Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of 11 supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) in mitigating alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete using the miniature concrete prism test (MCPT). Seven reactive aggregates were used in combination with SCMs at several dosages to produce and test 64 concrete mixtures. All SCMs, even those with high alkalis, reduced ASR expansion; however, their effectiveness varied significantly. While the SCM’s pozzolanic reactivity (measured using the R 3 test) is an important parameter, it did not consistently explain SCM’s performance against ASR during MCPT. In contrast, since MCPT relies on diffusion of ions from the alkali bath into concrete specimens, the ability of an SCM to increase the electrical resistivity of concrete (i.e., reduce ion diffusivity) was strongly correlated with the measured ASR expansions. Regression analysis demonstrated that the 56 day MCPT expansion of concrete containing SCM is strongly correlated with a 10 day electrical resistivity of the concrete specimen and the MCPT expansion of the aggregate in a control mixture without SCM (which indicates the aggregate reactivity tier). These findings suggest that electrical resistivity may serve as an early indicator of MCPT expansion and may help reduce the time needed to assess adequate SCM dosages for ASR mitigation.
Combined heat and power (CHP)-centered microgrids are sensitive to electric and heating load forecast uncertainty in day-ahead scheduling, yet such uncertainty is often represented using fixed-percentage margins that do not reflect observed forecast-error behavior. This paper proposes a data-driven robust unit commitment and economic dispatch (UC/ED) framework that links forecast-performance-based uncertainty characterization with coupled electric–thermal scheduling. Seasonal uncertainty bounds are derived from actual-to-forecast ratios using empirical directional quantiles, providing separate downward and upward deviations for electric and heating demands. These asymmetric bounds are incorporated into a robust mixed-integer optimization model with independent electric and heating uncertainty budgets and are evaluated under both upward and downward deviations. The framework co-optimizes CHP units, battery energy storage, photovoltaic generation, and grid transactions over a 24-h scheduling horizon. A four-season case study using residential building data demonstrates substantial variation in forecast uncertainty, ranging from narrow autumn bounds of [−3.76%,+5.39%] for electric demand and [−4.55%,+4.40%] for heating demand to spring bounds of [−29.91%,+40.66%] and [−45.28%,+43.23%], respectively. Comparison with a conventional fixed ±15% benchmark shows that a uniform margin can overstate uncertainty in low-error seasons while understating its operational impact when empirical deviations are larger. The resulting operating-cost responses also vary with uncertainty direction and electric–thermal budget allocation, demonstrating the importance of preserving seasonal, directional, and load-specific forecast-error characteristics in robust microgrid scheduling.
Viologens (N-mono- and N,N '-disubstituted-4,4 '-bipyridiniums) are among the most extensively studied redox-active materials due to their reversible electrochemical reduction into deeply colored radical species, making them attractive for electrochromic applications. However, most research has focused on solution-based systems or amorphous polymer composites, which limits their integration into electronic devices. To expand their application range, we incorporated electrochemically active monosubstituted viologens into a crystalline solid-state framework as building blocks of a permanently porous metal-organic framework (MOF), {[Ni3F(cpb)(3)(bdc)(1.5)]& centerdot;guests}(n) (Hcpb & centerdot;Cl = 1-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4 '-bipyridinium chloride; H(2)bdc = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid). We demonstrate that this MOF can be grown as thin films on conductive substrates via a simple solvent-mediated process. The MOF's high void space (>80%) enables efficient ionic mobility for reversible switching between transparent and colored states at a low driving voltage of 1.0 V. While electrochromic behavior in viologen-based MOFs has been rarely explored, this work represents one of the first examples of a permanently porous viologen MOF exhibiting robust and reversible electrochromism. The synergy between nanoporosity, which facilitates electrolyte penetration, and the redox-active ligand's low-voltage response positions this material as a promising candidate for smart windows and electrochromic display technologies
Objective: Children who witness intimate partner violence (IPV) from caregivers are at a higher risk of maltreatment. Despite their interconnected nature, child maltreatment (CM) and IPV have often been studied and addressed in isolation, overlooking the complexity of "polyvictimization"-the multifaceted victimization experienced by many children. This study investigates the concurrence of maternal IPV victimization and mother-perpetrated CM, with a focus on identifying profiles of dual exposure, associated risk factors, and examining the long-term effects on children's behavioral regulation. Method: To identify patterns of co-occurrence in various forms of CM at age 3, a person-centered approach utilizing latent class analysis was applied. Data were extracted from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2,192). We used mothers' self-reported IPV experiences and maternal CM behaviors, including only those who reported at least one of the two forms. Results: Five classes emerged: (a) maternal emotional IPV only (53.7%), (b) maternal emotional IPV and psychological CM (27.8%), (c) maternal emotional IPV and neglect (10.9%), (d) maternal emotional IPV and physical CM (4.5%), and (e) maternal multifaceted IPV and neglect (3.0%). Factors distinguishing classes included maternal depression, parenting stress, material hardship, child sex, and neighborhood violence. Children's behavioral regulation at ages 5 and 9 varied across classes. Children exposed only to emotional IPV demonstrate relatively higher behavioral regulation compared to those experiencing more severe or multifaceted adversity. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the necessity of targeted, trauma-informed interventions to address the unique combinations of maternal IPV and CM. Mitigating contextual risk factors is crucial for reducing IPV and CM.
Advanced membrane technologies are promising for improving the efficiency and sustainability of energy-intensive chemical processes. In the Haber-Bosch process, membranes can reduce reliance on condensation and refrigeration units, lowering energy use and CO2 emissions. Inorganic NH3-permeable membranes provide better thermal stability than polymeric membranes for high-temperature applications. Recent studies show that ZnCl2-immobilized molten salt (IMS) membranes achieve NH3/N2 and NH3/H2 selectivities over 107 at similar to 300 degrees C. Previous research focused only on atmospheric pressure for total feed pressure. This study uniquely explores the NH3 separation properties of ZnCl2 IMS membranes under high-pressure conditions. The IMS membrane was prepared by forming a molten ZnCl2 in and above the pores of stainless-steel wire mesh supports. Characterization via TG-DTG-DSC techniques revealed that ZnCl2 could be used for IMS membranes between 310 and 400 degrees C without experiencing extreme thermal degradation. NH3 permeation tests were carried out on the IMS membrane using feed gas of NH3/N2 mixtures at pressures up to 450 kPa and helium sweep gas in the permeate at the same pressures. By maintaining equal total pressure at the retentate and permeate side, the IMS membrane exhibited an NH3 permeance of similar to 400 GPU at a total feed pressure of 450 kPa with NH3/N2 mixtures.
