Search Results (4,815)

As work continues unabated in the study of noncovalent bonding, particularly σ-hole bonds, new challenges have emerged as the participation of transition metals in interactions of this sort is fast becoming appreciated. While there are certain similarities with the halogen, chalcogen, etc, bonds, in which the main group elements participate, there are certain unique properties of these metal atoms that must be analyzed before a complete understanding can be attained. As one example, these atoms tend to act simultaneously as both electron donors and acceptors, a synergistic action that amplifies the overall bond strength. Ideas are expressed in this paper to hopefully guide future work in this exciting new arena. Full article

The transition toward renewable-powered greenhouse agriculture offers opportunities for reducing operational costs and environmental impacts, yet challenges remain in managing fluctuating energy loads and optimizing agricultural inputs. While second-life lithium-ion batteries provide a cost-effective energy storage option, their thermal and electrical characteristics under real-world greenhouse conditions are poorly documented. Similarly, although plasma-activated water (PAW) shows potential to reduce chemical fertilizer usage, its integration with renewable-powered systems requires further investigation. This study develops an adaptive monitoring and modeling framework to estimate the thermal resistances (R_u, R_c) and internal resistance (R_int) of second-life lithium-ion batteries using operational data from greenhouse applications, alongside a field trial assessing PAW effects on beefsteak tomato cultivation. The adaptive control algorithm accurately estimated surface temperature (T_s) and core temperature (T_c), achieving a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.31 °C, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.25 °C, and a percentage error of 0.31%. Thermal resistance values stabilized at R_u ≈ 3.00 °C/W (surface to ambient) and R_c ≈ 2.00 °C/W (core to surface), indicating stable thermal regulation under load variations. Internal resistance (R_int) maintained a baseline of ~1.0–1.2 Ω, with peaks up to 12 Ω during load transitions, confirming the importance of continuous monitoring for performance and degradation prevention in second-life applications. The PAW treatment reduced chemical nitrogen fertilizer use by 31.2% without decreasing total nitrogen availability (69.5 mg/L). The NO₃⁻-N concentration in PAW reached 134 mg/L, with an initial pH of 3.04 neutralized before application, ensuring no adverse effects on germination or growth. Leaf nutrient analysis showed lower nitrogen (1.83% vs. 2.28%) and potassium (1.66% vs. 2.17%) compared to the control, but higher magnesium content (0.59% vs. 0.37%), meeting Japanese adequacy standards. The total yield was 7.8 kg/m², with fruit quality comparable between the PAW and control groups. The integration of adaptive battery monitoring with PAW irrigation demonstrates a practical pathway toward energy efficient and sustainable greenhouse operations. Full article

In the context of the global climate transition, managerial climate attention is influencing the risk posture of new energy vehicle firms as a key non-economic cognitive factor. This paper investigates the mechanism of managerial climate attention (MCA) on the systemic risk of firms using panel data from 111 listed NEV firms in China from 2013 to 2022. The results show that first, the systemic risk of NEV firms is significantly reduced as managerial climate attention increases. Second, the negative influence of MCA on the systemic risk of NEV firms is more significant among state-owned enterprises, firms in non-first-tier cities and in the machinery, equipment and computer communication sub-sectors. Third, MCA negatively affects the systemic risk of NEV firms by increasing market competition, environmental performance and investor sentiment. The difference-in-differences analysis based on the Paris Agreement shows that the systemic risk of the treatment group enterprises increased significantly after policy implementation, confirming the link between climate-related policies and risk. The management of NEV firms should be concerned about climate change, thus providing practical implications for financial stability and sustainable economic development. Full article

Chatter vibration in machining operations has been identified as one of the major obstacles to improving surface quality and productivity. Therefore, efficiently and accurately predicting stable cutting regions is becoming increasingly important, especially in high-speed milling processes. In this study, on the basis of a predictor–corrector scheme, the following three error correction methods are developed for milling stability analysis: the Correction Hamming–Milne-based method (CHM), the Correction Adams–Milne-based method (CAM) and the Predictor–Corrector Hamming–Adams–Milne-based method (PCHAM). Firstly, we employ the periodic delay differential equations (DDEs), which are usually adopted to describe mathematical models of milling dynamics, and the time period of the coefficient matrix is divided into two unequal subintervals based on an analysis of the vibration modes. Then, the Hamming method and the fourth-order implicit Adams–Moulton method are separately utilized to predict the state term, and the Milne method is adopted to correct the state term. Based on local truncation error, combining the Hamming and Milne methods creates a CHM that can more precisely approximate the state term. Similarly, combining the fourth-order implicit Adams–Moulton method and the Milne method creates a CAM that can more accurately approximate the state term. More importantly, the CHM and the CAM are employed together to acquire the state transition matrix. Thereafter, the effectiveness and applicability of the three error correction methods are verified by comparing them with three existing methods. The results demonstrate that the three error correction methods achieve higher prediction accuracy without sacrificing computational efficiency. Compared with the 2nd SDM, the calculation times of the CHM, CAM and PCHAM are reduced by around 56%, 56% and 58%, respectively. Finally, verification experiments are carried out using a CNC machine (EMV650) to further validate the reliability of the proposed methods, where ten groups of cutting tests illustrate that the stability lobes predicted by the three error correction methods exhibit better agreement with the experimental results. Full article

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the thermal and flammability properties of polylactide- (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate)- (PET) based polymer blends with biofillers, such as calcium lignosulfonate (CLS), lignosulfonamide (SA) and lignosulfonate modified with tannic acid (BMT) and gallic acid (BMG). Calorimetric studies revealed the presence of two glass transitions, one cold crystallization temperature, and two melting points, confirming the partial immiscibility of the PLA and PET phases. The additives had different effects on the temperatures and ranges of phase transformations—BMT restricted PLA chain mobility, while CLS acted as a nucleating agent that promoted crystallization. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) analyses showed that the additives significantly affected the thermal stability under oxidizing conditions, some (e.g., BMG) lowered the onset degradation temperature, while the others (BMT, SA) increased the residual char content. The additives also altered combustion behavior; particularly BMG that most effectively reduced flammability, promoted char formation, and extended combustion time. CLS reduced PET flammability more effectively than PLA, especially at higher PET content (e.g., 65% reduction in PET for 2:1/CLS). SA inhibited only PLA combustion, with strong effects at higher PLA content (up to 76% reduction for 2:1/SA). BMT mainly reduced PET flammability (48% reduction in 1:1/BMT), while BMG inhibited PET more strongly at lower PET content (76% reduction for 2:1/BMG). The effect of each additive also depended on the PLA:PET ratio in the blend. FTIR analysis of the char residues revealed functional groups associated with decomposition products of carboxylic acids and aromatic esters. Ultimately, only blends containing BMT and BMG met the requirements for flammability class FV-1, while SA met FV-2 classification. BMG was the most effective additive, offering enhanced thermal stability, ignition delay, and durable char formation, making it a promising bio- based flame retardant for sustainable polyester materials. Full article

An unprecedented nickel-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition that enables efficient construction of fused pyridine frameworks with allyl boronate was reported. This transformation is proposed to occur through a mechanism involving aza-nickelacyclopentadiene intermediates, wherein the boryl group of the allyl boronate plays a critical role in enabling the following cyclization via the control experiments. This work not only expands the structural diversity accessible via transition-metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions but also showcases the untapped potential of unsaturated substrates in cycloaddition reactions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems represent a major advancement in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management, particularly in pediatric populations. However, real-world evidence comparing their effectiveness to conventional multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy in youth remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of transitioning from MDI therapy to AID systems on glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1D, and to explore potential differences based on baseline HbA1c levels and device type. Materials and Methods: In this single-center, retrospective observational study, 76 children and adolescents with T1D were evaluated before and after switching from MDI to either the Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G or Tandem t:slim X2™ Control-IQ system. Glycemic control was assessed using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived metrics at three time points: the last 15 days of MDI therapy (T0), 15 days after (T1), and 6 months after (T2) AID initiation. Statistical comparisons were conducted across time points and between subgroups stratified by baseline HbA1c and AID system. Results: Significant improvements in glycemic control were observed as early as 15 days after AID initiation, with sustained benefits at 6 months. Time in range (TIR) increased from 62.0% at baseline to 76.7% at 15 days and 75.8% at 6 months, and time in tight range (TITR) from 39.8% to 53.9% at T1 and 52.1% at T2 (both p < 0.001). Improvements were more pronounced in participants with higher baseline HbA1c (+16.9% for TITR and +22.3% for TIR). No significant differences in glycemic outcomes were observed between device groups, although algorithm-driven differences in insulin delivery patterns were noted. Total daily insulin dose and BMI increased significantly over time (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions: AID therapy leads to rapid and sustained improvements in glycemic control among youth with T1D, particularly in those with suboptimal baseline control. These benefits highlight the clinical value of AID systems, while also emphasizing the need for monitoring potential metabolic impacts. Full article

Hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC), renowned for its significantly enhanced mechanical properties and structural integrity, is widely used in infrastructure construction and has become a key avenue of modern high-performance concrete development. The hybrid application of basalt fiber (BF) and polypropylene fiber (PPF) at optimized ratios generates synergistic effects, improving both mechanical performance and material service reliability. To explore and evaluate the synergistic mechanism of BF-PPF hybrid fibers on concrete’s mechanical properties and performance, this study employs an orthogonal experimental design and mechanical testing methods, measuring the materials’ static compressive strength (loading rate: 0.6 mm/min), splitting tensile strength (loading rate: 0.12–0.14 MPa/s), dynamic elastic modulus (measured by the ultrasonic method), and dynamic compressive strength (loading rates: 0.6 mm/min, 6 mm/min, and 60 mm/min). For these tests, we prepared 100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm cubic specimens (for static compressive, dynamic compressive, and splitting tensile tests) and 400 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm prismatic specimens (for dynamic elastic modulus tests), with three parallel specimens in each test group. In addition, the microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the fiber-matrix interaction. The results show that when the BF/PPF volume ratio is 1:2 (BF0.05PPF0.1), the concrete’s compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and elastic modulus increase by 13.7%, 76.3%, and 116.0%, respectively, with corresponding synergistic effect indices (Q) of 0.057, 0.213, and 0.241, indicating obvious positive synergy. Under dynamic loading, hybrid combinations with higher PPF content (e.g., BF0.05PPF0.1) exhibit strain-rate-dependent enhancements in compressive strength and better impact resistance. SEM analysis reveals that fibers inhibit microcrack propagation through fiber bridging, network distribution, and pull-out resistance, while also improving the interfacial transition zone’s structure. These findings provide theoretical support for the engineering application of composite fiber-reinforced concrete materials. Full article

Epigeic groups play a key ecological role in vineyards, as they represent a significant component of soil and surface communities that directly affect the functioning of the agroecosystem. They act as predators, decomposers of organic matter, and important regulators of pest populations, thereby contributing to the natural biological protection of the vineyard. We conducted research between 2021 and 2023, where we monitored the impact of different types of vineyard landscape habitats on the spatial distribution and abundance of epigeic fauna. Over the study period, 57,964 individuals were recorded, with the highest abundance observed in 2023 and the lowest in 2022. Redundancy analysis confirmed a significant impact of habitat type on community composition, especially in semi-intensive and intensive vineyards, meadows, and abandoned sites, with the differences being statistically significant in all monitored habitats. The interannual changes indicated a significant decrease in biodiversity in 2022, followed by a significant increase in 2023, indicating a positive effect of changing management practices and natural succession on restoring ecological stability. The K-nearest neighbor (KNN) prediction model successfully classified individual years based on the number of individuals and taxa with an accuracy of 97%, with 2021 characterized by lower biodiversity, 2022 by a transitional state, and 2023 by a higher taxa and abundance level. The findings highlight the sensitivity of epigeic fauna communities to management and environmental changes and confirm that the application of gentle agri-environmental measures can significantly contribute to the maintenance and restoration of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Full article

In the polyurethane industry, catalytically generated carbodiimides can modify the properties of isocyanate and, thus, the resulting foams. In this work, a kinetic reaction study was carried out to investigate the formation of a simple, bifunctional carbodiimide from a widely used polyurethane raw material: 4,4′-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). The experimental section outlines a catalytic process, using a 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-phospholene-1-oxide (MPPO) catalyst in ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) solvent, to model industrial circumstances. The reaction produces carbon dioxide, which was observed using gas volumetry at between 50 and 80 °C to obtain kinetic data. A detailed regression analysis with linear and novel nonlinear fits showed that the initial stage of the reaction is second-order, and the temperature dependence of the rate constant is $k(T)=(3.4\pm 3.8)\mathrm{‧}{10}^6\cdot e^{{\displaystyle \frac{-7192\pm 389}{T}}}$. However, the other isocyanate group of MDI reacts with new isocyanate groups and the reaction deviates from the second-order due to oligomer (polycarbodiimide) formation and other side reactions. A linearized Arrhenius equation was used to determine the activation energy of the reaction, which was E_a = 60.4 ± 3.0 kJ mol⁻¹ at the applied temperature range, differing by only 4.6 kJ mol⁻¹ from a monoisocyanate-based carbodiimide. In addition to experimental results, computationally derived thermochemical data (from simplified DFT and IRC calculations) were applied in transition state theory (TST) for a comprehensive prediction of rate constants and Arrhenius parameters. As a result, it was found that the activation energy of the carbodiimide bond formation reaction from theoretical and experimental results was independent of the number and position of isocyanate groups, which is consistent with the principle of equal reactivity of functional groups. Full article

Post-consumer plastic waste poses increasing challenges in urban areas, where recycling heavily relies on consumer cooperation. In Japan, two recycling routes for post-consumer plastic waste from households exist, the municipal recycling route and the retailer recycling route, with the latter requiring more voluntary effort. This study aims to explore the diversity of consumers’ cooperative behaviors in Japan’s post-consumer plastic waste recycling system, with a focus on the retailer route. We conducted an online survey with 758 respondents from Sendai, Kawasaki, and Kyoto in urban Japan, using a structured questionnaire based on the knowledge–attitude–practice (KAP) framework. K-means clustering was conducted to identify behaviorally distinct consumer groups. Three clusters were revealed: Fully Engaged Consumers, Knowledge-Driven Consumers, and Passively Engaged Consumers. These groups exhibited distinct differences in cooperative recycling behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics. Our findings demonstrate the heterogeneity of consumer cooperation and underscore the importance of targeted strategies. By focusing on the retailer recycling route and consumer segmentation, this study addresses key gaps in Japan’s research on urban plastic waste. The results provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for differentiated policy-making, ultimately supporting the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy in post-consumer plastic waste recycling in urban Japan. Full article

Combining public transportation (PT) with Bike-Sharing Systems (BSSs) offers a pathway toward the sustainable development of urban mobility. These systems can reduce fuel consumption, air pollution, and street congestion, especially during peak hours. Moreover, PT and BSS are frequently used by individuals without access to private vehicles, including low-income groups and students. Whereas increasing PT network infrastructure is constrained by issues such as high capital costs and limited street space (which inhibits mass transit options like BRT or trams), BSS can be used as an adaptable and affordable solution to fill these gaps. In particular, BSS can facilitate the “first-mile–last-mile” legs of PT journeys. However, many transit agencies still rely on traditional joint service planning and overlook BSS as a critical mode in integrated travel chains. This paper proposes that PT and BSS be considered as a unified network and introduces a framework to assess whether access to this integrated system is equitably distributed across urban areas. The framework estimates demand for travel using public mobility options and supply at the level of Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs), treating PT and BSS as complementary modes. Spatial accessibility analysis is employed to examine connectivity using factors that affect access to both PT and BSS. The proposed approach is tested by taking Tehran as the focus of the case analysis. The results identify the most accessible areas and highlight those that require improved PT-BSS integration. These findings provide policy-relevant suggestions to promote equity and efficiency in urban transport planning. The outcomes reveal that central TAZs in Tehran receive the highest level of PT-BSS integration, while the western and southern TAZs are in urgent need of adjustment to ensure better distribution of integrated public transportation and bike-sharing services. Full article

This study provides new constraints on the paleogeographic evolution of the Arctic during the Mesozoic. U–Pb geochronology of detrital zircon and rutile grains, together with (U–Th)/He zircon thermochronological data from the uppermost Middle Jurassic to Cretaceous strata of the Sverdrup well in the Kara Sea, reveals a major shift in sediment provenance. Two distinct age populations of detrital zircon define this transition: Group 1 (Middle Jurassic–Hauterivian) shows dominant Neoproterozoic–Cambrian (ca. 700–500 Ma) and Paleozoic (ca. 350–290 Ma) peaks, whereas Group 2 (Aptian–Albian) is characterized by prominent Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1980–1720 Ma), Paleozoic (ca. 350–255 Ma), and Early Mesozoic (ca. 240–115 Ma) ages. Corresponding variations in (U–Th)/He zircon ages—from a Triassic peak (~225 Ma) in Group 1 to a dominant Early Cretaceous peak (~140 Ma) in Group 2—support a switch from a proximal to more distal sediment source. We propose that the emergence of large continent-scale river systems transported clastic material from the southern margin of the Siberian Craton to the Arctic Ocean starting in the late Early Cretaceous. The development of a significant freshwater supply potentially initiated a thick low-salinity layer within the surface waters of the central Arctic Ocean, possibly leading to the onset of a strong salinity stratification of near-surface water masses as in the modern Arctic Ocean. Full article

To enhance the utilization efficiency of coal gangue aggregate, coarse aggregates are chemically modified with 5% sodium silicate solution. The effects of this modification on the compressive strength and microstructural characteristics of concrete are systematically investigated through integrated macro-testing and micro-characterization. By evaluating the compressive performance of modified coal gangue concrete blocks, the optimal mix ratio of each strength grade of blocks is determined. Experimental results indicate that the apparent density, water absorption, and crushing index of the modified coal gangue coarse aggregate exhibit better mechanical properties than the control group. The modified coal gangue coarse aggregate demonstrates improved mechanical performance, with the compressive strength of 28-day concrete showing a 15.3% increase relative to the control group. Furthermore, using a sodium silicate solution effectively enhances the interface transition zone’s performance between coal gangue coarse aggregate and cement mortar, improving the compactness of this interface. The modified coal gangue concrete blocks exhibit higher compressive strength than the original material. When the substitution rate remains constant, the compressive strength of modified coal gangue concrete decreases with increasing water–cement ratio. Similarly, at a constant water–binder ratio, compressive strength decreases with higher modified gangue aggregate replacement. Finally, compressive tests are conducted on masonry constructed with hollow blocks of strength grades MU7.5, MU10, and MU15. Then, a calculation model for the average compressive strength of modified coal gangue concrete hollow block masonry is proposed, providing theoretical support for its engineering application. Full article

The expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is a central pillar of Italy’s climate and energy transition strategy. However, the actual availability of land for PV deployment is heavily influenced by a complex regulatory framework that imposes numerous spatial exclusions. This study presents a comprehensive geospatial analysis of exclusion zones for ground-mounted PV installations across Italy, integrating data from national regulations, environmental protection laws, and cultural heritage inventories. Using a vector-based overlay approach, we categorized constraints into six groups: natural assets, landscape protection, cultural heritage, natural hazards, environmental buffers, and infrastructural safety zones. The analysis shows that only approximately 26% of Italy’s land area remains available for PV development. Regional disparities are pronounced, with southern regions such as Sicilia and Puglia offering the highest availability, while northern and central regions face severe limitations due to dense overlays of protected landscapes and heritage sites. These findings offer quantitative support to the often-cited claim that Italy’s strict land-use regulations are a significant barrier to renewable energy development. The study highlights the need for more flexible, spatially informed regulatory frameworks to reconcile conservation priorities with the urgency of decarbonization. Full article