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Found 5157 publications
Performance of Concrete Incorporating Waste Glass Cullet and Snail Shell Powder: Workability and Strength Characteristics
Publication Name: Buildings
Publication Date: 2025-07-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 13
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study investigates the combined use of waste glass cullet (WGC) and snail shell powder (SSP) as a sustainable binary cementitious system to enhance the mechanical performance and durability of concrete, particularly for rigid pavement applications. Nine concrete mixes were formulated: a control mix, four mixes with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% WGC as partial cement replacement, and four corresponding mixes with 1% SSP addition. Slump, compressive strength, and flexural strength were evaluated at various curing ages. Results showed that while WGC reduced workability due to its angular morphology (slump decreased from 30 mm to 20 mm at 20% WGC), the inclusion of SSP slightly mitigated this reduction (21 mm at 20% WGC + 1% SSP). At 28 days, compressive strength increased from 40.0 MPa (control) to 45.0 MPa with 20% WGC and further to 48.0 MPa with the addition of SSP. Flexural strength also improved from 7.0 MPa (control) to 7.8 MPa with both WGC and SSP. These improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and supported by correlation analysis, which revealed a strong inverse relationship between WGC content and slump (r = −0.97) and strong positive correlations between early and later-age strength. Microstructural analyses (SEM/EDX) confirmed enhanced matrix densification and pozzolanic activity. The findings demonstrate that up to 20% WGC with 1% SSP not only enhances strength development but also provides a viable, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative for producing durable, load-bearing, and sustainable concrete for rigid pavements and infrastructure applications. This approach supports circular economic principles by valorizing industrial and biogenic waste streams in civil construction.
Open Access: Yes
Slant shear tests and fuzzy logic integration for evaluating shear bond strength in SCC and FRSCC repair applications
Publication Name: Case Studies in Construction Materials
Publication Date: 2025-07-01
Volume: 22
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study examines the interfacial bond characteristics of twenty mix proportions, comprising ten self-compacting concrete (SCC) and ten fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete (FRSCC) formulations, the latter enhanced with 0.1 % polypropylene fibers for repair applications. Initially, experiments such as slump flow, 28-day compressive strength, and tensile strength tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the repair layers intended for use in slant shear tests. The primary focus of the research then shifted to determining shear bond strength (SBS) and calculating interfacial cohesion and friction angles using slant shear tests across various inclination angles on these mix proportions applied over a normal vibrated concrete (NVC) substrate. Notably, FRSCC mixtures with 10 % microsilica exhibited notable enhancements, showing increased cohesion of 8.28 MPa and a tensile strength increase of 24.50 % compared to their SCC counterparts. Additionally, a general trend was observed where FRSCC mixtures demonstrated higher cohesion values compared to SCC, underscoring the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement. Furthermore, the research introduces a novel predictive model employing a fuzzy system with a generalized Mamdani's interference engine and Hamacher family of t-norms to accurately predict the SBS, achieving a predictive accuracy with an R2 value up to 0.94. Employing the fuzzy model, characterized by its high predictive accuracy, can significantly reduce the frequency of experimental tests required in the field, thereby lowering construction testing costs and enhancing repair efficiency. These findings not only advance our understanding of SCC and FRSCC behaviors in repair scenarios but also contribute significantly to the development of more reliable and sustainable construction practices by improving the precision of SBS predictions in theoretical modeling and empirical testing.
Open Access: Yes
SDG adoption and firm risk: The impact of ESG performance, investor confidence, and agency cost
Publication Name: International Review of Economics and Finance
Publication Date: 2025-07-01
Volume: 101
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study investigates the nexus between firm-level Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) adoption and firm risk using a unique dataset of National Stock Exchange (NSE) 500 companies from 2019 to 2024. It constructs a novel SDG adoption index to assess this relationship and reveals a noteworthy reduction in firm risk associated with SDG adoption. The results remain robust after a battery of robustness checks, including endogeneity concerns using 2SLS IV and system GMM and sample selection bias through Heckman's two-stage methods. Furthermore, the mechanism test indicates that SDG adoption reduces firm risk by enhancing investor confidence, improving ESG performance, and reducing agency costs. In addition, heterogeneity analyses demonstrate that the impact is more accentuated for enterprises with higher information asymmetry, higher board gender diversity, and non-state ownership. The results carry significant implications for investors, corporations, and policymakers seeking to mitigate risk and foster sustainable practices, particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging markets.
Open Access: Yes
Effect of Fermented Feed on Growth Performance and Gut Health of Broilers: A Review
Publication Name: Animals
Publication Date: 2025-07-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 13
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The fermented feed used in broiler production has gained significant attention for its potential to improve growth performance, enhance gut health, and modulate gut microbiota. This review synthesized findings on the effects of both solid and liquid fermented feed in broilers. Fermentation processes enhance nutrient bioavailability; reduce anti-nutritional factors; and generate beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which contribute to gut health. Incorporating fermented feed in broiler diets has been shown to improve weight gain, the feed conversion ratio, and nutrient absorption by promoting favorable gut morphology changes, including an increased villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratios. Additionally, fermented feed fosters a beneficial microbial environment by increasing lactic acid bacteria populations while reducing pathogenic microbes. Fermentation also modulates gut immunity by regulating cytokine production and stimulating immune cell activity. However, challenges such as inconsistent effects on feed intake and growth during the early production stages underscore the need for optimizing fermentation protocols tailored to broiler production systems. Although the implementation of liquid fermented feed presents logistical challenges, research suggests it can significantly improve feed digestibility. Advances in precision fermentation techniques and multi-strain inoculant use hold promise for further improving fermented feed efficacy. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term impacts, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of fermented feed in commercial poultry systems. Overall, fermented feed offers a promising strategy to enhance productivity and sustainability in broiler farming while reducing the reliance on conventional feed additives. This review reflects the body of knowledge at the time of writing.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/ani15131957
Load optimisation of cogeneration system via P-graph framework considering variable output-input ratios
Publication Name: Energy
Publication Date: 2025-07-01
Volume: 326
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Load optimisation within the cogeneration system is crucial in enhancing energy efficiency. Instead of constructing the mathematical optimisation model or applying the commercial utility optimisation software with a licensing fee, this study proposes a holistic P-graph method to model and optimise the cogeneration system using the free and user-friendly software, P-graph Studio. To consider actual performance of unit operations, novel slope-constant element is introduced in the P-graph structure to adapt the variable output-input ratios in the form of linear performance model with non-zero constant. This overcomes the functionality of the conventional P-graph structure that only considers fixed output-input ratio. A case study of an industrial cogeneration system is optimised using the proposed P-graph method, resulting in 1.24 % reduction of operating cost and CO2 emission: equivalent to savings of RM 12,822,300/year and 4,300 tonnes CO2 emission/year. Two operating strategies are proposed to revise the optimal operating method by modifying the P-graph superstructure to ensure adequacy of the utility margin in meeting the potential maximum utility demand. The operating cost saving of 0.53 % is achieved after revision to meet both operational efficiency and reliability of the cogeneration system which results in savings of RM 5,454,900/year and 1,800 tonnes CO2 emission/year.
Open Access: Yes
Experimental Validation and Optimization of a Hydrogen–Gasoline Dual-Fuel Combustion Model in a Spark Ignition Engine with a Moderate Hydrogen Ratio
Publication Name: Energies
Publication Date: 2025-07-01
Volume: 18
Issue: 13
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Hydrogen–gasoline dual-fuel spark ignition (SI) engines represent a promising transitional solution toward cleaner combustion and reduced carbon emissions. In a previous study, a predictive engine model was developed to simulate the performance and combustion characteristics of such systems; however, its accuracy was constrained by the use of estimated combustion parameters. This study presents an experimental validation based on high-resolution in-cylinder pressure measurements performed on a naturally aspirated SI engine operating with a 20% hydrogen energy share. The objectives are twofold: (1) to refine the combustion model using empirically derived combustion metrics, and (2) to evaluate the feasibility of moderate hydrogen enrichment in a stock engine configuration. To facilitate a more accurate understanding of how key combustion parameters evolve under different operating conditions, Vibe function was fitted to the ensemble-averaged heat release rate curves computed from 100 consecutive engine cycles at each static full-load operating point. This approach enabled the extraction of stable and representative metrics, including the mass fraction burned at 50% (MFB50) and combustion duration, which were then used to recalibrate the predictive combustion model. In addition, cycle-to-cycle variation and combustion duration were also investigated in the dual-fuel mode. The combustion duration exhibited a consistent and substantial reduction across all of the examined operating points when compared to pure gasoline operation. Furthermore, the cycle-to-cycle variation difference remained statistically insignificant, indicating that the introduction of 20% hydrogen did not adversely affect combustion stability. In addition to improving model accuracy, this work investigates the occurrence of abnormal combustion phenomena—including backfiring, auto-ignition, and knock—under enriched conditions. The results confirm that 20% hydrogen blends can be safely utilized in standard engine architectures, yielding faster combustion and reduced burn durations. The validated model offers a reliable foundation for further dual-fuel optimization and supports the broader integration of hydrogen into conventional internal combustion platforms.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/en18133501
Investigation of the Effect of a New Type of Copper–Sucrose Complex Compound on the Yield and Quality Parameters of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Publication Name: Agronomy
Publication Date: 2025-07-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 7
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
We conducted experiments on winter wheat grown in copper-deficient soil, where soil tests revealed a more pronounced deficiency in the deeper layers. As climate change reduces precipitation, plants increasingly rely on nutrients from these deeper layers. A copper–sucrose complex—previously unused in agriculture—was applied as a foliar spray during the tillering and flowering stages. Across the three-year average, significant increases were observed starting from the 1 kg ha−1 copper dose in yield, from 0.3 kg ha−1 in crude protein content, and from 0.5 kg ha−1 in wet gluten content compared to the untreated control. For all three parameters, the highest values were achieved with the 2 kg ha−1 dose. Yield increased by 1.03 t ha−1, crude protein by 0.9%, and wet gluten by 2.3% relative to the control. In 2019, high humidity and favorable temperatures during flowering led to fungal infections in control plots, with DON toxin concentrations exceeding the regulatory safety threshold. Following copper–sucrose complex application, DON levels dropped below this threshold, demonstrating a measurable protective effect.
Open Access: Yes
The Impact of Rainwater Quality Harvested from Asbestos Cement Roofs on Leaf Temperature in Solanum lycopersicum as a Plant Water Stress Indicator
Publication Name: Water Switzerland
Publication Date: 2025-07-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 14
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Rainwater harvesting (abbreviation: RWH) presents a valuable alternative water source for agriculture, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. However, contaminants leaching from roofing materials, such as asbestos cement (abbreviation: AC), may compromise water quality and affect plant physiological responses. This paper aimed to assess how simulated rainwater, reflecting the different levels of contamination (1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L), influences leaf temperature in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum), a known non-invasive indicator of plant water stress. The treatments were applied over a four-week period under controlled greenhouse conditions. Leaf temperature was monitored using infrared thermography. Results showed that higher treatment concentrations led to a significant increase in leaf temperature, indicating elevated water stress. These findings suggest that even low levels of contaminants originating from roofing materials can induce detectable physiological stress in plants. Monitoring leaf temperature offers a rapid and non-destructive method for assessing environmental water quality impacts on crops. The outcomes of this research have direct applicability in the safer design of RWH systems and in evaluating the suitability of collected rainwater for irrigation use.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/w17142070
Cost Efficiency Evaluation of Ceramic Fiber, Glass Fiber, and Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Mixtures
Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland
Publication Date: 2025-07-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 14
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The performance of SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene) modified asphalt mixtures can be enhanced through the addition of fibers including basalt, ceramic, and glass. This study investigates whether a reduced SBS content of 3%, combined with 0.3% fiber reinforcement can match or exceed the performance of a traditional 7% SBS mixture. A comparative analysis was carried out by examining both performance efficiency and life cycle costs across ceramic, basalt, and glass fiber-reinforced mixtures. Maintenance requirements for each scenario were factored into the life cycle analysis. To assess structural integrity, 3D finite element simulations were conducted using the Burger’s logit model while focusing on fatigue and rutting damage. Findings indicate that basalt and ceramic fiber mixtures deliver better asphalt mixtures, thereby outperforming the 7% SBS mix by requiring fewer maintenance interventions. However, due to the higher cost of ceramic fiber mixtures at 831 Eur/m3, basalt fiber emerges as the more cost-effective option, achieving a performance efficiency gain of 20% with reduced costs at 532 Eur/m3. Among the fiber-reinforced variants, glass fiber showed the least improvement in performance, with a difference in 11% and 13% when compared to ceramic fiber and basal fiber, respectively.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/app15147919
