Search Results (1,580)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disorder defined by insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and chronic hyperglycemia. Although peripheral mechanisms have been extensively studied, increasing evidence implicates the gastrointestinal tract in disease onset. Insights from bariatric surgery, gut hormone signaling, and incretin-based therapies suggest that the gut contributes actively beyond nutrient absorption. Yet, a cohesive framework integrating these observations remains absent, leaving a critical gap in our understanding of T2DM’s upstream pathophysiology. This work builds upon the anti-incretin theory, which posits that nutrient-stimulated neurohormonal signals—termed “anti-incretins”—arise from the proximal intestine to counteract incretin effects and regulate glycemic homeostasis. The excess of anti-incretin signals, perhaps stimulated by macronutrient composition or chemical additives of modern diets, disrupts this balance and may cause insulin resistance and β-cell depletion, leading to T2D. We hypothesize that the neuroendocrine signals produced by cholecystokinin (CCK)-I and secretin-S cells, both located in the proximal intestine, function as endogenous anti-incretins. In this context, we hypothesize a novel model centered on the chronic overstimulation of I and S cells by high-fat, high glycemic index modern diets. This drives what we term “amplified digestion”—a state marked by heightened vagal and hormonal stimulation of biliary and pancreatic secretions, increased enzymatic and bile acid activity, and alterations in bile acid composition. This condition leads to an extended breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins into absorbable units, thereby promoting excessive nutrient absorption and ultimately contributing to insulin resistance and progressive β-cell failure. Multiple lines of clinical, surgical, and experimental evidence converge to support our model, rooted in the physiology of digestion and absorption. Western dietary patterns appear to induce an over-digestive adaptation—marked by excessive vagal and hormonal stimulation of biliary and pancreatic secretion—which amplifies digestive signaling. This heightened state correlates with increased nutrient absorption, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction. Interventions that disrupt this maladaptive signaling—such as truncal vagotomy combined with duodenal bypass—may offer novel, physiology-based strategies for T2DM treatment. This hypothesis outlines a potential upstream contributor to insulin resistance and T2DM, grounded in digestive tract-derived neurohormonal dysregulation. This gut-centered model may provide insight into early, potentially reversible stages of the disease and identify a conceptual therapeutic target. Nonetheless, both the hypothesis and the accompanying surgical strategy—truncal vagotomy combined with proximal intestinal bypass—remain highly exploratory and require systematic validation through mechanistic and clinical studies. Further investigation is warranted to clarify the molecular regulation of I and S enteroendocrine cells, including the genetic and epigenetic factors that may drive hypersecretion. While speculative, interventions—surgical or pharmacologic—designed to modulate these digestive signals could represent a future avenue for research into T2DM prevention or remission, pending rigorous evidence. Full article

With coal mines’ mining depth increasing, the stress environment in deep mining (including key factors such as high ground stress, strong disturbance, and complex geological structures, as well as stress redistribution after deformation of surrounding roadway rock) is complex, which leads to increasingly prominent deformation and failure problems for goaf-side roadways in thick coal seams. Surrounding rock deformation is difficult to control, and mine pressure behavior is violent, making traditional support technologies no longer able to meet the mining safety requirements of roadways in deep thick coal seams. Taking the 6311 working face of Tangkou Coal Mine as the engineering research background, this paper systematically summarizes the deformation and failure characteristics of goaf-side roadways in deep thick coal seams through field monitoring, borehole peeping, and other means, and conducts in-depth analysis of their failure mechanisms and influencing factors. Aiming at these problems, a synergistic support–unloading control method for goaf-side roadways is proposed, which integrates roof blasting pressure relief, coal pillar grouting reinforcement, and constant-resistance energy-absorbing anchor cable support. The effects of the unsupported scheme, original support scheme, and synergistic support–unloading control scheme are compared and analyzed through FLAC^3D numerical simulation. Further verification through field application shows that it has remarkable effects in controlling roadway convergence deformation, roof separation, and bolt (cable) stress. Specifically, compared with the original support schemes, the horizontal displacement on the coal pillar side is reduced by 89.5% compared with the original support scheme, and the horizontal displacement on the solid coal side is reduced by 79.3%; the vertical displacement on the coal pillar side is reduced by 45.8% and the vertical displacement on the solid coal side is reduced by 42.4%. Compared with the original support scheme, the maximum deformation of the roadway’s solid coal rib, roof, and coal pillar rib is reduced by 76%, 83%, and 88%, respectively, while the separation between the shallow and deep roof remains at a low level. The coal stress continues fluctuating stably during the monitoring period; the force on the bolts (cables) does not exceed the designed anchoring force, with sufficient bearing reserve space (47% remaining), and no breakage occurs, which fully proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the synergistic support–unloading control technology scheme. This technology realizes the effective control of on-site roadways and provides technical reference for the support engineering of coal mine goaf-side roadways under similar conditions. Full article

The present paper deals with the combined application of near-surface geophysical techniques in a sustainable agriculture project. Their application is focused on the identification of any subsurface water in the context of sustainable water management for the selected living hub, located in the semi-arid area of Agios Georgios-Mandra Attiki. The objective of the multidisciplinary geophysical study was to determine the depth of the bedrock and the thickness of the post-Alpine deposits. In addition, the subsurface karstification and the possible aquifer presence were examined. For that reason, the following techniques were implemented: Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Seismic Refraction Tomography, Ground-Penetrating Radar, and Very-Low Frequency electromagnetic technique. The study was also supported by drone LiDAR usage. The investigation revealed several hydrogeological characteristics of the area. The thickness of the post-Alpine sediments is almost 3 m. However, no shallow aquiferous systems have been developed in this formation, as indicated by their relatively high resistivity values (100–1000 Ohm.m). Furthermore, the alpine bedrock exhibits extensive karstification, facilitated by the development of fracture zones. The absence of an underlying impermeable layer prevented the development of aquiferous zones, at least up to a depth of 100 m. Full article

This study investigates the dynamic performance of mountainous crawler tractors during small-radius slope steering, providing theoretical support for power machinery design in hilly and mountainous regions. Addressing the mechanization demands in complex terrains and existing research gaps, a steering dynamics model is established. The model incorporates an amplitude-varied multi-peak cosine ground pressure distribution, employs position vectors and rotation matrices to characterize 3D pose variations in the tractor’s center of mass, and integrates slope angle, soil parameters, vehicle geometry, center-of-mass shift, bulldozing resistance, and sinkage resistance via d’Alembert’s principle. Numerical simulations using Maple 2024 analyzed variations in longitudinal offset of the instantaneous steering center, bilateral track traction forces, and bulldozing resistance with slope, speed, and acceleration. Variable-gradient steering tests on the “Soil-Machine-Crop” Comprehensive Experimental Platform demonstrated model accuracy, with <8% mean error and <12% maximum relative error between predicted and measured track forces. This research establishes a theoretical foundation for predicting, evaluating, and controlling the steering performance/stability of crawler tractors in complex slope conditions. Full article

This paper proposes a cost-effective five-component discrete capacitive pre-charging circuit designed to mitigate charge redistribution effects in Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) inputs, particularly for low-cost embedded applications involving multiplexed high-output-resistance sources. The paper presents an analysis and experimental validation of this approach, comparing its performance against traditional methods like grounding or leaving unused multiplexer inputs floating. The proposed solution leverages external components (two capacitors and three switches) and multiplexer features to pre-charge ADC inputs to approximately half the reference voltage, which could be taken directly from the multiplexer supply rail, significantly reducing transient glitches and settling times. The experimental results demonstrate a clear improvement, achieving settling times up to 1.4 µs shorter than conventional approaches during specific multiplexer transitions. Component selection guidelines are outlined, including compensation capacitor sizing and transistor choice, addressing practical concerns such as charge injection effects. Despite certain experimental constraints noted during testing, the developed discrete pre-charging method consistently exhibited substantial performance gains. Our findings confirm that this practical, minimal-component strategy effectively addresses charge redistribution challenges, presenting an efficient solution for enhancing ADC input accuracy and response speed in resource-limited embedded sensor systems. Full article

Antibiotics have played an evolving role in poultry production, generally transitioning from widespread use to more precise and controlled applications. Despite this shift, the long-term consequences of earlier practices continue to affect current and future generations. This review aims to explore the multifaceted consequences of antibiotic use in poultry production, with particular emphasis on the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Evidence demonstrates that antibiotic use affects the gut microbiome, often resulting in long-lasting decreased diversity and restructuring of the bacterial communities. Moreover, consequences extend to the surrounding environment, including the airborne microbiome, water systems, and poultry litter, where alterations in microbial communities tend to be more subtle, whereas changes in genetic elements related to resistance are often more pronounced (drift). The emergence and persistence of resistance in these environments facilitate the spread of resistance genes across ecological boundaries, contributing to the broader dissemination of AMR. These findings highlight the complex, interconnected nature of AMR, underscoring the urgent need for responses grounded in the One Health framework. Such approaches are essential for safeguarding both public and environmental health while maintaining sustainable poultry production practices. Full article

Legged rovers are gaining interest for planetary exploration due to their high mobility. However, loose regolith on celestial surfaces like the Moon and Mars often leads to slippage as legs disturb the soil. To address this, a walking technique has been proposed that enhances soil support by transmitting vibrations from the robot’s legs. This approach aims to improve mobility by increasing the ground’s bearing capacity. To evaluate its effectiveness in space-like environments, this study experimentally investigates the effect of vibration on bearing capacity under low atmospheric pressure, which can influence soil behavior due to reduced air resistance. Using Silica No. 5 and Toyoura sand as test materials, experiments were conducted to compare bearing capacities under standard and low pressure. The results demonstrate that applying vibration significantly improves bearing capacity and that the influence of atmospheric pressure is minimal. These findings support the viability of vibration-assisted locomotion for planetary rovers operating in low-pressure extraterrestrial environments. Full article

Natural gas plays a critical role in integrated energy systems. In this context, the present study proposes an optimization model for the electricity–gas coupling system, grounded in the theory of interdependent networks. By integrating network topology parameters with real-time operational metrics, the model substantially enhances system robustness and adaptability. To quantify nodal vulnerability and importance, the study introduces two novel evaluation indicators: the Electric Potential–Closeness Fusion Indicator (EPFI) for power networks and the Pressure Difference–Closeness Comprehensive Indicator (PDCI) for natural gas systems. Leveraging these indicators, three coupling paradigms—assortative, disassortative, and random—are systematically constructed and analyzed. System resilience is assessed through simulation experiments incorporating three attack strategies: degree-based, betweenness centrality-based, and random node removal. Evaluation metrics include network efficiency and the variation in the size of the largest connected subgraph under different coupling configurations. The proposed framework is validated using a hybrid case study that combines the IEEE 118-node electricity network with a 20-node Belgian natural gas system, operating under a unidirectional gas-to-electricity energy flow model. Results confirm that the disassortative coupling configuration, based on EPFI and PDCI indicators, exhibits superior resistance to network perturbations, thereby affirming the effectiveness of the model in improving the robustness of integrated energy systems. Full article

Wheeled rovers are widely used in lunar and planetary exploration missions owing to their mechanical simplicity and energy efficiency. However, they face serious mobility challenges on sloped soft terrain, especially in terms of sideslip and loss of attitude angle when traversing across slopes. Previous research proposed using wheelbase extension/contraction and intentionally sinking wheels into the ground, thereby increasing shear resistance and reducing sideslip. Building upon this concept, this study proposes a novel recovery method that integrates beam extension/contraction and Archimedean screw-shaped wheels to enable lateral movement without rotating the rover body. The beam mechanism allows for independent wheel movement, maintaining stability by anchoring stationary wheels during recovery. Meanwhile, the helical structure of the screw wheels helps reduce lateral earth pressure by scraping soil away from the sides, improving lateral drivability. Driving experiments on a sloped sandbox test bed confirmed that the proposed 2DPPL (two-dimensional push-pull locomotion) method significantly reduces sideslip and prevents a drop in attitude angle during slope traversal. Full article

This study examines the moral agency of French secondary school headteachers through the lens of the theory of conventions. Using qualitative data from interviews with fifteen headteachers involved in professional development, this study explores how these leaders justify their practices within a centralized, bureaucratic, and hierarchical education system. It identifies a variety of conventions—civic, domestic, industrial, project, market, inspired, and fame—that headteachers draw on to navigate institutional constraints, manage professional relationships, and foster pedagogical and organizational change. Particular attention is given to how civic and domestic conventions shape leadership discourse and practices, especially regarding trust building, decision making, and reform implementation. We also compare the French context with international examples from the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP), focusing on Nordic countries, where leadership emphasizes democratic participation, professional trust, and shared responsibility. This study underscores the uniqueness of the French leadership model, which resists managerial and market logics while remaining rooted in republican and egalitarian ideals. It concludes by advocating for a more context-aware, ethically grounded, and dialogical approach to school leadership. Full article

With rising global temperatures and increasing sustainability demands, the need for advanced pavement solutions has never been greater. This study breaks new ground by integrating phase change materials (PCMs), including paraffin-based wax (Rubitherm RT55), hydrated salt (Climator Salt S10), and fatty acid (lauric acid), as binder modifiers within warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures. Moving beyond the traditional focus on binder-only modifications, this research utilizes recycled cigarette filters (CFs) as a dual-purpose fiber additive, directly reinforcing the asphalt mixture while simultaneously transforming a major urban waste stream into valuable infrastructure. The performance of the developed WMA mixture has been evaluated in terms of stiffness behavior using an Indirect Tensile Strength Modulus (ITSM) test, permanent deformation using a static creep strain test, and rutting resistance using the Hamburg wheel-track test. Laboratory tests demonstrated that the incorporation of PCMs and recycled CFs into WMA mixtures led to remarkable improvements in stiffness, deformation resistance, and rutting performance. Modified mixes consistently outperformed the control, achieving up to 15% higher stiffness after 7 days of curing, 36% lower creep strain after 4000 s, and 64% reduction in rut depth at 20,000 passes. Cost–benefit analysis and service life prediction show that, despite costing USD 0.71 more per square meter with 5 cm thickness, the modified WMA mixture delivers much greater durability and rutting resistance, extending service life to 19–29 years compared to 10–15 years for the control. This highlights the value of these modifications for durable, sustainable pavements. Full article

In the earthquakes that occurred in the Pazarcık (Mw = 7.7) and Elbistan (Mw = 7.6) districts of Kahramanmaraş Province on 6 February 2023, many buildings collapsed in the Hayrullah neighborhood of the Onikişubat district. In this study, we investigated whether there was a soil amplification effect on the damage occurring in the Hayrullah neighborhood of the Onikişubat district of Kahramanmaraş Province. Firstly, borehole, SPT, MASW (multi-channel surface wave analysis), microtremor, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and vertical electrical sounding (VES) tests were carried out in the field to determine the engineering properties and behavior of soil. Laboratory tests were also conducted using samples obtained from bore holes and field tests. Then, an idealized soil profile was created using the laboratory and field test results, and site dynamic soil behavior analyses were performed on the extracted profile. According to The Turkish Building Code (TBC 2018), the earthquake level DD-2 design spectra of the project site were determined and the average design spectrum was created. Considering the seismicity of the project site and TBC (2018) criteria (according to site-specific faulting, distance, and average shear wave velocity), 11 earthquake ground motion sets were selected and harmonized with DD-2 spectra in short, medium, and long periods. Using scaled motions, the soil profile was excited with 22 different earthquake scenarios and the results were obtained for the equivalent and non-linear models. The analysis showed that the soft soil conditions in the area amplified ground shaking by up to 2.8 times, especially for longer periods (1.0–2.5 s). This level of amplification was consistent with the damage observed in mid- to high-rise buildings, highlighting the important role of local site effects in the structural losses seen during the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Full article

Grounding systems are critical for ensuring electrical safety, fault current dissipation, and electromagnetic compatibility in power installations across different voltage levels. This research presents a comparative study on the optimization of grounding configurations for 400 V, 10 kV, and 35 kV electrical installations, focusing on key performance parameters such as grounding resistance, step and touch voltages, and fault current dissipation efficiency. The study employs computational simulations using the finite element method (FEM) alongside empirical field measurements to evaluate the influence of soil resistivity, electrode materials, and grounding configurations, including rod electrodes, grids, deep-driven rods, and hybrid grounding systems. Results indicate that soil resistivity significantly affects grounding efficiency, with deep-driven rods providing superior performance in high-resistivity conditions, while grounding grids demonstrate enhanced fault current dissipation in substations. The integration of conductive backfill materials, such as bentonite and conductive concrete, further reduces grounding resistance and enhances system reliability. This study provides engineering insights into optimizing grounding systems based on installation voltage levels, cost considerations, and compliance with IEEE Std 80-2013 and IEC 60364-5-54. The findings contribute to the development of more resilient and cost-effective grounding strategies for electrical installations. Full article

After the 2011 earthquake, lake water depletion has become a widespread issue in Sikkim, especially in regions classified as high to very high seismic zones, where many lakes have turned into seasonal water bodies. This study investigates Chochen Lake in the Barapathing area of Sikkim’s Pakyong district, which is facing severe water seepage and instability. The problem, intensified by the 2011 seismic event and ongoing local construction, is examined through subsurface fracture mapping using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and profiling techniques. A statistical factor method, applied to interpret VES data, helped identify fracture patterns beneath the lake. Results from two sites (VES-1 and VES-2) reveal significant variations in weathered and semi-weathered soil layers, indicating fractures at depths of 17–50 m (VES-1) and 20–55 m (VES-2). Higher fracture density near VES-1 suggests increased settlement risk and ground displacement compared to VES-2. Contrasting resistivity values emphasize the greater instability in this zone and the need for cautious construction practices. The findings highlight the role of seismic-induced fractures in ongoing water depletion and underscore the importance of continuous dewatering to stabilize the swampy terrain. Full article

This study presents a numerical and experimental evaluation of axial load transfer mechanisms in deep foundations constructed in stratified cohesive soils in İzmir, Türkiye. A full-scale bi-directional static load test equipped with strain gauges was conducted on a barrette pile to investigate depth-dependent mobilization of shaft resistance. A finite element model was developed and calibrated using field-observed load–settlement and strain data to replicate the pile–soil interaction and deformation behavior. The analysis revealed a shaft-dominated load transfer behavior, with progressive mobilization concentrated in intermediate-depth cohesive layers. Sensitivity analysis identified the undrained stiffness (E_u) as the most influential parameter governing pile settlement. A strong polynomial correlation was established between calibrated E_u values and SPT N₆₀, offering a practical tool for preliminary design. Additionally, strain energy distribution was evaluated as a supplementary metric, enhancing the interpretation of mobilization zones beyond conventional stress-based methods. The integrated approach provides valuable insights for performance-based foundation design in layered cohesive ground, supporting the development of site-calibrated numerical models informed by full-scale testing data. Full article