Search Results (4,701)

Sustainable fertilizer technologies are essential to address nutrient losses, environmental pollution, and inefficiencies associated with conventional urea application. In this study, humic acid–functionalized starch (St–HA) gel coatings were developed and optimized via a Wurster fluidized-bed system to produce controlled-release urea granules, with an additional carnauba wax outer layer to further extend nutrient release duration. The coating formulation was synthesized through in situ crosslinking of tapioca starch with humic acid using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide and potassium persulfate, yielding a cohesive film. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed to investigate the influence of atomizing air pressure, fluidizing air flow rate, fluidized-bed temperature, and spray rate on coating performance. Comprehensive characterization; including FTIR, XRD, rheological analysis, thermogravimetric studies, water retention, biodegradability, and surface abrasion, confirmed chemical crosslinking, structural stability, and mechanical robustness of the coatings. Nitrogen release analysis in both water and soil demonstrated a substantial extension of release longevity from less than 2 days (uncoated) to 18–20 days for St–HA-coated urea, and up to 28 days with the additional wax coating. Coated granules exhibited low abrasion (8–24%), high water-retention capacity, and 68% biodegradation in 60 days, ensuring environmental compatibility. The findings establish St–HA/wax hybrid coatings as a viable, eco-friendly strategy for controlled-release fertilizers, integrating renewable feedstocks with scalable industrial processing for precision nutrient management. Full article

This paper presents a theoretical framework for predicting molten jet breakup at the outlet of a rotating granulation system operating without forced excitation. The study focuses on the critical regime in which mechanical excitation is absent, and jet disintegration is governed solely by intrinsic hydrodynamic instabilities. The analysis is based on the linear stability theory of viscous liquid jets, employing the Rayleigh–Plateau and Tomotika approaches adapted to melt conditions typical of industrial granulation processes. The Navier–Stokes equations are formulated in a cylindrical coordinate system for an axisymmetric, incompressible viscous jet with appropriate kinematic and dynamic boundary conditions at the free surface. The breakup mechanism is characterized using key dimensionless parameters, including the Ohnesorge, Weber, Reynolds, and Capillary numbers, enabling identification of the dominant instability regime. Analytical expressions are derived for the most unstable wavelength, perturbation growth rate, breakup time, and characteristic droplet diameter. These relationships are evaluated for representative thermophysical properties of molten urea. Theoretical predictions obtained from classical Rayleigh theory, viscosity-corrected models, and modern empirical correlations show strong agreement, with deviations not exceeding 7%. Sensitivity analysis indicates limited dependence of the predicted droplet diameter on moderate variations in viscosity, surface tension, and jet velocity. The proposed model provides a physically grounded basis for predicting and controlling granule size distribution in rotating granulation systems operating without external mechanical excitation. Full article

Nutrient inputs from human activities, such as agriculture and sewage discharge, influence algal blooms in water bodies. In Ecuador, the Daule River receives wastewater discharges. In addition, poor agricultural practices, including the unsuitable use of fertilisers in combination with soil erosion and surface runoff processes, increase the nutrient load to the river. Considering this, the objective of this study was to evaluate environmental and biological variables using statistical analysis to identify the parameters that influence algal blooms in the main stem of the Daule River. The methodology consisted of two phases: (i) data collection, including water sampling and laboratory work for the analysis of nutrients and phytoplankton, and (ii) statistical analysis, which includes univariate, bivariate, inferential and multivariate analysis (STATICO technique). The results showed that pH and dissolved oxygen were the main drivers of diatoms (Polymyxus coronalis and Aulacoseira granulate) and the charophyte Mougeotia sp. Similarly, ammonium-N was the main driver of the diatom Ulnaria ulna and the cyanobacteria Planktothrix cf. agardhii. The outcomes of this study identified the main environmental variables driving blooms of the five most abundant species, providing a basis for the development of ecological models in the context of land use and climate change. Full article

As an extremely toxic heavy metal, lead is difficult to be degraded in the environment, and its curing and disposal is a key challenge in environmental pollution control. In this study, supersulfated cement (SSC) prepared from phosphogypsum, granulated blast furnace slag powder, and slaked lime as raw materials was used as curing cementitious material, and the curing effect and curing mechanism of SSC on lead ions were investigated by adopting testing methods such as compressive strength, electrical resistivity, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), heavy metal ion leaching toxicity analysis, and ion concentration analysis of pore solutions. The results show that with an increase in Pb²⁺ concentration, the compressive strength of the SSC-cured paste gradually decreased, the electrical resistivity was obviously reduced, and the generation of hydration products was inhibited. The microanalysis results show that the microstructure of the cured paste became loose, and the concentration of lead ions in the SSC leach solution gradually increased, but it was much lower than the limit value stipulated in Chinese standards. Full article

Complex products and production processes are intertwined and demand expressive, lifecycle-wide digital representations. The Asset Administration Shell emerged as a standard for Digital Twins (DTs), structuring heterogeneous data across cloud-based Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) infrastructures. However, today’s deployments predominantly realize passive or reactive DTs, while intelligent behavior remains underexploited. This paper addresses this gap, proposing an end-to-end architecture operationalizing the DT Reference Model through the integration of machine-interpretable granulated industrial skills, which are semantically accumulated into a knowledge graph enabling discovery and reasoning, while a multi-agent system provides autonomous, utility-based negotiation via machine-to-machine interactions within a federated marketplace. The approach is applied in a real smart manufacturing demonstrator, combining order processes, production orchestration, and lifecycle documentation into a unified execution pipeline spanning IIoT-connected shopfloor assets and cloud-based services. Quantitative experiments evaluating negotiation latency, renegotiation robustness, and utility variation demonstrate stable, predictable behavior even under concurrent demand and failure scenarios. The architecture lays a foundation for interoperable, sovereign collaboration across value chains to realize shared production. The results underline the effectiveness of the tightly coupled enabler technologies realizing proactive, reconfigurable, and semantically enriched intelligent DTs. Full article

Fufang Yinhua Jiedu Granules (FFYHG) is usually applied to treat influenza and the common cold. However, there is no available report concerning the effects of chemical constituents in FFYHG on antiviral activity. In our study, four new terpenoid derivatives (1–4) and seventeen known compounds were isolated from FFYHG. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by various techniques, including high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis, 1/2-dimensional (1D/2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, comparative electronic circular dichroism (ECD) studies (experiment vs. calculation), and acid hydrolysis. In addition, the inhibitory effects of twenty-one isolated compounds against influenza A viruses (H1N1) including A/California/07/2009 (CA07) and A/WSN/1933 (WSN) strains were evaluated in vitro, and compound 4 exhibited a moderate inhibitory effect on CA07 strain, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 37.10 ± 1.35 μM. This study enhanced the understanding of the active ingredients in FFYHG against influenza virus, providing a foundation for further research on the material basis and quality control of FFYHG. Full article

Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)-based cementitious materials, known for their high strength and good fluidity, present an eco-friendly, low-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). However, the high cost of activators poses a significant challenge, accounting for over 50% of alkali-activated material production costs. This study uses carbide slag (CS), a byproduct of polyvinylchloride (PVC) production, as an activator, along with other solid wastes such as GGBFS and fly ash (FA) as precursors to develop a novel, low-carbon alkali-activated material binder made entirely from solid waste. Various mixtures with different proportions of CS and GGBFS were prepared, and their workability and strength were tested at different ages. Additionally, the hydration characteristics and microstructure of the samples were analyzed using XRD, TG-DTG, FTIR, heat of hydration tests, and SEM-EDS. Results show that calcium hydroxide in CS activates the pozzolanic activity of GGBFS and FA, improving the strength as the proportion of CS increases. At the 5% CS content, the 7 days compressive strength of the GGBFS-based alkali-activated material increased by 79.7% compared to a 2% CS content. However, adding CS reduces the workability of the polymer slurry, with a spread decrease of 168.5 mm and 161.5 mm as the CS content increases from 2% to 8%. The inclusion of CS also increases the rate and total heat released during hydration, with the optimal performance observed at 5% CS. While FA incorporation reduces strength, it enhances slurry workability and reduces heat release during hydration. The strength development is attributed to the formation of AFt, C-S-H gel, C-(A)-S-H gel, and hydrocalumite-like hydrates. Full article

To investigate the mechanisms of coal seam reservoir modification and the efficient development of surface coalbed methane (CBM), the coal with different structural formations in the 13-1 coal seam of Huainan Mining Area was selected as the research object. Fracturing numerical simulation technology was employed to analyze the effect of hydraulic fracturing on tectonic coal reservoirs and explore the mechanism of fracturing-induced gas production. The results show that fragmented coal contains well-developed face and butt cleats, and distinct fracture models were constructed for the three tectonic coal types. Granulated and mylonitic structural coals exhibit larger total pore volumes and higher proportions of pores larger than 10 nm than fragmented coal. Both tectonic coal types exhibit a high proportion of methane flow space, with rapid methane desorption and diffusion under high pressure and stable behavior under low pressure. Pore volume compressibility calculations indicate that tectonic coal exhibits poor compressibility. Numerical simulations indicate that direct horizontal well fracturing produces short, wide fractures, whereas roof-strata horizontal well fracturing generates longer, more effective fractures, primarily due to large-scale depressurization and induced fracturing associated with horizontal well drilling and staged fracturing. Full article

Iron Age settlements in the Salento peninsula (Southern Italy, 8th–6th century BC) underwent fundamental transformations in social organization, marked by the emergence of local elites through trade development and intense contacts with the Greek world. This study examines organic residue assemblages from 99 ceramic sherds from one key Iron Age site to clarify the role of locally produced ceramics—both coarse ware containers and Japigian matt-painted vessels—in commensal and beverage production practices. Chromatographic analyses identified a wide variety of animal and plant by-products, including fats, oils, waxes, and resin compounds. Integrated phytolith and starch analysis revealed evidence consistent with fermentation processes, particularly through the identification of fungal remains and damaged starch granules suggesting brewing activities in a subset of vessels. Matt-painted pottery forms—characterized by conical rims, funnel-shaped necks, bowls, and jugs—show distinctive use-alteration patterns and residue profiles associated with fermented beverage consumption and preparation in approximately 26% of the analyzed assemblage. Integrating organic residue analysis, experimental archaeology, and microfossil investigation suggests the central role of locally produced pottery in Iron Age commensal activities and status display, though alternative interpretations for some biomarker profiles cannot be excluded. This multiproxy approach demonstrates functional differentiation and consumption practices, refining interpretations of vessel use and providing new insights into food economies and social life during the Iron Age in southern Italy. Full article

Temperature and nitrogen fertilizer are key environmental factors that significantly affect rice growth and grain quality. There remains a lack of systematic research on the effects of temperature and nitrogen fertilizer on carbon–nitrogen metabolism during grain-filling, and consequently on the taste quality of rice varieties with different taste characteristics. To bridge this gap, pot experiments were conducted under different temperature and nitrogen fertilizer conditions to investigate the changes in carbon and nitrogen metabolism and the quality of different high-quality and stable-taste rice varieties during the grain filling stage. Our research results indicate that high-temperature conditions inhibit both carbon and nitrogen metabolism; however, the variations differ among rice varieties with differing taste stability. Under both normal and high nitrogen levels, compared to Akita Komachi (AK), a variety with poor taste stability, Jikedao 606 (J 606), a variety with strong taste stability, maintained a certain photosynthetic capacity under high-temperature conditions, with smaller decreases in net photosynthetic rate and soil–plant analysis development values, declining by 4.30–5.59% and 4.30–5.59% respectively. The decline in the activities of nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate synthase in nitrogen metabolism was relatively small; in comparison, the decrease in the activities of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, granule-bound starch synthase, starch branching enzyme, and starch debranching enzyme in carbon metabolism was comparatively minor. The content of amylose and amylopectin in the grains was maintained, improving the milled rice rate and head rice rate, thereby ensuring strong stability of excellent sensory quality. Under both high-temperature and high-nitrogen conditions, the yields of the two rice varieties were maintained. In summary, variations exist in carbon and nitrogen metabolism among different rice varieties with stable excellent taste under varying temperature and nitrogen fertilizer conditions. These metabolic differences affect starch synthesis in the endosperm, ultimately influencing the stability of rice sensory quality. This study provides a theoretical basis for nitrogen fertilizer application under high-temperature conditions and the cultivation of rice varieties with excellent taste stability. Full article

Noise pollution has become an increasingly discussed environmental problem in recent years. Developing a traffic infrastructure and recent sustainability goals require new solutions to mitigate noise pollution. This paper investigates the efficiency of the noise barrier made entirely of recycled materials. This solution would help achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). The proposed barrier target SDGs are: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3); Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9); Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11); Climate Action (SDG 13). The changed barrier parameters were the parameters of the perforated panel and the air gap behind the porous material. To solve the optimisation problem, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used. The results showed that the proposed barrier configuration was the following: perforation shape—round, perforation diameter—5 mm, increment angle perforation—30°, thickness of the perforated panel—10 mm, porous absorbing material (composite rubber granule and hemp shive panel (RGHS))—50 mm thick, 20% of hemp shive content, air gap between absorbing material and the rigid backing—100 mm. The total thickness of the noise barrier was 180 mm. The acoustic parameters of the noise barrier structure were: α_avg. = 0.24, peaking at 0.51 (1250 Hz) and R_W = 39.7 ± 1.0 dB. These results indicate that the proposed barrier made of recycled materials could be a sustainable alternative for noise pollution mitigation and improving people’s quality of life. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chemotherapeutic agents are known to disrupt wound healing; however, the influence of administration timing on skin graft repair remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to investigate the time-dependent effects of vinblastine exposure on full-thickness skin graft healing in a rat model. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups (n = 6). The control group underwent grafting without pharmacologic intervention, whereas the experimental groups received a single intraperitoneal dose of vinblastine (2 mg/kg), followed by grafting in the first week, second week and third week after administration. Graft specimens were harvested on postoperative day 7 for histopathological evaluation performed by a blinded pathologist. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections were scored for inflammation, granulation tissue formation, fibroblast maturation, collagen deposition, re-epithelialization, and neovascularization. Intergroup comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn–Bonferroni post hoc analysis. Results: Vinblastine exposure produced significant time-dependent differences in several healing parameters. Fibroblast maturation was markedly reduced in the second-week graft group compared with controls (p < 0.001). Re-epithelialization was significantly delayed in the second- and third-week groups (p = 0.033). Granulation tissue formation differed between groups (p = 0.014), with higher early scores observed in the first-week group. Notably, neovascularization was significantly greater in the third-week group than in the control and second-week groups (p = 0.010), suggesting partial recovery of angiogenic activity over time. No significant differences were detected in inflammation or collagen deposition. Conclusions: Vinblastine exposure appears to exert time-dependent effects on skin graft healing, with the second week representing a period of less favorable histopathological repair. Partial recovery observed with later grafting suggests that the interval between chemotherapeutic exposure and reconstructive procedures may influence graft outcomes and support improved surgical planning. Full article

A characterization study of two by-products from the cork stopper industry was conducted to assess their suitability as components of growing media (substrate). Granulate of natural cork stopper (GNCS) and granulate of technical cork stopper (GTCS) were studied, evaluating their chemical composition, fractionation, effects on physical and chemical properties, mineral elements, and phytotoxicity. The two by-products were granulometrically classified into four categories: very fine fractions (≤1 mm), fine fractions (>1 and ≤2 mm), intermediate fractions (>2 and ≤5 mm), and coarse fractions (>5 and ≤10 mm). The highest proportion of granulates was observed within the intermediate fraction (>2 and ≤5 mm). GTCS presented significant limitations regarding the assessed properties, while the very fine fractions (≤1 mm) were the most attractive in both granulates. Therefore, selecting raw materials and their fractionation are vital for predicting the performance of growing media and establishing their suitability for promoting plant growth and productivity. Thus, these two by-products of the cork stopper industry have desirable characteristics as components of growing media. Full article

Plasma-facing materials (PFMs) for future fusion reactors require advanced mechanical and thermal properties to withstand the extreme challenges of high heat flux, plasma exposure, and neutron irradiation. Tungsten is one of the most suitable materials for use as a PFM in the divertor region. However, considering the high thermal loading/thermal stress combining plasma exposure and neutron irradiation/embrittlement, one of the major concerns for tungsten in PFMs is its intrinsic brittleness. To avoid cracking and components failure, tungsten toughening has been widely investigated, including the development of tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten composites (W_f/W) using an extrinsic toughening mechanism, which could provide damage resilience against neutron embrittlement. Recently, a type of aligned long-fiber W_f/W (L-W_f/W) based on a powder metallurgical fabrication process was developed, demonstrating advanced fracture toughness while retaining other application-relevant properties. For L-W_f/W, the relatively easy production process suggests the feasibility and basis of industrialization. This work reports on the initial progress in industrializing L-W_f/W, with a focus on adapting the lab sintering process to a sintering process with industrial partner (Dr. Fritsch Sondermaschinen GmbH) and optimizing the process parameters. To improve the sinterability of tungsten and achieve higher density, various tungsten powders were explored, including commercial W powders, bimodal mixtures of different particle sizes, and granulated W powders. At the dedicated yttria interface, the thickness of yttria coating on the fibers was also optimized to ensure effective separation between the fibers and the matrix. Series of samples were produced with different dimensions up to 100 mm × 100 mm × 4 mm. After optimization, samples with 93% density and desired pseudo-ductility were prepared. Similarly to production in the lab, a major challenge in this work involved balancing the densification of the tungsten matrix with controlling fiber recrystallization and mitigating damage to the yttria interface. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wound healing is a complex biological process involving inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases. Plant-derived essential oils are increasingly investigated as topical therapeutic agents, although their biological effects are strongly influenced by composition and formulation. The present study evaluated the effects of topical Mentha spicata essential oil on cutaneous wound healing in a rat excisional wound model and explored potential molecular mechanisms using a network-based bioinformatic approach. Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups and treated twice daily for 14 days with a formulation containing 5% Mentha spicata essential oil diluted in olive oil, olive oil alone, or no treatment. Wound healing was assessed through macroscopic monitoring and histological scoring. The chemical composition of the essential oil was characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Predicted molecular targets of the major monoterpenes were analyzed through protein interaction networks and pathway enrichment analysis. Results: Macroscopic wound closure progressed in all groups by day 14. Histological analysis revealed that the olive oil group showed more advanced collagen deposition, re-epithelialization, and granulation tissue maturation, whereas the Mentha spicata group displayed a more pronounced inflammatory and proliferative histological pattern. Network-based analysis highlighted signaling pathways related to receptor-mediated cellular responses as potential molecular mechanisms associated with early inflammatory and proliferative processes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the biological effects of Mentha spicata essential oil in wound repair may be phase-dependent and influenced by concentration and formulation. The results support further studies aimed at optimizing dose and delivery strategies for essential oil–based wound therapies. Full article