Search Results (3,492)

Phosphogypsum, the primary solid waste from the wet-process phosphoric acid industry, poses significant environmental and health risks due to large-scale stockpiling. To promote its resource utilisation, this study systematically evaluated the solidification and stabilisation performance of phosphogypsum–coal fly ash cementitious material (PAC) for Cr(VI)-contaminated soil under high-chloride conditions. Phosphogypsum reactivity was enhanced via mechanical activation and high-temperature calcination. An orthogonal experimental design was employed to analyse the effects of multiple factors—including calcination temperature and duration—on compressive strength and heavy metal leaching behaviour. Results show that PAC prepared from coal ash calcined at 600 °C for 3 h exhibits excellent mechanical properties and Cr(VI) stabilisation efficacy under high-chloride conditions, achieving a maximum compressive strength of 28.75 MPa and a Cr(VI) leaching concentration as low as 15.69 μg/L. Microstructural characterisation revealed the synergistic formation of a dense framework between C–S–H gel and calcium aluminate, conferring superior mechanical strength. Substitution and chelation mechanisms of Cl⁻ ions played a key role in enhancing corrosion resistance. This study provides theoretical support and technical guidance for the high-value utilisation of phosphogypsum-based materials in remediating saline–alkali-contaminated soils. Full article

Spodoptera frugiperda is a highly destructive migratory pest of global concern that infests a wide range of crops, particularly maize, as well as rice and sugarcane, causing substantial economic losses in China. Since its invasion of China, S. frugiperda has experienced prolonged insecticide selection pressure, resulting in the accelerated evolution and increasing prevalence of resistance to specific insecticides. This study aimed to elucidate the role of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) gene families in mediating resistance to chlorantraniliprole and to evaluate the efficacy of nanoparticle-mediated delivery systems combined with P450-specific synergists for controlling S. frugiperda. Toxicity bioassays conducted on field populations demonstrated that chlorantraniliprole still retained considerable insecticidal activity. Analyses of three detoxification enzyme activities revealed a significant elevation in cytochrome P450 activity, and expression profiling of candidate CYP genes was performed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Exposure to chlorantraniliprole resulted in a 2.53-fold upregulation of CYP4G75 expression. Furthermore, nano-agrochemical formulation assays showed that the combined application of LDHs-dsCYP4G75 and chlorantraniliprole exerted a significant synergistic effect, increasing mortality by 21.99% compared with either treatment applied alone. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insights into P450-mediated resistance and offers a promising strategy to reduce reliance on chemical insecticides, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Full article

Facial aging is not a singular phenomenon but a cascade of anatomical and biological transformations unfolding across the skeleton, fat, ligaments, muscles, dermis, and epidermis. Its clinical expression-volume loss, sagging, wrinkling, and surface irregularities-cannot be adequately explained by simplistic metaphors of “filling” or “lifting.” This article is a narrative review synthesizing current anatomical, physiological, and clinical evidence relevant to multimodal facial rejuvenation. Traditional monotherapies, while sometimes effective in isolation, are increasingly inadequate for contemporary patients who demand outcomes that are natural, harmonious, and durable. Modern esthetic practice has therefore shifted toward multimodal approaches that address aging across multiple planes. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers provide volumetric scaffolding and hydration; collagen stimulators such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) induce neocollagenesis and long-term dermal remodeling; botulinum toxin restores balance to muscular vectors and improves expression dynamics; while energy-based devices (EBDs), including fractional lasers, radiofrequency microneedling, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), enhance skin texture, tone, and elasticity. When applied in a sequenced and evidence-based manner, these modalities act synergistically to deliver results unattainable by any single intervention. In addition to established modalities, the field has recently witnessed aggressive promotion of “regenerative” therapies-growth factors, exosomes, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). While biologically plausible, their efficacy and safety remain uncertain due to the absence of robust, randomized clinical trials and the heterogeneity of current data. This raises a critical question: is aesthetic medicine advancing through science, or being driven by novelty and marketing? This review synthesizes current anatomical and physiological knowledge of aging, evaluates the mechanisms, clinical applications, and safety considerations of major treatment modalities, and proposes practical sequencing strategies. It also emphasizes the ethical imperative that aesthetic medicine, while innovative and fast-evolving, must remain anchored in scientific evidence and patient safety—because aesthetic medicine is, fundamentally, still medicine. Full article

As universities expand their e-learning systems, it becomes increasingly important to understand how the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) changes the skills needed for effective formative assessment. This study uses the principles of human–computer interaction (HCI) to create a framework for examining how digital tools, interfaces, and modes of interaction influence the way teachers assess students in higher education. The research relies on the information provided by 115 Mohammed V University teachers, who filled out a competency-based assessment grid regarding online assessment practices. The results remain exploratory and context-dependent and do not make claims of statistical representativeness beyond the studied institutional context. The findings attest to the virtues of digital technology in improving methodological and techno-pedagogical skills, without excluding the existence of serious shortcomings in semio-ethical and evaluative skills. It is certainly useful to leverage feedback to correct imperfections in evaluation practices and make them more responsive to digital interfaces. It is becoming imperative to rethink professional skills as the regulatory halo of the online formative assessment system, in order to evaluate a more synergistic framework that can give better visibility to virtual classrooms. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, which frequently results in dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and infertility. While hormonal medications and surgical procedures are common treatments, they are often constrained by adverse effects and high recurrence rates. The aim was to systematically identify, critically appraise, and synthesize randomized controlled trials evaluating vitamin D, C, and E supplementation in women with endometriosis, focusing on their effects on pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, quality of life, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers, and fertility-related outcomes, and to highlight methodological gaps that can inform future research and integrated therapeutic strategies. Following PRISMA guidelines, seven eligible RCTs were identified from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The quality of these studies was assessed using the Jadad Scoring System and Cochrane RoB 2 tool. High-dose supplementation of vitamin D (50,000 IU) was found to significantly reduce pelvic pain and improve biochemical markers such as hs-CRP and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Vitamin D appears to modulate endometrial pathways by reducing active β-catenin protein activity, which may disrupt signaling associated with lesion invasion and survival. Additionally, combined Vitamin C and E therapy (typically 1000 mg/day of Vitamin C and 800 IU/day of Vitamin E) acts synergistically to scavenge free radicals. This intervention significantly decreased oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Patients reported significant improvements in symptoms, including a 43% reduction in daily pelvic pain and a 37% reduction in dysmenorrhea. Despite physiological improvements, there was no statistically significant increase in pregnancy rates observed across the trials. Vitamin supplementation with D, C, and E represents a safe, low-cost adjunct therapy that can effectively mitigate endometriosis-related oxidative stress and pelvic pain. While these vitamins show promise for symptom relief, further research with larger sample sizes is required to determine their long-term impact on fertility outcomes and lesion regression. Full article

Over recent years, the intensity of forest fires has escalated, with wildfire-emitted pollutants exerting substantial impacts on the environment, ecosystems, and human well-being. This study developed a robust predictive framework to quantify wildfire-induced PM_2.5 emission factors (EFs) using seven shrub species—Corylus mandshurica, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Philadelphus schrenkii, Sorbaria sorbifolia, Syringa reticulata, Spiraea salicifolia, and Lonicera maackii. These species represent ecological cornerstones of Northeast Asian forests and hold global relevance as widely introduced or invasive taxa in North America and Europe. The novelty of this research lies in the integration of traditional statistical inference with machine learning to resolve the complex coupling between fuel traits and emissions. We conducted 1134 laboratory-controlled burns in the Liangshui National Nature Reserve, evaluating two continuous and three categorical variables. Initial screening via Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and stepwise linear regression (Step-AIC) identified the primary drivers of emissions and revealed that interspecific differences among the seven shrubs did not significantly affect the EF (p = 0.0635). To ensure statistical rigor, a log-transformation was applied to the EF data to correct for right-skewness and heteroscedasticity inherent in raw observations. Linear Mixed-effects Models (LMMs) and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs) were subsequently employed to quantify factor effects and capture potential nonlinearities. The LMM results consistently identified burning type and plant part as the dominant determinants: smoldering combustion and leaf components exerted strong positive effects on PM_2.5 emissions compared to flaming and branch components. Fuel load was positively correlated with emissions, while moisture content showed a significant negative effect. Notably, the model identified a significant negative quadratic effect for moisture content, indicating a non-linear inhibitory trend as moisture increases. While interspecific differences among the seven shrubs did not significantly affect EFs suggesting that physical fuel traits exert a more consistent influence than species-specific genetic backgrounds, complex interactions were captured. These include a negative synergistic effect between leaves and smoldering, and a positive interaction between moisture content and leaves that significantly amplified emissions. This research bridges the gap between physical fuel traits and chemical smoke production, providing a high-resolution tool for refining global biomass burning emission inventories and assisting international forest management in similar temperate biomes. Full article

This paper reviews the current state of research on the seismic behavior of precast segmental bridge piers, systematically elucidating their performance under different connection configurations in the context of accelerated bridge construction and resilience demands. Additionally, it compiles commonly used research methodologies and strategies for enhancing seismic performance. The evidence indicates that emulative precast segmental piers can closely match monolithic cast-in-place structures, with reported peak lateral strengths typically within about 10% and comparable yield and peak displacements, whereas non-emulative systems generally provide superior self-centering with smaller residual displacements. Experimental studies, theoretical analyses, and numerical simulations have all proven effective in characterizing the mechanical behavior of these piers; each approach has distinct advantages, and a synergistic integration of methods is recommended for comprehensive evaluation. Measurable improvements in seismic performance have been reported through hybrid connection systems, innovative detailing, supplementary energy-dissipating devices, and the use of high-performance materials such as ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), engineered cementitious composites (ECC), fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), and shape memory alloys (SMA); for example, representative tests reported about a 30% increase in energy dissipation at drift ratios exceeding 3%, and SMA-based reinforcement has been reported to reduce residual drift by roughly 67% relative to steel reinforcement. Finally, future research directions are proposed to support the wider adoption of precast bridge piers in high-seismicity regions, including addressing challenges related to performance degradation under multi-hazard coupling conditions, insufficient design criteria for connections, and the need for rapid post-earthquake repair and resilience. Full article

This study presents an experimental and numerical investigation of reinforced concrete beams incorporating micro polypropylene, macro polypropylene, and steel fibers. Three concrete series of equal strength classes were prepared and tested to evaluate compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural performance, and deformation behavior under short-term loading. Strain development in both concrete and reinforcement was measured using strain gauges and mechanical deformometers. In parallel with the experimental program, a nonlinear finite element model was developed using the DIANA FEAsoftware 10.5 to simulate the deformation behavior and strain development of the tested beams. The concrete material was represented using a total strain-based smeared crack model with rotating crack orientation, while the contribution of fiber reinforcement was incorporated through a CMOD-based post-cracking tensile constitutive law. The numerical results showed good agreement with the experimental load–deflection and strain measurements, confirming the suitability of the adopted modeling approach. These findings demonstrate that the combined experimental–numerical framework provides a reliable tool for assessing the deformation and cracking behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete beams. The experimental results indicate that fiber type and combination strongly influence the deformation behavior and mechanical performance of reinforced concrete beams, with hybrid systems incorporating steel fibers exhibiting enhanced flexural response, improved strain compatibility, and more ductile behavior compared to polypropylene-only reinforcement. The inclusion of steel fibers led to distributed cracking, delayed stiffness degradation, increases of up to approximately 6.3% in concrete strains and 10.3% in reinforcement strains, and a substantial improvement in compressive strength (up to approximately 28.8%), confirming the synergistic effect of hybrid fiber reinforcement. Full article

Heavy metals (HMs) and metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) frequently co-occur in freshwater systems, yet their combined effects on microbial predators remain poorly understood. Here, the freshwater ciliate Coleps hirtus was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of single and binary mixtures of HMs (Cd, Cu, Zn) and NPs (ZnO, CuO, TiO₂, SiO₂), and to characterize associated antioxidant responses. Acute toxicity was assessed after 24 h by estimating LC₂₀ and LC₅₀ values, while mixture toxicity for Cd + Zn and Cd + ZnO was analyzed using the Toxic Unit approach and the MixTOX framework. Non-enzymatic (TPC, DPPH, HRSA) and enzymatic (CAT, GST, GPx, SOD) antioxidants were quantified as sublethal biomarkers at concentrations below lethal thresholds. HMs were markedly more toxic than NPs, with a toxicity ranking of Cu > Cd >> Zn, whereas NPs followed ZnO > CuO >> TiO₂ >> SiO₂. Cd + Zn mixtures showed predominantly antagonistic or non-interactive effects, while Cd + ZnO mixtures exhibited strong synergistic toxicity with a non-linear dependence on mixture composition, as supported by MixTox modeling. Exposure to HMs and NPs induced significant and often coordinated changes in antioxidant biomarkers, with binary mixtures eliciting stronger responses than single contaminants. Together, these findings indicate that mixture composition strongly influences both toxicity outcomes and oxidative stress responses in C. hirtus. The combination of clear, mixture-dependent toxicity patterns and robust oxidative stress responses makes C. hirtus a promising bioindicator for freshwater environments impacted by HMs and NPs. Full article

Although Simarouba glauca DC. has been recognized for its therapeutic properties, its anticancer effects against oral cancer have not been adequately investigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of S. glauca leaf extracts against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). S. glauca leaves were extracted using solvents of increasing polarity, and the resulting fractions were evaluated for their phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic effects. Among all extracts, the S. glauca hexane extract (SGHE) exhibited the most potent anticancer activity against cell lines representing OSCC (CAL-27), cervical cancer (HeLa), and mouse mammary tumors (4T1). Bioactivity-guided fractionation identified D-erythro-Sphinganine as a major constituent present in hexane extract, possibly contributing to anticancer activity. But since the anticancer activity of crude hexane extract is superior compared to isolated D-erythro-Sphinganine, we predict a synergistic interaction among the multiple bioactive compounds present in the crude hexane extract. Hence, further studies were carried out with crude hexane extract. Mechanistic studies have shown that the anticancer activity of hexane extract is due to its ability to (a) alter cell cycle progression, (b) trigger apoptosis, and (c) inhibit cell migration in CAL-27 cells. Overall, these findings indicate that the hexane extract of S. glauca leaf possesses multi-target anticancer potential and warrants further mechanistic and in vivo investigations. Full article

To overcome the high cost, marine ecological risks of traditional coral sand reinforcement, and the insufficient mechanical performance of standalone Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP), this study proposes a novel soil improvement method integrating EICP with aluminum chloride hexahydrate (AlCl₃·6H₂O). The objectives are to identify optimal EICP curing parameters, evaluate AlCl₃·6H₂O’s enhancement effect, and reveal the synergistic micro-mechanism. Through aqueous solution, unconfined compressive strength, permeability, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) tests, this study systematically investigated the reaction conditions, mechanical properties, anti-seepage performance, mineral composition, and pore structure. The results demonstrate that EICP achieves the best curing effect under specific conditions: temperature of 30 °C, pH of 8, and cementing solution concentration of 1 mol/L. Under these optimal conditions, the unconfined compressive strength of EICP-solidified coral sand columns reaches 761.6 kPa, and the permeability coefficient is reduced by one order of magnitude compared to unsolidified samples. Notably, AlCl₃·6H₂O incorporation yields a significant synergistic effect, boosting the UCS to 2389.1 kPa (3.14 times standalone EICP) and further reducing permeability by 26%. Micro-mechanism analysis reveals that AlCl₃·6H₂O acts both by generating cementitious aggregates that provide nucleation sites for uniform calcite deposition and by accelerating the transformation of metastable aragonite and vaterite to stable calcite, thereby enhancing cementation stability. This study delivers a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for coral sand reinforcement, providing practical technical support for marine engineering in environments like the South China Sea. By addressing the core limitations of conventional bio-cementation, it opens new avenues for advancing soil improvement science and applications. Full article

Expressway networks represent evolving complex systems whose topological properties significantly impact regional development. This paper presents a decision support framework for addressing the expressway infrastructure sequencing problem using computational intelligence. We develop a novel framework that models expressways as L-space networks and evaluates how construction sequences create path-dependent evolutionary trajectories, introducing network science principles into infrastructure planning decisions. Our decision support framework quantifies project impacts on accessibility, connectivity, and reliability using nine topological metrics and a hybrid weighting mechanism that combines domain expertise with entropy-based uncertainty quantification. The system employs a hybrid TOPSIS algorithm that relies on geometric symmetry to simulate network evolution, capturing emergent properties in which each decision restructures possibilities for subsequent choices—a computational challenge that conventional planning approaches have not addressed. The system was validated with real-world Chongqing expressway planning data, demonstrating its ability to identify sequences that maximize synergistic network effects. Results reveal how topologically equivalent projects produce dramatically different system-wide outcomes depending on implementation order. Analysis shows that network science-informed sequencing substantially enhances system performance by exploiting structural synergies. This research advances decision support frameworks by bridging complex network theory with computational decision-making, creating a novel analytical tool that enables transportation authorities to implement evidence-based infrastructure sequencing strategies beyond the reach of conventional planning methods. Full article

The rapid development of viticulture in subtropical regions represents a significant achievement in China’s table grape industry over the last two decades. However, insufficient winter chilling in these areas often leads to inadequate dormancy, which compromises nutrient translocation and storage in grapevines. Insufficient chilling accumulation results in asynchronous budbreak and reduced cane quality. In this study, ‘Shine Muscat’ grapevines were used to systematically evaluate how different defoliant agents affect budbreak characteristics from the perspective of nutrient translocation and storage. The results indicated that applications of ethephon or urea alone, as well as their combinations with boric acid, yielded unstable effects, often causing primary bud necrosis, decreased flower formation rates, and phytotoxicity. In contrast, the combination of lime sulfur and boric acid exhibited a remarkable synergistic effect, significantly promoting dry matter and starch accumulation in canes while enhancing the budbreak speed, uniformity, and flower cluster formation rate. Further experiments with varying concentrations of lime sulfur combined with 0.2% boric acid revealed that utilizing 2% lime sulfur in this combination produced the most pronounced effects, achieving the highest dormancy-breaking efficacy under conventional cultivation conditions. This treatment was used for the first time to produce a second crop during off-season cultivation. The dual effects of dormancy release and bud promotion achieved via this approach represent a reliable solution in high-quality and efficient grape production in subtropical regions. Full article

The study examines the mechanical strength of sulfur–biochar composites (SBCs), an underexplored area with potential for developing robust materials. Sulfur production, primarily from specialized extraction and waste generation in petroleum refining, yields about 70 million tons annually, necessitating efficient waste management. SBCs were produced using waste-derived biochar and elemental sulfur at varying sulfur contents (60–80%) and employing two fabrication methods: a muffle furnace and an electric burner. The mechanical performance of the composites was evaluated through strength and displacement measurements, with particular emphasis on the influence of processing method and sulfur content. The results demonstrate that both sulfur content and fabrication method significantly affect the mechanical behavior of SBCs. An increase in sulfur content led to a systematic improvement in ultimate strength for all samples. However, composites produced using the electric burner exhibited markedly higher ultimate forces and lower displacements compared to those fabricated in the muffle furnace, indicating superior strength and reduced brittleness. The enhanced performance is attributed to improved sulfur distribution and more effective infiltration of liquid sulfur into the porous biochar structure. These findings confirm the synergistic effect of combining sulfur with biochar and highlight the critical role of processing conditions in developing mechanically robust sulfur–biochar composites suitable for sustainable material applications. Full article

To address the challenges of zwitterionic dissociation and steric hindrance in the esterification of α-aromatic amino acids, this study prepared the solid superacid catalyst SO₄²⁻/TiO₂/HZSM-5 (STH) and its plasma-modified derivative SO₄²⁻/TiO₂/HZSM-5 (STH-RF) via an aging-impregnation method. Systematic characterization revealed that plasma modification optimizes the crystal morphology and particle dispersion of the catalyst, while also achieving pore clearance and an increase in the specific surface area. Furthermore, it gradationally enhances acidic properties by increasing the abundance of strong acid and Lewis acid sites, and promotes uniform loading and stable bonding of the SO₄²⁻ active component. Performance evaluation using the synthesis of L-phenylalanine methyl ester as a model reaction demonstrated that STH-RF exhibits optimal catalytic activity, affording a product yield of 85.7%, which is significantly higher than that of unmodified STH (19%) and the homogeneous catalyst H₂SO₄ (63%). This superior performance originates from a “structure–acidity” synergistic effect, combining the thermodynamic advantage of a lower energy barrier for the rate-determining step (12.6 Kcal·mol⁻¹) with efficient kinetics under optimal process conditions (1.0 MPa, 2000 rpm, 170 °C). Moreover, STH-RF maintained a yield above 80% after four consecutive reaction cycles, indicating excellent stability. This work provides a novel catalytic system for the green and efficient synthesis of highly hindered α-amino acid derivatives, holding significant theoretical and practical implications. Full article