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Direct electrochemical seawater splitting is a renewable, scalable, and potentially economic approach for green hydrogen production in environments where ultra-pure water is not readily available. However, issues related to low durability caused by complex ions in seawater pose great challenges for its industrialization. In this review, a mechanistic analysis of durability issues of electrolytic seawater splitting is discussed. We critically analyze the development of seawater electrolysis and identify the durability challenges at both the anode and cathode. Particular emphasis is given to elucidating rational strategies for designing electrocatalysts/electrodes/interfaces with long lifetimes in realistic seawater including inducing passivating anion layers, preferential OH - adsorption, employing anti-corrosion materials, fabricating protective layers, immobilizing Cl - on the surface of electrocatalysts, tailoring Cl - adsorption sites, inhibition of OH - binding to Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ , inhibition of Mg and Ca hydroxide precipitation adherence, and co-electrosynthesis of nano-sized Mg hydroxides. Synthesis methods of electrocatalysts/electrodes and innovations in electrolyzer are also discussed. Furthermore, the prospects for developing seawater splitting technologies for clean hydrogen generation are summarized. We found that researchers have rethought the role of Cl - ions, as well as more attention to cathodic reaction and electrolyzers, which is conducive to accelerate the commercialization of seawater electrolysis., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Purpose: To investigate metabolism and exercise economy during prolonged race simulation (>4 h) in a world-class, full-distance triathlete to help guide/adjust strategies for training, nutrition, hydration, and thermoregulation., Methods: Two experimental race-simulation days, designed to mimic the demands of a full-distance triathlon, were executed by a world-class male triathlete (MD; 25 y, body weight 82 kg, V˙O2max 6.2 L·min-1, blood lactate threshold ∼410 W, and 18 km · h-1 in cycling and running) who at the time ranked second in the world. Race simulation was performed 23 and 10 days prior to competing in Challenge Roth 2023, where MD won in a new world record/best time (7:24:40 h:min:s). Both test days lasted ∼4 to 5 hours with physiologic testing every ∼45 to 60 minutes in a "stationary" setting during cycling on a direct-mount trainer (∼320 W) and treadmill running (16 km · h-1), enabling gas exchange measurements (V˙O2 and respiratory exchange ratio) and other physiologic measurements of interest (ie, core temperature and heart rate). This was combined with "real activity" as repeated loops in an open-air field setting at expected race pace in swimming, biking, and running., Results: V˙O2 was maintained at ∼4.2 L·min-1, with carbohydrates being the dominant fuel for oxidation as respiratory exchange ratio values dropped from ∼1 at the start of cycling to ∼0.85 during running. Cycling economy was stable, whereas a slight impairment in running economy occurred over time., Conclusion: High aerobic energy turnover and stable exercise economy can be maintained in a world-class record-breaking triathlete for prolonged period of time (+4 h), showcasing the importance of both for success in competition.

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is often used when compaction is difficult, requiring special attention to the curing process. However, traditional curing methods usually fail in practice. Despite taking precise measures to control water evaporation, surface water on vertical structure elements can still be problematic. To address these challenges, this study seeks to investigate the possibility of creating self-curing self-compacting concrete (SCSCC). Since the curing agent used has a significant impact on the production of SCSCC, this study examines the effects of using polyethylene glycol (PEG), a hydrophilic agent, at varying rates of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% on the fresh, hardened, and durability characteristics of the material. Additionally, to improve the sustainability properties of SCSCC, manufactured sand (M-sand) acquired from crushing rocks is used as a filler. Overall, the results indicate that the use of superplasticizer and M-sand is enough to achieve the required flowability for SCC mixtures without requiring specific fillers, and this method is effective in immediately controlling bleeding and segregation while maintaining the necessary compressive strength at all ages. The hardened properties of SCSCC were found to be improved by increasing the PEG content up to 1.5%, with an optimal range of 0.75% superplasticizer. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the self-cured specimen, cured with PEG, has greater acid resistance than the conventionally cured one., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethical approval No ethical approvals were needed in this experimental study. Consent to participate Not applicable. Consent for publication Not applicable. Conflict of interest The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Precisely designing asymmetric active centers and exploring their electronic regulation effects to prepare efficient bifunctional single-atom catalysts (SACs) is important for boosting the practical applications of zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, an effective strategy has been developed by introducing an axial S atom to the FeN 4 active center, simultaneously assisted by pyrolyzing the graphene oxide (GO) sheathed zeolitic-imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF8) composite and constructing a three-dimensional (3D) porous framework with abundant FeN 4 S 1 moieties. This structure can accelerate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics owing to the modulated electronic redistribution and d -band center with a reduced energy barrier. The optimal S-Fe-NC/rGO showcases a lower voltage gap (Δ E ) of 0.64 V between both the ORR and OER half-wave potentials at 10 mA cm -2 , highlighting the excellent bifunctional activities. The assembled S-Fe-NC/rGO rechargeable liquid ZABs deliver a power density of 154.05 mW·cm -2 and a desirable durability of >900 h. More importantly, the corresponding flexible solid-state ZABs exhibit considerable foldability.

Surface fogging is a common phenomenon that can result in restricted visibility, reduced light absorption, and image distortion. Although both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces are effective in preventing this phenomenon, typical coatings in both have limitations, including low durability and the need for frequent reapplication. To address these issues, a highly durable anti-fogging film that lasts over five weeks, even under high moisture conditions, while maintaining a promising degree of transparency (> 60%) is developed. A novel statistical random copolymer containing superhydrophilic and photo-crosslinkable segments that can be simultaneously crosslinked and chemically bonded to various substrates via a simple ultraviolet (UV) irradiation process is synthesized. Notably, the chemical bonding between the anti-fogging coating and substrate improves not only the durability but also the resistance to external forces and environmental changes. Furthermore, this film is versatile and applicable to diverse substrates, such as car windshields, polymer films, and aluminum foil. The innovative strategy offers a simple, rapid process and durable anti-fogging performance with broad applications in the automotive industry, optical devices, and building materials., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Hydrogels with excellent mechanical and lubrication properties have been developed rapidly, laying the foundation for their application in cartilage replacement. However, the combination of robust hydrogels and substrates under different forms of movement is a great challenge. In addition, due to differences in modulus, the stress shielding effect caused by implantable artificial joint metal materials can lead to bone resorption. Here, we proposed to combine a 3D printed porous titanium alloy with a high-strength lubricating hydrogel to construct an integrated joint substitute material. The porous titanium alloy TC4 substrate constructed by 3D printing possesses a modulus similar to that of human bone. The strong bonding of the hydrogel and TC4 was achieved through two strategies: mechanical interlocking and chemical bonding. The combination of the alloy substrate and hydrogel realizes the construction of a bionic lubricating cartilage layer on the surface of traditional artificial joint materials. The hydrogel has excellent bonding properties with the porous substrate under different test conditions. Truly human-like joint sockets were prepared for the first time with soft-soft and soft-hard contact modes. Under conditions simulating human motion, the hydrogel maintains a low friction coefficient and still has excellent substrate adhesion after 100,000 cycles. This study further pushes the application of hydrogels in biolubrication into practice.

Small ruminants play a significant role in Mauritanian culture and traditions. The purpose of this study was to characterize the breeding system of two locally dominant breeds, the Sahelian goat and the Ladem sheep. This characterization was based on the technical and socio-economic characteristics of the breeders, as well as the morpho-biometric features of the animals. The study was conducted between April and June 2019 and involved 45 breeders located around two small ruminant pilot farms in the Benichab and Kankoussa departments of Mauritania. A questionnaire was administered to the breeders and sixteen measurements were taken on 303 animals (185 goats and 118 sheep). Small ruminant breeding in the study sites is practiced by both men (55%) and women (45%). Breeding can be focused solely on goats (38%), solely on sheep (9%), or include both species (53%). The average herd size is 20 ± 15 for goats and 19 ± 16 for sheep. For the Sahel goat, the height at the wither ranges from 68 to 78 cm in males and from 63 to 76 cm in females, while the body weight ranges from 20 to 43 kg. The most common morphotypes are multicolored (71%), with unicolored animals being less common (29%). As for the Ladem sheep (also known as Touabire), the height at the wither ranges from 70 to 87 cm in males and from 64 to 85 cm in females. The body weight ranges from 25 to 62 kg. The coat is predominantly white with black spots (91%), sometimes red or grey-spotted. The survey also identified the breeding objectives of the farmers. The breeders primarily reported objectives of conformation and growth performances (68%), followed by dual-purpose milk/meat production traits (32%) for the Ladem sheep. In the case of the Sahelian goat, milk production (73%) is the predominant objective, followed by dual-purpose milk/meat production traits (27%). Based on the collected information, tailored selection schemes have been proposed for the Ladem sheep and the Sahelian goat to improve their performances, enhance their breeding, and maintain a focus on the sustainability and resilience of these two local breeds in Mauritania., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Photoelectrochemical water splitting, which uses sunlight to produce clean hydrogen fuel, is gaining traction with rising concerns about fossil fuels and pollution. Silicon (Si) photocathodes are promising for this process due to their light absorption and favorable band alignment for hydrogen production. However, limitations such as reflectance, low photovoltage, and rapid photocorrosion hinder their overall performance and stability. An interfacial insulating layer such as SiO x ensures superior durability to p -Si photocathodes. However, the inherent heterogeneity and intrinsic defects pose challenges to effective surface passivation. This study investigates the challenges of photocorrosion and utilization of a thin titanium nitride (TiN) passivation layer deposited using direct-current magnetron sputtering to protect the native silicon oxide (SiO x ) layer. Additionally, a molybdenum oxynitride (Mo(O,N) x ) bifunctional layer is employed to enhance both the electrocatalytic activity and durability of the photocathode. The presence of oxygen and nitrogen within this cocatalyst layer modifies the surface chemistry of the p -Si photocathode, promoting favorable interfacial interactions with electrolyte species during PEC reactions. This modification facilitates efficient charge transfer processes and accelerates reaction kinetics, ultimately optimizing the performance and operational lifetime of the photocathode. The resulting Mo(O,N) x /TiN/ p -Si photocathode exhibited a remarkable onset potential of +0.46 V RHE in harsh acidic conditions under simulated sunlight (AM 1.5G illumination, 100 mW·cm -2 ). Notably, the photocathode demonstrated exceptional long-term stability exceeding 140 h, highlighting the combined TiN passivation and Mo(O,N) x cocatalyst as a protection strategy.

In a randomized phase 2b trial (NCT03703102) for adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), treatment with the T cell rebalancing anti-OX40 receptor antibody rocatinlimab (AMG 451/KHK4083) led to significant improvements in clinical measurements versus placebo including whole-body Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score. AD manifestations can impact variable anatomic regions, and involvement of the head and neck, a sensitive, hard-to-treat area, can negatively impact quality of life. In this post hoc analysis, we investigated response to rocatinlimab treatment across anatomic regions, including the head and neck. Least squares mean change from baseline to Week 56 in EASI score was analyzed by anatomic region (head and neck, trunk, upper extremities, or lower extremities) for patients with baseline moderate-to-severe AD in the respective anatomic region, using mixed models for repeated measures. Rocatinlimab groups were compared with placebo at Week 16. The proportion of patients achieving at least 75% reduction from baseline in EASI (EASI-75) was calculated. Probability of relapsing in EASI-75 during the off-treatment follow-up period (Weeks 36-56) was estimated using a Kaplan - Meier approach. At Week 16, decrease from baseline in mean EASI score was greater with all rocatinlimab regimens versus placebo across all anatomic regions for patients with baseline moderate-to-severe AD in the respective region (all P < 0.001). EASI scores continued to improve on treatment after Week 16 and were maintained during the off-treatment period across all regions. Among patients with baseline moderate-to-severe AD in the head and neck (n = 219; rocatinlimab, n = 174; placebo, n = 45), mean difference (rocatinlimab vs placebo) at Week 16 in LS mean percent change in head and neck EASI score ranged from - 30.4% to - 42.6% across treatment regimens. In patients who received rocatinlimab from the start of the trial, 47% - 71% achieved EASI-75 in the head and neck at Week 36. Among EASI-75 responders at Week 36, the probability of relapsing in EASI-75 in any region was low (< 25% in the head and neck) 20 weeks after treatment discontinuation until Week 56.Rocatinlimab treatment led to durable improvements in AD across multiple anatomic regions, including the sensitive head and neck region., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The scarcity of conventional aggregates with tremendous growth in highway construction and the indiscriminate dumping of industrial waste materials in precious landfills has become a huge global concern. This study is aimed at utilizing wastes from various industries, including coalmine overburden (OB) dump, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, and fly ash to produce suitable and sustainable cement-treated subbase/base course layers (CBSB/CTB) for flexible pavement construction. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the composition of the blended material considering unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and Poisson's ratio. Results demonstrated that 50% OB dump, 40% slag, 5% fly ash, and 5% cement achieved a 7-day UCS of 4.84 MPa and Poisson's ratio of 0.25, in line with IRC:37-2018 guidelines. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis confirmed the presence of ettringite crystals, calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H), and calcium-aluminosilicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) gels which are the source of strength development in the blend. Further, a soaked California bearing ratio (CBR) of 136.08% and flexural strength of 2.06 MPa after 7 days and 28 days of curing, respectively, demonstrates the overall strength of the stabilized waste. Approximately 4% weight loss was observed after wet-dry durability tests, indicating exceptional performance of the optimal blend in inclement weather conditions. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the blended material was studied through a leaching study. Fly ash had a high zinc (Zn) level, while BOF slag showed a rich concentration of chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in the acid digestion test. In spite of this, the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) test indicated that the levels of heavy metals that leached from the stabilized material stayed considerably below the permissible limits set forth in Indian Standard, IS:10500 (2012). Finally, cost analysis showed a 51.6% reduction in construction cost with cement-treated industrial wastes instead of granular base/subbase made with conventional aggregates. The study recommends the suitability of the stabilized waste material as an alternate construction material for large-scale field applications, which could encourage the construction of flexible pavements that are environmentally benign, economical, and sustainable., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: In a nationwide cohort, we aimed to compare the durability of infliximab and adalimumab as first biologic treatment in children with Crohn's disease (CD), stratified as combotherapy or monotherapy., Methods: We used data from the epi-IIRN cohort that includes all patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in Israel. Durability was defined as consistent treatment without surgery or treatment escalation. All comparisons followed stringent propensity-score matching in Cox proportional hazard models., Results: Of the 3487 children diagnosed with CD since 2005, 2157 (62%) received biologics (1127 [52%] infliximab, 964 [45%] adalimumab and 52 [2%] vedolizumab as first biologic), representing a higher proportion than that among adults diagnosed during the same time period (5295 of 15 776 [34%]; P < .001). Time from diagnosis to initiation of biologic was shorter in pediatric-onset compared with adult-onset disease (median time during the last 3 years was 2.7 months [interquartile range 1.2-5.4] vs 5.2 months [2.6-8.9]; P < .001). The durability of adalimumab monotherapy after 1 and 5 years from initiation of treatment was better than infliximab monotherapy (79%/54% vs 67%/37%, respectively; n = 452 matched children; hazard ratio [HR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-2.3; P < .001), while in those treated with combotherapy, durability was similar (94%/66% with infliximab vs 90%/54% with adalimumab; n = 100; HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.9-3.3; P = .1). Durability was higher in children treated with infliximab combotherapy vs infliximab monotherapy (87%/45% vs 75%/39%; n = 440; HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8; P = .01). The durability of adalimumab monotherapy was similar to infliximab combotherapy (83%/53% vs 89%/56%, respectively; n = 238; HR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7-1.2; P = .4)., Conclusion: Our results support using adalimumab monotherapy as a first-line biologic in children with CD. When infliximab is used, combotherapy may be advantageous over monotherapy., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Using data on in situ performance of low noise pavements, three well performing mixtures were selected: SDA 4, SDA 6, and SDA 8. These mixtures and the corresponding mastic (filler + bitumen + additive) were tested for their mechanical and acoustic performance in non-aged and aged states using a multi-scale approach (mm to km). Thereafter, an optimization protocol was applied to these mastics (mm-scale) and promising combinations were implemented at the mixture scale (cm-scale). As a result, the best performing mixture parameters were implemented in the m-scale slabs where the mechanical and acoustic performance were determined. The proposed work could uniquely combine knowledge from in situ long term and laboratory performance of low noise pavements. Using a traffic simulator and measurements before and after trafficking, the acoustic modeling showed that the modified mixtures' noise levels were maintained after loading. This indicates that the modification assured acoustical integrity of the mixture after loading., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

In recent years, the preparation of functional textiles based on polyphenols adhesion has received extensive attention and research. However, polyphenols are prone to peroxidation during oxidative polymerization, which can compromise the interfacial adhesion of their monomers. Reintroducing reactive functional groups after oxidative polymerization of polyphenols may potentially compensate for the lost interfacial adhesion while increasing cohesion. In this paper, L-alanine (Ala) is introduced into poly (tannic acid) (PTA) solution to generate the PTA-Ala via Michael addition and Schiff base reaction. Original cotton fabrics are modified with PTA-Ala solution to enhance adhesion strength between the fabrics and subsequent functional modifiers. A silver nanowire network is then incorporated to increase the surface roughness through tannic acid reduction. Finally, polydimethylsiloxane is applied to reduce fabric surface energy, resulting in superhydrophobic multifunctional OH-PDMS/Ag/PTA-Ala/cotton fabrics. The finished cotton fabric exhibits a water contact angle of 166.7 ± 1.9° and a rolling angle of 5 ± 0.5°. Moreover, the fabric features diverse functionalities such as oil-water separation, photothermal conversion, antimicrobial properties, water collection, and anti-icing capabilities, alongside excellent durability and self-healing properties that extend its service life. This finished cotton fabric demonstrates promising applications in oil pollution control, outdoor clothing and medical protection, highlighting its broad across various industries., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. No competing financial interests or personal relationships are disclosed by the authors., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Despite great advances in vitrimer, it remains highly challenging to achieve a property portfolio of excellent mechanical properties, desired durability, and high fire safety. Thus, a catalyst-free, closed-loop recyclable transesterification vitrimer (TPN 1.50 ) with superior mechanical properties, durability, and fire retardancy is developed by introducing a rationally designed tertiary amine/phosphorus-containing reactive oligomer (TPN) into epoxy resin (EP). Because of strong covalent interactions between TPN and EP and its linear oligomer structure, as-prepared TPN 1.50 achieves a tensile strength of 86.2 MPa and a toughness of 6.8 MJ m -3 , superior to previous vitrimer counterparts. TPN 1.50 containing 1.50 wt% phosphorus shows desirable fire retardancy, including a limiting oxygen index of 35.2% and a vertical burning (UL-94) V-0 classification. TPN 1.50 features great durability and can maintain its structure integrity in 1 M HCl or NaOH solution for 100 days. This is because the tertiary amines are anchored within the cross-linked network and blocked by rigid P-containing groups, thus effectively suppressing the transesterification. Owing to its good chemical recovery, TPN 1.50 can be used as a promising resin for creating recyclable carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This work offers a promising integrated method for creating robust durable fire-safe vitrimers which facilitate the sustainable development of high-performance polymer composites., (© 2024 The Author(s). Small published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

This article provides a brief description of microcapsule self-healing technique and its potential use in concrete structures. Because concrete is readily available and reasonably priced, it is widely utilised in the building industry globally, despite its susceptibility to the formation of cracks. The longevity and security of concrete buildings are greatly impacted by the existence of cracks and other deterioration occurring during the course of their use. Through the encapsulation of healing material inside microcapsules, which shows rupture upon cracking in cement-based materials, the microcapsule exhibits promise in accomplishing self-healing and increasing durability and strength in the structures. The article first explains the basic ideas behind the science of microcapsule self-healing and then looks at different ways to prepare microcapsules. It also looks into how adding microcapsules affects the basic characteristics of the concrete building. A summary of the efficiency and self-healing mechanisms of microcapsules is also provided.

The electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for energy conversion systems such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Boron carbon nitrogen (BCN) is a novel functional material with a high specific surface area, excellent corrosion resistance, and outstanding electrochemical stability. These properties make BCN an effective ORR catalyst and a promising support for metal catalysts. This study leveraged the strong interaction between BCN and metals to anchor platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) onto the BCN surface (Pt/BCN), significantly enhancing the durability of traditional Pt/C catalysts in ORR. The half-wave potential of Pt/BCN is 0.927 V, higher than Pt/XC-72R (0.857 V) and commercial Pt/C (0.879 V). Notably, after 10,000 durability test cycles, the mass activity (MA) of Pt/XC-72R and commercial Pt/C decreased by 67 % and 75 %, respectively. Even after 50,000 cycles, Pt/BCN exhibited only a 54 % decrease in MA. Experimental data and density functional theory calculations confirmed increased electron transfer from Pt to the BCN support, indicating a strong electronic metal-support interaction (EMSI) between Pt and BCN. This strong EMSI effectively anchored the Pt NPs, preventing migration and aggregation during the ORR process. Consequently, our research introduces a novel electrocatalyst support material with significant potential for ORR and broader applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study evaluated the effects of adding waste PET fibers on the mechanical properties and chloride ion penetration of latex-modified ultra-rapid hardening cement concrete used for emergency road pavement repairs. The primary experimental variable was the content of waste PET fibers. The mechanical properties of the concrete were evaluated through compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength tests. Its durability was evaluated through chloride ion penetration, surface resistivity, and abrasion resistance tests. The experimental results were compared with the quality standards for emergency repair concrete set by the Korea Expressway Corporation. As a result, this study has enhanced the strength and resistance to chloride ions of latex-modified concrete by incorporating waste PET fibers. In the mixture with 3.84 kg/m 3 of waste PET fibers, the compressive strength was 29.9 MPa at 4 h and 42.5 MPa at 28 curing days. The flexural strength was 6.0 MPa at 4 curing hours and 7.0 MPa at 28 days, and the splitting tensile strength was 4.5 MPa at 28 days of curing. The chloride ion permeability amount and abrasion depth were 1081C and 0.82 mm, respectively. The mixture with 3.84 kg/m 3 of waste PET fibers has superior compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, chloride ion penetration, and surface resistivity compared to the mixture with 7.68 kg/m 3 . This result means that the waste PET fibers caused poor dispersion and fiber-balling within the concrete, leading to loose internal void structures when incorporated at 3.84 kg/m 3 . However, the abrasion resistance test showed better results for the mixture with 7.68 kg/m 3 of waste PET fibers than the 3.84 kg/m 3 mixture. Therefore, the test results indicated that 3.84 kg/m 3 of waste PET fibers is the most effective for latex-modified concrete used in emergency road pavement repairs.

The use of rubber crumbs provides a viable solution for alleviating the disposal problem of waste tires. In this study, rubberized sulfur concrete (RSC) was researched to investigate the optimal mixture proportion and to improve the mixing process in terms of compressive strength and durability performance. For the mixture of the RSC, sand, rubber particles, and micro-filler were adopted as aggregates and sulfur was used for the binding material. Moreover, two mixing processes were applied: the dry mixing process and the wet mixing process. Based on the test results, the increment of rubber particles in the mixture led to a decrease in the compressive strength for both the dry and wet mixing processes. To minimize the voids between the sand and rubber particles, the micro-filler was used at 5% of the total volume. The amount of sulfur varied slightly depending on the mixing process: 30% sulfur for the dry mixing process and 34% sulfur for the wet mixing process, respectively. Consequently, compared to the dry mixing process, the wet mixing process increased the bonding force between sulfur and rubber powder due to the simultaneous heating and combining. In toughness, the wet mixing process demonstrates a 40% higher energy absorption capability compared to the dry mixing process. For the durability performance of the RSC, the mixture with 20% rubber particles produced using the wet mixing process exhibited better corrosion and freeze-thaw resistance.

There is a growing trend in the construction industry to adopt environmentally friendly practices, and innovative materials are becoming increasingly popular. Within the scope of this paper, the potential of natural fiber-reinforced cement composites (NFRCs) as an environmentally friendly building material is examined. This work introduces plant fiber aspects such as micromorphology, primary components, physical and mechanical properties, chemical components, thermal properties, and degradation mechanisms in cement composites. It explores how plant fibers affect concrete's mechanical performance, durability, and thermal qualities. It is responsible for increasing permeability and decreasing durability in concrete material because plant fibers have porosity and a weak interface. The purpose of this in-depth investigation is to investigate the features, sustainability (social, environmental, and economical) performance, and applications of NFRCs, with a particular focus on environmentally responsible innovation and potential future applications. The exhaustive study also addresses the difficulties associated with attaining the highest possible level of compatibility between fibers and matrixes. The physical and chemical treatments of natural fibers in cement components give more resistance to aging by reducing water absorption and increasing roughness at the surface. It is also possible to reduce the effect of alkalinity of the cement mixture through optimization of the binder component and curing regimes, which retard the breakdown of natural fibers. The purpose of this study is to present a summary of existing research, with a particular emphasis on the benefits, drawbacks, and prospective ways in which NFRCs could potentially improve throughout the construction industry in the future., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Enamel adhesion is acknowledged as durable; however, achieving long-lasting dentin adhesion remains a formidable challenge due to degradation of exposed collagen matrix after acid-etching of dentin. The idea of developing an enamel-like adhesion interface holds great promise in achieving enduring dentin adhesion. In this study, we constructed an enamel-like adhesion interface using a rapid remineralization strategy comprising an acidic primer and a rapid remineralization medium. Specifically, the acidic primer of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) nanocomplex (MDP@EGCG primer) was utilized to partially demineralize dentin within 30 s, and the MDP@EGCG nanocomplex showed a strong interaction with exposed collagen, enhancing collagen remineralization properties. Then, the rapid remineralization medium containing polyaspartate (Pasp) stabilized amorphous calcium and phosphorus nanoclusters (rapid Pasp-CaP) was applied to modified dentin collagen for 1 min, which caused rapid collagen remineralization within a clinically acceptable time frame. This strategy successfully generated an inorganic rough and porous adhesive interface resembling etched enamel, fundamentally addressed issues of collagen exposure, and achieved durable dentin adhesion in vitro and in vivo while also ensuring user-friendliness. It exhibited potential in prolonging the lifespan of adhesive restorations in clinical settings. In addition, it holds significant promise in the fields of caries and dentin sensitivity treatment and collagen-based tissue engineering scaffolds.

To investigate the effect of waste glass material particle sizes on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete, a two-phase experimental approach was conducted. First, comprehensive tests were performed to examine the effects of glass sand and glass powder of different particle sizes on concrete performance. Subsequently, based on the experimental results, an orthogonal test was designed to optimize the replacement amounts of composite particle sizes. The results indicated that an appropriate amount of glass sand can enhance the mechanical properties and durability of concrete, while excessive amounts or larger particle sizes may have adverse effects. The pozzolanic effect of glass powder also contributes to performance improvement, but the replacement rate should be limited to 20%. Under composite particle size conditions, the compressive, tensile, and shear strengths of concrete increased by 35.56%, 21.74%, and 13.79%, respectively, while durability significantly improved, with water absorption reduced by 20.73% and chloride ion permeability decreased by 63.10%. At a total replacement rate of 20%, the optimal proportions were determined to be 2.86% for 0.6 mm glass sand, 1.43% for 1.18 mm glass sand, 8.57% for 50-60 μm glass powder, and 7.14% for 60-70 μm glass powder. The incorporation of composite particle sizes improved the microstructure of concrete, thereby enhancing its mechanical and durability properties., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To concurrently assess and compare the fixation efficacy, invasiveness, and fusion potential of a posterior integrated transfixation cage system to the posterolateral threaded implant and lateral triangular rod systems, in a cadaveric model., Methods and Materials: Twelve (12) cadaveric sacroiliac joint specimens were utilized and tested within the single-leg stance multidirectional pure moment bending model. Each specimen was tested in the intact, destabilized, treated (using posterior, posterolateral, and lateral systems), and post-fatigue conditions by applying 0 to ± 7.5 Nm of moment in flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending while measuring the angular range of motion between the sacrum and ilium. Computational models were reconstructed from Computed Tomography (CT) scans and manufacturer surgical technique guides. The models were utilized to quantify the volume of bone removed during implantation and the surface area available for fusion., Results: The posterior integrated transfixation cage system and the lateral triangular rods produced equivalent motion reduction in all motion planes ( P > 0.583). The posterolateral cylindrical threaded implant produced less motion reductions than the posterior and lateral implants in flexion-extension (6% ± 3% vs 37% ± 10% and 33% ± 11%, respectively, P <0.05). The posterior system removed 22%-60% less bone volume from the sacrum and ilium (P<0.10), introduced 200%-270% more implant surface to the joint space (P<0.01) and decorticated 75%-375% more joint surface area ( P <0.01)., Conclusion: The posterior integrated transfixation single-implant cage system is superior to the posterolateral cylindrical threaded single-implant system. Its performance in osteopenic bone is equivalent to the lateral triangular rod system in healthy bone; however, the posterior integrated transfixation cage system requires a single implant, while the lateral triangular rod system requires three. The posterior implant removes the least bone volume and has the most surface area for fusion, providing a significantly better opportunity for robust sacroiliac joint arthrodesis., Competing Interests: ORR, JHT, SM and JML are employees of Medical Device Development and their institution received supports from Nevro and Vrysa to conduct this research. AE is part of the medical advisory board of Nevro, Medtronic, Vertos and consultant for Painteq. BAH is a consultant for Nevro and Novo Source Orthopedics. DPB is a consultant for Nevro, Genesys, CornerLoc, Spinal Simplicity, PainTEQ, SI Bone, and Wenzel Spine and has received research funding from Nevro. He also reports non-financial supports from Medtronic, Merit Medical, Johnson & Johnson, IZI, Techlamed, Peterson Enterprises, Medical Metrics, Avanos, Boston Scientific, Simplify Medical, Stryker, Lenoss Medical, Spine BioPharma, Piramal, ReGelTec, Nanofuse, Spinal Simplicity, Pain Theory, Spark Biomedical, Bronx Medical, Smart Soft, Tissue Tech, RayShield, Stayble, Thermaquil, Vivex, Stratus Medical, Genesys, Abbott, Eliquence, SetBone Medical, Amber Implants, Cerapedics, Neurovasis, Varian Medical Systems, Companion Spine, DiscGenics, Discure, SpinaFX, PainTEQ, SI Bone, Orthoson, Choice Spine, Saluda Medical, Aurora Spine, Arts Surgical, AIS Healthcare, Wenzel Spine; grants from Medtronic, Medical Metrics, Avanos, Relievant, Boston Scientific, Stryker, Sollis Pharmaceuticals, Simplify Medical, Lenoss Medical, Spine BioPharma, Eliem Therapeutics, Smart Soft, Tissue Tech, Vivex, Stratus Medical, Restorative Therapies, Kolon TissueGene, Companion Spine, DiscGenics, SI Bone, Choice Spine. DLC is an employee of Nevro Corporation. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2024 Raji et al.)

The lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) endows NiFe layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) with superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, yet the frequent evolution and sluggish regeneration of lattice oxygen intensify the dissolution of active species. Herein, we overcome this challenge by constructing the NiFe hydroxide/Ni 4 Mo alloy (NiFe-LDH/Ni 4 Mo) heterojunction electrocatalyst, featuring the Ni 4 Mo alloy as the oxygen pump to provide oxygenous intermediates and electrons for NiFe-LDH. The released lattice oxygen can be timely offset by the oxygenous species during the LOM process, balancing the regeneration of lattice oxygen and assuring the enhancement of the durability. In consequence, the durability of NiFe-LDH is significantly enhanced after the modification of Ni 4 Mo with an impressive durability for over 60 h, much longer than that of NiFe-LDH counterpart with only 10 h. In situ spectra and first-principle simulations reveal that the adsorption of OH - is significantly strengthened owing to the introduction of Ni 4 Mo, ensuring the rapid regeneration of lattice oxygen. Moreover, NiFe-LDH/Ni 4 Mo-based anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) presents an impressive durability for over 150 h at 100 mA cm -2 . The oxygen pump strategy opens opportunities to balance the evolution and regeneration of lattice oxygen, enhancing the durability of efficient OER catalysts., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Hydrogen (H 2 ) is a promising alternative energy source for Net-zero, but the risk of explosion requires accurate and rapid detection systems. As the use of H 2 energy expands, sensors require high performance in a variety of properties. Palladium (Pd) is an attractive material for H 2 detection due to its high H 2 affinity and catalytic properties. However, poor stability caused by volume changes and reliability due to environmental sensitivity remain obstacles. This study proposes a micropatterned thin film of PdAu with optimized composition (Pd 0.62 Au 0.38 ) as a chemoresistive sensor to overcome these issues. At room temperature, the sensor has a wide detection range of 0.0002% to 5% and a fast response time of 9.5 s. Significantly, the sensor exhibits excellent durability for repeated operation (>35 h) in 5% H 2 and resistance to humidity and carbon monoxide. We also report a negative resistivity change in PdAu, which is opposite to that of Pd. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the resistance change. DFT analysis revealed that H 2 penetrates specific interstitial sites, causing partial lattice compression. The lattice compression causes a decrease in electrical resistance. This work is expected to contribute to the development of high-performance H 2 sensors using Pd-based alloys.

Superwetting/repelling coatings have been utilized to address the issue of oil contamination on lampblack prefiltration metallic foam by both academia and industry. Nevertheless, the widely adopted superamphiphobic coatings are currently costly and suffer from poor wear resistance. In this study, we propose an oil-resistant underoil superhydrophilic (LSH) coating by a dip-coating method. The subsequent heating process at 200 °C for 5 min strengthens the designed coating based on lithium polysilicate cross-linking reinforcement. The LSH coating with a minimal water contact angle up to 3.4° under soybean oil can spontaneously achieve oil desorption within 7 s under water. Moreover, the coating retains its superhydrophilicity after enduring 900 friction cycles under a 500 g load or being immersed in 50 °C soapy water for 48 h. Hence, the LSH coating with great durability on metallic foam for lampblack prefiltration resulted in a 9.3% decrease in the oil absorption weight ratio after a 17-day cooking test. This work underscores the potential application of the LSH coating in lampblack prefiltration components, presenting promising technological advancements in self-cleaning for the catering industry.

Bimetallic platinum-containing catalysts are deemed promising for electrolyzers and proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). A significant number of laboratory studies and commercial offers are related to PtNi/C and PtCo/C electrocatalysts. The behavior of PtPd/C catalysts has been studied much less, although palladium itself is the metal closest to platinum in its properties. Using a series of characterization methods, this paper presents a comparative study of structural characteristics of the commercial PtPd/C catalysts containing 38% wt. of precious metals and the well-known HiSpec4000 Pt/C catalyst. The electrochemical behavior of the catalysts was studied both in a three-electrode electrochemical cell and in the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) of hydrogen-air PEMFCs. Both PtPd/C samples demonstrated higher values of the electrochemically active surface area, as well as greater specific and mass activity in the oxygen reduction reaction in comparison with conventional Pt/C, while not being inferior to the latter in durability. The MEA based on the best of the PtPd/C catalysts also exhibited higher performance in single tests and long-term durability testing. The results of this study conducted indicate the prospects of using bimetallic PtPd/C materials for cathode catalysts in PEMFCs.

As the most widely used building material, cement has attracted the attention of scholars because of its large carbon emission. To alleviate the problems of carbon emission and limited resource use caused by cement production, this study focuses on the performance of mortar after carbonization curing by regulating the composition of ternary binders. Testing involved mechanical parameters, carbon shrinkage, water absorption, hydration product, microstructure, adsorption of carbon dioxide, calcium carbonate content, and carbonization degree of mortar, as well as comparisons with the effect of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud. We carried out several studies which demonstrated that carbonization curing and adjusting the content of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud were beneficial to improve the mechanical properties, peak load displacement, slope, elastic energy, plastic energy, carbon shrinkage, carbon dioxide adsorption, calcium carbonate content, and carbonization degree of mortar, while the addition of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud increased the water absorption of mortar, and the greater the dosage, the greater the water absorption. Meanwhile, adding 25%-50% calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud still had negative effects on the mechanical properties of mortar. But carbonation curing and the addition of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud could promote the hydration reaction and consume calcium hydroxide formed by hydration to form calcium carbonate. When the dosage was 50%, the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity, calcium carbonate content, and carbonization degree of calcium carbide slag mortar were higher than those of sintered red mud mortar, which increased by 29.56%, 102.73%, and 28.84%, respectively. By comparison, calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud still showed superior carbon sequestration capacity, which was higher than fly ash and Bayer red mud. From the experiment, we came to realize that adjusting the composition of cementitious materials could realize the carbon sequestration of cement-based materials and promote the road toward low-carbon sustainable development of cement.

Over the past few years, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) imposed itself as the first-choice therapy for symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) in elderly patients at surgical risk. There have been continuous technological advancements in the latest iterations of TAVI devices and implantation techniques, which have bolstered their adoption. Moreover, the favorable outcomes coming out from clinical trials represent an indisputable point of strength for TAVI. As indications for transcatheter therapies now include a low surgical risk and younger individuals, new challenges are emerging. In this context, the matter of prosthesis durability is noteworthy. Initial evidence is beginning to emerge from the studies in the field, but they are still limited and compromised by multiple biases. Additionally, the physiopathological mechanisms behind the valve's deterioration are nowadays somewhat clearer and classified. So, who outlasts who-the valve or the patient? This review aims to explore the available evidence surrounding this intriguing question, examining the various factors affecting prosthesis durability and discussing its potential implications for clinical management and current interventional practice.

The usage of manufactured sand concrete is widespread in modern engineering, and it is important to study its performance to improve the overall engineering quality. This paper presents an experimental study on the working performance and durability of 12 groups of manufactured sand high-performance concrete (MSHPC) with varying mix ratios, in the context of the construction of the Dalian Bay undersea immersed tube tunnel. The study reveals that the stone powder content significantly affects the physical and mechanical properties, as well as the durability, of manufactured sand concrete. At an approximately 9% stone powder content, the concrete achieves the highest slump and best workability. However, excessive stone powder reduces early crack resistance. Furthermore, an optimal stone powder content (ranging from 5% to 13%) enhances the compressive strength, with the 28-day compressive strength reaching 60 MPa at a 13% stone powder content, while the effect on the splitting tensile strength is negligible. The stone powder content does not significantly impact impermeability and frost resistance, but at 7-9%, the RCM method shows the lowest chloride ion diffusion coefficient. Additionally, a lower water-binder ratio enhances resistance to chloride ion diffusion. High-performance RCM concrete with a 9% stone powder content was used in the construction of the Dalian Bay Cross-Harbor Tunnel, achieving 28-day and 56-day compressive strengths of C45 and C50, respectively, an impermeability grade of P14, a chloride ion diffusion coefficient of 1.9 × 10 -12 m 2 /s, and a frost durability index of 92%, meeting the project's 100-year lifespan design requirements.

Introduction: Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) has demonstrated safety in its usage in the adolescent population and can aid in curbing the rising obesity epidemic. However, long-term data surrounding durability of MBS in this population is limited. This study aims to examine both short and long-term outcomes of MBS in adolescents, as well as identify patient characteristics and demographics that may impact operative safety and durability., Methods: The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System was utilized to identify patients 12-19 y old who underwent a bariatric procedure from 2007 to 2018. Patients were followed for the need for revisional or conversion (RC) procedures. Safety was defined by 30-d readmission, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital complications. Durability was characterized by the incidence of RC after the initial procedure. Variables that were significantly associated with each outcome on univariable analysis were selected for in multivariable regression models., Results: 2241 adolescents underwent MBS in the study time frame; 58.46% of them underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The median LOS was 1.66 ± 1.04 d. The overall in-hospital complication rate was 3.44%; 30-d readmission rate was 3.17%. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) patients were more likely to have a 30-d readmission than SG (OR = 1.75 95% CI 1.03-2.96). Factors associated with in hospital complications were preexisting hypertension (OR = 2.008 95% CI 1.141-3.535) and hypothyroidism (OR = 2.459 95% CI 1.132-5.341). Overall, the RC rate was 6.65%. RC rate following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), RYGB, and SG was 27.33%, 2.08%, and 1.22%, respectively. The incidence of RC was significantly different between patients undergoing different types of bariatric surgery (P-value<0.0001), and it was significantly higher after LAGB comparing to RYGB (HR = 16.16, 95% CI: 7.56-34.51) as well as comparing to SG (HR = 9.22, 95% CI: 5.07-16.78). Insurance status, race or ethnicity, and socioeconomic disadvantage were not significantly associated with 30-d readmissions, in-hospital complications, LOS, or RC., Conclusions: Adolescent patients experience a low rate of postoperative adverse events following MBS. These procedures remain durable over time for this patient cohort. These positive results are regardless of race, ethnicity, and insurance status. This study identifies that female patients and LAGB patients are at highest risk for need for eventual RC, suggesting the need for closer postoperative follow-up for these specific patient cohorts., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nanomaterials are incorporated to improve the characteristics of conventional concrete materials. Among them, Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles exhibit sustainable concrete features such as optimization of materials, improvement of structures, recycling, and innovative waste management in materials and processes. This paper thoroughly elaborates on the effect of TiO 2 nanoparticles on the composites of cement which in turn modifies the physical, mechanical, and ability to resist any chemical action, climate change, and abrasion; Furthermore, this study emphasizes the small fragment size, increased surface area and photocatalytic properties of cementitious composites. The key parameters for choosing TiO 2 nanoparticles encompass their strength, antimicrobial characteristics, and stability against external environmental factors, covering a wide range of compatibility issues and exploring the fundamental characteristics of the material imbibing in cement. The present review includes the basic features of TiO 2 nanoparticles, their utilization in cement, the fabrication processes, and influential factors on the workability of concrete. The review also comprises the workability of fresh concrete, mechanical qualities related to compressive, flexural, and tensile strength, and durability variables such as electrical resistivity, permeability, carbonation resistance, freeze-thaw cycles, and sulfate attack resistance. The report further investigates the ideal dosage of TiO 2 nanoparticles and compares it to other nanomaterials utilized in cementitious compositions. More importantly, it emphasizes nano-titanium dioxide's ability to deal with pollutants in urban areas, notably nitrogen oxides (NOx), via its photocatalytic characteristics. The study explains how nano-TiO 2 affects the microstructure of cement-based materials, resulting in improved durability, performance, and mechanical characteristics. Finally, this study outlines present problems and recommends future research using nano-TiO 2 in cement-based materials., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

In this study, a wear-resistant ultra-thin wear layer was fabricated with polyurethane as an adhesive to investigate its durability for pavement applications. Its road performance was investigated based on indoor tests. First, the abrasion test was performed using a tire-pavement dynamic friction analyzer (TDFA), and the surface elevation information of the wear layer was obtained by laser profile scanning. The relationship between the anti-skid properties of the wear layer and the macro-texture was analyzed. Second, a Fourier infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscope were employed to analyze the evolution of polyurethane aging properties in the pull-out test and accelerated ultraviolet (UV) aging test. The results showed that the mean profile depth (MPD), arithmetic mean wavelength of contour (λa), surface wear index (SBI), stage mass loss rate (σ), and total stage mass loss rate (ω) of the abrasive layer aggregate had significant multivariate quadratic polynomial relationships with the skidding performance of the abrasive layer. The tensile strength of the polyurethane ultra-thin abrasive layer decreased by only 2.59% after 16 days of UV aging, indicating a minimal effect of UV action on the aggregate and structural spalling of the polyurethane abrasive layer.

Background: Studies evaluating the attrition, physical and insecticidal durability of dual active ingredient (AI) insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are essential for making programmatic decisions regarding their deployment. We performed a prospective study embedded in a cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) to evaluate the attrition, fabric integrity and insecticidal durability of Interceptor® G2 (alpha-cypermethrin-chlorfenapyr) and Royal Guard® (alpha-cypermethrin-pyriproxyfen), compared to Interceptor® (alpha-cypermethrin) in Benin., Methods: A total of 2428 study nets in 1093 randomly selected households in five clusters per arm of the cRCT were monitored for ITN attrition and fabric integrity every 6-12 months post-distribution. Householders were further surveyed to investigate non-study net use and their preference for ITN fabric types used in the study nets. A second cohort of 120 nets per ITN type were withdrawn every 12 months and assessed for chemical content and insecticidal activity in laboratory bioassays. Alpha-cypermethrin bioefficacy was investigated using the susceptible Anopheles gambiae Kisumu strain, and chlorfenapyr and pyriproxyfen bioefficacy were investigated using the pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles coluzzii Akron strain. Net pieces were tested in WHO cone bioassays and tunnel tests for alpha-cypermethrin and in tunnel tests for chlorfenapyr; pyriproxyfen activity was assessed in cone bioassays as the reduction in fertility of blood-fed survivors using ovary dissection. Bioefficacy was expressed as the proportion of ITNs passing predetermined WHO criteria, namely knock-down ≥ 95% or 24/72 h mortality ≥ 80% or reduction in fertility ≥ 50%., Results: Overall ITN survivorship was 52% at 24 months and fell to 15% at 36 months. Median ITN survival time was lower with Royal Guard® relative to Interceptor® [1.6 vs 2.3 years; hazard ratio (HR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36-1.66; p < 0.001] and Interceptor® G2 (1.6 vs 2.1 years; HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.20-1.47; p < 0.001). Householders overwhelmingly preferred polyester nets over polyethylene nets (96%), and more Royal Guard® nets were replaced with spare polyester nets from previous campaigns. All Royal Guard® nets passed efficacy criteria for alpha-cypermethrin at all time points (100%) while ITN pass rates after 24 months had fallen to < 40% for pyriproxyfen and chlorfenapyr. The chemical content analysis showed a higher loss rate of the non-pyrethroid insecticides relative to the pyrethroids in each dual ingredient AI ITN; 74% vs 47% for Royal Guard® and 85% vs 63% for Interceptor® G2 at 36 months., Conclusions: The median ITN survival time for Interceptor® G2 (2.1 years) and Royal Guard® (1.6 years) in Benin is substantially lower than 3 years. Royal Guard® nets were discarded more quickly by householders, partly due to their low preference for polyethylene nets. The insecticidal activity of the non-pyrethroid insecticides in both dual AI ITNs was short-lived compared to alpha-cypermethrin. The results corroborate the findings from the cRCT conducted in Benin., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Green hydrogen energy, as one of the most promising energy carriers, plays a crucial role in addressing energy and environmental issues. Oxygen evolution reaction catalysts, as the key to water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, have been subject to durability constraints, preventing large-scale commercial development. Under the high current density and harsh acid-base electrolyte conditions of the water electrolysis reaction, the active metals in the catalysts are easily converted into high-valent soluble species to dissolve, leading to poor structural durability of the catalysts. There is an urgent need to overcome the durability challenges under acidic conditions and develop electrocatalysts with both high catalytic activity and high durability. In this review, the latest research results are analyzed in depth from both thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives. First, a comprehensive summary of the structural deactivation state process of noble metal oxide catalysts is presented. Second, the evolution of the structure of catalysts possessing high durability is discussed. Finally, four new strategies for the preparation of stable catalysts, "electron buffer (ECB) strategy", combination strength control, strain control, and surface coating, are summarized. The challenges and prospects are also elaborated for the future synthesis of more effective Ru/Ir-based catalysts and boost their future application., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Designing efficient and durable electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Platinum-based catalysts are considered efficient ORR catalysts due to their high activity. However, the degradation of Pt species leads to poor durability of catalysts, limiting their applications in PEMFCs. Herein, a Janus heterostructure is designed for high durability ORR in acidic media. The Janus heterostructure composes of crystalline platinum and cassiterite tin oxide nanoparticles with carbon support (J-Pt@SnO 2 /C). Based on the synchrotron fine structure analysis and electrochemical investigation, the crystalline reconstruction and charge redistribution at the interface of Janus structure are revealed. The tightly coupled interface could optimize the valance states of Pt and the adsorption/desorption of oxygenated intermediates. As a result, the J-Pt@SnO 2 /C catalyst possesses distinguishing long-term stability during the accelerated durability test without obvious degradation after 40 000 cycles and keeps the majority of activity after 70 000 cycles. Meanwhile, the catalyst exhibits outstanding activity with half-wave potential at 0.905 V and a mass activity of 0.355 A mg Pt -1 (2.7 times higher than Pt/C). The approach of the Janus catalyst paves an avenue for designing highly efficient and stable Pt-based ORR catalyst in the future implementation., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Rapid and continuous droplet shedding is crucial for many applications, including thermal management, water harvesting, and microfluidics, among others. Superhydrophobic surfaces, though effective, suffer from droplet pinning at high subcooling temperature ( T sub ). Conversely, slippery liquid-like surfaces covalently bonded with flexible hydrophobic molecules show high stability and low droplet adhesion attributed to their dense and ultrasmooth water repellent polymer chains, enhancing dropwise condensation and rapid shedding. In this work, linear poly(dimethylsiloxane) chains of various viscosities are covalently bonded onto silicon substrates to form thin and smooth monolayer coated surfaces. The formation of the monolayer is characterized by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. On these surfaces a very low contact angle hysteresis is reported within wide surface temperature ranges as well as continuous dropwise condensation at ultrahigh T sub of 60 K. In particular, one of the highest condensation heat fluxes of 1392.60 kW·m -2 and a heat transfer coefficient of 23.21 kW·m -2 ·K -1 at ultrahigh T without flooding empowered by the lower frictional forces, addressing challenges in heat transfer performance and durability.sub of 60 K is reported. The experimental heat transfer performance is further compared to the theoretical heat transfer via the individual droplets with the droplet distribution elucidated via both macroscopic observations as well as environmental scanning electron microscopy. Finally, only a mild decrease in the heat transfer coefficient of 20.3% after 100 h of condensation test at T sub of 60 K is reported. Slippery liquid-like surfaces promote droplet shedding and sustain dropwise condensation at high T sub without flooding empowered by the lower frictional forces, addressing challenges in heat transfer performance and durability.

In this research, four industrial wastes were used for up to 80% as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in cement mortar systems: ground granulated blast furnace slag, electric arc furnace slag, basic oxygen furnace slag, and waste limestone powder. Quaternary cementitious blends were prepared and studied for up to 120 days. Workability, compressive strength, durability, microstructures, and sustainability studies were performed and compared with Portland cement references. Results showed that more than 30 MPa in compressive strength can be achieved by > 50% replacement with SCMs; only 9% below the reference. Neither H 2 SO 4 nor MgSO 4 attacks resulted in critical damages; nevertheless, curing under NaCl solution showed detrimental behavior. C-S-H with a low Ca/Si ratio was identified in the mortars as the main hydration product, possibly intermixed with stratlingite, C-A-S-H and/or hydrotalcite. Environmental impact for the blended cements was determined as the CO 2 eq. factor from a simple life cycle assessment. The embodied greenhouse gasses varied in 260.2-541.4 kg CO 2 eq./ton of binder depending on the formulation. This was 40-70% less than Portland cement (922.6 kg CO 2 eq./ton). The production of the raw materials dominated the polluting emissions, while freight, grinding, and sieving had little environmental impact., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Anode cell reversal typically leads to severe carbon corrosion and catalyst layer collapse, which significantly compromises the durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, three types of commercial carbon supports with various structures are facilely coated by polyaniline (PANI) and subsequently fabricated into reversal-tolerant anodes (RTAs). Consequently, the optimized PANI-coated catalyst RTAs demonstrate enhanced polarization performance and improved reversal tolerance compared to their uncoated counterparts, thus confirming the universality of this coating strategy. Essentially, the surface engineering introduced by PANI coating incorporates abundant N-groups and enhances coulombic interactions with ionomer side chains, which in turn reduces lower carbon exposure, promotes more uniform Pt deposition, and ensures better ionomer distribution. Accordingly, the membrane-electrode-assembly containing the Pt/PANI/XC-72R-1+IrO 2 RTA presents a 100 mV (at 2500 mA cm -2 ) polarization performance improvement and 26-fold reduction in the degradation rate compared to the uncoated counterpart. This work provides a universal strategy for developing durable anodes and lays the groundwork for the practical fabrication of high-performance, low-degradation RTA., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

We evaluated the effects of behavioral skills training on improving participant implementation of functional communication training with multiple schedules when working with a confederate. Behavioral skills training produced mastery-level responding for all six participants who required training, providing the first empirically supported training for this functional communication training approach. Next, we assessed durability during training challenges with (a) procedural changes to the original protocol, (b) a novel confederate with different discriminative stimuli and reinforcers, and (c) relapsed confederate destructive behavior. Training effects degraded at least once for all participants and in 62% of training challenges, although continuing to expose the participant to the challenging situations or providing postsession booster training resolved the degradation in most cases. We discuss these findings in relation to their clinical implications and directions for future research., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (SEAB).)

The efficiency and stability of the electrical activation of persulfate (PS) by transition metal-based cathode are controlled by the cycling of Fe(III)/Fe(II) and the mass transfer of PS. In this study, the mixed-valence MOFs catalyst (Fe II -MIL-53(Fe)) modified flow-through cathode was prepared for the first time. Fe II -MIL-53(Fe) was prepared by replacing part of the iron-oxygen network structure in MIL-53(Fe) with Fe(II), resulting in the formation of coordinated unsaturated iron centers (CUICs). The increase of the Fe(III) CUICs facilitated the conversion of Fe(III) to Fe(II). Furthermore, the cycling of Fe(III)/Fe(II) was further promoted by the electric field. Meanwhile, the hydrodynamic behavior of flow-through cathode was indicated by the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results showed that several reactive specie (SO 4 ·- , ·OH, O 2 ·- and 1 O 2 ) were produce. In summary, this work provided an effective strategy for the efficient and stable electrical activation of PDS., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Gradual disability of Zn anode and high negative/positive electrode (N/P) ratio usually depreciate calendar life and energy density of aqueous Zn batteries (AZBs). Herein, within original Zn 2+ -free hydrated electrolytes, a steric hindrance/electric field shielding-driven "hydrophobic ion barrier" is engineered towards ultradurable (002) plane-exposed Zn stripping/plating to solve this issue. Guided by theoretical simulations, hydrophobic adiponitrile (ADN) is employed as a steric hindrance agent to ally with inert electric field shielding additive (Mn 2+ ) for plane adsorption priority manipulation, thereby constructing the "hydrophobic ion barrier". This design robustly suppresses the (002) plane/dendrite growth, enabling ultradurable (002) plane-exposed dendrite-free Zn stripping/plating. Even being cycled in Zn‖Zn symmetric cell over 2150 h at 0.5 mA cm -2 , the efficacy remains well-kept. Additionally, Zn‖Zn symmetric cells can be also stably cycled over 918 h at 1 mA cm -2 , verifying uncompromised Zn stripping/plating kinetics. As-assembled anode-less Zn‖VOPO 4  ⋅ 2H 2 O full cells with a low N/P ratio (2 : 1) show a high energy density of 75.2 Wh kg -1 full electrode after 842 cycles at 1 A g -1 , far surpassing counterparts with thick Zn anode and low cathode loading mass, featuring excellent practicality. This study opens a new avenue by robust "hydrophobic ion barrier" design to develop long-life anode-less Zn batteries., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Superhydrophobic surfaces are of great interest because of their remarkable properties. Due to its maximal hardness and chemical inertness, diamond film has great potential in fabricating robust superhydrophobic surfaces. In the present study, an oxygen-terminated polycrystalline boron-doped diamond (O-PBDD) superhydrophobic surface with micro/nano-hierarchical porous structures is developed. The preparation method is very simple, requiring only sputtering and dewetting procedures. The former involves sputtering gold and copper particles onto the hydrogen-terminated polycrystalline boron-doped diamond (H-PBDD) to form gold/copper films, whereas the latter involves placing the samples in an atmospheric tube furnace to form hierarchical pores. By controlling the etching parameters, the wettability of the O-PBDD surface can be adjusted from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic, which is significantly different to the normal hydrophilicity feature of O-termination diamonds. The water contact angle of the obtained O-PBDD surface can reach 165 ± 5°, which is higher than the superhydrophobic diamond surfaces that are reported in the literature. In addition, the O-PBDD surface exhibits excellent durability; it can maintain satisfactory superhydrophobicity even after high-pressure, high-temperature, and sandpaper friction tests. This work provides a new research direction for fabricating robust superhydrophobic materials with diamond film., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Objective: Iliofemoral venous obstructive disease can result in significant, potentially debilitating symptoms that can negatively affect quality of life. Unlike arterial disease, patients with deep venous disease have a significantly lower median age, therefore the need for long term stent patency becomes a matter of decades rather than years. Furthermore, iliofemoral lesions frequently require stent placement across the inguinal ligament. Such stents are subject to dynamic stress from leg movement and associated concerns for device fatigue, resulting in stent fracture. The aim of this study was to describe an in vitro 50 year stent fatigue test method designed to assess durability against dynamic stress induced device fracture., Methods: Through literature review, cadaver studies, and computer modelling, the most challenging loading was confirmed to be hip flexion across the inguinal ligament. This occurs when the patient adjusts between a seated and standing position. Sit to stand hip flexion at the inguinal ligament was effectively simulated on the bench in this in vitro experimental study., Results: When tested under challenge parameters, hip flexion was reliably found to cause fractures in non-venous nitinol stents. However, a dedicated self expanding nitinol venous stent, engineered for improved durability, underwent up to 50 years of simulated loading on the bench with 15% (3/20) of stents experiencing fractures at 50 years, compared with fractures in 35% (14/40) of non-venous stents tested to 1.4 years; no statistical testing was performed as durations do not match and the objective was to demonstrate the test method., Conclusion: The presented fatigue test method is a suitable approach for evaluating the durability of stents intended for venous use. Venous stents demonstrated superior fatigue resistance compared with non-venous stents via in vitro hip flexion testing., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The ammonium ethyl acryloylphosphoramidate (AEA) was synthesized by acrylamide, ethanolamine, and phosphorus oxychloride; the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were applied to analyze the structure of AEA molecule. Using the dip-cure process to treat raw cotton (RC) with AEA flame retardant, the finished fabric had excellent flame retardancy. The cone calorimeter, thermogravimetric, FTIR, and vertical flame tests illustrated finished fabrics underwent synergistic and condensed-phase flame retardation. The finished fabric also had excellent durability, and the higher the sealing degree of phosphorus atoms, the higher the durability. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of RC-AEA3-20 (raw cotton finished with 20 wt% AEA3) reached 45.4 %. However, the LOI only dropped to 34.9 % after 50 laundering cycles under the AATCC 61-2013 3 A standard. The excellent durability and FTIR analyses of finished fabrics suggested that the -N-P(=O)-O-C- covalent bond was formed between flame retardant and cellulose. This covalent bond exhibited a p-π conjugation effect, enhancing the stability of -N-P(=O)-O-C- bond, improving the durability of finished fabrics. In conclusion, adding reactive groups into flame retardants, like CH 2 =CH- and -N-P(=O)-O - NH 4 , could increase the durability of finished cotton fabrics.+ , could increase the durability of finished cotton fabrics., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest No conflict of interest pears for the manuscript submission., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Autograft durability and remodeling are thought to be superior in younger pediatric patients after the Ross operation. We sought to delineate the fate of autografts across the pediatric age spectrum in patients with primary aortic stenosis (AS)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients age ≤18 years with primary AS who underwent the Ross operation between 1993 and 2020. Patients were categorized by age. The primary endpoint was autograft dimensional change, and secondary endpoints were severe neo-aortic insufficiency (AI) and autograft reintervention., Results: A total of 119 patients underwent the Ross operation, including 37 (31.1%) in group I (age <18 months), 24 (20.2%) in group II (age 18 months-8 years), and 58 (48.7%) in group III (age 8-18 years). All groups exhibited similar annular growth rates within the first 5 postoperative years, followed by a collective decrease in annulus growth rates from year 5 to year 10. Group III experienced rapid sinus dilation in the first 5 years, followed by stabilization of the sinus z-score from year 5 to year 10, whereas groups I and II demonstrated stable sinus z-scores over 10 years. There were 4 early deaths (3.4%) and 2 late deaths (1.7%) at a median follow-up of 8.1 years (range, 0.01-26.3 years). At 15 years, the incidences of severe neo-AI (0.0 ± 0.0% vs 0.0 ± 0.0% vs 3.9 ± 3.9%; P = .52) and autograft reintervention (8.4 ± 6.0% vs 0.0 ± 0.0% vs 2.4 ± 2.4%; P = .47) were similar in the 3 groups., Conclusions: Age at the time of Ross operation for primary AS does not influence long-term autograft remodeling or durability. Other physiologic or technical factors are likely greater determinants of autograft fate., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Statement The authors reported no conflicts of interest. The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In order to investigate the influence of the CaO and fly ash (FA) dosage and proportion on the mechanical properties, durability, and microstructure of solidified sludge, freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles and dry-wet (D-W) cycles are conducted to study the change in appearance and the strength attenuation of CaO-FA solidified sludge. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) is used to analyze the microstructure of the solidified sludge with various dosages and ratios of CaO-FA. The results demonstrate that the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and direct shear strength of solidified sludge increase with the prolongation of the curing age. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of solidified sludge are improved as the ratio of CaO-FA increases. As the curing age increases, the distribution of transverse relaxation time (T 2 ) becomes narrow, the spectral area decreases, and the amplitude of the LF-NMR signal shows a downward and leftward tendency. Additionally, with the increase in the number of F-T cycles and D-W cycles, the UCS of solidified sludge declines and the degree of pore deterioration increased gradually. This study offers a theoretical foundation and empirical data for the dredging and treatment of sludge in cold regions.

Background: Preexercise caffeine intake has proven to exert ergogenic effects on cycling performance. However, whether these benefits are also observed under fatigue conditions remains largely unexplored. We aimed to assess the effect of caffeine ingested during prolonged cycling on subsequent time-trial performance in trained cyclists., Methods: The study followed a triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over design. Eleven well-trained junior cyclists (17 ± 1 years) performed a field-based 8-min time trial under "fresh" conditions (i.e., after their usual warm-up) or after two work-matched steady-state cycling sessions (total energy expenditure∼20 kJ/kg and ∼100 min duration). During the latter sessions, participants consumed caffeine (3 mg/kg) or a placebo ∼60 min before the time trial. We assessed power output, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion during the time trial and mood state (Brunel Mood Scale) before and after each session., Results: No significant condition effect was found for the mean power output attained during the time trial (365 ± 25, 369 ± 31, and 364 32 W for "fresh," caffeine, and placebo condition, respectively; p = .669). Similar results were found for the mean heart rate (p = .100) and rating of perceived exertion (p = 1.000) during the time trial and for the different mood domains (all p > .1)., Conclusions: Caffeine intake during prolonged exercise seems to exert no ergogenic effects on subsequent time-trial performance in junior cyclists. Future studies should determine whether significant effects can be found with larger caffeine doses or after greater fatigue levels.

A three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical microfiber bundle-based scaffold integrated with silver nanowires (AgNWs) and porous polyurethane (PU) was designed for the Joule heater via a facile dip-coating method. The interconnected micrometer-sized voids and unique hierarchical structure benefit uniform AgNWs anchored and the formation of a high-efficiency 3D conductive network. As expected, this composite exhibits a superior electrical conductivity of 1586.4 S/m and the best electrothermal conversion performance of 118.6 °C at 2.0 V compared to reported wearable Joule heaters to date. Moreover, the durable microfiber bundle-PU network provides strong mechanical properties, allowing for the stable and durable electrothermal performance of such a composite to resist twisting, bending, abrasion, and washing. Application studies show that this kind of Joule heater is suitable for a wide range of applications, such as seat heating, a heating jacket, personal thermal management, etc.

High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) have become one of the important development directions of PEMFCs because of their outstanding features, including fast reaction kinetics, high tolerance against impurities in fuel, and easy heat and water management. The proton exchange membrane (PEM), as the core component of HT-PEMFCs, plays the most critical role in the performance of fuel cells. Phosphoric acid (PA)-doped membranes have showed satisfied proton conductivity at high-temperature and anhydrous conditions, and significant advancements have been achieved in the design and development of HT-PEMFCs based on PA-doped membranes. However, the persistent issue of HT-PEMFCs caused by PA leaching remains a challenge that cannot be ignored. This paper provides a concise overview of the proton conduction mechanism in HT-PEMs and the underlying causes of PA leaching in HT-PEMFCs and highlights the strategies aimed at mitigating PA leaching, such as designing crosslinked structures, incorporation of hygroscopic nanoparticles, improving the alkalinity of polymers, covalently linking acidic groups, preparation of multilayer membranes, constructing microporous structures, and formation of micro-phase separation. This review will offer a guidance for further research and development of HT-PEMFCs with high performance and longevity.