Changes In Physical Properties Research Articles

Next-generation 3D printed multipurpose prevention intravaginal ring for prevention of HIV, HSV-2, and unintended pregnancy

Globally, nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended, ~1.3 million new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are reported every year, and more than 500 million people are estimated to have a genital herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) infection. Here we report the first 3D printed multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) intravaginal ring (IVR) for prevention of HIV, HSV-2, and unintended pregnancy. The IVRs were fabricated using state-of-the-art Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP™) 3D printing technology using a biocompatible silicone-urethane based resin. Anti-HIV drug (Dapivirine, DPV), anti-herpes drug (Pritelivir, PTV) and a contraceptive drug (Levonorgestrel, LNG) were loaded in a macaque size IVR (25 mm outer diameter, OD; 6.0 mm cross-section, CS) allometrically scaled from the human size (54 mm OD; 7.6 mm CS) IVR analogue. All three active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) were loaded in the IVR using a single-step drug loading process driven by absorption. DPV, PTV, and LNG elicited zero-order release kinetics in vitro in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) at pH 4 and pH 8 relevant to human and macaque vaginal pH respectively. CLIP 3D printed MPT IVRs remained stable after 6 months of storage at 4 °C with no change in physical, dimensional, or mechanical properties and no change in drug concentration and absence of drug degradation byproducts. The MPT IVRs elicited sustained release of all three APIs in macaques for 28 days with median plasma concentrations of 138 pg/mL (DPV), 18,700 pg/mL (PTV), and 335 pg/mL (LNG). Safety studies demonstrated that the MPT IVRs were safe and well tolerated in the macaques with no observed change or abnormalities in vaginal pH and no significant changes in any of the 22 mucosal cytokines and chemokines tested including pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-18) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-12) cytokines while the MPT IVR was in place or after its removal. Additionally, MPT IVRs elicited no observed alterations in systemic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells during the entire study. Collectively, the proposed MPT IVR has potential to expand preventative choices for young women and girls against unintended pregnancy against two highly prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Prediction model for equivalent exposure time in indoor dry-wet cycling tests for concrete in marine tidal zones

Chloride ion erosion poses a major threat to the durability of concrete structures in coastal environments, particularly in tidal zones with periodic seawater exposure. This study developed a predictive model based on Fick's second law, utilizing data from over 20 coastal structures across six countries. The model, grounded in the principle of equivalent free chloride ion concentration at a certain depth after a given exposure time, estimates the number of dry-wet cycles required in accelerated laboratory testing to simulate real-world conditions. It has been validated using data from actual marine structures. Key environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, along with regional climate differences, are incorporated to predict the relative deterioration rates of concrete in various marine environments. Additionally, an accelerated indoor dry-wet cycle test was designed based on the theory of environmental similarity, tracking the performance evolution of concrete. The model was verified through experiments, showing that 30 indoor dry-wet cycles correspond to 79 years of exposure in a coastal environment. The physical property changes observed in the accelerated tests further confirmed the model’s reliability and accuracy. This research provides critical insights into the impact of environmental factors on concrete degradation and offers a scientific basis for the application of accelerated laboratory testing.

Irrigation of rangeland soils with coal seam water - A lysimeter study on soil physico-chemical properties

Groundwater extracted from coal seams may be a resource for irrigation of land in areas with low rainfall, but the effect of this water on soil properties needs to be established. A lysimeter study was conducted using intact soil cores (0.75 m diameter, 1.4 m deep) of four different soil types (Sodic Vertisol, Calcic Solonetz, Haplic Solonetz and Xanthic Lixisol) from southern Queensland, Australia, to study changes in soil physical and chemical properties under accelerated rates of irrigation with coal seam (CS) water (electrical conductivity (ECw) of 3 dS/m, pH of 8.8, and a sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of 100). Cores were also alternately irrigated with deionised water to simulate rainfall, and either lucerne (Medicago sativa L) or Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.) where grown in the lysimeters. The soil surface was treated with stoichiometric rates of elemental sulfur (1.4 t/ha) and gypsum (2.5 t/ha) prior to every 450 mm CS water irrigation to minimise changes in SAR and pH. Three of the soils (Vertisol, both Solonetz) had low leaching fractions (≤ 0.1 %) due to their clay texture and were initially saline in the subsoil (ECse 1.4–4.4 dS/m). Irrigation with CS water resulted in a gradual increase in salt content (EC) and SAR throughout the soil profile, but pH was not increased due to surface-applied elemental sulfur. The Lixisol had a higher hydraulic conductivity and leaching fraction (6.7 %) due to is loamy texture – in this soil, accumulated salts could be leached and no increase in salinity or pH were measured. Despite an increase in SAR for this loamy soil, no structural degradation was observed, and it could be sustainably irrigated with up to 3200 mm CS water (with cumulative irrigation volume of 5400 mm). Hence, leaching fractions rather than soil chemistry are good indicators to identify soils suitable for irrigation with CS water that is saline, alkaline, and sodic.

MoiréTag: A Low-Cost Tag for High-Precision Tangible Interactions without Active Components

In this paper, we present MoiréTag—a novel tag-like device that magnifies displacement without active components for indirect sensing of subtle tangible interactions. The device consists of two overlapping layers of stripe patterns with distinct pattern frequencies. These layers create Moiré fringes that can move faster than the actual movement of a layer. Using a customized image processing pipeline, we show that MoiréTag can reliably detect sub-mm movement in real-time (mean error = 0.043 mm) under varying lighting conditions, camera angles, and camera distances. We also demonstrate five applications of MoiréTag to showcase its potential as a low-cost solution to capture and monitor small changes in movement and other physical properties, such as force and volume, by converting them into displacement.

Thermal modification of Lantana camara stalks and its characterization

Abstract This paper deals with value addition and utilization of Lantana camara, an invasive species with unprecedented rate of growth, by thermal modification. Lantana camara stalks were thermally modified using vacuum heat treatment (VHT), oil heat treatment (OHT), and steam heat treatment (SHT) at 180 °C and 200 °C and subsequently changes in physical, chemical and mechanical properties were studied. Weight loss was observed in vacuum and steam heat treated samples due to thermal degradation while oil heat treated samples showed weight gain due to oil uptake. SHT exhibited the highest (19 %) weight loss at 200 °C. The color of the modified lantana attained uniform dark colour, OHT exhibited the most intense effect on colour changes. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Fourier transform near infrared (FTNIR) spectroscopic analyses indicated degradation of hemicellulose and change in cellulose crystallinity due to heat treatment. Dimensional stability of thermally modified Lantana stalks improved across treatments, with SHT achieving the highest anti-swelling efficiency of 67.3 % at 200 °C and lowest water absorption (43 %) after 72 h of water soaking. The dynamic modulus of elasticity of thermally modified Lantana remained constant in all the treatment processes. Overall, the results indicate that thermal modification can increase utilization potential of L. camara.

Localization and discrimination of GG mismatch in duplex DNA by synthetic ligand-enhanced protein nanopore analysis.

Mismatched base pairs in DNA are the basis of single-nucleotide polymorphism, one of the major issues in genetic diseases. However, the changes of physical and chemical properties of DNA caused by single-site mismatches are often influenced by the sequence and the structural flexibility of the whole duplex, resulting in a challenge of direct detection of the types and location of mismatches sensitively. In this work, we proposed a synthetic ligand-enhanced protein nanopore analysis of GG mismatch on DNA fragment, inspired by in silico investigation of the specific binding of naphthyridine dimer (ND) on GG mismatch. We demonstrated that both the importing and unzipping processes of the ligand-bound DNA duplex can be efficiently slowed down in α-hemolysin nanopore. This ligand-binding induced slow-down effect of DNA in nanopore is also sensitive to the relative location of the mismatch on DNA duplex. Especially, the GG mismatch close to the end of a DNA fragment, which is hard to be detected by either routine nanopore analysis or tedious nanopore sequencing, can be well differentiated by our ND-enhanced nanopore experiment. These findings provide a promising strategy to localize and discriminate base mismatches in duplex form directly at the single-molecule level.

The Simulator of China General Nuclear Power Group (CGNPC) Delingha 50 MW Parabolic Trough Solar Thermal Power Plant

CGN Delingha 50MW parabolic trough solar power plant is China's first commercial trough solar power station. There are 190 heat collecting loops in the solar field of the power plant. Due to the mutual coupling of heat collecting loops layout location, environmental conditions, medium flow, working medium physical property changes and other factors, the hydrodynamic characteristics of the solar field are complex. In practical operation, balancing the flow of the heat absorbing medium in each loop of the large-scale trough solar thermal power plant and stabilizing the outlet medium temperature are difficult problems. Taking CGN Delingha 50MW parabolic trough solar power plant as the research object, this paper adopts the idea of modular modeling to establish the mathematical model of the main equipment in different systems of the power plant, to build the dynamic model of its solar field, steam generation system, heat storage system and steam turbine system. Based on the parallel computing function of the real-time dynamic simulation platform STAR-90, the real-time coupling calculation between different systems is realized. The error of the built model in steady-state is less than 2%, and the dynamic results of the model are in good agreement with the actual operation data. The modeling method in this paper is universal and can be a reference for dynamic modeling of other large-scale trough solar thermal power plants.

The effect of thermal annealing of GO/PVA on their physical, structural, and morphological properties

ABSTRACT In this research the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) through the Hummers method, to obtain various percentage nanocomposite materials incorporating GO into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (2%GO/PVA, 3%GO/PVA, and 20%GO/PVA), and the detailed investigation of these composites’ morphological, structural, and optical characteristics using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main goal of the presented work is to investigate how the physical properties change in the wide-range concentrations of the GO/PVA composite materials, as well as at different thermal annealing temperatures. From the XRD results, the space between the sheets is decreased by increasing the thermal annealing temperature. By the Halder-Wagner method, crystallite size and microstrain of the various percentages of GO/PVA were determined. The high microstrain and crystallite size belong to thermal annealed at 70°C of 3% GO/PVA (D = 8.50 nm/ε = 11%) and thermal annealed at 40°C of 20% GO/PVA (D = 13.70 nm/ε = 16 %). At room temperature and the highest annealing temperature, the microstrain value is minimal or equal to 0, because, its crystal structure is stable at low temperatures and it occurs as a result of relaxation due to rearrangement of the polymer chain at high temperatures. From Raman measurements, the ID/IG ratio for 2% and 3% GO/PVA composite materials increased with increasing temperature compared to the pristine GO. This indicates that the defect in the structure increases due to temperature.

Time scale analysis of enzymatic reduction of uric acid in a microfluidic biomedical device

Time Scale Analysis (TSA) is an investigative tool used in engineering design to identify locations in processes that should be a focus of Process Intensification (PI). Furthermore, TSA points to process variables and parameters that could be used to advance and measure PI improvement. However, TSA cannot suggest any specific design solution to intensify process performance. Instead, design engineers should use their fundamental knowledge and creative intelligence to specify detailed design transformations. TSA will then provide a specific quantitative measure of the improvement. TSA implementation improves an explicitly defined process performance, thus helping achieve process intensification goals. TSA is based on first principles, and it utilizes Characteristic Times (CT) such as diffusion, mean residence, and reaction times to improve an existing process. In this study, we specifically consider microfluidic biomedical devices. To illustrate the genesis of CT and TSA, we start by developing a mathematical model of an enzymatic degradation process in a biomedical device called iCore based on mass, momentum, and kinetic equations. After introducing user-defined scaling parameters, we extract CTs pertinent to the enzymatic degradation of uric acid in this microfluidic biomedical device. Diffusion coefficients, microchannel architectural characteristics, enzyme loading, hydrogel thickness, and characteristic parameters of enzyme kinetics are the parameters and process variables incorporated in this analysis. Finally, we compared the extracted CTs with a COMSOL Multiphysics parametric study to demonstrate how time scale analysis as a design tool and adjusting design parameters, such as diffusion coefficient, hydrogel layer thickness, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration, can enhance the enzymatic reaction process without a need for complex computational modeling. It is crucial to recognize that pertinent CTs can be determined by understanding the type and nature of the observed process, previous experience, published data, and other foundational engineering design work. There is no need for mathematical modeling and numerical simulations to identify and acknowledge the CTs relevant and essential to the observed process; in this work, we only illustrate the principal origin of CTs via a detailed mathematical model of the process, as previously reported by Jovanovic et al. Therefore, in a routine application of TSA, it is important to remember that mathematical modeling and detailed numerical simulations are not necessary. This is a very comforting fact when TSA is deployed as a tool in higher-level process design functions. The investigations on how best to apply TSA in these higher level design functions such as Process Intensification, scale-up/numbering-up, change of device architecture, change of operating conditions, change of process feed characteristics, change of material physical and chemical properties, parametric optimization of the system for various objective functions, and techno-economic analysis, are yet to be studied and reported.

Physical property of MICP-treated calcareous sand under seawater conditions by CPTU

MICP (Microbially induced calcite precipitation), an environmentally friendly soil improvement technique, has great potential in ocean engineering due to its ability to promote the precipitation of calcium carbonate through microbial activity to enhance the engineering properties of geomaterials. In this study, piezocone penetration test (CPTU) is used to evaluate the effectiveness of MICP treatment in calcareous sand. The change of physical properties (relative density Dr and total unit weight γt) of MICP treated calcareous sand is investigated by conducting CPTU on the geomaterials prepared in a series of mini calibration chambers (25 cm × 50 cm). Results indicate that CPTU (tip stress, sleeve friction, and porewater pressure) measurements can be used to interpret the physical characteristics of calcareous sand treated with MICP under seawater conditions. Additionally, a relationship between CPTU measurements, physical parameters (relative density Dr and total unit weight γt) of MICP treated calcareous sand is proposed and calibrated. The findings of the research extend the implementation of in-situ testing techniques such as CPTU towards physical property evaluation of bio-treated geomaterials in ocean environment, and demonstrate the potential of scaling up MICP techniques for broader engineering application.

Changes in physical and chemical properties of microplastics by ozonation

This study evaluated the altered properties of microplastics during the ozonation process in water matrices. The selected polymers include low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride. The morphology, contact angle, and chemical composition of the pristine and altered microplastics were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry, contact angle analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Microplastic oxidation can lead to surface abrasion, cracking, and fragmentation. XPS analysis indicated that a C=O double bond (carbonyl group) and carboxylic acid/ester bond (O−C=O) were generated in the ozone process. In addition, all the carbonyl index values increased, implying that the number of oxygen functional groups on the surface of the microplastics increased. The contact angle also decreased, indicating that the hydrophilic portion of the microplastics increased due to oxidation. Microplastics, whose surfaces are roughened owing to oxidation or reduced in size owing to fragmentation, pose a fatal threat to aquatic life. In addition, microplastics with increased oxygen functional groups and hydrophilicity due to oxidation treatment have different adsorption properties. Relatively hydrophilic microplastics adsorb heavy metal cations that can adversely affect ecosystems by acting as heavy metal transport mediators.

Impact of Four Different Chlorella vulgaris Strains on the Properties of Durum Wheat Semolina Pasta

Microalgae are a promising protein source due to their high protein content; high reproductivity; and low carbon, water, and arable land footprints. In this study, the impact of adding 3 and 5% of four Chlorella vulgaris strains, namely Smooth (SCV), Honey (HCV), White (WCV), and New Honey C. vulgaris (NHCV), on the processing, cooking behavior, color, firmness, structure, and sensory properties of durum wheat semolina pasta was investigated. It was hypothesized that (1) changes in physical properties depend on strain and concentration, (2) acceptability varies by strain due to different colors, odors, and flavors, and (3) the absence of fishy odors and flavors is crucial for acceptance rather than color. The results show that high-quality pasta could be produced with all C. vulgaris strains and concentrations. Cooking time and water absorption of all samples decreased but only significantly for the samples with NHCV added. Also, the bite resistance (determined instrumentally and sensorially) increased for almost all samples due to increasing protein and fiber content. A clear concentration dependency could not be found. In terms of sensory acceptance, NHCV performed the best, and an unaltered typical odor was identified to be crucial rather than color or the absence of fishy odor.

Characterization of Co-doped Ni-Mn spinel nanoferrites: A Multi-faceted evaluation of structural, optical, elastic, and magnetic properties

This study presents the synthesis and comprehensive evaluation of nanocrystalline CoxNi0.5-xMn0.5Fe2O4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ferrites. Utilizing a variety of analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), we characterized the structural, optical, elastic, and magnetic properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. Our findings reveal that increasing Co content leads to a systematic increase in lattice constant from 8.33 Å to 8.39 Å and influences the crystallite size, which ranges between 10 and 15 nm as determined by XRD. Notably, the band gaps of these nanoparticles span from 2.8 to 3.6 eV, varying with Co concentration. Magnetic measurements indicate a transition from superparamagnetic-like behavior at x = 0 to enhanced saturation magnetization, remanence, and coercivity with higher Co content. The novelty of this research lies in the detailed correlation between Co substitution and the resultant changes in multiple physical properties of NiMn nanoferrite, offering potential applications in various technological fields such as magnetic storage, sensors, and biomedical applications.

Comprehensive analysis and thermo-economic optimization of the dry cooling system for supercritical CO2 power cycle

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis and optimization of the dry cooling system for the supercritical CO2 (sCO2) power cycle, a promising technology for generating electricity from renewable heat sources. Unlike prior studies that concentrated solely on specific cooling system components, this paper examines thermoeconomic factors and employs mathematical models to analyze how various operational parameters impact both the cooling system's performance and cost, as well as the overall power cycle. Additionally, the paper employs a multi-objective optimization method to determine the optimal parameter values across varying cooling capacities and ambient temperatures. The results show that the thermal efficiency of the power cycle does not increase linearly with the cooling capacity, due to the change in CO2's physical properties near the temperature and pressure where it behaves like both a liquid and a gas (the pseudo-critical point). Furthermore, optimal cooling system area varies based on cooling capacity and ambient temperature, leading to cost reduction and improved power system efficiency. This paper provides a useful tool and guidance for designing and operating the dry cooling system for the sCO2 power cycle.

Development of Cracked Egg Detection Device Using Electric Discharge Phenomenon.

Eggs are a highly nutritious food; however, those are also fragile and susceptible to cracks, which can lead to bacterial contamination and economic losses. Traditional methods for detecting cracks, particularly in processed eggs, often fall short due to changes in the eggs' physical properties during processing. This study was aimed at developing a novel device for detecting egg cracks using electric discharge phenomena. The system was designed to apply a high-voltage electric field to the eggs, where sparks were generated at crack locations due to the differences in electrical conductivity between the insulative eggshell and the more conductive inner membrane exposed by the cracks. The detection apparatus consisted of a custom-built high-voltage power supply, flexible electrode pins, and a rotation mechanism to ensure a complete 360-degree inspection of each egg. Numerical simulations were performed to analyze the distribution of the electric field and charge density, confirming the method's validity. The results demonstrated that this system could efficiently detect cracks in both raw and processed eggs, overcoming the limitations of existing detection technologies. The proposed method offers high precision, reliability, and the potential for broader application in the inspection of various poultry products, representing a significant advancement in food safety and quality control.

Gradual Solvent Quality Changes Induce Abrupt Changes in Interfacial Layer, Dispersion Structure, and Physical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites

Gradual Solvent Quality Changes Induce Abrupt Changes in Interfacial Layer, Dispersion Structure, and Physical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites

Electrochemical reduction behavior of PO43– ions in molten CaCl2

This work focuses on the electrochemical reduction behavior of PO43– ions in molten CaCl2 at 1123 K, aiming to develop a next-generation process for producing white phosphorus (P4) through electrolysis of dissolved PO43–. Results from cyclic voltammetry indicate a shift for the electrochemical reduction of PO43– from a reversible reaction to a quasi-reversible one as the potential scan rate increases. The detachment rate of P4 gas was found to be higher at the graphite electrode compared to Mo and W electrodes. The apparent diffusion coefficient of PO43–, determined from chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry at a graphite electrode, ranges from 1.43 to 2.26 × 10–4 cm2 s–1. Additionally, an increase in the concentration of O2– was found to decrease the detachment rate of P4 gas, likely due to changes in the melt's physical properties. However, the increase in O2– up to 0.30 mol% does not significantly affect the diffusion of PO43–. This study provides valuable insights into the electrochemistry of PO43– in molten CaCl2 and offers a theoretical guidance for the technology development of P4 production through electrolysis.

Analysis on temperature vacuum swing adsorption from wet flue gas carbon capture by using solid amine adsorbent with co-adsorption equilibrium models

Adsorption carbon capture has attracted extensive attention due to its low regeneration heat consumption, eco-friendly impacts and simplicity. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis of its energy consumption, economy and environment impact of adsorption carbon capture. This study aims to investigate the working performance using temperature vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) from wet flue gas carbon capture utilizing co-adsorption equilibrium models for metal–organic framework (MOF) based amine materials. TVSA model is then carried out in terms of the continuous operational state, the dynamic changes in physical properties inside the bed, and the differences in properties at different positions within the bed layer. It is found that they often cannot simultaneously meet high CO2 recovery rates, productivity, and equivalent work. The analysis reveals that the optimal conditions, namely an adsorption temperature of 318 K and a CO2 component of 0.02 kmol during desorption, collectively result in reduced equivalent work and heightened productivity. The maximum productivity could reach 46.35 kg·m−3·h−1 for 5.6 v% water content and 308 K adsorption temperature. It is demonstrated that temperature vacuum swing adsorption for wet flue gas carbon capture using MOF based amine adsorbent is quite promising in terms of energy consumption and CO2 productivity in the future.

Study on the interaction between Mg2C monolayer and VA group trihydrides under strain engineering

The influence of biaxial strain ranging from −5–15 % on the physical properties of Mg2C monolayer was systematically investigated. The study revealed that Mg2C undergoes a phase transition from metallic to semimetallic to semiconducting under varying degrees of strain. This characteristic allows Mg2C to exhibit diverse physical property changes under strain control. Additionally, the adsorption behavior of several toxic group VA trihydride gas molecules (NH3, PH3, AsH3, SbH3) on Mg2C was examined. The results indicate that within a strain range of −5–10 %, Mg2C shows the most significant adsorption effect on NH3, with adsorption energies ranging from −0.9 eV to −5 eV. Strain significantly impacts the physical properties of the adsorption system. All four systems exhibit a semiconductor phase transition within the strain range of 2–3 %. Between 10 % and 12 % strain, the adsorption energy of the four systems increases rapidly. Strains exceeding 12 % induce structural changes in the original crystal structure. This discovery not only supports the application of Mg2C as a gas sensor material but also provides new empirical references for regulating two-dimensional material properties through strain engineering.

Effects of long-term saline water irrigation on soil salinity and crop production of winter wheat-maize cropping system in the North China Plain: A case study

Fresh water shortage is a major problem for grain production in the low plain around Bohai Sea in the North China Plain. Relative abundance of shallow saline groundwater could serve as an alternative water resource for use during dry seasons. A continuous 8-year field study was conducted from 2015 to 2023 to assess the effects of salt content in irrigation water on soil salt accumulation and crop production. Fresh water (FW) with electrical conductivity (EC) at 1.6 dS/m and three levels of saline water (SW) with EC at 4.7 (SW1), 6.3 (SW2) and 7.8 dS/m (SW3) were used for irrigation. Results showed that a single irrigation event at the jointing stage of winter wheat increased grain production averagely by 18.6 %, 22.5 %, 12.9 % and 9.5 % compared with a rain-fed treatment (RF) under FW, SW1, SW2 and SW3, respectively. With an additional irrigation applied at flowering stage, both irrigations using FW increased the yield by 28.6 %, and both irrigations using SW2 increased the yield by 19.3 % compared with RF. Negative effects of salt on winter wheat overshadowed the positive effects of increased water supply under two irrigations both using SW. With an irrigation at maize sowing and the subsequent summer rainy season, the yield of maize following winter wheat was not affected by a one-time SW irrigation to the previous crop, but showed a 5.3 % yield reduction when two irrigations of SW were applied. There was no apparent salt accumulation in the top 1 m of the soil profile, but a slight increasing trend in the salt content in the 1–2 m layer of the soil profile under SW2 and SW3 irrigation. No apparent changes in soil physical properties were observed for continuous application of SW. It was suggested that SW with EC not exceeding 6.3 dS/m should be applied for a single irrigation during the winter wheat season. This practice could alleviate the fresh water shortage in this region and allow for the maintenance of a relatively stable yield of winter wheat and maize without the risk of salt accumulation in the soil.