Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (352)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = with and without energy dissipation

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
24 pages, 9147 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Seismic Performance of Base-Suspended Pendulum Isolation Structure
by Liang Lu, Lei Wang, Wanqiu Xia and Minghao Yin
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152711 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 77
Abstract
This paper proposes a novel suspended seismic structure system called Base-suspended Pendulum Isolation (BSPI) structure. The BSPI structure can isolate seismic action and reduce structural seismic response by hanging the structure with hanger rods set at the base. The viscous dampers are installed [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a novel suspended seismic structure system called Base-suspended Pendulum Isolation (BSPI) structure. The BSPI structure can isolate seismic action and reduce structural seismic response by hanging the structure with hanger rods set at the base. The viscous dampers are installed in the isolation layer to dissipate earthquake energy and control the displacement. Firstly, the configuration of suspension isolation layer and mechanical model of the BSPI structure are described. Then, an equivalent scaled BSPI structure physical model was tested on the shaking table. The test results demonstrate that the BSPI structure has a good isolation effect under earthquakes, and the viscous dampers had an obvious control effect on the structure’s displacement and acceleration response. Finally, numerical simulation of the tests was carried out. The accuracy of the numerical models are confirmed by the good agreement between the simulation and test results. The numerical models for the BSPI structure and conventional reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure are built and analyzed using the commercial software ABAQUS. Research results indicate that the lateral stiffness of the BSPI structure is reduced greatly by installing the suspension layer, and the acceleration response of BSPI structure is significantly reduced under rare earthquakes, which is only 1/2 of that of the RC frame. The inter-story displacement of the BSPI structure is less than 1/100, which meets the seismic fortification goal and is reduced to 50% of that of the BSPI structure without damper under rare earthquakes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6367 KiB  
Article
Finite Element Modeling and Performance Evaluation of a Novel 3D Isolation Bearing
by Jianjun Li, Lvhong Sun, Yanchao Wu, Yun Chen, Dengzhou Quan, Tuo Lei and Sansheng Dong
Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2553; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142553 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 307
Abstract
A numerical investigation is conducted to examine the mechanical properties of a novel three-dimensional (3D) isolation bearing. This device is primarily composed of a lead rubber bearing (LRB), disc springs, and U-shaped dampers. A finite element model is developed and validated against the [...] Read more.
A numerical investigation is conducted to examine the mechanical properties of a novel three-dimensional (3D) isolation bearing. This device is primarily composed of a lead rubber bearing (LRB), disc springs, and U-shaped dampers. A finite element model is developed and validated against the previous experimental results. Subsequently, comprehensive analyses are performed to evaluate the influence of vertical loadings, shear strains, and the number of U-shaped dampers on the horizontal behavior, as well as the effects of displacement amplitudes and the number of dampers on the vertical performance. Under horizontal loading conditions, the bearing demonstrates reliable energy dissipation capabilities. However, the small lead core design limits its energy dissipation capacity. Compared with the bearing without U-shaped dampers, the bearing’s energy dissipation capacity increases by 628%, 1300%, and 2581% when employing 1, 2, and 4 dampers on each side, respectively. Regarding vertical performance, the innovative disc spring group design effectively reduces the tensile displacement of the LRB under tension, thereby enhancing the overall tensile capacity of the bearing. Furthermore, in comparison to their contribution to horizontal energy dissipation, the U-shaped dampers play a relatively minor role in vertical energy dissipation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Analysis and Design of Building Structures)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 5236 KiB  
Article
Research on Slope Stability Based on Bayesian Gaussian Mixture Model and Random Reduction Method
by Jingrong He, Tao Deng, Shouxing Peng, Xing Pang, Daochun Wan, Shaojun Zhang and Xiaoqiang Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7926; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147926 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Slope stability analysis is conventionally performed using the strength reduction method with the proportional reduction in shear strength parameters. However, during actual slope failure processes, the attenuation characteristics of rock mass cohesion (c) and internal friction angle (φ) are [...] Read more.
Slope stability analysis is conventionally performed using the strength reduction method with the proportional reduction in shear strength parameters. However, during actual slope failure processes, the attenuation characteristics of rock mass cohesion (c) and internal friction angle (φ) are often inconsistent, and their reduction paths exhibit clear nonlinearity. Relying solely on proportional reduction paths to calculate safety factors may therefore lack scientific rigor and fail to reflect true slope behavior. To address this limitation, this study proposes a novel approach that considers the non-proportional reduction of c and φ, without dependence on predefined reduction paths. The method begins with an analysis of slope stability states based on energy dissipation theory. A Bayesian Gaussian Mixture Model (BGMM) is employed for intelligent interpretation of the dissipated energy data, and, combined with energy mutation theory, is used to identify instability states under various reduction parameter combinations. To compute the safety factor, the concept of a “reference slope” is introduced. This reference slope represents the state at which the slope reaches limit equilibrium under strength reduction. The safety factor is then defined as the ratio of the shear strength of the target analyzed slope to that of the reference slope, providing a physically meaningful and interpretable safety index. Compared with traditional proportional reduction methods, the proposed approach offers more accurate estimation of safety factors, demonstrates superior sensitivity in identifying critical slopes, and significantly improves the reliability and precision of slope stability assessments. These advantages contribute to enhanced safety management and risk control in slope engineering practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Slope Stability and Earth Retaining Structures—2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 16393 KiB  
Article
Near-Surface-Mounted CFRP Ropes as External Shear Reinforcement for the Rehabilitation of Substandard RC Joints
by George Kalogeropoulos, Georgia Nikolopoulou, Evangelia-Tsampika Gianniki, Avraam Konstantinidis and Chris Karayannis
Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2409; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142409 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 335
Abstract
The effectiveness of an innovative retrofit scheme using near-surface-mounted (NSM) X-shaped CFRP ropes for the strengthening of substandard RC beam–column joints was investigated experimentally. Three large-scale beam–column joint subassemblages were constructed with poor reinforcement details. One specimen was subjected to cyclic lateral loading, [...] Read more.
The effectiveness of an innovative retrofit scheme using near-surface-mounted (NSM) X-shaped CFRP ropes for the strengthening of substandard RC beam–column joints was investigated experimentally. Three large-scale beam–column joint subassemblages were constructed with poor reinforcement details. One specimen was subjected to cyclic lateral loading, exhibited shear failure of the joint region and was used as the control specimen. The other specimens were retrofitted and subsequently subjected to the same history of incremental lateral displacement amplitudes with the control subassemblage. The retrofitting was characterized by low labor demands and included wrapping of NSM CFPR-ropes in the two diagonal directions on both lateral sides of the joint as shear reinforcement. Single or double wrapping of the joint was performed, while weights were suspended to prevent the loose placement of the ropes in the grooves. A significant improvement in the seismic performance of the retrofitted specimens was observed with respect to the control specimen, regarding strength and ductility. The proposed innovative scheme effectively prevented shear failure of the joint by shifting the damage in the beam, and the retrofitted specimens showed a more dissipating hysteresis behavior without significant loss of lateral strength and axial load-bearing capacity. The cumulative energy dissipation capacity of the strengthened specimens increased by 105.38% and 122.23% with respect to the control specimen. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 7451 KiB  
Article
Research on Circulating-Current Suppression Strategy of MMC Based on Passivity-Based Integral Sliding Mode Control for Multiphase Wind Power Grid-Connected Systems
by Wei Zhang, Jianying Li, Mai Zhang, Xiuhai Yang and Dingai Zhong
Electronics 2025, 14(13), 2722; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14132722 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
To deal with the interphase circulating-current problem of modular multilevel converters (MMCs) in multiphase wind power systems, a cooperative circulating-current suppression strategy based on a second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) and passivity-based control–integral sliding mode control (PBC-ISMC) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a [...] Read more.
To deal with the interphase circulating-current problem of modular multilevel converters (MMCs) in multiphase wind power systems, a cooperative circulating-current suppression strategy based on a second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) and passivity-based control–integral sliding mode control (PBC-ISMC) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a multiphase permanent magnet direct-drive wind power system topology without a step-up transformer is established. On this basis, SOGI is utilized to construct a circulating current extractor, which is utilized to accurately extract the double-frequency component in the circulating current, and, at the same time, effectively filter out the DC components and high-frequency noise. Secondly, passivity-based control (PBC), with its fast energy dissipation, and integral sliding mode control (ISMC), with its strong robustness, are combined to construct the PBC-ISMC circulating-current suppressor, which realizes the nonlinear decoupling and dynamic immunity of the circulating-current model. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy significantly reduces the harmonic content of the circulating current, optimizes both the bridge-arm current and output current, and achieves superior suppression performance and dynamic response compared to traditional methods, thereby effectively enhancing system power quality and operational reliability. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 15677 KiB  
Article
Flattened Power Converter Design with Improved Thermal Performance for High-Power-Density Energy Conversion
by Zhengwei Dong, Shuyu Zhang and Liwei Zhou
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3416; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133416 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 342
Abstract
This paper proposes a flattened power electronic design approach to enhance both power density and thermal management performance. As essential components in electrified energy conversion, evaluations of power converters are strongly based on their power density. Achieving a compact design typically requires a [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a flattened power electronic design approach to enhance both power density and thermal management performance. As essential components in electrified energy conversion, evaluations of power converters are strongly based on their power density. Achieving a compact design typically requires a well-optimized printed circuit board (PCB) layout, optimal component design and selection, and an efficient thermal management system. During high-power operation, significant power losses can lead to substantial heat generation. Without effective thermal mitigation, this heat buildup may result in excessive temperature rises or even system failure. To address this challenge, this paper developed a flattened power converter design methodology to increase the effective heat-dissipation area without expanding the total volume consumption. This proposed design improves thermal performance and, in turn, enhances overall power density. A three-phase inverter prototype is developed and tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F3: Power Electronics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

56 pages, 16805 KiB  
Review
Lightweight Textile and Fiber-Reinforced Composites for Soft Body Armor (SBA): Advances in Panel Design, Materials, and Testing Standards
by Mohammed Islam Tamjid, Mulat Alubel Abtew and Caroline Kopot
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(7), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9070337 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 741
Abstract
Soft body armor (SBA) remains an essential component of first responder protection. However, most SBA design concepts do not adequately address the unique performance, morphological, and psychological needs of women as first responders. In this review, female-specific designs of ballistic-resistant panels, material systems, [...] Read more.
Soft body armor (SBA) remains an essential component of first responder protection. However, most SBA design concepts do not adequately address the unique performance, morphological, and psychological needs of women as first responders. In this review, female-specific designs of ballistic-resistant panels, material systems, and SBA performance testing are critically examined. The paper also explores innovations in shaping and design techniques, including darting, dartless shape construction, modular assembly, and body scanning with CAD integration to create contoured and structurally stable panels with improved coverage, reduced bulk, and greater mobility. In addition, the review addresses broadly used and emerging dry textile fabrics and fiber-reinforced polymers, considering various innovations, such as 3D warp interlock weave, shear thickening fluid (STF) coating, nanomaterials, and smart composites that improve energy dissipation and impact tolerance without sacrificing flexibility. In addition, the paper also examines various emerging ballistic performance testing standards and their revisions to incorporate gender-specific standards and measures their ability to decrease trauma effects and maintain flexibility and practical protection. Finally, it identifies existing challenges and areas of future research, such as optimizing multi-layer systems, addressing fatigue behavior, and improving multi-angle and low-velocity impact performance while providing avenues for future sustainable, adaptive, and performance-optimized body armor. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4705 KiB  
Article
An Improved Thermodynamic Energy Equation for Stress–Dilatancy Behavior in Granular Soils
by Ching S. Chang and Jason Chao
Geotechnics 2025, 5(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics5030043 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
This study proposes an advanced thermodynamic energy equation to accurately simulate the stress–dilatancy relationship in granular soils for both uncrushed and crushed sands. Traditional energy formulations primarily consider dissipation energy and often neglect the role of free energy. Recent developments have introduced free [...] Read more.
This study proposes an advanced thermodynamic energy equation to accurately simulate the stress–dilatancy relationship in granular soils for both uncrushed and crushed sands. Traditional energy formulations primarily consider dissipation energy and often neglect the role of free energy. Recent developments have introduced free energy components to account for plastic energy contributions from dilation and particle crushing. However, significant discrepancies between theoretical predictions and experimental observations remain, largely due to the omission of complex mechanisms such as contact network rearrangement, force-chain buckling, grain rolling, rotation without slip, and particle crushing. To address these gaps, the proposed model incorporates dual exponential decay functions into the free energy framework. Rather than explicitly modeling each mechanism, this formulation aims to phenomenologically capture the interplay between fundamentally opposing thermodynamic forces arising from complex mechanisms during granular microstructure evolution. The model’s applicability is validated using the experimental results from both uncrushed silica sand and crushed calcareous sand. Through extensive comparison with over 100 drained triaxial tests on various sands, the proposed model shows substantial improvement in reproducing stress–dilatancy behavior. The average discrepancy between predicted and measured ηD relationships is reduced to below 15%, compared to over 60% using conventional models. This enhanced energy equation provides a robust and practical tool for predicting granular soil behavior, supporting a wide range of geotechnical engineering applications. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1827 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Impact of Extraplatelet Content on Fibrin-Based Scaffold Performance for Regenerative Therapies
by Daniel Marijuán-Pinel, Jon Mercader-Ruiz, Maider Beitia, Pello Sánchez, Leonor López de Dicastillo, Sergio Gonzalez, João Espregueira-Mendes, Beatriz Aizpurua, Jaime Oraá, Diego Delgado and Mikel Sánchez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 5967; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26135967 - 21 Jun 2025
Viewed by 353
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of increased extraplatelet content on the tissue regenerative capacity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-derived fibrin scaffolds. Comparative analyses were performed between a “balanced protein-concentrate plasma” (BPCP) and a standard PRP (sPRP), focusing on platelet and fibrinogen content, scaffold microstructure, [...] Read more.
This study investigated the impact of increased extraplatelet content on the tissue regenerative capacity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-derived fibrin scaffolds. Comparative analyses were performed between a “balanced protein-concentrate plasma” (BPCP) and a standard PRP (sPRP), focusing on platelet and fibrinogen content, scaffold microstructure, and functional performance. Growth factor (GF) release kinetics from the scaffolds were quantified via ELISA over 10 days, while scaffold biomechanics were evaluated through rheological testing, indentation, energy dissipation, adhesion, and assessments of coagulation dynamics, biodegradation, swelling, and retraction. Microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with fiber diameter and porosity measurements. The results demonstrated that BPCP scaffolds released significantly higher amounts of GFs and total protein, especially beyond 24 h (* p < 0.05). Despite a delayed coagulation process (** p < 0.01), BPCP scaffolds exhibited superior structural integrity and cushioning behavior (* p < 0.05). SEM revealed thicker fibers in BPCP scaffolds (**** p < 0.0001), while adhesion and biodegradation remained unaffected. Notably, BPCP scaffolds showed reduced retraction after 24 h and maintained their shape stability over two weeks without significant swelling. These findings indicate that enhancing the extraplatelet content in PRP formulations can optimize fibrin scaffold performance. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BPCP-derived scaffolds in regenerative medicine. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 2303 KiB  
Article
ANOVA Based Optimization of UV Nanosecond Laser for Polyamide Insulation Removal from Platinum Wires Under Water Confinement
by Danial Rahnama, Graziano Chila and Sivakumar Narayanswamy
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2025, 9(6), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9060201 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 370
Abstract
Platinum wires, known for their excellent electrical conductivity and durability, are widely used in high-precision industries, such as aerospace and automotive. These wires are typically coated with polyamide for protection; however, specific manufacturing processes require the coating to be selectively removed. Although traditional [...] Read more.
Platinum wires, known for their excellent electrical conductivity and durability, are widely used in high-precision industries, such as aerospace and automotive. These wires are typically coated with polyamide for protection; however, specific manufacturing processes require the coating to be selectively removed. Although traditional chemical stripping methods are effective, they are associated with high costs, safety concerns, and long processing times. As a result, laser ablation has emerged as a more efficient, precise, and cleaner alternative, especially at the microscale. In this study, ultraviolet nanosecond laser ablation was applied to remove polyamide coatings from ultra-thin platinum wires in a water-assisted environment. The presence of water enhances the process by promoting thermal management and minimizing debris. Key processing parameters, including the scanning speed, overlap percentage, and line distance, were evaluated. The optimal result was achieved at a scanning speed of 1200 mm/s, line distance of 1 µm, and single loop in water-ambient, where coating removal was complete, surface roughness remained low, and wire tensile strength was preserved. This performance is attributed to the effective energy distribution across the wire surface and reduced thermal damage due to the heat dissipation role of water, along with controlled overlap that ensured full coverage without overexposure. A thin, well-maintained water layer confined above the apex of the wire played a crucial role in regulating the thermal flow during ablation. This setup helped shield the delicate platinum substrate from overheating, thereby maintaining its mechanical integrity and preventing substrate damage throughout the process. This study primarily focused on analyzing the main effects and two-factor interactions of these parameters using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Interactions such as Speed × Overlap and Speed × Line Distance were statistically examined to identify the influence of combined factors on tensile strength and surface roughness. In the second phase of experimentation, the parameter space was further expanded by increasing the line distance and number of loops to reduce the overlap in the X-direction. This allowed for a more comprehensive process evaluation. Again, conditions around 1200 mm/s and 1500 mm/s with 2 µm line distance and two loops offered favorable outcomes, although 1200 mm/s was selected as the optimal speed due to better consistency. These findings contribute to the development of a robust, high-precision laser processing method for ultra-thin wire applications. The statistical insights gained through ANOVA offer a data-driven framework for optimizing future laser ablation processes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1949 KiB  
Article
Phonon Structure Engineering for Intrinsically Spectrally Selective Emitters by Anion Groups
by Rui Zhang, Enhui Huang, Wenying Zhong and Bo Xu
Photonics 2025, 12(6), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12060597 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 800
Abstract
Spectrally selective emitters (SSEs) have attracted considerable attention, because of radiative cooling, which could dissipate the heat from earth to outer space through the atmospheric window without any energy input. Intrinsically inorganic SSEs have significant advantages to other SSEs, such as the low [...] Read more.
Spectrally selective emitters (SSEs) have attracted considerable attention, because of radiative cooling, which could dissipate the heat from earth to outer space through the atmospheric window without any energy input. Intrinsically inorganic SSEs have significant advantages to other SSEs, such as the low fabrication cost due to the extremely simple structures and long life span under solar exposure. However, few inorganic materials can act as intrinsic SSEs due to the limited emissions in the atmospheric window. Here, we propose a strategy to design intrinsic SSEs by complementing the IR-active phonons in atmospheric window with anion groups. Accordingly, we demonstrate borates containing both [BO3]3− and [BO4]5− units can exhibit high emissivity within the whole atmospheric window, because the IR-active phonons of [BO3]3− units usually locate around 8 and 13 μm, while those of [BO4]5− units distribute in 9~11 μm. Furthermore, K3B6O10Cl and BaAlBO4 are selected as two examples to display their near-unity emissivity (>95%) within the whole atmospheric window experimentally. These results not only offer a new strategy for the design of intrinsic SSEs, but also endow wide band-gap borates containing both [BO3]3− and [BO4]5− units with great potential applications for radiative cooling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infrared Optoelectronic Materials and Devices)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 885 KiB  
Article
Avena sativa as a Multifunctional Tool for Phytoremediation and Bioenergy Production in Sulfentrazone Contaminated Soils
by Caique Menezes de Abreu, Guilherme Henrique Fernandes Carneiro, Márcia Regina da Costa, Gabriela Madureira Barroso, Tayna Sousa Duque, Joice Mariana Santos Silva and José Barbosa dos Santos
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(3), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030087 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 476
Abstract
Phytoremediation using Avena sativa offers a sustainable strategy for mitigating sulfentrazone contamination while integrating bioenergy production. This study proposes an analysis of the bioenergy potential and the microbial metagenomic profile associated with Avena sativa in the presence and absence of sulfentrazone, aiming at [...] Read more.
Phytoremediation using Avena sativa offers a sustainable strategy for mitigating sulfentrazone contamination while integrating bioenergy production. This study proposes an analysis of the bioenergy potential and the microbial metagenomic profile associated with Avena sativa in the presence and absence of sulfentrazone, aiming at the synergistic bioprospecting of microbial communities capable of biodegradation and remediation of contaminated environments. Using a randomized block design, we evaluated the bioenergy potential and rhizospheric microbial dynamics of A. sativa in soils with and without sulfentrazone (600 g ha−1). Herbicide residues were quantified via UHPLC-MS/MS, and metagenomic profiles were obtained through 16S rRNA gene and ITS region sequencing to assess shifts in rhizospheric microbiota. Microbial diversity was analyzed using the Shannon and Gini–Simpson Indices, complemented by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Bioenergy yields (biogas and ethanol) were estimated based on plant biomass. Over 80 days, the cultivation of A. sativa promoted a 19.7% dissipation of sulfentrazone, associated with rhizospheric enrichment of plant growth-promoting taxa (Bradyrhizobium, Rhodococcus, and Trichoderma), which increased by 68% compared to uncontaminated soils. Contaminated soils exhibited reduced microbial diversity (Gini–Simpson Index = 0.7), with a predominance of Actinobacteria and Ascomycota, suggesting adaptive specialization. Despite herbicide-induced stress (39.3% reduction in plant height and 60% reduction in grain yield), the biomass demonstrated considerable bioenergy potential: 340.6 m3 ha−1 of biogas and 284.4 L ha−1 of ethanol. The findings highlight the dual role of A. sativa in soil rehabilitation and renewable energy systems, supported by plant–microbe synergies. Scalability challenges and regulatory gaps in ecotoxicological assessments were identified, reinforcing the need to optimize microbial consortia and implement region-specific management strategies. These results support the integration of phytoremediation into circular bioeconomy models, balancing ecological recovery with agricultural productivity. Future research should focus on microbial genetic pathways, field-scale validation, and the development of regulatory frameworks to advance this green technology in global soil remediation efforts. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 7158 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Seismic Performance of Pre-Inserted Prefabricated Shear Walls
by Quanbiao Xu, Shenghang Yang, Benyue Li, Mingwei Xu and Mingshan Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(11), 1945; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111945 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
The pre-inserted method for precast shear walls involves casting concealed beams at floor slabs between upper and lower structures, with precast concrete supports spaced at intervals. Vertical rebars at the base of upper walls are pre-inserted and anchored in the beams before slab [...] Read more.
The pre-inserted method for precast shear walls involves casting concealed beams at floor slabs between upper and lower structures, with precast concrete supports spaced at intervals. Vertical rebars at the base of upper walls are pre-inserted and anchored in the beams before slab casting. It offers advantages such as convenient construction without the need for grouting, demonstrating broad application prospects and significant promotional value. To evaluate seismic performance, quasi-static cyclic loading tests were conducted on five specimens: three full-scale pre-inserted precast walls and two cast-in-place counterparts. Under increasing lateral displacement, low axial-load specimens failed via tensile fracture of the outermost rebars, while high axial-load specimens failed by concrete crushing in compression. The test results showed that under identical axial-load ratios, the precast walls exhibited comparable bearing capacity, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation to cast-in-place walls, but superior deformation ductility. The ultimate drift ratios of pre-inserted walls exceeded those of cast-in-place walls by 16.7% (axial-load ratio 0.2) and 22.2% (axial-load ratio 0.4), demonstrating robust seismic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
Leonardite (Humic and Fulvic Acid Complex) Long-Term Supplementation in Lambs Finished Under Subtropical Climate Conditions: Growth Performance, Dietary Energetics, and Carcass Traits
by Alfredo Estrada-Angulo, Jesús A. Quezada-Rubio, Elizama Ponce-Barraza, Beatriz I. Castro-Pérez, Jesús D. Urías-Estrada, Jorge L. Ramos-Méndez, Yesica J. Arteaga-Wences, Lucía de G. Escobedo-Gallegos, Luis Corona and Alejandro Plascencia
Ruminants 2025, 5(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants5020020 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 887
Abstract
Leonardite (LEO), a microbial derived product rich in humic and fulvic acids, has been tested, due to its beneficial properties for health and well-being, as a feed additive, mainly in non-ruminant species. Although there are some reports of LEO supplementation in ruminants fed [...] Read more.
Leonardite (LEO), a microbial derived product rich in humic and fulvic acids, has been tested, due to its beneficial properties for health and well-being, as a feed additive, mainly in non-ruminant species. Although there are some reports of LEO supplementation in ruminants fed with high-to medium-forage based diets, there is no information available of the potential effects of LEO in ruminants fed, under sub-tropical climate conditions, with high-energy diets during long-term fattening. For this reason, the objective of the present experiment was to evaluate the effects of LEO levels inclusion in diets for feedlot lambs finished over a long-term period. For this reason, 48 Pelibuey × Katahdin lambs (initial weight = 20.09 ± 3.55 kg) were fed with a high-energy diet (88:12 concentrate to forage ratio) supplemented with LEO (with a minimum of 75% total humic acids) for 130 days as follows: (1) diet without LEO, (2) diet supplemented with 0.20% LEO, (3) diet supplemented with 0.40% LEO, and (4) diet supplemented with 0.60% LEO. For each treatment, Leonardite was incorporated with the mineral premix. Lambs were blocked by weight and housed in 24 pens (2 lambs/pen). Treatment effects were contrasted by orthogonal polynomials. The average climatic conditions that occurred during the experimental period were 31.6 ± 2.4 °C ambient temperature and 42.2 ± 8.1% relative humidity (RH). Those values of ambient temperature and RH represent a temperature humidity index (THI) of 79.07; thus, lambs were finished under high heat load conditions. The inclusion of LEO in diet did not affect dry matter intake (p ≥ 0.25) and average daily gain (p ≥ 0.21); therefore, feed to gain ratio was not affected (p ≥ 0.18). The observed to expected dietary net energy averaged 0.96 and was not affected by LEO inclusion (p ≥ 0.26). The lower efficiency (−4%) of dietary energy utilization is an expected response given the climatic conditions of high ambient heat load presented during fattening. Lambs that were slaughtered at an average weight of 49.15 ± 6.00 kg did not show differences on the variables measured for carcass traits (p ≥ 0.16), shoulder tissue composition (p ≥ 0.59), nor in visceral mass (p ≥ 0.46) by inclusion of LEO. Under the climatic conditions in which this experiment was carried out, LEO supplementation up to 0.60% in diet (equivalent to 0.45% of humic substances) did not did not help to alleviate the extra-energy expenditure used to dissipate the excessive heat and did not change the gained tissue composition of the lambs that were fed with high-energy diets during long-term period under sub-tropical climate conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Sheep and Goats)
18 pages, 2805 KiB  
Article
Impact of Thermal Mass, Window Performance, and Window–Wall Ratio on Indoor Thermal Dynamics in Public Buildings
by Ran Cheng, Nan Zhang, Wengan Zhang, Yinan Sun, Bing Yin and Weijun Gao
Buildings 2025, 15(10), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101757 - 21 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 542
Abstract
Thermal comfort in public buildings is crucial for occupant well-being and energy efficiency. This study employs TRNSYS software to simulate the effects of thermal mass, window performance, and window–wall ratio (WWR) on summer thermal comfort. The results indicate that without energy-saving measures, increased [...] Read more.
Thermal comfort in public buildings is crucial for occupant well-being and energy efficiency. This study employs TRNSYS software to simulate the effects of thermal mass, window performance, and window–wall ratio (WWR) on summer thermal comfort. The results indicate that without energy-saving measures, increased thermal mass raises daily average maximum and minimum temperatures by 0.33–0.96 °C and 0.14–0.94 °C, respectively. Enhanced WWRs lead to higher daily average maximum and minimum temperatures for double-glazed windows (0.18–0.61 °C and 0.07–0.62 °C, respectively), while single-glazed windows show increased maximum temperatures (0.18–1.86 °C) but decreased minimum temperatures (−0.01 to −0.72 °C). Thermal mass has a modest effect on indoor overheating during high outdoor temperatures. Double-glazed windows and lower WWRs effectively reduce indoor overheating, decreasing the attenuation coefficient by 2.13–28.94%. Conversely, single-glazed windows and higher WWRs enhance heat dissipation, increasing daily average temperature fluctuations by 2.33–44.18%. Notably, single-glazed windows with WWRs ≥ 50% improve thermal comfort by reducing extreme superheat temperature occurrence in heavy-thermal-mass buildings by 0.81 to 14.63%. Despite lower cooling loads with heavy thermal mass, double-glazed windows, and low WWRs, the study suggests that single-glazed windows and high WWRs can enhance summer thermal comfort. Therefore, reasonable shading measures and lighter thermal mass are recommended for such buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop