Search Results (13,295)

The development of alternative transportation methods has become paramount in the context of sustainable urban population connectivity. The promise of hyperloop as a high-speed, low-emission travel means motivates both academic and industrial interests. The present work centers on the design of hyperloop levitation systems. A component-level optimization is outlined for the appropriate selection of levitation module geometric parameters, followed by an integration into a capsule and bogie system. Two heteropolar levitation module types are numerically studied in realistic operating conditions: a hybrid electromagnet configuration with permanent magnets and a fully active one. To give means for comparison, both configurations are designed with the aid of a general multi-objective optimization approach. For the hybrid case, a position controller is synthesized with a zero-power policy and a specific frequency response function. The active configuration features comparable behavior. Two main power consumption streams are considered: gap control and magnetic drag. While the former depends on the position control effort, the latter depends on the losses of ferromagnetic elements. The two systems are compared in smooth and irregular track conditions over the studied speed range of 400–700 km/h. This study demonstrates that the hybrid heteropolar case achieves a minimum of 97.6% in specific power consumption reduction at the maximum speed of 700 km/h under smooth track conditions. Under irregular track conditions, a benefit in average specific consumption reduction is noted up to 662 km/h for the hybrid case. The maximum reduction in specific consumption is 57.2% at the minimum speed of 400 km/h. Full article

Copper contamination in the environment poses significant risks to both soil and human health, making the need for reliable monitoring methods crucial. In this study, we report the use of the EmStat Pico module as potentiostat to develop a portable electrochemical biosensor for copper detection, utilizing yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells immobilized on a polydopamine (PDA)-coated screen-printed electrode (SPE). By optimizing the sensor design with a horizontal assembly and the volume reduction in the electrolyte solution, we achieved a 10-fold increase in current density with higher range of copper concentrations (0–300 µM CuSO₄) compared to traditional (or previous) vertical dipping setups. Additionally, the use of genetically engineered copper-responsive yeast cells further improved sensor performance, with the recombinant strain showing a 1.7-fold increase in current density over the wild-type strain. The biosensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility (R² > 0.95) and linearity over a broad range of copper concentrations, making it suitable for precise quantitative analysis. To further enhance portability and usability, a Bluetooth-enabled electrochemical platform was integrated with a web application for real-time data analysis, enabling on-site monitoring and providing a reliable, cost-effective tool for copper detection in real world settings. This system offers a promising solution for addressing the growing need for efficient environmental monitoring, especially in agriculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: Incretin-based therapies have demonstrated benefits in glycemic control and the prevention of long-term complications of diabetes. In addition to glucose-dependent insulin secretion stimulation, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) also inhibits gastric acid secretion, delays gastric emptying, inhibits gut motility and induces satiety. We aimed to understand the modulation of gastric fundus motility by GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA). Methods: We have studied the relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and noradrenaline (NA) of gastric fundus isolated from Wistar rats and Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, an animal model of spontaneous non-obese type 2 diabetes, after Liraglutide treatment (200 μg/kg s.c., b.i.d., 14 days). Results: Decreased relaxation induced by SNP and NA (0.01–889 μM) was observed in treated groups, with no significant changes in SNP maximum relaxation or in nNOS/p-nNOS levels between treated and non-treated rats of both animal models. Accordingly, in rat gastric fundus pre-contracted with 5 µM of carbachol, GLP-1RA (0.05–111.1 nM) induced contractile responses that were GLP-1R-dependent and -independent. Exenatide showed more intrinsic activity, while Liraglutide showed more potency than GLP-1 in Wistar rats. Moreover, GLP-1 showed more intrinsic activity in diabetic rats compared to control ones. Conclusions: Liraglutide-induced increased gastric muscle tone may contribute to the significant decrease in caloric intake and body weight in all treated rats, causing a reduction in gastric accommodation during food intake. Thus, the increased gastric fundus tone induced by GLP-1RA may constitute a peripheral mechanism by which they can reduce food intake and induce satiety. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a continuously increasing prevalence and often co-exist, exacerbating cardiometabolic risk. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are recommended as first-line therapy for patients with T2DM and excess weight, particularly when cardiovascular risk is present. This study assessed the real-world effectiveness of available GLP-1 RAs in Romania on glycemic control, body weight reduction (BWR), and waist circumference (WC) in T2DM patients with excess weight. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 311 adults with T2DM (glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 7.2%, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m²). Patients received exenatide, semaglutide (either oral or injectable), or dulaglutide and were monitored for a period of 6 months. Parameters assessed included HbA1c, body weight, BMI, and WC. Results: All treatments significantly improved the patients’ HbA1c, BMI, and WC (p < 0.05). Dulaglutide had the most significant impact on HbA1c (−6.69 ± 0.91%), while injectable semaglutide led to the most notable BWR (−4.60 ± 2.74 kg) and WC reduction, especially among male patients. No significant differences in treatment effect were observed concerning the patient’s age, gender, or T2DM duration. Conclusions: In real-world clinical practice, GLP-1 RAs provide significant metabolic benefits and should be considered as part of individualized treatment strategies for T2DM patients who are overweight or obese. Full article

Crumb rubber used in asphalt modification can generally improve the road performance of asphalt mixture pavement while offering substantial environmental and economic benefits. This study investigates the volatile organic compound emissions from crumb rubber-modified asphalt binders via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, focusing on the effects of crumb rubber types (e.g., activated crumb rubber, non-activated crumb rubber), contents, and additives (warm-mix agents, deodorants, styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)). The analysis encompasses total volatile organic compound emissions, compositional variations, secondary organic aerosol and ozone formation potentials, and carcinogenic risks. Results indicate that non-activated crumb rubber increases volatile organic compound emissions initially, peaking at a 15% content (3.99 times higher than base asphalt), dominated by trichloroethylene. The surfactant-based warm-mix additive significantly reduces emissions by 73%, whereas deodorants exhibited limited efficacy. At equivalent contents, activated crumb rubber-modified asphalt emits more volatile organic compounds than non-activated crumb rubber-modified asphalt and leads to a higher ozone formation potential. Activated crumb rubber/SBS-modified asphalt blends reduce emissions by 69%–81% due to synergistic effects. In contrast, non-activated crumb rubber/SBS blends increase emissions, likely due to phase separation. All samples contain carcinogens, primarily trichloroethylene (20%–79%) and benzene (0.1%–9%). These findings underscore the critical importance of crumb rubber activation status and SBS addition in controlling volatile organic compound diffusion. The activated crumb rubber/SBS combination achieves a synergistic reduction exceeding the sum of individual effects (“1 + 1 > 2”). These findings provide valuable insights for designing eco-friendly asphalt. Full article

The pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide receptor 1 (PAC1) plays a pivotal role in central nervous system development and homeostasis. Comparisons of PAC1 knockout (PAC1^−/−), heterozygous (PAC1^+/−) and wild-type (PAC1^+/+) mice demonstrate that PAC1 deficiency severely impairs pre-weaning survival and results in marked developmental deficits, including reduced postnatal weight and altered locomotor behavior. PAC1^−/− mice exhibited hyperlocomotion, reduced anxiety-like behavior, and transient deficits in motor coordination. Gene expression analyses revealed widespread dysregulation of oligodendrocyte-associated markers, with significant myelin reduction and decreased mature oligodendrocyte density in the corpus callosum. ER stress was evidenced in both white matter and motor cortex, as indicated by altered expression of UPR-related genes and increased phosphorylated (p)IRE1⁺ neurons. Retinal morphology was compromised in PAC1^−/− animals, with reduced overall retinal and ganglion cell layer thickness. Notably, no gross morphological or molecular abnormalities were detected in the spinal cord regarding myelin content or MBP expression; however, synaptic marker expression was selectively reduced in the ventral horn of PAC1-deficient mice. Together, these findings highlight a critical role for PAC1 in oligodendrocyte maturation, retinal development, and synaptogenesis, providing new insights with relevance in multiple sclerosis and other neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. Full article

Global warming is attributed to anthropogenic emissions of CO₂ and the contribution from the transport sector is significant. Estimating on-road vehicle CO₂ emission factors is essential for guiding carbon-reduction efforts in transportation. In order to accurately calculate carbon emission factors from vehicles, this study built a multi-scenario model for open, semi-enclosed, and enclosed road environments based on Fick’s second law and the law of conservation of mass. During the model optimization phase, it was found that the model’s applicability domain effectively encompassed most urban roadway scenarios, making it suitable for estimating urban traffic CO₂ emissions. The spatiotemporal heterogeneity analysis of field measurements indicated that this method can effectively distinguish variations in CO₂ emission factors across different road types and time periods. The method proposed in this study offers an effective solution for the real-time monitoring of large-scale on-road vehicle carbon emissions. Full article

With the impact of fossil energy on the climate environment and the development of energy technologies, new energy vehicles, represented by electric cars, have begun to receive increasing attention and emphasis. The rapid proliferation of public charging infrastructure for NEVs has concurrently influenced traditional petrol station networks, creating measurable disparities in their spatial distributions that warrant systematic investigation. This research examines Wenzhou City, China, as a representative case area, employing multi-source Point of Interest (POI) data and spatial analysis models to analyse differential characteristics in spatial layout accessibility, service equity, and underlying driving mechanisms between public electric vehicle charging stations (EV) and traditional gas stations (GS). The findings reveal that public electric vehicle charging stations exhibit a pronounced “single-centre concentration with weak multi-centre linkage” spatial configuration, heavily reliant on dual-core drivers of population density and economic activity. This results in marked service accessibility declines in peripheral areas, resembling a cliff-like drop, and a relatively low spatial equity index. In contrast, traditional gas stations demonstrate a “core-axis linkage” diffusion pattern with strong coupling to urban road networks, showing gradient attenuation in service coverage efficiency along transportation arteries, fewer suburban service gaps, and more gradual accessibility reductions. Location entropy analysis further indicates that charging station deployment shows significant capital-oriented tendencies, with certain areas exhibiting paradoxical “excess facilities” phenomena, while gas station distribution aligns more closely with road network topology and transportation demand dynamics. Furthermore, the layout characteristics of public charging stations feature a more complex and diverse range of land use types, while traditional gas stations have a strong dependence on industrial land. This research elucidates the spatial distribution patterns of emerging and legacy energy infrastructure in the survey regions, providing critical empirical evidence for optimising energy infrastructure allocation and facilitating coordinated transportation system transitions. The findings also offer practical insights for the construction of energy supply facilities in urban development frameworks, holding substantial reference value for achieving sustainable urban spatial governance. Full article

Coal-based solid waste refers to solid waste generated during coal mining and washing processes, and is one of the major types of industrial solid waste in China. Its resource utilization is a critical part of the clean and efficient use of coal, and preparing ceramsite from coal-based solid waste is an important means to promote its “resourceful, large-scale, and high-value” utilization. This paper systematically summarizes the types and properties of coal-based solid waste, its resource utilization methods, and research progress in ceramsite preparation. The focus is on assessing the feasibility, process features, and application status of ceramsite made from coal-based solid waste in areas such as construction, heavy metal stabilization, and water treatment. Using coal-based solid waste to produce ceramsite offers cost reduction and pollution mitigation benefits while showcasing significant potential for resource recycling and sustainable development. This paper further outlines the development trends and technological innovation directions for coal-based solid waste ceramsite, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for advancing the resource utilization of industrial solid waste. Full article

The use of supplementary cementitious materials and the CO₂ uptake capacity of cementitious materials—including recycled concrete aggregates—not only promotes the circular economy but may also present an opportunity to increase their ecoefficiency, thus improving the shrinkage and durability properties of concretes. This study analyses the impact of carbonated recycled aggregates and CO₂ curing on improving the properties of commercial structural self-compacting concrete. Recycled aggregate concretes (RACs) were produced using 50% and 60% coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), in carbonated and uncarbonated forms, and two types of cement—ordinary Portland cement (CEM I) and CEM II/B-M Portland composite cement containing 24% less clinker than CEM I—all with similar compressive strengths. After evaluating the CO₂ curing process, the physical, mechanical, shrinkage, and durability properties (including suction and carbonation resistance) of the concretes were assessed. The properties of the RACs were compared with those achieved by conventional concrete, to generate insights for developing a highly sustainable concrete manufacturing process. Taking all the assessed properties into account, the CO₂ curing process improved concrete’s properties. In addition, RAC-C50-I concrete (using CEM I with carbonated RCA) and RAC50-II (using CEM IIB and uncarbonated RCA) exhibited the greatest durability, resulting in reductions in sorptivity values of 40% and 45%, and decreases in the carbonation coefficient of 16% and 21%, respectively, compared to concrete without CO₂ curing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with self-injurious behaviors, posing significant risks to individuals and considerable challenges for families and professionals. While various interventions have been proposed, evidence regarding their relative effectiveness remains fragmented. The general aim of this study was to perform a narrative review to analyze effective non-pharmacological interventions targeting self-injurious behaviors (SIBs) in autistic children and adolescents, addressing the following research question: Which non-pharmacological interventions are effective in reducing self-injurious behaviors in autistic children and adolescents, and under what conditions? The review focused on identifying treatment types, contexts of implementation, and outcome efficacy. Methods: This review was conducted based on a search in WoS, SCOPUS and PubMed databases. According to the PICOS criteria, we included studies involving children and adolescents with ASD and interventions for self-injurious behaviors. We compared different types of interventions and evaluated outcomes in terms of reduction in SIBs. Eligible studies were those reporting quantitative or qualitative outcomes on SIB interventions, published within the past 10 years. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions included applied behavior analysis (ABA), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sensory integration therapy, and pharmacology. The reported outcomes generally indicated reductions in the frequency and severity of self-injurious behaviors. However, many studies lacked long-term follow-up data, and few addressed the generalization of treatment effects. Methodological variability limited both the comparability across studies and the generalization of results. Conclusions: This review emphasized a multidisciplinary, individualized approach to treating self-injurious behaviors in autistic youth. ABA emerged as the most effective intervention, while CBT proved beneficial for higher-functioning adolescents, and sensory therapies addressed specific challenges. Combined treatments showed promise, and family involvement and long-term research remain essential. Full article

In order to investigate the influence of different tire textures, pavement types, and vehicle parameters on the tire/road noise level and its spectrum characteristics, 19 kinds of asphalt pavement main structures of RIOHTrack full-scale test track were tested by the close-proximity trailer (CPXT) tire/road noise detection method. Considering investigated parameters such as tire texture, vehicle speed, and trailer axle weight, and relying on multi-functional road condition rapid detection vehicle and laboratory tests to collect a variety of road surface information and material parameters, a multiple-linear-regression model of tire/road surface noise level of RIOHTrack (Research Institute of Highway Full-scale Test Track) asphalt pavement was constructed. Finally, the causes of noise level differences among different influencing factors were further analyzed through spectrum characteristics. The results show that vehicle speed is the most important factor affecting tire/road noise. The noise level of different tires varies due to different textures, but the noise level among different trailer axle weights is roughly the same. Vehicle speed (v), FWD center deflection (D₀), surface asphalt mixture air voids (VV), sensor-measured texture depth (SMTD) and international roughness index (IRI) were selected to establish the noise prediction models of different tire textures. Noise spectrum analysis shows that the spectrum of different vehicle speeds is significantly wide in the full frequency range, and the spectrum variation of differently textured tires is mainly concentrated in a certain range of the peak frequency. The noise spectrum curve of porous asphalt concrete (PAC13) is significantly lower than that of other asphalt mixtures in the full frequency range above 800Hz, indicating a greater noise reduction effect. Full article

Background: Liver cancer is a significant disease burden, with metabolic factors potentially influencing its risk. Diabetics, due to metabolic abnormalities, may be more sensitive to environmental exposures. Beverages like tea and alcohol could impact liver cancer risk and may influence prevention in diabetics. Methods: This study included 30,289 diabetics and 482,292 non-diabetics aged 30–79 years from the China Kadoorie Biobank. Baseline alcohol and tea consumption during the past year was collected through questionnaires, including frequency, amount, duration, and types. Incident liver cancer cases were identified from the national health insurance system and local disease registries. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: During a median follow-up of 9.6 years for diabetics and 10.1 years for non-diabetics, 193 (0.69 cases/1000 person-years) and 398 (0.45 cases/1000 person-years) incident liver cancer cases were documented, respectively. Weekly alcohol consumption was associated with higher liver cancer risk in both groups, stronger in diabetics (HR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.34) than in non-diabetics (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.35). Among diabetics, the risk was higher in some weekly alcohol consumption subgroups: high-level intake (HR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.28, 3.80), ≥30 years (HR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.71), or spirit (≥50% alcohol) alcohol-specific consumption (HR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.20, 3.04), and these associations were stronger than those in non-diabetics. For weekly tea consumption, low-level intake (HR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.99), <10 years (HR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.93), 10–29 years (HR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.99), and green tea-specific consumption (HR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.98) were associated with reduced liver cancer risk in non-diabetics. However, these associations were not significant in those with diabetes. Conclusions: Weekly alcohol consumption is significantly associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, especially in diabetics, while tea consumption appears to lower risk only in non-diabetics, highlighting the need for alcohol reduction in diabetics. Full article

Water-reducing admixtures are of enormous importance to adjust the workability of alkali-activated materials. Especially in geopolymers activated by highly concentrated alkaline solutions, the polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizers are less effective than in conventional cementitious systems. The aim of this study was to clarify the reasons for the lower dispersing performance of PCE and the synthesis of alternative dispersing agents based on the biopolymer starch to improve the workability of highly alkaline geopolymers. Furthermore, the focus of investigations was on the role of activator type and concentration as key parameters for geopolymer reaction and interaction of water-reducing agents. Therefore, in this study the conformation of three different types of PCE (MPEG: methacrylate ester, IPEG: isoprenol ether, and HPEG: methallyl ether) and synthesized starch admixtures in sodium and potassium hydroxide solutions (1 mol/L up to 8 mol/L) were studied. Furthermore, the dispersing performance, adsorption behavior, and influence on reaction kinetics in metakaolin-based geopolymer pastes were investigated in dependence on activator type and concentration. While the PCE superplasticizers show coiling and formation of insoluble aggregates at activator concentrations of 3 mol/L and 4 mol/L, the synthesized starch admixtures show no significant change in conformation. The cationic starch admixtures showed a higher dispersing performance in geopolymer pastes at all activator concentrations and types. The obtained adsorption isotherms depend strongly on the activator type and the charge density of the starch admixtures. The reaction kinetics of geopolymer pastes were not significantly influenced using the synthesized starch admixtures. Especially the cationic starch admixtures allow the reduction of liquid/solid ratios, which leads to higher flexural and compressive strengths. Full article

Background: Sepsis and septic shock are associated with markedly increased mortality. Some studies have suggested that macrolides improve outcomes independent of the antibiotic effects, possibly through immunomodulation. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of macrolides in treating sepsis and septic shock. Methods: We searched electronic biomedical databases to investigate the effects of macrolide therapy versus non-macrolide therapy in patients with sepsis or septic shock. The primary outcome was overall mortality, which was also analyzed across subgroups according to the primary cause of sepsis and type of macrolides. Secondary outcomes consisted of the intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS. We calculated pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic (I²). Results: We identified four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 1020) and seven observational studies (n = 2519). In RCTs, there was no significant difference in overall mortality between the macrolide and control groups (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.92–1.27; I² = 0%), whereas observational studies showed a statistically significant mortality reduction associated with macrolide therapy (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65–0.95; I² = 49%). Subgroup analyses by macrolide type and sepsis cause in RCTs showed no significant differences. ICU and hospital LOS showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: Based on the current evidence from RCTs, adjunctive macrolide therapy may not provide a significant mortality benefit in patients with sepsis or septic shock. Further large-scale randomized trials are needed to better establish the role of macrolides in sepsis management. Full article