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The corrosion of carbon steel reinforcements is the main cause of deterioration in reinforced concrete structures. Stainless steel can be a solution to increase the service life of structures exposed to severe chloride environments. This paper describes the results obtained in an experimental study seeking to monitor corrosion over a long-term period (10 years) without the use of accelerated tests. Concrete samples containing admixed chloride and reinforced with 5 different steel grades were exposed to high temperature and high relative humidity in a climatic chamber for 10 years. Visual inspection, corrosion potential, linear polarisation resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were carried out throughout this period. Corrosion current density was calculated to monitor the evolution of corrosion. The methodology was validated on a martensitic stainless steel (grade 1.4021) with the original finding that corrosion occurs over three time steps. None of the duplex steels (grades 1.4062, 1.4362 and 1.4462) showed corrosion after 10 years, making them a very interesting solution for structures located in severe chloride environments. Mass loss corrosion laws over time were determined. Prediction of corrosion was discussed.Please check and confirm the edit made in the article title.confirmedKindly check and confirm the organization name for affiliations 1 and 2.affiliation 1: OK affiliation 2: OK [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extratropical storms, particularly explosive storms or "weather bombs" with exceptionally high deepening rates, present substantial risks and are susceptible to climate change. Individual storms may exhibit a complex and hardly detectable response to human-driven climate change because of the atmosphere's chaotic nature and variability at the regional level. It is thus essential to understand changes in specific storms for building local resilience and advancing our overall comprehension of storm trends. To address this challenge, this study compares analogs—storms with a similar backward track until making landfall—in two climates of three explosive storms impacting different European locations: Alex (October 2020), Eunice (January 2022), and Xynthia (February 2010). We use a large ensemble dataset of 105 members from the Community Earth System Model, version 1 (CESM1). These analogs are identified in two periods: the present-day climate (1991–2001) and a future climate scenario characterized by high anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions [representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5), 2091–2101]. We evaluate future changes in the frequency of occurrence of the storms and intensity, as well as in meteorological hazards and the underlying dynamics. For all storms, our analysis reveals an increase in precipitation and wind severity over land associated with the explosive analogs in the future climate. These findings underscore the potential consequences of explosive storms modified by climate change and their subsequent hazards in various regions of Europe, offering evidence that can be used to prepare and enhance adaptation processes. Significance Statement: This study investigates the impact of climate change on explosive storms, or weather bombs, and their potential consequences for European regions. We project future scenarios of three specific storms, Alex, Eunice, and Xynthia, using a state-of-the-art climate model. Our findings reveal an increase in precipitation and wind over land associated with these storms, emphasizing the heightened risks associated with climate change. The significance lies in understanding the local implications of explosive storms, aiding in the development of resilient strategies and adaptation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of electrospun poly (ε-caprolactone)/poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PCL/PVP) fibers integrated with a nanocomposite of chitosan, silver nanocrystals, and graphene oxide (ChAgG), aimed at developing advanced wound dressing materials. The ChAgG nanocomposite, recognized for its antimicrobial and biocompatible properties, was incorporated into PCL/PVP fibers through electrospinning techniques. We assessed the resultant fibers' morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties, which exhibited significant enhancements in mechanical strength and demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against common bacterial pathogens. The findings suggest that the PCL/PVP-ChAgG fibers maintain biocompatibility and facilitate controlled therapeutic delivery, positioning them as a promising solution for managing chronic and burn-related wounds. This study underscores the potential of these advanced materials to improve healing outcomes cost-effectively, particularly in settings plagued by high incidences of burn injuries. Further clinical investigations are recommended to explore these innovative fibers' full potential and real-world applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the scientific community has increasingly focused on extreme events linked to climate change, which are leading to more intense and frequent natural disasters. The Mediterranean can be considered a hotspot where the effects of these changes are expected to be more intense compared to other regions of the planet. Italy is not exempt; in fact, with its extensive shoreline, it is particularly vulnerable, especially to high sea levels and coastal erosions. In this framework, from late October to early November 2023, six storm surges occurred in the Gulf of Trieste (NE Italy). These events, characterized by winds from 190°N to 220°N and the significant wave height, which reached up to 1.81 m nearshore—an uncommon meteorological condition in the northern Adriatic Sea—caused the occurrence of eight coastal sinkholes and substantial damages to man-made structures. Thanks to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their derived products (high-resolution orthomosaics, Digital Elevation Models—DEMs, and point clouds), it was possible to study these features over time, enabling long-term coastal dynamics monitoring, which can be crucial for timely and effective response and restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This work aims to determine how the nematic twist-bend phase (NTB) of bismesogens containing two rigid parts of cyanobiphenyls connected with a linking chain containing n = 7, 9, and 11 methylene groups behaves in mixtures with structurally similar cyanobiphenyls nCB, n = 4–12, 14. The whole phase diagrams are presented for the CB7CB-nCB system. For the other systems, CB9CB-nCB and CB11CB-nCB, only curves corresponding to NTB-N phase transition are presented. Based on the temperature-concentration range of the existence of NTB phase, it was established that an increase in the alkyl chain length of CBnCB causes an increase in the stability of the NTB phase. But surprisingly, an increase in the alkyl chain length of nCB compounds does not change the slope of the NTB-N equilibrium line on phase diagrams. It is slightly bigger when the nCB compound has the same length of alkyl chain as the length of the linking group of a bismesogen. XRD studies were carried out for two mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tritium (3H) is one of the most critical nuclides for environmental monitoring, yet it is challenging to measure. Its high natural mobility and its potential to enter the human body through the food chain underscore the importance of not overlooking the radiation safety risks associated with tritium. The need for the online measurement of tritium at low concentrations is becoming increasingly apparent. This review examines the two principal stages of current measurement methodologies: sample preparation and radiation signal detection. It provides a summary of the tritium sample preparation and detection techniques, highlighting advances in the research with potential applications in online monitoring. The review concludes with an analysis of the issues inherent in the current techniques and offers perspectives on possible technological enhancements and future trajectories for the development of online monitoring systems for trace tritium levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work covers the formation of a passive state for two different alloys used in the aeronautical industry. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of passivation treatments on 17-7PH and 410 SS (stainless steel) samples, specifically when performed with citric and nitric acid solutions at 49 °C using an immersion time of 90 min and subsequent exposure in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. Employing the cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP) technique, the corrosion properties of the passivated material were evaluated according to the ASTM G65-11 standard. A microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The passivated layer was characterized via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the results, the CPP curves showed positive hysteresis, indicating pitting localized corrosion, and 17-7PH steel passivated at 49 °C for 90 min in citric acid exhibited lower corrosion rate values equivalent to ×10−3 mm/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most viral diseases display a variable clinical outcome due to differences in virus strain virulence and/or individual host susceptibility to infection. Understanding the biological mechanisms differentiating a viral infection displaying severe clinical manifestations from its milder forms can provide the intellectual framework toward therapies and early prognostic markers. This is especially true in arbovirus infections, where most clinical cases are present as mild febrile illness. Here, we used a naturally occurring vector-borne viral disease of ruminants, bluetongue, as an experimental system to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of virus-host interactions resulting in distinct clinical outcomes. As with most viral diseases, clinical symptoms in bluetongue can vary dramatically. We reproduced experimentally distinct clinical forms of bluetongue infection in sheep using three bluetongue virus (BTV) strains (BTV-1IT2006, BTV-1IT2013 and BTV-8FRA2017). Infected animals displayed clinical signs varying from clinically unapparent, to mild and severe disease. We collected and integrated clinical, haematological, virological, and histopathological data resulting in the analyses of 332 individual parameters from each infected and uninfected control animal. We subsequently used machine learning to select the key viral and host processes associated with disease pathogenesis. We identified and experimentally validated five different fundamental processes affecting the severity of bluetongue: (i) virus load and replication in target organs, (ii) modulation of the host type-I IFN response, (iii) pro-inflammatory responses, (iv) vascular damage, and (v) immunosuppression. Overall, we showed that an agnostic machine learning approach can be used to prioritise the different pathogenetic mechanisms affecting the disease outcome of an arbovirus infection. Author summary: In this study we comprehensively investigated the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the clinical outcomes of bluetongue, a viral disease of ruminants used as an experimental model for vector-borne infections. Arboviruses are the cause of major global health and economic burden. Each arbovirus infection induces its own distinctive clinical features. However, many of these vector-borne diseases are typically characterised by general symptoms such as mild febrile flu-like illness and rash, with only a minor proportion of cases exhibiting severe clinical manifestations. It is therefore critical to understand those biological processes distinguishing arbovirus infections resulting in mild or severe clinical diseases. Here, we used in vivo experiments in sheep, artificial intelligence and in vitro experiments to identify the key processes affecting the severity of bluetongue. We established that the clinical outcome of bluetongue in the infected animals is influenced by (i) levels of virus replication in target organs, (ii) modulation of the host innate immunity and (iii) pro-inflammatory responses, (iv) damage to the blood vessels, and (v) immunosuppression. This study provides an intellectual framework on how to prioritise experimentally the variety of biological processes determining the clinical outcome to a virus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a summary of a special issue titled "Macroscopic and Microscopic Thermodynamics: From Fundamentals to Present Applications, 2nd Edition." It explores the broad field of thermodynamics and its applications in various scientific disciplines. The article discusses the historical development of thermodynamics and its expansion into fields such as cosmology, information science, and social sciences. It also highlights the importance of molecular thermodynamics in chemical engineering and the use of computational methods in solving thermodynamic problems. The document provides a list of the contributions included in the special issue, which cover topics such as vapor-liquid equilibrium, clathrate hydrates, binary mixtures, and surface tension. The authors emphasize the importance of thermodynamics in addressing theoretical and practical problems and highlight its potential for further research in fields like process engineering, human health, and environmental preservation. [Extracted from the article]

Among the most debated environmental effects of global warming is sea level rise, whose consequences are believed to exert a large influence on vast coastal areas in the next decades and hence contribute to determining near-future societal developments. The observed variability of the sea level is complex, as it is composed of large inhomogeneous, mostly nonlinear temporal and spatial fluctuations. In the Mediterranean Sea, multiannual as well as multidecadal sea level variability is observed, which has been ascribed to different steric and non-steric phenomena. Possible tipping points, uncertain climate feedback, and future human policies contribute to rendering sea level rise predictability intricate. Here, for the first time, correlations between observed and simulated data demonstrates that, in the Mediterranean Sea, oceanic intrinsic variability merely induced by the steady motion of the water masses inflowing and outflowing the basin is able to produce multiannual, sub-basin SSH variability consistent with altimetrically observed SSH. This study contributes to the recognition of the role played by steadily induced oceanic intrinsic variability in the observed long-term Mediterranean dynamics and paves the way to establish a better constraint to the uncertainties inherent in sea level rise predictability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, stabilizing raw soil with straw fibers represents a sustainable eco-building practice. Moreover, the rebirth of the earth's construction is primarily driven by the material's thermal properties. In the present work, a 3D study of the earthen-straw composite material's thermal behavior has been carried out to promote its use in construction and ensure satisfactory living conditions for the building. To consider the most possible influencing factors, the effect of fibers concentration on thermal conductivity was investigated for the straw contents of 5%, 10% and 15% by volume of earthen. Thus, a 3D model with a random distribution of straw fibers considered as cylinders without overlapping was designed under Catia V5. The distribution uses datasets from a hybrid algorithm developed for this purpose, which is then imported to Ansys Software to carry out the simulation allowing the computation of the thermal conductivity of the homogeneous material. It can be concluded that the proposed hybrid algorithm was efficient since the 3D numerical results based on the geometry generated by the algorithm's output were satisfactory in comparison with those deducted from the 2D study and the existing theoretical models. On the other hand, adding straw fibers in the raw earth matrix with thermal conductivity equal to 0.75 W/(m.K) has enhanced its thermal insulation. Indeed, for 15% of straw fiber's contents, we have found 0.633 W/(m.K) for the thermal conductivity of the earthen-straw composite material, which is equivalent to a decrease of 15.6% in this intrinsic parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bluetongue (BT) poses a significant threat to the livestock industry, affecting various animal species and resulting in substantial economic losses. The existence of numerous BT virus (BTV) serotypes has hindered control efforts, highlighting the need for broad-spectrum vaccines. Methodology: In this study, we evaluated the conserved amino acid sequences within key non-structural (NS) proteins of BTV and identified numerous highly conserved murine- and bovine-specific MHC class I-restricted (MHC-I) CD8+ and MHC-II-restricted CD4+ epitopes. We then screened these conserved epitopes for antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and solubility. Using these epitopes, we developed in silico-based broad-spectrum multiepitope vaccines with Toll-like receptor (TLR-4) agonists. The predicted proinflammatory cytokine response was assessed in silico using the C-IMMSIM server. Structural modeling and refinement were achieved using Robetta and GalaxyWEB servers. Finally, we assessed the stability of the docking complexes through extensive 100-nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations before considering the vaccines for codon optimization and in silico cloning. Results: We found many epitopes that meet these criteria within NS1 and NS2 proteins and developed in silico broad-spectrum vaccines. The immune simulation studies revealed that these vaccines induce high levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 in the vaccinated groups. Protein-protein docking analysis demonstrated promising epitopes with strong binding affinities to TLR-4. The docked complexes were stable, with minimal Root Mean Square Deviation and Root Mean Square Fluctuation values. Finally, the in silico-cloned plasmids have high % of GC content with > 0.8 codon adaptation index, suggesting they are suitable for expressing the protein vaccines in prokaryotic system. Discussion: These next-generation vaccine designs are promising and warrant further investigation in wet lab experiments to assess their immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy for practical application in livestock. Our findings offer a robust framework for developing a comprehensive, broad-spectrum vaccine, potentially revolutionizing BT control and prevention strategies in the livestock industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review covers recent advancements in utilizing various types of polymers and their modifications as photocatalysts for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from water. It also considers polymers that enhance the photocatalytic properties of other materials, highlighting their dual role in improving water purification efficiency. Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the photocatalytic properties of polymers, including organic, inorganic, and composite materials, and their efficacy in degrading pharmaceuticals. Some of the most commonly used polymers, such as polyaniline, poly(p-phenylene vinylene), polyethylene oxide, and polypyrole, and their properties have been reviewed in detail. Physical modification techniques (mechanical blending and extrusion processing) and chemical modification techniques (nanocomposite formation, plasma modification techniques, surface functionalization, and cross-linking) have been discussed as appropriate for modifying polymers in order to increase their photocatalytic activity. This review examines the latest research findings, including the development of novel polymer-based photocatalysts and their application in the removal of pharmaceutical compounds, as well as optimization strategies for enhancing their performance. Additionally, challenges and future directions in this field are discussed to guide further research efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion behavior of Alloy 22 (UNS N06022) according to the hydrogen sulfide, chloride, and pH in an anaerobic environment was investigated through electrochemical tests, surface analyses, and response surface methodology (RSM). Complex corrosion behavior model according to the HS− ion and Cl− ion concentrations and pH was obtained through RSM. The Cl− ion and pH had minimal effects on the corrosion behavior of Alloy 22. Meanwhile, the corrosion behavior of Alloy 22 changed significantly with increased HS− ion concentration. As the HS− ion concentration increases, sulfide ions are adsorbed on the metal surface, increasing the anodic dissolution of metal and suppressing the formation of Cr2O3 passive film, thereby deteriorating the passive properties of Alloy 22. Simultaneously, Mo in Alloy 22 forms MoS2, which acts as a pseudo-passive film to alleviate the corrosion resistance deterioration caused by HS− ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To combat abiotic CO2 corrosion of pipelines, chromium steels (CrSs) are used to replace carbon steels, but CrSs can suffer very severe pitting corrosion caused by microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) because their passive films are not as good as those on high-grade stainless steels, and their MIC often involves (semi-)conductive corrosion product films. In this study, severe pitting corrosion (2.0 cm/a pitting corrosion rate) with a 7-day weight loss of 3.8 ± 0.5 mg/cm2 (0.26 mm/a uniform corrosion rate) was observed on 13Cr coupons incubated anaerobically with a highly corrosive pure-strain sulfate reducing bacterium (SRB) Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 in 125 mL anaerobic vials filled with 50 mL enriched artificial seawater at 28°C. A popular green biocide, namely tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS), was enhanced by biofilm dispersing Peptide A (a 14-mer) to mitigate SRB MIC against 13Cr. The 7-day weight losses for coupons with 50 ppm (w/w) THPS, 50 ppm THPS + 100 nM (180 ppb) Peptide A and 100 ppm THPS were reduced to 2.2 ± 0.2 mg/cm2, 1.5 ± 0.5 mg/cm2, and 0.3 ± 0.2 mg/cm2, respectively. The pitting rates also decreased from 20 mm/a to 12 mm/a, 8.6 mm/a, and 1.5 mm/a, respectively based on the maximum pit depth data for the 7-day incubation. Electrochemical tests using a miniature electrochemical glass cell design supported the weight loss trend with additional transient corrosion rate information. THPS was found to be effective in mitigating severe pitting corrosion on 13Cr, and the enhancement effect of Peptide A for THPS was manifested. This work has significant implications in field applications when CrSs are considered as metal choices to replace carbon steels to combat abiotic CO2 corrosion in pipelines. When SRB MIC is a possible threat, a mitigation plan needs to be implemented to prevent potentially very severe pitting that can lead to pinhole leaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of stimuli-responsive fluorescent hydrogels were successfully synthesized via micelle radical copolymerization of hydrophilic acrylamide (AM), hydrophobic chromophore terpyridine-based monomer (TPY), and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). These hydrogels presented blue emissions (423–440 nm) under room temperature, which is caused by the π-π* transition of the conjugated structures. Once the ambient temperature was increased to 55 °C, the fluorescence color changed from blue (430 nm) to pink (575 nm) within 10 min, subsequently to yellow (535 nm), and eventually back to pink. The thermal-responsive properties are attributed to the transition of the TPY units from unimer to dimer aggregation via the intermolecular charge transfer complex at high temperatures. The hydrogels showed pH-responsive properties. The emission peak of the hydrogel exhibited a blue shift of ~54 nm from neuter conditions to acidic conditions, while a 6 nm red shift to an alkaline environment was observed. The hydrogels demonstrated an obvious change in fluorescence intensity and wavelength upon adding different metal ions, which is caused by the coordination between the terpyridine units incorporated on the backbones and the metal ions. As a consequence, the hydrogels presented a sharp quenching fluorescence interaction with Fe2+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, and Co2+, while it exhibited an enhanced fluorescence intensity interaction with Sn2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+. The microstructural, mechanical, and rheological properties of these luminescent hydrogels have been systematically investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep underground laboratories offer advantages for conducting high-precision observations of weak geophysical signals, benefiting from a low background noise level. Enhancing strong, noisy ground electromagnetic (EM) field data using synchronously recorded underground EM signals, which typically exhibit a high signal-to-noise ratio, is both valuable and feasible. In this study, we propose an EM field reconstruction method employing a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network with referenced deep underground EM observations. Initially, a deep learning model was developed to capture the time-varying features of underground multi-component EM fields using the LSTM recurrent neural network. Subsequently, this model was applied to process synchronously observed strong, noisy data from other conventional observation systems, such as those at the surface, to achieve noise suppression through signal reconstructions. Both the theoretical analysis and the practical observational data suggest that the proposed method effectively suppresses noise and reconstructs clean EM signals. This method is efficient and time-saving, representing an effective approach to fully utilizing the advantages of deep underground observation data. Furthermore, this method could be extended to the processing and analysis of other geophysical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calamitic molecules consisting of pentabromophenol tethered to cyanobiphenyl via a flexible alkyl chain were synthesised and characterised for their mesomorphic properties. New chemical structures differing in the length of the spacer (6a–f) were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopies, and by elemental analysis. Compounds having six, eight, nine and ten methylene units in the spacer show room-temperature nematic liquid crystalline phases and the other derivatives are soft solids. The mesomorphic behaviour and thermal stability of all compounds have been investigated by polarised optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plastic scintillation optical fiber (PSOF) detector, characterized by its large contact area with measurement targets, effectively detects and quantifies radiation in diverse radiation-contaminated areas and liquid environments. While it is extensively utilized for measuring alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron radiations, comprehensive documentation on the spectrum measurement and energy calibration methods for gamma nuclides has not been reported. Accurate energy calibration is crucial for the precise quantification of radiation doses from various sources. The pulse-height spectrum produced by the PSOF detector does not display a Compton maximum because of the significant Gaussian energy broadening. Additionally, this spectrum compresses as the distance increases between the radiation source and the light measurement device. In this study, the energy spectrum of a PSOF for gamma nuclides was characterized by energy calibrations using Compton edge (CE). The CE channel in the measurement spectrum of the PSOF detector for three gamma nuclides was identified using the first-order differentiation method. This technique was successfully applied to spectra measured at various radiation source positions to determine the attenuation coefficients. The proposed energy calibration method allows for the conversion of pulse-height spectra obtained from alpha, beta, and neutron radiation measured with PSOF detectors into energy spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bluff landforms, sought-after for housing and development, present a hazard management challenge due to erosional processes despite the perceived safety of elevated land. This study focuses on the Neuse River Estuary in North Carolina, exploring coastal risk perception and erosion. A survey protocol was developed, and questionnaires targeted 246 residents with property within 100 m of the shoreline and 54 land use professionals in Craven County. To explore the connection of individual experiences with erosion, we use openly accessible LiDAR to quantify bluff retreat and erosion between 2014 and 2020, a period that encompasses Hurricane Florence in 2018. Our findings show: 1) survey results reveal a consensus among residents, with 90% observing alterations attributed to storm impacts, 2) preferences for addressing erosion lean towards structural measures, aligning with existing protection strategies (e.g., bulkheads, rip-rap) as opposed to nature-based solutions, 3) bluff tops are eroding at a higher median rate of -0.59 m per year, compared to -0.19 m per year for high sediment banks, and 4) an overall net volume decrease of approximately -1.89 cubic meters per year for Craven County, slightly more than the overall net loss for the Neuse River Estuary, which was -1.74 cubic meters per year. The findings underscore the need for a cohesive bluff erosion management plan, emphasizing the complexity of challenges and the importance of a holistic approach that combines technical studies with effective risk communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest progress in deep learning approaches has garnered significant attention across a variety of research fields. These techniques have revolutionized the way marine parameters are measured, enabling automated and remote data collection. This work centers on employing a deep learning model for the automated evaluation of tide and surge, aiming to deliver accurate results through the analysis of surveillance camera images. A mode of deep learning based on the Inception v3 structure was applied to predict tide and storm surges from surveillance cameras located in two different coastal areas of Italy. This approach is particularly advantageous in situations where traditional tide sensors are inaccessible or distant from the measurement point, especially during extreme events that require accurate surge measurements. The conducted experiments illustrate that the algorithm efficiently measures tide and surge remotely, achieving an accuracy surpassing 90% and maintaining a loss value below 1, evaluated through Categorical Cross-Entropy Loss functions. The findings highlight its potential to bridge the gap in data collection in challenging coastal environments, providing valuable insights for coastal management and hazard assessments. This research contributes to the emerging field of remote sensing and machine learning applications in environmental monitoring, paving the way for enhanced understanding and decision-making in coastal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to characterize graphene epoxy nanocomposite properties using multiscale modeling. Molecular dynamics was used to study the nanocomposite at the nanoscale and finite element analysis at the macroscale to complete the multiscale modeling. The coupling of these two scales was carried out using the Irving–Kirkwood averaging method. First, the functionalization of graphene was carried and 6% grafted graphene was selected based on Young's modulus and the tensile strength of the grafted graphene sheet. Functionalized graphene with weight fractions of 1.8, 3.7, and 5.6 wt.% were reinforced with epoxy polymer to form a graphene epoxy nanocomposite. The results showed that the graphene with 3.7 wt.% achieved the highest modulus. Subsequently, a functionalized graphene sheet with an epoxy matrix was developed to obtain the interphase properties using the MD modeling technique. The normal and shear forces at the interphase region of the graphene epoxy nanocomposite were investigated using a traction-separation test to analyze the mechanical properties including Young's modulus and traction forces. The mean stiffness of numerically tested samples with 1.8, 3.7, and 5.6 wt.% graphene and the stiffness obtained from experimental results from the literature were compared. The experimental results are lower than the multiscale model results because the experiments cannot replicate the molecular-scale behavior. However, a similar trend could be observed for the addition of up to 3.7 wt.% graphene. This demonstrated that the graphene with 3.7 wt.% shows improved interphase properties. The macroscale properties of the graphene epoxy nanocomposite models with 1.8 and 3.7 wt.% were comparatively higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal events in lead-acid batteries during their operation play an important role; they affect not only the reaction rate of ongoing electrochemical reactions, but also the rate of discharge and self-discharge, length of service life and, in critical cases, can even cause a fatal failure of the battery, known as "thermal runaway." This contribution discusses the parameters affecting the thermal state of the lead-acid battery. It was found by calculations and measurements that there is a cooling component in the lead-acid battery system which is caused by the endothermic discharge reactions and electrolysis of water during charging, related to entropy change contribution. Thus, under certain circumstances, it is possible to lower the temperature of the lead-acid battery during its discharging. The Joule heat generated on the internal resistance of the cell due to current flow, the exothermic charging reaction, and above all, the gradual increase in polarization as the cell voltage increases during charging all contribute to the heating of the cell, overtaking the cooling effect. Of these three sources of thermal energy, Joule heating in polarization resistance contributes the most to the temperature rise in the lead-acid battery. Thus, the maximum voltage reached determines the slope of the temperature rise in the lead-acid battery cell, and by a suitably chosen limiting voltage, it is possible to limit the danger of the "thermal runaway" effect. The overall thermal conditions of the experimental cell are significantly affected by the ambient temperature of the external environment and the rate of heat transfer through the walls of the calorimeter. A series of experiments with direct temperature measurement of individual locations within a lead-acid battery uses a calorimeter made of expanded polystyrene to minimize external influences. A hitherto unpublished phenomenon is discussed whereby the temperature of the positive electrode was lower than that of the negative electrode throughout the discharge, while during charging, the order was reversed and the temperature of the positive electrode was higher than that of the negative electrode throughout the charge. The authors relate this phenomenon to the higher reaction entropy change of the active mass of the positive electrode than that of the negative electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribological behavior of three Fe–Cr alloys with Cr contents ranging from ~12 to 16 wt.% as well as low-alloy high-carbon 52100 steel were investigated using pin-on-disk wear testing. Wear tests were performed in both open atmospheric (dry) and biomass environments (wet). Delamination and abrasion were observed to be the dominant wear regimes following dry wear tests. For wet testing, adhesion and pitting corrosion were determined to be the primary wear mechanisms in the Fe–Cr alloys while adhesion and delamination/cracking were identified as the primary wear mechanisms in the 52100 steel. The 440C stainless steel and 52100 steel specimens exhibited the lowest wear volume following dry (7.58 ± 0.52 mm3 and 0.78 ± 0.05 mm3, respectively) and wet wear testing (0.11 ± 0.06 mm3 and 0.12 ± 0.09 mm3, respectively); however, these specimens exhibited the most significant corrosion damage. The 410 stainless steel specimen exhibited the best resistance to corrosion after wear testing in the deacetylated and disc-refined corn stover slurry and had measured wear volumes after dry and wet wear testing of 6.84 ± 0.88 mm3 and 0.33 ± 0.12 mm3, respectively. The worst wear resistance was observed by the 420 stainless steel specimen after both dry and wet wear testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

6Mo super austenitic stainless steel (SASS) with nitrogen contents of 0.2 and 0.4 (wt.%) was melted, and solution treatments at 1100, 1180, and 1250 °C for 30 min were performed. The effects of nitrogen on the microstructure and pitting resistance of the two steels that signed as 0.2N and 0.4N samples were investigated. At a heat-treatment temperature of 1180 °C, the alloy demonstrates the highest corrosion resistance, attributed to the combined effects of grain size and precipitates. The structure of the passivation film changes with increasing nitrogen content, with the Cr/Fe ratio is significantly higher in the 0.4N sample compared to the 0.2N sample. Moreover, the increase in nitrogen content results in thicker Cr and Mo oxide layers and higher levels of NH3 and NH4+, thereby improving the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the electric discharge machining process, the material is separated from the surface of the work piece by an electric spark, and in the presence of the dielectric material and tool electrode, changes are made on the surface of the work piece. In this project, we investigated the effect of dielectric material and brass tool electrode diffusion on the surface of carbon steel workpiece by means of quantmetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The effect of the parameters such as electric current intensity (I), pulse on time (ton), pulse off time (toff) and machining time (τ) on the composition of work peace, microstructure and electrochemical corrosion of machined work peace, were investigated. The results of quantmetric analysis showed that with the increase of machining parameters, the amount of diffused copper (from brass tool electrode) and carbon (from pyrolysis of flashing dielectric material) on the surface of machined carbon steel was increased. X-ray diffraction results confirmed that the formation of different phases such as Fe1.92C0.08, Cu4, Cu2 and Fe2 on the surface of workpiece, which was accordance with the quantmetric results. Electrochemical studies showed that during the EDM process, the electrochemical corrosion resistance was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs finite element analysis and simulated environmental immersion experiments to methodically investigate the growth behavior of pitting corrosion in stainless steel. It particularly examines how the diameter-to-depth ratio of the pit influences its growth dynamics. The findings underscore substantial variations in growth patterns and corrosion rates corresponding to different diameter-to-depth ratios. Key parameters, including electrolyte current density, potential, Fe2+ and Cl− ion concentrations, and pH values, play a crucial role in the corrosion mechanism. Remarkably, a pronounced increase in the corrosion rate at the pit bottom was observed with the increase in the diameter-to-depth ratio to 1:5. The results of this work provide insight into stainless steel pitting mechanisms, enabling the development of more effective prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of injecting ferromagnetic implants based on barium hexaferrite into the brain of an animal was proposed. Behavioral responses of mice to the external magnetic influence after the introduction of non-toxic nanomagnetic particles of barium hexaferrite were studied. A decrease in the BOLD signal at the nitric oxide "outflow" was shown in the framework of the proposed kinetic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the electrochemical properties of non-metallic inclusions is of substantial interest in the design of corrosion-resistant alloys. To the best of our knowledge, the dissolution and pitting corrosion behavior of selenide inclusions in stainless steels and the improvement of the pitting corrosion resistance of type 304 stainless steels via Se microalloying have not been investigated. In this study, stainless steel specimens containing artificial MnS and MnSe inclusions were fabricated via spark plasma sintering to systematically investigate their electrochemical properties. The superior pitting corrosion resistance and dissolution resistance of MnSe to those of MnS were demonstrated. The results obtained from the sintered specimens were applied to improve the pitting corrosion resistance of type 304 stainless steels via Se microalloying. Adding a trace amount of Se (0.005 mass%) altered the readily soluble sulfide inclusions to dissolution-resistant selenide-type inclusions, resulting in improved pitting corrosion resistance of type 304 stainless steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Martensitic stainless steels (MSSs) have been widely used in the manufacture of turbine blades, surgical instruments, and cutting tools because of their hardness and corrosion resistance. The MSSs are usually tempered at a temperature no higher than 250 °C after quenching to avoid the decline in the hardness, strength, and corrosion resistance of the steels. However, some short-time thermal shocks are inevitable in processes like welding, water grinding, laser marking, etc., in the manufacturing of kitchen knives, all of which may have negative effects on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The effects of these short-time thermal shocks have rarely been studied. In this paper, the martensitic stainless steel 5Cr15MoV (X50CrMoV15 is European Standards) was selected to be tempered at the sensitization temperatures (480 to 600 °C) for a series of times (0.5 to 128 min) after quenching, and the microstructures, hardness, and corrosion resistance of the steel after tempering were investigated. It was shown that the variation in hardness and corrosion resistance of the 5Cr15MoV steel could be divided into four stages over time during tempering at the sensitization temperatures. The hardness of steel was found to increase at first and then decrease with time; accordingly, good corrosion resistance was retained in the initial few minutes of tempering, which then deteriorated fast. The variation in hardness and corrosion resistance of the 5Cr15MoV steel is related to the diffusion of C and Cr atoms at different tempering temperatures. The mechanism of the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance variation caused by the diffusion of C and Cr atoms during tempering at the sensitization temperatures was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liposome-mediated drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing cancer treatment strategies. This study aims to develop and assess liposomal carriers loaded with Brilliant Blue G-250 (BBG-250), a potent P2X7 receptor antagonist that shows potential as an anti-tumor agent. Specifically, two types of liposomal formulations were designed: conventional liposomes composed of hydrogenated soya phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and cholesterol, and pH-sensitive liposomes consisting of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine-methoxy polyethylene glycol (DSPE-mPEG), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and cholesterol. The investigation focuses on understanding the morphological characteristics, size, stability, drug incorporation efficiency, drug release profiles, blood compatibility, and cytotoxicity of these liposomal formulations. Results: Advanced photon correlation spectroscopy using the Nano Plus-3 instrument was employed to evaluate the liposomes. The optimized conventional liposomes (HSPC-cholesterol ratio 7:3) exhibited a size of 125 ± 0.3 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.21, indicating uniformity. The pH-sensitive liposomes (DOPE:DPPC:DSPE-PEG2000: Cholesterol 4:3:3:0.3) demonstrated a size of 118 ± 1.2 nm with a PDI of 0.230. Zeta potential measurements confirmed the stability of both formulations under physiological conditions, with values of − 16.93 mV for conventional liposomes and − 25.21 mV for pH-sensitive liposomes. Higher drug-to-lipid ratios were found to enhance drug incorporation efficiency. pH-sensitive liposomes exhibited superior drug release characteristics, with 95% release over 24 h, compared to conventional liposomes, which released 70% of the drug. Blood compatibility assessments revealed the safety of both formulations for intravenous administration. Cytotoxicity studies conducted on A549 cell lines demonstrated the cytocompatibility of both liposomal types across a range of concentrations, with IC50 values surpassing those of the reference drug, docetaxel. Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of liposomal carriers as effective vehicles for delivering BBG-250, highlighting their stability, biocompatibility, and controlled drug release properties. Despite being slightly less potent than the reference drug, docetaxel, these liposomal formulations hold promise for advancing anticancer strategies. The findings contribute to the evolving landscape of innovative cancer therapy drug delivery systems, offering a novel approach to improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients. The successful development and evaluation of these liposomal carriers pave the way for further investigations and potential clinical applications in the field of cancer therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsunami deposits around the North Sea basin are needed to assess the long‐term hazard of tsunamis. Here, we present sedimentary evidence of the youngest tsunami on the Shetland Islands from Loch Flugarth, a coastal lake on northern Mainland. Three gravity cores show organic‐rich background sedimentation with many sub‐centimetre‐scale sand layers, reflecting recurring storm overwash and a sediment source limited to the active beach and uppermost subtidal zone. A basal 13‐cm‐thick sand layer, dated to 426–787 cal. a CE based on 14C, 137Cs and Bayesian age–depth modelling, was found in all cores. High‐resolution grain‐size analysis identified four normally graded or massive sublayers with inversely graded traction carpets at the base of two sublayers. A thin organic‐rich 'mud' drape and a 'mud' cap cover the two uppermost sublayers, which also contain small rip‐up clasts. Grain‐size distributions show a difference between the basal sand layer and the coarser and better sorted storm layers above. Multivariate statistical analysis of X‐ray fluorescence core scanning data also distinguishes both sand units: Zr, Fe and Ti dominate the thick basal sand, while the thin storm layers are high in K and Si. Enriched Zr and Ti in the basal sand layer, in combination with increased magnetic susceptibility, may be related to higher heavy mineral content reflecting an additional marine sediment source below the storm‐wave base that is activated by a tsunami. Based on reinterpretation of chronological data from two different published sites and the chronostratigraphy of the present study, the tsunami seems to date to c. 1400 cal. a BP. Although the source of the tsunami remains unclear, the lack of evidence for this event outside of the Shetland Islands suggests that it had a local source and was smaller than the older Storegga tsunami (8.15 cal. ka BP), which affected most of the North Sea basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alpha-synuclein (α-syn) oligomers hold a central role in the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Achieving accurate detection of α-syn oligomers in vivo presents a promising avenue for early and accurate diagnosis of PD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with non-invasion and exceptional tissue penetration, offers a potent tool for visualizing α-syn oligomers in vivo. Nonetheless, ensuring diagnostic specificity remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a novel MRI probe (ASOSN) is introduced, which encompasses highly sensitive antiferromagnetic nanoparticles functionalized with single-chain fragment variable antibodies, endowing it with the capacity for discerning recognition and binding to α-syn oligomers and triggering a switchable T1-T2 MRI signal. Significantly, ASOSN possesses the unique capability to accurately discriminate α-syn oligomers from neuroinflammation in vivo. Moreover, ASOSN facilitates the non-invasive and precise visualizing of endogenous α-syn oligomers in living systems. This innovative design heralds the development of a non-invasive visualization strategy for α-syn oligomers, marking a pivotal advancement for early and accurate diagnosis of PD., (© 2023 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)