Search Results (2,352)

Strategic breakthroughs have been made in the exploration and evaluation of Gulong shale oil in the Songliao Basin. However, the Heiyupao Depression, located near the Gulong Depression, hosts a thick section of the Qingshankou Formation shale that has not been extensively studied. This paper presents novel insights into the lithofacies characteristics, depositional environment, and reservoir features of the Qingshankou Formation shale in the Heiyupao Depression, with a specific focus on the origin and maturation of organic-rich shale. Four core wells were drilled, and 152 core samples were analyzed through a variety of techniques, including rock type classification, mineral composition, TOC content, rare earth elements, rock pyrolysis, organic matter type determination, and CT scanning. Results indicate that the Qingshankou shale is dominated by felsic compositions and Type I kerogen, with organic maturity varying across the section. Based on lithology, sedimentary structures, mineralogy, and organic matter abundance, five distinct lithofacies are identified: high-organic mud-rich felsic shale, high-organic sand-rich felsic shale, medium-organic sand-rich felsic shale, medium-organic massive shale, and low-organic sand-rich felsic shale. Notably, the Type A lithofacies (high-organic mud-rich felsic shale) is identified as a primary source rock due to its intergranular and organic matter pores, albeit with low porosity and poor connectivity. In contrast, the Type E lithofacies (low-organic sand-rich felsic shale) have high porosity, well-developed micro- and nano-scale pores, and strong connectivity, marking them as the primary reservoirs. The characteristics of this region differ significantly from those of Gulong shale oil, requiring different extraction strategies. The mineral composition of such shale is predominantly felsic rather than mixed. The findings not only provide theoretical support for the exploration of complex lacustrine shale in the Songliao Basin but also offer valuable insights for the resource development of similar non-marine shale systems worldwide. Full article

In low-permeability sandstone reservoirs (LPSR), impermeable interlayers significantly challenge carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and enhance oil recovery (CO₂-EOR) processes by creating complex, discontinuous flow units. This study aims to address these challenges through a comprehensive multi-faceted approach integrating geological and microscopic analyses, including core analysis, reservoir petrography, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and well-logging response analysis, and utilizing three-dimensional (3D) geological modeling. The current comprehensive investigation systematically characterizes interlayer types, petrophysical properties, thickness, connectivity, and their spatial distribution in the reservoir unit. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the sealing efficiency and the impact of various interlayer materials on CO₂ flooding over a 10-year period. Results indicate the presence of petrophysical and argillaceous interlayers, with optimal sealing occurring in petrophysical barriers ≥ 4 m and argillaceous barriers ≥ 1.5 m thick. CO₂ leakage occurs through preferential pathways that emerge in a side-to-middle and bottom-to-top direction in interbeds, with multidirectional pathways showing greater leakage at the bottom compared to the upper side within barriers. Increased interlayer thickness constraints CO₂ breakthrough but reduces vertical flooding area and production ratio compared to homogeneous reservoirs. Augmented interbed thickness and area mitigate CO₂ breakthrough time while constraining gravity override and dispersion effects, enhancing horizontal oil displacement. These novel findings provide crucial insights for optimizing CCUS-EOR strategies in LPSR, offering a robust theoretical foundation for future applications and serving as a key reference for CO₂ utilization in challenging geological settings of LPSR worldwide. Full article

In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the application of digitization through geomatic-based technologies for museum assets. These powerful tools have proven valuable in assisting museums in the dissemination of cultural heritage. Additionally, museums around the world are implementing strategies to improve the accessibility of their assets by involving the use of 3D digital reconstruction. The 3D high-precision survey is employed in several fields to scan objects with a geometrical accuracy up to the micrometer level. These technologies come into play when dealing with detailed surfaces and complex geometry, as often occurs with cultural heritage assets. This paper presents a set of experiences in high-precision 3D scanning and post-processing operations in the framework of a project at the Territory Museum of Riccione (Italy). The 3D data acquisition methodology conducted and digital operations are reported on for some of the scanned artifacts. Full article

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a widespread gastric infectious disease, posing significant challenges due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic antibacterial activity of Takifugu obscurus skin peptides (TSPs) and the cell-free supernatant of Lactobacillus plantarum WUH3 (LCFS) in developing a potential green and efficient dietary supplement therapy. Using enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrafiltration techniques, the most bioactive peptide fraction, TSPb (1–3 kDa), was identified. The effects of TSPb and LCFS—both individually and in combination—on H. pylori biofilm function, membrane morphology, and internal structure were systematically analyzed using urease activity, N-phenyl naphthylamine (NPN) uptake, nucleic acid leakage, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results showed that both LCFS and TSPb significantly inhibited H. pylori urease activity, with inhibition rates of 53.60% and 54.21% at 24 h, respectively, and the highest inhibition rate of 74.64% was observed with their combined treatment. SEM, NPN fluorescence, and nucleic acid leakage analyses revealed distinct mechanisms of action for each treatment. LCFS treatment caused membrane surface loosening and morphological deformation, while TSPb induced the formation of localized membrane pores. IR spectroscopy further confirmed that the combined treatment led to a more severe disruption of the lipid and protein structure within the bacterium. Overall, compared to individual treatments, the combination of TSPb and LCFS exhibited enhanced intracellular penetration and a more significant effect on bacterial viability. This study successfully identified TSPb as a highly bioactive peptide and elucidated its potential synergistic antibacterial mechanism with LCFS. These findings provide scientific evidence for the development of functional antimicrobial foods and gastric health dietary supplements, offering a promising strategy for the prevention and management of H. pylori infections. Full article

Introducing vegetation is an effective strategy for improving air quality and mitigating the heat island effect. Green modules, which consist of modules that support substrates and various plant species, integrate these elements. This study analyzes the acoustic absorption properties of a specific green wall module using an impedance gun and the Scan and Paint method for laboratory and on-site measurements. The impedance gun method is effective for in situ analysis, offering advantages over standardized techniques for inhomogeneous samples. The sound absorption coefficient of the substrate and the effects of different plant species were measured. Key findings reveal that the substrate primarily influences sound absorption, with its coefficient increasing with frequency, similar to porous materials. Vegetation enhances the acoustic absorption of the substrate, depending on coverage and thickness, with 80–90% of absorption attributed to the substrate and 4–20% to vegetation. However, not all dense plant species improve absorption; some configurations may decrease it. Improvement correlates with substrate coverage and vegetation layer thickness, while the impact of plant morphology remains unclear. These findings confirm vegetation’s potential as an acoustic absorption tool in urban settings. Additionally, green walls can enhance acoustic comfort in indoor environments such as offices and schools by reducing reverberation. They also improve air quality and provide aesthetic appeal, making them a multifunctional solution for modern architecture. Full article

With the widespread application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in surveying, disaster search and rescue, agricultural spraying, war reconnaissance, and other fields, coverage path planning is one of the most important problems to be explored. In this paper, a large-area coverage path planning (CCP) method based on vehicle–UAV collaboration is proposed. The core idea of the proposed method is adopting a divide-and conquer-strategy to divide a large area into small areas, and then completing efficient coverage scanning tasks through the collaborative cooperation of vehicles and UAVs. The supply points are generated and adjusted based on the construction of regular hexagons and a Voronoi diagram, and the segmentation and adjustment of sub-areas are also achieved during this procedure. The vehicle paths are constructed based on the classical ant colony optimization algorithm, providing an efficient way to traverse all supply points within the coverage area. The classic zigzag CCP method is adopted to fill the contours of each sub-area, and the UAV paths collaborate with vehicle supply points using few switching points. The simulation experiments verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed vehicle–UAV collaboration CCP method, and two comparative experiments demonstrate that the proposed method excels at large-scale CCP scenarios, and achieves a significant improvement in coverage efficiency. Full article

Tuberculous meningoencephalitis is a rare manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), with the most severe form and highest mortality. It can cause multiple complications, and treatment is difficult, as drugs cannot properly diffuse through the haemato-encephalitic barrier. We reported the case of a 17-year-old female patient who was admitted to the emergency room department with a fever for previous two weeks (up to 39 °C), dizziness, difficulty walking, and weight loss. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated possible meningoencephalitis, and a CT scan of the lungs visualised miliary infiltrates in both lungs. After repeated tests, Mtb DNA was found in the bronchial wash, cerebrospinal fluid, faeces, and urine via an Xpert/Rif Ultra test. Treatment was started with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and corticosteroids as well. Although treatment was initiated within the first few days in the hospital, a reduction in glucocorticoid dosage worsened the patient’s neurological state, making treatment even more challenging. Prolonged use of glucocorticoids led to an improvement in the stage of the condition. Further, over time, the patient’s condition improved. Pulmonary infiltrations were not found after 2.5 months of starting therapy. Conclusions: Timely treatment is crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningoencephalitis. Prompt recognition of symptoms and accurate diagnosis are essential to initiate effective treatment strategies. In this patient’s case, prolonged use of corticosteroids reduced neurologic complications, and ongoing treatment gradually improved the patient’s condition. Full article

Lanthanide molybdates are materials known for their mixed proton–ionic conductivity. This study investigates the effects of Pr content and Nb-doping on the crystal structure and electrical properties of the La_5.4−xPr_xMo_1−yNb_yO_12−δ (x = 0, 1.35, 2.7, 4.05, 5.4; y = 0, 0.1) series. The research focuses on two primary objectives: (i) enhancing the electronic conductivity through the use of Pr⁴⁺/Pr³⁺ redox pairs and (ii) increasing the ionic conductivity through Nb⁵⁺ aliovalent doping. The materials were thoroughly characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), and complex impedance spectroscopy. The average crystal structure of the materials depended significantly on the Pr content. In general, compositions with a higher Pr content crystallize in a cubic fluorite-type structure, whereas those with a lower Pr content stabilize a rhombohedral polymorph. However, detailed TEM studies reveal a more complex local crystal structure characterized by nanodomains and incommensurate modulations. The highest conductivity values were observed in a N₂ atmosphere for compositions with an elevated Pr content, with values of 0.17 and 204.4 mS cm⁻¹ for x = 0 and x = 5.4, respectively, at 700 °C, which is attributed to electronic conduction mediated by the Pr⁴⁺/Pr³⁺ redox pair, as confirmed by XPS. These findings highlight the potential of tailored doping strategies to optimize the conducting properties of lanthanide molybdates for specific high-temperature electrochemical applications. Full article

Face recognition technology, despite its widespread use in various applications, still faces challenges related to occlusions, pose variations, and expression changes. Three-dimensional face recognition with depth information, particularly using point cloud-based networks, has shown effectiveness in overcoming these challenges. However, due to the limited extent of extensive 3D facial data and the non-rigid nature of facial structures, extracting distinct facial representations directly from point clouds remains challenging. To address this, our research proposes two key approaches. Firstly, we introduce a learning framework guided by a small amount of real face data based on morphable models with Gaussian processes. This system uses a novel method for generating large-scale virtual face scans, addressing the scarcity of 3D data. Secondly, we present a dual-branch network that directly extracts non-rigid facial features from point clouds, using kernel point convolution (KPConv) as its foundation. A local neighborhood adaptive feature learning module is introduced and employs context sampling technology, hierarchically downsampling feature-sensitive points critical for deep transfer and aggregation of discriminative facial features, to enhance the extraction of discriminative facial features. Notably, our training strategy combines large-scale face scanning data with 967 real face data from the FRGC v2.0 subset, demonstrating the effectiveness of guiding with a small amount of real face data. Experiments on the FRGC v2.0 dataset and the Bosphorus dataset demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of our method. Full article

Background/Objectives: The morphology of roots and root canals has a significant influence on the outcome of endodontic treatment. This study aimed to compare premolar root and root canal configurations between Central American and European subpopulations using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed CBCT scans of 2919 premolars from 561 patients: 197 from Jamaica (Central America) and 364 from Portugal (Europe). The analysis focused on the number of roots, root canal configurations, and the presence of C-shaped canals in mandibular premolars. Demographic factors such as age and sex were also considered. Statistical significance was determined using chi-square tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Overall, premolars in Jamaican patients had more roots and root canals compared to those in Portuguese patients. Three-rooted configurations were more common in Jamaica, particularly in maxillary first premolars (5.5% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.05). Vertucci Type V configuration was more prevalent in the Central American subgroup, while Portuguese premolars were more likely to exhibit Types II and IV configurations. C-shaped canals were rare in both populations (p > 0.05). Males and younger patients showed higher frequencies of multi-root and multi-canal configurations (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study reveals significant geographic and demographic differences in premolar root and root canal morphology between two Central American and European subpopulations. Premolars from Jamaica tend to exhibit more complex anatomical features compared to those from Portugal. These findings highlight the need for population-specific diagnostic and treatment strategies and demonstrate the value of CBCT in the preoperative diagnosis of complex anatomical variations. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aims to assess white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in pediatric migraine patients and to elucidate the pathophysiology of the disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients diagnosed with migraine and 28 healthy individuals undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for various reasons in our hospital between September 2019 and April 2023 were included in the study. We evaluated the presence, number, locations, and volumetric measurement of WMHs and the relationship between hyperintensity and attack profiles in migraine patients. Results: WMHs were observed at MRI in 18 (60%) of the 30 migraine patients and in 8 (28.6%) of the 28 controls. One hyperintense lesion was detected in nine members of the patient group, two in six patients, five in one patient, eight in one patient and nine in one. One hyperintense lesion was detected in eight healthy control group members. WMHs were significantly more common in the migraine patients than in the control group (p = 0.016). There was no significant relationship between hyperintensity in migraine patients and attack duration or frequency. Analysis also revealed no significant difference in terms of hyperintensity volumes (mm³) between the study group (19.73 ± 24.26) and the control group (5.62 ± 1.83). Conclusions: This study set out to show that migraine exerts neurological effects that are not solely limited to pain by emphasizing the pronounced differences observed on the brain MRIs of migraine patients. These findings may help us achieve a better understanding of the effects of migraine on cerebral structures and functions and identify therapeutic strategies in the future. Full article

The effective utilization of nonfood biomass for bioethanol production represents a promising strategy for sustainable energy development. Moreover, limited research has been conducted on broom grass (Thysanolaena latifolia) as a potential feedstock for bioethanol production, particularly regarding the effects of NaOH autoclave pretreatment on its enzymatic digestibility and fermentability. This study optimized sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pretreatment combined with autoclaving to enhance the enzymatic digestibility of broom grass biomass. The effects of NaOH concentration (1–4%) and temperature (110–130 °C) on biomass composition, structural features, and enzymatic hydrolysis were systematically evaluated. Pretreatment with 2% NaOH at 120 °C emerged as optimal, achieving 74.7% lignin removal and 93.2% glucan recovery, thereby significantly improving enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency (88.0%) and glucose recovery (33.3%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that these improvements were attributed to the increased surface porosity and the selective removal of amorphous components while maintaining cellulose crystallinity. The pretreated biomass hydrolysate exhibited excellent bioethanol production. Fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR 5339 achieved an 86.4% ethanol conversion rate, yielding 147 g of bioethanol per 1000 g of pretreated biomass and representing a 2.6-fold increase compared to untreated feedstock. These findings demonstrate the potential of the NaOH autoclave pretreatment in enhancing bioethanol production from broom grass biomass, aiding the advancement of sustainable and cost-effective lignocellulosic biorefinery processes. The utilization of broom grass for bioethanol production presents an opportunity to valorize this multifaceted plant and expand its potential beyond its traditional uses. Full article

Curcumin, a compound known for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, faces challenges due to its low water solubility, which can limit its effectiveness. One effective method to address this issue is through amorphization. Incorporating curcumin into a polymeric matrix to form amorphous solid dispersions is a common approach. Another strategy involves co-amorphous systems, where low-molecular-weight components act as co-formers. A recent innovative approach combines these strategies. This study used tryptophan as a co-former and prepared systems using supercritical fluid technology. The amorphous nature of two systems was confirmed through X-ray powder diffraction: one with 10% curcumin and a polymer, and another with 10% curcumin, a polymer, and tryptophan. Fourier-transform infrared analysis demonstrated molecular interactions among all components in the systems. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the amorphization process significantly modified the morphology of the powder particles. The ternary system with tryptophan notably increased curcumin solubility by over 300-fold. The amorphous form of curcumin in both systems exhibited significantly higher dissolution rates compared to its crystalline form. The system with tryptophan showed more than a threefold improvement in permeability according to the PAMPA test. The enhanced solubility led to over a sixfold increase in antioxidant activity and a 25-fold improvement in the inhibition of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase. Full article

This study investigates the innovative use of natural porous clays from the Bejaad Region in Morocco as a support matrix for the encapsulation and controlled release of lemon essential oil (Citrus limonum, EOCL), a natural compound with well-documented insecticidal properties. The research aims to address the inherent challenges of essential oils, particularly their high volatility and rapid degradation, by improving their stability and insecticidal efficiency against the grain pest Sitophilus granarius. By anchoring EOCL onto clay matrices, this study seeks to achieve a sustained and controlled release of the active components, thereby enhancing their practical application as biopesticides. The clays were comprehensively characterized using advanced analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These techniques revealed the mineralogical composition, thermal properties, and morphology of the clays, demonstrating their suitability for effectively adsorbing and retaining EOCL. The insecticidal performance of the clay/EOCL composites was thoroughly tested under controlled conditions, revealing a marked improvement in efficacy, with significantly lower lethal doses required to achieve high mortality rates in Sitophilus granarius. The diffusion of EOCL through the clay matrix was modeled using Fick’s law of diffusion, and the results were further refined through statistical optimization to identify key parameters that influence the release and effectiveness of the active compounds. Complementing the experimental approach, a bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the molecular interactions between limonene, the primary active component of EOCL, and target proteins in insects. This theoretical investigation provided insights into the potential mechanisms of action, reinforcing the empirical findings. This study concludes that encapsulating EOCL within porous clay matrices not only enhances the stability and controlled release of the oil but also significantly boosts its insecticidal effectiveness. This approach presents a promising, environmentally sustainable strategy for crop protection, integrating material science, theoretical modeling, and bioinformatics to develop more efficient and durable biopesticides. Full article

Agricultural growers worldwide face significant challenges in promoting plant growth. This research introduces a green strategy utilizing nanomaterials to enhance crop production. While high concentrations of nanomaterials are known to be hazardous to plants, this study demonstrates that low doses of biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can serve as an effective regulatory tool to boost plant growth. These nanoparticles were produced using Nigella sativa seed extract and characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antifungal properties of ZnO NPs were evaluated against Cercospora canescens, the causative agent of Cercospora leaf spot in mung bean. Application of ZnO NPs significantly improved plant metrics, including shoot, root, pod, leaf, and root nodule counts, as well as plant length, fresh weight, and dry weight—all indicators of healthy growth. Moreover, low-dose ZnO NPs positively influenced enzymatic activity, physicochemical properties, and photosynthetic parameters. These findings suggest that biologically synthesized ZnO NPs offer a promising approach for enhancing crop yield and accelerating plant growth. Full article