Search Results (85)

Background/Objectives: Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity involving coronal curvature, axial rotation, and sagittal imbalance, which may alter thoracic geometry and reduce ventilatory capacity. Traditional two-dimensional radiographic measures incompletely represent the complexity of axial rotation, and the apical vertebra is not always the most rotated vertebra. We aimed to determine whether computed tomography (CT)-derived three-dimensional vertebral rotation indices, particularly global rotational asymmetry between main and compensatory curves, are associated with pulmonary function impairment in a large heterogeneous scoliosis cohort. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 250 patients with scoliosis who underwent full-spine CT and spirometry within a 1-year interval (2013–2023). Vertebral rotation was measured using the Aaro–Dahlborn method. Rotation indices included apical rotation (R(Apex)), averaged apical rotation across the apical vertebra and adjacent levels (R(Avg)), and rotational asymmetry defined as the absolute difference between rotation in the main and compensatory curves (ΔR(M–C)). Pulmonary function outcomes were FVC (L), FEV1 (L), FVC% and FEV1%. Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, height, and weight, were performed; sensitivity analyses, additionally adjusted for upright Cobb angle and thoracic kyphosis (TK) to evaluate whether ΔR(M–C) provided independent explanatory information, and subgroup analyses by etiology were performed. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 15.6 ± 5.7 years; 49.6% were female. All rotation indices showed significant negative correlations with pulmonary function in the overall cohort. ΔR(M–C) showed the strongest associations with FVC% (r = −0.66) and FEV1% (r = −0.64), as well as with absolute volumes (FVC, r = −0.59; FEV1, r = −0.58). In adjusted multivariate analyses, models incorporating ΔR(M–C) consistently demonstrated the highest explanatory performance compared with models based on R(Apex) or R(Avg). Subgroup analysis revealed the strongest associations in neurofibromatosis-related scoliosis (r = −0.87) and congenital scoliosis (r = −0.71). Associations were attenuated in neuromuscular subtypes and did not reach statistical significance in SMA. In sensitivity analyses adjusting for Cobb angle and thoracic kyphosis, ΔR(M–C) retained a robust independent association with FVC% (unstandardized B = −0.82 percentage points per 1°, 95% CI −0.98 to −0.66; p < 0.001; partial F = 103, p < 0.001), while neither Cobb angle nor TK remained statistically significant after adjustment for ΔR(M–C); comparable patterns were observed across FEV1%, FVC, and FEV1. Conclusions: CT-derived global rotational asymmetry between the main and compensatory curves is strongly associated with pulmonary function impairment in scoliosis and demonstrates superior explanatory performance to single-level rotation indices and retains independent explanatory value after adjustment for conventional 2D radiographic parameters (Cobb angle and thoracic kyphosis). Incorporating a CT-derived metric may complement traditional two-dimensional assessments for functional risk stratification. Full article

Real-time tracking of high-speed targets in autonomous systems requires detection and decision-making pipelines that can operate within sub-millisecond time budgets. Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensors are well suited for this task, offering 10 kHz Time-of-Flight (ToF) measurements with picosecond timing precision. However, processing such high-frequency time-series data with conventional deep learning models introduces computational bottlenecks that are difficult to handle on resource-constrained embedded hardware. This paper presents an ultra-lightweight, dual-head architecture built on the MiniRocket transformation algorithm, where a single shared feature extractor simultaneously feeds two independent decision pathways: one for multi-class target classification and one for 3-parameter kinematic regression covering velocity, pitch, and yaw. As a single-pixel sensor, the device provides only 1D range information; lateral 3D spatial localization is outside the scope of this work. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first application of MiniRocket to continuous kinematic estimation from high-frequency sensor data. Since collecting labeled physical flight data at these speeds is largely infeasible, a physics-based ray-casting simulation was developed to generate a 55,440-sample dataset across four 3D CAD target models under varying speed (100–450 m/s), orientation, and noise conditions. The proposed architecture achieves 98.6% classification accuracy and a velocity Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.26 m/s, with orientation estimation yielding a pitch MAE of 3.47° and a yaw MAE of 2.46°—values consistent across all five cross-validation folds, indicating that the orientation performance floor is governed by the sensor’s physical angular resolution rather than by model capacity. With approximately 27,000 trainable parameters, the system completes full dual-task inference in 0.56 ms on a 16-core CPU (1785 Frames Per Second-FPS), satisfying the 1 ms real-time constraint of a 10 kHz sensor without GPU acceleration. It should be noted that the single-pixel SPAD architecture provides only 1D range-along-beam information; full 3D spatial localization is physically not extractable from a single sensor and is not addressed in this study. Full article

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults, with limited survival benefit from the current standard of care consisting of maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and temozolomide-based chemotherapy. The highly infiltrative growth pattern, profound intratumoral heterogeneity, and strongly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment together contribute to therapeutic resistance and frequent recurrence. In this context, oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) has emerged as a promising therapeutic platform for glioblastoma because of its dual capacity to directly lyse tumor cells and stimulate antitumor immune responses. In addition, the large viral genome and well-characterized biology of herpes simplex virus enable extensive genetic engineering to improve tumor selectivity, safety, and immunomodulatory function. In this review, we summarize the molecular design strategies that have driven the development of oHSV for glioblastoma, including attenuation of neurovirulence, enhancement of tumor-selective replication, and arming with immune-stimulatory transgenes. We further discuss the major biological barriers within the GBM tumor microenvironment that continue to limit therapeutic efficacy, with particular attention given to representative engineered oHSV platforms and the lessons learned from preclinical and early-phase clinical studies. A dedicated section examines these barriers in detail, including restricted intratumoral viral spread, antiviral innate immunity, and immunosuppressive myeloid cell dominance. We also review current efforts to improve outcomes through rational combination strategies with radiotherapy, immune checkpoint blockade, cytokine modulation, and other multimodal approaches. Although encouraging advances have been achieved, the clinical translation of oHSV therapy for glioblastoma still faces substantial challenges in patient selection, delivery optimization, response assessment, and treatment integration. A deeper understanding of virus–host–tumor interactions and more precise engineering of viral platforms may help unlock the full potential of oHSV-based therapy. Overall, oHSV represents one of the most compelling translational approaches in glioblastoma and provides a valuable framework for the development of mechanism-driven viro-immunotherapy in neuro-oncology. Full article

The transition to sustainable energy systems requires the effective integration of offshore wind energy with hydrogen production. In this context, the paper assesses the potential for offshore hydrogen production in eight locations, three of which are located in the Black Sea, using data from the ERA5 database (period 2016–2025) at a height of 10 m and then extrapolated to a height of 150 m. The methodology includes estimating the annual energy production for four types of offshore turbines (Siemens Gamesa (Zamudio, Spain) SG 14-236 DD, Vestas (Aarhus, Denmark) V236-15.0, GE (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) Haliade-X 13, and MingYang (Guangdong, China) MySE12-242) and correlating it with six electrolyzer configurations (PEM and AWE) in gross and net scenarios, as well as analyzing the energy compatibility related to the number of electrolyzers. The novelty of the study lies in the integrated multi-site approach and in the direct quantification of the relationship between wind production and electrolysis requirements for different turbine–electrolyzer combinations. The results indicate a variation in gross annual energy production (AEP) in the range of 45.65 to 81.11 GWh/year, while the net scenario, accounting for operational losses, ranged from 37.75 to 67.05 GWh/year, and hydrogen production between 327 and 1075 t/year, highlighting that the optimal performance is determined by the compatibility between turbine and electrolyzer and the specific energy consumption rather than the nominal power. The ${\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{net}}$ analysis shows that, in most cases, the energy produced by a single turbine is insufficient for the full operation of large capacity electrolyzers, resulting in a sub-unit utilization rate and necessitating the use of multiple turbines to reach the nominal operating regime. The analysis is limited to a technical assessment based on historical climatological data, excluding economic aspects, grid constraints, and variations in equipment performance over time. The results underscore the importance of integrating the sizing of offshore wind–hydrogen systems with local resources and energy conversion efficiency. Full article

Water is increasingly acknowledged as a limited and strategically critical resource, particularly in regions where hydrological imbalances are structurally persistent. Across Europe, countries such as Spain, Turkey, Italy, and Greece face recurrent water scarcity driven by precipitation regimes characterized by low annual rainfall, pronounced temporal variability, and marked spatial heterogeneity. In response to rising water demand associated with tourism, agricultural intensification, and sustained demographic pressures, Spain has implemented a series of national water-management strategies over the past two decades. Notably, the National Hydrological Plan, enacted in July 2005, introduced more than one hundred immediate actions focused on modernizing hydraulic infrastructure and reinforcing the country’s desalination capacity. Furthermore, the Royal Decree issued in December 2007 established a comprehensive regulatory framework to promote and standardize water reuse practices nationwide. Within this context, reverse osmosis has emerged as a central technology for the desalination of seawater and brackish water, as well as for advanced water-reclamation applications. This work presents a consolidated examination of Spain’s water-resource management framework, drawing on historical material and recent advances to outline the current context of desalination and water reuse. It presents operational performance data from several full-scale reverse osmosis facilities, and reviews recent technological developments in the field, including newly engineered membrane modules, innovative system architectures, and the latest generation of large-diameter RO elements. Together, these advancements illustrate the evolving role of membrane-based desalination and water reuse in supporting water security in semi-arid regions. Full article

Large-format thin ceramic panels are increasingly used in ventilated façade systems due to their reduced weight, high durability and architectural versatility. However, their reduced thickness and large dimensions require reliable anchoring solutions capable of safely transferring wind loads to the supporting structure. This study investigates the structural behaviour of a concealed mechanical anchoring system for large-format porcelain stoneware panels installed in ventilated façades. An experimental campaign was carried out using a full-scale façade prototype representative of real construction conditions. The specimen was subjected to incremental wind pressure and suction loading in a controlled laboratory environment while monitoring the deformation of the ceramic panels, backing support layer and aluminium substructure. The experimental results show that the ceramic panels exhibited stable structural behaviour without cracking or anchor pull-out under pressure levels up to 3006 Pa, exceeding twice the design service pressure. The maximum estimated deflection at the service pressure level (1300 Pa) was 5.7 mm, significantly below the admissible limit defined by the L/200 serviceability criterion. A simplified mechanical analysis based on classical bending theory confirmed that the stresses induced in the ceramic panels remained well below their flexural strength. The results demonstrate that the investigated concealed anchoring system provides reliable structural performance for large-format thin ceramic panels subjected to wind loading in ventilated façade systems, while the simplified analytical verification confirms the mechanical consistency between the measured deformation levels and the flexural capacity of the ceramic material. Full article

Based on the dual requirements of building energy efficiency and construction industrialization, along with the development of high-strength, high thermal resistance (low thermal conductivity) foamed concrete (HLFC), this study proposes a new prefabricated high-strength foamed concrete thermal self-insulating shear wall system (called HFSW shear wall) suitable for multi-story buildings, which could address the core shortcomings of existing organic insulation materials in buildings, such as poor fire resistance and short life cycles. Concerning the research gap in the flexural performance of this wall type, this study conducted seismic tests on two full-scale wall models and systematically analyzed the fundamental performance parameters under quasi-static loading, including bending failure phenomena, load-bearing capacity, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility. The results show that HFSW walls with large shear span ratios generally exhibit typical bending failure characteristics. However, due to the relatively low material strength, extensive development of shear and flexural–shear cracks occurs, leading to minimal differences in typical seismic performance indicators compared to shear-dominated failure scenarios in traditional shear walls (indicating significant flexural–shear coupling effects). Finally, a finite element model was used to simulate the wall capacity under various parameters, including axial compression ratio, wall thickness, and longitudinal reinforcement in edge columns. Based on the validated and calibrated finite element results, and in accordance with the wall failure mode as well as the load transfer mechanism, a calculation model for the flexural strength of HFSW shear walls was established to guide design and engineering application, achieving a theoretical calculation accuracy of 0.97. The research findings provide meaningful guidance for the design and application of this wall system. Full article

This study develops a conceptual framework for characterizing reservoir architecture in multi-component, discrete systems using pressure transient analysis (PTA), aimed at calibrating inflow geometry prior to full-field dynamic simulation for subsurface gas storage applications such as CO₂ and hydrogen. A secondary objective is to identify variations in permeability over time by analyzing flow capacity trends and evaluating the dynamic influence of faults and fractures. The analysis is based on a gas-condensate field comprising seven wells and four zones (A, B, C, D), using integrated dynamic datasets including extended well tests (EWTs), mud loss, production logs, and production data. Detailed interpretation of PX-1’s EWT indicated delayed re-pressurization and persistent under-pressure, suggesting a compartmentalized or transient system with limited gas-in-place connectivity. Four reservoir architecture concepts were developed: (1) lithology-dominated inflow, (2) structurally controlled inflow, (3) discrete, weakly connected compartments, and (4) transient-dominated systems with tight matrix GIIP. These concepts informed four reservoir models: matrix-only (M), areal heterogeneity (A), sparse bodies (B), and sparse networks (S). Application of these models across other wells revealed consistent localized KH (permeability–thickness product) behavior, with all models fitting short-duration data comparably. However, only sparse drainage models (B/S) adequately matched PX-1’s EWT response. PTA results confirm that well tests constrain KH locally but provide limited insight into large-scale reservoir architecture. EWTs may reach ~1 km, while shorter tests are confined to ~200–400 m, typically within one to two simulation grid blocks. This study demonstrates how integrating PTA with multi-scale data improves characterization of naturally fractured, tight carbonate reservoirs and supports reservoir simulation and history matching for hydrogen storage evaluation. Based on reservoir simulations, this study concluded that naturally fractured carbonate gas reservoirs can provide significant storage and injection capacities for underground hydrogen storage. This study exemplifies how to characterize the naturally fractured tight carbonate reservoirs by integrating multi-scale and multi-dimensional data such as PTA. Furthermore, this study assists in gridding for full-field reservoir models, for history matching and quantifying the potential of hydrogen storage in these complex reservoirs. The proposed workflow provides an uncertainty-bounded reservoir characterization framework and should not be interpreted as a complete field-design methodology for hydrogen storage. The modeling does not explicitly couple geomechanical fracture growth, hydrogen diffusion, long-term geochemical reactions, or caprock integrity degradation. Therefore, the presented storage scenarios represent technically feasible cases under defined assumptions. Comprehensive site-specific geomechanical and containment assessments are required prior to field-scale implementation. Full article

Background: This study introduces an experimental model of a large, full-thickness skin defect and evaluates how adipose-derived stem cells characterized by high self-renewal and differentiation capacity affect both wound healing and the wound microenvironment when delivered using two different local application methods. Materials and Methods: In this preclinical study, we established an excisional full-thickness skin defect model involving approximately 30% of the total body surface area (TBSA). Five experimental groups were formed, each containing equal numbers of male and female rats: (1) subdermal ADSC injection (ADSC-I) (n = 8), (2) application of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) seeded with ADSCs (n = 8) (ADSC-ADM), (3) ADM alone (n = 8), (4) subdermal saline injection (n = 8) (SS-I), and (5) an untreated skin-defect sham group (n = 8). Wound healing and wound microenvironment parameters were assessed at regular intervals using macroscopic and microscopic evaluations, as well as various quantitative measurements. The study was terminated when complete wound closure was achieved in all animals of at least one experimental group. Results: The most favorable healing outcomes were observed in the two ADSC-treated groups. More favorable microenvironmental conditions in the stem cell groups were detected from day 14 onward. Complete closure of the dermal defects occurred by day 32 in the ADSC-I group, whereas none of the other groups achieved full wound closure within the study period. Conclusions: Local application of adipose-derived stem cells may accelerate wound healing by favorably modulating the wound microenvironment. Full article

Heavy-duty vehicles dominate global freight movement and primarily rely on fossil-derived diesel fuel. However, fluctuations in crude oil prices and evolving emissions regulations have prompted interest in alternative powertrains to enhance fleet energy resiliency. This study paired real-world operational data from a large commercial fleet with high-fidelity vehicle models to evaluate the potential for replacing diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks with alternative powertrain architectures. The baseline vehicle for this analysis is a diesel-powered ICE truck. Alternatives include ICE trucks fueled by bio- and renewable diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG) or hydrogen (H₂), as well as plug-in hybrid (PHEV), fuel cell electric (FCEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV). While most alternative powertrains resulted in some payload capacity loss, the overall fleetwide impact was negligible due to underutilized payload capacity for the specific fleet considered in this study. For sleeper cab trucks, CNG-powered trucks achieved the highest replacement potential, covering 85% of the fleet. In contrast, H₂ and BEV architectures could replace fewer than 10% and 1% of trucks, respectively. Day cab trucks, with shorter daily routes, showed higher replacement potential: 98% for CNG, 78% for H₂, and 34% for BEVs. However, achieving full fleet replacement would still require significant operational changes such as route reassignment and enroute refueling, along with considerable improvements to onboard energy storage capacity. Additionally, the higher total cost of ownership (TCO) for alternative powertrains remains a key challenge. This study also evaluated lifecycle impacts across various fuel sources, both fossil and bio-derived. Bio-derived synthetic diesel fuels emerged as a practical option for diesel displacement without disrupting operations. Conversely, H₂ and electrified powertrains provide limited lifecycle impacts under the current energy scenario. This analysis highlights the complexity of replacing diesel ICE trucks with admissible alternatives while balancing fleet resiliency, operational demands, and emissions goals. These results reflect a US-based fleet’s duty cycles, payloads, GVWR allowances, and an assumption of depot-only refueling/recharging. Applicability to other fleets and regions may differ based on differing routing practices or technical features such as battery swapping. Full article

Morphological variability on Mediterranean embayed sandy beaches is largely driven by wave storms and episodic sediment inputs from local streams during intense rainfall. While storm impacts are well documented, the combined influence of stream discharge, wave forcing and morphological response remains poorly understood. This study examines these interactions at Castell beach, one of the few non-urbanised, stream-fed embayed beaches on the northwestern Mediterranean, during two high-energy storms with heavy rainfall: December 2019 and January 2020 (Storm Gloria). Morphological changes in the subaerial and submerged beach, and stream dynamics were assessed using repeated RTK–GNSS surveys, orthophotos and echo-sounder bathymetry. Results show the stream mouth shifted along the beach (east, central or west) during heavy rainfall episodes depending on wave direction and pre-existing topography, tending toward more wave-sheltered zones. The storms induced contrasting responses: the first caused slight subaerial accretion, whereas Storm Gloria produced subaerial erosion and nearshore sediment deposition from both beach and stream sources. This material was subsequently reworked and reincorporated into the subaerial beach under calmer conditions, with full recovery by February 2022. These findings highlight the role of stream–wave interactions in sediment dynamics and the capacity of highly protected embayed beaches to adapt to extreme events. Full article

Pre-tensioned T-beams with polygonal tendons offer high load-bearing capacity and suitability for large spans, demonstrating broad application potential in bridge engineering. The cracking state of a prestressed beam is a crucial indicator for assessing its service state, while the ultimate bearing capacity is a key metric for structural safety. In this study, we designed a novel 30 m pre-tensioned T-beam with polygonal tendons and investigated its shear cracking performance and ultimate bearing capacity under a shear-span ratio of 2.5 through a full-scale test. A graded loading protocol was employed. The results indicate that during the initial loading stage, the shear cracking load of the inclined section was 1766 kN. A distinct inflection point appeared on the load–displacement curve, accompanied by a significant reduction in stiffness. Cracks initially developed at the junctions between the web and the top flange, as well as the diaphragm, and subsequently propagated towards the shear–flexural region, exhibiting typical shear–compression failure characteristics. During the secondary loading to the ultimate state, the beam demonstrated good ductility and stress redistribution capability. The ultimate shear capacity reached 3868 kN. Failure occurred by crushing of the concrete in the compression zone after the critical inclined crack penetrated the web, with the member ultimately reaching its ultimate capacity through a plastic hinge mechanism. Strain analysis revealed that the polygonal tendons effectively restrained the premature development of inclined cracks, thereby enhancing the overall shear performance and deformation capacity. This study verifies the mechanical performance of the new T-beam under a shear span-to-depth ratio of 2.5 through calculations based on different codes and finite element numerical analysis, providing experimental evidence and theoretical references for its engineering application. Full article

This study experimentally evaluates the structural performance of Concrete-Filled Double-Skin (CFDS) hybrid connections that are intended as key components of large-scale floating offshore wind substructures. The innovative aspect of this work lies in the direct experimental comparison of five representative connection details—Headed Stud (HS), Perfobond (PB), L-beam-joint (LJ), L-beam-spacing (LS), and Angle (AN)—with respect to multiple performance indices that are critical under harsh offshore environments. First, full-scale CFDS specimens were fabricated with identical global dimensions while varying only the connection details. The hybrid behavior of the CFDS system arises from the complementary actions of the outer steel tube, which primarily resists tensile forces, and the infilled concrete, which provides dominant compressive resistance and confinement. This composite interaction enhances the stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption capacity of the member under flexural demands, which are essential for floating offshore structures operating under complex marine loading. Second, monotonic bending tests were conducted using a 2000 kN actuator under a cantilever-type configuration, and load–displacement responses were recorded at three locations. Third, the stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption capacity (toughness) were quantified from the measured curves to clarify the deformation and failure characteristics of each connection type. The results show that the PB connection achieved the highest maximum load and exhibited stable ductile behavior with plastic energy dominating the total toughness. The LJ connection provided well-balanced stiffness and deformation capacity with low sensitivity to measurement locations, indicating high reliability for design applications. In contrast, the HS and LS connections experienced localized slip and position-dependent stiffness, while the AN connection showed the lowest load-carrying efficiency. Overall, the findings highlight that connection-level detailing has a decisive influence on the global performance of CFDS hybrid members and provide fundamental data for developing design guidelines for floating offshore structures operating under complex marine loading conditions. Full article

Reinforced composite prestressed concrete hollow square (RCPHS) piles, installed through pre-drilling, grouting, and static jacking, integrate the large lateral contact area of cement–soil casings with the high strength and stiffness of prestressed concrete cores. This study combines full-scale vertical static load tests and finite-element (FE) simulations to explore the interaction among the core pile, plain-concrete casing, and surrounding soil. Results show that, at 3600 kN, RCPHS piles exhibit 76% less pile-head settlement compared to PHS piles, and a 36.5% reduction in pile-material expenditure is achieved using the RCPHS scheme. At the same settlement of 23 mm, RCPHS piles carry 87% more load than PHS piles. A 3D FE model developed in ABAQUS reveals that the core pile carries approximately 94% of the applied load. When the load exceeds 4180 kN, the axial force in the casing sharply increases at depths of 7–10 m. The simulated P–s curves align well with field measurements, confirming model accuracy. The superior performance of RCPHS piles is attributed to the graded elastic modulus and coordinated stress distribution of the core–casing–soil system, which enhances interface friction and overall load capacity. These findings provide a foundation for the design optimization of RCPHS piles in dense sandy foundations. Full article

This study addresses recurring failures of a gas boiler with a steam capacity of 65,000 kg/h, which is operating in a Polish industrial plant. To determine the cause, material examinations were carried out, including chemical composition and microstructural analysis of SA178A steel, as well as strength tests. The results revealed no significant material degradation outside the cracking zones, suggesting that the failures were primarily caused by thermo-mechanical interactions. A finite element model in Ansys Workbench software was developed, incorporating thermal and mechanical boundary conditions, to reproduce the behavior of the critical section. The analysis demonstrated stress concentrations at the junction between the box and the membrane wall, resulting from large thermal displacement differences. The plastic strains under static loading do not exceed 5%, which implies that, without considering the cyclic nature of boiler operation, the wall should not experience failure. Analysis taking into account only 3 full operating cycles indicates a continuous increase in plastic deformation, which leads to the occurrence of ratcheting. To mitigate these effects, a modification of the sealing box design was proposed. Simulations indicated a reduction in plasticized zones by approximately 65%, and the effectiveness of the solution was confirmed by two years of failure-free operation. The findings highlight the importance of an integrated diagnostic, numerical, and design approach to improving boiler durability. Full article