Search Results (2,428)

The fluid disturbance effect is a significant challenge in CBM (CBM) co-production within superimposed pressure systems in China. To address the unique CBM reservoir of superimposed pressure systems, a CBM co-production experimental apparatus for multi-pressure systems has been independently developed. To comprehensively understand fluid behavior during the early stage of CBM co-production, two sets of experiments were conducted using the self-developed physical simulation test device: one in single-production mode and the other in co-production mode. The dynamic response of reservoir fluids and gas production characteristics were analyzed, and the fluid disturbance mechanism under wellbore fluid confluences was explored. The method adopted in this study addresses the issues of traditional co-production equipment, such as the use of series-parallel core holders, small dimensions, limited monitoring capabilities, single loading methods, and the lack of consideration for wellbore co-production flow disturbance and fluid redistribution in superimposed pressure systems. The following results were obtained: ① A flow disturbance effect emerges when fluids from coal reservoirs with different pressure properties converge and mix in a main wellbore. The pressure inside the four horizontal wells simultaneously reaches 1.45 MPa at t = 0.03 min. ② Based on the fluid disturbance effect, the evolution process of wellbore pressure is categorized into two stages: the confluence disturbance stage and the confluence pressure drop stage. ③ This fluid disturbance effect exacerbates the disparities among coal reservoirs, facilitating fluid exchange between the main wellbore and coal reservoirs through branch wellbores. Under the co-production mode, the instantaneous gas production of the No. 1 coal reservoir reaches its maximum negative value at the moment of production, amounting to −3.85 L/min, indicating that a portion of the fluid from high-pressure coal reservoirs flows back into low-pressure coal reservoirs. ④ A dynamic characterization compatibility method is proposed based on the differences in fluid flow between the single and co-production modes during the early stage of CBM production. For example, at t = 0.1 min, the pressure compatibility coefficients of the No. 1–4 coal reservoirs are 0.72, 0.45, 0.34, and 0.33, respectively. The pressure compatibility and production compatibility coefficients exhibit rapid growth during the early stages, followed by a slight decrease during the middle and later stages. ⑤ The worst compatibility performances are observed during the early stage of CBM co-production, but these performances improve as the co-production time extends. ⑥ Optimizing superimposed pressure systems involves progressive co-production: dynamically introducing coal reservoirs, balancing reservoir pressure, minimizing fluid disturbance, and enhancing recovery efficiency. Full article

Spatial equity is a critical issue that the supply allocation should align with the level of demand, enabling all community members to equally benefit from the city’s resources and opportunities, yet commonly used assessment methods have inherent limitations. This study proposes a new framework to assess spatial equity based on the evaluation of similarity between GIS-based supply and demand maps and provides a simplified case study that assesses public transportation services across the area inside the Sixth Ring Road of Beijing to facilitate the comprehension of this framework. The results show that while services in this region are relatively spatially equitable, significant spatial inequity remains in certain areas, where targeted policy recommendations are put forward such as promoting innovative transportation solutions and redistributing excessive demand to less congested facilities. The application prospects and future development directions of the proposed framework are thoroughly discussed. This framework stands out for its ease of comprehension, visualization, and general applicability. Specifically, it is capable of identifying areas with severe inequity, thus contributing to the establishment of targeted intervention measures to mitigate spatial inequity. Full article

This study explores the rheological properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites with glass beads (GBs) to replicate the compression-stiffening behavior of biological tissues. The mechanical properties of soft tissues arise from interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and embedded cells. To mimic this, PDMS was used as a polymeric matrix, while rigid GBs acted as non-deformable inclusions facilitating stress redistribution. PDMS composites with 10%, 20%, and 30% GB concentrations were fabricated. Rheological analysis revealed that GBs significantly enhanced the storage modulus (G′), with stiffness increasing linearly under compression. The stiffening rate rose from 300 Pa/% (pure PDMS) to 387 Pa/%, 836 Pa/%, and 2035 Pa/% for 10%, 20%, and 30% GB, respectively, marking a sevenfold increase at the highest concentration. Similarly, the apparent Young’s modulus increased from 150 kPa (pure PDMS) to 200 kPa, 300 kPa, and 380 kPa for composites with 10%, 20%, and 30% GB, respectively. PDMS-GB composites successfully reproduce the compression-stiffening effect observed in biological tissues, which may aid research in mechanobiology and tissue engineering. Full article

The interspinous process device (IPD) has emerged as a viable alternative for managing lumbar degenerative pathologies. Nevertheless, limited research exists regarding mechanical failure modes including device failure and spinous process fracture. This study developed a novel IPD (IPD-NEW) and systematically evaluated its biomechanical characteristics through finite element (FE) analysis and in vitro cadaveric biomechanical testing. Six human L1–L5 lumbar specimens were subjected to mechanical testing under four experimental conditions: (1) Intact spine (control); (2) L3–L4 implanted with IPD-NEW; (3) L3–L4 implanted with Wallis device; (4) L3–L4 implanted with Coflex device. Segmental range of motion (ROM) was quantified across all test conditions. A validated L1–L5 finite element model was subsequently employed to assess biomechanical responses under both static and vertical vibration loading regimes. Comparative analysis revealed that IPD-NEW demonstrated comparable segmental ROM to the Wallis device while exhibiting lower rigidity than the Coflex implant. The novel design effectively preserved physiological spinal mobility while enhancing load distribution capacity. IPD-NEW demonstrated notable reductions in facet joint forces, device stress concentrations, and spinous process loading compared to conventional implants, particularly under vibrational loading conditions. These findings suggest that IPD-NEW may mitigate risks associated with facetogenic pain, device failure, and spinous process fracture through optimized load redistribution. Full article

With the growing demand for high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), and data communication and storage, new chip technologies have emerged, following Moore’s Law, over the past few decades. As we enter the post-Moore era, transistor dimensions are approaching their physical limits. Advanced packaging technologies, such as 3D chiplets hetero-integration and co-packaged optics (CPO), have become crucial for further improving system performance. Currently, most solutions rely on silicon-based technologies, which alleviate some challenges but still face issues such as warpage, bumps’ reliability, through-silicon vias’ (TSVs) and redistribution layers’ (RDLs) reliability, and thermal dissipation, etc. Glass, with its superior mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties, is emerging as a promising material to address these challenges, particularly with the development of femtosecond laser technology. This paper discusses the evolution of both conventional and advanced packaging technologies and outlines future directions for design, fabrication, and packaging using glass substrates and femtosecond laser processing. Full article

This study investigated the photocatalytic degradation of chlorothalonil under a range of ultraviolet lamp configurations, and studied the improvement in the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of a reflective material (silver-white aluminium foil). Increasing the number of UV lamps significantly enhanced degradation efficiency, reducing the half-life from 29.95 min with one lamp to 8.15 min with four in a 20 cm enamel bucket. The use of silvery-white aluminium foil further decreased the half-life to 3.86 min, improving degradation rates by up to 262.9%. In larger containers, degradation efficiency increased by up to 414.7% with aluminium foil. Comparisons with black aluminium foil confirmed that silver-white aluminium foil enhanced degradation by reflecting and redistributing UV light, increasing intensity by 252% and reducing the CTL half-life from 150.36 min to 22.9 min in a controlled light box. Further tests confirmed that silver-white aluminium foil amplified UV irradiation, increasing degradation efficiency by up to 555.1%. These improvements might suggest that aluminium foil enhances UV utilisation through direct reflection, refraction, and diffuse reflection, effectively redirecting photons that would otherwise escape the system. Experiments with natural water sources showed similar trends, with half-lives of 55.23 min in ultrapure water, 12.63 min in pond water, and 16.36 min in paddy field water. The addition of silver-white aluminium foil further reduced these times to 23.92 min, 7.13 min, and 12.34 min, respectively. These findings demonstrate that silvery-white aluminium foil significantly enhances CTL photodegradation without increasing energy consumption. While effective, the method faces challenges in acidic or alkaline wastewater due to potential corrosion of system components. Future research should focus on identifying stable, high-reflectivity materials for long-term applications. This study offers practical insights into the optimisation of photodegradation processes, which contributes to improved water treatment strategies and environmental pollution mitigation. Full article

The high-temperature performance of 10CrNi2Mo3Cu2V steel is critically governed by the distribution of Cu-rich phases. This study systematically investigated the evolution of solute redistribution, Cu-rich phase precipitation, microstructural transformations, and mechanical properties in 10CrNi2Mo3Cu2V alloy under varying aging temperatures. Advanced characterization techniques, including atom probe tomography (APT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were employed to analyze microstructural features and phase formation in both as-built and heat-treated specimens. The key findings reveal that copper atom segregation initiates at a tempering temperature of 350 °C. Upon increasing the temperature to 450 °C, extensive precipitation of nanoscale copper clusters is observed. Temperatures exceeding 450 °C trigger the formation of ε-Cu phases, which undergo subsequent coarsening. Notably, these copper clusters and Cu-rich precipitates act as dislocation pinning sites, promoting crack nucleation and propagation, thereby markedly degrading the alloy’s impact energy absorption capacity. The critical diameter for Orowan mechanism-governed strengthening by Cu-rich phases is determined to be ~6 nm, while the average diameter of matrix-penetrating Cu-rich particles is approximately 1.46 nm. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that the combined contributions of the Orowan bypass mechanism and particle-cutting mechanism yield a strength enhancement of ~219 MPa, which exhibits excellent agreement with experimentally measured strength increments. These results provide critical insights into the interplay between microstructural evolution and mechanical degradation in precipitation-strengthened steels under thermal exposure. Full article

(1) Background: This study compares the immediate effects of Rest Redistribution Training (RR) and Traditional Set Structure Training (TS) on vertical jump performance, heart rate variability (HRV), and perceived exertion (RPE) in anxious female college students. (2) Methods: In a randomized experimental design, 14 anxious female college students (ages 18–25, screened via Zung’s Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) with scores ≥50) underwent a familiarization session followed by two trials involving either a RR or TS conditioning routine. Vertical jump, HRV, and RPE were measured pre- and post-session, and during training, respectively. (3) Results: Both protocols induced significant decrements in squat jump (SJs) and countermovement jump (CMJs) metrics (p < 0.05), but no statistically significant between-group differences emerged (p > 0.05; SJ height: d = 0.059, 95% CI [−0.05, 0.05]; CMJ peak power: d = 0.253, 95% CI [−0.02, 0.02]). TS induced significant decreases in time-domain HRV indices (SDNN: d = 0.888, 95% CI [1.07, 16.13; RMSSD: d = 1.511, 95% CI [8.87, 27.63]) and high-frequency power (HF: d = 0.788, 95% CI [2.73, 379.71]), whereas RR preserved these indices. RR significantly reduced RPE compared to TS (p < 0.05; barbell bench press: d = 1.132, 95% CI [0.28, 1.48]; leg press: d = 0.784, 95% CI [0.01, 1.31]). (4) Conclusions: RR and TS protocols induced comparable decrements in vertical jump performance among untrained anxious female college students under equivalent loads; however, RR demonstrated superior autonomic regulation, reduced perceived fatigue, and equivalent performance outcomes, highlighting its potential as a low-stress alternative to traditional resistance training for anxiety-prone populations. Full article

This study addresses the growing inadequacies of traditional architectural concepts and techniques in stormwater management amid the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, particularly in densely built urban micro-spaces. To tackle these challenges, we propose an integrated theoretical and practical framework applied to a case study of a small-scale urban public space in Chang’an District, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, covering an area of about 2.15 hectares in North China. The framework combines Best Management Practices Planning (BMP-P) with Low Impact Development Design (LID-D). The framework optimizes sub-catchment delineation, strategically locates drainage outlets, and configures network layouts to reduce runoff path lengths, thereby reducing total runoff volume, enhancing drainage capacity, and alleviating surface water accumulation, which, in turn, informs the parametric design of LID facilities. In the BMP-P phase, four source-control measures were developed based on runoff control and stormwater retention: adjusting terrain slopes, adding or removing curbs and facilities, redistributing infiltration areas, and adjusting drainage outlet and piping layouts. By shortening runoff paths and reducing potential waterlogging areas, these measures effectively reduced total runoff volume (Trv) by 31.5% to 35.7% and peak runoff volume (Prv) by 19.4% to 32.4%. Moreover, by remodeling the stormwater network with a different layout, larger pipe diameters, and substantially increased network capacity, the total discharge (Tdv) increased by 1.8% to 50.2%, and the peak discharge rate (Pdr) increased by 100% to 550%, thus minimizing surface flooding. In the LID-D phase, we developed a Grasshopper-based parametric design program for the layout and design of LID facilities. This approach significantly reduces interdisciplinary communication costs and enhances urban planning efficiency. By integrating BMP and LID strategies, the proposed framework offers a flexible, rapid, and efficient solution for achieving resilient stormwater management in the context of urban micro-renewal. Full article

Revegetation in arid and semi-arid regions is a pivotal strategy for mitigating desertification and controlling soil erosion by enhancing carbon storage in woody biomass and mitigating wind-induced erosion. Despite its recognized importance, a critical gap remains in understanding how biomass carbon is distributed across different plant compartments (leaves, stems, litter, and roots) and how this distribution influences soil carbon dynamics. In this study, we examined carbon allocation between aboveground (shoot and litterfall) and belowground (coarse and fine roots) components, as well as the composition and vertical distribution of soil carbon in three 20-year-old shrub plantations—Salix psammophila, Corethrodendron fruticosum, and Artemisia desertorum—in northwest China. Total biomass and litter carbon storage were highest in the S. psammophila plantation (3689.29 g m⁻²), followed by C. fruticosum (1462.83 g m⁻²) and A. desertorum (761.61 g m⁻²). In contrast, soil carbon storage at a 1 m depth was greatest in A. desertorum (12,831.18 g m⁻²), followed by C. fruticosum (7349.24 g m⁻²) and S. psammophila (5375.80 g m⁻²). Notably, A. desertorum also exhibited the highest proportions of stable soil organic carbon (heavy-fraction) and soil inorganic carbon, while S. psammophila had the lowest. Across all plantations, belowground biomass carbon and light-fraction soil organic carbon displayed distinct vertical distributions, while heavy-fraction soil organic carbon and soil inorganic carbon did not show significant spatial patterns. A strong correlation was found between soil carbon fractions and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, suggesting that microbial communities were key drivers of soil carbon stabilization and turnover. These findings underscore the importance of litter composition, root traits, and microbial activity in determining soil carbon accumulation following shrub revegetation. The study highlights the need to investigate species-specific mechanisms, such as rhizodeposition dynamics and microbial necromass stabilization, to elucidate carbon redistribution pathways in semi-arid ecosystems. Full article

Food waste is a chronic and ongoing environmental, economic, and social problem in the European Union. The study will examine trends in food waste from 2021 to 2023, sectoral effects, regional heterogeneity, and socio-economic determinants of waste intensity. Interlinking longitudinal data from Statista and Eurostat, statistical modeling, and cluster analysis are employed by the study to uncover trends in food waste across member states in the EU. The research shows that domestic food wastage remains the leading one, accounting for 50–60% of the total food wastage in the EU. Inefficiencies in manufacturing and retail are identified as important drivers of wastage generation in high-waste nations such as Cyprus and Denmark because inefficiencies in the processes result in increased wastage generation. Spain and Croatia have continued to record low food wastage per capita owing to good wastage management policies and consumer practices. Regression analysis identifies domestic food wastage, manufacturing waste, and retail wastage as the main drivers of total per capita food wastage, with per capita GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and carbon footprint playing weak roles. Cluster analysis places EU countries into three groups: low-waste countries with highly structured food systems, moderately-waste countries where food wastage at domestic levels prevails, and high-waste countries where there is inefficiency at food production, processing, and consumption levels. These findings necessitate specific interventions. Policy needs to address food waste minimization at the household level via consumer awareness and behavior change initiatives and remove inefficiencies in the manufacturing and retail value chains through the simplification of inventory management, redistribution chains, and incentive regulation. Regional, rather than one-size-fits-all, EU-wide policy is required in order to achieve significant progress. Full article

Flexible pipe end fittings (EFs) transfer axial loads by embedding tensile armor within epoxy matrices. The integrity of bonding between the armor and resin profoundly influences the EF load-bearing capacity. This study investigated the debonding failure mechanism at the epoxy-resin–tensile-armor interface in flexible pipe end fittings through integrated experimental and numerical approaches. Combining tensile tests with digital image correlation (DIC) and cohesive zone modeling (CZM), the research quantified the impacts of interfacial defects and adhesive properties on structural integrity. Specimens with varying bond lengths (40–60 mm) and defect diameters (0–4 mm) revealed that defects significantly reduced load-bearing capacity, with larger defects exacerbating strain localization and accelerating failure. A dimensionless parameter, the defect-size-to-bond-length ratio ($\lambda =D/2L$), was proposed to unify defect impact analysis, demonstrating its nonlinear relationship with failure load reduction. High-toughness adhesives, such as Sikaforce^® 7752, mitigated defect sensitivity by redistributing stress concentrations, outperforming brittle alternatives like Araldite^® AV138. DIC captured real-time strain evolution and crack propagation, validating strain concentrations up to 3.2 at defect edges, while CZM simulations achieved high accuracy (errors: 3.0–7.2%) in predicting failure loads. Critical thresholds for λ (λ < 0.025 for negligible impact; λ > 0.05 requiring defect control or high-toughness adhesives) were established, providing actionable guidelines for manufacturing optimization and adhesive selection. By bridging experimental dynamics with predictive modeling, this work advances the design of robust deepwater energy infrastructure through defect management and material innovation, offering practical strategies to enhance structural reliability in critical applications. Full article

This article focuses on the application of digital engineering in diffractive optics for precision laser material processing. It examines methods for the development of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) and adaptive management approaches that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of laser processing. Key achievements are highlighted in numerical modeling, machine learning applications, and geometry optimization of optical systems, along with the integration of dynamic DOEs with laser systems for adaptive beam control. The discussion includes the development of complex diffractive structures with improved characteristics and new optimization approaches. Special attention is given to the application of DOEs in micro- and nanostructuring, additive manufacturing technologies, and their integration into high-performance laser systems. Additionally, challenges related to the thermal stability of materials and the complexity of adaptive DOE control are explored, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing laser processing efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thrombocytopenia–absent radius (TAR) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the bilateral absence of the radius and thrombocytopenia, often leading to functional limitations and gait asymmetries. Prosthetic devices are sometimes employed to improve mobility and posture, but their impact on gait mechanics in pediatric patients remains poorly understood. Methods: The methodology used is based on a study that evaluated the gait parameters of a 10-year-old child with TAR syndrome under static and dynamic conditions, both with and without the use of a custom-designed upper limb prosthesis. The analysis focused on assessing the prosthesis’s impact on gait symmetry and biomechanics. A key aspect of the methodology involved studying the distribution of pressure forces on the ground during walking using the FreeMed EXTREME Maxi baropodometric platform. Results: Gait analysis demonstrated asymmetries between the left and right feet. In the absence of the prosthesis, the patient exhibited excessive forward loading and uneven pressure distributions. The use of a custom prosthesis, particularly with counterbalancing features, improved gait symmetry but led to increased reliance on the left foot. This foot experienced higher pressures (738–852 g/cm²) and longer ground contact times (690–865 ms) compared to the right foot (619–748 g/cm² and 673–771 ms). The left foot displayed elevated forefoot pressures (61–65%), while the right foot bore weight laterally (66–74%). Conclusions: The custom prosthesis influenced gait mechanics by redistributing plantar pressures and modifying ground contact times, partially improving gait symmetry. However, compensatory strategies, such as increased loading on the left foot, could contribute to musculoskeletal strain over time. Individualized rehabilitation programs and prosthetic designs are essential for optimizing gait mechanics, improving mobility, and minimizing long-term complications in TAR syndrome patients. Full article

Forensic biochemistry has often relied on the vitreous humor as a matrix for toxicological investigations due to its stability and isolation from post-mortem redistribution processes. Recently, the scope of research has expanded to explore the vitreous humor as a medium reflecting systemic and pathological changes, particularly in its protein composition. This study delves into the detection and quantification of cardiac damage markers such as CK-MB and myoglobin in vitreous humor samples from 45 autopsy cases. For the first time, it demonstrates a statistically significant correlation between these markers and the perimortem agony interval (PAI), defined as the survival time before death. This discovery paves the way for innovative forensic applications, including the estimation of the PAI, a critical parameter for judicial and compensatory assessments. The findings underscore the potential of the vitreous humor as a diagnostic medium, opening new avenues for understanding the systemic dynamics of cardiac markers and the role of the blood–retinal barrier in post-mortem scenarios. Full article