Effect Of Aggregation Research Articles

Effect of MICP-treated recycled coarse aggregates and banana fibres on the self-healing and flexural property restoration

Effect of MICP-treated recycled coarse aggregates and banana fibres on the self-healing and flexural property restoration

Urban-Rural Carbon Emission Differences in China’s Urbanization: Spatial Effects and Influencing Factors

Coping with climate crisis and promoting urbanization are important parts of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thus controlling carbon emissions in the urbanization process becomes the crux of achieving the SDGs, and the increase of carbon emissions due to urban-rural differences and intra-provincial rural-urban migration are important and neglected parts of the study on carbon emissions during the urbanization process. Utilizing China 2017 cross-sectional data and environmentally extended multi-regional input-output model (EEMRIO) to account for China’s urban-rural household consumption carbon emission differences (HCCEDs) and carbon emission increments (CEIs) due to intra-provincial rural-urban migration, this research integrates spatial lag model (SLM) and threshold regression (TR) model to investigate the spatial effects, individual differences and influencing factors of HCCED in the context of urbanization. The results indicate that HCCEDs are higher in the north and lower in the south, with significant spatial aggregation effects. Household consumption expenditure ratio (q = 2.03) becomes the determining factors in moderating the influence degree of other factors, with consumption difference and demographic difference emerging as the pivotal exacerbating and inhibiting factors. The results of this study will provide data, methodological basis and policy recommendations for the development of new urbanization and low-carbon cities, facilitating further investigation the driving mechanisms of HCCEDs.

Effects of whey protein aggregates with different sizes on the gelatinization and retrogradation behavior of wheat starch.

Starch retrogradation leads to undesirable changes in the texture and taste of starchy foods. The fibrous aggregates of whey protein fibrils (WPF) formed by heating under acidic conditions possess enhanced emulsification and foaming properties, but their effect on the retrogradation behavior of starch is unclear. WPFs with various molecular sizes were obtained by heating at 85 °C under acidic conditions (pH 2.0) for different times (0, 0.5, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 h). Their effects on the gelatinization and retrogradation of wheat starch were investigated. Particle size distribution and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the formation of WPFs. Compared to native starch, WPFs reduced swelling, lowered the storage modulus (G') peak, and increased the gelatinization temperature, indicating inhibition of starch gelatinization. High molecular weight WPF (WPF5) had the strongest inhibitory effect, significantly enhancing G' during cooling after gelatinization, suggesting a stronger gel network. Moreover, all WPFs reduced retrogradation and crystallinity of starch gels over 14 days, with WPF5 showing the most significant effect, reducing retrogradation by 35.85% and relative crystallinity by 5.53%. Whey protein fibrous aggregates, especially those with high molecular weight (WPF5), inhibit starch gelatinization and retrogradation. This study presents a novel approach to improve starch-based food quality by reducing retrogradation and enhancing gel structure. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Performance of Concrete Pavement Mixtures with Marginal Aggregates: Laboratory Investigation

Pavement engineers strive to design and construct portland cement concrete (PCC) airfields that are high quality and economical to maintain during their intended lifecycle. When designing concrete mixtures, locally available materials are desired to minimize transportation or processing expenses. Aggregate costs are of significant concern, because aggregate comprises 70% of the mixture volume. To reduce cost, local aggregates of marginal quality may be used in production; however, the use of these materials may reduce concrete quality and pavement performance. A laboratory investigation of 16 different aggregate materials was conducted, where each aggregate’s physical properties were in some way outside of the U.S. military’s specifications. Recycled materials were also included in the analysis because these materials are generally perceived as inferior. Forty-three mixture designs were created, where one mixture component or material property varied from a specified control mixture. Different proportions of each material were considered to test the effect of deviating from current specifications. Compression and flexural strength test specimens were cast for testing at 28 and 90 days, utilizing 850 total specimens. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate the effect of marginal quality aggregates on concrete strength.

Replacement of Coarse and Fine Aggregate in Concrete Pavement Mixtures with Recycled Concrete Aggregate

This study considered the effects of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a replacement of both coarse and fine aggregate in concrete. The coarse portion was replaced by 100% RCA and the fine portion was replaced with RCA at various amounts up to 50%. In addition, fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag were utilized as partial replacements of cement. All mixtures were prepared using the twostage mixing approach and the coarse and fine RCA were in a partially saturated condition. The use of RCA fine aggregate (RFA) reduced the concrete strength. However, it was found that the concrete can have a statistically similar compressive strength to concrete with 100% coarse RCA and no RFA. The shrinkage for almost all recycled concrete mixes was statistically similar at early ages, but at later ages, concrete containing RFA can potentially shrink more, especially if slag and fly ash are used to replace cement. The findings suggest that, with proper design, both RCA and RFA can be used in concrete pavement applications.

Effect of Fine Lightweight Aggregate on Curling Behavior of Concrete Beams

Addition of saturated lightweight aggregate fines to concrete have demonstrated the ability to enhance hydration, reduce autogeneous shrinkage and permeability, and increase strength. However, no study has yet been conducted on the impact of employing saturated lightweight aggregates in concrete mixtures to reduce concrete moisture curling under external drying conditions. In this study, a set of paving mixtures was cast with and without saturated fine lightweight aggregates. Saturated fine lightweight aggregates were found to reduce the moisture curling of a concrete specimen up to 50% when compared to an identical mixture without fine lightweight aggregates. As the curing duration increased, the moisture curling deformations were also higher albeit with a higher concrete strength. Overall, the addition of saturated fine lightweight aggregates had a substantial and beneficial impact on the moisture curling of concrete slabs.

Подход к ранжированию инноваций химической промышленности на основе оценки их консолидированного экологического эффекта

The article proposes an approach to ranking innovations on the efficiency scale based on the assessment of their consolidated environmental effect. The role of the chemical industry in the country's economy and the position of the Russian Federation in the world export of chemical products are analyzed. The importance of considering the consolidated effect of environmental factors in the implementation of innovations is substantiated. Methods of assessing the environmental effect of innovations are considered. The concept of an information system for assessing the aggregate environmental effect, which provides the possibility of assessment at all stages of the innovation process, is proposed.

Supramolecular Interface Buffer Layer for Stable Zinc Anode.

The aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are chronically plagued by the inevitable side-reaction and uneven Zn planets stack. Through regulating the water activity and Zn2+ crystal dynamics could effectively relieve those anode/electrolyte interface problems. The (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HBCD), characterized by the excluded-volume and mitigating zinc-flux aggregation effect, is chosen as the electrolyte additive to tail the anode/electrolyte interface. In this work, the supermolecule interface buffer layer is conducted to screen active water and modulate Zn crystallography. Capitalized on the intense electron density of exterior cavity, the HBCD molecules are proven to chemically adsorb onto anode, which sterically repulse the active waters and disrupt H-bonds among waters. Concurrently, the (002)-preferred texture is achieved through inducing Zn2+ ions transport and nucleation. The assembled symmetric Zn//Zn batteries show ameliorated lifespan at various current density (350h for 10mA cm-2/10mAhcm-2 and 100h for 20mA cm-2/20mAhcm-2) and steady operation at 73.26% high Depth of Discharge (DOD). The Zn//NVO batteries deliver 380.4mAhg-1 high discharge capacity at 1Ag-1. To prove the feasibility, the full battery with a low N/P ratio (2.16) is assembled, it shows ≈260mAhg-1 discharge capacity and runs stably during 500 cycles.

Modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults differ by sex and APOE4.

The extent to which lifestyle shapes trajectories of normal cognitive aging, and the factors with highest potential for mitigating cognitive decline, remain poorly uncharacterized. Participants of the Rancho Bernardo Study underwent demographic, health, and behavioral characterization at baseline, along with up to seven cognitive assessments over a 27-year follow-up period. Factor analysis of 24 baseline risk variables identified 9 composite factors. Mixed effects models on data from 1489 participants (aged 45-95 years at baseline) assessed prediction of cognitive change by baseline factor scores. Models were repeated stratified by sex and APOE4 status. Factors of hyperlipidemia and obesity; marriage and depression; occupation and education; and physical activity and subjective health best predicted rates of decline across multiple cognitive domains. Distinct risk profiles were identified for women and men, and for APOE4 carriers and non-carriers. Models of composite risk estimated that potential savings could amount to 7-9.5 years of preserved cognitive healthspan for low- versus high-risk profiles. Magnitudes of aggregate risk effects were greater among women across cognitive domains, and for APOE4 carriers for memory and verbal fluency. Multifactorial life-course approaches to manage cardiometabolic health and promote physical, cognitive, and social engagement, may help to mitigate cognitive decline with age, with composite risk associated with up to a decade of preserved cognitive health-span. Differences by sex and APOE4 in risk profiles and their potential for risk reduction, highlight the importance of developing personalized recommendations for multi-domain approaches to cognitive health maintenance throughout the life-course.

Transcriptomic and functional characterization of megakaryocytic-derived platelet-like particles: impaired aggregation and prominent anti-tumor effects

Platelet-like particles (PLPs), derived from megakaryocytic cell lines MEG-01 and K-562, are widely used as a surrogate to study platelet formation and function. We demonstrate by RNA-Seq that PLPs are transcriptionally distinct from platelets. Expression of key genes in signaling pathways promoting platelet activation/aggregation, such as the PI3K/AKT, protein kinase A, phospholipase C, and α-adrenergic and GP6 receptor pathways, was missing or under-expressed in PLPs. Functionally, PLPs do not aggregate following epinephrine, collagen, or ADP stimulation. While PLPs aggregated in response to thrombin, they did not display enhanced expression of surface markers P-selectin and activated α2bβ3, in contrast to platelets. We have previously demonstrated that platelets physically couple to MDA-PCa-2b and RC77T/E prostate cancer (PCa) cells via specific ligand-receptor interactions, leading to platelet-stimulated cell invasiveness and apoptotic resistance, and reciprocal cell-induced platelet aggregation. In contrast, PLP interactions with PCa cells inhibited both cell invasion and apoptotic resistance while failing to promote PLP aggregation. Moreover, PLPs reduced platelet-PCa cell interactions and antagonized platelet-stimulated oncogenic effects in PCa cells. RNA-Seq analysis identified candidate ligand-transmembrane protein combinations involved in anti-tumorigenic signaling of PLPs to PCa cells. Antibody neutralization of the TIMP3-MMP15 and VEGFB-FGFR1 signaling axes reversed PLP-mediated anti-invasion and apoptotic sensitization, respectively. In summary, PLPs lack many transcriptomic, molecular and functional features of platelets and possess novel anti-tumorigenic properties. These findings indicate that PLPs may have a potential therapeutic role in targeting and disrupting the oncogenic signaling between platelets and cancer cells, offering a new avenue for anti-cancer strategies.

Exact solutions for nanoparticle aggregation and porous medium effects over a stretching surface

Exact solutions for nanoparticle aggregation and porous medium effects over a stretching surface

Shear-induced rotation enhances protein adsorption.

Theories predicted that shear promotes desorption, but due to the presence of factors such as aggregation effects, it is difficult to observe how shear influences the adsorption and desorption of individual protein molecules. In this study, we employed high-throughput single-molecule tracking and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how shear flow affects the adsorption kinetics of plasma proteins (including human serum albumin, immunoglobulin G, and fibrinogen) at solid-liquid interfaces. Over the studied shear rate range of 0 - 103 s-1, shear stress did not trigger the protein desorption. Notably, we observed a significant increase, up to two orders of magnitude, in the adsorption rate constants ka, in the dilute limit at solid-liquid interfaces. However, this shear-induced increase in ka diminished with increasing the protein concentrations. At least in the scenarios studied, these trends were consistent across all three types of proteins and two types of surfaces investigated. Through a systematic analysis combining control experiments, coarse-grained, and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we identified that the shear-induced increase in ka could be attributed to enhanced protein rotational diffusion, thereby increasing the likelihood of favorable surface proximity for adsorption.

The impact of importing on the CO2 intensity of the global and national construction industries.

CO2 intensity is a valuable indicator for investigating the amount of CO2 emissions prevented by importing relative to the economic costs the importer pays for international trade; this plays a significant role in mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. This study explores the effect of importing on the CO2 intensity of the construction industry by establishing an analytical framework that divides the total CO2 intensity into aggregate CO2 intensity in imported products (AII) and aggregate CO2 intensity in domestic products (AID), and targets the gap between AII and AID to reveal the effects of importing. A multi-regional input-output model was adopted to evaluate the AII and AID of the construction industries in 15 economies for 2014 and then the LMDI method was used to decompose the gap between AII and AID from the perspective of the source industry. The results indicated that importing showed an increased effect of 3.11 ton/USD on the CO2 intensity of the construction industry globally. At a national scale, importing increased the CO2 intensity of the construction industries in most countries (13/15). In terms of decomposition analysis, the aggregate CO2 intensity effect decreased AII by 23.15 ton/USD and the aggregate structure effect increased AII by 151.51 ton/USD. For most economies, the aggregate structure effect, especially when sourcing from the electricity industry and the mining industry, mainly caused AII to be higher than AID and resulted in a pulling effect of importing on the CO2 intensity of the construction industry. On this basis, adjusting industrial source weights in importing is significant for achieving the CO2 intensity mitigation targets of the global and national construction industries.

Effect of VO2 particle aggregation on the performance of thermochromic smart window films for building

Effect of VO2 particle aggregation on the performance of thermochromic smart window films for building

Emulsifying properties of quinoa protein fibrillar aggregates and their influence on quinoa protein emulsion gel formation

Fibrillization is a potential way to improve functionality of seed storage proteins. Herein, the solubility, morphology, wettability, interfacial adsorption and emulsifying properties of quinoa protein fibrillar aggregates were compared with those of quinoa protein isolate (QPI). Effect of fibrillar aggregates on the formation of heat-induced QPI emulsion gels was investigated in the presence 0 or 100 mM NaCl. The results showed that fibrillization enhanced relative solubility of QPI by ~10 %, and reduced contact angle from 130.5° to 83.4°. Both QPI and fibrillar aggregates exhibited outstanding emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability against flocculation/coalescence. The interfacial protein concentration of fibrillar aggregate-stabilized emulsions was higher than that of QPI-stabilized emulsions, ranging from 16.3 to 33.4 vs. 12.4 to 29.2 mg/m2 at emulsifier concentrations of 0.5–3 % w/w. The self-standing emulsion gels were formed by heating 10 % w/w QPI emulsions with the storage modulus of 1886 Pa and the fracture stress of 582 Pa. Fibrillar aggregates acted as active fillers in QPI emulsions gels (8 % w/w QPI + 2 % w/w fibrillar aggregates) with the storage modulus of 2566 Pa and the fracture stress of 741 Pa. The addition of 100 mM NaCl destructed the gel network, leading to a reduction of gel strength.

General Kernel Machine Methods for Multi-Omics Integration and Genome-Wide Association Testing With Related Individuals.

Integrating multi-omics data may help researchers understand the genetic underpinnings of complex traits and diseases. However, the best ways to integrate multi-omics data and use them to address pressing scientific questions remain a challenge. One important and topical problem is how to assess the aggregate effect of multiple genomic data types (e.g. genotypes and gene expression levels) on a phenotype, particularly while accommodating routine issues, such as having related subjects' data in analyses. In this paper, we extend an existing composite kernel machine regression model to integrate two multi-omics data types, while accommodating for general correlation structures amongst outcomes. Due to the kernel machine regression framework, our methods allow for the integration of high-dimensional omics data with small, nonlinear, and interactive effects, and accommodation of general study designs. Here, we focus on scientific questions that aim to assess the association between a functional grouping (such as a gene or a pathway) and a quantitative trait of interest. We use a kernel machine regression to integrate the two multi-omics data types, as they may relate to the trait, and perform a global test of association. We demonstrate the advantage of this approach over single data type association tests via simulation. Finally, we apply this method to a large, multi-ethnic data set to investigate how predicted gene expression and rare genetic variation may be related to two platelet traits.

Facile in situ synthesis of silver nanoclusters for promoting highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of alkyne-tagged biomolecules.

We synthesized two novel silver-based nanocluster materials (TOS-Ag4 NCs and TNS-Ag8 NCs) that were used as SERS substrates, combining the powerful adsorption capability and aggregation effect of silver-sulfur clusters to achieve a highly sensitive identification and detection of alkyne-tagged molecules in the Raman-silent region. This work provides new insights for designing novel nanoclusters as SERS substrates displaying ultrahigh sensitive detection of alkyne-tagged molecules.

How Mixed Performance Feedback Shapes Exploration: The Moderating Role of Self-Enhancement

We conduct an experiment to examine how providing decision makers with high versus low peer performance information influences choices between exploration and exploitation. Previous work on organization-level learning suggests that a high-performing peer would fuel exploration, whereas a low-performing peer would dampen it. In line with this, we find that individuals who receive information about a high-performing peer explore more than those who receive information about a low-performing peer. However, we also find that compared to individuals with a low tendency to self-enhance, individuals with a high tendency to self-enhance are less likely to explore when receiving information about a high-performing peer. In fact, these individuals explore at levels comparable to those who receive information about a low-performing peer. We explain this behavioral pattern by demonstrating that as individuals learn and improve, information about a high-performing peer increasingly results in mixed performance feedback; under these conditions of relative interpretive flexibility, exploration is moderated by decision makers’ tendency to self-enhance. When these individual dynamics are aggregated, our data suggest that an organization that provides peer performance information may experience either the same or less exploration than an organization that does not, with the exact difference depending on its proportion of high self-enhancers. These insights into the contingencies and aggregate effects of how individuals interpret and respond to peer performance information are particularly relevant given recent interest in designing organizations that shape employee behavior through the provision of feedback rather than through traditional instruments of coordination and control, such as incentives or hierarchy. Funding: This work was supported by Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond [Grant 25194]. Additionally, this research was supported by a grant from the HEC Paris Foundation.

The cumulative impact of air pollution on dry eye disease: Evidence from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2020)

Aims/Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between environmental pollution and dry eye disease (DED), focusing on the cumulative impact of air pollutants.Methods: Cross‐sectional data from the 7th and 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2017‐2020) were analyzed alongside air pollution data from the National Ambient Air Quality Management Information System (NAMIS). Non‐smokers aged between 40 and 80 were selected (n = 8,840). The daily cumulative index (CI) of air quality was calculated for each region of residence based on key pollutants, including SO₂, NO₂, PM2.5, and PM10. Using Gaussian mixture models, each day was categorized as usual, poor, or bad based on CI values. Multiple logistic regression analysis assessed the impact of air pollutants on DED while accounting for clinical, demographic, and meteorological factors. Additionally, the Aggregated Air Quality Index (AAQI) was calculated and evaluated for the same dataset.Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the proportion of high pollution days within a year significantly increased the odds of DED (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 1.23–14.25, p = 0.02), after adjusting for factors associated with DED as covariates. Although the AAQI did not show statistical significance, the Cumulative Index effectively demonstrated the aggregated effect of multiple air pollutants on DED.Conclusions: This research highlights the utility of a model using regularly measured air quality indicators, providing a comprehensive assessment of the aggregated effect of air pollutants. Implementing these measures can help identify at‐risk populations and consider environmental factors in managing and preventing DED.

The cumulative impact of air pollution on dry eye disease: Evidence from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2020)

Aims/Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between environmental pollution and dry eye disease (DED), focusing on the cumulative impact of air pollutants.Methods: Cross‐sectional data from the 7th and 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2017‐2020) were analyzed alongside air pollution data from the National Ambient Air Quality Management Information System (NAMIS). Non‐smokers aged between 40 and 80 were selected (n = 8,840). The daily cumulative index (CI) of air quality was calculated for each region of residence based on key pollutants, including SO₂, NO₂, PM2.5, and PM10. Using Gaussian mixture models, each day was categorized as usual,poor, or bad based on CI values. Multiple logistic regression analysis assessed the impact of air pollutants on DED while accounting for clinical, demographic, and meteorological factors. Additionally, the Aggregated Air Quality Index (AAQI) was calculated and evaluated for the same dataset.Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the proportion of high pollution days within a year significantly increased the odds of DED (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 1.23–14.25, p = 0.02), after adjusting for factors associated with DED as covariates. Although the AAQI did not show statistical significance, the Cumulative Index effectively demonstrated the aggregated effect of multiple air pollutants on DED.Conclusions: This research highlights the utility of a model using regularly measured air quality indicators, providing a comprehensive assessment of the aggregated effect of air pollutants. Implementing these measures can help identify at‐risk populations and consider environmental factors in managing and preventing DED.References Saxena, A., & Shekhawat, S. (2017). Ambient Air Quality Classification by Grey Wolf Optimizer Based Support Vector Machine. Journal of environmental and public health, 2017, 3131083. Kyrkilis, G., Chaloulakou, A., & Kassomenos, P. A. (2007). Development of an aggregate Air Quality Index for an urban Mediterranean agglomeration: relation to potential health effects. Environment international, 33(5), 670–676.