Search Results (369,592)

The earthquakes that impacted Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023, caused multidimensional destruction across the southeastern provinces of Türkiye and incurred severe business losses. This study provides a comparative assessment of four heavily affected provinces (Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya) in terms of business losses. Eleven criteria, grouped as human and operational losses (HOL) and commercial and economic losses (CEL), were considered in the evaluation. For the first time, the Ranking Comparison (RANCOM) method was integrated into the Modified Kemeny Median Ranks Accordance (KEMIRA-M) framework to determine the weights of the criteria and ensure consistency in the ranking process. The findings indicate that Hatay suffered the highest level of losses, followed by Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya, respectively. This study fills a gap in the disaster economics literature by emphasizing workforce and business continuity dimensions, an area where business losses have received relatively less attention. The results highlight that post-disaster recovery policies should not be limited to physical reconstruction but should also emphasize human capital, supply chain resilience, and sustainability-focused recovery strategies. Full article

This work presents a generalization and analysis of the physical properties of rocks and ores from the Zhezkazgan ore district. Studies were carried out to identify general patterns in variations in the magnetic, density, velocity, and electrical parameters of the rocks that make up the geological section of the region. Based on the physical parameter measurements of the rock samples and drill cores collected in large quantities evenly throughout the region, a spatial analysis and quantitative assessment were conducted for the magnetic susceptibility, density, specific electrical resistivity, polarizability, and seismic velocity of the rocks. These properties were systematized at the level of formations, individual suites, and lithological heterogeneities. Correlations between the physical properties of the rocks, their composition, and the conditions of their formation were established. This study demonstrated the potential of using petrophysical characteristics in tectonic studies, geological mapping, and the identification of the exploration and ore-controlling factors in copper mineralization. It was found that the deposits of the productive horizons of the Zhezkazgan and Taskuduk suites are characterized by consistent physical parameters across the entire area, due to their relative homogeneity in lithological, structural–textural, and other features. The physical parameters of the rocks are influenced by several factors associated with mineralization processes, including changes in the total porosity, structure, and texture of the host rocks, alteration of the original mineral composition of the ores, fragmentation, fracturing, fissuring, and others. The obtained results significantly improve the reliability of geologically interpreting geophysical anomalies, especially in areas covered by loose sediments and where productive horizons are deeply buried. The detailed petrophysical analysis of the region has made it possible to provide recommendations for selecting an optimal set of geophysical methods for further successful work at the prospecting-evaluation and exploration stages in the Zhezkazgan ore district. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries are extensively used for energy storage in renewable, electronic, and automotive applications. However, once their electrical capacity is exhausted, they become hazardous waste that requires energy-intensive recycling processes. This study investigates the thermodynamic and exergetic behavior of LiMn₂O₄-based lithium-ion batteries subjected to controlled electrical overvoltage from renewable energy sources, aiming to quantify their potential for thermal energy generation and recovery. A detailed mathematical model was developed to describe the coupled heat transfer and electrochemical phenomena occurring during overvoltage conditions, and experimental validation was performed under various voltage levels and charging states. Energy and exergy analyses were applied to determine the configuration yielding the highest conversion efficiency for both new and aged cells. The maximum thermal energy efficiency reached 81% for new batteries and 4% for used batteries, while the corresponding exergetic efficiencies were 5% and 1.6%, respectively. Although this study does not propose the immediate large-scale reuse of spent batteries as thermal devices, the results provide quantitative insight into irreversible energy conversion processes and highlight their potential contribution to waste heat recovery and energy optimization strategies in sustainable industrial systems. This thermodynamic framework offers a novel approach for valorizing end-of-life batteries within circular energy models, reducing environmental impact, and advancing the integration of renewable energy-driven heat recovery technologies. Full article

Immersion deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography remains an indispensable core technology in advanced integrated circuit manufacturing, particularly when combined with multiple patterning techniques to achieve sub-10 nm feature patterning. However, at advanced technology nodes, dynamic instabilities of DUV light sources—including spectral characteristics (bandwidth fluctuations, and center wavelength drift), coherence variations, and pulse-to-pulse energy instability—can adversely affect imaging contrast, normalized image log-slope (NILS), and critical dimension (CD) uniformity. To quantitatively assess the impact of laser parameter fluctuations on NILS and CD, this work establishes systematic physical models for imaging perturbations caused by multi-parameter laser output instabilities under immersion DUV lithography. Through simulations, we evaluate the influence of laser parameter variations on the imaging fidelity of representative line/space (L/S) and tip-to-line (T2L) structures, thereby validating the proposed perturbation model. Research demonstrates that the spectral attributes (bandwidth fluctuation and center wavelength drift), coherence variations, and pulse energy instability collectively induce non-uniform electric field intensity distribution within photoresist, degrading NILS, and amplifying CD variation, which ultimately compromise pattern fidelity and chip yield. Notably, at advanced nodes, pulse energy fluctuation exerts a significantly greater influence on imaging errors compared to bandwidth and wavelength variations. To satisfy the 10% process window requirement for 45 nm linewidths, pulse energy fluctuations should be rigorously confined within 1%. This research provides theoretical foundations and practical insights for the design of dynamic stability control of light source and process optimization of next-generation DUV light sources. Full article

This article uses a water model with a ratio of 1:5.75 to study the influence of factors such as the position and flow rate of top and bottom composite argon blowing on the mixing time of molten steel in a 300t ladle at a certain factory. Using engine oil to simulate steel slag, the mass transfer velocity of molten steel under different bottom and top blowing positions and flow rates of the ladle was compared. At the same time, numerical simulation was used to analyze the changes in the flow field of molten steel under different ladle blowing modes. The optimal ladle composite bottom argon process was proposed and industrial experiments were conducted on site. The research results show that the stirring effect of top–bottom composite argon blowing in the ladle is significantly better than that of the pure bottom blowing mode. When the top blowing gun is located 300 mm at the bottom of the ladle, the mixing time of the molten steel is shortest and the stirring efficiency is highest. The higher the insertion depth of the top blowing gun, the faster the flow rate of the molten steel, and the smaller the proportion of dead zones. Top and bottom blowing can improve the mass transfer rate between steel slag and promote the formation of refined slag. Through industrial experiments, it was found that the S content in the molten steel decreased by approximately 22.3% and the total oxygen content decreased by 25% before and after 10 min of composite argon blowing at the top and bottom of the ladle. Full article

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted extensive attention owing to their outstanding catalytic performance and nearly complete atom utilization efficiency. However, the environmental sustainability of SACs across their full life cycle has not yet been systematically investigated. This review emphasizes the necessity of integrating life cycle assessment (LCA) into SACs to support their sustainable development. By analyzing the structural characteristics, synthesis strategies, and representative application fields, this study examines how LCA principles can be employed to reveal the hidden environmental burdens associated with raw material extraction, synthesis processes, usage stages, and end-of-life management. Based on existing LCA case studies of catalytic materials, this review identifies the key challenges in the SACs field and proposes a preliminary framework for sustainable SAC design with LCA as a guiding approach. Finally, the review summarizes the current challenges and future perspectives, emphasizing that developing more specific evaluation standards, improving database construction, and adopting dynamic assessment methods are essential to shift LCA from a passive evaluation tool to an active design strategy that drives the green development of next-generation SACs. Full article

Industrial site selection holds strategic importance in the layout of industrial facilities. Scientific decision-making in site selection not only enhances the economic and technical feasibility of a project but also lays the foundation for sustainable development. However, industrial site selection is considered an NP-hard problem. The criteria used to evaluate site suitability, the methods proven effective under different conditions, big data sources introduced, and the key data gaps, methodological limitations, and research priorities to improve decision quality are important for researchers and engineers. Based on the Web of Science (WOS) core collection as the data source, this paper retrieved the literature related to the themes of “industrial site selection” and “facility location decision making,” and selected 149 highly relevant papers. It systematically categorizes three mainstream site selection methods: operations research-based methods; the application of geographic information systems in site selection; and the application of artificial intelligence in site selection. On this basis, this paper provides a systematic review of the overall industrial site selection process and methodologies, aiming to offer references for subsequent site selection analysis research and practical site selection work. An “MCDM–GIS–AI” technology convergence roadmap is also proposed for industrial site selection to identify remaining research gaps and offer a set of “good-practice guidelines” to inform both practical applications and future analytical studies. Full article

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit different oculomotor behavior compared to their typically developing peers. Research shows that eye movement patterns can provide important information about attention mechanisms. While eye movements have been examined in various cognitive contexts, this study investigated their role in a task designed to assess their potential as indicators of attention functioning in children with ADHD. Specifically, we assessed tonic attention, attentional focus, and selective attention. Seventy participants aged 9–12 years with DSM-5 ADHD-I and ADHD-C types participated in our research. We then included the results of 57 participants in our study. We used the d2-R attention test and the Reaction alertness test to determine the specifics we were looking for. We used Eye Tracking Glasses (ETG) 2w to capture eye movements. The results show that quiet eye (QE) duration does not reliably predict visuomotor performance in this population. Our findings further suggest that in children with ADHD, the QE phase is not the primary period for acquiring visual information important for movement planning; rather, relevant information is gathered earlier in the process. Conversely, prolonged onset and duration of QE were associated with poorer attentional efficiency, suggesting that in ADHD, longer QE may reflect slower or less efficient cognitive processing rather than increased control. Full article

The Allam power cycle is a groundbreaking elevated-pressure power generation unit that utilizes oxygen and fossil fuels to generate low-cost electricity while capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) inherently. In this project, we utilize the CO₂ generated from the Allam cycle as feedstock for a newly envisioned industrial complex dedicated to producing renewable hydrocarbons. The industrial complex (FAAR) comprises four subsystems: (i) a Fischer–Tropsch synthesis plant (FTSP), (ii) an alkaline water electrolysis plant (AWEP), (iii) an Allam power cycle plant (APCP), and (iv) a reverse water-gas shift plant (RWGSP). Through effective material, heat, and power integration, the FAAR complex, utilizing 57.1% renewable energy for its electricity needs, can poly-generate sustainable hydrocarbons (C₁–C₃₀), pure hydrogen, and oxygen with near-zero emissions from natural gas and water. Economic analysis indicates strong financial performance of the development, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 18%, a discounted payback period of 8.7 years, and a profitability index of 2.39. The complex has been validated through rigorous modeling and simulation using Aspen Plus version 14, including sensitivity analysis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer is characterized by a significant microstructural heterogenicity among different histological types. Artificial intelligence and digital pathology instruments can facilitate morphological analysis by introducing calculated metrics allowing for the distinguishment of different tissue patterns. Methods: We used computer vision models to calculate a number of morphometric features of tumor vascularization and proliferation. We used two frameworks to process whole-slide images: (1) LVI-PathNet framework for vascular detection, based on the SegFormer architecture; and (2) Mito-PathNet framework for mitotic figure detection, based on the RetinaNet detector and an ensemble classification model. The results were visualized in the segmented and gradient heatmaps. Results: SegFormer for vessel segmentation achieved the following quality metrics: IoU = 0.96, FBeta-score = 0.98, and AUC-ROC = 0.98. RetinaNet + CNN ensemble achieved the following quality metrics: specificity = 0.96 and sensitivity = 0.97. The analysis of the obtained parameters allowed us to identify trophic patterns of lung cancer according to the degree of aggressiveness, which can serve as potential targets for therapy, including proliferative-vascular, hypoxic, proliferative, vascular, and inactive. Conclusions: The analysis of the obtained parameters allowed us to identify distinct quantitative characteristics for each histological type of lung cancer. These patterns could potentially become markers for therapeutic choices, such as antiangiogenic and hypoxia-induced factor therapy. Full article

This study investigates the mineralogical and physical properties of serpentinite from the Monteferrato area (Tuscany, Italy) to evaluate its potential use in Tuscany architectural restoration. The research addresses the need to identify replacement materials compatible with historic stones while preserving their original features. Representative specimens from the Bagnolo quarry were analysed through physical testing and a wide range of mineralogical and geochemical techniques, including polarised light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron probe micro-analysis, whole-rock chemistry, and fibre quantification. The results show a mineralogical composition dominated by serpentine-group minerals and magnetite, with physical properties generally consistent across samples. Measured capillary water absorption ranges from 3.27 to 5.27 g/m²·s^0.5, open porosity from 5.25% to 8.93%, apparent densities range from 2.49 to 2.56 g/cm³, and imbibition coefficient from 2.16% to 3.71%. Comparative analysis with serpentinite from historic sources (Figline di Prato quarry, Tuscany) and from monuments (Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence) demonstrates close compositional and textural affinities, supporting the suitability of the rock from the studied quarry for restoration purposes in Tuscany monuments. However, chrysotile concentrations up to 14,153 mg/kg, exceeding Italian regulatory thresholds, represent a critical limitation. This not only requires the implementation of strict safety measures but also raises serious concerns regarding the practical feasibility of using this stone in conservation projects. More broadly, the presence of asbestiform minerals in serpentinites highlights a significant and often underestimated health risk associated with their extraction, processing, and use. Despite its importance, detailed fibre count data are rarely published or made publicly accessible, hindering both transparent risk assessment and informed decision-making. By integrating petrographic, mineralogical, and physical–mechanical characterisation with fibre quantification, this study not only assesses the technical suitability of Monteferrato serpentinites for restoration of Tuscan monuments but also contributes to a more responsible and evidence-based approach to their use, emphasising the urgent need for transparency and health protection in conservation practices. Full article

Coagulation–flocculation, historically reliant on simple inorganic salts, has evolved into a technically sophisticated process that is central to the removal of turbidity, suspended solids, organic matter, and an expanding array of micropollutants from complex wastewaters. This review synthesizes six decades of research, charting the transition from classical aluminum and iron salts to high-performance polymeric, biosourced, and hybrid coagulants, and examines their comparative efficiency across multiple performance indicators—turbidity removal (>95%), COD/BOD reduction (up to 90%), and heavy metal abatement (>90%). Emphasis is placed on recent innovations, including magnetic composites, bio–mineral hybrids, and functionalized nanostructures, which integrate multiple mechanisms—charge neutralization, sweep flocculation, polymer bridging, and targeted adsorption—within a single formulation. Beyond performance, the review highlights persistent scientific gaps: incomplete understanding of molecular-scale interactions between coagulants and emerging contaminants such as microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and engineered nanoparticles; limited real-time analysis of flocculation kinetics and floc structural evolution; and the absence of predictive, mechanistically grounded models linking influent chemistry, coagulant properties, and operational parameters. Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for transitioning from empirical dosing strategies to fully optimized, data-driven control. The integration of advanced coagulation into modular treatment trains, coupled with IoT-enabled sensors, zeta potential monitoring, and AI-based control algorithms, offers the potential to create “Coagulation 4.0” systems—adaptive, efficient, and embedded within circular economy frameworks. In this paradigm, treatment objectives extend beyond regulatory compliance to include resource recovery from coagulation sludge (nutrients, rare metals, construction materials) and substantial reductions in chemical and energy footprints. By uniting advances in material science, process engineering, and real-time control, coagulation–flocculation can retain its central role in water treatment while redefining its contribution to sustainability. In the systems envisioned here, every floc becomes both a vehicle for contaminant removal and a functional carrier in the broader water–energy–resource nexus. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has declined even within Mediterranean regions, while its adoption has become more common in non-Mediterranean contexts. This study compares Germany and Türkiye, two culturally contrasting contexts traditionally classified as non-Mediterranean and Mediterranean, respectively, to examine cross-cultural differences and patterns in MedDiet adherence and related lifestyle behaviors. Specifically, it aims to compare adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife), physical activity, and social participation, and to analyze their associations within each country. Methods: Using data from the MEDIET4ALL survey, 1184 valid responses (609 from Germany and 575 from Türkiye) were analyzed for dietary behaviors, perceived barriers to MedDiet adherence, physical activity, and social engagement, with adherence assessed via the MEDLIFE index. Results: The majority of respondents were healthy (79%), employed (67%), young adults (56%), of normal weight (51%), living in urban environments (72%), and showed a gender balance (52.5% female). Most were classified as medium MedDiet adherent in both Germany (45%) and Türkiye (56%), with no significant difference in total MedLife scores. However, block- and item-level analyses revealed that Turkish participants showed higher adherence to Mediterranean food consumption (p < 0.001), particularly in limiting processed meat and consuming legumes, dairy, nuts/olives, and olive oil. In contrast, German participants adhered more closely to recommendations for red meat and cereal intake. German participants also scored higher on lifestyle-related behaviors (e.g., regular napping and recommended sleep duration), while no significant differences were found in the dietary habits block. Awareness of the MedDiet was significantly higher among German participants (p < 0.001), with country-specific differences in perceived barriers (i.e., higher total score among Germans with p = 0.03). Germans reported more barriers related to social norms and health conditions, while Turkish respondents more often cited attitudes, cost, and individual beliefs. Physical activity levels were significantly higher in Germany, whereas Turkish respondents reported greater social participation (p < 0.001). Weak to moderate correlations (r = 0.09 to 0.035) were found between MedLife adherence and both physical activity and social participation, with stronger associations observed among German participants. Conclusions: These findings highlight the culturally embedded nature of lifestyle behaviors related to MedDiet adherence. Despite similar overall adherence levels, Germans and Turks differ in specific dietary patterns, lifestyle practices, and perceived barriers, underscoring the need for culturally tailored interventions to improve adherence. Full article

Bioavailable phosphorus is essential for sustaining high crop productivity, yet excessive inorganic P fertilization often leads to P accumulation in stable soil forms, reducing utilization efficiency. Straw serves as an organic P source and enhances P availability by stimulating microbial activity. However, systematic studies on how organic P inputs (straw returning) and inorganic P fertilizers regulate soil bioavailable P through microbial and enzymatic processes remain limited. A 16-year field experiment was carried out in a rice–wheat rotation system, including five fertilization treatments: no fertilization (CK), optimized fertilization (OPT), increased N (OPTN), increased P (OPTP), and optimized fertilization combined with straw mulching/returning (OPTM). This study evaluates the impacts of long-term organic and inorganic P sources on soil P fractions, extracellular enzyme activities, and the composition of microbial communities, alongside their collective contributions to crop yield. In this study, based on soil samples collected in 2023, we found that fertilization led to significant increases in Citrate-P and HCl-P, enhanced the activities of β-1,4-glucosidase (BG), β-D-cellobiosidase (CBH), and β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), and altered both microbial diversity and co-occurrence network complexity. The OPTM treatment showed the highest yield and improved microbial diversity and network complexity, with Enzyme-P, Citrate-P, and HCl-P increasing by 62.64%, 11.24%, and 9.49%, and BG, CBH, and NAG activities rising by 22.74%, 40.90%, and 18.09% compared to OPT. Mantel tests and random forest analyses revealed significant associations between microbial community and biochemical properties, while partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) indicated that inorganic P source enhanced yield primarily through altering soil P dynamics and enzymatic processes, while microbial communities under organic P source acted as key mediators to increase crop productivity. These findings deepen insights into how microbial communities and enzymatic stoichiometry synergistically regulate phosphorus bioavailability and wheat yield, providing a theoretical basis for sustainable fertilization practices in rice–wheat rotation systems. Full article

Planetary gear trains offer numerous advantages over traditional gear systems, including high efficiency, the ability to handle large torque loads, and significant reductions in mass and size for the same torque capacity. However, their relatively complex design necessitates the use of optimization techniques to identify the most suitable configurations for specific applications. A key requirement for effective optimization is a mathematical model that accurately captures the essential operational characteristics of the system. Moreover, the optimization process must account for multiple, often conflicting, objectives. This paper focuses on the multicriteria optimization of a three-stage planetary gear train intended for use in a road vehicle winch. The development of the optimization model involves defining the objective functions, decision variables, and constraints. Optimization criteria were based on the following characteristics: overall volume, mass, transmission efficiency, and the production costs of the gear pairs. In addition to identifying the group of solutions that are Pareto optimal, the model employs the weighted coefficient method to select a single optimal solution from this set. The selected solution is then analyzed through simulation to assess potential gear failure scenarios. By combining optimization techniques with simulation and contact analysis, this study contributes to improving the reliability of planetary gear transmissions. Full article