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Search Results (127)

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29 pages, 3844 KB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Bibliometric Review Analysis of Research on the Use of Waste Rubber Tyres in Building and Construction Materials and Their Applications
by Rosnery Castillo, Aleix Alva, Oriol París-Viviana and Montserrat Bosch
Polymers 2025, 17(18), 2480; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182480 - 13 Sep 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
This systematic bibliometric review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA methodology, examines the literature on waste rubber tyres (WRTs) and their applications, measuring correlations between several standard metrics and identifying gaps that may stimulate new research. Using a thirty-year database from Scopus, both [...] Read more.
This systematic bibliometric review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA methodology, examines the literature on waste rubber tyres (WRTs) and their applications, measuring correlations between several standard metrics and identifying gaps that may stimulate new research. Using a thirty-year database from Scopus, both numerical and graphical results highlight key aspects, including geographic distribution, journal analysis, keywords, and three main research categories: environment, application, and property. Publications have grown exponentially at a rate of 17% per year. Research is concentrated in India and China, with Africa and Central America lagging behind. The United States leads in impact, while publication volume correlates moderately with gross domestic product (GDP), but negatively with international collaboration. Notably, several leading countries in automobile and tyre production have a limited academic presence in WRT research. The most prominent studies focus on material development; however, there remains a lack of practical applications for these materials. Recent trends show growing interest in WRTs within engineering, materials science, and environmental science, with multidisciplinary approaches emerging. A keyword analysis indicates a steady evolution in end-of-life tyres (ELT) research over recent years. In environmental studies, interest in ELT recycling methods has grown, though aspects such as toxicity, life cycle analysis, and leaching remain relatively unexplored. In terms of applications, research is primarily focused on pavements, while areas such as facades, blocks, and roofs remain under-studied. Finally, in material property studies, most research addresses compressive strength, while critical areas such as fire resistance, impact resistance, and thermal testing offer promising avenues for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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20 pages, 395 KB  
Article
The Impact of Professional Development Programs on English as a Foreign Language Instructors in Higher Education Institutions
by Hijjatul Qamariah and Maria Hercz
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15081071 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 714
Abstract
Professional development (PD) is crucial for teacher growth, yet research on EFL instructors in higher education remains scarce. In Indonesia, PD research focuses more on secondary and primary school teachers, and the research that emphasises EFL teachers’ professionalism is limited. However, EFL teachers’ [...] Read more.
Professional development (PD) is crucial for teacher growth, yet research on EFL instructors in higher education remains scarce. In Indonesia, PD research focuses more on secondary and primary school teachers, and the research that emphasises EFL teachers’ professionalism is limited. However, EFL teachers’ PD plays an important role in preparing future teachers for better employment opportunities and international communication, so it is a critical component of higher education curricula. This study explores the impact of professional development programs on EFL instructors in Indonesian universities, focusing on types of professional development programs and personal initiatives. Ten EFL instructors from five different universities in Indonesia were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Using a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis reveals that most professional development efforts are self-driven rather than institutionally supported. Key impacts of professional development programs and activities they have participated in on their professionalism include research collaboration, publication skills, ELT strategy improvements, networking, reflective teaching, and language proficiency gains. The findings underscore the need for customised professional development programs that address educators’ specific contexts, ensuring sustainable enhancements in teaching practices. This study highlights the critical role of independent professional development efforts in higher education and provides insights into structuring more impactful support systems for EFL instructors globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Teacher Education)
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16 pages, 2642 KB  
Article
Innovative Lightweight and Sustainable Composite Material for Building Applications
by Corradino Sposato, Tiziana Cardinale, Maria Bruna Alba, Andrea Feo, Luca Pala and Piero De Fazio
Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7319; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167319 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1737
Abstract
In recent years, the application of sustainable cementitious materials has become of great importance to improve buildings efficiency and to achieve carbon neutrality. Main goal of this work to study and develop BIOAERMAC, an innovative construction material with low density, composed of synthetic [...] Read more.
In recent years, the application of sustainable cementitious materials has become of great importance to improve buildings efficiency and to achieve carbon neutrality. Main goal of this work to study and develop BIOAERMAC, an innovative construction material with low density, composed of synthetic anhydrous calcium sulfate obtained as by-product in the industrial production of hydrofluoric acid and an aerating agent composed of microorganisms and peroxides, with the addition of rubber from end-of-life tires (ELTs). A density from 600 to 950 kg/m3 with a compressive strength up to 6.0 MPa and a thermal conductivity from 0.15 to 0.3 W/mK are the key performance metrics of BIOAERMAC composites. Experimental results showed an improvement in technical and energy performance, combined with a reduction in natural resource consumption and the wide quantity of by-product reintroduced into the production process. Full article
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16 pages, 2185 KB  
Article
Maximizing Energy Recovery from Waste Tires Through Cement Production Optimization in Togo—A Case Study
by Mona-Maria Narra, Essossinam Beguedou, Satyanarayana Narra and Michael Nelles
Waste 2025, 3(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/waste3020019 - 8 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1312
Abstract
The cement industry faces increasing energy costs and environmental pressures, driving the adoption of alternative fuels derived from waste materials. In Togo, approximately 350,000 t of end-of-life tires (ELT) are generated annually, creating significant environmental and health hazards through uncontrolled disposal and burning [...] Read more.
The cement industry faces increasing energy costs and environmental pressures, driving the adoption of alternative fuels derived from waste materials. In Togo, approximately 350,000 t of end-of-life tires (ELT) are generated annually, creating significant environmental and health hazards through uncontrolled disposal and burning practices. This study investigated the technical feasibility and economic viability of incorporating waste tires as an alternative fuel in cement manufacturing. Tire-derived fuel (TDF) performance was evaluated by comparing pre-processed industrial tires with unprocessed ones, focusing on clinker production loss, elemental composition, heating values, and bulk density. The results demonstrate that TDF exhibits superior performance characteristics, with the highest heating values, and meets all the required specifications for cement production. In contrast, whole tire incineration fails to satisfy the recommended criteria, necessitating blending with conventional fuels to maintain clinker quality and combustion efficiency. The investigation revealed no significant adverse effects on production processes or clinker quality while achieving substantial reductions in nitrogen and sulfur oxide emissions. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical burnout times to optimize the shredding operations and injection methods. However, several challenges remain unaddressed, including the absence of streamlined handling processes, limited understanding of long-term ecological and health impacts, and insufficient techno-economic assessments. Future research should prioritize identifying critical aging points, investigating self-rejuvenating behaviors, and quantifying long-term environmental implications. These findings provide a foundation for developing computational models to optimize the mixing ratios of alternative and fossil fuels in cement manufacturing, offering significant environmental, economic, and societal benefits for the cement industry. Full article
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20 pages, 5670 KB  
Article
Performance Evaluation of Waste Rubber-Modified Asphalt Mixtures: A Comparative Study of Asphalt Concrete and Stone Mastic Asphalt Gradings
by Ivana Ban, Ivana Barišić, Marijana Cuculić and Matija Zvonarić
Infrastructures 2025, 10(5), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10050107 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1442
Abstract
Crumb rubber (CR) obtained from end-of-life tyres (ELT) has gained significant attention in the sustainable design of asphalt pavements in recent years, showing a promising perspective in the enhancement of pavement performance related to its structural and functional properties. Existing research on CR [...] Read more.
Crumb rubber (CR) obtained from end-of-life tyres (ELT) has gained significant attention in the sustainable design of asphalt pavements in recent years, showing a promising perspective in the enhancement of pavement performance related to its structural and functional properties. Existing research on CR influence on pavement performance mostly focused on peculiarities of asphalt mixture modification procedures—dry and wet processes, CR content in the mixture and CR particle size. In this study, a laboratory-based experimental investigation of CR effect on two different mixture gradations, namely dense-graded and gap-graded mixtures with three different binder contents, was performed. CR was added in mixtures through binder modification, with a constant CR content of 18% by binder weight in all mixtures. Volumetric properties—maximum mixture density, bulk density and void characteristics, alongside mechanical properties determined by the Marshall test method—were determined on unmodified and modified mixtures. The goal was to evaluate the influence of CR modification with respect to three different binder contents. The results showed that gap-graded mixtures are more sensitive to change in CR modified binder content in comparison to dense-graded mixtures in terms of air voids content. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of CR-modified mixtures were slightly enhanced in gap-graded mixtures, showing a promising potential of CR modification for pavement performance. However, the choice of optimal binder content in CR-modified mixtures was shown to be a critical mixture design parameter due to the increased sensitivity of binder content change to the analysed voids properties and permanent deformations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Road Design and Traffic Management)
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36 pages, 9920 KB  
Article
Recovered Tire-Derived Aggregates for Thermally Insulating Lightweight Mortars
by Elhem Ghorbel, Safiullah Omary and Ali Karrech
Materials 2025, 18(8), 1849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081849 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 685
Abstract
This study explores the innovative use of recovered tire-derived aggregates in cement-based mortars to enhance thermal insulation and reduce environmental impact. The research addresses the pressing global challenge of managing end-of-life tires (ELTs), which are non-biodegradable and contribute significantly to waste management issues. [...] Read more.
This study explores the innovative use of recovered tire-derived aggregates in cement-based mortars to enhance thermal insulation and reduce environmental impact. The research addresses the pressing global challenge of managing end-of-life tires (ELTs), which are non-biodegradable and contribute significantly to waste management issues. By incorporating crumb rubber from recycled tires into mortars, this study investigates the feasibility of creating lightweight, thermally insulating mortars suitable for building repair and rehabilitation. The primary objective is to develop mortars that minimize structural load, decrease energy consumption in buildings, and promote the recycling of ELTs as a valuable resource. The study focuses on evaluating how varying crumb rubber content affects key properties such as workability, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and fracture energy. Experimental tests were conducted to assess these properties, with the results indicating that mortars with up to 50% crumb rubber content exhibit improved thermal insulation and meet industry standards for non-structural repair applications. The methodology involved creating eight different mortar mixtures with varying proportions of crumb rubber particles (ranging from 0% to 100%). Each mixture was tested for physical and mechanical properties, including density, workability, air content, setting time, thermal conductivity, and strength. The experimental results showed that as the crumb rubber content increased, the thermal conductivity of the mortars decreased, indicating enhanced insulation properties. However, higher crumb rubber content led to reduced mechanical strength, highlighting the need for a balanced approach in material design. Key findings reveal that the air content of early-age mortar paste increases linearly with the crumb rubber replacement ratio, impacting the hardened behavior by concentrating stresses or facilitating the infiltration of damaging elements. The study also establishes relationships between mortar properties and crumb rubber content, contributing to the development of sustainable construction materials. The environmental benefits of recycling ELTs are emphasized, as this practice reduces the reliance on natural sand, a resource that is the second most consumed globally after water. This study underscores the viability of using crumb rubber from recycled tires in mortars for repair and rehabilitation purposes. The developed mortars, particularly those with 25% to 50% crumb rubber content, show promise as non-structural repair products, offering improved thermal insulation and reduced environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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21 pages, 3443 KB  
Article
Determination of the Social Contribution of Sustainable Additives for Asphalt Mixes Through Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping
by Leonardo Sierra-Varela, Alejandra Calabi-Floody, Gonzalo Valdés-Vidal, Víctor Yepes and Álvaro Filun-Santana
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3994; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073994 - 4 Apr 2025
Viewed by 922
Abstract
Assessing infrastructure sustainability requires an evaluation of technical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions, with the latter often being overlooked. Asphalt mixtures incorporating end-of-life tire textile fiber additives in Chile have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional fibers. However, the social sustainability of [...] Read more.
Assessing infrastructure sustainability requires an evaluation of technical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions, with the latter often being overlooked. Asphalt mixtures incorporating end-of-life tire textile fiber additives in Chile have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional fibers. However, the social sustainability of these additives remains underexplored. This study develops a model to assess the social sustainability of asphalt additives in Chile using fuzzy cognitive mapping. The methodology includes three stages: (1) qualitative exploration of the conceptual model by information triangulation, (2) construction of a fuzzy cognitive model to estimate social contributions, and (3) dynamic analysis of four additives, including those derived from end-of-life tire textile fiber. The results show that these recycled additives generate distinct social impacts, particularly in terms of consumer interest, innovation, knowledge transfer, and regulatory alignment. Additionally, technical contributions and certifications significantly influence sustainability assessments, exhibiting greater independence from other factors. The findings highlight the potential of repurposed textile fiber as a socially sustainable alternative in asphalt production. This approach supports circular economy initiatives, fosters innovation, and enhances the acceptance of sustainable infrastructure materials in Chile, contributing to a more resilient and responsible construction sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Asphalt Pavements)
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30 pages, 1729 KB  
Article
Conceptualising the Pedagogical Purposes of Technologies by Technological, Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition in English as a Second Language Classrooms
by Wing Hoi Cathy Shiu
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15040411 - 25 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2498 | Correction
Abstract
Since the advent of modern technology, various e-learning initiatives have been implemented in schools. Although such initiatives have enhanced English as a second language (ESL) teachers’ technological knowledge, these teachers continue to struggle with technology integration due to their limited technological pedagogical knowledge. [...] Read more.
Since the advent of modern technology, various e-learning initiatives have been implemented in schools. Although such initiatives have enhanced English as a second language (ESL) teachers’ technological knowledge, these teachers continue to struggle with technology integration due to their limited technological pedagogical knowledge. This study investigates how technology has been integrated into classrooms in various ways through a naturalist approach. It employs a qualitative multi-case study research design to investigate the practices of three English teachers who were responsible for IT in English education. Data were collected through observations, field notes, interviews and teachers’ reflections and analysed using a combination of inductive and deductive coding techniques, with the latter enhanced by two conceptual frameworks: the technological, pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) model and Puentedura’s, augmentation, modification and redefinition (SAMR) model. The findings present a typology of five kinds of technological tools and three domains of pedagogical purposes achieved by technology in ESL teaching. This typology provides references and guidance for ESL teachers who lack TPACK, helping them to effectively integrate technology in a way that enhances their teaching. Moreover, this typology gives way to an improved TPACK framework in English language teaching (ELT), providing a greater conceptual understanding of the relationships among the constructs of technological knowledge, technological pedagogical knowledge and technological and content knowledge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Competence of Educators: Opportunities and Challenges)
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15 pages, 5379 KB  
Article
Virtual Synchronous Generator Control of Grid Connected Modular Multilevel Converters with an Improved Capacitor Voltage Balancing Method
by Haroun Bensiali, Farid Khoucha, Abdeldjabar Benrabah, Lakhdar Benhamimid and Mohamed Benbouzid
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052865 - 6 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1019
Abstract
Modular multilevel converters have emerged as a common solution in high-voltage and medium-voltage applications due to their scalability and modularity. However, these advantages come at the cost of increased control complexity, particularly when compared to other multilevel converter topologies. This paper proposes a [...] Read more.
Modular multilevel converters have emerged as a common solution in high-voltage and medium-voltage applications due to their scalability and modularity. However, these advantages come at the cost of increased control complexity, particularly when compared to other multilevel converter topologies. This paper proposes a new combined control strategy based on virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control and capacitor voltage balancing (CVB) method. The VSG control is applied for power sharing and inertia emulation to increase the dynamic response and improve system stability while the CVB method is used to redistribute the energy stored in the capacitors of the submodules (SMs) in order to ensure uniform voltage levels and equalize the voltage across the capacitors. The simulation results as well as experimental ones confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, enhancing the performance of the energy conversion system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering)
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23 pages, 239 KB  
Article
Environmental Education Through Eco-Literacy: Integrating Sustainability into English Language Teaching
by Semin Kazazoglu
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2156; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052156 - 2 Mar 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4565
Abstract
Eco-literacy, the ability to understand and apply ecological knowledge to foster sustainable living, is increasingly recognized as an essential educational objective. Traditionally linked to disciplines such as science and social studies, eco-literacy is now gaining traction in English language teaching (ELT) to align [...] Read more.
Eco-literacy, the ability to understand and apply ecological knowledge to foster sustainable living, is increasingly recognized as an essential educational objective. Traditionally linked to disciplines such as science and social studies, eco-literacy is now gaining traction in English language teaching (ELT) to align language instruction with global sustainability goals. While previous research has highlighted the importance of sustainability in education, there is a scarcity of studies on how eco-literacy can be effectively integrated into language learning. To address this gap, this study aims to explore ELT students’ perceptions of the impact of eco-literacy-focused writing activities on their language development and awareness of environmental issues. Employing a mixed-methods design, data were collected through pre-and post-tests on changes in students’ perceptions of eco-literacy-focused writing activities. Semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants offered qualitative insights into their experiences. The findings revealed significant changes in students’ perceptions, particularly in their understanding of environmental vocabulary and critical thinking related to eco-literacy. Writing tasks and discussions on ecological themes enhanced their engagement and understanding of global sustainability issues. However, challenges such as limited prior knowledge of environmental topics and the need for further training were identified. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable language education by demonstrating the pivotal role of integrating eco-literacy into ELT classrooms. It also provides practical recommendations for teacher training programs to develop pedagogical strategies promoting linguistic and environmental learning outcomes, ultimately preparing educators to address global issues in diverse teaching contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
20 pages, 12877 KB  
Article
Viable Use of Tire Pyrolysis Oil as an Additive to Conventional Motor Oil: A Tribological and Physical Study
by Abdullah A. Alazemi, Abdullah F. Alajmi and Sultan M. Al-Salem
Lubricants 2025, 13(2), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13020064 - 3 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2048
Abstract
Stockpiled end-of-life tires (ELTs) pose a serious environmental concern. In the current investigation, ELT pyrolysis oil (i.e., pyro-oil) was studied as a potential additive to conventional motor oil. The pyro-oil samples were mixed in different concentrations of 10 to 50 wt.% with commercial [...] Read more.
Stockpiled end-of-life tires (ELTs) pose a serious environmental concern. In the current investigation, ELT pyrolysis oil (i.e., pyro-oil) was studied as a potential additive to conventional motor oil. The pyro-oil samples were mixed in different concentrations of 10 to 50 wt.% with commercial virgin motor oil to obtain a lubricant mixture. Chemical analyses were performed for the tire-recycled derivative material, as a potential route to utilize pyro-oils, valorize ELT waste, and reduce production costs of motor oil lubricants. Rheological examinations were performed to explore the impact of the pyro-oil on the rheological properties of the motor oil under several shearing rates and temperatures. Tribological analyses of the lubricant mixtures and the pure motor oil were accomplished to study the influence of the pyro-oil additive on the tribological behavior of motor oils. Lastly, thermal stability and wettability examinations were executed to assess the thermal and wetting properties of lubricant mixtures. The obtained results showed that adding a low concentration of the pyro-oil (≤10%) will sustain the motor oil’s chemical, wettability, thermal stability, rheological, and tribological properties, signifying a viable application of recycled ELTs and helping to reduce their environmental and economic impact. These findings offer a feasible route of use in the future to obtain low-cost oils with market specifications, utilizing pyro-oil as a sustainable and environmental oil additive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Rheology and Tribology)
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16 pages, 3837 KB  
Article
Licochalcone A Induces Uterine Leiomyoma Cell Apoptosis via the ROS-Mediated JNK Activation of the GRP78/NRF2 Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo
by Hung-Ju Chien, Huang-Ming Hu, Su-Ju Tsai, Chu-Liang Lin, Shun-Fa Yang, Ju-Kai Chen, Chung-Jung Liu and Yi-Hsien Hsieh
Antioxidants 2025, 14(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14020148 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1366
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LicoA) possesses anti-tumor properties. However, the potential therapeutic effect of LicoA on uterine leiomyomas (ULs) remains unknown. In this study, the effects of LicoA on the proliferation of ULs and its underlying mechanism were explored. LicoA treatment significantly decreased the viability [...] Read more.
Licochalcone A (LicoA) possesses anti-tumor properties. However, the potential therapeutic effect of LicoA on uterine leiomyomas (ULs) remains unknown. In this study, the effects of LicoA on the proliferation of ULs and its underlying mechanism were explored. LicoA treatment significantly decreased the viability of uterine smooth muscle cells (UtSMCs) and ELT3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The induction of ELT3 cell apoptosis by LicoA was accompanied by the increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (GRP78/IRE1α/ATF6/CHOP), and the increased expression of proapoptotic proteins (c-caspase-3, c-caspase-9, and c-PARP). The ability of Z-VAD-FMK (a caspase inhibitor) and n-acetylcysteine (NAC; a cell membrane permeable antioxidant) to reverse LicoA-induced ROS-mediated ER stress pathways also observed. Furthermore, GRP78 or JNK knockdown was involved in LicoA-induced ROS-mediated ER stress and apoptosis in ELT3 cells. In immunodeficient mice, LicoA significantly suppressed the growth of ELT3 tumor cells, without toxicity. This study is the first to show that LicoA exerts anti-leiomyoma effects via the modulation of ROS-mediated ER stress-induced apoptosis through the JNK/GRP78/NRF2 signaling pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)
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12 pages, 1953 KB  
Systematic Review
Optimal Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Reducing Problematic Internet Use in Youth: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
by Jing-Jing Tian, Xiao-Ya He and Zhen Guo
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010098 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2172
Abstract
The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the effect of different non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception to 22 December 2023 were searched in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, [...] Read more.
The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the effect of different non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception to 22 December 2023 were searched in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and WanFang Data. We carried out a data analysis to compare the efficacy of various NPIs using Bayesian NMA. A battery of analyses and assessments, such as conventional meta-analysis and risk of bias, were performed concurrently. Two reviewers extracted data and evaluated bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool independently. We identified 90 RCTs including 15 different NPIs (5986 participants), namely sports intervention (SI), electroencephalogram biological feedback (EBF), reality therapy (RT), positive psychology therapy (PPT), sandplay therapy (ST), educational intervention (EI), compound psychotherapy (CPT), electroacupuncture therapy (AT), group counseling (GC), family therapy (FT), electrotherapy (ELT), craving behavior intervention (CBI), virtual reality therapy (VRT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and mindfulness therapy (MT). Our NMA results showed that SI, EBF, RT, PPT, ST, EI, CPT, AT, GC, FT, ELT, CBT, CBI, VRT, and MT were effective in reducing PIU levels. The most effective NPI was SI (SMD = −4.66, CrI: −5.51, −3.82, SUCRA = 95.43%), followed by EBF (SMD = −4.51, CrI: −6.62, −2.39, SUCRA = 90.89%) and RT (SMD = −3.83, CrI: −6.01, −1.62, SUCRA = 81.90%). Our study showed that SI was the best NPI to relieve PIU levels in youth. Medical staff should be aware of the application of SI to the treatment of PIU in youth in future clinical care. Full article
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18 pages, 4647 KB  
Article
Upcycling Automobile End-of-Life Tires for Development and Characterization of Circular Plasterboards
by Alicia Zaragoza-Benzal, Daniel Ferrández, Cecilia Aguilar-Simón, Alberto Morón and Paulo Santos
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020558 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1178
Abstract
The number of end-of-life tires (ELTs) has increased enormously in the world during the last decades, accumulating progressively in landfills and ecosystems. For this reason, the application of secondary raw materials derived from their recycling has become one of the great challenges for [...] Read more.
The number of end-of-life tires (ELTs) has increased enormously in the world during the last decades, accumulating progressively in landfills and ecosystems. For this reason, the application of secondary raw materials derived from their recycling has become one of the great challenges for today’s society. In this work, different types of prefabricated plaster products were developed incorporating recycled rubber aggregates from ELTs in different granulometries, aiming to study their feasibility to develop construction systems. It was possible to replace up to 40% of the original raw material, obtaining plasterboards that exceed the 0.18 kN flexural breaking load established by regulations. Likewise, the addition of these rubber aggregates reduced the thermal conductivity of the gypsum composites, and the thermal resistance of the lightened partitions was improved by up to 21.8% when used in conjunction with thermal break layer. On the other hand, its greater durability against the action of water was also tested, and fire resistance class B-s1, d0, was obtained. With all these positive results, this study presents a possible application of recycled rubber aggregates for the development of prefabricated plates and panels, addressing one of the main gaps in the literature, the applicability of these building materials produced under circular economy criteria in sustainable construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Materials)
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21 pages, 7658 KB  
Article
Model-Free Speed Control for Pumping Kite Generator Systems Based on Nonlinear Hyperbolic Tangent Tracking Differentiator
by Mouaad Belguedri, Abdeldjabar Benrabah, Farid Khoucha, Emmanuel Delaleau, Mohamed Benbouzid and Khelifa Benmansour
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020685 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1021
Abstract
This paper investigates the emerging field of grid-connected wind-powered pumping kite generator system (PKGS), focusing on the challenges associated with the generator/motor speed control. Conventional use of proportional–integral (PI) controllers faces difficulties in meeting requirements for dynamic response, tracking performance, stability, and disturbance [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the emerging field of grid-connected wind-powered pumping kite generator system (PKGS), focusing on the challenges associated with the generator/motor speed control. Conventional use of proportional–integral (PI) controllers faces difficulties in meeting requirements for dynamic response, tracking performance, stability, and disturbance rejection encountered in this technology, notably the periodical variation in the rotational speed reference in maximum power point tracking in generation phases and the dynamic response for the step reference in transient ones. To overcome these limitations, a model-free controller (MFC) approach is introduced, also known as intelligent PID controllers. Unlike traditional methods, MFC does not rely on a control model of the system and adapts to uncertainties and disturbances through online estimation based on the system’s input–output behavior. To further improve the control performances, a tracking differentiator based on a nonlinear hyperbolic tangent function is integrated in the MFC. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is proved through simulations in MATLAB/Simulink. The results highlight the superior performances of the proposed MFC approach in terms of speed control accuracy, response time, and robustness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering)
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