Search Results (8,126)

This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which digital government construction influences regional dual control of energy consumption (encompassing both the total volume and intensity of energy use), with a particular emphasis on exploring its indirect effects mediated by the synergistic advancement of technological and spiritual civilizations. Drawing on provincial panel data from China, we establish a nested framework that integrates spatial difference-in-differences models with double machine learning models to systematically dissect the transmission pathway linking digital government construction, the synergy between technological and spiritual civilizations, and the dual control of energy consumption. Our findings indicate the following: (1) Digital government construction significantly enhances the dual control of regional total energy consumption and energy intensity through policy coordination and optimized resource allocation. (2) While the progression of technological civilization plays a notable intermediary role in reducing energy intensity, its impact on total energy consumption is constrained by the “Jevons paradox”. (3) Advancements in spiritual civilization concurrently promote the alleviation of both total energy consumption and energy intensity by reshaping social consensus and behavioral norms. (4) The synergistic effects of technological and spiritual civilizations further amplify the efficacy of the dual control of energy consumption, although digital government construction exhibits a pronounced spatial polarization effect on energy intensity in neighboring regions. The theoretical contributions of this study are as follows: Firstly, it proposes the governance paradigm of digital government as a “technology–culture” collaborative hub, breaking through the binary opposition between technological determinism and institutional embeddedness. Secondly, it constructs a “feasible ability” expansion model to reveal the complementary mechanism between scientific and technological civilization (technology acquisition ability) and spiritual civilization (value selection ability). Thirdly, the policy black box is deconstructed through methodological innovation and provides a systematic path for emerging economies to solve the “efficiency–equity” dilemma of energy governance. Full article

Electrically conductive composites of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) may be of interest as strain sensors for event detection in high-strain scenarios, with potential applications in ballistics or orthopedics. In this study, geometric deformations of electrically conductive composites of UHMWPE were quantified for large plastic strains via physical measurements. These measurements were compared to neat (non-composite) control materials, and to geometrical behaviors predicted under volume conservation assumptions. This study found that material geometry remained close to that predicted by volume conservation at low-to-moderate plastic strains, with differences exceeding 5% only above 100% nominal strain. Materials with higher filler loading experienced a greater increase in measured volume than neat controls, particularly at higher strains. The results suggest that this difference could be due in part to volumetric opening in the composite materials with high filler loading. Finally, necking behavior was observed and quantified in this study, presenting another effect that should be taken into account for future work characterizing the electrical behavior of these materials under large plastic deformations. The results of this study thus lay the foundation for further characterization of these electrically-conductive composites, and to determine their intrinsic electrical properties as a function of strain in particular. Full article

This paper investigates the effects of the basalt-fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) and polyethylene (PE) hybrid fiber ratio on the mechanical properties and durability of engineered cementitious composites (ECC). First, four different PE-BFRP hybrid fiber ECC mixtures were systematically prepared by controlling the fiber volume ratio of PE and BFRP fibers. The workability and mechanical properties of the hybrid fiber ECC (HFECC) were then evaluated using flowability tests and multi-scale mechanical tests, including compressive strength, flexural strength, bending toughness, and tensile performance. After that, the durability of HFECC with different fiber ratios was comprehensively assessed through freeze–thaw cycle tests and rapid ion migration tests. Finally, the interface morphology of fibers within the matrix was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that an appropriate hybrid of PE and BFRP fibers can synergistically enhance the crack resistance and toughness of ECC, improving its failure mode. The best performance in terms of flowability and mechanical properties was observed for the HFECC mixture with 1.30% PE fiber volume and 0.30% BFRP fiber volume. With the increase in BFRP fiber content, the freeze–thaw resistance and chloride ion erosion resistance of HFECC were gradually enhanced. This study provides experimental and theoretical support for the design and engineering application of high-performance hybrid fiber ECC materials. Full article

In this paper, we investigated fractal cluster structures of colloidal particles in tin dioxide films obtained from lyophilic film-forming systems SnCl₄/EtOH/NH₄OH with different pH levels. It was revealed that at the ratio Sn > Cl₂ > O₂, N₂ = 0, and pH = 1.42, the growth of cross-shaped and flower-shaped structures of various sizes from several μm to tens of μm is observed. At the ratio Cl₂ > Sn > O₂ > N₂ and pH = 1.44, triangular and hexagonal structures are observed, the sizes of which are on the order of several tens of micrometers. The growth of hexagonal structures is probably affected by the presence of nitrogen in the film, according to the elemental analysis data. At the ratio Sn > Cl₂ > O₂ > N₂ and solution pH of 1.49, the growth of hexagonal and cross-shaped structures is observed, whereas flower-shaped structures are not observed. Hierarchical flower-like and cross-shaped structures are fractal. The shape of microstructures is directly related to the shape of the elementary cells of SnO₂ and NH₄Cl. A direct dependence of the formation of hierarchical structures on the volume of ammonium hydroxide additive was found. This allows for controlling the shape and size of the synthesized structures when changing the ratio of the initial precursors and influencing the final physicochemical characteristics of the obtained samples. Full article

The growth of air transportation volume and increasing requirements for efficiency require the improvement of algorithms for planning optimal aircraft flight routes. Traditional methods, such as the A*, B*, D* and Dijkstra algorithms, are widely used in navigation systems, but they have a number of limitations when applied in a dynamically changing environment, in particular due to the need to take into account weather conditions, air traffic, economic factors, and aircraft characteristics. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of existing approaches to optimizing airline routes, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and possible areas for their improvement. Particular attention is paid to multi-criteria parameters that affect routing efficiency, such as fuel consumption, safety aspects, forecasting accuracy, and adaptation to changing flight conditions. A methodological solution is proposed to improve route construction algorithms, which involves taking into account variable parameters in real time and integrating them into modern navigation systems. In addition, optimal flight paths were modeled using the improved algorithms, which allow for increasing the efficiency of decision-making in the field of air traffic control. The results of the study can be useful for airline companies, airspace authorities, and navigation software developers. Full article

This study presents a novel capillary microgripper for manipulating micrometer-sized objects directly within aqueous environments. The system features dynamic, vision-based feedback control of a non-volatile silicone oil droplet volume, enabling precise adjustment of the capillary bridge force for the adaptable capture of varying object sizes. This approach ensures extended working time and stable operation in water, mitigating the issues associated with evaporation common in other systems. COMSOL Multiphysics simulations analyzed capillary bridge formation. Experimental validation demonstrated successful different object shapes and sizes capture in an aqueous environment and further explored active release strategies necessary due to the non-volatile fluid, confirming the system potential for robust underwater micromanipulation. Full article

To address the challenge of dynamic monitoring during grouting operations in coal mine fault zones under pressurized mining, this study proposes the Borehole–Tunnel Joint Resistivity Method (BTJRM). By integrating three-dimensional (3D) electrode arrays in both tunnels and boreholes with 3D resistivity inversion technology, this approach enables fully automated underground data acquisition and real-time processing, facilitating comprehensive dynamic monitoring of grout propagation. A case study was conducted on a coal mine fault grouting project, where tunnel and borehole survey lines were deployed to construct a 3D cross-monitoring network, overcoming the limitations of traditional 2D data acquisition. Finite volume method and quasi-Gauss–Newton inversion algorithms were employed to analyze dynamic resistivity variations, enhancing spatial resolution for detailed characterization of grout migration. Key findings include: (1) Grout diffusion reduced resistivity by 10%, aligning with electrical response patterns during fracture-filling stages; (2) 3D inversion reveals that grout propagates along the principal stress axis, forming a “Y”-shaped low-resistivity anomaly zone that penetrates the fault structural block and extends into roadway areas. The maximum planar and vertical displacements of grout reach 100 m and 40 m, respectively. Thirty days post-grouting, resistivity recovers by up to 22%, reflecting the electrical signature of grout consolidation; (3) This method enables 3D reconstruction of grout diffusion pathways, extends the time window for early warning of water-conducting channel development, and enhances pre-warning capabilities for grout migration. It provides a robust framework for real-time sealing control of fault strata, offering a novel dynamic monitoring technology for mine water inrush prevention. The technology can provide reliable grouting evaluation for mine disaster control engineering. Full article

Sn-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) offer high capacity and low cost; however, significant volume changes during lithiation/delithiation cause mechanical degradation, limiting their practical applications. Microstructural control is a key approach to mitigating these volume changes. This study reports the fabrication of core (Sn rod)-shell (mesoporous Sn-oxide layer) structures through electrodeposition followed by anodization, and their applications to anode active materials for LIBs. First, micro-Sn rods with controlled lengths and diameters were fabricated under various electrodeposition conditions. The electrodeposited Sn exhibited a dendritic structure with short secondary rods branching from a long primary rod. While the primary Sn rod diameters remained constant, the secondary rod diameters varied depending on electrodeposition parameters. Notably, rod coarsening due to secondary rod agglomeration occurred at higher currents and longer deposition durations during galvanostatic electrodeposition. In contrast, potentiostatic electrodeposition prevented agglomeration and increased the quantity of Sn rods with voltage. Subsequently, the core-shell structures were fabricated by anodizing Sn rods, forming mesoporous Sn-oxide layers with different pore sizes and pore wall thicknesses. Electrochemical characterization revealed that the core-shell anode performance for LIBs varied with the Sn-oxide shell’s microstructure. These findings provide insights into optimal core-shell structures to improve anode performance for LIBs. Full article

Conventional laboratory methods for handling valuable biological samples typically use pipettes or needles, which are prone to issues such as dead volume and sample waste. Furthermore, the sampling and processing of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) in environmental wastewater, require labor-intensive procedures with multiple complex steps. To overcome these limitations, we developed a pipette integrated with a microfluidic chip for bacteria sampling and delivery. This pipette can provide the negative pressure to microfluidic chips for sampling, the constant temperature unit for biological reaction, and programs for automatic control (suction, heating, liquid discharge, and cleaning) and display. The droplet chip employs a cross-channel structure to generate droplets and incorporates a designated droplet storage and detection area. Utilizing this innovative device, we have demonstrated the generation, transportation, and storage of pL droplets, as well as quantitatively detected E. coli samples across various concentrations. The test results have demonstrated the overall reliability and data consistency of the system. Overall, our device achieves the precise sampling of pL volumes, offering a simple yet promising solution for the sampling and delivery of bio-samples in remote settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fatty infiltration of muscle is a predictor of degeneration. The present study determined the effect of an active spinal orthosis on muscle quality as determined by fatty infiltration in paraspinal muscles in older women with vertebral fractures and kyphosis. Methods: Twenty-one community-dwelling women ≥65 years with chronic back pain and vertebral fractures ≥3 months were randomly allocated to a group which wore the Spinomed active orthoses 2 × 2–3 h/d for 16 weeks (SOG: n = 11) or an untreated control group (CG: n = 10). Outcomes of the present study were parameters related to fatty infiltration of the musculi erector spinae and psoas major as determined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). We applied a per protocol analysis; data were consistently adjusted for baseline values applying an ANCOVA. Results: Despite positive trends for all MRI parameters, no significant effects of the active spinal orthosis on fat infiltration of the musculus erector spinae were observed. Significant positive effects were, however, determined for musculus psoas major intra-fascial volume (p = 0.021; d’: 1.18) and muscle tissue volume (p = 0.001; d’: 1.80). No further significant effects on m. psoas major intra-fascial or muscle tissue average fat fraction or m. psoas major intramuscular adipose tissue volume were assessed. Of importance, no changes in variables that might have confounded the present result were reported. Conclusions: In line with recent exercise studies, the present high-volume, low-intensity back-strengthening intervention, induced by an active spinal orthosis, failed to generate significant effects on MRI measures of the m. erector spinae. On the other hand, significant effects on m. psoas major hypertrophy, albeit not fatty muscle infiltration, were determined. This new and unexpected finding should be confirmed by future studies. Full article

Microfluidic devices are tiny tools used to manipulate small volumes of liquids in various fields. However, these devices frequently require additional equipment to control fluid flow, increasing the cost and complexity of the systems and limiting their potential for widespread use in low-resource biomedical applications. Here, we present a cost-effective and simple fabrication method for PMMA microfluidic chips using laser cutting technology, along with a low-cost and open-source peristaltic pump constructed with common hardware. The pump, programmed with an Arduino microcontroller, offers precise flow control in microfluidic devices for small volume applications. The developed application for controlling the peristaltic pump is user-friendly and open source. The microfluidic chip and pump system was tested using Jurkat cells. The cells were cultured for 24 h in conventional cell culture and a microfluidic chip. The LDH assay indicated higher cell viability in the microfluidic chip (111.99 ± 7.79%) compared to conventional culture (100 ± 15.80%). Apoptosis assay indicated 76.1% live cells, 18.7% early apoptosis in microfluidic culture and 99.2% live cells, with 0.5% early apoptosis in conventional culture. The findings from the LDH and apoptosis analyses demonstrated an increase in both cell proliferation and cellular stress in the microfluidic system. Despite the increased stress, the majority of cells maintained membrane integrity and continued to proliferate. In conclusion, the chip fabrication method and the pump offer advantages, including design flexibility and precise flow rate control. This study promises solutions that can be tailored to specific needs for biomedical applications. Full article

Background: Inflammatory arthritides (IAs) are systemic inflammatory syndromes that can affect diverse body tissues. Central nervous system involvement has been reported, but is considered rare. We investigated the relationship between cardiac and subclinical brain involvement in patients with IAs. Methods: We consecutively enrolled 25 patients with IAs and 31 as disease controls with non-autoimmune cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) reporting cardiac symptoms. Each participant underwent combined brain/heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also recruited 25 consecutive asymptomatic healthy controls without CVDs who underwent brain MRI. MRI scans were performed on a 1.5 T system. We investigated cardiac function/tissue characterization and the presence/localization of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). Results: All groups had similar ages (p = 0.267), and 16 (64%) patients with IAs vs. 7 (23%) disease controls vs. 16 (64%) healthy controls were women (p = 0.001). WMHs were detected in ≥1 brain area in 15 (60%) patients with IAs and 16 (53%) disease controls (p = 0.620). WMHs were significantly less prevalent amongst healthy controls [two (8%)] compared to patients with IAs (p < 0.001). Amongst patients with IAs, an increased cardiac T2 ratio was associated with an increased probability of WMH occurrence [OR per 0.1 unit change (95% CI): 1.29 (1.05–1.59), p = 0.016], while a higher cardiac T2 ratio (per 0.1 unit change) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were associated with higher WMH lesion burdens [β (95% CI): 0.12 (0.03–0.20), p = 0.008 and 0.25 (0.00–0.49), p = 0.049, respectively]. Conclusions: Patients with IAs and cardiac symptoms had significantly higher subclinical WMH burdens compared to age/sex-matched healthy controls. Myocardial edema was associated with a greater WMH burden, potentially suggesting shared pathophysiologic substrates. Full article

Aquaponics is an integrated method of aquatic animal and plant cultivation in a closed recycling system where the wastewater from aquatic animals is purified by microbes, which transform pollutants into nutrients for plants at the end of the chain. This technology allows to the efficiency of the area to be increased by a combination of cultivated plants and aquatic animals. Aquaponics produces environmentally friendly products by reducing fertilizer use and wastewater volume, increasing the extent of reuse by up to >90%. A promising way to increase efficiency in aquaponics is to use bacterial preparations (probiotics). This will allow control of the development of pathogens in the growing system, improving water quality and the growth rate of aquatic organisms. This paper overviews the experience of using probiotic preparations in aquaponic systems. It is shown that probiotics are able to increase the survival rate of aquatic organisms, improve the hydrochemical regime in recirculating aquaculture systems, and mitigate the risk of pathogenic contamination. There are a number of problems in aquaponics that prevent it from becoming more widespread and achieving maximum productivity, including problems with optimal pH and temperature, problems with nutrient and oxygen depletion, as well as diseases caused by phytopathogens and fish pathogens. The probiotics used do not take into account the biological needs of all components of the aquaponic system. The development of probiotic preparations from soil bacteria of the genus Bacillus will allow us to create a new class of probiotics specifically for aquaponics. Such preparations will work in a wide pH range, which will allow us to achieve maximum productivity for all components of aquaponics: animals, plants and bacteria. Full article

Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators (MSWIs) are facilities designed to burn municipal solid waste to reduce its volume and mass and generate energy. A significant concern related to MSWIs is the emission of toxic and carcinogenic pollutants, including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), heavy metals, and particulate matter. This review synthesizes global epidemiological and exposure assessment studies investigating cancer risks associated with residential proximity to MSWIs. Findings reveal a complex relationship: older incinerators with high emissions correlate with elevated risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), soft-tissue sarcoma (STS), and liver cancer in some studies, particularly in Europe. However, results remain inconsistent due to methodological limitations such as exposure misclassification, latency periods, and confounding factors like socioeconomic status. Modern facilities equipped with advanced pollution control technologies demonstrate reduced risks, often within regulatory thresholds. Key challenges include accurately quantifying historical exposures and disentangling MSWI-specific risks from other environmental or lifestyle factors. While advancements in dispersion modeling and biomonitoring have improved risk assessments, geographical and temporal variations in findings underscore the need for continued research. The review concludes that while historical evidence suggests potential cancer risks near older MSWIs, stricter emissions regulations and technological improvements have mitigated health impacts, although vigilance through long-term monitoring remains essential to safeguard public health. Full article

To address the challenge of imprecise micro-droplet formation control in piezoelectric jetting devices used in sand mold 3D printing and apply on-demand inkjet printing technology to sand mold manufacturing, this study first explains the working principle of a piezoelectric shear-mode printhead. A mathematical model of the droplet ejection process is then established based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Building upon this model, numerical simulations of droplet generation, breakup, and flight are conducted by using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) model within the Fluent module of the Workbench 2020 R2 platform. Finally, under consistent driving conditions, the effects of key parameters—viscosity, surface tension, and inlet velocity—on the ejection process are investigated through simulation. Based on the results, appropriate ranges and recommended values for ink properties are determined. This study provides significant engineering value for improving the stability and precision of droplet formation in industrial sand mold 3D printing. Full article