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The modeling of the concrete matrix serves as a foundation for mesoscale analysis of concrete, which provides a crucial avenue for investigating the crack propagation and strength characteristics of concrete. However, the primary prerequisite for conducting such analyses is the generation of aggregate models. By combining the advantages of Voronoi diagrams and the random walk algorithm (RWA), a Voronoi–random walk algorithm is proposed in this paper. The algorithm overcomes the limitations of traditional methods, including constraints on aggregate volume fraction, low computational efficiency, and insufficient randomness in aggregate distribution. The meso-structure of a concrete block was modeled by the proposed method, and then its failure behavior under uniaxial compression was simulated using the finite element method. The numerical results agreed well with the experimental observations, indicating the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Previous studies have revealed that inhibition of mitochondrial fission suppressed oxidative stress and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mice. However, no research has confirmed whether mitochondria fission accentuates hyperglycemia‐induced cardiomyoblast oxidative stress through regulating fatty acid oxidation (FAO). We used H9c2 cardiomyoblasts exposed to high glucose (HG) 33 mM to simulate DCM in vitro. Excessive mitochondrial fission, poor cell viability, and lipid accumulation were observed in hyperglycemia‐induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Also, the cells were led to oxidative stress injury, lower adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and apoptosis. Dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) short interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased targeted marker expression, inhibited mitochondrial fragmentation and lipid accumulation, suppressed oxidative stress, reduced cardiomyoblast apoptosis, and improved cell viability and ATP levels in HG‐exposed H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, but not in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) inhibitor etomoxir treatment cells. We also found subcellular localization of CPT1 on the mitochondrial membrane, FAO, and levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) were suppressed after exposure to HG treatment, whereas Drp1 siRNA normalized mitochondrial CPT1, FAO, and NADPH. However, the blockade of FAO with etomoxir abolished the above effects of Drp1 siRNA in hyperglycemia‐induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. The preservation of mitochondrial function through the Drp1/CPT1/FAO pathway is the potential mechanism of inhibited mitochondria fission in attenuating oxidative stress injury of hyperglycemia‐induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public buildings, being the primary source of carbon emissions in China's construction sector, present a pressing need for emission control. This imperative task not only ensures the sustainable progression of China's building industry but also holds pivotal significance in the realm of global energy conservation and emission curtailment. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution of carbon emissions from public buildings in China and assessed the spatial influence of related factors using a dataset covering 30 provincial units from 2006 to 2021. The analysis employed Theil's index, Moran's I index, standard deviation ellipse, and the spatial Durbin model. The study revealed an upward trajectory in carbon emissions from public buildings in China, although the growth rate was generally decreasing. Disparities in emission distribution among provincial units stem largely from intra-regional distinctions, notably prominent in the Low-Intensity High-Economy regions. Provincial carbon emissions from public buildings exhibited significant spatial correlation, manifesting as clusters of high–high and low–low patterns, indicative of mutual influence among adjacent areas. Additionally, the shift in carbon emission focal points from the northeast to the southwest underscored a more pronounced surge in the southwestern regions. Variables such as energy intensity, energy structure, per capita public building area, disposable income per capita, openness level, and environmental governance directly impact carbon emissions from public buildings. Among these, energy intensity, energy structure, disposable income per capita, and environmental governance also had spatial spillover effects. These findings provide a scientific reference and a foundation for policy-making, aiding local administrations in crafting strategies to mitigate carbon emissions from public buildings and foster sustainable progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel Ti/Al laminated composite embedded with particles of the high entropy alloy Al0.5CoCrFeNi were produced by vacuum hot press sintering at 650°C. The microstructure of the laminated composite was investigated using XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM and EBSD techniques. It was found that a thin layer of Al3Ti was formed at the Ti/Al interface. There were no obvious defects between the Al0.5CoCrFeNi particles and Al matrix, achieving a good interfacial bond. The tensile properties of the material were tested at room temperature. The results of the tensile test indicated that the material exhibited an elongation to failure of 59% and an average tensile strength of 240 MPa, demonstrating excellent plastic deformation capability. During the tensile process, the expansion of fractures and cracks in Al0.5CoCrFeNi particles can consume energy, which helps to improve the material's ability to undergo plastic deformation. Based on the morphologies of tensile fracture, it has been observed that the fracture surface of high entropy alloys exhibits a mixed fracture mode consisting of both brittle and plastic fracture. The brittle BCC phase has been identified as the main cause of cracking in HEA. Ultimately, the material fractures due to necking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]