Search Results (100)

Our understanding of foreland basin subsurface structures relies heavily on seismic reflection data. The seismic profile across the eastern Rioni foreland basin in western Georgia is critical for characterizing its deformation structural style. We applied fault-related folding and thrust wedge theories to interpret the seismic profile and construction structural cross-section, which reveals that compressional structures are controlled by multiple detachment levels. Both thin-skinned and thick-skinned structures are identified. The seismic profile and structural cross-section reveal the presence of normal faults, reverse faults, thrust faults, duplexes, triangle zone, and crustal-scale duplexes. The deep-level detachment within the basement is responsible for the development of the crustal-scale duplexes. These structures appear to have formed through the reactivation of pre-existing normal faults during compressive deformation. Based on our interpretation, the imaged duplex system likely represents the western subsurface continuation of the Dzirula Massif. Full article

In comparison to shallow coal seams, deep coal seams exhibit characteristics of high temperature, pressure, and in-situ stress, leading to significant differences in reservoir properties that constrain the effective development of deep coalbed methane (CBM). This study takes the Carboniferous deep 8# coal seam in the Yulin area of Ordos basin as the research subject. Based on the test results from core drilling wells, a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics and variation patterns of coal reservoir properties and a comparative analysis of the exploration and development potential of deep CBM are conducted, aiming to provide guidance for the development of deep CBM in the Ordos basin. The research results indicate that the coal seams are primarily composed of primary structure coal, with semi-bright to bright being the dominant macroscopic coal types. The maximum vitrinite reflectance (R_o,max) ranges between 1.99% and 2.24%, the organic is type III, and the high Vitrinite content provides a substantial material basis for the generation of CBM. Longitudinally, influenced by sedimentary environment and plant types, the lower part of the coal seam exhibits higher Vitrinite content and fixed carbon (FC_ad). The pore morphology is mainly characterized by wedge-shaped/parallel plate-shaped pores and open ventilation pores, with good connectivity, which is favorable for the storage and output of CBM. Micropores (<2 nm) have the highest volume proportion, showing an increasing trend with burial depth, and due to interlayer sliding and capillary condensation, the pore size (<2 nm) distribution follows an N shape. The full-scale pore heterogeneity (fractal dimension) gradually increases with increasing buried depth. Macroscopic fractures are mostly found in bright coal bands, while microscopic fractures are more developed in Vitrinite, showing a positive correlation between fracture density and Vitrinite content. The porosity and permeability conditions of reservoirs are comparable to the Daning–Jixian block, mostly constituting oversaturated gas reservoirs with a critical depth of 2400–2600 m and a high proportion of free gas, exhibiting promising development prospects, and the middle and upper coal seams are favorable intervals. In terms of resource conditions, preservation conditions, and reservoir alterability, the development potential of CBM from the Carboniferous deep 8# coal seam is comparable to the Linxing block but inferior to the Daning–Jixian block and Baijiahai uplift. Full article

This study presents a digital twin–based framework for assessing rockfall hazards at the immediate vicinity of the Rumkale Archaeological Site, a geologically sensitive and culturally significant location in southeastern Türkiye. Historically associated with early Christianity and strategically located along the Euphrates, Rumkale is a protected heritage site that attracts increasing numbers of visitors. Here, high-resolution photogrammetric models were generated using imagery acquired from a remotely piloted aircraft system and post-processed with ground control points to produce a spatially accurate 3D digital twin. Field-based geomechanical measurements including discontinuity orientations, joint classifications, and strength parameters were integrated with digital analyses to identify and evaluate hazardous rock blocks. Kinematic assessments conducted in the study revealed susceptibility to planar, wedge, and toppling failures. The results showed the role of lithological structure, active tectonics, and environmental factors in driving slope instability. The proposed methodology demonstrates effective use of digital twin technologies in conjunction with traditional geotechnical techniques, offering a replicable and non-invasive approach for site-scale hazard evaluation and conservation planning in heritage contexts. This work contributes to the advancement of interdisciplinary methods for geohazard-informed management of cultural landscapes. Full article

Hydrodynamic slamming loads during water landing are one of the main concerns for the structural design and wave resistance performance of large amphibious aircraft. However, current existing sensors are not used for full-scale hydrodynamic load flight tests on complex models due to their large size, fragility, intrusiveness, limited range, frequency response limitations, accuracy issues, and low sampling frequency. Fibre-optic sensors’ small size, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and reduced susceptibility to environmental disturbances have led to their progressive development in maritime and aeronautic fields. This research proposes a novel hydrodynamic profile encapsulation method using ultra-thin surface-mounted micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) fibre-optic Fabry–Pérot pressure sensors (total thickness of 1 mm). The proposed sensor exhibits an exceptional linear response and low-temperature sensitivity in hydrostatic calibration tests and shows superior response and detection accuracy in water-entry tests of wedge-shaped bodies. This work exhibits significant potential for the in situ monitoring of hydrodynamic loads during water landing, contributing to the research of large amphibious aircraft. Furthermore, this research demonstrates, for the first time, the proposed surface-mounted pressure sensor in conjunction with a high-speed acquisition system for the in situ monitoring of hydrodynamic pressure on the hull of a large amphibious prototype. Following flight tests, the sensors remained intact throughout multiple high-speed hydrodynamic taxiing events and 12 full water landings, successfully acquiring the complete dataset. The flight test results show that this proposed pressure sensor exhibits superior robustness in extreme environments compared to traditional invasive electrical sensors and can be used for full-scale hydrodynamic load flight tests. Full article

Background/Objectives: One of the surgical treatments for lumbar foraminal stenosis, full endoscopic foraminotomy, is known for its numerous advantages and favourable clinical outcomes. While previous studies have analyzed preoperative radiological risk factors associated with recurrence within one year after endoscopic foraminal decompression, no research has investigated postoperative radiological changes. The aim of this study is to analyze the radiological changes occurring in cases of early recurrence within six months after endoscopic foraminal decompression. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients with unilateral lumbar foraminal stenosis who underwent full endoscopic foraminotomy at a single institution. The study included 11 recurrent patients who initially experienced symptomatic improvement and sufficient neural decompression on radiological evaluation, but exhibited recurrent radicular pain and radiological restenosis within six months postoperatively. Additionally, 33 control patients with favourable clinical outcomes and no evidence of restenosis were analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative plain X-ray imaging was used to evaluate sagittal and coronal parameters reflecting spinal anatomical characteristics, including disc height, foraminal height, disc wedging, coronal Cobb’s angle, total lumbar lordosis angle, segmental lumbar lordosis angle, and dynamic segmental lumbar lordosis angle. The study aimed to analyze postoperative changes in these parameters between the recurrent and control groups. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, sex distribution, presence of adjacent segment disease, or existence of Grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Analysis of preoperative and postoperative radiological changes revealed that, in the recurrent group, disc height and foraminal height showed a significant decrease postoperatively, while disc wedging and the coronal Cobb’s angle demonstrated a significant increase. In contrast, the control group exhibited a significant postoperative increase in the total lumbar lordosis angle and segmental lumbar lordosis angle. Conclusions: Progressive worsening of disc wedging and the coronal Cobb’s angle, and reductions in disc and foraminal height, along with minimal improvement in lumbar lordosis following TELF, suggest the presence of irreversible preoperative degenerative changes. Careful radiologic assessment and close postoperative monitoring are essential to identify patients at risk of early recurrence. Full article

Highly over-mature marine shales are distributed worldwide with substantial resource potential, yet their pore structure characteristics and controlling mechanisms remain poorly understood, hindering accurate shale gas resource prediction and efficient development. This study focuses on the Cambrian Niutitang Formation shales in the Upper Yangtze region of South China. To decipher the multiscale pore network architecture and its genetic constraints, we employ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pore extraction and fluid intrusion methods (CO₂ and N₂ adsorption, and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry) to systematically characterize pore structures in these reservoirs. The results demonstrate that the shales exhibit high TOC contents (average 4.78%) and high thermal maturity (average Ro 3.64%). Three dominant pore types were identified: organic pores, intragranular pores, and intergranular pores. Organic pores are sparsely developed with diameters predominantly below 50 nm, displaying honeycomb, slit-like, or linear morphologies. Intragranular pores are primarily feldspar dissolution voids, while intergranular pores exhibit triangular or polygonal shapes with larger particle sizes. CO₂ adsorption isotherms (Type I) and low-temperature N₂ adsorption curves (H3-H4 hysteresis) indicate wedge-shaped and slit-like pores, with pore size distributions concentrated in the 0.5–50 nm range, showing strong heterogeneity. Pore structure shows weak correlations with TOC and quartz content but a strong correlation with feldspar abundance. This pattern arises from hydrocarbon generation exhaustion and graphitization-enhanced organic pore collapse under high compaction stress, which reduces pore preservation capacity. The aulacogen tectonic setting engenders proximal sediment provenance regimes that preferentially preserve labile minerals such as feldspars. This geological configuration establishes optimal diagenetic conditions for the subsequent development of meso- and macro-scale of dissolution pores. Our findings demonstrate that feldspar-rich shales, formed in a proximal depositional system with well-developed inorganic pores, serve as favorable reservoirs for the exploration of highly over-mature marine shale gas. Full article

Background: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) was generally not indicated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because synovial inflammation may exacerbate joint damage postoperatively. Recently, joint destruction in RA has dramatically changed with the introduction of methotrexate (MTX) and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of HTO for patients with RA treated with recent medication. Methods: In this study, patients with RA who underwent HTO between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients whose follow-up period was <2 years and those whose onset of RA occurred after HTO were excluded. Clinical outcomes were investigated using the Japanese orthopedic Association (JOA) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Results: Seven patients (two males and five females, mean age 72.0 ± 6.2 years, mean body mass index 24.0 ± 2.9 kg/m²) were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 62.1 ± 21.4 months. Open-wedge and hybrid closed-wedge HTO were performed in two and five cases, respectively. MTX was used for all cases. The bDMARDs were used in six cases (golimumab and tocilizumab in four and two cases, respectively). JOA scores significantly improved from 63.6 ± 10.7 preoperatively to 90.7 ± 5.3 postoperatively (p = 0.0167 Wilcoxon rank test). VAS scores significantly decreased from 48.6 ± 12.2 preoperatively to 11.4 ± 6.9 postoperatively (p = 0.017 Wilcoxon rank test). None of the patients underwent total knee arthroplasty. Conclusions: This study showed seven RA patients who underwent HTO treated with recent medication. The prognosis of RA, including joint destruction, has dramatically improved with induction of MTX and bDMARDs. HTO may be one of effective joint preservation surgeries even for patients with RA. To achieve the favorable outcomes, surgeons should pay attention to timing and indication of surgery. Full article

Saltwater intrusion is one of the most significant groundwater challenges in the southern Laizhou Bay. Previous studies have predominantly focused on regional scales, leaving the vertical saltwater intrusion pattern relatively underexplored. This knowledge gap hinders the effective prevention and control of saltwater intrusion. This study utilized hydrochemical and stable isotopic methods combined with hydrochemical facies evolution diagrams to investigate the groundwater evolution and the processes of saltwater intrusion in a typical profile and saline–fresh groundwater transition zones. The results showed that the groundwater types in the study area were complex and diverse, with fresh groundwater, saline groundwater, and brine. Stable isotope and hydrochemical analyses indicated that mixing and evaporation of seawater were the predominant processes governing the evolution and salinity of groundwater. In the south of the typical profile, carbonate dissolution played a significant role, and the silicate dissolution may represent the primary water–rock interaction in the saline–fresh groundwater transition zones. Groundwater samples from various locations within the study area exhibited different stages of hydrochemical facies evolution, and the majority of the typical profile samples were in the salinization phase during the mixing process. The saltwater intrusion in the saline–fresh groundwater transition zone primarily occurred between −20 and −30 m, exhibiting a wedge-shaped saltwater intrusion pattern. This study enhanced the understanding of vertical saltwater intrusion. Full article

Fine-scale maps of ground ice and related surface features are critical for permafrost-related modelling and management. However, such maps are lacking across almost the entire Arctic. Machine learning provides the potential to automate regional fine-scale ground ice mapping using remote sensing and topographic data. Here, we evaluate the predictive skill of XGBoost models for identifying (1) ice wedge and (2) top-5m visible ground ice in the Tuktoyaktuk Coastlands. We find high predictive skill for ice wedge occurrence (ROC AUC = 0.95, macro F1 = 0.80), with the most important predictors being slope, distance to the coast, and probability of depression. The model accurately predicted regional and local trends in ice wedge occurrence, with an increase in ice wedge polygon (IWP) probability towards the coast and in poorly drained depressions. The model also captured IWP in well-drained uplands of the study area, including locations with poorly visible troughs not contained in the training data. Spatial transferability analyses highlight the regional variability of ice wedge probability, reflecting contrasting climatic and surface conditions. Conversely, the low predictive skill for visible ground ice (ROC AUC = 0.67, macro F1 = 0.53) is attributed to limitations in training data and weak associations with the remotely sensed predictors. The varying predictive accuracy highlights the importance of high-quality reference data and site-specific conditions for improving ground ice studies with data-driven modelling from remote sensing observations. Full article

The handling and fluidization of amorphous soft solids, such as emulsions, foams, or gels, is crucial in many technological processes. This is generally achieved by applying mechanical stress that overcomes a critical threshold, known as yield stress, below which these systems behave as elastic solids. However, the interaction with the walls can facilitate the transition from solid to fluid by activating rearrangements of the fluid constituents close to the wall, resulting in increased fluidity of the system up to distances greater than the spatial scale of the rearrangements. We address the impact of wedge-shaped microroughness on activating the fluidization of emulsion droplets in pressure-driven flow through microfluidic channels. We realize the micro wedges by maskless photolithography to texture one wall of the channel and measure the velocity profiles for flow directed accordingly and against the increasing ramp of the wedge-shaped grooves. We report the enhancement of the emulsion flow in the direction of the climbing ramp of the wedge activated by increasing the magnitude of the pressure gradient. A gain for the volumetric flow rate is registered with respect to the opposite direction as being to $30\%$, depending on the pressure drop. Full article

Background: We have applied an anterior locking compression mini plate in addition to a conventional superior locking compression plate for the treatment of wedge or multifragmentary clavicular fractures. Methods: Medical and radiologic data were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent surgical fixation with an anterior locking compression mini plate and conventional anatomical locking compression plate in a clavicle fracture of AO/OTA 15.2 B and 15.2 C. The primary outcome was bone union, and the secondary outcome was postoperative complications associated with the procedure. The functional outcomes included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Scale (UCLASS), and Constant Shoulder Scale (CSS). Results: Nineteen patients with AO/OTA 15.2 B and 2 C clavicular fractures were followed for an average of 16 months (range: 12–30). The average patient age was 41 (range: 21–76) years, and 17 male and 2 female patients were included. The most common cause of clavicle fractures was sports activity (36.8%). A total of 10 patients had AO/OTA classification 15.2 C, and 9 patients had AO/OTA classification 15.2 B clavicular fractures. Primary fracture union healing was observed in all 19 (100%) patients, and the average time to bone union was 11 weeks (range: 7~21). There was no fixation failure or postoperative infection. The mean VAS, UCLASS, and CSS scores at the final follow-up were 0.6, 33.4, and 65 on a 75-point scale (87 on a 100-point scale), respectively. Conclusions: Dual plating using an anterior mini plate with a superior LCP could be considered as an option to minimize soft-tissue injury in comminuted mid-shaft clavicle fractures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Several studies describe the sex-specific differences in cardiovascular diseases. However, there is still limited research reporting the difference between men and women with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) treated with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA). The aim of this study was to evaluate sex-specific differences in patients with CTEPH treated with BPA. Methods: This retrospective study included CTEPH patients treated with BPA. The patients’ hemodynamic and clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 months after completion of BPA treatment. Results: This study included 94 patients (44 women, 46.8%). At baseline, women had higher systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) (76 ± 18.5 vs. 85 ± 17.6 mmHg; p = 0.03) and pulmonary vascular resistance (8.21 [5.55–10.17] vs. 9.89 [6.31–14.06] Wood Units; p = 0.03) compared to men. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between the sexes. At follow-up, women had lower sPAP (49 [41–54] vs. 43 [37–49] mmHg; p = 0.04) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (10 [9–14] vs. 9 [8–11] mmHg; p = 0.03), but a higher cardiac index (2.57 ± 0.53 vs. 2.82 ± 0.50 L/min/m²; p = 0.03), as well as better Dyspnea Borg Scale outcomes, compared to men. Women had a greater reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure (−43% vs. −37%; p = 0.049) than men. Conclusions: At baseline, women with CTEPH had worse hemodynamic parameters than men despite similar clinical symptoms. However, the hemodynamic status of women was better after BPA therapy. Hence, women seem better adapted to the disease at baseline and respond better to BPA. Further data are needed to investigate whether the management of CTEPH patients should be sex-differentiated. Full article

Background and Objectives: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is associated with less postoperative pain than traditional open thoracotomy. However, trocar and chest tube placement may damage the intercostal nerves, causing significant discomfort. An ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is a promising mode of pain management; this reduces the need for opioids and the associated side-effects. This study evaluated whether SAPB, compared to intravenous analgesia alone, reduces opioid consumption after thoracoscopic lung wedge resection. Materials and Methods: In total, 22 patients undergoing VATS lung wedge resections were randomized into two groups (SAPB and control): both received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), and one group received additional SAPB. The primary outcome was the cumulative intravenous fentanyl consumption at 8 h postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and the incidence of postoperative complications were assessed over 48 h post surgery. Results: Fentanyl consumption by 8 h post surgery was significantly lower in the SAPB group than in the control group (183 ± 107 μg vs. 347 ± 202 μg, p = 0.035). Although the VAS scores decreased with time in both groups, the differences were not statistically significant. The SAPB group required fewer opioids by 48 h. No significant between-group differences were observed in postoperative complications, including nausea and vomiting. Conclusions: SAPB effectively reduced opioid consumption after VATS lung wedge resection. SABP may serve as a valuable component of multimodal pain management. Full article

Shallow foundations supporting high-rise structures are often subjected to extreme lateral loading from wind and seismic activities. Nonlinear soil–foundation system behaviors, such as foundation uplift or bearing capacity mobilization (i.e., rocking behavior), can act as energy dissipation mechanisms, potentially reducing structural demands. However, such merits may be achieved at the expense of large residual deformations and settlements, which are influenced by various factors. One key factor which is highly influential on soil deformation mechanisms during rocking is the foundation embedment depth. This aspect of rocking foundations is investigated in this study under varying subgrade densities and initial vertical factors of safety (FSv), using the PIV technique and appropriate instrumentation. A series of reduced-scale slow cyclic tests were performed using a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure model. This study first examines the deformation mechanisms of strip foundations with depth-to-width (D/B) ratios of 0, 0.25, and 1, and then explores the effects of embedment depth on the performance of square foundations, evaluating moment capacity, settlement, recentering capability, rotational stiffness, and damping characteristics. The results demonstrate that the predominant deformation mechanism of the soil mass transitions from a wedge mechanism in surface foundations to a scoop mechanism in embedded foundations. Increasing the embedment depth enhances recentering capabilities, reduces damping, decreases settlement, increases rotational stiffness, and improves the moment capacity of the foundations. This comprehensive exploration of foundation performance and soil deformation mechanisms, considering varying embedment depths, FSv values, and soil relative densities, offers insights for optimizing the performance of rocking foundations under lateral loading conditions. Full article

The continuous scaling down of MOSFETs is one of the present trends in semiconductor devices to increase device performance. Nevertheless, with scaling down beyond 22 nm technology, the performance of even the newer nanodevices with multi-gate architecture declines with an increase in short channel effects (SCEs). Consequently, to facilitate further increases in the drain current, the use of strained silicon technology provides a better solution. Thus, the development of a novel Gate-All-Around Field-Effect Transistor (GAAFET) incorporating a strained silicon channel with a 10 nm gate length is initiated and discussed. In this device, strain is incorporated in the channel, where a strained silicon germanium layer is wedged between two strained silicon layers. The GAAFET device has four gates that surround the channel to provide improved control of the gate over the strained channel region and also reduce the short channel effects in the devices. The electrical properties, such as the on current, off current, threshold voltage (V_TH), subthreshold slope, drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and I_on/I_off current ratio, of the 10 nm channel length GAAFET are compared with the 22 nm strained silicon channel GAAFET, the existing SOI FinFET device on 10 nm gate length, and IRDS 2022 specifications device. The developed 10 nm channel length GAAFET, having an ultrathin strained silicon channel, delivers enriched device performance, being augmented in contrast to the IRDS 2022 specifications device, showing improved characteristics along with amended SCEs. Full article