Search Results (639)

This study investigates the combined effect of incorporating recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and glass fibers (GFs) on the properties of geopolymer concrete. The precursor binder consisted of a blend of ground granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash. Furthermore, two types of GFs (i.e., short and long) were incorporated, either individually or in hybrid combinations, to enhance the performance of the concrete. Experimental results revealed that replacing natural aggregates (NAs) with RCAs in geopolymer concrete production had no tangible impact on workability but resulted in a slight reduction in the density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and bulk resistivity. Similarly, the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity decreased by up to 18 and 57%, respectively. Meanwhile, the addition of GFs, particularly in hybrid configurations, effectively mitigated these reductions. Among the hybrid mixtures, a short-to-long fiber ratio (A:B) of 1:3 yielded the most significant improvements of the physical, mechanical, and durability properties, with increases of up to 16%, 91%, and 61%, respectively. Several correlation equations were established to describe the relationships between the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of GF-reinforced geopolymer concrete and were compared with existing codified models. The outcomes provide critical insights into the synergistic roles of RCA and GFs in tailoring high-performance, eco-efficient concrete systems. This research supports the advancement of sustainable concrete production and promotes the broader structural adoption of geopolymer technologies. Full article

The construction sector contributes approximately 40% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions, necessitating the development of low-carbon and high-performance sustainable building materials. The lightweight volcanic glass known as expanded perlite is an excellent candidate due to its pozzolanic reactivity, thermal insulation, and self-compacting properties. The literature review presented here is based on 100 articles (1985–2024) and examines the mechanical, thermal, durability, and sustainability aspects of this material. According to the literature, the incorporation of expanded perlite significantly reduces thermal conductivity, from 1.81 W/m·K in conventional concrete to 0.69 W/m·K and further to 0.034–0.06 W/m·K in insulation-oriented mixes. In addition, ground perlite exhibits enhanced pozzolanic reactivity, yielding up to 50% higher compressive strength at a 35% replacement rate. When added to self-consolidating concrete, perlite at 220–260 kg/m³ makes mixes more durable by reducing permeability, carbonation, and chloride-ion migration. However, higher perlite replacement levels adversely affect mechanical performance, with early-age compressive strength decreasing by more than 60% when cement replacement exceeds 30%. The appropriate percentage of perlite depends on the desired outcome. A content of 20% is ideal for balancing strength and durability, while higher levels up to 50% improve insulation and reduce density (25–400 kg/m³). Overall, expanded perlite demonstrates strong potential to enhance durability, reduce permeability, and improve sulfate resistance, positioning it as a viable material for low-carbon construction systems. Full article

The spotted seal (Phoca largha) is a flagship species and natural monument inhabiting Korean coastal waters. Due to its conservation importance and the rarity of carcass discoveries, determining the cause of death of each individual is critical. A juvenile female spotted seal carcass was discovered on the eastern coast of Korea in May 2025. External examination revealed multiple parallel lacerations consistent with propeller strike injuries. Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) was performed prior to necropsy to provide a comprehensive forensic analysis. CT imaging revealed the longest wound measured 10.49 cm in length and 1.58 cm in depth, suggesting a minimum propeller diameter of approximately 19 cm. Skeletal injuries included a coccygeal vertebral fracture and subluxation of the left astragalus and calcaneus. CT images of the respiratory tract showed frothy fluid in the nasal cavity and trachea, as well as ground-glass opacity and consolidation in the lung parenchyma. Necropsy findings confirmed severe pulmonary edema, congestion, and abundant frothy foam throughout the respiratory tract. Histological analysis revealed pulmonary edema with eosinophilic fluid and erythrocytes in alveolar spaces, markedly distended blood vessels, and intra-alveolar hemorrhage. This comprehensive approach demonstrated that the cause of death was drowning, secondary to propeller strike by a small vessel (<4.5 m). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report providing a detailed forensic analysis of a juvenile spotted seal found on the eastern coast of Korea. This case highlights the importance of integrating PMCT with conventional necropsy to improve cause-of-death determination in marine mammal conservation. Full article

Since 2007, the porosity–to–cement relationship has been widely used as a unified parameter to predict mechanical strength, durability, expansion, and stiffness of stabilized soils. In this formulation, the volumetric binder content is adjusted by an internal exponent x, typically ranging between 0 and 1, to balance the relative contributions of porosity and cementation. Traditionally, the parameters of this relationship have been obtained using manual regression procedures. This study proposes an automated calibration methodology for the porosity–binder index, where the parameters A, B, and x are determined through an iterative optimization framework based on minimization of the sum of absolute errors (SAE) combined with a Monte Carlo search algorithm. The methodology is applied to a cement-stabilized clay blended with ground glass (GG), recycled gypsum (GY), and limestone residues (CLW). The predictive capability of the calibrated model is evaluated using unconfined compressive strength (q_u) and initial shear stiffness (Go) datasets. Two calibration strategies are considered: Calibration Process No. 1, based on CLW mixtures and q_u values only, and Calibration Process No. 2, incorporating all mixtures (CLW, GG, and GY) and both q_u and Go responses. The results indicate that Calibration Process No. 2 provides a more robust and physically consistent parameter set, yielding coefficients of determination of 0.9318 and 0.9412 for q_u and Go, respectively. The proposed algorithm-driven calibration framework improves predictive capability and provides a systematic approach for determining the parameters of the porosity–binder relationship. Full article

The reliability of adhesive bonding to CAD/CAM resin composites is influenced not only by material composition and surface treatment but also by the testing methodology used to assess bond strength. However, the impact of different shear bond strength (SBS) test configurations remains insufficiently clarified. This study evaluated the influence of different surface pretreatment protocols and SBS test methods on the bonding performance of a self-adhesive resin cement to two CAD/CAM materials: a conventional particulate-filled composite (Cerasmart 270) and an experimental short glass fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC CAD). Specimens (14 × 12 × 3 mm; n = 80 per material) were ground with 320-grit silicon carbide paper and divided according to surface pretreatment: airborne-particle abrasion (APA) or APA followed by hydrofluoric acid application for 60 s (APA + HF). Each group was further subdivided based on the SBS test method using either resin cement cylinders fabricated with a custom transparent mold (diameter: 3.6 mm; height: 3 mm) or metallic cylinders cemented to the treated surface. Half of the specimens were tested after 48 h of water storage, while the remainder underwent hydrothermal aging by boiling in water for 16 h prior to testing. Material type, SBS test method, surface pretreatment, and aging significantly affected bond strength (p < 0.05). The metallic cylinder method produced higher SBS values than the transparent mold technique, particularly for SFRC CAD. APA + HF tended to reduce SBS in Cerasmart 270, particularly after aging, whereas SFRC CAD showed comparable or higher bond strength values with APA alone. Aging decreased SBS in most groups. Overall, bond strength was influenced by both material type and test methodology. Within the limitations of this study, airborne-particle abrasion alone may be sufficient for SFRC CAD materials, while additional HF treatment may not provide further benefit. These findings highlight the importance of considering both material characteristics and test configuration when interpreting laboratory bond strength data. Full article

This paper investigates women’s movements in German-speaking Europe that operate at the intersection of academic theology and activism, challenging the assumption that gender parity within theological institutions has been achieved. Despite broader European progress toward gender equality, theological faculties continue to exhibit structural disparities, including women’s underrepresentation in senior positions and persistent obstacles such as the “leaky pipeline,” the “glass ceiling,” and restrictive ecclesial procedures like the Nihil Obstat. These dynamics intensify the vulnerability of women theologians, particularly those advocating for gender justice within Church structures that do not consistently recognize women as full participants. The study also highlights the vulnerability experienced by women theologians who advocate for gender equality within ecclesial institutions that do not consistently recognize women as full participants. Interdisciplinary dialogue between theology and the social sciences is often met with suspicion, as religion is frequently portrayed as a source of division rather than a catalyst for transformation. Moreover, extremist and fundamentalist movements instrumentalize gender issues, polarizing European societies and suppressing interfaith initiatives that promote justice, care, and cooperation. The paper argues for transversal, intersectional, and inclusive approaches that bridge academic and activist networks. By fostering collaboration, critical reflection, and shared praxis, these movements reimagine the role of women in both Church and society, offering transformative models grounded in justice, dignity, and equality. Full article

Many patients with primary or metastatic lung cancer are not candidates for surgery, additional radiation, or further systemic therapy due to advanced age or comorbidities; this creates a need for minimally invasive locoregional options. Image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA) is being applied across a broader spectrum of lesions, while bronchial artery chemoembolization (BACE) is emerging as a therapy option for treatment-refractory advanced disease. Recent studies in thermal ablation have focused on optimizing energy delivery and protocols, as well as improving ablation zone predictability and analysis. Advances in lesion targeting, including cone beam CT fusion, electromagnetic guidance, and robotic-assisted ablation, allow for treatment of subcentimeter and ground-glass lesions in anatomically challenging locations. Growing clinical experience supports IGTA for intrathoracic oligoprogression and as salvage therapy after recurrence. In the endovascular space, improved imaging, microcatheters, and drug-eluting microspheres have expanded the use of BACE for disease and symptom control in advanced lung cancer. Multimodal strategies combining minimally invasive locoregional treatments with systemic therapies and radiation are being explored, with early data showing improvements in survival without increased toxicity. This narrative review synthesizes emerging techniques, clinical data, and indications for percutaneous and endovascular lung cancer treatments and underscores the need for prospective and randomized trials to refine patient selection, treatment sequencing, and long-term outcomes. Full article

Elevated temperatures are frequently encountered in numerous occupational settings such as iron and steel foundries, non-ferrous metal foundries, brick and ceramic manufacturing plants, glass production facilities, rubber factories, electrical power plants, bakeries, laundries, chemical processing sites, mining operations, smelting plants, and steam tunnels. Employees working in these environments are at risk of developing various health issues and injuries, including ocular complications, due to prolonged exposure to heat and the physical demands of handling heavy materials. This study focuses on examining the pressure within the eye’s anterior chamber, referred to as Intraocular Pressure (IOP), and its association with the cornea’s biomechanical characteristics, with particular attention to corneal temperature. Our methodology is grounded in the principles of the first law of thermodynamics. The findings reveal a link between the temperature of the eye’s anterior chamber and the biomechanical behaviour of the cornea. Specifically, IOP serves as an indicator of the cornea’s elasticity and its optical properties as influenced by temperature variations. We investigated how the cornea’s elastic energy, or the work it performs, varies with temperature changes. The results show that an increase in temperature corresponds to a reduction in the work exerted by the cornea. The corneal temperature is affected by both the ambient environment and the temperature of the aqueous humour within the anterior chamber. This indicates a relationship between the mechanical work done by the cornea and the pressure exerted by the fluid in the eye’s front segment. Furthermore, our study identified a correlation between corneal thickness and IOP, which our modelling approach successfully quantifies. Utilizing the first law of thermodynamics, we calculated the work performed by the anterior chamber against the cornea’s internal surface. Temperature fluctuations influence the secretion, drainage, and flow characteristics of the aqueous humour, thereby impacting IOP and associated ocular conditions. These insights are valuable for devising strategies aimed at preventing eye injuries among workers exposed to high-temperature environments. Full article

The transition toward low-carbon and resource-efficient construction materials has intensified interest in geopolymer binders incorporating industrial and post-consumer wastes. Waste glass powder (WGP), a silica-rich component of the global glass waste stream, has emerged as a promising circular-economy precursor in alkali-activated systems; however, reported durability trends remain inconsistent and are often interpreted without mechanistic integration. This review synthesises current knowledge of WGP reactivity, gel chemistry, and long-term performance through an explicit reaction–transport–ageing (R–T–A) framework that links dissolution behaviour and phase assemblage development to pore connectivity, ion ingress, and time-dependent degradation. Under alkaline activation, the amorphous structure of WGP promotes silica release, modifying Si/Al ratios and governing the formation of N-A-S-H or hybrid N-A-S-H/C-(A)-S-H gels. These reaction products determine transport characteristics and ageing evolution, which collectively control chemical resistance, chloride ingress, alkali–silica reaction-type instability, and dimensional stability. Variability across studies is shown to arise from imbalances in particle fineness, replacement level, precursor chemistry, and activator design rather than intrinsic inconsistency in WGP behaviour. The R–T–A framework clarifies how reaction completeness, pore network architecture, and long-term phase stability interact to produce system-dependent durability outcomes. WGP demonstrates strong potential as a circular-economy precursor in alkali-activated binders; however, reliable structural application requires durability-informed mix design grounded in coupled reaction–transport–ageing mechanisms and supported by extended exposure testing under realistic service conditions. Full article

Objective: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into computer-aided detection (CAD) is a major innovation in lung cancer diagnosis. However, its reliability in detecting the earliest radiographic sign—faint ground-glass opacities (GGOs) indicating pre-invasive adenocarcinoma—remains a critical, unquantified gap. This study aimed to perform a rigorous failure analysis to define the specific conditions under which commercial AI/CAD systems fail in a low-dose CT (LDCT) screening setting. Methods: In this retrospective diagnostic accuracy study, a primary cohort of 100 patients and an external validation cohort of 50 patients with moderate/low-risk nodules on LDCT were included. An expert reference standard was established by a consensus panel of three thoracic radiologists. Two independent, commercially deployed AI/CAD systems from different vendors (Vendor A & Vendor B) processed all cases. Nodules confirmed by experts but missed by AI were analyzed. Their morphology was categorized, and their mean CT attenuation (HU) was measured via manual region-of-interest placement. Results: The AI systems demonstrated significant and comparable false negative rates in the combined cohort: 12.7% for Vendor A and 14.7% for Vendor B. The vast majority of missed nodules were GGOs (92.3% and 78.6%, respectively, in the primary cohort). Crucially, quantitative analysis revealed a consistent density threshold for AI failure: the mean CT value of missed GGOs was −737 ± 51.50 HU for Vendor A and −727 ± 70.07 HU for Vendor B. This algorithmic blind spot was fully corroborated by the external validation cohort (−741 ± 48.2 HU and −733 ± 62.5 HU, respectively). Anatomical complexity (juxta-pleural/endobronchial location) was a secondary failure factor. Conclusions: This study identifies a quantifiable “−730 HU blind spot” as a common limitation of current commercial AI/CAD systems in diagnosing early lung adenocarcinoma. This finding represents a pivotal advancement in understanding AI’s role in diagnostics: it is not infallible. To innovate and safeguard screening efficacy, radiologists must adopt a human–AI collaborative model with mandated manual verification targeting low-attenuation opacities, ensuring this diagnostic innovation fulfills its promise while mitigating the risks of overdiagnosis. Full article

This study investigates hot-pressed composite plates manufactured from pellets obtained by mechanical recycling of post-consumer textile waste and reinforced with ground glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) originating from wind turbine blades. Composite plates with dimensions of 200 × 330 × 8 mm were produced by hot pressing at 240 °C under 2 MPa with a heating and pressing time of 40 min. The recycled textile-derived polymer blend served as the matrix, while ground GFRP was introduced at 0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%. Mechanical performance was evaluated using flexural and Charpy impact tests. The composites exhibited flexural strengths in the range of 9–13 MPa and impact strengths of 7.3–8.9 kJ m⁻². The results did not reveal a monotonic increase in flexural strength with increasing reinforcement content. The highest average flexural strength was observed for the unreinforced matrix, while the addition of ground GFRP resulted in comparable or slightly lower strength values accompanied by increased scatter at higher reinforcement levels. The observed behaviour may be associated with heterogeneous dispersion of ground GFRP fragments, reduced effective reinforcement length due to mechanical grinding, interfacial constraints, and defect formation within the press-consolidated structure. The findings provide insight into the structure–property relationships of recycled composite systems based on heterogeneous textile-derived polymer blends. Full article

Background/Objectives: Several studies have demonstrated feasible oncologic outcomes of segmentectomy for pure-solid or solid-dominant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) measuring ≤2 cm in diameter and ground-glass opacity (GGO)-dominant NSCLC up to 3 cm in maximum tumor size. However, the applicability of segmentectomy for solid-dominant NSCLC with a tumor diameter of 2–3 cm remains controversial. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the outcomes of segmentectomy for solid-dominant NSCLC with a tumor diameter of 2–3 cm. Methods: We included patients who underwent lung cancer surgery at Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, from January 2011 to December 2017. The number of patients included in this study was 743. Of the 96 eligible patients, 76 and 20 underwent lobectomy and segmentectomy, respectively. Results: The lobectomy and segmentectomy groups had similar 5-year overall survival rates (93.7% vs. 94.4%, respectively; HR 0.693, 95% CI 0.183–2.621, p = 0.586) and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates (75.8% vs. 83.6%, respectively; HR 0.639, 95% CI 0.188–2.171, p = 0.468). The recurrence pattern was not significantly different between the lobectomy and segmentectomy groups (locoregional 11.8% vs. 10.0%, and distant 10.5% vs. 5.0%, respectively; p = 0.679). Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that surgical procedure was not independently associated with OS or RFS after adjustment for confounders. Conclusions: Segmentectomy may be a feasible option for selected patients with solid-dominant NSCLC measuring 2–3 cm in diameter. Full article

Given the global aging of the population and the rising retirement age, the development of cross-generational technologies is crucial for a sustainable workforce supply. While AI-powered smart glasses can provide continuous cognitive support, current industrial solutions often prioritize work efficiency at the expense of the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional needs of older workers. This study employed a mixed-methods approach grounded in embodied cognition. First, semi-structured interviews with ten participants were analyzed using grounded theory to develop a four-dimensional model of embodied experience: Perceived Pressure, Action Feedback, Collaboration Embedding, and Belonging. Subsequently, four interaction strategies—Rhythm Control, Transparent Feedback, Non-intrusive Assistance, and Legible Privacy & Social Signaling—were formulated and implemented. A high-fidelity prototype was developed to embody these strategies. Finally, a team of eight multidisciplinary experts evaluated the device using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a proprietary twelve-item questionnaire. The results showed that the device’s overall usability was borderline acceptable (SUS = 68.13 ± 8.94). While the devices received stronger ratings for Control & Safety, the ratings for dignity and social acceptance were comparatively low. These findings contribute to the development of wearable device operation strategies suitable for users of different generations, and underline the importance of social and emotional compatibility as a prerequisite for future practice tests. Full article

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and potential risk factors of chronic cough following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: A total of 1434 patients with post-COVID-19 cough were categorized into acute, subacute, and chronic subgroups by cough duration, with clinical data analyzed across subgroups. Questionnaire surveys were conducted in chronic cough patients, followed by an 18–21-month follow-up. Results: 1. Significant intergroup differences were observed among the three groups in: the number of patients with rhinitis and/or pharyngitis history, cough with chest tightness, cough with pharyngeal symptoms, and sensitivity to irritating odors and cold air. 2. The chronic group had a significantly lower platelet count but higher eosinophil and basophil percentages than the acute group. 3. The chronic group showed significantly lower values than the subacute group in multiple pulmonary function indices: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, MEF25, MEF75, MEF50, MMEF75/25, MEF75%, MEF50%, MEF25%, MMEF75/25%, DLCO, and DLCO%. 4. Chest CT findings: the chronic group had significantly lower rates of infected lesions, cord-like opacities, and ground-glass shadows than the acute group, but a higher rate of micro-nodules than the subacute group. 5. At follow-up, the cough and non-cough groups differed significantly in nighttime cough scores and the proportion of cough with chest tightness, as well as in pulmonary function parameters: FVC, FEV1, PEF, PEF%, MEF75, DLCO, RV% and TLC. 6. Binary logistic regression analysis identified the nocturnal cough symptom score and cough accompanied by chest tightness as independent factors influencing persistent cough 18–21 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Patients with pre-existing upper airway inflammation, laryngeal symptoms, chemical hypersensitivity, elevated eosinophil/basophil percentages, and pulmonary micro-nodules are more likely to develop chronic post-COVID cough, presenting with partial ventilatory impairment and diffusing capacity impairments. Full article

Net solar radiation is an essential parameter that characterizes surface energy exchange and plays a critical role in climate change, solar power generation, and agricultural irrigation. Although the global GLASS surface all-wave daily net radiation (NR) product exhibits high overall accuracy, a comprehensive quality assessment for continental China remains lacking, resulting in unclear regional applicability. Therefore, this study focuses on mainland China. Based on solar net radiation observations from 50 meteorological stations (2000–2016) and 37 ecological stations (2000–2020), four evaluation metrics were used: the correlation coefficient (R), mean bias error (MBE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R²). The results indicate that, during the study period, GLASS NR showed relatively small deviations from the observed values across most regions of China, with significant discrepancies observed only in southern Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. Seasonally, GLASS NR performed better in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. Interannually, there was only a slight decline in data quality for a few individual years; however, overall, an upward trend was observed. Regarding land cover types, GLASS NR accuracy was lower for shrublands, forests, and grasslands, whereas it performed better for other land cover types. Overall, the GLASS NR product demonstrates high accuracy and good temporal continuity across mainland China. However, significant regional variations exist, and localized applications require optimization and refinement. This study provides valuable insights for improving net radiation products across multiple spatiotemporal scales. Full article