Search Results (3,673)

The Ti6Al4V alloy is considered the most beneficial of the titanium alloys for use in biomedical applications. However, it corrodes when exposed to various biocompatible fluids. This investigation aims to evaluate the corrosion inhibition performance of the Ti6Al4V in a saline solution (SS) using thiocolchicoside (TCC) drug as an environmentally acceptable corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion assessments were conducted using potentiodynamic polarization curves (PPCs), open-circuit potential (OCP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methodologies, supplemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle (CA) measurements. The outcomes indicated that the inhibitory efficacy improved with higher TCC concentrations (achieving 92.40% at 200 mg/L of TCC) and diminished with an increase in solution temperature. TCC’s physical adsorption onto the surface of the Ti6A14V, which adheres to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, explains its mitigating power. The TCC acts as a mixed-type inhibitor. The adsorption and inhibitory impact of TCC were examined at various temperatures using PPC and EIS. When TCC is present, the corrosion’s apparent activation energy is higher (35.79 kJ mol⁻¹) than when it is absent (14.46 kJ mol⁻¹). In addition, the correlation between the structural properties of thiocolchicoside (TCC) and its corrosion inhibition performance was systematically analyzed. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were utilized to characterize the adsorption mechanism, supported by Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. The combined computational and electrochemical findings confirm that TCC provides effective and enhanced corrosion protection for the Ti6Al4V alloy in a saline environment. These characteristics provide compelling evidence for the suitability of these pharmaceutical compounds as promising corrosion inhibitors. Full article

The Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) remains a popular research topic, given its fundamental role in the exchange of energy between the surface and the atmosphere. Understanding the PBL’s mechanisms can improve weather forecasting, climate and air quality modelling. This paper presents a PBL climatology based on 50 years of observations (1973–2023) from the Bucharest Băneasa radio sounding station in Romania (international identifier 15420). The Stull method was used to calculate the PBL height, which was extracted from the sounding at the Bucharest Băneasa observation point and considers virtual potential temperature (θ_v). This incorporates the effect of humidity on air density. The analysis of climatological seasons (DJF, MAM, JJA and SON) based on PBL height series determined at 00 and 12 UTC using RAOB software revealed that the mixed layer height, as calculated by the Stull method, mainly captures the nocturnal Stable Boundary Layer (SBL) at 00 UTC and highlights the mixed layer (ML) at 12 UTC. ERA5 reanalysis data were also used in parallel. Full article

The crisis of pension systems based on pay-as-you-go (PAYG) financing has led to the introduction in some countries, including Italy, of so-called notional defined contribution (NDC) pension accounts. These systems mimic the functioning of defined contribution systems in benefit calculations while remaining based on PAYG financing. Despite many appealing features, NDC accounts cannot automatically guarantee a system’s financial sustainability in the presence of demographic or economic fluctuations. The literature proposes automatic balance mechanisms (ABMs) of the notional rate applied to notional accounts and an indexation rate applied to pensions. ABMs may be based on two indicators: the liquidity ratio or the solvency ratio. Such ABMs may strengthen a system’s financial sustainability but may produce significant fluctuations in the adjusted notional rate, thereby undermining the social adequacy of the system. In this work, we introduce a mixed ABM based on both the liquidity ratio and solvency ratio and identify the optimal combination that guarantees financial sustainability of the system and, at the same time, maximizes the return paid to the participants at fixed levels of confidence. The numerical results show the advantages of a mixed mechanism over those based on a single indicator. Indeed, although the results depend on the system’s initial conditions and the different ABM configurations tested (16 in total), some common patterns emerge across the solutions. A solvency ratio-based ABM maximizes social utility, while a liquidity ratio-based one ensures financial stability. Although not optimal for either criterion, the ABM that mixes the liquidity ratio and solvency ratio in proportions ranging from 60–40% to 50–50% emerges from our numerical simulations as the best compromise to achieve these two objectives jointly. Full article

Time-sensitive networking (TSN), a cutting-edge technology enabling efficient real-time communication and control, provides strong support for traditional Ethernet in terms of real-time performance, reliability, and deterministic transmission. In TSN systems, although time-triggered (TT) flows enjoy deterministic delay guarantees, audio video bridging (AVB) and best effort (BE) traffic still share link bandwidth through statistical multiplexing, a process that remains nondeterministic. This competition in shared memory switches adversely affects data transmission performance. In this paper, a priority queue threshold control policy is proposed and analyzed for mixed-critical traffic in time-sensitive networks. The core of this policy is to set independent queues for different types of traffic in the shared memory queuing system. To prevent low-priority traffic from monopolizing the shared buffer, its entry into the queue is blocked when buffer usage exceeds a preset threshold. A two-dimensional Markov chain is introduced to accurately construct the system’s queuing model. Through detailed analysis of the queuing model, the truncated chain method is used to decompose the two-dimensional state space into solvable one-dimensional sub-problems, and the approximate solution of the system’s steady-state distribution is derived. Based on this, the blocking probability, average queue length, and average queuing delay of different priority queues are accurately calculated. Finally, according to the optimization goal of the overall blocking probability of the system, the optimal threshold value is determined to achieve better system performance. Numerical results show that this strategy can effectively allocate the shared buffer space in multi-priority traffic scenarios. Compared with the conventional schemes, the queue blocking probability is reduced by approximately 40% to 60%. Full article

Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria spp., is a major economic burden in poultry production, prompting growing interest in natural alternatives to synthetic anticoccidials. This study evaluated the use of Polygain™, a sugarcane-derived polyphenol-rich feed material, as a natural anticoccidial in broiler chickens experimentally challenged with Eimeria tenella, E. maxima, and E. acervulina. A total of 144 Ross 308 chicks were allocated to six groups: uninfected–untreated control, infected–untreated control, infected plus nicarbazin + narasin, and three Polygain™ treatment groups (250, 500, and 1000 ppm). Birds were orally challenged with mixed oocysts on day 14. Parameters assessed included body weight gain (BWG), lesion scores (LS), oocyst per gram (OPG), and calculated indices such as relative oocyst production (ROP), reduction in lesion score (RLS), percent optimum anticoccidial activity (POAA), and anticoccidial index (ACI). Polygain™ reduced intestinal lesions (p < 0.05), particularly in the caecum, with complete lesion resolution observed at 1000 ppm by 21 days post-infection. Polygain™ ACI values (143–146) were limited in comparison to nicarbazin + narasin treatment (ACI 160). These findings demonstrate that Polygain™ supplementation confers measurable protective dose related effects against coccidiosis without impairing growth performance, supporting its potential as a natural feed material for integrated coccidiosis management. Full article

The transition of Türkiye’s energy market toward net-zero emissions by 2053 requires modeling approaches capable of capturing complex interactions and long-term uncertainties. In this study, a long-term agent-based modeling (ABM) framework was developed, integrating econometric demand forecasting with a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model and machine learning (ML)-based day-ahead market (DAM) price prediction. Of the ML models tested, CatBoost achieved the highest accuracy, outperforming XGBoost and Random Forest, and supported investment analysis through net present value (NPV) calculations. The framework represents major market actors—including generation units, investors, and the market operator—while also incorporating the impact of Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) under construction and the potential introduction of a carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS). All model components were validated against historical data, confirming robust forecasting and market replication performance. Hourly simulations were conducted until 2053 under alternative policy and demand scenarios. The results show that renewable generation expands steadily, led by onshore wind and solar photovoltaic (PV), while nuclear capacity, ETS implementation, and demand assumptions significantly reshape prices, generation mix, and carbon emissions. The nuclear plant lowers market prices, whereas an ETS substantially raises them, with both policies contributing to emission reductions. These scenario results were connected to actionable policy recommendations, outlining how renewable expansion, ETS design, nuclear development, and energy efficiency measures can jointly support Türkiye’s 2053 net-zero target. The proposed framework provides an ex-ante decision-support framework for policymakers, investors, and market participants, with future extensions that can include other energy markets, storage integration, and enriched scenario design. Full article

Aircraft engine endoscope probes often face difficulties in effectively detecting internal structures in high-temperature environments. In order to improve the thermal protection characteristics of endoscope probes, this paper designs a probe-cooling structure with a circular ring pressure drop structure and calculates and analyzes the cooling effect of the probe under different gas cooling conditions. Study the influence of size parameters and cooling medium properties of the structure on the cooling characteristics of the probe, analyze the temperature distribution of the probe mirror, cooling efficiency distribution, and cold flow outlet flow distribution. The results show that the larger the outlet width of the annular cooling structure, the better the cooling effect, and the optimal cooling effect structure is 0.7 mm; the larger the opening angle, the lower and then the higher the temperature of the endoscope probe surface, and the best cooling effect occurs when the optimal angle is 40°; the larger the proportion of mixed liquid nitrogen, the lower the temperature of the probe mirror surface. A 5% proportion of mixed liquid nitrogen can reduce the temperature of the probe mirror surface by about 11 K. Full article

In this study, an experimental adiabatic temperature rise (ATR) measurement and a multi-scale analytical approach were investigated for concrete containing Class F fly ash (FA). A half-meter (0.5 m) insulated cube was developed to measure the ATR. ATR calorimetry was used to verify the applicability of the 0.5 m insulated cube. The ATRs were obtained by calculating the heat loss from the cube. Besides the insulated cube and adiabatic calorimetry, a multi-scale hydration model was programmed to predict the ATR from the chemical composition of the cementitious materials and mix designs. The model consists of two parts; the first part is for the Portland cement (PC) hydration reaction, and the second part is for the FA reaction. The analytical model was verified using ordinary PC and FA concrete mixes, and the ATR predictions compared well with the experimental measurements. The proposed methods proved to be a reliable alternative approach to obtain the ATR of a concrete mix containing FA. The developed 0.5 m insulated cube offers a more practical and economical approach for estimating the ATR while maintaining accuracy comparable to large-scale cubes, making it suitable for both field and laboratory applications. The study integrates on-site measurements with multi-scale analytical modeling to provide a better understanding of the hydration behavior and temperature development in FA-blended concrete. Full article

Agriculture is responsible for nearly one-quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with livestock and poultry systems contributing significantly through methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Achieving net-zero agriculture demands tools that not only quantify emissions but also guide management decisions and foster behavioral change. The Cool Farm Tool (CFT)—a science-based calculator for farm-level carbon footprints, water use, and biodiversity—has been widely adopted across Europe and parts of the United States. Yet, despite its proven potential, no Canadian studies have tested or adapted CFT, leaving a major gap in the country’s progress toward climate-smart farming. This paper addresses that gap by presenting the first surveys of poultry and dairy producers in Atlantic Canada as a foundation for tailoring and localizing CFT. Our mixed-methods surveys examined farm practices, feed, manure, energy use, waste management, sustainability perceptions, and openness to digital tools. Results on 23 responses (20 for poultry, 3 for dairy) revealed limited awareness but moderate interest in emission tracking: dairy farmers, already accustomed to digital systems such as robotic milking and herd software, were receptive and confident about adopting CFT. Poultry farmers, by contrast, voiced greater concerns over cost, complexity, and uncertain benefits, signaling higher adoption barriers in this sector. These findings highlight both the opportunity and the challenge: while dairy farms appear ready for rapid uptake, poultry requires stronger incentives, clearer value demonstration, and sector-specific customization. We conclude that adapting CFT with regionally relevant data, AI-driven decision support, and supportive policy frameworks could make it a cornerstone for achieving net-zero agriculture in Atlantic Canada. Full article

In the context of urban renewal, rooftop greening in old buildings plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting carbon neutrality goals. This study evaluates the carbon capture capacity (T_CO2) and efficiency (η_CO2) of rooftop greening under load constraints by developing standardised greening units and mathematical models to quantify CO₂ absorption and self-weight load. Rooftop carbon capture performance is assessed by comparing the quantified T_CO2 of each unit with the theoretical maximum and calculating overall η_CO2. Three representative species—Hibiscus mutabilis, Prunus cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’, and Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans—were examined. In single-planting mode, η_CO2 was approximately 14% with no significant differences among groups, though T_CO2 varied considerably, ranging from 6061.32 g·d⁻¹ for Hibiscus mutabilis to 1515.52 g·d⁻¹ for Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans. In mixed planting, η_CO2 showed greater fluctuation, with species combinations of similar T_CO2 enhancing efficiency. Findings demonstrate that rooftop greening can effectively expand urban green spaces, improve species diversity, and promote ecological balance, while providing a systematic evaluation framework for low-carbon renovation strategies in urban renewal. Full article

Background: Chorioamnionitis is the inflammation of the placenta, amniotic fluid, and fetal membranes and its histological confirmation, histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) is defined as the diffuse infiltration of neutrophils into the chorioamniotic membranes. Several biomarkers have been evaluated for its early prediction, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), which can be measured in plasma, amniotic fluid, and cervicovaginal fluid (CVF). Aims and Scope: We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the role of IL-6 in the prediction of HCA, in several body fluids and among distinct subgroups. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CT.gov between March 2024 and July 2024. Studies that measured IL-6 in AF, CVF, or plasma and conducted a placental examination were included. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies—2 (QUADAS-2) tool was used to assess methodological quality. Bivariate analysis combined with a linear mixed model was used for quantitative synthesis, and summary estimates were calculated. Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) curves were constructed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. The z-test was used for subgroup comparisons. Results: In total, 43 studies were included in this meta-analysis, 23 for amniotic fluid (AF), 9 for plasma, and 11 for CVF. AF IL-6 in the overall population had a very good diagnostic performance with an AUC = 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78–0.85) for HCA prediction, with a sensitivity of 65% (95% CI: 0.55–0.74) and a specificity of 84% (95% CI: 0.76–0.89), performing superiorly for the preterm labor (PTL) group (Area Under Curve (AUC) = 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85–0.91) compared with the Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) subgroup (AUC = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.72–0.80). Plasma IL-6 in the overall population had a good diagnostic performance with an AUC = 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76–0.83), similar to that for the PTL and PPROM subgroups, with a sensitivity of 72% (95% CI: 0.58–0.83) and a specificity of 79% (95% CI: 0.72–0.84). CVF IL-6 in the PPROM group had an excellent diagnostic accuracy, the highest observed in our research (AUC = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88–0.93), higher than CVF in the overall population, where diagnostic accuracy remained very good. The QUADAS-2 tool revealed a high risk of bias overall. Conclusions: CVF IL-6 could serve as a valid, non-invasive screening test for pregnant women to stratify risk for HCA, while a combination of AF, CVF, and plasma IL-6 could be a tractable diagnostic tool for clinicians, but large-scale Randomized Control Trials are needed to validate this hypothesis. Full article

Wake vortex is a critical factor affecting aircraft safety and airport runway capacity. To assess the runway capacity of mixed operations for training and transport airports, this study first simulated the wake vortex dissipation process of the commonly used A321 aircraft at Luoyang Beijiao Airport using a wake vortex prediction model. The SR20 training aircraft was selected as the subject for wake vortex encounters, with the rolling moment coefficient used as an indicator to assess the risk of wake encounters, and the wake vortex safety separation was calculated. Finally, a runway capacity model based on runway average service time for mixed training and transport operations was developed, calculating both runway landing capacity and the total runway capacity in the continuous landing and interleaved takeoff mode. The simulation results indicate that under different atmospheric BV frequencies, the safe wake vortex separations for the A321–SR20 combination are 6375 m, 6188 m, and 5700 m, respectively, representing reductions of 31.5%, 33.2%, and 38.4% shorter than the current CCAR-93TM-R6 regulatory separations, and compared to the RECAT 1.5 and RECAT-EU standards. Under reduced separation conditions, runway capacity demonstrated improvement across various atmospheric conditions and operational modes. Full article

Against the backdrop of global energy transition, geothermal energy has emerged as a critical renewable resource, yet its exploration remains challenging due to uneven subsurface distribution and complex surface conditions. This study pioneers a novel framework integrating the Normalized Shaded Vegetation Index (NSVI) with radiative transfer-based land surface temperature inversion to detect geothermal anomalies in the Gonghe Basin, Qinghai Province. Using multi-source remote sensing data (GF5 B AHSI, ZY1–02D/E AHSI, and Landsat 9 TIRS), we first constructed NSVI, achieving 97.74% classification accuracy for shadowed vegetation/water bodies (Kappa = 0.9656). This effectively resolved spectral mixing issues in oblique terrain, enhancing emissivity calculations for land surface temperature retrieval. The radiative transfer equation method combined with NSVI-derived parameters yielded high-precision land surface temperature estimates (RMSE = 2.91 °C; R² = 0.963 against Landsat 9 products), revealing distinct thermal stratification: bright vegetation (41.31 °C) > shadowed vegetation (38.43 °C) > water (33.56 °C). Geothermal anomalies were identified by integrating temperature thresholds (>45.80 °C), 7 km fault buffers, and concealed Triassic granite constraints, pinpointing high-potential zones covering 0.12% of the basin. These zones are concentrated in central Gonghe, northern Guinan, and central-northern Guide counties. The framework provides a replicable solution for geothermal prospecting in topographically complex regions, with implications for optimizing exploration across the Gonghe Basin. Full article

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a well-established risk factor for ocular diseases; however, the ultraviolet-blocking properties of daily disposable contact lenses remain insufficiently characterized. This study evaluated thirteen commercially available lenses to determine their spectral transmittance across UV-B, UV-A, and visible light ranges using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. The oxygen permeability, central thickness, water content, and FDA material classification of each lens were documented, and oxygen transmissibility was subsequently calculated. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was applied to identify predictors of spectral transmittance. All lenses demonstrated high visible light transmittance (>88%), but exhibited substantial variation in UV attenuation. While several lenses effectively blocked most UV radiation, others transmitted more than 70%. The analysis revealed that lens power was the most consistent predictor of spectral transmittance, with higher minus powers associated with reduced UV-blocking efficacy. Moisture content and material classification also influenced UV protection but had minimal effect on visible light transmission. In conclusion, daily disposable contact lenses vary considerably in their UV-blocking capabilities, and although lens power cannot be altered, consideration of material composition and UV transmittance properties may assist in selecting lenses that provide optimal ocular protection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optimal postprandial glycemic control is crucial to maintain time in range (TIR:3.9–10.0 mmol/L, 70–180 mg/dL) and time in tight range (TITR:3.9–7.8 mmol/L, 70–140 mg/dL), both important to reduce microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, insulin dosing based on carbohydrate counting fails to compensate for delayed hyperglycemia from protein and fat. This study evaluated two advanced insulin dosing algorithms designed to improve postprandial control in adolescents with T1DM. Methods: In this randomized, prospective, double-blind, crossover trial, 58 adolescents with T1DM (median age 15.5 years) were enrolled, all using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and a continuous glucose monitoring system in non-automated mode. For two consecutive days, participants consumed standardized mixed meals for breakfast (50 g of carbohydrates, 200 kcal from protein and fat) and received an extended bolus delivered for four hours, based on the Pankowska Equation (PE, i.e., Fat-Protein Units × Insulin-to-Carbohydrate Ratio (ICR)) and the Sieradzki Equation (SE, i.e., 30% × Carbohydrate Units × ICR). Postprandial glucose was monitored for five hours using a glucometer and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). The primary outcome was the capillary blood glucose level at predefined time points. The secondary outcomes were the frequency of hypoglycemia and glycemic variability parameters. Results: Both methods kept postprandial glucose within the recommended TIR. The SE method provided longer TITR (82.51% vs. 70.49%, p = 0.6281) and fewer hypoglycemic episodes at 180 and 300 min. Glucose levels at 60 min, were higher after PE (136 ± 35.2 mg/dL vs. 124 ± 32.2 mg/dL, p = 0.016). Conclusions: Both algorithms provided effective postprandial control after a mixed meal, but SE achieved a longer TITR and fewer late hypoglycemic events. Full article