Search Results (2,122)

As urban centers worldwide face the escalating impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing water scarcity, the need for sustainable water management practices to enhance urban resilience in the Anthropocene has become critical. This study explores how ancient water management practices—including Roman aqueducts, Maya rainwater harvesting systems, and ancient Chinese flood control techniques—can be adapted to address contemporary water challenges in modern cities. We evaluate these historical practices through a lens of contemporary environmental pressures, including climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity. By integrating ancient methods with modern technologies, we propose adaptive solutions to enhance urban water resilience. Case studies from five cities (Singapore, Copenhagen, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia) illustrate how modern green infrastructure, inspired by ancient techniques, is being successfully implemented to manage stormwater, mitigate urban flooding, and improve water conservation. By integrating historical practices with modern technologies—such as advanced filtration systems and water recycling—these cities are enhancing their water resilience and sustainability. The findings suggest that urban planners can draw valuable lessons from historical systems to design adaptive, climate-resilient cities that balance human needs with ecological sustainability. This paper concludes with actionable recommendations for future urban planning, emphasizing the importance of decentralized water systems, nature-based solutions, and community engagement to ensure sustainable urban water management in the Anthropocene. Full article

The ability of Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius to produce H₂ from CO via the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction makes it a compelling microorganism for biofuels research. Optimizing this process requires evaluating parameters such as pressure. This study aimed to understand how H₂ production is affected by increasing CO, N₂, and H₂ partial pressures to 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 bar. Increasing CO partial pressure can improve the solubility of the gas in the liquid phase. However, raising CO partial pressure to 3.0 bar had an inhibitory effect, delaying and reducing H₂ production. By contrast, increasing N₂ and H₂ partial pressures to 3.0 bar had positive effects, reaching a H₂ production of 9.2 mmol and 130 mmol, respectively. Analysis of the electron balance at the end of the fermentation process showed that the selectivity toward H₂ production reached 95%, with the remainder of electrons deriving from CO and glucose directed at organic acid production, mainly acetate, followed by formate. Full article

The development of sustainable pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) from natural biomass resources has attracted increasing attention owing to their non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable features. In this study, a bio-based acrylic PSA with tunable adhesion and cohesion was synthesized by a selective chemical modification of isosorbide-5-acrylate (IA) and its copolymerization with butyl acrylate and acrylic acid through UV-curing crosslinking. During the UV-curing process, the synthesized isosorbide diacrylate ester (IDAE) served as the crosslinker, effectively improving the crosslinking degree of PSA. The impact of IA and IDAE on the mechanical properties of PSA was studied. Moreover, to achieve a balance between adhesion and cohesion, the optimal composition was identified. The addition of IA significantly enhances the stiffness of PSA. Furthermore, the combined effect of IA and IDAE improves the overall adhesion properties of the PSA. The optimal bio-based PSA demonstrates a peel force of 13.9 N/25 mm and a persistent time of 6820 min, promising to replace traditional petroleum-based PSAs. Full article

Influenced by various factors such as the complex environment and high key layers in coal mines, hydraulic fracturing technology has gradually become the main means of controlling the hard roof strata to prevent and control rockburst in recent years, which can effectively release the stress on the roof, reduce the intensity of pressure, and ensure the safe and efficient mining of the working face in coal mines. However, the current research on hydraulic fracturing to prevent and control rockburst is mostly limited to optimizing fracturing parameters and monitoring and evaluating fracturing effects, and there are few studies on blank sections, which cannot guarantee the overall prevention and control effect of rockburst, or increase unnecessary construction costs. In this paper, for the directional long borehole staged hydraulic fracturing project, triangular-type blank sections and regular-type blank sections are defined, and the rockburst prevention and control effects of fracturing sections and triangular-type blank sections during fracturing are compared and analyzed by the underground–ground integrated microseismic monitoring technology and transient electromagnetic detection technology, and the rockburst prevention and control effects of fracturing sections and regular-type blank sections during the coal extraction period are compared and analyzed by the underground–ground integrated microseismic monitoring data such as microseismic energy level and frequency as well as the online stress monitoring data. The results show that leaving the triangular-type blank sections can result in reduced construction costs without compromising the effectiveness of rockburst prevention and control. Additionally, the performance of rockburst prevention and control in regular-type blank sections is notably superior to that observed in other working faces without hydraulic fracturing. However, when compared to fracturing sections, the efficacy of rockburst prevention and control in regular-type blank sections remains relatively inferior. Therefore, during the design of fracturing boreholes, it is imperative to strive for maximum coverage of regular-type blank sections. The research findings of this paper comprehensively summarize two prevalent types of blank sections encountered in directional long borehole staged hydraulic fracturing projects. A rigorous comparative analysis is undertaken to evaluate the rockburst prevention and control effects between fractured sections and blank sections. This comparative evaluation serves as a valuable reference for the optimal design of fracturing boreholes, ensuring a balance between achieving effective rockburst prevention and control measures and minimizing economic costs. Full article

Balance deficits are present in a variety of clinical populations and can negatively impact quality of life. The integration of wearable sensors and machine learning technology (ML) provides unique opportunities to quantify biomechanical characteristics related to balance outside of a laboratory setting. This article provides a general overview of recent developments in using wearable sensors and ML to estimate or predict biomechanical characteristics such as center of pressure (CoP) and center of mass (CoM) motion. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Databases including Scopus, PubMed, CINHAL, Trip PRO, Cochrane, and Otseeker databases were searched for publications on the use of wearable sensors combined with ML to predict biomechanical characteristics. Fourteen publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. From each publication, information on study characteristics, testing conditions, ML models applied, estimated biomechanical characteristics, and sensor positions were extracted. Additionally, the study type, level of evidence, and Downs and Black scale score were reported to evaluate methodological quality and bias. Most studies tested subjects during walking and utilized some type of neural network (NN) ML model to estimate biomechanical characteristics. Many of the studies focused on minimizing the necessary number of sensors and placed them on areas near or below the waist. Nearly all studies reporting RMSE and correlation coefficients had values <15% and >0.85, respectively, indicating strong ML model estimation accuracy. Overall, this review can help guide the future development of ML algorithms and wearable sensor technologies to estimate postural mechanics. Full article

This study focuses on developing a fried fish cake prototype with improved quality and extended shelf-life, enabling room-temperature distribution through an innovative high-temperature and high-process retort method. Surimi-based products typically necessitate cold storage and a refrigerated distribution system, affecting their physical properties and flavor while escalating costs. By incorporating Transglutaminase (TGase), trehalose, and herbal oils, and optimizing the heating process using the response surface methodology, this research addresses challenges related to changes in physical properties, color, and off-flavors during high-temperature and high-pressure treatment. The addition of 0.37% ACTIVA-K TGase significantly enhanced gel strength by promoting protein cross-linking, while 0.75% trehalose improved color stability by suppressing browning, thus enhancing visual appeal. A 0.1% concentration of bay oil effectively enhanced the flavor profile by masking undesirable odors without compromising the sensory quality. Optimized processing conditions maximized DPPH radical scavenging activity, whiteness, and gel strength, ensuring superior product quality and safety. Nutritional analysis confirmed a balanced composition of moisture, protein, essential amino acids, and minerals, in accordance with Korean national standards for acid values. Microstructural examination revealed a uniform network structure, contributing to excellent texture and sensory evaluations. Shelf-life predictions indicated a storage duration of approximately 19 months, surpassing commercially available products and offering a competitive edge. This novel approach allows surimi-based products to be stored and distributed at room temperature, while also providing the potential for increased profitability. Full article

Anion exchange membrane electrolysis, which combines the advantages of both alkaline electrolysis and proton-exchange membrane electrolysis, is a promising technology to reduce the cost of hydrogen production. The present work focused on the study of the electrochemical phenomena of AEM electrolysis and the investigation of the key factors of the AEM hydrogen production system. The numerical model is established according to electrochemical reactions, polarization phenomena, and the power consumption of the balance of plant components of the system. The effects of operation parameters, including the temperature and hydrogen pressure of the electrolyzer, electrolyte concentration, and hydrogen supply pressure on the energy efficiency are studied. The basic electrochemical phenomena of AEM water electrolysis cells are analyzed by simulations of reversible potential and activation, and ohmic and concentration polarizations. The results reveal that increasing the operating temperature and hydrogen production pressure of the AEM electrolyzer has positive effects on the system’s efficiency. By conducting an optimization analysis of the electrolyzer temperature—which uses the heat energy generated by the electrochemical reaction of the electrolyzer to minimize the power consumption of the electrolyte pump and heater—the AEM system with an electrolyzer operating at 328 K and 30 bar can deliver hydrogen of pressure up to 200 bar under an energy efficiency of 56.4%. Full article

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems sequester carbon, storing it as plant biomass and particulate organic matter in sediments. Recent studies emphasize the importance of incorporating dissolved inorganic and organic forms into carbon assessments. As sediment-stored organic matter decomposes, it releases dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA), both of which are critical for regulating the partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂) and thus carbon sequestration. This study investigated the role of benthic DIC and TA fluxes in carbon sequestration within seagrass meadows in Dongsha Island’s inner lagoon (IL) during the winter and summer seasons. Chamber incubation experiments revealed elevated benthic DIC and TA fluxes compared to global averages (107 ± 75.9 to 119 ± 144 vs. 1.3 ± 1.06 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹ for DIC, and 69.7 ± 40.7 to 75.8 ± 81.5 vs. 0.52 ± 0.43 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹ for TA). Despite DIC fluxes being approximately 1.5 times higher than TA fluxes, water pCO₂ levels remained low (149 ± 26 to 156 ± 18 µatm). Mass balance calculations further indicated that benthic DIC was predominantly reabsorbed into plant biomass through photosynthesis (−135 to −128 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹). Conversely, TA accumulated in the water and was largely exported (−60.3 to −53.7 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹), demonstrating natural ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE). This study highlights the crucial role of IL seagrass meadows in coastal carbon sequestration through net autotrophy and carbonate dissolution. Future research should explore the global implications of these processes and assess the potential of natural OAE in other coastal blue carbon ecosystems. Full article

The sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) is essential for electrolyte balance, blood pressure regulation, and pathophysiology of hypertension as it mediates the reabsorption of ultrafiltered sodium in the renal distal convoluted tubule. Given its pivotal role in the maintenance of extracellular fluid volume, the NCC is regulated by a complex network of cellular pathways, which eventually results in either its phosphorylation, enhancing sodium and chloride ion absorption from urines, or dephosphorylation and ubiquitination, which conversely decrease NCC activity. Several factors could influence NCC function, including genetic alterations, hormonal stimuli, and pharmacological treatments. The NCC’s central role is also highlighted by several abnormalities resulting from genetic mutations in its gene and consequently in its structure, leading to dysregulation of blood pressure control. In the last decade, among other improvements, the acquisition of knowledge on the NCC and other renal ion channels has been favored by studies on extracellular vesicles (EVs). Dietary sodium and potassium intake are also implicated in the tuning of NCC activity. In this narrative review, we present the main cornerstones and recent evidence related to NCC control, focusing on the context of blood pressure pathophysiology, and promising new therapeutical approaches. Full article

The optimal conditions for synthesizing a pure chalcopyrite CuFeS₂ phase were thoroughly investigated through the combination of mechanical alloying (MA) and hot pressing (HP) processes. The MA process was performed at a rotational speed of 350 rpm for durations ranging from 6 to 24 h under an Ar atmosphere, ensuring proper mixing and alloying of the starting materials. Afterward, MA-synthesized chalcopyrite powder was subjected to HP at temperatures between 723 K and 823 K under a pressure of 70 MPa for 2 h in a vacuum. This approach aimed to achieve phase consolidation and densification. A thermal analysis via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed distinct endothermic peaks at the range of 740–749 K and 1169–1170 K, corresponding to the synthesis of the chalcopyrite phase and its melting point, respectively. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the tetragonal chalcopyrite phase across all samples. However, a minor secondary phase, identified as Cu_1.1Fe_1.1S₂ (talnakhite), was observed in the sample hot-pressed at the highest temperature of 823 K. This secondary phase could result from slight compositional deviations or local phase transformations at elevated temperatures. The thermoelectric properties of the CuFeS₂ samples were evaluated as a function of the HP temperatures. As the HP temperature increased, the electrical conductivity exhibited a corresponding rise, likely due to enhanced densification and reduced grain boundary resistance. However, this increase in electrical conductivity was accompanied by a decrease in both the Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity. The reduction in the Seebeck coefficient could be attributed to the higher carrier concentration resulting from improved electrical conductivity, while the decrease in thermal conductivity was likely due to reduced phonon scattering facilitated by the grain boundaries. Among the samples, the one that was hot-pressed at 773 K displayed the most favorable thermoelectric performance. It achieved the highest power factor of 0.81 mWm⁻¹K⁻¹ at 523 K, indicating a good balance between the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. Additionally, this sample achieved a maximum figure-of-merit (ZT) of 0.32 at 723 K, a notable value for chalcopyrite-based thermoelectric materials, indicating its potential for mid-range temperature applications. Full article

Background: Headache is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Neck proprioception, pain, and postural control are interconnected in both healthy individuals and those with chronic neck pain. This study examines the effects of proprioceptive training using a gaze direction recognition task on postural stability and pain in cervicogenic headache patients. Methods: Patients with cervicogenic headache (n = 34, age: 35–49 y) were randomized into a control group (CON), receiving only selected physical therapy rehabilitation or to an experimental group (EXP), performing proprioceptive training using a gaze direction recognition task plus selected physical therapy rehabilitation. Both programs consisted of 24, 60 min long sessions over 8 weeks. Postural stability was assessed by the modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (mCTSIB) and a center of pressure test (COP) using the HUMAC balance system. Neck pain was assessed by a visual analog scale. Results: In all six tests, there was a time main effect (p < 0.001). In three of the six tests, there were group by time interactions so that EXP vs. CON improved more in postural stability measured while standing on foam with eyes closed normalized to population norms, COP velocity, and headache (all p ≤ 0.006). There was an association between the percent changes in standing on foam with eyes closed normalized to population norms and percent changes in COP velocity (r = 0.48, p = 0.004, n = 34) and between percent changes in COP velocity and percent changes in headache (r = 0.44, p = 0.008, n = 34). Conclusions: While we did not examine the underlying mechanisms, proprioceptive training in the form of a gaze direction recognition task can improve selected measures of postural stability, standing balance, and pain in cervicogenic headache patients. Full article

With the leapfrog development of information and communication technology and the intensification of external competition among enterprises, after-hours work connectivity through communication devices has become a new norm in the workplace. While it offers certain conveniences, the constant connectivity it entails also imposes significant pressure on employees. How to comprehensively understand and rationally treat after-hours work connectivity has become an issue that organizations need to pay great attention to. Based on conservation of resources theory, this study analyzed 407 questionnaires to explore the “double-edged sword” effect of after-hours work connectivity on employee performance and analyzed the moderating effect of the psychological contract. The results indicate the following: (1) Proactive pathway: after-hours work connectivity promotes employees’ job crafting behaviors toward approach-oriented adjustments, thereby enhancing job performance. (2) Passive pathway: after-hours work connectivity encourages employees’ job crafting behaviors toward avoidance-oriented adjustments, leading to decreased job performance. (3) The psychological contract positively moderates the relationship between after-hours work connectivity and approach-oriented job crafting and negatively moderates the relationship between after-hours work connectivity and avoidance-oriented job crafting, regulating both the positive and negative coping pathways. The research findings contribute to assisting organizations in adopting a dialectical perspective towards and effectively utilizing after-hours work connectivity. This aids in achieving a balance between organizational effectiveness and employee well-being, seeking a mutually beneficial work paradigm, and providing managerial recommendations to promote sustainable organizational development. Full article

Background: We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine two-leg- and one-leg-type balance characteristics in athletes and explore factors related to their balance ability. Methods: A total of 213 participants, including athletes from various sports (gymnastics, boat racing, swimming, soccer, judo, and baseball) and non-athletes, were included (142 men, 71 women, average age 21.5 ± 2.1 years). Balance ability was classified into two-leg and one-leg types using the modified index of postural stability (mIPS) in a two-leg stance and the one-legged stance duration with eyes closed (OLS). Body composition, upper and lower limb strength, and lower limb sensation were also measured. To examine the balance characteristics of each sport, the mIPS and OLS were used as dependent variables in a multiple regression model with age, height, weight, and sex as independent variables. Results: The results showed a significantly higher mIPS in gymnastics (estimate: 0.22) and boat racing (0.14), and it was lower in swimming (−0.25). The OLS was significantly higher in soccer (16.98), judo (16.23), gymnastics (9.77), and baseball (9.12) and significantly lower in swimming (7.93). Additionally, the mIPS was independently associated with knee extension strength (0.12), sensory motor variables (−0.004), and height (−0.01). The OLS was associated with skeletal muscle mass (1.85) and height (−1.42). Conclusions: In summary, gymnasts showed superior two-leg and one-leg balance; boat racers excelled in two-leg balance; swimmers showed inferior two-leg but better one-leg balance; and soccer, judo, and baseball athletes demonstrated superior one-leg balance. Additionally, the mIPS was associated with knee extensor strength, plantar pressure sensation, and height, whereas the OLS was associated with skeletal muscle mass and height. Full article

Global warming has led to an increase in extreme rainfall events, which often result in landslides, posing significant threats to infrastructure and human life. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Capillary Barrier System (CBS) in enhancing slope stability along a vulnerable section of India’s National Highway 10 (NH10) during maximum daily rainfall. The GEOtop model was employed to conduct water balance simulations and obtain the pore–water pressure (PWP), which was then used to calculate the Factor of Safety (FoS). Results showed that CBS effectively delayed the rise in PWP, leading to lower peak values and smaller areas of very high and high risk levels. Spatial distribution mapping further confirmed that CBS minimized very high risk zones. At three historical landslide points, CBS slopes generally maintained FoS values above 1, demonstrating enhanced stability and improved resilience to extreme rainfall. These findings highlight the potential of CBS as a viable strategy for slope reinforcement in regions susceptible to heavy rainfall. Full article

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the stability of occlusal contacts based on the left–right distribution of the occlusal contact area, divide participants into well-balanced and unbalanced groups, and clarify the effect of light clenching on the balance ability. Methods: Forty-one healthy men completed occlusal contact examinations with pressure-sensitive films, and the participants were allocated to the balanced occlusal contact (BOC) group or the unbalanced occlusal contact (UOC) group. The balance ability was measured using a center of gravity sway meter. The static balance in standing and dynamic balance using the cross test were assessed. Measurements were performed in the mandibular rest position (RP) or with light clenching (LC). Differences in the balance ability between the participant groups due to clenching and correlations between the static and dynamic balance were analyzed. Results: Differences in the balance ability due to clenching were observed only in the BOC group, with the static balance higher with LC, and the dynamic balance higher in the RP condition (p < 0.01). Significant correlations were observed between the static and dynamic balance except for the UOC group with LC (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that occlusion affects the postural control when occlusal contact is stable but does not affect the postural control when occlusal contact is unstable. Full article