Significant Degradation Research Articles

ZnO/ZnS/CdS three-phase composite photocatalyst with a flower cluster structure: Research on its preparation and photocatalytic activity hydrogen production

The ZnO/ZnS/CdS three-phase composite photocatalyst with a flower cluster structure was successfully synthesized in three steps with ammonia as the hydrothermal solvent. The photocatalyst showed excellent photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production with a rate of photocatalytic hydrogen production up to 2.64 mmol h−1 g−1 and the photocatalyst also exhibited perfect stability, and the photoactivity displayed no significant degradation during continuous hydrogen production over nearly 72 h. Further detailed characterizations revealed that the CdS in the ZnO/ZnS/CdS photocatalyst uniformly wrapped on the surface of ZnS. The presence of ZnS improved the hydrogen generation overpotential of CdS in the ZnO/ZnS/CdS photocatalyst. The position of the valence band for ZnO in the ZnO/ZnS/CdS photocatalyst was more negative than that of CdS, so the photocatalytic oxidation reaction occurred in the valence band of ZnO rather than that of CdS. The above results greatly improved photocatalytic activity of hydrogen production and photocatalytic stability for the ZnO/ZnS/CdS photocatalyst.

Exploring electrochemical and magnetic properties of Fe(III) coordination cluster: An efficient electrocatalyst for water oxidation

In the present study, we investigated the electrochemical, water oxidation and magnetic properties of iron complex, [Fe6III(µ3-O)2(piv)6(edteH)2(N3)2] (1), (where = piv: pivalic acid and edteH4; N,N,N′,N′-Tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine). To investigate the electrocatalytic activity of 1 for water splitting, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) was executed to acquire the polarization curve at a scan rate of 5 mVs−1. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was measured to obtain resistance values. The electrochemical investigation indicates about the high efficiency of the complex for the oxidation of water and overpotential 210 mV with 10 mA.cm−2 inclusive of Tafel slope of 88 m.V.dec−1. The high value of current density confirms about the proof of oxygen evolution behavior for the complex. In EIS study, the low value of charge transfer resistance indicates the fast kinetics in water-splitting process (OER) which complies with the LSV results and tafel slopes. In chronopotentiometry test, there was no significant catalytic degradation and no observable change in potential over 24 h that is confirmation about excellent stability of the compound. Magnetic study reveals the existence of strong antiferromagnetic interactions in this complex. Moreover, magnetization indicates a value of 10.02 at 70 kOe which is a good Brillouin fitting with S = 5.0 and g = 2.0.

Biosynthesis of Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles with different Al doping ratio for methylene orange dye degradation activity

Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using the green method for dye degradation activity for the first time. The Allium Calocephalum Wendelbow (ACW) plant leaf extract has been employed in the biosynthesis of the aluminum (Al) doped and undoped (pure) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) for the applicability of dye degradation capability. In order to investigate the dye degradation behavior process, methylene orange (MO) is being used. For produced Al-doped and undoped ZnO NPs, the efficiency and sustainability of the (ACW) leaf plant for the dye decomposition process has been examined. The produced Al-doped and pure ZnO NPs have been studied for their quality and structure using a variety of characterization technique. For the first time, the green synthesis process was applied in order to thoroughly examine the impact of the various Al-doped green ZnO nanoparticle ratios on the average size, shape, distribution, crystal structure, functional group, optical capabilities, chemical compositions, and energy band-gap. The ratio of Al-doped ZnO NPs consisted of 0% (pure), 0.025%, 0.050%, 0.075%, 0.10%, and 0.20%. The results demonstrate that the characteristics of the doped and pure green ZnO NPs are significantly affected by the varied Al-doped ZnO ratio. ACW plant leaf extract was examined using FTIR and UV–Visible spectroscopy, and the results suggested that this extract might be a promising alternative for the environmentally friendly synthesizing of both doped and undoped ZnO NPs. At ambient temperature, the UV–Visible spectra of leaf extract displayed two separate absorption peaks roughly at 262 nm and 350 nm. As additional proof of the ACW plant's use of the green method in this research, the examination of the MO dye degrading activity by Al-doped and pure ZnO NPs was conducted utilizing the newly produced Al-doped and pure ZnO NPs made to utilize the green technology. The Al-doped ZnO NPs produced at a ratio of 0.075% displayed a significant degradation rate percentage when dye degradation ability was measured with UV light. Also, the average dye degradation percentage of 90.5% for 80 min of the fabricated Al-doped green ZnO NPs displayed a quicker than average dye degradation percentage of 74% for 140 min of the fabricated pure green ZnO NPs.

Preparation and performance of degradable slow-release fertilizer coating material by a new ionic crosslinked hydrogel material

We report a hydrogel with 25 % polyacrylic acid by grafting and mixing starch with polyacrylic acid and urea. The novel ionic crosslinking strategy through iron ions enabled the high biodegradability of a novel slow-release fertilizer coating material. The ionic cross-linking improved the degree of polymerization of the material and formed a compact structured membrane material, which extended the period of nitrogen release to a sufficient extent. The membrane material obtained through ionic cross-linking exhibited a low thermal decomposition temperature and high thermal weight loss. Material displayed significant degradation with a weight loss of 71.11 % in a 60-day degradation experiment conducted in soil. This cross-linking approach provides a novel route for developing encapsulated slow-release fertilizers. It expands the application of natural polymers in the field of slow-release fertilizers.

Self-Healable and Reprocessable Silicon Elastomers Based on Imine-Boroxine Bonds for Flexible Strain Sensor.

Silicon elastomers with excellent self-healing and reprocessing abilities are highly desirable for the advancement of next-generation energy, electronic, and robotic applications. In this study, a dual cross-linked self-healing polysiloxane elastomer was facilely fabricated by introducing an exchangeable imine bond and boroxine into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) networks. The PDMS elastomers exhibited excellent self-healing properties due to the synergistic effect of dynamic reversible imine bonds and boroxine. After healing for 2 h, the mechanical strength of the damaged elastomers completely and rapidly recovered at room temperature. Furthermore, the prepared PDMS elastomers could be repeatedly reprocessed multiple times under milder conditions without significant degradation in mechanical performance. In addition, a stretchable and self-healable electrical sensor was developed by integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with the PDMS elastomer, which can be employed to monitor multifarious human motions in real time. Therefore, this work provides a new inspiration for preparing self-healable and reprocessable silicone elastomers for future flexible electronics.

Genomic and biotechnological potential of a novel oil-degrading strain Enterobacter kobei DH7 isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil

In this study, a novel oil-degrading strain Enterobacter kobei DH7 was isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil samples from the industrial park in Taolin Town, Lianyungang, China. The whole genome of the strain was sequenced and analyzed to reveal its genomic potential. The oil degradation and growth conditions including nitrogen, and phosphorus sources, degradation cycle, biological dosing, pH, and oil concentration were optimized to exploit its commercial application. The genome of the DH7 strain contains 4,705,032 bp with GC content of 54.95% and 4653 genes. The genome analysis revealed that there are several metabolic pathways and enzyme-encoding genes related to oil degradation in the DH7 genome, such as the paa gene cluster which is involved in the phenylacetic acid degradation pathway, and complete degradation pathways for fatty acid and benzoate, genes related to chlorinated alkanes and olefins degradation pathway including adhP, frmA, and adhE, etc. The strain DH7 under the optimized conditions has demonstrated a maximum degradation efficiency of 84.6% after 14 days of treatment using synthetic oil, which comparatively displays a higher oil degradation efficiency than any Enterobacter species known to date. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first-ever genomic studies related to the oil degradation potential of any Enterobacter species. As Enterobacter kobei DH7 has demonstrated significant oil degradation potential, it is one of the good candidates for application in the bioremediation of oil-contaminated environments.

Resilience enhancement of using prefabrication technology for post-accident restoration of coastal infrastructure

Severe weather or man-made accidents often cause serious damage to coastal infrastructure. A long-term suspension of coastal infrastructure under severe accidents always trigger a significant resilience degradation. Rapid restoration techniques are hence essential for the post-accident resilience of coastal infrastructure. However, current research on post-accident resilience assessment and technology enhancement for coastal infrastructure restoration is still inadequate. Therefore, this study proposed the application of prefabrication technology to enhance the coastal infrastructure resilience to fill this knowledge gap. First, accident-oriented simulation was performed to quantitatively assess the damage of port structure. Next, a precast component database was constructed to establish restoration schemes. Finally, a resilience assessment process considering the restoration process, time and cost was developed. The process formed an essential tool for coastal resilience assessment and produced the following key results. (1) freighter impacts can trigger a significant resilience degradation of coastal infrastructure. Such accidents cause enormous restoration work, long recovery times and high restoration costs. (2) The application of prefabrication technology for port structure restoration is significantly advantageous. The resilience of prefabrication restoration is about 38% higher than cast-in-situ restoration, and the recovery time reduction is more than twice. (3) Perpetual restoration is an advantage of prefabrication restoration. Compared with cast-in-situ restoration, the resilience of perpetual restoration is improved by 75.6%. Perpetual restoration shortens major restoration recovery time by 60.8%, and achieves 46.1% cost optimization. (4) Prefabrication technology demonstrates adaptability to large-scale and long-term operating coastal infrastructure. The application of prefabrication technology for major restoration saves local resources by more than twice compared to cast-in-situ restoration, and achieves up to 54% restoration cost optimization. In summary, prefabrication technology has demonstrated green and efficient features for post-accident restoration of port structures. The proposed resilience assessment process establishes a theoretical foundation for resilience assessment of post-disaster restoration of coastal infrastructure and develops a strategy for post-disaster resilience.

Ultra-high-resolution spectral silicon-based photon-counting detector CT for coronary CT angiography: Initial results in a dynamic phantom

BackgroundRecent improvements in CT detector technology have led to smaller detector pixels resolving frequencies beyond 20 lp/cm and enabled ultra-high-resolution CT. Silicon-based photon-counting detector (PCD) CT is one such technology that promises improved spatial and spectral resolution. However, when the detector pixel sizes are reduced, the impact of cardiac motion on CT images becomes more pronounced. Here, we investigated the effects cardiac motion on the image quality of a clinical prototype Si-PCD scanner in a dynamic heart phantom. MethodsA series of 3D-printed vessels were created to simulate coronary arteries with diameter in the 1–3.5 ​mm range. Four coronary stents were set inside the d ​= ​3.5 ​mm vessels and all vessels were filled with contrast agents and were placed inside a dynamic cardiac phantom. The phantom was scanned in motion (60 bpm) and at rest on a prototype clinical Si-PCD CT scanner in 8-bin spectral UHR mode. Virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) were generated at 70 ​keV and CT number accuracy and effective spatial resolution (blooming) of rest and motion VMIs were compared. ResultsLinear regression analysis of CT numbers showed excellent agreement (r ​> ​0.99) between rest and motion. We did not observe a significant difference (p ​> ​0.48) in estimating free lumen diameters. Differences in in-stent lumen diameter and stent strut thickness were non-significant with maximum mean difference of approximately 70 ​μm. ConclusionWe found no significant degradation in CT number accuracy or spatial resolution due to cardiac motion. The results demonstrate the potential of spectral UHR coronary CT angiography enabled by Si-PCD.

Synergistic interaction and alkali resistance of N-spirocyclic cations with piperidine cations for poly(biphenyl piperidine) membranes

The conformation of N-spirocyclic cations has a high alkaline stability and the construction of microphase-separated structures with poly(biphenyl piperidine) (PBP) is one way to improve the performance of AEM. Here, a variety of N-spirocyclic cations were prepared and formed into polycationic side chains with the PBP main chain via the -(CH2)4- spacer group. The ion transport efficiency was greatly enhanced by the synergistic effect of the main chain piperidine cations, and the hydroxide conductivity and peak power density of the MDSU-MPBP membrane reached 132.7 mS cm-1 and 295.2 mW cm-2 at 80 °C, respectively. The BM-DSU cation was degraded to a single cation mainly by the SN2 reaction after 96 h in a 5 M NaOH/D2O solution at 80 °C. The N-spirocyclic mono-cation has extremely high alkali resistance, especially the MDSU cation without significant degradation at 80 °C for 1008 h. The B-MDSU double cation tends to undergo the SN2 reaction at the C2 and C4 positions. The asymmetrically grafted main-chain piperidine cations exhibit poor chemical stability due to the electron-absorbing effect of the phenyl group. the degradation of the MDSU cations increases the hydrophobicity of the side chains, and the MDSU-MPBP membrane has the best alkali resistance, with a conductivity residual of more than 92.8% after immersion in a 5 M NaOH solution at 80 °C for 480 h.

Coupled effect of waste glass powder and glass fibers on mechanical properties of concrete: A step towards the elimination of non‐biodegradable waste

AbstractSilica, a principal component of waste glass powder (GP) reacts with calcium hydroxide to form the hydration products, and the process is affected by the fineness of GP and the percentage of cement replaced. This study investigates the structural behavior of concrete incorporating GP in reinforced concrete members by 0%–25% (by weight) replacement of cement with GP along with 0%–0.45% addition of glass fibers (GFs). The compressive and tensile strengths, strength activity index (SAI), and failure mode of treated concrete mixtures have revealed the optimum values as 15% replacement of cement with GP with 0.3% of GF. In the second stage of experiment, reinforced concrete beams were cast at various percentages of GP and GF to investigate the load–deflection response. It was observed that the beam specimen treated with GP exhibited considerably less mid‐span deflection (14.8 mm) at failure as compared to the control beam (with no GP and GF) which failed at 29.4 mm. The beam specimen treated with GP only showed significant degradation in stiffness after the peak load due to the fact that a part of GP remains unreacted and acts as a filler. Moreover, the beam specimen cast at optimum percentages of GP (15%) and GF (0.3%) showed large mid‐span deflection and higher failure load as compared to the control beam. These results suggest that the partial replacement of cement with GP should be accompanied by the addition of fibers to avoid unwanted brittle responses of GP concrete, with the additional advantage of reducing the non‐biodegradable waste.

GCMTN: Low-Overlap Point Cloud Registration Network Combining Dense Graph Convolution and Multilevel Interactive Transformer

A single receptive field limits the expression of multilevel receptive field features in point cloud registration, leading to the pseudo-matching of objects with similar geometric structures in low-overlap scenes, which causes a significant degradation in registration performance. To handle this problem, a point cloud registration network that incorporates dense graph convolution and a mutilevel interaction Transformer (GCMTN) in pursuit of better registration performance in low-overlap scenes is proposed in this paper. In GCMTN, a dense graph feature aggregation module is designed for expanding the receptive field of points and fusing graph features at multiple scales. To make pointwise features more discriminative, a multilevel interaction Transformer module combining Multihead Offset Attention and Multihead Cross Attention is proposed to refine the internal features of the point cloud and perform feature interaction. To filter out the undesirable effects of outliers, an overlap prediction module containing overlap factor and matching factor is also proposed for determining the match ability of points and predicting the overlap region. The final rigid transformation parameters are generated based on the distribution of the overlap region. The proposed GCMTN was extensively verified on publicly available ModelNet and ModelLoNet, 3DMatch and 3DLoMatch, and odometryKITTI datasets and compared with recent methods. The experimental results demonstrate that GCMTN significantly improves the capability of feature extraction and achieves competitive registration performance in low-overlap scenes. Meanwhile, GCMTN has value and potential for application in practical remote sensing tasks.

Reasoning over Public and Private Data in Retrieval-Based Systems

Abstract Users an organizations are generating ever-increasing amounts of private data from a wide range of sources. Incorporating private context is important to personalize open-domain tasks such as question-answering, fact-checking, and personal assistants. State-of-the-art systems for these tasks explicitly retrieve information that is relevant to an input question from a background corpus before producing an answer. While today’s retrieval systems assume relevant corpora are fully (e.g., publicly) accessible, users are often unable or unwilling to expose their private data to entities hosting public data. We define the Split Iterative Retrieval (SPIRAL) problem involving iterative retrieval over multiple privacy scopes. We introduce a foundational benchmark with which to study SPIRAL, as no existing benchmark includes data from a private distribution. Our dataset, ConcurrentQA, includes data from distinct public and private distributions and is the first textual QA benchmark requiring concurrent retrieval over multiple distributions. Finally, we show that existing retrieval approaches face significant performance degradations when applied to our proposed retrieval setting and investigate approaches with which these tradeoffs can be mitigated. We release the new benchmark and code to reproduce the results.1

First-principles study of Li adsorption and diffusion in naphyne

The Li adsorption and diffusion properties in naphyne are explored by first-principles calculations. The porous structure of naphyne facilitates the adsorption of Li atoms, and the adsorption performance of large pores is better than that of small pores. The average open circuit potential is 0.78 V and the maximum Li storage capacity of bulk naphyne is up to 620 mAh/g, much larger than the up limit of the popular graphite. Upon Li intercalation, the interlayer spacing dilatation of bulk naphyne is only 1.78 %, implying that naphyne would not undergo significant structural degradation during cycling. The average adsorption energy between Li and naphyne in LiC3.6 is −2.38 eV/Li, which is feasible to realize their free migration. The porous structure enables Li atoms to diffuse either parallel or perpendicular to the naphyne plane. About 0.41–0.70 eV barriers are needed to overcome for the three-dimensional Li diffusion. Compared to commercial graphite, the higher Li capacity, the smaller structural distortion, and the unique three-dimensional diffusion performance of Li atoms make naphyne a promising candidate as the anode material of LIB.

Oxygenated graphitic carbon nitride based electrochemical sensor for dibenzofuran detection

Dibenzofuran (DBF) is one of the carcinogenic species which is stamped among the ‘pollutants of concern’ by international environmental protection agencies. This tenacious Persistent, Bioaccumulate and Toxic (PBT) compound is generated as a result of industrial effluents, agricultural wastes, aqueous chlorination and by-products of various pharmaceutical processes. Prolonged exposure to DBF results in significant degradation of environment quality and human health, as it has a slower decomposition capability. Furthermore, there are no relevant technologies in the market which can efficiently detect the presence of DBF due to which numerous human lives are being lost because of its after-effects/complications. Thus, the development of an efficient sensor platform for the trace quantification of this highly toxic species is essential and of utmost requirement which then is the novelty of this work. The current study is focused on the development of an electroanalytical sensing platform, based on oxygenated graphitic carbon nitride (O-gCN) nanostructures, for the detection of DBF in water. The electroanalytical activity of O-gCN is studied using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). The developed sensor exhibited a Limit of Detection (LoD) of 1.58 pM, and is found to be selective in the presence of interferants with shelf life of 50 days; thereby demonstrating a huge potential to be translated towards on-field applications.

ASR induced by chloride- and formate-based deicers in concrete with non-reactive aggregates

Despite ongoing efforts to prevent the damaging effects of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete structures, this phenomenon still exists and causes significant degradation. This study aims to investigate the role of various deicing agents in provoking ASR by examining volume expansion, cracks, and microstructure of mortar and concrete containing aggregates identified as non-reactive by standard ASR test methods. To achieve this, the concrete specimens undergo simulated operating conditions testing to induce ASR expansion, with an external supply of alkali from chloride- and formate-based deicers. The findings suggest that the configuration and concentration of the deicing agent used, as well as the mineral composition of the aggregate that was previously identified as non-reactive, can significantly impact the expansion and damage caused by ASR. The results indicate that existing methods for testing aggregates for ASR may have limitations when formate-based agents are used.

Spatial-Temporal Pattern and Driving Forces of Fractional Vegetation Coverage in Xiong’an New Area of China from 2005 to 2019

The Xiong’an New Area was officially established in 2018 to construct a new, intelligent, and efficient urban area to alleviate Beijing’s non-capital functions. Using Landsat satellite images, we employed the dimidiate pixel model, band operation, and transition matrix to analyze the temporal and spatial variations in FVC (Fractional Vegetation Coverage) within the Xiong’an New Area in 2005, 2013, and 2019, respectively. Urbanization rate, precipitation, temperature, and population were considered potential driving forces, which we analyzed using grey relational analysis and linear regression to explore the correlation between FVC and these factors. The findings are as follows: from 2005 to 2019, overall improvement and significant degradation have been observed. In Baiyangdian, a part of the national key ecological area, water bodies and FVC have increased. Grey relational analysis revealed that precipitation had the highest grey relational value of 0.76. The average correlation among natural factors was 0.67, while that among human factors was 0.60. Generally, the Xiong’an New Area vegetation exhibited instability, while Baiyangdian demonstrated relatively stable FVC. Grey relational analysis indicates a strong potential for social and economic development in the Xiong’an New Area.

Analytical Model for Sparing Policy Analysis and Optimization for Space Habitat Operations

The inclusion of operational sparing policies in early system definition can ensure that spares’ allocations can optimally meet desired system reliabilities consistent with the planned maintenance of a crewed vehicle. This approach is critical for long-duration crewed missions where mass allocations are constrained and lack of safe abort contingencies limit options in the event of significant system degradation, especially in the environmental control and life support systems. This paper presents an analytical model for analyzing and optimizing sparing policies as part of an overall evaluation of the probability of sufficiency for a system configuration. The repair transition parameters are varied to change the state visitation probabilities that drive a change in the probability of sufficiency observed for a given mass allocation. These parameters are optimized using a particle swarm optimizer to identify the preferred strategy for a desired allocation mass.

Physical Characterization to Improve Scalability and Potential of Anesthetic-Loaded Nanodroplets.

Drug-loaded perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (NDs) can be activated non-invasively by focused ultrasound (FUS) and allow for precise drug-delivery. Anesthetic-loaded NDs and transcranial FUS have previously achieved targeted neuromodulation. To assess the clinical potential of anesthetic-loaded NDs, in depth physical characterization and investigation of storage strategies and triggered-activation is necessary. Pentobarbital-loaded decafluorobutane nanodroplets (PBNDs) with a Definity-derived lipid shell (237 nm; 4.08 × 109 particles/mL) were fabricated and assessed. Change in droplet stability, concentration, and drug-release efficacy were tested for PBNDs frozen at -80 °C over 4 weeks. PBND diameter and the polydispersity index of thawed droplets remained consistent up to 14 days frozen. Cryo-TEM images revealed NDs begin to lose circularity at 7 days, and by 14 days, perfluorocarbon dissolution and lipid fragmentation occurred. The level of acoustic response and drug release decreases through prolonged storage. PBNDs showed no hemolytic activity at clinically relevant concentrations and conditions. At increasing sonication pressures, liquid PBNDs vaporized into gas microbubbles, and acoustic activity at the second harmonic frequency (2 f0) peaked at lower pressures than the subharmonic frequency (1/2 f0). Definity-based PBNDs have been thoroughly characterized, cryo-TEM has been shown to be suitable to image the internal structure of volatile NDs, and PBNDs can be reliably stored at -80 °C for future use up to 7 days without significant degradation, loss of acoustic response, or reduction in ultrasound-triggered drug release.

Effects of Agricultural Cropping Systems on Soil Water Capacity: The Case in Cross-Border Altai

Temperate grasslands are called the breadbaskets of the world. Due to most continental climate conditions, humus-rich soils have been developed. These soils are very well suited for grain production. This is why extensive conversions from natural steppe to arable land have been implemented in this biome. The Kulunda Steppe, in Southwest Siberia and Central Asia, occupies large parts of the driest regions of the Eurasian Steppe Belt. It was one of the sites of the Virgin Land Campaign realized in the former Soviet Union in the 1950s and 1960s. Intensive agricultural practices have caused significant soil degradation, mainly through humus loss and soil erosion. This results in the degradation of organic carbon, altering the physical and chemical structure of the chestnut soils and impacting their water storage capacity. Against the background of climatic changes, a further intensification of these processes and conditions is to be expected. To stabilize soil carbon and optimize moisture utilization, it is necessary to extensively introduce worldwide experiences in conservation cropping technologies (such as no-till, min-till, and direct seeding) in the area. This study aimed to determine the effects of different cropping systems on soil water storage and water availability. The study’s initial hypothesis was that the soil conservational cropping system has advantages against the traditional deep tillage (24 cm). This hypothesis was based on extensive global experience studying the effects of different agricultural management systems on soil-water balance. In 2013–2016, an experiment was conducted for the first time in the Kulunda steppe to instrumentally measure soil moisture and matrix potential at 30–60–120 cm depth under traditional and conservation technology using innovative meteorological and soil hydrological stations. Statistically significant advantages of no-till over deep tillage (24 cm) in terms of moisture retention were found, confirming the hypothesis of this study. Besides, this groundbreaking study reveals new possibilities for soil monitoring in the region. The acquired data are applicable for predictive models using remote sensing. Moreover, the results on the management effects for the soil water balance provide basic approaches to soil water monitoring, offering important data for evaluating model results and remote sensing products for the region.

Ultra-Thin Flexible Uniplanar Antenna Based on SSPP for B5G Radio Stripe Network

In this letter, a flexible and ultra-thin uniplanar endfire antenna employing spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) is proposed. The single-metal layered groundless structure is an inherent advantage of the SSPP. At the SSPP transmission line's end, a metallic strip is added asymmetrically for wideband radiation, resulting in an observed tilting of the main lobe in the azimuthal plane. Three C-shaped directors are used to enhance the directivity. The proposed antenna is fabricated and measured over flat and curved surfaces of brick wall and wood with two different radii. The proposed antenna has a low profile of 0.0017λ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sub> and a small volume of <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.0058{\lambda }_0^3$</tex-math></inline-formula> , where λ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sub> is the free-space wavelength at the center frequency of the operating bandwidth. The antenna has an impedance bandwidth of 33.7% with a peak gain of 8.5 dBi. Measurements indicate no significant degradation in the proposed antenna's performance in different scenarios. Due to features like flexibility, ultrathin profile, very low volume, tilted beam with high gain, and wideband operation, the proposed antenna is highly suitable for beyond fifth-generation (B5G) radio stripe applications.