Search Results (22,194)

This study systematically investigates the synergistic modification effects of two high-modulus additives on SBS-modified asphalt through microstructural characterization and performance evaluation. Fluorescence microscopic analysis reveals that the additive particles undergo swelling over time and form an interconnected network structure via phase separation dynamics. Rheological tests demonstrate a significant enhancement in high-temperature performance: at the optimal dosage of 10 wt%, the complex modulus increases by approximately 215%, and the rutting factor improves by about 300% compared to the control group. The results from multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests confirm the material’s superior elastic recovery capability and reduced non-recoverable creep compliance. However, the incorporation of the additives adversely affects low-temperature ductility. The penetration of (two distinct high-modulus agents, designated as HMA-A and HMA-B) HMA-B decreases by approximately 36.8% more than that of HMA-A, accompanied by significantly lower low-temperature toughness. A dosage of 10% is identified as the critical threshold, which maximizes rutting resistance while minimizing low-temperature performance degradation. Based on these findings, this paper proposes an integrated design paradigm of “microstructure–performance–dosage,” recommending HMA-B for high-stress pavement channels and HMA-A for regions with substantial temperature variations. Full article

In this study, we explored the evolution of mechanical properties in hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellants under fatigue loading by performing fatigue tests with varying maximum stresses and cycle numbers, followed by uniaxial tensile tests on post-fatigue specimens. Residual elongation was used as a key parameter to characterize mechanical behavior, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided insights into the mesostructural morphological changes that occur under different loading conditions, revealing the mechanisms responsible for variations in mechanical properties. The results show that, as the number of loading cycles increases, residual elongation decreases, with three distinct phases of decline—slow change, gradual decline, and rapid deterioration—depending on the stress levels. SEM analysis identified damage mechanisms such as “dewetting” and particle fragmentation at the mesostructural level, which compromise the material’s structural integrity, leading to reduced residual elongation. A novel aspect of this study is the application of Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF) theory to construct a master curve describing residual elongation decay. This approach enabled the development of a generalized model to predict the material’s degradation under fatigue loading, with experimental validation of the fitted evolution model, offering a new and effective method for assessing the long-term performance of HTPB propellants. Full article

A new tunnel undercrossing an existing tunnel not only affects the deformation and stress response of the existing tunnel but also triggers ground settlement due to secondary excavation disturbances. By combining the equivalent layer method with the mirror method and incorporating corrections from numerical simulations based on actual intersection projects, a novel prediction model is developed to consider the impact of the existing tunnel on estimating ground settlement caused by a new tunnel that undercrosses it in an orthogonal manner. The influence of geological conditions, tunnel dimensions, and spatial layout on ground settlement patterns was investigated. The elastic moduli of smaller strata correlate with greater surface settlement. Larger existing tunnel diameters result in reduced settlement within a 15 m area near the new tunnel axis. Conversely, new larger tunnel diameters yield more pronounced settlement. A consistency assessment method was introduced to quantitatively measure the consistency between the prediction model and numerical simulations. The results indicate that the prediction model exhibits high consistency (CI > 0.9) under various conditions. Based on an actual engineering case, indoor similarity model tests were designed. When the new tunnel is directly located beneath the existing tunnel, ground settlement begins, with a maximum settlement of 0.17 mm. After the new tunnel traversed the existing one, ground settlement continued to increase within approximately 50 m on both sides of the new tunnel’s axis, ultimately reaching a value of about 0.765 mm. The CI between the predictive model and the model test results reached 0.8, confirming the model’s robust predictive capability. Full article

This work develops an inverse data envelopment analysis (Inverse DEA) framework for portfolio optimization, treating return as a desirable output and volatility as an undesirable output. Using 20 industry-level portfolios from the Taiwan Stock Exchange (1365 stocks; FY-2020), we first evaluate efficiency with a directional-distance DEA model and identify 7 inefficient industries. We then formulate an Inverse DEA model that holds inputs and desirable outputs fixed and estimates the maximum feasible reduction in volatility. Estimated reductions range from 0.000827 to 0.007610, and substituting these targets into the base model drives each portfolio’s inefficiency score to zero $(\varphi =0)$, thereby making them efficient. To test robustness, we extend the analysis to a calm pre-crisis year (2019) and a recovery year (2021), which confirm that inefficiency and volatility-reduction targets behave logically across regimes, smaller cuts in stable markets, larger cuts in stressed conditions, and intermediate adjustments during recovery. We interpret these targets as theoretical envelopes that inform risk-reduction priorities rather than investable guarantees. The approach adds a forward-planning layer to DEA-based performance evaluation and provides portfolio managers with quantitative, regime-sensitive volatility-reduction targets at the industry level. Full article

Understanding the combined effects of water and dynamic disturbance on rock behavior is essential for deep underground engineering, where groundwater and blasting often coexist. Existing studies have mainly emphasized static weakening by water or the strength characteristics under impact, while the energy evolution process remains insufficiently addressed. To fill this gap, uniaxial impact compression tests were conducted on dry and water-saturated skarn specimens using a separated Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar system. The relationship between peak stress and impact pressure was analyzed, and the total input energy, releasable elastic strain energy, and dissipated energy were quantified to examine their evolution with strain. The results indicate that water saturation significantly reduces dynamic strength and modifies the damage process. During the compaction and elastic stages, dissipated energy is low but slightly higher in water-saturated specimens due to microcrack initiation. In the plastic stage, dry specimens exhibit faster energy dissipation, while water-saturated specimens show reduced capacity for crack propagation dissipation. Damage–strain curves follow an S-shaped pattern, with water-saturated specimens presenting higher damage growth rates in the plastic stage. These findings clarify the energy-based damage mechanisms of skarn under impact loading and provide theoretical support for evaluating stability in water-rich underground environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Induced mutagenesis is vital in genetic enhancement and trait discovery, for genetic analysis and breeding of novel crop varieties with desirable product profiles. Understanding the genetic relationships among newly developed mutant genotypes enables targeted selection and genetic recombination. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess the genetic diversity among mutant bread wheat genotypes developed through ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis using phenotypic traits and diagnostic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to identify novel mutants and traits for breeding. Methods: Sixteen advanced (M6) mutant lines, one parental genotype, and three check varieties were genetically profiled using ten diagnostic SSR markers. The genotypes were evaluated for agronomic traits under drought-stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) conditions using a 10 × 2 alpha lattice design with two replications. Results: The SSR markers revealed a total of 21 alleles, with an average of 2.10 alleles per locus. An average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.51 was computed, revealing moderate informativeness of the genetic markers. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed among the test genotypes for key agronomic traits under NS and DS conditions. Grain yield positively and significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with plant height (r = 0.79), number of productive tillers (r = 0.82), root biomass (r = 0.77), shoot biomass (r = 0.74), spike length (r = 0.74), total biomass (r = 0.74), and thousand-seed weight (r = 0.64), under DS conditions. Principal component analysis explained 78.03 and 87.14% genotype variation for assessed agronomic traits under DS and NS conditions, with total biomass, shoot biomass, root biomass, productive tiller, plant height and grain yield as key traits contributing the most variation in the test genotypes. Conclusions: Wheat mutants LMA16, LMA44, and LMA53 were identified as genetically distinct and high yielders under drought stress conditions and recommended for production in rain-fed environments. The selected mutants are a valuable source of genes for wheat improvement programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypericum perforatum L. (H. perforatum), commonly known as St. John’s wort, has been widely used in clinical practice to treat mental disorders. Previous studies and clinical applications have primarily focused on its alcohol-soluble ingredients. Our research was designed to investigate the physicochemical properties, antidepressant-like effects, and anti-post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like effects of the alcohol-insoluble polysaccharide-rich ingredients from H. perforatum. Meanwhile, the underlying mechanisms were elucidated. Methods: The physicochemical properties of two polysaccharide-rich ingredients, designated as HPP1 and HPP2, were characterized using colorimetric assay, capillary electrophoresis, high-performance gel permeation chromatography, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Behavioral despair tests were conducted to rapidly assess and compare their antidepressant-like effects in mice. Subsequently, behavioral despair mice and foot-shock mice were established to thoroughly explore the impact of HPP2 on depression-like and PTSD-like symptoms. The effects of HPP2 on cerebral pathological changes, neurotrophic factors, and gut microbiota in foot-shock mice were detected through hematoxylin & eosin staining, immunofluorescence staining, and 16S rDNA (V3 + V4 regions) gene sequencing. Results: HPP1 and HPP2 are predominantly composed of arabinose, glucose, galactose, mannose, and galacturonic acid. The molecular weight distribution of HPP1 ranges from 1133 to 67,278 Da, whereas that of HPP2 extends from 1493 to 38,407 Da. Acute pre-treatment with HPP1 or HPP2 (200 mg/kg, i.g.) could reduce mice’s immobility in behavioral despair tests, with HPP2 exhibiting superior efficacy. Additionally, both acute and sub-chronic pre-treatment with HPP2 (50, 200, and 800 mg/kg, i.g.) effectively alleviated depression-like symptoms in behavioral despair mice. Prolonged pre-treatment with HPP2 (200 mg/kg, i.g.) also mitigated the slow increase in body weight and behavioral abnormalities in foot-shock mice. Furthermore, HPP2 (200 mg/kg) successfully restored hippocampal histomorphological abnormalities, neurotrophic disturbance, and dysregulation of the gut microbiota in foot-shock mice. Conclusions: HPP2 exerts noteworthy antidepressant-like and anti-PTSD-like impact in mouse models via multiple targets, indicating a potential therapeutic candidate in depression and PTSD therapy. Full article

This work assesses the frictional wear of lubricated transmission chains, correlating the coefficient of friction, root mean square (RMS) acoustic emissions, and vibrations induced by friction, incorporating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) components. The work is divided into two phases: understanding the frictional interactions between the steel pins of commercial transmission chain and high chrome steel plate (mimicking the interaction between the pin and roller of the chain) using a reciprocating tribometer (20 N, 2.5 Hz, 15.1 stroke length) in the presence of three commercial lubricant aerosols (Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C) and analyzing the frictional wear, sound, and vibration signals generated during the tribo-tests. In the second phase, the findings from the laboratory scale are validated using a commercial transmission chain under aerosol lubrication. Results indicated that the coefficient of friction in the case of dry conditions was 41% higher than that of Grade A aerosol and Grade C aerosol and 28% higher than that of Grade B aerosol. However, the average wear scar diameter on the pin with Grade C (0.401 ± 0.129 mm) was higher than that on the pins with Grades A (0.209 ± 0.159 mm) and B (0.204 ± 0.165 mm). Grade A and Grade B aerosols exhibited similar frictional conditions, while the wear-scar diameter in Grade C was the highest among Grades A and B but still less than in dry conditions. Analyzing the sound and vibrations generated during the friction test, it can be seen that the dry condition produced approximately 60% more sound level than the Grade A and Grade B conditions, and 41% more sound than the Grade C condition. The laboratory results were validated with a real-time transmission chain using an in-house chain wear test rig. Results from the chain wear test rig indicated that the elongation of the chain with Grade B is the least amongst the aerosols and dry conditions. The surface characterizations of the steel pins also indicated intense deep grooves and surface damage in dry conditions, with Grade A exhibiting the most severe damage, followed by Grade C, and the least severe in Grade B. Additionally, dark patches were visually observed on the rollers of the lubricated commercial chains, indicating stressed areas on the rollers, while polished wear was observed on the rollers under dry conditions. Full article

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections present significant therapeutic challenges due to their inherent antibiotic resistance, demanding innovative treatment approaches. This study investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of a novel compound, Fullerene Gallium Phosphonate (FGP), and compared its effects against a previously tested similar compound, Fullerene Disodium Phosphonate (FDSP). Results of experiments using MAC cultures and infected THP-1 macrophages treated with varying FGP and FDSP concentrations (1, 10, 100 µg/mL) revealed that FGP demonstrated greater efficacy than FDSP in reducing M. avium colony-forming units (CFU), achieving a nearly 3-fold reduction by day 8, compared to a 2-fold decrease with FDSP. In infected macrophages, FGP significantly decreased bacterial load at 1 and 10 µg/mL (p < 0.01). FGP also lowered oxidative stress, reflected by a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels on day 4 (p < 0.05) and decreased IL-6 (2-fold) and TNF-α levels (3-fold) by day 8, indicating both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, FGP paradoxically increased MAC burden at its highest concentration and showed no significant difference in efficacy of different concentrations. These findings suggest that FGP may serve as a promising candidate for antimycobacterial therapy with dual antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Further research is crucial to fully elucidate its mechanism of action and find the optimal therapeutic window. Full article

Currently, safe alternatives with very low toxicity and good antimicrobial activity are being sought to replace chemical compounds that can be harmful to animal and human health. For this reason, this study evaluated the safety and biofunctional microbiocidal potential of an extract composed of thymol and eucalyptol. Toxicity tests showed low toxicity in both chickens (2000 mg/kg bw) and Artemia salina (EC₅₀ = 2003 mg/L) and Daphnia magna (EC₅₀ = 87 mg/L), indicating a safe usage profile. Oxidative stress biomarkers (nitrite and MDA) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) improved in treated chickens at 20 days of age. The hematological and biochemical parameters of the treated birds showed normal values similar to those of the control group chickens, with better protein levels and lower AST levels. Histology of the kidney, intestine, and liver showed no changes in any group, confirming the absence of systemic adverse effects. At the molecular level, an improvement in the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin and occludin) was observed, suggesting a strengthening of the intestinal barrier integrity. Finally, the extract demonstrated an antimicrobial effect (E. coli, C. perfringens, Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas sp.) comparable to that of organic acids commonly used as food preservatives, positioning it as a promising alternative in applications. Full article

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound disruptions in socioeconomic, and health domains, with significant implications for mental well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on stress, anxiety, and depression, alongside perceived social support, coping flexibility and related factors, and to examine how these issues vary across different age groups. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Türkiye between August and December 2020. Data were collected through an online questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, pandemic-related concerns, and validated scales: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Coping Flexibility Scale (CFS), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Statistical analyses included descriptive and comparative tests, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression models, and correspondence analysis. Results: Among 1699 participants, 58.0% were female; 24.5% and 42.1% reported anxiety and depressive symptoms above thresholds, respectively. Younger age correlated negatively with stress, anxiety, and depression scores (p < 0.001). Feelings of loneliness, loss of control, ostracism, and sleep or concentration problems were positively associated with anxiety, depression, and stress, but negatively associated with coping flexibility and social support (p < 0.001). The 15–20 age group had the highest anxiety and depression levels and the lowest social support; the 15–30 group showed the highest stress, while the 61–75 group exhibited the lowest coping flexibility. Regression models explained 62.7% of anxiety and 56.6% of depressive symptom variances. Major predictors of anxiety included depressive symptoms, stress, and fear of dying from COVID-19, while depressive symptoms were predicted by age, stress, coping flexibility, social support, and anxiety. Conclusions: The findings highlight the considerable psychological burden and distinct vulnerabilities among age groups. Mental health interventions should be tailored according to age, emphasising the enhancement of social support and coping flexibility to strengthen resilience in future pandemics. Full article

Background: Although Ti-Fu-Kang (TFK) decoction has been clinically used for fatigue management, the systematic understanding of its mechanisms, particularly against central fatigue, remains largely unknown. This study is the first to employ an integrative approach of network pharmacology and metabolomics to explore the mechanisms of TFK against central fatigue. Methods: The central fatigue rat model was established using the modified multiple platform method in conjunction with alternate-day fasting. Behavioral alterations were evaluated through six behavioral tests, while brain injury was assessed through HE and Nissl staining. Serum metabolic indicators were analyzed to identify fatigue-related metabolic disturbances. Western blot analysis was used to assess the protein phosphorylation level of PI3K and AKT1. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Network pharmacology and serum metabolomics investigated the molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways. Results: TFK significantly ameliorated behavioral abnormalities and brain pathological damage in central fatigue model rats. Network pharmacology analysis and in vivo experiment revealed that TFK may mediate biological processes such as oxidative stress and neuron death via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, analysis of serum fatigue-related metabolic indicators indicated that TFK significantly modulated metabolic disruptions by elevating the levels of glucose, liver glycogen, and muscle glycogen and reducing the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatine kinase, lactate, and lactate dehydrogenase in central fatigue rats. Serum metabolomics analysis revealed that TFK ameliorates central fatigue by modulating amino acid metabolism, specifically by altering the levels of leucine and L-tryptophan, which subsequently contributes to the restoration of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine homeostasis. Conclusions: This study elucidates the potential therapeutic mechanism of TKF in alleviating central fatigue, providing a scientific and theoretical basis for broader application and development of TFK. Full article

In modern livestock production, obtaining accurate body weight measurements for pigs is essential for feeding management and economic assessment, yet conventional weighing is laborious and can stress animals. To address these limitations, we developed a contactless image-based pipeline that first uses BiRefNet for high-precision background removal and YOLOv11-seg to extract the pig dorsal mask from top-view RGB images; from these masks we designed and extracted 17 representative phenotypic features (for example, dorsal area, convex hull area, major/minor axes, curvature metrics and Hu moments) and included camera height as a calibration input. We then compared eight machine-learning and deep-learning regressors to map features to body weight. The segmentation pipeline achieved mAP₅₀–₉₅ = 0.995 on the validation set, and the XGBoost regressor gave the best test performance (MAE = 3.9350 kg, RMSE = 5.2372 kg, R² = 0.9814). These results indicate the method provides accurate, low-cost and computationally efficient weight prediction from simple RGB images, supporting frequent, noninvasive monitoring and practical deployment in smart-farming settings. Full article

A multi-port conversion system that connects photovoltaic (PV) arrays, battery energy storage (BES), and an electric vehicle (EV) to a single-phase grid offers a flexible solution for smart homes. By integrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technologies, the system supports bidirectional energy flow, optimizing usage, improving grid stability, and supplying backup power. The proposed four-port converter consists of an interleaved bidirectional DC-DC converter for high-voltage BES, a bidirectional buck–boost DC-DC converter for EV charging and discharging, a DC-DC boost converter with MPPT for PV, and a grid-tied inverter. Its non-isolated structure ensures high efficiency, compact design, and fewer switches, making it suitable for residential applications. A state-of-charge (SoC)-based power management strategy coordinates operation among PV, BES, and EV in both on-grid and off-grid modes. It reduces reliance on EV energy when supporting V2G and V2H, while SoC balancing between BES and EV extends lifetime and lowers current stress. A 7.5 kVA system was simulated in MATLAB/Simulink to validate feasibility. Two scenarios were studied: PV, BES, and EV with V2G supporting the grid and PV, BES, and EV with V2H providing backup power in off-grid mode. Tests under PV fluctuations and load variations confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed design. The system exhibited a fast transient response of 0.05 s during grid-support operation and maintained stable voltage and frequency in off-grid mode despite PV and load fluctuations. Its protection scheme disconnected overloads within 0.01 s, while harmonic distortions in both cases remained modest and complied with EN50610 standards. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the global population, with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) necessitating renal replacement therapy. Kidney transplantation remains the optimal treatment for ESRD. However, the global donor kidney shortage crisis has led to increased reliance on deceased donor kidneys. Donors are classified as either donation after brain death (DBD) or donation after circulatory death (DCD), each associated with distinct ischemic injuries that impact graft function. Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) plays a pivotal role in transplant outcomes, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. While static cold storage (SCS) remains the gold standard for organ preservation, alternative strategies such as hypothermic or normothermic machine perfusion (HMP and NMP), use of oxygen carriers during storage, and supplemental compounds to storage solutions have emerged, offering potential benefits in preserving graft viability. This review explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ischemic injury in deceased donor kidneys, preservation strategies tested in preclinical models, and emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at improving adverse post-transplant outcomes. Full article