Repair of Second-Generation Recycled Fine Aggregate of Waste Concrete from Freeze-Thaw Environment by Carbonation Treatment

The reuse of waste recycled concrete from harsh environments has become a research hotspot in the field of construction.This study investigated the repair effect of carbonation treatment on second-generation recycled fine aggregate(SRFA)obtained from recycled fine aggregate concrete(RFAC)subjected to freeze-thaw(FT)cycles.Before and after carbonation,the properties of SRFA were evaluated.Carbonated second-generation recycled fine aggregate(CSRFA)at five substitution rates(0%,25%,50%,75%,100%)to replace SRFA was used to prepare carbonated second-generation recycled fine aggregate concrete(CSRFAC).The water absorption,porosity and mechanical properties of CSRFAC were tested,and its frost-resisting durability was evaluated.The results showed after carbonation treatment,the physical properties of SRFA was improved and met the requirements of II aggregate.The micro-hardness of the interfacial transition zone and attached mortar in CSRFA was 50.5%and 31.2%higher than that in SRFA,respectively.With the increase of CSRFA replacement rate,the water absorption and porosity of CSRFAC gradually decreased,and the mechanical properties and frost resistance of CSRFAC were gradually improved.Carbonation treatment effectively repairs the damage of SRFA caused by FT cycles and improves its application potential.

Effect of High Temperature Curing on the Frost Resistance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete and the Physical Properties of Second-Generation Recycled Coarse Aggregate under Freeze-Thaw Cycles

With the emphasis on environmental issues,the recycling of waste concrete,even recycled concrete,has become a hot spot in the field of architecture.But the repeated recycling of waste concrete used in harsh environments is still a complex problem.This paper discusses the durability and recyclability of recycled aggregate concrete(RAC)as a prefabricated material in the harsh environment,the effect of high-temperature curing(60℃,80℃,and 100℃)on the frost resistance of RAC and physical properties of the second generation recycled coarse aggregate(RCA_(2))of RAC after 300 freeze-thaw cycles were studied.The frost resistance of RAC was characterized by compressive strength,relative dynamic elastic modulus,and mass loss.As the physical properties of RCA_(2),the apparent density,water absorption,and crushing value were measured.And the SEM images of RAC after 300 freeze-thaw cycles were shown.The results indicated that the frost resistance of RAC cured at 80℃ for 7 days was comparable to that cured in the standard condition(cured for 28 days at 20℃±2℃ and 95%humidity),and the RAC cured at 100℃ was slightly worse.However,the frost resistance of RAC cured at 60℃ deteriorated seriously.The RAC cured at 80℃ for 7 days is the best.Whether after the freeze-thaw cycle or not,the RCA that curd at 60℃,80℃,and 100℃ for 7 days can also meet the requirements of Grade III RCA and be used as the aggregate of non-bearing part of prefabricated concrete components.RCA_(2) which is cured at 80℃ for 7 days had the best physical properties.

The influence of wing morphology upon intraspecific divergence in birds: A global study of subspecies richness

Since the time of Darwin,subspecies have been recognized as an initial stage in the evolution of species.However,the impact of dispersal on subspecies richness in birds globally has received little attention,despite dispersal being a key factor in determining the rate of evolution and playing a significant role in evolutionary divergence.Therefore,it is important to conduct a comprehensive study to address this issue.In this study,we aimed to assess the association between subspecies richness(measured by the number of subspecies)and dispersal ability(measured by the hand-wing index)on a global scale,using a dataset of over 7000 bird species.Our results revealed a negative correlation between dispersal ability and the number of subspecies,without any quadratic correlation.The wing is a crucial phenotypic trait for birds,and the concept of subspecies is important in speciation theory and conservation biology.Therefore,our findings not only enhance our understanding of the association between avian morphological traits and evolutionary divergence but also have implications for the conservation of avian species diversity.

Boosting rate performance of layered lithium-rich cathode materials by oxygen vacancy induced surface multicomponent integration

The rapid development of electric vehicles and portable energy storage systems demands improvements in the energy density and cost-effectiveness of lithium-ion batteries,a domain in which Lithium-rich layered cathode(LLO)materials inherently excel.However,these materials face practical challenges,such as low initial Coulombic efficiency,inferior cycle/rate performance,and voltage decline during cycling,which limit practical application.Our study introduces a surface multi-component integration strategy that incorporates oxygen vacancies into the pristine LLO material Li1.2Mn_(0.6)Ni_(0.2)O_(2).This process involves a brief citric acid treatment followed by calcination,aiming to explore rate-dependent degradation behavior.The induced surface oxygen vacancies can reduce surface oxygen partial pressure and diminish the generation of O_(2)and other highly reactive oxygen species on the surface,thereby facilitating the activation of Li ions trapped in tetrahedral sites while overcoming transport barriers.Additionally,the formation of a spinel-like phase with 3D Li+diffusion channels significantly improves Li^(+)diffusion kinetics and stabilizes the surface structure.The optimally modified sample boasts a discharge capacity of 299.5 mA h g^(-1)at a 0.1 C and 251.6 mA h g^(-1)at a 1 C during the initial activation cycle,with an impressive capacity of 222.1 mA h g^(-1)at a 5 C.Most notably,it retained nearly 70%of its capacity after 300 cycles at this elevated rate.This straightforward,effective,and highly viable modification strategy provides a crucial resolution for overcoming challenges associated with LLO materials,making them more suitable for practical application.

RICHARD MILLE 产品永远的核心竞争力

2024年的摩根史坦利钟表行业报告中,RICHARDMILLE理查米尔以第六名的位置继续保持着业内领先的地位,市场份额更是从前一年的2.8%增长到了3.1%。然而分析其背后真正的核心推力,当仁不让地来自于这一现代高级钟表品牌有着执着推进、且目标清晰的长期产品规划与策略一一即轻便、抗震、符合人体工程学、高科技材质。

RICHARD MILLE 红土之王的腕表进化史

谈起网球,拉斐尔·纳达尔自然是21世纪最闪亮的明星之一,23年的职业生涯中,他斩获了22个大满贯冠军,从飘逸的西班牙少年到如今永远的红土之王,他的粉丝早已遍及全世界。RICHARDMILLE理查米尔的创始人Richard Mille先生也是粉丝中的一员,早在2008年,他就开始接触纳达尔,那时的纳达尔还是一个拒绝在赛场上戴表的人,在他印象中手表总是很重,打球的时候会觉得不舒适。随着双方的友谊逐渐加深,纳达尔成为了理查米尔的品牌大使,推出了共同参与设计的腕表作品,并最终成就了一个经典的腕表系列,在腕表世界中,这也是一桩妙事。

RICHARD MILLE追求极致再上层楼

日前,摩根士丹利(Morgan Stanley)和瑞士LuxeConsult公司联合发布了2024瑞士钟表产业年度报告,整个钟表行业在2023年有了明显的增长,实现了创纪录的267亿瑞士法郎的销售额,其中255亿瑞士法郎归因于腕表销售。其中,四大独立奢侈腕表品牌ROLEX劳力士、PATEK PHILIPPE百达翡丽、AUDEMARS PIGUET爱彼和RICHARD MILLE理查米尔的市场份额增长到43.9%,与2019年新冠疫情前的36.9%相比,这种增长趋势尤其明显。

Split Addition of Nitrogen-Rich Substrate at Thermophilic and Mesophilic Stages of Composting: Effect on Green House Gases Emission and Quality of Compost

Composting as a solution to the increasing generation of municipal solid waste (MSW), also contribute to GHGs emission when not controlled and could lack some basic nutrients, especially nitrogen. This study assessed the split-additions of nitrogen-rich substrate to composting materials and their effect on GHGs emissions as well as the quality of the composts. Nitrogen-rich substrates formulated from pig and goat manure were co-composted with MSW for a 12-weeks period by split adding at mesophilic (˚C) and thermophilic (>50˚C) stages in five different treatments. Representative samples from the compost were taken from each treatment for physicochemical, heavy metals and bacteriological analysis. In-situ CH4, CO2, N2O gas emissions were also analyzed weekly during composting. It was observed that all the treatments showed significant organic matter decomposition, reaching thermophilic temperatures in the first week of composting. The absence affects the suitable agronomic properties. All nitrogen-rich substrate applied at thermophilic stage (Treatment two) recorded the highest N, P and K concentrations of 1.34%, 0.97% and 2.45%, respectively with highest nitrogen retention. In terms of GHG emissions, CO2 was highest at the thermophilic stage when N-rich substrate was added in all treatment, while CH4 was highest in the mesophilic stage with N-rich substrate addition. N2O showed no specific trend in the treatments. Split addition of the N-rich substrate for co-composting of MSW produced compost which is stable, has less nutrient loss and low GHG emissions. Split addition of a nitrogen-rich substrate could be an option for increasing the fertilizer value of MSW compost.

Alternating-current losses in two-layer superconducting cables consisting of second-generation superconductors coated by U-shaped ferromagnetic materials

Alternating-current losses in a two-layer superconducting cable, each layer being composed of 15 closely-spaced rectangular wires made up of second-generation superconductors when the ends of wires are coated by either a non-magnetic or strong ferromagnetic material having a U profile is numerically investigated. Computations are carried out through the finite-element method. The alternating-current losses do not increase significantly if the relative permeability of the coating is increased three orders of magnitude, provided that the current amplitude is less than half of the critical current in a superconducting wire. However, the losses are much higher for ferromagnetic coating if the amplitude of the applied current oscillating at 50 Hz is close to the critical current. The ferromagnetic coating is seen to accumulate the magnetic field lines normally on its surfaces, while the field lines are parallel to the long axes of the wires, leading to more significant flux penetration in the coated regions. This facilitates a uniform low-loss current flow in the uncoated regions of the wires. In contrast, coating with a non-magnetic material gives rise to a considerably smaller current flow in the uncoated regions, whereas the low-loss flow is maintained in the coated regions. Moreover, the current flows in opposite directions in the coated and uncoated regions, where the direction in each region is converse for the two materials.

Optimizing band structure of CoP nanoparticles via rich-defect carbon shell toward bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting

Transition-metal phosphides(TMPs)with high catalytic activity are widely used in the design of electrodes for water splitting.However,a major challenge is how to achieve the trade-off between activity and stability of TMPs.Herein,a novel method for synthesizing CoP nanoparticles encapsu-lated in a rich-defect carbon shell(CoP/DCS)is developed through the self-assembly of modified polycyclic aromatic molecules.The graft and removal of high-activity C-N bonds of aromatic molecules render the controllable design of crystallite defects of carbon shell.The density functional theory calculation indicates that the carbon defects with unpaired electrons could effectively tailor the band structure of CoP.Benefiting from the improved activity and corrosion resistance,the CoP/DCS delivers outstanding difunctional hydrogen evolution reaction(88 mV)and oxygen evolution reaction(251 mV)performances at 10 mA cm^(−2)current density.Furthermore,the coupled water electrolyzer with CoP/DCS as both the cathode and anode presents ultralow cell voltages of 1.49 V to achieve 10 mA cm^(−2)with long-time stability.This strategy to improve TMPs electrocatalyst with rich-DCS and heterogeneous structure will inspire the design of other transition metal compound electrocatalysts for water splitting.

Platelet rich fibrin is not a barrier membrane!Or is it?

Platelet-rich fibrin(PRF)is widely used in dentistry and other fields of medicine,and its use has become popular in dental implantology.In several published studies,PRF has been used as a barrier membrane.A barrier membrane is a sheet of a certain material that acts as a biological and mechanical barrier against the invasion of cells that are not involved in bone formation,such as epithelial cells.Among the basic requirements of a'barrier membrane,occlusivity,stiffness,and space maintenance are the criteria that PRF primarily lacks;therefore,it does not fall under the category of barrier membranes.However,there is evidence that PRF membranes are useful in significantly improving wound healing.Does the PRF membrane act as a barrier?Should we think of adding or subtracting some points from the ideal requirements of a barrier membrane,or should we coin a new term or concept for PRF that will incorporate some features of a barrier membrane and be a combination of tissue engineering and biotechnology?This review is aimed at answering the basic question of whether the PRF membrane should be considered a barrier membrane or whether it is something more beyond the boundaries of a barrier membrane.

Mutagenic Effects of Spaceflight Treatment on the Second-Generation Seeds of Alfalfa

[ Objective] To explore the effects of spaceflight on the second-generation seeds of alfalfa and provide a theoretical basis for mutation breeding. [Method] The seeds of Medicago stavia L. lines no. 1, no. 2 and no. 4 were carried into space by the Shijian-8 seed breeding satellite for a 15-d spaceflight treatment. After returning to the ground, seedlings were transplanted to field. Traits of the second-generation seeds of alfalfa were evaluated. [Result] The 1 000-grain weight of the second-generation seeds were 5% -9% significantly higher than that the control （P 〈 0.05）. The germination rate, seedling weight, shoot length and root length were significantly increased （P 〈 0.05）. The hard seed rate and the rate of moldy seeds were significantly decreased （ P 〈 0.05）. However, the rate of dead seeds was increased. [ Conclusion] Spaceflight treatment has positive mutagenic effects on the second-generation seeds of alfalfa.

Premature thermal decomposition behavior of 3,4-dinitrofurazanfuroxan with certain types of nitrogen-rich compounds

3,4-Dinitrofurazanfuroxan(DNTF),as a high-energy-density material,features good thermal stability and wide applications.This study aimed to elucidate the thermal decomposition mechanism of DNTF combined with nitrogen-rich compounds containing N-H.The thermal stabilities of DNTF and its hybrid systems were investigated using differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry(TG),vacuum stability test,and accelerating rate calorimetry under isothermal,non-isothermal,and adiabatic conditions,respectively.Results showed that the thermal stability and thermal safety of DNTF significantly decreased after combining with nitrogen-rich compounds containing N-H.Calculation results showed that the activation energy of the DNTF hybrid systems was significantly lower than that of DNTF.The TGIR was used to monitor the generation of fugitive gases during the thermal decomposition of the DNTF/5-aminotetrazole(5-ATZ)hybrid.Moreover,the nitrogen-rich molecules containing N-H interacted extensively with DNTF,and this interaction accelerated the thermal degradation of DNTF.

Role of Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents and Bypass Grafting in Coronary Artery Disease:A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:The safety and efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)and second-generation drug-eluting stents(DESs)in patients with coronary artery disease(CAD)remain controversial.Therefore we aimed to compare the outcomes of CAD patients treated with CABG and second-generation DESs.Methods:We systematically searched the PubMed,Cochrane Library,Ovid,and Elsevier databases.Studies comparing second-generation DESs with CABG in CAD patients were included.RevMan 5.3 was used to extract and pool the data from the applicable studies.Results:Six trials(N=6604 participants)were included in this meta-analysis.Among all of the CAD patients,second-generation DESs were associated with no differences in the risks of all-cause death[risk ratio(RR)1.18,95% confi dence interval(CI)0.98–1.43,P=0.09],cardiovascular death(RR 1.14,95% CI 0.81–1.59,P=0.45),myocardial infarction(RR 1.22,95% CI 0.98–1.54,P=0.08),and stroke(RR 0.83,95% CI 0.59–1.17,P=0.29),but increased the risks of revascularization(RR 1.95,95% CI 1.66–2.30,P<0.001)and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events(RR 1.72,95% CI:1.31–2.26,P<0.001)when compared with CABG.Conclusions:In the treatment of CAD patients,second-generation DESs was not associated with increased risks of all-cause death,cardiovascular death,myocardial infarction,and stroke,but increased the risks of revascularization and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events when compared with CABG.

Platelet-rich plasma promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury

The effect of platelet-rich plasma on nerve regeneration remains controversial.In this study,we established a rabbit model of sciatic nerve small-gap defects with preserved epineurium and then filled the gaps with platelet-rich plasma.Twenty-eight rabbits were divided into the following groups(7 rabbits/group):model,low-concentrati on PRP(2.5-3.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets),medium-concentration PRP(4.5-6.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets),and high-concentration PRP(7.5-8.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets).Electrophysiological and histomorphometrical assessments and proteomics analysis we re used to evaluate regeneration of the sciatic nerve.Our results showed that platelet-rich plasma containing 4.5-6.5-and 7.5-8.5-fold concentrations of whole blood platelets promoted repair of sciatic nerve injury.Proteomics analysis was performed to investigate the possible mechanism by which platelet-rich plasma promoted nerve regeneration.Proteomics analysis showed that after sciatic nerve injury,platelet-rich plasma increased the expression of integrin subunitβ-8(ITGB8),which participates in angiogenesis,and differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in focal adhesion pathways.Additionally,two key proteins,ribosomal protein S27 a(RSP27 a)and ubiquilin 1(UBQLN1),which were selected after protein-protein interaction analysis,are involved in the regulation of ubiquitin levels in vivo.These data suggest that platelet-rich plasma promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury by affecting angiogenesis and intracellular ubiquitin levels.

Clinical Evaluation of Platelet Rich Growth Factors (PRGFS) in Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement—Study Report

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of platelet rich growth factors (PRGFs) in treatment of temporomandibular joint disc displacement. Materials and Methods: The study subjects included 8 females having bilateral anterior disc displacement with reduction and 1 female having bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction with the age range between 20 - 35 years. The process of obtaining PRGFs was carried out following the Anitua Technique. Results: Clinical parameters of Interincisal distance, Lateral excursion of mandible using digital caliper in millimeters and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS 0/10) for pain intensity score were used. All of these parameters were running through the intervals of two, four, and eight weeks till the end of the follow-up period at twenty-six weeks (six months). The participated patients showed the clinical improvement in the different clinical statuses such as interincisal distance;lateral excursion of mandible and Pain Score. Conclusion: the study reported early efficacy of PRGFs after the arthrocentesis of the joint in treatment of TMJ disc displacement, and according to our results, the injection of PRGFs could be a possible alternative treatment for patients who did not respond to standard treatment.

Thirty years of scientific research on second-generation antipsychotic drugs in Japan: A bibliometric analysis

Aims:Research on second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs) has experienced great development in last decades.We did a bibliometric study on the scientific publications on SGAs in Japan.Methods: With theEMBASEandMEDLINEdatabases, we chose papers published from Japan with SGA descriptors. Price’s law and Bradford’s law has been used as bibliometric indicators for quantitating production and dispersion, respectively, of published papers on SGAs. We also calculated the participation index of different countries, and correlated those bibliometric data with some social and health data from Japan (such as totalper capitaexpenditure on health and gross domestic expenditure on research and development). Results: A sum of 669 original documents were published from Japan from 1982 to 2011. Those results fulfilled Price’s law, with scientific production on SGAs showing exponential growth (correlation coefficientr= 0.9261, as against anr= 0.8709 after linear adjustment). The most studied SGAs in Japan wererisperidone (n= 192), aripiprazole (n= 109), and olanzapine (n= 106). Division of documents into Bradford zones yielded a nucleus occupied exclusively by theProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry(49 articles). Those publications were in 157 different journals. Seven of the first 10 frequently used journals had an impact factor of being greater than 3. Conclusions: The SGA publications in Japan have been through exponential growth over the studied period, without evidence of reaching a saturation point.

Predicting impacts of climate change on the biogeographic patterns of representative species richness in Prydz Bay-Amery Ice Shelf

The research on the biological ecology of the Prydz Bay-Amery Ice Shelf in East Antarctica is inadequate under the increasing threat from climate change,especially for Antarctic fish and krill.The Dynamic Bioclimatic Envelope Model(DBEM)has been widely used in predicting the variation of species distribution and abundance in ocean and land under climate change;it can quantify the spatiotemporal changes of multi population under different climate emission scenarios by identifying the environmental preferences of species.The species richness and geographical pattern of six Antarctic representative species around Prydz Bay-Amery ice shelf were studied under RCP 8.5 and RCP 2.6 emission scenarios from 1970 to 2060 using Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory(GFDL),Institut Pierre Simon Laplace(IPSL),and Max Planck Institute(MPI)earth system models.The results showed that the species richness decreased as a whole,and the latitude gradient moved to the pole.The reason is that ocean warming,sea ice melting,and human activities accelerate the distribution changes of species biogeographical pattern,and the habitat range of krill,silverfish,and other organisms is gradually limited,which further leads to the change of species composition and the decrease of biomass.It is obvious that priority should be given to Prydz Bay-Amery ice shelf in the planning of Marine Protected Areas(MPAs)in East Antarctica.

The Role of Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Enhancing the Healing of Extraction Sockets: An Overview of the Literature

Introduction: Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is an emerging material in dentistry, however, there are controversies surrounding its effectiveness. Despite the amount of literature available, debates regarding its effect continue. This review aims to summarize and clarify the data surrounding the use of L-PRF in promoting the healing of extraction sockets, which may offer a better outcome for future treatments. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature on the use of L-PRF in promoting the healing of extraction sockets, and to provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence. Methods: A comprehensive computer-based search of databases such as PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library was conducted. Results: The results of this review suggest that L-PRF has shown promise in promoting early healing of extraction sockets, but the evidence for its effectiveness over a longer period is limited. Conclusion: Although L-PRF has shown promising results in the early healing periods, its effectiveness over a longer healing period cannot be confirmed based on the available data. More clinical trials with standardized protocols and consistent measurement methods are needed to establish the role of L-PRF in enhancing the healing of extraction sockets.

Assessing Forest Cover Distribution, Species Diversity, and Richness of the Buffer Zone for Strategic Forest Management Planning for Nimule National Park, South Sudan

Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity of many plants and animals by providing them with habitat and suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected areas reduce the loss and degradation of natural habitats to various wild species of plants. This study examined the forest resources in five subzones by conducting tree/shrub species inventory to be able to develop an effective forest management plan for the Buffer Zone Forest Reserve for the sustainable conservation of flora and fauna of Nimule National Park. This is with the view to identify the main tree and shrub species;assess the composition, distribution, and abundance of various tree/shrub species;to determine the species diversity as well as the richness of these areas in terms of growth and performance where DBH and heights of trees/shrubs in the circular sample plots were measured. The results revealed the overall mean DBH and H of 13.83 cm and 6.61 m respectively. The highest number of trees was obtained in subzone B followed by D, while the least were found in subzone A. The overall mean tree/shrub density was 0.83 tons/ha. The mean total basal area and volume per hectare were 3252.74 m2/ha and 46,540.82 m3/ha respectively. The overall species abundance and distribution indicate Combretum spp, Cedrella spp., Grewia mollis, Acacia Sieberiana, Ziziphus abysinica, and Acacia seyal were the most dominant species, with over 12 species richness at the deposition side of the River Nile, 13 species at the western side of the Nile, the Administration site shows only 7 species, the lowland of Mt. Gordon show over 14 different species, whereas over 10 species were found on the top of Mt. Gordon. The overall mean diversity indices and evenness of H’, D, and E depicted 2.507, 0.871, and 0.840 respectively. These results yielded are relatively moderate. Therefore, conservation efforts are very necessary to improve and maintain the quality of vegetation cover.