Search Results (4,690)

Remote sensing has become a key non-invasive tool in archaeological prospection, particularly in regions where logistical constraints limit sustained fieldwork. This study presents the results from Zar Tepe (1st–5th centuries AD), in the Surkhandarya province of southern Uzbekistan, within northwestern Bactria. The research aimed to document the site’s urban layout, accurately relocate Soviet-era excavation sectors within the present-day topography, and refine the interpretation of earlier interventions that were only partially documented and lacked precise georeferencing. A multiscale and multitemporal methodology was applied, integrating CORONA and WorldView-3 satellite imagery, UAV and terrestrial photogrammetry, GNSS Precise Point Positioning, magnetic prospection, and targeted archaeological verification. The workflow followed an iterative laboratory–field sequence, combining remote-sensing analysis, field checks, data refinement, and systematic ground-truth validation. Fieldwork was conducted during two contrasting phenological periods, in June 2024 and December 2025, to assess seasonal variability in surface and subsurface visibility. The integrated approach enabled the accurate spatial fitting of legacy excavation sectors and supported the cross-validation of optical and salt-efflorescence-related anomalies with geophysical evidence. These results provide a stronger basis for the cautious interpretation of buried architectural features and for refining hypotheses concerning Zar Tepe’s urban organization and occupational dynamics. Full article

In northwestern China, loess is abundant whereas suitable aggregates for rural pavement bases are scarce, yet the transfer from laboratory stiffness of stabilized loess to field support and cement concrete slab response remains unclear. This study aims to establish an E_i–E_t–pavement-response framework for cement–curing agent composite-stabilized loess and loess–sand mixtures. Compaction, unconfined compressive strength and uniaxial compression modulus tests were conducted; E_t was calculated using a specification-based method, checked by falling weight deflectometer (FWD) back-calculation, and introduced into a three-dimensional finite element model. Composite stabilization markedly improved base stiffness because cementation, curing agent-assisted bonding, gradation optimization and skeleton–filling effects produced a denser load-bearing structure. After 90 days, the compressive modulus increased from 225 MPa for 6% cement-treated loess to 570 MPa for the 45% loess–sand mixture. The calculated E_t agreed well with FWD back-calculated field values (R² = 0.91). Increasing E_t from 98.8 to 155.7 MPa reduced slab-bottom stress from 1.7449 to 1.1095 MPa and vertical displacement from 1.7102 to 0.2654 mm. Field engineers can use E_t to select local loess-based base materials and coordinate base and slab thickness, provided that compaction quality, water stability and long-term durability are verified. Full article

Under the “dual carbon” goals, Taiyuan, a prefecture-level administrative unit and energy-intensive region in Shanxi Province, China, has experienced changes in soil carbon storage and soil carbon flux under rapid urbanization and industrialization. To clarify the spatial patterns of soil carbon storage and flux, 26 field sampling sites, including 78 soil samples, were analyzed using laboratory measurements and an optimized tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy–geographic information system (TDLAS–GIS) integrated monitoring approach. This study investigated the spatial patterns of soil carbon storage and flux and discussed their potentially associated factors, providing an exploratory workflow for regional carbon monitoring. The results showed clear spatial heterogeneity, with an average soil organic carbon (SOC) content of 10.86 g/kg. High-SOC areas were mainly located in the southern and southwestern plains, while lower SOC levels occurred in urban expansion zones and highly disturbed surfaces. The western mountainous areas were important ecological barriers but were not the highest measured SOC zones. At the site level, arable land and forestland showed higher mean SOC values than grassland, with average SOC contents of 12.47, 12.07, and 8.27 g/kg, respectively, although these land-use-related differences were not statistically significant. Soil carbon flux was relatively higher in some mountainous regions and industrial–ecological transition areas but lower in several urban expansion areas. The results suggest that urbanization and industrial activity may be associated with changes in SOC and soil-atmosphere CO₂ exchange. This study describes the spatial variation characteristics of soil carbon storage and flux, establishes a reproducible TDLAS–GIS workflow for regional carbon monitoring, and provides exploratory support for ecological sustainability, sustainable land management, and the “dual carbon” strategy in northern resource-based cities. Full article

This review traces the four-generation evolution of non-destructive evaluation (NDE 1.0–4.0) and audits where the field genuinely stands today. The central finding is that statistically qualified probability of detection (POD), as defined in MIL-HDBK-1823A and related frameworks, is not interchangeable with machine-learning metrics such as accuracy or F1-score; the two answer different questions and rest on different statistical foundations. Reported AI performance on curated datasets does not, by itself, predict field reliability because domain shift, sensor variability, and class imbalance change the inspection signal once a model leaves the lab. Six recurring barriers limit industrial uptake: scarce open benchmark datasets, domain shift, weak interoperability, explainability constraints, cybersecurity exposure, and the lack of broadly accepted code provisions for AI-derived accept/reject decisions. The oil and gas sector is used as a case study because it combines high inspection volume, severe operating environments, mature risk-based inspection practice, and strong regulatory conservatism. NDE 4.0 is technically credible; its wider acceptance in safety-critical industries will be earned through representative field validation, auditable model governance, standardised data structures, and qualification pathways—not through stronger laboratory accuracy claims. Full article

Recently, mycotoxin prediction has mainly relied on meteorological data and crop physiology. The contribution of soil characteristics as additional environmental variables remains largely unexplored. A systematic literature search was carried out to analyze the latest research (from 2020 to 2025) on the relationship between soil properties (temperature, water content, pH, and electrical conductivity), fungal communities (particularly Aspergillus and Fusarium), and different crops (mainly peanut, wheat, and maize). Measurement methodologies were analyzed, with a focus on the use of in-field soil sensors in correlation studies and predictive models. Disease incidence and mycotoxin occurrence were related to stressful soil conditions, such as different pH levels, wetness or drought, and temperatures above 25 °C. Other external variables (crop and field management) must also be considered. Laboratory equipment was primarily used in correlation studies, with limited in-field sensor implementation. Although recent predictive models included soil properties as effective inputs, they mostly relied on satellite data. However, real-time conditions and fluctuations, which can be captured by in-field soil sensors, are essential for training new functional models. To monitor soil properties, IoT technologies must be considered, but their implementation is still not sufficient to collect widespread data. Therefore, groundwork is needed to fill this gap with high-quality soil data for future in-field experimentation. Full article

During the construction of large-diameter shield tunnels, tunnel lining segments frequently experience uplift after exiting the shield tail, inducing structural defects such as dislocation, cracking, and water leakage. This issue threatens both construction safety and the long-term sustainable operation of large-diameter shield tunnels. Shield tail grouting slurry buoyancy is the primary cause of segment uplift. However, existing studies mainly rely on atmospheric pressure tests and simplified models, failing to capture the dynamic evolution of grout buoyancy under real confining pressures. This study optimized grout mix proportions through laboratory tests and developed a novel buoyancy testing apparatus. Systematic time-dependent buoyancy tests were conducted. Results show that cement-based grouts exhibit a distinct three-stage buoyancy dissipation pattern, which is strongly influenced by confining pressure, stratum conditions, and mix design, whereas inert grouts follow a single-stage exponential decay. The optimized mix YH1 reduced the complete buoyancy dissipation time by 20–35% compared with conventional cement-based grout S9. Based on field monitoring at the Yangcheng West Lake Third Channel project, approximately 90% of segment uplift deformation occurred during the grout buoyancy persistence stage. These findings provide reliable theoretical support for optimizing anti-floating grout design and contribute to the resilience and sustainability of urban underground infrastructure. Full article

The interaction between mantle plumes and the lithospheric mantle is critical for understanding the genesis of flood basalts. The Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP), composed predominantly of basalts with minor picritic rocks and radiating mafic dyke swarms, offers an exceptional natural laboratory for studying this process. In this contribution, we present geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopic data for high-Ti basalts from Weng’an, at the easternmost margin of the ELIP. These basalts (TiO₂ > 2.8 wt.%, Ti/Y > 500) are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs: Ba, Th, U) and slightly depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs: Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Y). They exhibit initial (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_t ratios of 0.70594–0.70697, ε_Nd(t) of +1.2 to +1.8, ε_Hf(t) of +1.1 to +1.9, and (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t of 18.11–18.51. Their geochemical signatures resemble those of other high-Ti ELIP basalts and ocean island basalts (OIB) but are distinct from those of depleted mantle sources. Trace element patterns and Pb–Pb isotope systematics indicate derivation from a garnet + spinel lherzolite source linked to the Emeishan mantle plume, with ~8–10% input from sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) metasomatized by slab-derived fluids during ascent. These results provide direct evidence for heterogeneous SCLM contributions to plume-derived magmas and highlight the role of lithospheric heterogeneity in shaping the composition of LIP magmatism. Full article

High-speed railway embankments constructed over karst-prone ground conditions are often challenged by weak soils and subsurface cavities, which can lead to instability and excessive settlement. This study presents a full-scale field investigation conducted in the El-Gharbaniyat area, west of Alexandria, Egypt, where a pile–cap ground improvement system was implemented to support a high-speed railway embankment founded on clayey and silty soils overlying fractured limestone. A comprehensive site investigation program was performed, including 28 boreholes and integrated geophysical surveys using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Seismic Tomography (ST), enabling improved identification of weak zones and cavity-prone formations. Based on these findings, a pile–cap system was designed using reinforced concrete piles of 0.60 m diameter and an average length of 29 m, arranged in a 4 × 4 m grid and capped with reinforced concrete footings to ensure efficient load transfer to deeper competent strata. The system performance was validated through laboratory testing and full-scale in situ pile load tests. The average 28-day compressive strength of 122 tested piles reached approximately 50 MPa, exceeding the design value by approximately 30%. Load test results showed settlements ranging from 1.08 to 2.76 mm at the working load (2200 kN) and 2.16 to 5.10 mm at the maximum load (3300 kN), all well below allowable limits. Comparative evaluation indicated that the proposed system achieves significant material savings (>90%), lower treatment cost (150 USD/m²), reduced carbon emission (5.7 t per pile), and shorter construction duration (7 h per pile). These findings confirm that the pile–cap system provides a robust, cost-effective, and environmentally efficient solution for ground improvement in karst environments. Full article

Long and narrow shielded confined spaces, represented by traffic tunnels and underground utility tunnels, constitute critical application scenarios for indoor and underground positioning services. Despite their relatively simple geometric configurations, such environments suffer from severe spatial distortion of geometric dilution of precision (GDOP). Coupled with pervasive low-elevation signal propagation and intensive multipath reflection effects, conventional BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) positioning services are unable to provide continuous and reliable coverage in these scenarios. To date, existing research on high-precision pseudolite positioning for narrow confined spaces remains largely confined to theoretical analysis and laboratory experimental verification, while systematic studies on application-oriented signal atlas feature network design are significantly insufficient, forming a prominent gap that restricts the practical engineering deployment of relevant technologies. To address the aforementioned technical bottlenecks, this paper proposes a novel BDS pseudolite signal atlas network design method to improve the continuity, stability and comprehensive positioning performance in spatially distorted narrow shielded environments. Field vehicular tests were carried out in actual engineering tunnels and underground utility tunnels to systematically analyze the variation characteristics of raw BDS pseudolite observation data, including pseudorange, carrier phase, carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N₀) and Doppler shift. The test results verified that kinematic Doppler parameters exhibited outstanding stability in complex shielded environments with strong multipath interference. On this basis, a spatial feature model based on kinematic Doppler measurements was constructed, and wavelet denoising technology was adopted to extract effective typical spatial feature parameters. Combined with the deterministic one-to-one mapping relationship between Doppler peak characteristics and spatial positions, a multi-peak kinematic Doppler atlas was established, which eliminates the dependence on pre-deployment data collection, dedicated database construction and offline model training. Furthermore, comprehensively considering multi-dimensional constraints such as spatial environment scale, carrier dynamic characteristics and terminal output rate, the atlas network scheme was optimized to achieve a balanced trade-off among positioning detection accuracy, absolute positioning precision and suppression of the pseudolite near-far effect. Comparative experimental results demonstrate that the proposed BDS pseudolite atlas network effectively resolves the inherent GNSS positioning difficulty in long and narrow shielded spaces. Benefiting from the rational spectral peak configuration strategy, the system can satisfy the continuous and stable positioning requirements of multiple carrier types including motor vehicles and railway locomotives under variable motion speeds and terminal output rates. This study provides a robust and feasible technical solution for high-precision BDS positioning services in long and narrow shielded confined spaces, and holds favorable engineering application prospects for underground navigation scenarios. Full article

Nanotechnology offers transformative potential for wastewater treatment, yet its full-scale implementation remains bottlenecked by the “lab–reality gap”. While bench-scale studies using idealized matrices report outstanding pollutant removal efficiencies, performance routinely deteriorates in authentic wastewater due to complex matrix interferences, natural organic matter (NOM) competitive binding, fouling dynamics, and unpredictable nano–bio transformations. Moving beyond traditional reviews that focus heavily on material synthesis and theoretical capacities, this review provides a novel, systems-oriented, and function-driven perspective on environmental nanotechnology. We critically evaluate the operational stability and behavior of nano-enabled systems under realistic conditions, categorizing nanomaterial roles into reactive interfaces, selective barriers, signal generators, and biological modulators. Crucially, this work examines the synergistic integration of nanotechnology with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), membrane bioreactors, and digital intelligence—including artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time nanosensing—to achieve smart fouling management and circular resource recovery. Finally, we propose a comprehensive, multidimensional evaluation framework that simultaneously assesses technical efficiency, stability, scalability, economic feasibility, environmental safety, and system compatibility. This review delivers a pragmatic roadmap to bridge the chasm between isolated laboratory discovery and robust, sustainable, field-scale wastewater engineering. Full article

Particle-laden flow through rough confined fractures is controlled by the coupled evolution of particle packing, load-bearing contacts, and rough-wall flow channels. In this study, conductivity experiments were performed on rough split-core fractures prepared from downhole tight-sandstone cores from the Tarim Basin, China, to examine how proppant size mixing and placement sequence regulate flow capacity under closure. Single-size 40/70 and 70/140 proppants and mixed-size systems with different size ratios were tested under staged and uniformly mixed placement schemes. Two equivalent placement levels, denoted as 1 mm and 2 mm, were considered. Three-dimensional laser scanning before and after conductivity testing was used to quantify rough-wall morphology using $R_a$, $R_q$, and $R_z$. The results show that fracture conductivity decreased with increasing closure pressure for all particle systems, indicating progressive narrowing and rearrangement of preferential flow channels. Coarse-particle-dominated systems consistently retained higher conductivity, with an overall ranking of 40/70 > 3:1 > 1:1 > 1:3 > 70/140 at both placement levels. Increasing the placement level from 1 mm to 2 mm markedly enhanced conductivity, especially for systems rich in 40/70 proppant. Staged placement yielded higher conductivity than uniformly mixed placement for the 3:1 and 1:1 systems, but this effect was negligible for the fine-particle-dominated 1:3 system. Post-test roughness changes indicate that sparse placement induced competing smoothing and roughening, whereas sufficient placement caused systematic roughening after closure. The proposed morphology-aware experimental workflow provides a laboratory-scale basis for interpreting the coupled evolution of fracture conductivity and rough-wall morphology in propped rough fractures. Although the workflow can be extended to other lithologies and fracture systems, quantitative field-scale prediction requires further calibration with larger datasets and reservoir-specific conditions. Full article

This study critically addresses the challenge of selecting optimal insulation materials for contemporary, energy-efficient building envelopes, a decision with profound environmental, structural, and occupational health consequences. The paper responds to the growing demand for sustainable, resilient solutions by comparing wool, a bio-based, regenerative material, and expanded polystyrene (EPS), a synthetic polymer widely implemented in the construction industry, and advanced laboratory testing (thermal conductivity, moisture buffering, freeze–thaw resistance) is discussed in a comprehensive synthesis of the recent literature. Also, field evaluations from European retrofits and pilot projects (UK, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Germany and France) further contextualize performance outcomes, and life cycle impacts are considered. Recent results reveal that wool insulation achieves a moisture buffering value (MBV) between 1.8 and 2.7 (g/m²) % RH, minimal vapor resistance (mvr = 1–2), and preserves functional and structural integrity through more than 100 freeze–thaw cycles, leading to significant stabilization of the interior microclimate and enhanced durability. In contrast, EPS delivers lower thermal conductivity (0.032–0.037 (W/mK), critical for reducing heating/cooling demand, but exhibits limited vapor permeability (lvp = 60–150 MN·s/(g·m)), increased risk of condensation and mold, and reduced compressive strength (<22% after 30 cycles), especially when ventilation details are inadequate. Hybrid envelope systems leveraging both EPS and wool are demonstrated to optimize energy efficiency (up to 23% seasonal savings) and reduce interior humidity fluctuations, while lifecycle and recycling assessments show wool panels to be markedly superior in carbon footprint reduction and circularity. The stratification of insulation layers incorporating wool for vapor and moisture control, and EPS for pure thermal resistance is emerging as best practice in sustainable retrofit and new-build projects. Recommendations highlight the necessity for rigorous laboratory validation, international standards alignment, and integrated material design for robust hygrothermal comfort and environmental performance. The review also covers wool- and EPS-based hybrid composites, showing how natural fibers can improve key mechanical properties without compromising thermal insulation performance or environmental benefits. Full article

Accurate and non-destructive volume estimation of agricultural products is essential for precision agriculture, yet remains challenging when transitioning from controlled laboratory conditions to complex orchard environments. Although 2D image-based volume estimation methods provide a cost-effective and scalable solution, existing studies are fragmented and lack a unified perspective on their real-world applicability. This review presents a systematic synthesis of 2D image-based volume estimation methods, explicitly framed through the laboratory-to-orchard transition. We categorized existing volume estimation approaches according to the sensing modality into monocular RGB-based approaches and depth-assisted methods, and further reviewed them based on the image processing methods. A key finding is that high-precision geometric estimation can be achieved in laboratory environments, whereas deep learning and RGB-D fusion have driven a shift from conventional geometric modeling toward data-driven and hybrid learning frameworks in orchard settings. However, 2D image-based volume estimation remains fundamentally limited by scale ambiguity, severe occlusion, and sensitivity to illumination and background variability in real orchard environment. Overall, this review provides a unified perspective for understanding volume estimation methodology across environments and offers guidance for developing robust, scalable, and field-deployable volume estimation systems for real-world agricultural applications. Full article

Plinthite is a major pedogenic feature in the Kamuli catena, posing significant challenges for agricultural land use. This study investigates the morphological expression and mineralogical insights into plinthite within the soil-landscape of Kamuli District. Soil characterization involved detailed field morphological descriptions along the Kamuli catena followed by laboratory characterization of major soil properties. Plinthite mineralogy was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphology of plinthic soils varied along the catena with summit pedons exhibiting shallow plinthic horizons and backslope pedons showing comparatively deeper occurrences. The lowlands underlain by alluvium of the Holocene lacked plinthite. Mineralogical analysis of ten plinthite samples identified two distinct assemblages. Group 1 (quartz, kaolinite, hematite, goethite, manganite) represents a highly weathered endmember associated with stable summits. Group 2 (muscovite, kaolinite, hematite, goethite, manganite), with elevated K, Mg, Na, and Ca in SEM-EDS, indicating they are recent compared to Group 1. This elemental composition directly reflects the signature of the parent material preserved within Group 2 samples. Plinthite in the Kamuli catena is a relict feature, whose formation is tied to past drainage regimes. Its multi-stage history is recorded in the two mineralogical groups separated by hundreds of thousands of years of landscape evolution. Group 1 represents plinthite from the deeply weathered African Surface. Group 2 is later formed on the substrate exposed by stripping along the Victoria Nile. Full article

An emerging environmental pollutant, microplastics have garnered global attention due to their widespread presence in soil and aquatic ecosystems. Early research primarily treated microplastics as single pollutants, focusing on their individual toxic effects. However, microplastics in the environment exist as a complex mixture, comprising various polymer types, sizes, shapes, and aging states. This diversity influences how microplastics regulate ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycles and intervene through pathways such as direct carbon input, physical disturbance, microbial community restructuring, and coupled effects. This paper systematically reviews the characteristics of microplastic diversity and its mechanisms influencing carbon and nitrogen cycles: the chemical structure of polymers determines bioavailability and degradation rate, with biodegradable plastics altering carbon and nitrogen transformations more significantly than conventional plastics; microplastics of different sizes affect nitrogen transformation dynamics by modulating specific surface area and microbial colonization, with small-sized biodegradable microplastics particularly inhibiting plant nitrogen uptake; aging modifies surface properties and dissolved organic carbon release, thereby enhancing their role in promoting greenhouse gas emissions. Existing studies are largely confined to short-term laboratory simulations, leaving a gap in understanding the comprehensive effects of microplastic diversity under long-term, field conditions. Future research should focus on standardized methods and long-term experiments with multi-factor coupling to provide a scientific basis for ecological risk assessment of microplastic pollution. Full article