Search Results (24)

Foamed asphalt cold recycling technology is one of the key engineering approaches to address the accumulation of large quantities of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in road maintenance and rehabilitation. However, a systematic design methodology that simultaneously accounts for long-term fatigue resistance and toughness has not yet reached a unified consensus or widespread application. Existing studies have investigated the effects of fine aggregate gradation or cement content on individual performance aspects of mixtures, but studies incorporating both factors into a unified experimental framework for parallel comparison of multiple performance indicators remain limited. To this end, this study designed three mineral aggregate gradations with significantly different fine aggregate contents and systematically evaluated the effects of gradation composition, foamed asphalt content, and cement dosage on the mechanical properties, moisture stability, high-temperature stability, and fatigue performance of the mixtures. Indirect tensile fatigue tests under a stress-controlled mode were conducted to determine the fatigue life of different gradations at four stress ratio levels. The results indicate that sufficient fine aggregate content, particularly particles smaller than 0.075 mm, is a key factor in enhancing mixture compactness, indirect tensile strength, and resistance to moisture damage. The effect of cement on fatigue performance exhibits stress-level dependency: at low stress ratios, the addition of cement improves fatigue life, whereas at high stress ratios, the increased brittleness of the material reduces fatigue resistance, which is consistent with findings reported in previous studies. Furthermore, this study provides comparative experimental data for different fine aggregate gradations. The optimal gradation scheme demonstrated superior overall performance across all evaluated indicators, verifying the feasibility of achieving a balance between strength and toughness through gradation optimization. Compared with conventional design methods guided by a single strength index, this study offers a more comprehensive basis for mix design optimization of foamed asphalt cold recycled mixtures and provides engineering references for their application in long-life pavement maintenance. Full article

This study proposes a sustainable, integrated biorefinery approach to valorize mussel shell waste into high-value products, including chitin, chitosan, and calcium formate. Formic acid was employed as an effective demineralizing agent, enabling not only efficient mineral removal but also the direct conversion of the demineralization effluent into value-added calcium formate. The sequential extraction processes, demineralization, deproteinization, and decolorization, successfully yielded purified chitin (PCH), which was subsequently deacetylated to produce chitosan (CTS) with a degree of deacetylation of 85% and a molecular weight of 75 kDa. The physicochemical properties of all products were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the successful extraction of chitin and chitosan, demonstrating the feasibility of mussel shells as an alternative biopolymer source. In parallel, calcium formate (CCF) was obtained from the demineralization effluent with a yield of 94.19%, and its formation was verified by FTIR and XRD. Elemental analysis by XRF exhibited 98.3% CaO with minimal non-toxic impurities. The TGA/DTG profiles of CCF exhibited a well-defined two-step thermal decomposition, confirming its anhydrous form. Overall, this environmentally benign process enables the simultaneous production of multiple value-added products while significantly improving resource utilization and reducing waste generation. The proposed integrated biorefinery model offers a promising, economically viable pathway for marine biomass valorization, aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy concept. Full article

While natural muds are widely used in traditional balneotherapy and dermatological applications, the cellular basis of their redox-related effects remains insufficiently defined. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a mineral-rich mud extract on L929 fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages. This study was designed as an initial in vitro exploratory investigation to evaluate the cellular responses induced by a complex mud-derived material containing multiple inorganic components under standardized extract conditions. The mud extract showed no overt cytotoxicity up to 1000 μg/mL under the tested conditions. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels remained near baseline across the measured time points, with limited cell type-dependent variation. In parallel, antioxidant-related responses were observed primarily in RAW 264.7 cells, including a transient early increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD)-associated activity and subsequent increases in catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis further showed dose-dependent upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) transcripts, particularly in RAW 264.7 cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that the mud extract is associated with coordinated antioxidant-related responses under non-cytotoxic conditions. However, because the present study was conducted in two murine cell lines and relied partly on assay systems potentially susceptible to matrix effects, the results should be interpreted as supportive of redox-associated modulation rather than definitive proof of a therapeutic mechanism. Furthermore, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary evidence obtained from a standardized aqueous extract system and not as definitive proof of component-specific mechanisms or direct applicability. Full article

Grain-scale heterogeneity strongly influences hydraulic fracture initiation and trajectory in crystalline rocks, yet its contributions to non-planar growth and the interaction of multiple nearby cracks remain insufficiently quantified. To address this gap, we perform numerical experiments on a model containing two parallel pre-existing cracks using a hydro-mechanical phase-field framework, systematically quantifying how mineral distribution and axial compression govern non-planar hydraulic fracture growth and inter-fracture competition. The results demonstrate that mineral distribution is the primary driver of fracture complexity. Even within the same Voronoi tessellation, redistributing minerals alone yields markedly different trajectories, deflections, branching patterns, and final morphologies. Furthermore, non-planar growth follows a stepwise, energy-threshold-driven mechanism. When cracks penetrate strong grains or undergo large-angle deflections, propagation is impeded, and injection pressure builds up. Once a critical energy threshold is reached, accumulated energy is rapidly released along the path of minimum incremental energy, manifested as abrupt pressure drops and rapid crack advance. Additionally, the two nearby fractures exhibit strong mechanical competition. Despite negligible hydraulic interference in low-permeability granite, early growth of one fracture redistributes stresses and suppresses the driving force of the other, resulting in asymmetric development. Finally, axial compression primarily governs the overall propagation orientation and influences local failure modes but has a limited effect on peak pressure relative to mineral distribution. Full article

Elemental migration and enrichment are important processes influencing tea plant growth and the assembly of rhizosphere bacterial communities within the rock–soil–plant continuum. This study explores how soil parent materials (granite, quartz schist, and sericite schist) are potentially associated with these processes and their observed associations with the elemental composition of tea leaves. Exploratory statistical analyses revealed distinct, lithology-specific biogeochemical patterns that serve as a foundation for hypothesis generation. In granite soils, chlorite correlated with the mobility of Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mg, and Na, coinciding with shifts in the relative abundances of Verrucomicrobia, Armatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi. In quartz schist, kaolinite exhibited notable correlations with the dynamics of Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, and As, which were statistically linked to Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteria. Complex mineral–microbe interactions were observed in sericite schist soils, where clay minerals (e.g., chlorite, illite) were closely associated with the migration of multiple elements (Pb, K, Ca, Cd, As, Al, Fe, Zn), paralleling structural variations in communities of Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria. Potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and manganese (Mn) showed bioaccumulation tendencies in tea leaves across all lithologies, with an enrichment capacity order of Ca > K > Mn > Mg > Na > Al. Exploratory Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis suggested that the migration of K, Ca, Cu, Zn, and Hg corresponded most closely with their soil concentrations. Manganese (Mn) exhibited a mineral-associated trend, with kaolinite content as a potential correlate, while cadmium (Cd) migration was statistically linked to the relative abundance of Armatimonadetes. These findings highlight potential candidate relationships between mineralogy, microbes, and elemental mobility rather than confirming causal mechanisms, emphasizing the need for further validation in larger or experimental datasets. Full article

Bone is a dynamic and multifunctional tissue that provides mechanical support, regulates mineral homeostasis, supports hematopoiesis, and relies on complex interactions among multiple cell types. The increasing incidence of bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, fracture non-union, and bone cancer, highlights the need for in vitro models that better reflect human bone physiology. Bone-on-a-chip technology, developed through advances in microfluidics, biomaterials, and tissue engineering, offers a promising approach to recreate key features of the bone microenvironment in vitro. By incorporating bone-mimicking materials, relevant bone cells, vascular components, fluid perfusion, and mechanical stimulation, these platforms allow more realistic investigation of bone remodeling, regeneration, disease mechanisms, and drug responses. In parallel, bone organoids and their integration with microfluidic chips have further expanded the capabilities of in vitro bone models by enabling the formation of self-organized, human-relevant bone tissues with increased cellular complexity. This review summarizes recent progress in bone-on-a-chip systems, including models for osteogenesis and bone regeneration, vascularized bone, bone marrow and hematopoietic niches, cancer bone metastasis, and mechanobiological studies. Key design principles, materials, cellular components, and applications in disease modeling, drug screening, toxicity assessment, and personalized medicine are discussed. Current challenges and future directions are also discussed to support the continued development of more physiologically relevant in vitro bone models. Full article

Context: The increasing incidence of secondary caries and the failure of restorations have intensified research into dental restorative materials capable of actively interacting with the oral environment. In this context, antibacterial and bioregenerative nanomaterials have attracted growing scientific interest due to their potential to inhibit biofilm formation while simultaneously supporting mineral repair processes. Objective: This narrative review analyzes recent developments in nanostructured materials for restorative dentistry and oral health applications, with particular emphasis on antibacterial agents, bioactive systems, and emerging dual-function approaches that integrate multiple biological functions into restorative materials. Scope of the Review: The analyzed literature indicates that metallic nanoparticles, cationic monomers, and natural nanopolymers can reduce bacterial adhesion and metabolic activity under experimental conditions. In parallel, bioactive nanomaterials such as nanohydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, and calcium phosphate-based systems have demonstrated the ability to release remineralizing ions and to promote mineral deposition at the tooth–material interface. Dual-function hybrid materials aim to combine these antibacterial and bioregenerative effects within a single restorative system. Interpretative Perspective: Despite these advances, most available evidence derives from in vitro and preclinical studies, with significant heterogeneity across experimental models, evaluation methods, and outcome variables. This variability limits direct comparisons between studies and necessitates a cautious interpretation of claims regarding long-term antibacterial efficacy, functional tissue regeneration, and routine clinical applicability. Conclusions: Antibacterial and bioregenerative nanomaterials represent a relevant and continuously evolving research direction in restorative dentistry. Their successful clinical translation will depend on establishing standardized testing protocols, conducting comprehensive safety assessments, and generating clinically relevant evidence supporting long-term efficacy and biological compatibility. Their successful clinical translation will depend on establishing standardized testing protocols, conducting comprehensive safety assessments, and generating clinically relevant evidence supporting long-term efficacy and biological compatibility. Full article

Traditional prebiotic chemistry experiments often isolated single reactions under clean, controlled conditions, yet early Earth was chemically diverse and physically dynamic. Such primordial complexity likely imposed obstacles, including side reactions, low yields, and unstable intermediates, but it also generated opportunities, including redundant routes, parallel pathways, and environmental filters that could bias mixtures toward subsets of persistent and chemically productive compounds. This review examines how heterogeneous prebiotic settings could generate RNA precursors, including nucleobases, ribose, and phosphate-containing species, through multiple concurrent pathways. Although side reactions can sequester carbon in inert tars and reduce yields of specific targets, networked chemistry can also enhance robustness when different routes converge on shared intermediates, or when apparent byproducts reenter productive cycles. Environmental factors such as ultraviolet irradiation, mineral surfaces, wet-dry cycling, and thermal gradients can act as constraints that enrich certain products by differential stability, reactivity, and compartmentalization. In this context, the RNA world hypothesis remains compelling, as RNA can store heritable sequence information and catalyze reactions through sequence dependent folding, thereby linking heredity and chemistry within a single polymer. At the same time, the emergence of functional sequence information and of control architectures that couple sequence to reproducible function remains a central open problem, and it sets clear limits on what chemistry alone can explain. Rather than dismissing messy mixtures as irrelevant noise, it is more accurate to treat them as the native context in which concentration mechanisms, environmental cycling, and selective persistence could enable the accumulation and survival of RNA related molecules. Full article

The Hatu region in the Western Junggar, Xinjiang, is one of the most significant gold metallogenic concentration areas in China. Gold mineralization is primarily controlled by several parallel NE-trending strike-slip faults and Late Paleozoic granitic plutons, accompanied by multiple stages of hydrothermal activity. To enhance the objectivity and accuracy of mineral prospecting prediction, this study develops an integrated forecasting framework that combines multi-source remote sensing datasets with machine learning techniques. Alteration anomalies related to iron staining and hydroxyl-bearing minerals are extracted from ASTER data, alteration mineral mapping is performed using GF-5 hyperspectral imagery, and Landsat-9 data is used for structural interpretation to refine the regional metallogenic framework. On this basis, these multi-source remote sensing products are then integrated to delineate five prospective metallogenic areas (T1–T5). Subsequently, a Random Forest (RF) model optimized by the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithm is employed to quantitatively integrate key evidence layers, including alteration, structure, and geochemistry, for estimating mineralization probability. The results show that the GWO-RF model effectively concentrates anomalous areas and identifies two high-confidence targets, Y1 and Y2, both with mineralization probabilities exceeding 0.8. Among them, the Y1 target is associated with the Bieluagaxi pluton and exhibits strong montmorillonitization, chloritization, and iron-staining alteration, typical for magmatic–hydrothermal controlled mineralization. In contrast, the Y2 target is strictly controlled by the Anqi Fault and its subsidiary faults, primarily characterized by linear chloritization and iron-staining anomalies indicative of structure–hydrothermal mineralization. Field verification confirms the significant metallogenic potential of both Y1 and Y2, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating multi-source remote sensing and machine learning for predicting orogenic gold systems. This approach not only deepens the understanding of the diverse gold mineralization processes in the Western Junggar but also provides a transferable methodology and case study for improving regional mineral exploration accuracy. Full article

Two genetically engineered Bacillus subtilis strains, BMV9 and BsB6, were evaluated in terms of culture medium (effect of nutrients on surfactin yield) and potential biotechnological applications of surfactin in agriculture and the petrochemical industry. BMV9 (spo0A3; abrB*; ΔmanPA; sfp+) is, to date, the highest surfactin producer reported scientifically, and BsB6 is a sfp+ laboratory derivative strain that has also demonstrated considerable production potential. To assess their performance, fermentation experiments were conducted in shake flasks using two different culture media, a mineral salt medium and a complex medium, each supplemented with 2% (w/v) glucose. Lipopeptides (surfactin and fengycin) were extracted and quantified at multiple time points (up to 48 h) via high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Optical density, residual glucose, and pH were monitored throughout the cultivation. In parallel, microbial growth in both media were also validated in small-scale cultivation approaches. Antifungal activity of culture supernatants and lipopeptide extracts was tested against two Diaporthe species, key phytopathogens in soybean crops. Given the agricultural relevance of these pathogens, the biocontrol potential of lipopeptides represents a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fungicides. Additionally, oil displacement tests were performed to evaluate the efficacy of surfactin in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), bioremediation, and related petrochemical processes. High-resolution LC-MS/MS analysis enabled structural characterization and relative quantification of the lipopeptides. Overall, these investigations provide a comprehensive comparison of strain production performance and the associated impact of cultivation media, aiming to define the optimal conditions for economically viable surfactin production and to explore its broader biotechnological applications in agriculture and the petrochemical industry. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds have been essential for human nutrition for millennia. The products and by-products of hemp seeds are gaining popularity nowadays as food, feed and medicine for their high nutritional and nutraceutical properties. In parallel, concerns about phytate, an antinutritional compound limiting nutrient bioavailability in hemp seeds and seed meal are rising. Hemp seeds contain an array of nutrients, but their bioavailability is mostly unknown. Here, we report nutrient and phytate concentrations and phytate contents in source seeds and multiplied seeds of seven industrial hemp varieties. We estimated the bioavailability of specific nutrients based on calculated molar ratios of phytate to minerals. Seed multiplication was carried out in a phytotron using a compost-based growth medium. Five macronutrients (P, K, Mg, S, Ca), four micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) and Cr were measured in seeds using ICP-OES. Seed phytate was determined using a UV-visible spectrophotometer rapid colourimetric assay. The results revealed significant differences between seven industrial hemp varieties for most macro- and micronutrient concentrations (not Fe), phytate concentration and content and phytate-to-mineral molar ratios in both source and multiplied seeds. Multiplied hemp seeds had higher K, Mn and Zn and, lower Cr and phytate concentrations and lower phytate content than source seeds. Considering nutrient bioavailability, Ca and Fe are non-bioavailable, and Zn is bioavailable in hemp seeds. Ferimon has increased Zn bioavailability in source and multiplied seeds, indicating the variety’s potential for seed production in Western Australia. Full article

This work introduces a new type of water evaporation-driven nanogenerator (S-WEG) utilizing the natural mineral sepiolite, which capitalizes on its hierarchical nanoporous architecture and intrinsic hydrophilicity to harvest energy from ambient humidity through capillary-driven evaporation. The S-WEG, fabricated via a facile drop-coating drying method, demonstrates remarkable mechanical flexibility and sustained operational reliability. Our results demonstrate that by optimizing evaporation height and width, the S-WEG can generate a short-circuit current of ~0.6 μA and an open-circuit voltage of ~0.9 V. Through series and parallel configurations of multiple S-WEG units, the current and voltage outputs can be effectively amplified to power small-scale electronics. Full article

Using organic fertilizer made from waste materials is beneficial for both the economy and the environment, promoting sustainability and reducing pollution. In hydroponics, decomposition converts these materials into fertilizer, with multiple parallel mineralization (MPM) enabling efficient nutrient conversion by microorganisms. The tomato cultivar “Momotaro Next” was cultivated hydroponically in order to determine whether organic fertilizer derived from soluble bonito fish waste (OF) through MPM could be used in tomato hydroponic cultivation compared with a chemical nutrient solution treatment (CF). In this study, ammonium (NH₄⁺) was generated through the OF decomposition process. During cultivation, the ammonium concentration tended to increase, while the nitrate (NO₃⁻) concentration tended to decrease. The total yield (TY), total dry matter (TDM), and leaf area index (LAI) were lower after OF treatment than after CF treatment. Notably, the TY, TDM, and LAI were 5.4 kg m⁻², 594 g plant⁻¹, and 1.7 for OF and 6.8 kg m⁻², 895 g plant⁻¹, and 3.8 for CF, respectively. The results of the tomato fruit qualities show no significant differences for total soluble solids (TSS) (%Brix), lycopene, glucose, fructose, or sucrose. However, significant differences were observed for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, aspartate, and citric acid. The lower yield and quality of the tomato crop with the OF treatment were caused by the high concentration of NH₄⁺ that occurred during cultivation due to a nonoptimal mineralization process. Therefore, a well-managed MPM process could improve crop quality by reducing the risk of high NH₄⁺. Full article

Frequent coal mine gas disasters pose significant threats to the safety of miners and the continuity of coal mining operations. Understanding and mastering the patterns of gas occurrence is the foundation for controlling gas outbursts. This study, drawing on previous theories, research, and practical coal mine production data, analyzes the structural characteristics of the Kaiping syncline, with particular emphasis on the structural differentiation at its northeastern uplifted end. The study examines how gas generation and storage are influenced by progressively layered structures and their effect on coal mine gas management. The results indicate that the Kaiping syncline has a NE-SW axial orientation, which gradually shifts to an asymmetric syncline with a nearly EW trend, rising towards the northeastern end. At the turning end, the strata on the northwest limb are steep—locally vertical or overturned—gradually transitioning into the gentler southeast limb with dips of 10° to 30°, further complicated by a series of sub-parallel secondary folds. The gas formation process in coal seams has undergone multiple stages, regulated by structural burial and thermal evolution. The current gas storage characteristics result from the combined effects of these structural factors. The Kaiping syncline can be divided into two gas zones: a high-gas zone in the northwest limb and a shallow low-gas zone paired with a deep high-gas zone in the southeast limb. At the turning end, structural differentiation results in significant variations and gradations in the gas storage conditions of the coal seam. This differentiation directly causes a transition from coal and gas outburst mines in the northwest limb to low-gas mines in the southeast limb, highlighting the significant influence of structural factors on gas generation, preservation, and mine gas emissions. This study integrates theoretical analysis with measured data to enhance the understanding of structural evolution and its influence on gas storage. It offers guidance for preventing coal seam gas disasters and ensuring the safe production of coal mines in the Kaiping coalfield. Full article

Proper management of within-field variability is crucial for maximizing crop yield, production outcomes and resource use efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. This study evaluated the agroeconomic and environmental feasibilities of site-specific nitrogen fertilization (SNF) in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.). On-line visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy was used to estimate soil pH, organic carbon (OC), soil organic matter (SOM), P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, moisture content (MC), Ca:Mg and K:Mg for one field in Spain. Normalized difference vegetation indexes of the previous crop were retrieved from Sentine-2 images. Rasterization of soil and crop data layers created a spatially homogenous dataset followed by delineation of a management zone (MZ) map using a k-means cluster analysis. MZ clusters were ranked relying on the within-cluster soil fertility attributes. A strip experiment was conducted by creating parallel stripes distributed over the MZ map, over which two SNF treatments (i.e., SNF-Kings approach [KA] and SNF-Robin Hood approach [RHA]) were compared against the uniform rate N (URN) control treatment. In SNF-KA, the highest and lowest N dose was applied in the most and least fertile MZ, respectively, whereas the opposite approach was adopted in the SNF-RHA treatment. Yield and cost–benefit analyses provided both SNF treatments to produce more yield (KA = 2.72 and RHA = 2.74 t ha⁻¹) than the URN (2.64 t ha⁻¹) treatment, leading to increasing gross margins by EUR 91 ha⁻¹ (SNF–KA) and EUR 88.5 ha⁻¹ (SNF–RHA). While SNF-KA reduced N input by 66.54 kg N ha⁻¹, SNF–RHA applied more N by 17.90 kg N ha⁻¹ than URN. Additionally, SNF–RHA attempted to equalize yield responses to N across MZ classes, with a small increase in N input. This study, therefore, suggests adopting SNF–RHA for increasing yield and gross margin and accurate distribution of N according to per MZ N response. Future studies, however, should address the limitations of the current study by delineating MZ maps with the incorporation of additional soil information (e.g., mineral N and clay) for optimizing N doses as well as evaluating agroeconomic performance across multiple sites and years using a full-budget analysis. Full article