Durability Performance Research Articles

Abstract B001: CircRNA-derived neoantigen identification in cancer vaccine development

Abstract Immunotherapy has been a popular topic in combating cancer for its great performance in specificity, versatility and durability recently. Cancer vaccines targeting neoantigens have shown clinical efficacy against cancer, eliciting long-lasting immune response and offering a more selective therapeutic approach with less side effects. However, rare mutation rates and low expression levels of neoantigen make it challenging to identify suitable neoantigens. Traditionally, researchers focus on the canonical mRNA transcriptome and proteome to find potential targets. Recent studies suggest that exploring the non-canonical transcriptome and proteome, particularly circular RNAs (circRNAs), can expand the search. CircRNAs, endogenously formed by the unique back-splicing events during pre-RNA processing, can serve as templates for protein synthesis. Some of these non-canonical peptides are specifically expressed in cancer cells, making circRNAs a valid source for neoantigen discovery. We have developed high-throughput circRNA reporter screening methods and mass spectrometry-based peptidomic workflow to pinpoint translating circRNAs and their derived peptides. Using these techniques, we have identified circRNA-derived neoantigens in breast cancer (BC) cell lines that can be used as possible targets for cancer vaccines. These circRNA-derived neoantigens are immunogenic and can trigger dendritic cell (DC) maturation and T cell activation in vitro. Next, we will test these findings by transferring to in vivo mouse system. We will assess cancer vaccine efficacy by targeting the neoantigens using syngeneic mouse tumor models. Our long- term goal is to apply the circRNA neoantigen identification technology to BC patient samples to facilitate cancer vaccine development and improve cancer immunotherapy. Our work will demonstrate the potential of circRNA-derived non canonical neoantigens in cancer vaccines, serving as a crucial first step to prove their effectiveness in therapy. By expanding our search beyond the traditional transcriptome and proteome, we will explore new targets and transform the neoantigen-based treatment. This innovative effort shifts the current understanding of neoantigen sources and opens up new possibilities for targeted cancer therapy strategies. Citation Format: Yi-Cian Zheng, Chun-Kan Chen. CircRNA-derived neoantigen identification in cancer vaccine development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: RNAs as Drivers, Targets, and Therapeutics in Cancer; 2024 Nov 14-17; Bellevue, Washington. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2024;23(11_Suppl):Abstract nr B001.

Workability of Nanomodified Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Based on Response Surface Method

Geopolymer concrete is more low-carbon and environmentally friendly than Portland cement concrete. Nanoparticle modification can help to improve the mechanical and durability performance of concrete, but due to its large specific surface area and high activity, it may deteriorate its workability. However, there is currently limited research on the effect of nanomodification on the workability of freshly mixed self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC). This article conducted SCGC workability experiments using the response surface methodology, which included 29 different mixtures. The effects of nano-silica (NS), nano-calcium carbonate (NC), alkali content (N/B), and water cement ratio (W/B) on the workability of SCGC were studied. The experimental results show that the addition of NS and NC can reduce the slump expansion of SCGC, and the combination of the two significantly increases the amplitude of slump expansion with the change in nanomaterial content. An increase in N/B will reduce the expansion time and clearance value of SCGC. As N/B increases from 4% to 4.4%, the slump extension of SCGC decreases, and with a further increase in N/B, the slump extension increases significantly to 68.1 cm, which means that the slump extension of SCGC increases by 9.5% as N/B increases from 4.4 to 5. This study can provide a reference for optimizing the fresh performance of geopolymer concrete and improving the mechanism of nanomaterial-modified geopolymer concrete.

FeOOH Quantum Dots Assembled MXene-Decorated 3D Photothermal Evaporator for Synergy Application in Solar Evaporation and Fenton Degradation.

Solar-driven water evaporation is considered as the sustainable approach to alleviate freshwater resource crisis through direct use of solar energy. However, it is still challenging to achieve the multifunctional solar evaporators equipped with both high evaporation and purification performance to handle practical complex wastewater. Here, a simple and cost-effective multifunctional 3D solar evaporator is prepared by alternately decorating the commercial sponge with FeOOH quantum dots (FQDs) supported MXene sheets composites and chitosan hydrogel coatings for enabling the solar water evaporation and organic wastewater photodegradation simultaneously. MXene composites allow the solar evaporator with excellent photothermal conversion performance, the hydrophilic chitosan hydrogel coated interconnecting skeleton structures of sponge serve as the mass transfer and water transport channels. The Fenton-catalytic FQDs anchored on the MXene sheets surface accept the photo-generated electrons of MXene sheets to induce the organic pollutant photo-Fenton degradation reaction under sunlight irradiation. The resulting evaporator possesses both excellent water evaporation rate of 2.54kg m-2h-1 and high degradation efficiency (99.24% for methylene blue), coupled with durable salt-resisting performance during long-term seawater desalination (20 wt.% NaCl). This work provides a simple and feasible strategy for designing multifunctional solar evaporators to meet the potential application scenarios in practice.

Fabrication of Long-Lasting Superhydrophilic Anti-Fogging Film Via Rapid and Simple UV Process.

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.

Ultralow-Power Programmable 3D Vertical Phase-Change Memory with Heater-All-Around Configuration.

Recent advancements in phase-change memory (PCM) technology have predominantly stemmed from material-level designs, which have led to fast and durable device performances. However, there remains a pressing need to address the enormous energy consumption through device-level electrothermal solutions. Thus, the concept of a 3D heater-all-around (HAA) PCM fabricated along the vertical nanoscale hole of dielectric/metal/dielectric stacks is proposed. The embedded thin metallic heater completely encircles the phase-change material, so it promotes highly localized Joule heating with minimal loss. Hence, a low RESET current density of 6-8 MAcm-2 and operation energy of 150-200 pJ are achieved even for a sizable hole diameter of 300nm. Beyond the conventional 2D scaling of the bottom electrode contact, it accordingly enhances ≈80% of operational energy efficiency compared to planar PCM with an identical contact area. In addition, reliable memory operations of ≈105 cycles and the 3-bits-per-cell multilevel storage despite ultrathin (<10nm) sidewall deposition of Ge2Sb2Te5 are optimized. The proposed 3D-scaled HAA-PCM architecture holds promise as a universally applicable backbone for emerging phase-change chalcogenides toward high-density, ultralow-power computing units.

Performance Verification and Evaluation of Semi-Active Actuator System Using Quarter Car Lab Simulation with RLDA Data

This study outlines a methodology for determining the durability specifications of electronically controlled dampers by examining performance degradation observed on actual driving roads. It identifies areas of performance decline and the primary causes affecting major actuator dampers. Traditionally, the durability performance of automobile parts has been assessed by calculating damage based on load profiles. However, analyzing actual road conditions is essential because the control commands of electronically controlled suspension systems change in real time according to load conditions. Simulations based on Road Load Data Acquisition (RLDA) use statistically independent representative road surfaces to assess damper deterioration performance. Following this analysis, a rig test of the damper is performed to establish the durability specifications for damper actuator products. The primary form of performance degradation observed was a change in the tensile damping force, which was more substantial than the degradation observed on the compression side. Oil leakage and cavitation were identified as significant influencing factors from a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) perspective. The study concludes that additional design research is necessary, focusing on damper oil and leakage, while also considering the control algorithm’s effects in designing electronically controlled dampers.

Expansion in low calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete: chemical factors influenced by silica fume and NaOH concentration

Geopolymer technology offers a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive cement production, potentially reducing dependence on natural resources and mitigating environmental impact. Silica fumes (SF) are mostly used to enhance the fresh, hardened, and durable performance of geopolymers. However, their influence on geopolymerization may result in the expansion of the geopolymer mortar (GPM) due to reaction with alkaline liquid. In this study, the effect of NaOH concentration, particle size and dosage of SF, alkaline liquid-to-binder ratio, Na2SiO3-to-NaOH ratio, and sand-to-binder ratio on the expansion behavior of a low calcium fly ash (FA)-based GPM was investigated. FA-based GPMs were tested using two distinct SFs with varying particle sizes (SF1 = 9.5 µm and SF2 = 16.2 µm) and two varying dosages of SF (2.5% and 5%). Physical observations of GPMs revealed that NaOH concentration, particle size and dosage of SF are crucial factors that significantly impact the expansion which is concomitant with a reduction in compressive strength. Analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) were employed to comprehensively investigate reaction product(s) that led to the expansion of such GPMs. The chemical analysis confirmed the presence of excess analcime in the mortars fabricated by blending SF1 and FA at 12 M NaOH concentration. This study is the first to report the expansion of low calcium FA-based GPMs blended with a SF of particle size 9.5 µm. These findings emphasize the significance of selecting the appropriate SF particle size to prevent expansion and ensure optimal compressive strength in geopolymer applications.

Mechanical, Durability, and Microstructure Characterization of Pervious Concrete Incorporating Polypropylene Fibers and Fly Ash/Silica Fume

Pervious concrete, because of its high porosity, is a suitable material for reducing the effects of water precipitations and is primarily utilized in road pavements. In this study, the effects of binder-to-aggregate (B/A) ratios, as well as mineral admixtures with and without polypropylene fibers (PPFs) (0.2% by volume), including fly ash (FA) or silica fume (SF) (10% by substitution of cement), on the mechanical properties and durability of pervious concrete were experimentally observed. The experimental campaign included the following tests: permeability, porosity, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength tests. The durability performance was evaluated by observing freeze–thaw cycles and abrasion resistance after 28 d curing. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to investigate the phase composition and microstructure. The results revealed that, for an assigned B/A ratio identified as optimal, the incorporation of mineral admixtures and fibers mutually compensated for their respective negative effects, resulting in the effective enhancement of both mechanical/microstructural characteristics and durability properties. In general, pervious concrete developed with fly ash or silica fume achieved higher compressive strength (&gt;35 MPA) and permeability of 4 mm/s, whereas the binary combination of fly ash or silica fume with 0.2% PPFs yielded a flexural strength greater than 6 MPA and a permeability of 6 mm/s. Silica fume-based pervious concrete exhibited excellent performance in terms of freeze–thaw (F-T) cycling and abrasion resistance, followed by fiber-reinforced pervious concrete, except fly ash-based pervious concrete. Microstructural analysis showed that the inclusion of fly ash or silica fume reduced the harmful capillary pores and refined the pore enlargement caused by PPFs in the cement interface matrix through micro-filling and a pozzolanic reaction, leading to improved mechanical and durability characteristics of pervious concrete.

Effects of superabsorbent polymer and natural zeolite on shrinkage, mechanical properties, and porosity in ultra-high performance concretes

The low water-to-binder ratio of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) often causes shrinkage and cracking due to early-age self-desiccation. This leads to significant initial dimensional instability, which may compromise structural integrity. As a promising solution, internal curing agents such as superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and natural zeolite have the potential to mitigate shrinkage and achieve self-stressing properties. This research aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between SAP and zeolite's effects within a consistent UHPC formulation. Six UHPC mixtures (including the reference mixture) were designed: three with SAP dosages of 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% by cement mass, and two with zeolite replacing silica fume at 25% and 50% by mass. Various testing methods, including autogenous and drying shrinkage assessment, heat of hydration and thermogravimetric analysis, compressive strength evaluation, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), were employed to assess the mixtures at different stages of curing. The result reveals that the incorporation of SAP and zeolite in the mixtures significantly reduces UHPC's early-age autogenous shrinkage. Moreover, SAP and zeolite additions impact mechanical properties, demonstrating that a balance between shrinkage control and compressive strength can be reached, through an optimization of the additions to achieve the desired performance. Microstructural analysis through MIP and NMR reveals increased overall porosity of the UHPC with SAP and zeolite, suggesting that low-field NMR can be a valuable tool for complementing conventional test methods. The outcome of this study provided valuable insights into optimizing the balance between durability and mechanical performance, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective applications of UHPC in modern construction practices.

Tensile strength and durability performances-based evaluation of 3D-printed and mold-cast fibrous geopolymer composites produced at various alkaline activator combinations

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide ratio, SH molarity, and carbon fiber volume fraction on the tensile strength and durability properties of mold-cast and 3D-printed geopolymer composites, including flexural and splitting tensile strengths, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption, sorptivity index, and chloride penetration properties. For that purpose, the ground-granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash were employed as alumino-silicate-rich raw material. In order to activate the alumino-silicate-rich raw material, two sodium silicate/sodium hydroxide ratios of 1 and 2 and three sodium hydroxide molarities of 8M, 10M, and 12M were designated. Furthermore, carbon fiber was incorporated into the geopolymer composites at three volume fractions: 0%, 0.3%, and 0.6%. In total, 18 nonfibrous and fibrous geopolymer composites were manufactured in two different ways: mold-cast and 3D-printed. The findings demonstrated that the strength and durability characteristics of 3D-printed specimens were inferior to those of mold-cast specimens, attributed to the presence of weak interfacial bonds between layers. It has been observed that the incorporation of carbon fiber has the effect of improving tensile strength performance. Nevertheless, the addition of carbon fiber led to a slight decrease in UPV values, and an increase in water absorption and sorptivity index values. Also, it adversely influenced the chloride penetration of geopolymer composites. The findings of the study also indicated that increasing the sodium hydroxide molarity had a positive impact on the strength and durability properties of the composites. Nevertheless, it was observed that increasing the sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide ratio led to a decrease in both tensile strength and durability performances. Additionally, the microstructure of the geopolymer composites was analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images.

Long-term investigation of uniaxial compressive and self-sensing performances of ultra-high performance seawater sea-sand concrete incorporating superfine stainless wires: Insights into underlying mechanisms and theoretical models

Developing intrinsic self-sensing concrete is expected to provide a digital intelligence solution to address the infrastructure’s challenges in terms of safety, lifespan, resilience, and carbon emission reduction. Using seawater and sea-sand as well as corrosion-resistant conductive fillers to fabricate self-sensing ultra-high seawater sea-sand performance concrete (UHPSSC) with outstanding mechanical and durability performances is the prerequisite for realizing localized resource utilization and in-situ monitoring of marine infrastructure. However, the potential effect of ions from seawater and sea-sand on the long-term stability of mechanical and electrical performances cannot be ignored. This paper presents a long-term investigation of uniaxial compressive, electrical, and self-sensing performances of superfine stainless wires (SWs) reinforced UHPSSC under natural curing. The results show that incorporating 1.5% SWs improves the compressive strength, elastic modulus, peak strain, and toughness of UHPSSC by 25.0%, 11.7%, 33.8%, and 119.2%, respectively. The established statistical damage constitutive models based on Weibull strength theory highlight the roles of SWs in delaying crack initiation. The dense microstructure of SWs-reinforced UHPSSC inhibits the growth of expansive hydration products formed by corrosive ions, thus guaranteeing its long-term strength development. Additionally, due to incorporating 1.5% SWs, the electrical resistivity of UHPSSC is reduced by seven orders of magnitude, with a strain sensitivity of 119.1 under monotonic compressive loading and a monitoring stress range of 0-148.4 MPa, indicating that SWs-reinforced UHPSSC can sense its stress and strain while providing early warning of crack initiation and propagation. Benefiting from the rust-free property, micron diameter, and high aspect ratio of SWs, the primary conductive path of composites comprises the overlapping networks formed by low-content SWs, which are not influenced by the ion conduction of conductive ions. Hence, SWs-reinforced UHPSSC exhibits stable electrical resistivity and sensitivity during long-term curing, suggesting its considerable potential for long-term in-situ monitoring of marine infrastructure.

Microstomia- A Review Of Published Case Reports On The Proposed Management Of Microstomia

Introdcution: microstomia, or the reduction of oral opening, can indeed present challenges for patients across various contexts, from eating and speech to prosthetic treatment. It's essential for clinicians to understand the underlying causes and tailor their approach accordingly. By synthesizing existing evidence, this review aims to provide insights into the effectiveness and feasibility of different prosthetic interventions, thereby guiding clinicians in their decision-making process for optimal patient care. Materials and methods: published case reports and case series reporting on prosthetic rehabilitation of microstomia patients were included in the present review. Only cases with a reduction in the size of the oral aperture were included, and cases with reduced mouth opening with a normal oral aperture (e.g., oral submucous fibrosis, temporal-mandibular joint ankylosis, etc.) Were excluded. Case reports: (case report1) a 93-year-old woman without teeth was referred from the local hospital to the department of oral rehabilitation at the faculty of dentistry, university of otago, dunedin, new zealand. The woman's surgeries on her lower lip resulted in a significant reduction in the vertical opening distance between her upper and lower lips, now at 30 mm. This condition, known as microstomia. (case report 2) a 62-year-old male patient, completely without teeth, presented to the prosthodontic department due to functional difficulties. Discussion: a planned and step-by-step approach is crucial when dealing with cases of microstomia. The outcome greatly depends on the complexity of the case and the utilization of recommended materials and equipment hence, diagnosis and treatment planning play pivotal roles in the management process. Conclusion: although the utilization of flexible denture materials holds promise in enhancing patient comfort and treatment outcomes, further research is warranted to evaluate their long-term success rates. Longitudinal studies can furnish valuable insights into the durability, stability, and overall performance of these materials over time, assisting clinicians in decision-making and optimizing patient care.

An innovative method for mesoscale modelling of moisture diffusion in concrete

Moisture diffusion influences the durability and long-term performance of concrete and whilst it predominantly occurs via the cement matrix and Interfacial Transition Zone, most existing models consider concrete to be homogeneous. This paper introduces a novel micro-meso model that employs random packing and Voronoi tessellation. Rayleigh-Ritz pore distribution and Brunauer-Skalny-Bodor models are combined to determine the radius and fraction of various pores. The results indicate that relative humidity diffuses faster with increasing temperature, decreasing ambient relative humidity and tortuosity. Ambient relative humidity has a greater influence on diffusion compared to temperature and tortuosity. Numerical and experimental comparisons demonstrate that the proposed methodology effectively captures relative humidity distribution across various scenarios. Furthermore, explicit pore network modelling incorporates key parameters for a more accurate analysis. Integrating the proposed methodology into a fully coupled hygro-mechanical framework can potentially yield more accurate predictions of mechanical behaviour; enhancing the reliability of long-term performance assessments and enabling more durable concrete design.

Evaluating mechanical, durability, and gamma shielding performance in boro-phosphate glasses with tungsten oxide replacements

Evaluating mechanical, durability, and gamma shielding performance in boro-phosphate glasses with tungsten oxide replacements

Highly efficient Mn2+ deposition induced by H-vacancies of NiMn-LDH nanosheets for durable zinc ion batteries

The dissolution of Mn-based oxides cathodes is an urgent issue, as it leads to electrochemically irreversible byproducts and, finally, battery failure. In this work, activated NiMn-LDHv nanosheets with H vacancies are proposed as the cathode material for durable zinc ion batteries. The H vacancies promote Mn2+ deposition by redistributing the electron density and building strong Mn-O bonds, as a result, endowing NiMn-LDHv with the ability of controllable back-deposition of Mn2+. It's verified that MnO2 is deposited on the NiMn-LHDv substrate during charging, the dissolution and the Zn2+/H+ co-intercalation of MnO2 have a combined contribution to the discharge capacity. The full battery with NiMn-LDHv cathode delivers rate capacity of 258 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1, and even 90 mAh g−1 at 11.0 A g−1. Furthermore, the irreversible Mn-based byproducts are inhibited, resulting in durable cycling performance. After 2500 charge/discharge cycles, the initial capacity remains 91%. This work provides an important strategy to utilize Mn2+ efficiently and develop a robust Mn-based cathode, which could greatly prompt the practical application of aqueous zinc ion batteries.

Fatigue life prediction of BGA solder joint of several alloy compositions under an isothermal harmonic vibration

To ensure durable performance and optimal function of electronic components, it is crucial to guarantee their reliability, robustness and goodness of fit. The solder joints used in the BGA (Ball Grid Array) component play an intrinsic role in the reliability of the system. The vibration present in BGA triggers fatigue in solder joints, which raises a major reliability problem in various sectors such as aerospace, automotive and military industries. This study handles the response to a harmonic vibration at three specific temperatures (−40°C, 25°C, and 125°C) for four types of solder alloys in BGA Soldering. Within this framework, predicting the fatigue life of BGA solder joints with various alloy compositions under the influence of an isothermal harmonic vibration emerges as a crucial challenge in the design as well as reliability of modern electronic devices. The investigated solder compositions are SAC105, SAC305, SAC405, and InnoLot. To simulate and analyze the behavior of solder joints, we used the Ansys APDL finite element analysis (FEA). At both 125°C and −40°C, the Von Mises values proved to exceed those observed at 25°C. Likewise, an S-N curve for InnoLot and the different SACs, under a harmonic vibration at 25°C, was fitted using the Basquin power law relationship. As far as the current research work is concerned, an initial comparison was enacted between InnoLot and SAC alloys under an isothermal harmonic vibration, aiming to ascertain the most reliable alloy. The fatigue life under a harmonic vibration loading at 25°C was estimated. The results revealed that under a harmonic vibration at 25°C, the InnoLot solder displayed the longest lifespan, while the SAC105 solder exhibited the shortest fatigue life.

Mechanical and Durability Properties of Rubberized Sulfur Concrete Using Waste Tire Crumb Rubber.

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.

Evaluating the combined effect of sugarcane bagasse ash, metakaolin, and polypropylene fibers in sustainable construction

The major challenge for the construction industry is to design and produce sustainable construction materials that are efficient in their performance and can be affordable for construction projects. The objective of this study is to determine the viability of incorporating waste products such as sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) to produce concrete with polypropylene (PP) fibers. SCBA is an industry waste that has certain pozzolanic properties, however, it shows limited mechanical properties when used as a cement replacement. To improve the mechanical and durability performance, metakaolin (15%) and PP fiber (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) were incorporated in the SCBA blend as a ternary additive. Some of the important characteristics explored include compressive strength, tensile strength, density, water absorption, acid resistance, and sorptivity. The study reveals that the incorporation of 15% metakaolin in the composite enhanced the compressive strength by 7%, 8.2%, and 9.1% for PP fiber additions of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, while the acid resistance enhanced by 4%, 6% and 8% relative to the control mix for the same value of pp fiber. Furthermore, cost evaluation confirms that the overall costs of concrete with 15% metakaolin and 5% SCBA were 12.2% less than the control concrete, thus making this option economically feasible. This research proves that the inclusion of SCBA, metakaolin, and PP fibers into the concrete mixture brings a sustainable approach that enhances mechanical properties and durability while assisting sugar manufacturing plants in the proper disposal of wastes.

A Rechargeable Urea-Assisted Zn-Air Battery With High Energy Efficiency and Fast-Charging Enabled by Engineering High-Energy Interfacial Structures.

Electrochemical urea oxidation reaction (UOR) offers a promising alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in clean energy conversion and storage systems. Nickel-based catalysts are regarded as highly promising electrocatalysts for the UOR. However, their effectiveness is significantly hindered by the unavoidable self-oxidation reaction of nickel species during UOR. To address this challenge, we proposed an interface chemistry modulation strategy to boost UOR kinetics by creating a high-energy interfacial heterostructure. This heterostructure incorporates Ag at the CoOOH@NiOOH heterojunction interface, where strong interactions significantly promote the electron exchanges at the heterojunction interface between -OH and -O groups. Consequently, the improved electron delocalization leads to the formation of stronger bonds between Co sites and urea CO(NH2)2, promoting a preference for urea to occupy Co active sites over OH*. The resulting catalyst, Ag-CoOOH@NiOOH, demonstrates ultrahigh UOR activity with a low potential of 1.33 V at 100 mA cm-2. The fabricated catalyst exhibits a mass activity over 11.9 times greater than the initial cobalt oxyhydroxide. The rechargeable urea-assisted zinc-air batteries (ZABs) achieve a record-breaking energy efficiency of 74.56 % at 1 mA cm-2, remarkable durability (1000 hours at a current density of 50 mA cm-2), and quick charge performances.

Highly Conducting and Ultra-Stretchable Wearable Ionic Liquid-Free Transducer for Wireless Monitoring of Physical Motions.

Wearable strain transducers are poised to transform the field of healthcare owing to the promise of personalized devices capable of real-time collection of human physiological health indicators. For instance, monitoring patients' progress following injury and/or surgery during physiotherapy is crucial but rarely performed outside clinics. Herein, multifunctional liquid-free ionic elastomers are designed through the volume effect and the formation of dynamic hydrogen bond networks between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and weak acids (phosphoric acid, phytic acid, formic acid, citric acid). An ultra-stretchable (4600% strain), highly conducting (10 mScm-1), self-repairable (77% of initial strain), and adhesive ionic elastomer is obtained at high loadings of phytic acid (4:1 weight to PVA). Moreover, the elastomer displayed durable performances, with intact mechanical properties after a year of storage. The elastomer is used as a transducer to monitor human motions in a device comprising an ESP32-based development board. The device detected walking and/or running biomechanics and communicated motion-sensing data (i.e., amplitude, frequency) wirelessly. The reported technology can also be applied to other body parts to monitor recovery after injury and/or surgery and inform practitioners of motion biomechanics remotely and in real time to increase convalescence effectiveness, reduce clinic appointments, and prevent injuries.