Search Results (9,411)

Water leakage in underground construction works is a prominent and persistent quality defect, particularly for the joint between the foundation slab and prestressed anti-floating anchors or piles. Previous studies have focused on optimizing the structural details to improve impermeability, while overlooking water seepage caused by insufficient adhesion at the interface between the polyethylene (PE) sheath and concrete. Therefore, this study aimed to enhance this interfacial adhesion through the hydrophilic modification of PE, thereby improving the impermeability of anti-floating anchors or piles prestressed with retarded-bond tendons. Physical blending modification was adopted in which hydrophilic PE granules were incorporated into ordinary PE. The variations in the water contact angle and mechanical properties of PE were analyzed at contents ranging from 0% to 8%. Adhesion strength tests were conducted to evaluate the changes in the interfacial adhesion strength between ordinary PE, modified PE, and concrete with different cement grades. Water impermeability tests were performed to measure the impermeability grades of concrete specimens reinforced with unbonded, ordinary retarded-bond, and modified retarded-bond prestressing tendons. The results showed that with increasing hydrophilic PE granule content, the hydrophilicity of PE improved markedly, while its mechanical properties improved slightly. A content of 8% hydrophilic PE granules is recommended. Debonding occurs between ordinary PE and concrete, whereas the adhesion strength of hydrophilic PE to concrete gradually increases with the cement grade. The impermeability grade of concrete with modified retarded-bond prestressing tendons is six grades higher than that with ordinary retarded-bond prestressing tendons, reaching P8. This indicates that the incorporation of hydrophilic PE granules significantly improves the impermeability of anti-floating anchors or piles prestressed with retarded-bond tendons. Full article

The study investigated and quantified the feasibility of using waste derived from shea tree fruit shells (Vitellaria paradoxa) as an organic multifunctional additive for building ceramic bodies, focusing on its influence on thermal behavior, pore formation, and mechanical performance. The scope of the research included sieve analysis, chemical analysis (WDXRF), phase composition analysis (XRD), thermal analysis coupled with evolved gas analysis (DTA–TG–EGA), and the evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained ceramic materials. The analyses demonstrated that the shea waste was characterized by a high content of organic matter, a loss in ignition of 93.84%, and a calorific value of 19.421 kJ/g. The incorporation of biomass resulted in increased porosity and reduced apparent density of the ceramic materials. The relative porosity increased from 27.00% for the reference sample to 34.98% for the sample containing 30% shea waste. Simultaneously, the compressive strength decreased from 23.67 MPa to 10.10 MPa, while the flexural strength decreased from 8.96 MPa to 4.76 MPa. Partial replacement of conventional mineral additives and, in particular, partial substitution of fossil-derived kiln fuel demand with high-calorific biomass enabled a reduction in overall CO₂ emissions associated with ceramic production. This includes both process-related emissions from raw material decomposition and fuel-related emissions generated in the tunnel kiln. In addition, a reduced contribution of carbon originating from inorganic mineral sources (including carbonates) to total emissions covered by emission trading systems (ETSs) was observed. Despite the reduction in mechanical parameters, samples containing up to 20% shea waste retained properties suitable for application in the production of ceramic building materials. Full article

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful, non-destructive tool for evaluating ion-selective electrode (ISE) membrane condition. This work investigated EIS for identifying degradation mechanisms in all-solid-state Pb²⁺-selective electrodes. Graphene-containing PVC membranes deposited on glassy carbon electrodes were exposed to synthetic urine, river water, and seawater (24 h and 1 week) and to mechanical damage (cutting, needle puncture, or both). Degradation was assessed using EIS, potentiometric measurements, contact-angle analysis, profilometry, and SEM. River water and urine exposure decreased hydrophobicity, increased roughness, and produced fouling deposits. Seawater caused only minor morphological and wettability changes, though impedance data showed increased membrane hydration due to high ionic strength. Mechanical damage substantially disrupted membrane integrity, causing pronounced impedance changes, increased potential drift, and reduced analytical performance. Fouling and mechanical damage produced distinct electrochemical signatures: fouling mainly affected surface properties, while mechanical damage altered the membrane–transducer interface, increasing capacitance and reducing resistance. Notably, needle-punctured electrodes retained a near-Nernstian response despite clear impedance changes and reduced long-term stability, showing that EIS detects defects invisible to conventional calibration. These results confirm EIS as a sensitive method for distinguishing fouling from physical damage, useful for early degradation detection and lifetime monitoring of all-solid-state ISEs. Full article

Drinking water treatment plants produce large quantities of Water Treatment Sludge (WTS), which negatively impacts the environment due to improper disposal. In this study, the mechanical performance of a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) containing WTS (referred to as HMA WTS) was evaluated and compared with a control mixture (HMA C), with a primary focus on its potential application in pavements constructed in warm-climate regions. In this way, the implementation of sustainable practices in road construction is promoted. The WTS was physicochemical characterized. Subsequently, the WTS was calcined at 200, 300, 500, and 800 °C to transform it into ash for use as filler (F). A calcination temperature of 500 °C was selected as optimal, based on the evaluation of the physical properties of mastic samples prepared with asphalt cement (AC) and calcined WTS. F/AC ratios of 0.11, 0.25, 0.43, and 0.67 were used, corresponding to filler contents between 0.5% and 2% in the HMA. Based on the stiffness and workability of the asphalt mastic, an F/AC ratio of 0.25 was selected, representing 1.0% filler in the HMA. Two mix designs (HMA C and HMA WTS) were developed according to the Marshall methodology to determine the Optimum Asphalt Content (OAC). Mechanical performance and durability tests were conducted to evaluate the behavior of the asphalt mixtures. The results indicate that WTS increased mastic stiffness, enhancing the mechanical performance of the HMA (greater resistance under monotonic loading and improved rutting and fatigue resistance) while reducing OAC, thus representing a promising alternative for its management and final disposal and contributes to sustainability in pavement engineering. However, durability-related properties (resistance to moisture damage, raveling, and abrasion) decreased due to the reduction in OAC. Full article

The reliance on a single evaluation parameter represents a major limitation in traditional geothermal reservoir assessment models, hindering accurate and effective evaluation of geothermal extraction performance. Moreover, mechanical deformation induced by cold fluid injection exerts a significant influence on both fluid flow behavior and geothermal energy recovery. In this study, a thermo-hydraulic–mechanical (THM)-coupled single-fracture model is developed based on the physical properties of the solid matrix and the seepage characteristics of the fluid, using a finite-element framework for heat and mass transfer. This model enables a multi-parameter evaluation of geothermal extraction efficiency as well as reservoir rock deformation. The simulation results indicate that reservoir temperature decreases progressively from the injection well to the production well, resulting in a gradual decline in the outlet temperature after an initial stable production period of approximately 200 days. The presence of a preferential “fastest flow path” between the injection and production wells plays a critical role in sustaining the stable production phase, whereas the development of a tongue-shaped isotherm pattern is a primary factor responsible for the reduction in outlet temperature during the later stages of extraction. In addition, thermally induced rock deformation further modifies geothermal extraction efficiency, mainly through its effects on reservoir permeability and top vertical displacement. Overall, this study provides reliable and effective fundamental data for geothermal exploitation in specific geological reservoirs, thereby supporting the role of geothermal energy as a viable supplement to fossil fuel resources. Full article

In professional water polo, understanding the effects of ball wettability on game dynamics is essential but remains insufficiently investigated. This research aims to evaluate how the surface wettability of various professional water polo balls could influence their behavior during play. The study employed a combination of laboratory measurements to assess the wettability of multiple ball brands using the sessile drop method under standardized conditions. FTIR spectroscopy was also performed to characterize the surface chemical composition and support the interpretation of wettability differences observed in contact angle measurements. Performance-related parameters, including static contact angle values and droplet behavior during measurement, were analyzed in relation to surface chemistry and material composition. Significant variability in wettability was observed across different ball brands. These differences indicate that surface properties may play an important role in modulating ball–water interaction mechanisms, which are influenced by both chemical composition and surface morphology. Based on these results, we propose including wettability-related parameters in the official water polo equipment guidelines, which currently cover only size, weight, and material composition. This adjustment could help standardize ball behavior across competitive play, leading to more consistent and fair conditions. This study extends current knowledge of the physical factors influencing sports performance and suggests practical improvements to enhance fairness and quality in water polo competitions. Full article

Silicon is among the most abundant elements on Earth, yet its incorporation into organic molecules is atypical in most biological contexts. However, the strategic introduction of silicon, in line with the demonstrated success of the incorporation of other bio-orthogonal elements, has emerged as a powerful approach in medicinal chemistry, enabling access to small molecules with unique chemical, physical, and biological properties that offer improved potency, stability, tolerability, or bioavailability profiles for the discovery and development of anticancer therapeutics. In this review, we describe the direct connection between reactivity and physiochemical paradigms of different classes of organosilicon-containing functional groups and their strategic deployment in small molecule design, including silanes, silyl ethers, siloxanes, and organosilicates. Specifically, we aimed to demonstrate how these strategies can be informed by first principles of reactivity in organosilicon containing functional groups, in both synthetic small molecules and bioactive natural products. Particular emphasis is placed on how silicon replacement and addition can be leveraged beyond simple isosteric carbon replacement, and how consequent structure–activity relationships arising from installation of diverse organosilicon motifs can also serve a unique role in unveiling new aspects of biological mechanism and function. Ultimately, the growing body of literature in applications of organosilicon-containing anticancer small molecules and the increasing sophistication and selectivity of synthetic methods used to construct these motifs will undoubtedly continue to expand the appreciation of organosilicon-based functional groups in the medicinal chemist’s toolbox. Full article

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and remote sensing technologies have transformed agricultural monitoring, precision farming, and climate-resilient decision-making. However, the widespread adoption of AI-driven agricultural systems remains constrained by the black-box nature of advanced predictive models, particularly deep neural networks. Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) has emerged as a critical solution for improving transparency, interpretability, accountability, and trust in AI-based agricultural remote sensing systems. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the recent developments in XAI applications within smart agriculture, with emphasis on interpretable remote sensing analytics and sustainable decision-making. The review discusses the evolution of AI in agriculture, major remote sensing platforms, explainability frameworks, and the integration of XAI with satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Internet of Things (IoT), and geospatial big data. Key agricultural applications, including crop classification, yield prediction, disease detection, soil property assessment, irrigation management, carbon monitoring, and climate adaptation, are critically evaluated. Furthermore, the review compares intrinsic and post hoc explainability methods such as attention mechanisms, saliency maps, and counterfactual explanations. The interpretation of model outputs and reported results from recent studies is discussed to demonstrate how XAI improves model reliability and stakeholder confidence. Challenges related to data heterogeneity, scalability, uncertainty, ethics, fairness, and computational complexity are also analyzed. Finally, future perspectives are presented regarding hybrid explainable frameworks, physics-informed AI, edge computing, digital twins, and trustworthy autonomous agricultural systems. The review emphasizes the central role of XAI in enabling transparent and sustainable agricultural intelligence under rapidly changing climatic and environmental conditions. Full article

This study evaluates the performance of major types of conventional and bio-based plastic items commonly used in agriculture to provide comprehensive insights into their key structural and functional properties, including the chemical composition of the polymer matrix and additives, mechanical behavior, and thermal and radiometric properties. Twelve agricultural plastic (AP) items were analyzed: covering mulch films, geotextile ground cover, protection fleece and low tunnel fleece cover, fertilizer sack, fly trap, irrigation pipe, tree binding net, guide for tree, silage film and hay bales protection fabric. This selection of APs also encompasses a broad range of basic polymers, including conventional materials (mainly polyethylene and polypropylene) and bio-based formulations (primarily starch- or lignocellulose-containing blends). Mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy analyses were performed to assess polymer composition and additives. Mechanical properties were assessed through tensile and puncture tests; in addition, radiometric, thermogravimetric, surface wettability, water absorption and permeability tests were also performed to assess other relevant physical characteristics. The study identified significant differences among bio-based biodegradable APs and compared them with their conventional polyolefin-based counterparts. Material composition and structure were found to critically influence water interactions, shaping the balance between durability, degradation, and crop protection performance. Notably, bio-based mulch films exhibited higher water vapor permeability (0.6–1.1 × 10⁻¹³ g/m Pa s), reduced penetration resistance (12.1 N) and lowered impact and tensile strengths (21.8 MPa). Water interaction tests showed that the starch-based mulch film displayed very high swelling (above 100%), favoring biodegradation, whereas a biodegradable blend based on polyhydroxybutyrate and polybutylene succinate exhibited minimal swelling (<3%). Material composition and morphology were also key determinants of water vapor transport: dense polymer films provided superior moisture barriers (permeability range 0.013–0.04 × 10⁻¹³ g/m Pa s), while fibrous or biodegradable materials allowed enhanced vapor permeability. The results of this study, highlighting functionality, advantages and limitations of biodegradable APs versus conventional APs, are intended to guide future innovation in AP design, ensuring alignment with both the operational demands of modern agriculture and environmental sustainability goals. The data obtained from this study can support scientific advancements and policy recommendations on the use and management of plastics in agriculture. Full article

This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of transferring alkali activation technology to the ceramic tile production by developing tiles based on metakaolin and ceramic tile waste by uniaxial pressing. Optimization of the tile formulations was achieved by adjusting precursor composition (metakaolin or combination of metakaolin and ceramic tile waste), NaOH molarity, and overall water content. After uniaxial pressing at 50 MPa, alkali-activated tiles were consolidated at 50 °C for 24 h. Physical and mechanical properties were assessed following ISO test methods for ceramic tiles, allowing direct comparison with the ISO classification requirements. The more promising formulations highlight a water absorption by vacuum test method (ISO 10545-3) equal to 15%, thus allowing a BIII classification according to ISO 13006. Finally, thermal stability up to 850 °C was determined, thus allowing alkali-activated tiles to be industrially glazed. Full article

To address the complex mechanical properties of coastal clay encountered during artificial ground freezing construction in coastal regions, this study investigates coastal clay by conducting mechanical tests under various freezing temperatures and confining pressures. The variations in peak strength, elastic modulus, and shear strength parameters of the frozen coastal clay were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that the peak strength and elastic modulus of the coastal clay exhibit a clear upward trend with approximately linear increases in confining pressure and temperature. A damage constitutive model for frozen soil was established, accounting for the coupled effects of temperature and confining pressure. Furthermore, a Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN), incorporating the constitutive equations as physical constraints, was introduced to achieve the inversion and prediction of model parameters. The results demonstrate that the PINN model exhibits excellent predictive accuracy, with the coefficient of determination (R²) reaching 0.8513 under uniaxial compression and 0.9689 under triaxial compression. Compared with traditional empirical models, the PINN model reduces the prediction error of the elastic modulus to 8.96% (at 0 MPa) and 4.79% (at 0.8 MPa), demonstrating superior generalization capability. This study provides a reliable theoretical basis and parameter guidance for frozen soil construction in coastal regions. Full article

Lost circulation of wellbore fluids within fissured zones constitutes a primary factor contributing to increased non-productive time (NPT) and restricted rate of penetration (ROP). Conventional gel-based lost circulation materials (LCMs) inherently suffer from a tradeoff between pumpability and in situ fracture retention, and they lack a design methodology quantitatively correlated with drilling engineering parameters. In this study, a shear-responsive gel with a dual physically crosslinked network—combining hydrophobic association and Fe³⁺-mediated ionic coordination—was prepared through a single-step water-based radical polymerization process, utilizing commercially available monomers. By systematically tuning the hydrophobic monomer and Fe³⁺ contents, the gel’s fracture-sealing efficacy, autogenous healing ability, and shear rheological characteristics were evaluated, establishing a quantitative correlation between the critical shear rate and drilling parameters. The empirical data demonstrate that with an increase in the hydrophobic monomer dosage from 0.4 wt% to 1.2 wt%, the critical shear rate decreases from 22.5 s⁻¹ to 8.6 s⁻¹, exhibiting an exponential decay relationship. The optimized formulation, G0.8F0.5, demonstrates a low initial viscosity of 245 mPa·s under high shear conditions, which surges to 6180 mPa·s at a shear rate of 14.2 s⁻¹, achieving a thickening factor of 29.4. Upon incubation at 80 °C for a duration of 12 h, the formulated gel restores 94.9% of its mechanical tensile strength and 96.3% of its fracture strain, whereas the Fe³⁺-free control sample fails to heal. In dynamic plugging tests using a 3 mm fracture plate, G0.8F0.5 achieves a breakthrough pressure of 12.8 MPa with a minimal fluid loss of 98 mL. The LCM forms a monolithic gel block positioned at the middle-to-rear section of the fracture, outperforming conventional gel counterparts. Drilling hydraulics simulations reveal that deploying this gel reduces the annular equivalent circulating density (ECD) by 0.06 g/cm³. Furthermore, under idealized conditions, this approach is calculated to enhance the ROP by approximately 26%. The proposed molecular design of a shear-responsive, dual physically crosslinked network provides a viable technical pathway for quantitatively tailoring the shear-responsive properties of while-drilling LCMs. Full article

Background: Clear aligners fabricated via computer-aided design and manufacturing are increasingly used in orthodontics and may also serve as carriers for peroxide-based bleaching agents. However, exposure to bleaching agents may affect the physical and surface properties of aligner polymers, which could influence their clinical performance. Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the available evidence on the use of clear aligners as carriers for tooth bleaching agents, with a focus on bleaching efficacy and reported effects on aligner materials based on the identified literature. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and Embase for studies published up to January 2026. Eligible clinical and in vitro studies investigated bleaching procedures using clear aligners or conventional trays and reported color change outcomes and/or changes in material properties such as hardness, surface integrity, or mechanical performance. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools and standardized criteria for in vitro and clinical studies. Results: Six studies (three clinical and three in vitro) met the inclusion criteria. Clinical evidence indicated that bleaching delivered through clear aligners achieved similar whitening outcomes to conventional tray-based systems. In vitro studies reported changes in surface hardness and mechanical properties of polymer-based aligner materials after peroxide exposure; however, no major structural degradation was observed. Clinical studies were generally at high risk of bias, while in vitro studies showed low to moderate risk. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this systematic review, clear aligners may represent a potential carrier for tooth bleaching agents with outcomes comparable to conventional trays. However, the available evidence is limited and heterogeneous. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm clinical effectiveness and long-term material safety. Full article

Under the background of the green transformation and energy conservation in the aviation field, hydrogen-fueled aero-engines are the primary direction for achieving sustainable aviation power development. However, the unique thermophysical properties of hydrogen fuel induce extreme thermal load challenges to engine thermal management. Based on the requirements of energy conservation and digital-intelligent technologies, this paper reviewed the recent research progress, important challenges, and future development directions in the thermal management field for hydrogen-fueled aero-engines, and filled the gaps in existing related reviews. (1) As for the liquid hydrogen thermal properties and thermal management requirements, the unique thermal physical properties of liquid hydrogen can easily cause fluctuations in heat load, large temperature differences, and material compatibility issues such as hydrogen embrittlement during storage, transportation, and combustion. The application of thermal barrier coatings, the design of targeted cooling structures, and the regulation of heat loss in the pipeline of the hydrogen supply system require particular attention. (2) As for the technical architecture and optimization of thermal management, the optimization of the high-pressure side manifolds in the cooled cooling air heat exchanger increases the flow uniformity by 18.8% and reduces the weight by 22.5%. The intercooled recuperated engine with the optimum area ratio reduces specific fuel consumption by 5.3% compared to the baseline engine in cruise. However, the system-level optimization research of the above widely recognized solutions is relatively limited in terms of coordinating the energy flow of engines. The baseline engine employed the method of system integration optimization to achieve a 2.99% increase in thrust and a 6.78% reduction in fuel consumption. (3) As for the thermal management modeling and simulation, the intelligent optimization method based on computational fluid dynamics reduces the pressure loss coefficient of the vane-integrated heat exchanger by 36%. Nevertheless, the multiphysics coupling model confronts a contradiction between computational cost and accuracy. (4) As for the comprehensive evaluation method, the advanced configuration of the hydrogen-fueled aero-engine can approximately reduce specific fuel consumption by 68.5% and NOx emission by 12.7% under the same maximum thrust condition. The hydrogen consumption of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells system model compared with the baseline system, optimized by the multi-objective optimization algorithm, has decreased by 15%, while the thermal uniformity has improved by 20–30%. However, the current evaluation system mostly focuses on a single dimension, lacking the analysis of nonlinear coupling among multiple factors and a closed-loop mechanism for evaluation, optimization, and verification. Future research should focus on the matching model of liquid hydrogen’s thermophysical properties and full flight conditions, global multi-energy flows optimization methods, multidimensional collaborative numerical simulation, multiphysics coupling models, and multidimensional comprehensive evaluation systems, to provide closed-loop theoretical support for the efficient, intelligent, and reliable thermal management system for hydrogen-fueled aero-engines. Full article

Subretinal and intravitreal injection of retinal gene therapy is associated with serious adverse events and poor efficacy. We sought to improve retinal gene therapy delivery by developing fibrin hydrogel encapsulated adeno-associated virus (FE-AAV). Here we investigate conditions for storage and stability for FE-AAV. FE-AAV containing 1.9 × 10⁹ genome copies of AAV2/2-CMV-GFP was manufactured using fibrinogen reconstituted in 0.01 M sodium citrate, pH 7 (NaC) or phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.001% (v/v) Pluronic F68 (F68). Samples were stored at either −80 °C or 4 °C for up to 16 weeks. Changes in transduction efficiency, and mechanical and physical properties were evaluated. In vitro transduction was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced for FE-AAV manufactured with NaC. In contrast, we observed no change in transduction through 16 weeks for FE-AAV made with F68. Physical changes occurred in FE-AAV stored at −80 °C. In contrast to FE-AAV formulated with NaC, FE-AAV formulated with F68 and stored at 4 °C for 16 weeks was essentially equivalent to freshly made FE-AAV and retained the ability to transduce retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in the pig eye. We conclude that FE-AAV formulated with F68 and stored at 4 °C is stable and shows potential for retinal gene therapy for at least 4 months following manufacture. Full article