Concrete has become a cornerstone of modern construction, serving as the foundational material for a myriad of structures ranging from high-rise buildings to critical infrastructure like bridges and parking facilities. While reinforced concrete is lauded for its strength and longevity, it is not invincible. A significant challenge faced by civil engineers involves the deterioration of
Technology
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the picturesque landscapes of North Carolina’s mountains have been transformed into a scene of despair and disarray. Power lines lay shattered, roads have been rendered impassable, and thousands of residents find themselves cut off from essential services. Among these individuals, Bobby Renfro’s story echoes the plight of many—a retired
The social media landscape has evolved rapidly, presenting new challenges and risks, particularly for younger users. In a recent summit attended by Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland, the Australian government’s proposed social media ban was highlighted, aiming to curb the accessibility of these platforms to children under 14. While the initiative has sparked conversations
The gaming landscape has undergone quite a transformation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, influencing not only how people engage with gaming but also how developers and manufacturers respond to consumer demands. The impending release of the PlayStation 5 Pro serves as a case study of these evolving dynamics, juxtaposing state-of-the-art technology with the
In recent years, the quest for energy efficiency within residential heating systems has become increasingly pressing. A noteworthy contribution to this field is a study published in *Engineering*, titled “Indoor Thermal Environment Improvement Based on Switchable Radiation/Convection-Combined Intermittent Heating: Comparison between Conventional Terminals and Integrated Novel Terminal.” This research presents an innovative heating terminal designed
The impending closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, heralds a significant moment in the country’s energy history. Scheduled for Monday, this closure makes the United Kingdom the first member of the G7 to completely abandon coal as a source of electricity generation. The shift illustrates a broader commitment to environmental sustainability, as
The relentless pursuit of advanced battery technologies has become a cornerstone of modern energy solutions, driving innovation across various industries, particularly electric vehicles and portable electronics. The primary goal of researchers is to engineer batteries that can hold more power, recharge at unprecedented speeds, maintain their charge for longer durations, and withstand the test of
The changing landscape of energy policy in the United States prompts an urgent need for state regulators to rethink how they oversee gas and electric utilities. As policies increasingly favor electrification and renewable energy sources to combat climate change, competition between gas and electric utilities intensifies. A recent white paper from scholars at Stanford University
On a typical Monday morning, many Verizon customers across the United States found themselves grappling with unexpected cellphone service disruptions. Reports surged from customers indicating a widespread outage, affecting tens of thousands as they were disconnected from essential communication services. The outage peaked around 11 a.m. ET, with outage tracking service DownDetector documenting over 100,000
As cities continue to expand, the phenomenon known as the “urban heat island” effect becomes increasingly pronounced. This effect leads to urban areas absorbing and retaining more heat than their rural counterparts, creating a significant rise in ambient temperatures. The consequences of this temperature increase can be dire, resulting in heat-related illnesses and even fatalities.