiological additive of zinc provided a high quality of silage and, due to the low contamination, facilitated the recycling of the burdensome waste. The 8% microcellulose film had too little viscosity, which was why it did not cut off the atmospheric air penetration into the bale. Hence, the biodegradable film with the addition of microcellulose does not comply with the technological regime for feed preservation. Full article

To meet the demand for sustainable pavement infrastructure, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has become a key strategy to enhance material circularity. This study investigates the coupled mobilization and blending behaviors between virgin and aged asphalt mastic in RAP systems. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to quantify the mobilization rate (MR) of aged mastic on RAP aggregate surfaces using the Composite Aging Index (CAI). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fluorescence Microscopy (FM), combined with digital image analysis, were employed to assess the blending interface and quantify the degree of blending (DoB). A 3D model was developed to describe the nonlinear relationship between MR and DoB. The results show that regeneration is dominated by physical diffusion, while mixing temperature has a stronger effect on MR than time. The binder interface displays a smooth transition, whereas the mastic interface exhibits a gear-like structure. DoB in the binder system is higher than that in the mastic system under the same condition, with early-stage temperature elevation playing a key role. Even near 100%, MR does not lead to full blending due to interfacial saturation. These insights are valuable for guiding the design of RAP and optimizing mixing conditions to enhance recycling efficiency in practical applications. Full article

This study analyses the potential of using sunflower husks as an energy source by producing bio-pellets and evaluating their combustion process in residential settings. As one of the leading sunflower producers in the European Union, Bulgaria generates significant agricultural residues with high, yet underutilized, energy potential. This study employs a combination of experimental data and numerical modelling aided by ANSYS 2024 R1 to analyse the combustion of sunflower husk pellets in a hot water boiler. The importance of balanced air distribution for achieving optimal combustion, reduced emissions, and enhanced thermal efficiency is emphasized by the results of a comparison of two air supply regimes. It was found that a secondary air-dominated air supply regime results in a more uniform temperature field and a higher degree of oxidation of combustible components. These findings not only confirm the technical feasibility of sunflower husk pellets but also highlight their commercial potential as a sustainable, low-cost energy solution for agricultural enterprises and rural heating providers. The research indicates that there are business-to-business (B2B) market opportunities for biomass producers, boiler manufacturers, and energy distributors who wish to align themselves with EU green energy policies and the growing demand for solutions that support the circular economy. Full article

This study identified the optimal enzymatic treatment for improving the foaming characteristics of oat globulin, and alkaline protease was found to be the most effective enzyme. The impact of alkaline protease on the foaming properties and structural changes in oat globulin was explored. The results show that the foaming capacity of oat globulin hydrolysates is negatively correlated with surface hydrophobicity and positively correlated with the degree of hydrolysis. The results of circular dichroism (CD) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) indicate that hydrolysis generated smaller, disordered peptides. Under equilibrium conditions at a 2% concentration, a reduction of 1.62 mN/m in surface tension and an increase of 3.82 μm in foam film thickness were observed. These peptides reduce surface tension between air and water, forming larger, thicker, and more stable foams. Compared to untreated oat globulin, the foaming capacity of hydrolyzed ones increased by 87.17%. Under comparable conditions, these findings demonstrate that limited hydrolyzed oat globulin exhibits potential as an effective plant-based foaming agent up to a degree of hydrolysis of 15.06%. Full article

For transmission systems with regular order excitation, the order vibration will be conducted to each component of the system and affect the stability and service life of the system. A method with a regular non-circular active pulley is proposed in this paper, which is used to counteract the regular order excitation and the regular load excitation. A toothed belt drive system with second-order excitation is taken as an example. According to the existing analytical model of the tooth belt drive system, the modeling process and analytical solution algorithm of the system are derived. Based on the coordinate transformation, the algorithms for any position of an elliptical pulley and the common tangent of the circular pulley are given. And the algorithm for the arc length of the elliptical pulley at any arc degree is proposed. The influence of the phase and eccentricity in the elliptical pulley on the dynamic performance of the system is analyzed. Then the experimental verification is carried out. This shows that this system can generate excitation opposite to the main order rotational vibration of the driving pulley and opposite to the load of the driven pulley. Under the combined effect of other load pulleys in the system, there will be an amplification phenomenon in its vibration response. Considering the decrease in the belt span tension and the decline in the performance of energy-absorbing components after long operation, the presented method can better maintain the stability of system performance. This method can provide new ideas for the vibration reduction optimization process of systems with first-order wave excitation. Full article