Search Results (420)

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

For the first time, electrospinning has been used to recycle polyacrylonitrile terpolymer (PAN) waste following the solid-phase N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) process from PAN solutions in DMSO into nonwoven materials. The morphology of the obtained material has been studied. The material derived from secondary raw materials was compared to the material from the original PAN using IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. It has been demonstrated that the chemical changes of PAN that occur during NMMO processing do not interfere with nonwoven material manufacture. Spun PAN nonwovens with different histories have similar morphology. It has been shown that the elastic modulus of ultrafine fibers depends on the history of PAN. Single monofilaments produced from initial PAN have a threefold greater elastic modulus than fibers spun from NMMO-recycled polymer. The revealed structure and properties of PAN fibers allow them to be considered as filter materials, as well as precursors of carbon nonwoven fabrics. Full article

This study focuses on the influence of prolonged ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the mechanical properties and surface microstructure of glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRPs) and basalt fiber-reinforced plastics (BFRPs), which are widely used in construction and transport infrastructure. The relevance of the research lies in the need to improve the reliability of composite materials under extended exposure to harsh climatic conditions. Experimental tests were conducted in a laboratory UV chamber over 2000 h, simulating accelerated weathering. Mechanical properties were evaluated using three-point bending, while surface conditions were assessed via profilometry and microscopy. It was shown that GFRPs exhibit a significant reduction in flexural strength—down to 59–64% of their original value—accompanied by increased surface roughness and microdefect depth. The degradation mechanism of GFRPs is attributed to the photochemical breakdown of the polymer matrix, involving free radical generation, bond scission, and oxidative processes. To verify these mechanisms, FTIR spectroscopy was employed, which enabled the identification of structural changes in the polymer phase and the detection of mass loss associated with matrix decomposition. In contrast, BFRP retained up to 95% of their initial strength, demonstrating high resistance to UV-induced aging. This is attributed to the shielding effect of basalt fibers and their ability to retain moisture in microcavities, which slows the progress of photo-destructive processes. Comparison with results from natural exposure tests under extreme climatic conditions (Yakutsk) confirmed the reliability of the accelerated aging model used in the laboratory. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates adaptive changes in long-lasting pattern electroretinogram (PERG) responses in ocular hypertension (OHT) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, and in healthy subjects. Methods: Sixty consecutive individuals were recruited, including 20 OHT, 20 OAG, and 20 normal subjects. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, 30–2 perimetry, and retinal nerve fiber layer imaging. Steady-state (7.5 Hz) PERGs were recorded over approximately 2 min, in response to 90% contrast alternating gratings within a large field size. The recordings were acquired into a sequence of 10 averages (packets), lasting 10 s each, following a standardized adaptation paradigm (Next Generation PERG, PERGx). Key outcome measures included PERGx parameters reflecting response amplitude and phase changes over time. Results: The PERGx grand average scalar amplitude, a surrogate of ordinary PERG, was significantly reduced in both OHT and OAG groups compared to normal subjects (p < 0.01). In contrast, minimal adaptation changes were noted in PERGx amplitude among all groups. The PERGx phase exhibited a progressive decline over time, with consistent delays of approximately 20 degrees across all groups. Angular dispersion of the PERGx phase increased significantly in OHT patients compared to normal subjects (p < 0.05). An inverse relationship was observed between PERGx angular dispersion and treated intraocular pressure, specifically in OHT patients. Conclusions: The findings suggest that both OHT and OAG eyes may exhibit temporal abnormalities in PERG adaptation, potentially indicating early dysfunction in retinal ganglion cell activity. Translational Relevance: PERGx phase changes may have significant implications for glaucoma early detection and management. Full article

Energy demand in the building sector has drastically increased due to rising occupant comfort requirements, accounting for 30% of the world’s final energy consumption and 26% of global carbon emissions. Thus, to improve building efficiency in heating and cooling applications, phase change material (PCM)-based passive thermal management techniques have been considered due to their energy storage capabilities. This study provides a comprehensive review of the research on PCM applications, types, and encapsulation forms. Various solutions have been proposed to enhance PCM performance. In this review, the authors suggest new methods to improve PCM efficiency by using the multilayered wall technique, which involves employing two layers of a hybrid bio-composite—specifically, the hybrid hemp/wood fiber-reinforced composite with a polypropylene (PP) matrix—along with a layer of PCM made from spent coffee grounds (SCGs). Previous studies have shown that oil extracted from SCGs demonstrates good thermal and chemical stability, as it contains approximately 60–80% fatty acids, with a phase transition temperature of approximately 4.5 ± 0.72 °C and latent heat values of 51.15 ± 1.46 kJ/kg. Full article

This study proposes a Fabry–Perot interferometric system and an associated evaluation method for measuring the weight of moving trains. An optical fiber sensor, comprising a sensing fiber and a supporting structure, is securely bonded to the rail foot. As a train traverses the track, the resulting localized bending induces a change in the sensing fiber’s length, which manifests as a quantifiable phase shift in the interference signal. We developed a physical–mathematical model, based on three Gaussian functions, to describe the temporal change in sensing fiber length caused by the passage of a single bogie. This model enables the determination of a proportionality constant to accurately convert the measured phase change into train weight. Model validation was performed using a train set, including a locomotive and four variably loaded wagons, traveling at 15.47 km/h. This system offers a novel and effective approach for real-time train weight monitoring. Full article

Advancements in thermoregulating textiles have been propelled by innovations in nanotechnology, composite materials, and smart fiber engineering. This article reviews recent scholarly papers on experimental passive and active thermoregulating textiles to present the latest advancements in these fabrics, their mechanisms of thermoregulation, and their feasibility for use. The review underscores that phase-change materials enhanced with graphene, boron nitride, and carbon nanofibers offer superior thermal conductivity, phase stability, and flexibility, making them ideal for wearable applications. Shape-stabilized phase-change materials and aerogel-infused fibers have shown promising results in outdoor, industrial, and emergency settings due to their durability and high insulation efficiency. Radiative cooling textiles, engineered with hierarchical nanostructures and Janus wettability, demonstrate passive temperature regulation through selective solar reflection and infrared emission, achieving substantial cooling effects without external energy input. Thermo-responsive, shape-memory materials, and moisture-sensitive polymers enable dynamic insulation and actuation. Liquid-cooling garments and thermoelectric hybrids deliver precise temperature control but face challenges in portability and power consumption. While thermoregulating textiles show promise, the main challenges include achieving scalable manufacturing, ensuring material flexibility, and integrating multiple functions without sacrificing comfort. Future research should focus on hybrid systems combining passive and active mechanisms, user-centric wearability studies, and cost-effective fabrication methods. These innovations hold significant potential for applications in extreme environments, athletic wear, military uniforms, and smart clothing, contributing to energy efficiency, health, and comfort in a warming climate. Full article

Growing requirements in the field of environmental protection and waste management result in the need to search for new and effective methods of recycling various types of waste. From the perspective of technical and natural sciences, the disposal of hazardous waste, which can lead to environmental degradation, is of utmost importance. A particularly hazardous waste is asbestos, used until recently in many branches of the economy and industry. Despite the ban on the production and use of asbestos introduced in many countries, products containing it are still present in the environment and pose a real threat. This paper presents the results of research related to the process of asbestos neutralization, especially the chrysotile variety, by the thermal decomposition method. Changes in the mineralogical characteristics of asbestos waste were studied using the following methods: TG-DTA-EGA, XRD, SEM-EDS and XRF. The characteristics of the chrysotile asbestos sample were determined before and after thermal treatment at selected temperatures. The second part of the study focuses on the kinetic aspect of this process, where the chrysotile thermal decomposition process was measured by two techniques: ex situ and in situ. This study showed that the chrysotile structure collapsed at approximately 600–800 °C through dehydroxylation, and then the fibrous chrysotile asbestos was transformed into new mineral phases, such as forsterite and enstatite. The formation of forsterite was observed at temperatures below 1000 °C, while enstatite was created above this temperature. From the kinetic point of view, the chrysotile thermal decomposition process could be described by the Avrami–Erofeev model, and the calculated activation energy values were ~180 kJ mol⁻¹ and ~220 kJ mol⁻¹ for ex situ and in situ processes, respectively. The obtained results indicate that the thermal method can be successfully used to detoxify hazardous chrysotile asbestos fibers. Full article

Niobium oxides are promising materials for catalytic applications due to their unique structural versatility and surface chemistry. Nb₂O₅ nanomaterials were synthesized via a solvothermal method at 150 °C using niobium oxalate as a precursor. A comprehensive characterization of the material was performed using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The as-prepared nanoparticles primarily crystallized in a mixture of the TT-Nb₂O₅ phase (TT from the German Tief-Tief, meaning “low-low”) and niobic acid, while subsequent thermal treatment at 900 and 1100 °C induced a phase transformation to T-Nb₂O₅ and H-Nb₂O₅, respectively (T from the German Tief, meaning “low”, and H from Hoch, meaning “high”). The as-prepared samples consist of micro-coils composed of interconnected nanometer-scale fibers, whereas the morphology changes into rods when they are treated at 1100 °C. The photocatalytic performance of the nanoparticles was evaluated by comparing the as-prepared and thermally treated samples. The as-prepared nanoparticles exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity under visible illumination, achieving 100% degradation after 180 min. More interestingly, the treatment of the as-prepared material with H₂O₂ modified the surface species formed on the Nb₂O₅, altering the photocatalytic behavior under various illumination conditions. This sample showed the highest photocatalytic activity under UV illumination, reaching 100% degradation after 75 min. On the other hand, the calcined samples are practically inactive, attributed to the loss of active catalytic sites during thermal treatment and phase transformation. Full article

Objectives: This review explores the role of swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) in diagnosing and monitoring optic nerve neuropathy in Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) due to hyperemesis gravidarum, including a case of neuropathy from intractable vomiting in pregnancy. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database to select high-quality reviews and original articles on the use of swept-source OCT for assessing optic nerve involvement in WE due to hyperemesis gravidarum. Results: WE is a potentially fatal neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by thiamine deficiency due to various causes, like alcoholism, malnutrition, and prolonged parenteral nutrition. This condition can cause neurological disorders such as imbalance, altered mental status, nystagmus, and ophthalmoplegia. Sometimes, there is also a deterioration of visual acuity with swelling of the optic disc. OCT is a non-invasive imaging tool that can detect optic nerve involvement in WE by assessing peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness. In the acute phase, optic disc edema and increased pRNFL thickness may be observed, while chronic-phase changes include optic nerve atrophy and pRNFL thinning. WE may occur in the course of hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnant women. We present a case of a 23-year-old woman at 14 weeks of gestation with WE due to severe hyperemesis gravidarum, manifesting as visual impairment and neurological deficits. MRI confirmed the diagnosis, while OCT revealed transient pRNFL thickening followed by optic nerve atrophy. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and thiamine supplementation are crucial to preventing severe complications. OCT is a valuable tool for detecting and tracking optic nerve changes in WE. Full article

Battery thermal runaway (TR) is usually accompanied by a large amount of heat release, as well as a jet of flame. This not only causes harm to the surrounding environment but even exacerbates thermal runaway propagation (TRP). At this stage, many types of materials are used to suppress TRP, and people tend to focus on improving one characteristic of the material while ignoring other properties of the material. This may leave potential pitfalls for TRP suppression, suggesting the need to study multiple properties of multiple materials. In order to better weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different types of materials when suppressing TRP, we compared three typical materials for suppressing TRP behavior in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). These materials are phase change materials (PCM), ceramic fibers, and glass fibers. They are all available in two different thicknesses, 2 mm and 3 mm. The experiments started with a comparative analysis of the TR experimental phenomena in the presence of the different materials. Then, the temperature and mass loss of the battery module during TR were analyzed separately and comparatively. The 3 mm glass fiber showed the best inhibition effect, which extended the TR interval between cells 1 and 2 to 894 s and successfully inhibited the TR of cell 3. Compared with the blank group, the total mass loss decreased from 194.3 g to 182.2 g, which is a 6.2% reduction. Subsequently, we comprehensively analyzed the performance of the three materials in suppressing TRP by combining their suppressing mechanisms. The experimental results show that glass fiber has the best effect in suppressing TRP due to its excellent thermal insulation and mechanical properties. This study may provide new insights into how to trade-off material properties for TRP suppression in the future. Full article

Fiber differential protection (FDP) is the primary protection scheme in power systems. However, with the increasing proportion of photovoltaic (PV) grids connected in the power system, the controllability and weak power supply characteristics of photovoltaic power stations change the amplitude and phase angle characteristics of fault currents, which makes the sensitivity of fiber differential protection decline and even increases the risk of failure to operate. In view of this phenomenon, combined with the digital and intelligent development of the new energy power system, this study integrates deep learning with relay protection to propose a protection algorithm based on a two-dimensional spatial current trajectory image and deep learning. In this algorithm, the PV side current and the system side current are, respectively, mapped to the two-dimensional space plane as X- and Y-axes to form the current trajectory image. Under different fault conditions, they have obvious differences. A data-enhanced convolutional neural network (A-CNN) based on cross-overlapping data sets is used to identify trajectory features and locate faults. After performance evaluation, the protection algorithm has the advantages of adapting to new energy access, resisting transition resistance, and robustness to current transformer (CT) saturation, and outliers. Full article

Background: Phenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (PACs), are poorly absorbed in the upper digestive tract and reach the colon largely intact, where they may influence gut microbiota (GM) composition and, in turn, impact host health. We hypothesized that a PAC-rich aronia extract would beneficially modulate the GM, promote the growth of health-associated bacteria, and enhance short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production across different colon sections, with partial reversion effects after supplementation ends. Methods: The Twin-M-SHIME^® system was used to simulate the digestion and colonic fermentation in two donors with contrasting microbiota profiles. The experimental design included four phases: stabilization (14 days), control (7 days), treatment with 500 mg/day PAC-rich aronia extract (21 days), and wash-out (10 days). SCFA production was monitored, and changes in microbiome composition were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: PAC-rich aronia extract significantly modulated SCFA levels, increasing butyrate and reducing acetate, with some inter-donor variability. SCFA concentrations tended to return to baseline after the wash-out (WO) period. Metagenomic analysis revealed a decrease in Collinsella, Sutterella, Selenomonas, and Parabacteroides—genera linked to low-fiber diets and gut inflammation—while promoting Proteobacteria (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella) and butyrate-associated Firmicutes such as Lactiplantibacillus. Although some microbial shifts partially reverted during the wash-out (e.g., Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Bifidobacterium), other changes persisted. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PAC-rich aronia extract beneficially modulates GM and SCFA production, but continuous intake may be necessary to maintain these effects over time. Full article

Polyethylene films prepared from orientation-dependent methods are strong and resilient, have reduced permeability, and possess higher tensile strength. A molecular dynamics investigation is performed to reveal the emergence of chain folding and lamellar crystal axis alignment along the stretching axis (tilt angle) in the stretch-induced crystallization (SIC) of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which mimics the internal structure of the fiber. The morphology in phase transition is assessed by the total density (ρ), degree of crystallinity (%${\chi }_c$), average number of entanglements per chain (<Z>), elastic modulus of the mechanical property, and lamellar chain tilt angle (θ) from the stretch-axis. The simulation emphasizes crystal formation by changing the total ρ from 0.85 g·cm⁻³ to 0.90 g·cm⁻³ and by tracking the gradual increase in %${\chi }_c$ during stretching (~40%) and relaxation processes (~50%). Moreover, the primitive path analysis-based <Z> decreased during stretching and further in the subsequent relaxation process, supporting the alignment and thickening of the lamellar chain structure and chain folding from the random coil structure. The elastic modulus of ~350–400 MPa evidences the high alignment of the lamellar chains along the stretching axis. Consistent with the chain tilt angle of the HDPE in SAXS/WAXS experiments, the model estimated the lamellar chain title angle (θ) relative to the stretching axis to be ~20–35°. In conclusion, SIC is a convenient approach for simulating high stiffness, tensile strength, reduced permeability, and chain alignment in fiber film models, which can help design new fiber morphology-based polymers or composites. Full article

Filled joints are widely found in natural rock masses and are one of the main factors causing rock mass engineering instability. The use of bolts can effectively control the shear slip of filled joints, research on bolts filled joints in the filling degree, and other key parameters of the influence of the law, to ensure the stability of the engineering rock body is of great significance. This paper presents shear experiments on bolted filled joints of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) materials with different joint roughness and filling degrees, while acoustic emission technology monitors the shear failure process of the specimens. The results show that the peak shear strength decreases with the increase in filling degree, and the peak shear strength decreases by 23.9% when the filling degree changes from 0 to 2.0 at 4 MPa and J2 conditions, while the normal stress, the Joint Roughness Coefficient (JRC) and the peak shear strength both show a positive correlation. The normal deformation of bolted filled joints exhibits three distinct evolutionary patterns depending on the filling degree, while both JRC and normal stress significantly influence the magnitude of shear dilatancy-shrinkage deformation. The shear resistance of BFRP bolts is mainly reflected in the post-peak plastic stage, and some of the fibers break during its shear deformation to form controlled yielding, with vertical and horizontal deformation controlled within 15.5~22.3 mm and 4.7~6.9 mm, respectively. The Acoustic Emission (AE) results show that the AE events are mainly in the post-peak plasticity stage, and the proportion is about the sum of the proportion of the other two phases, and this proportion increases with the increase in the filling degree. Full article