Search Results (323)

This work investigated the ion exchange technique for selective separation of rare earth elements (REE) from acid mine drainage (AMD), using different column systems, pH values, and eluent concentrations. Systematic analysis of pH and eluent concentration showed that an initial pH of 6.0 and 0.02 mol L⁻¹ NH₄EDTA are the optimal conditions, achieving 98.4% heavy REE purity in the initial stage (0 to 10 bed volumes). This represents a 32-fold increase compared to the original AMD (6.7% heavy REE). The speciation of REE and impurities was determined by Visual Minteq 4.0 software using pH 2.0, which corresponds to the pH at the inlet of the fractionation column. Under this condition, La and Nd and the impurities (Ca, Mg, and Mn) remained in the fractionation column, while Al was partially retained. In addition, the heavy REE (Y and Dy) were mainly in the form of REE-EDTA complexes and not as free cations, which made fractionation more feasible. The fractionation column minimized impurities, retaining 100% of Ca and 67% of Al, generating a liquor concentrated in heavy REE. This sustainable approach adopted herein meets the critical needs for scalable recovery of REE from diluted effluents, representing a circular economy strategy for critical metals. Full article

This work presents the development of a functional real-time SLAM system designed to enhance the perception capabilities of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) using only a 2D LiDAR sensor. The proposal aims to address recurring gaps in the literature, such as the need for low-complexity solutions that are independent of auxiliary sensors and capable of operating on embedded platforms with limited computational resources. The system integrates scan alignment techniques based on the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm. Experimental validation in a controlled environment indicated better performance using Gauss–Newton optimization and the point-to-plane metric, achieving pose estimation accuracy of 99.42%, 99.6%, and 99.99% in the position ($x$, $y$) and orientation ($\theta$) components, respectively. Subsequently, the system was adapted for operation with data from the onboard sensor, integrating a lightweight graphical interface for real-time visualization of scans, estimated pose, and the evolving map. Despite the moderate update rate, the system proved effective for robotic applications, enabling coherent localization and progressive environment mapping. The modular architecture developed allows for future extensions such as trajectory planning and control. The proposed solution provides a robust and adaptable foundation for mobile platforms, with potential applications in industrial automation, academic research, and education in mobile robotics. Full article

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a widely used composite manufacturing process where liquid resin is injected into a closed mold filled with a fibrous preform. By applying this process, large pieces with complex shapes can be produced on an industrial scale, presenting excellent properties and quality. A true physical phenomenon occurring in the RTM process, especially when using vegetable fibers, is related to the absorption of resin by the fiber during the infiltration process. The real effect is related to the slowdown in the advance of the fluid flow front, increasing the mold filling time. This phenomenon is little explored in the literature, especially for non-isothermal conditions. In this sense, this paper does a numerical study of the liquid injection process in a closed and heated mold. The proposed mathematical modeling considers the radial, three-dimensional, and transient flow, variable injection pressure, and fluid viscosity, including the effect of liquid fluid absorption by the reinforcement (fiber). Simulations were carried out using Computational Fluid Dynamic tools. The numerical results of the filling time were compared with experimental results, and a good approximation was obtained. Further, the pressure, temperature, velocity, and volumetric fraction fields, as well as the transient history of the fluid front position and injection fluid volumetric flow rate, are presented and analyzed. Full article

Background/Objectives: An accurate evaluation of variant actionability is essential in cancer management. In Von Hippel–Lindau Syndrome (VHL), the interpretation of the germline variants is confounded by the presence of non-syndromic component tumors, such as clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), hemangioblastoma, pheochromocytoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. These tumors frequently occur sporadically, without any association with VHL syndrome. The presence of these tumors in a patient with a germline VHL variant could lead to inaccurate attribution of these tumors to the germline variant and VHL syndrome. In our previous INT²GRATE (INTegrated INTerpretation of GeRmline And Tumor gEnomes) programs, we demonstrated that integrating tumor-derived and germline evidence offers a comprehensive approach for the accurate assessment of the germline variants in cancer syndromes. Methods/Results: Here, we present a novel INT²GRATE variant evidence framework (VEF) for evaluating the clinical actionability of the germline variants in VHL syndrome, offering an integrated approach that incorporates both constitutional and tumor data. We analyzed 2672 variants in the VHL gene and their associated tumors and clinical evidence to effectively distinguish between constitutional, sporadic, VHL differentials, and VHL allelic genetic conditions. The germline INT²GRATE variants, along with their comprehensive associated evidence, were made accessible in the first open-access INT²GRATE Variant data Portal. Conclusions: This novel and integrated approach to variant assessment and data sharing in hereditary cancer syndromes is essential in the clinical evaluation of genomic variants, advancing precision oncology, and improving patient care. Full article

The lymphocyte-specific transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a key player in immune evasion in cancers, with the complex mechanism(s) being barely understood. In this study, we have focused on the role of IRF4 in regulating T cell functions through its transcriptional regulation of programmed death 1 (PD1) and its ligand PD1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), which were identified as IRF4 transcriptional targets in multi-omics analysis. We have shown that IRF4 transcriptionally regulates both PD1 and PD-L1, promoting immune suppression in the context of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Co-culturing EBV+ JiJoye lymphoma cells with CD4+ T cells or with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) downregulates CD4+ T cell functions, but the depletion of IRF4 in EBV+ JiJoye lymphoma cells reduces PD1 and PD-L1 expression, and partially restores CD4+ T cell functions. Moreover, CD4+ T cell depletion from PBMCs enhances EBV transformation, and EBV has a greater efficiency in transforming PBMCs from HIV patients with impaired CD4+ T cell functions. These findings support the role of IRF4 in immune evasion by upregulating PD1/PD-L1 during EBV transformation, and that functional CD4+ T cells are essential for limiting EBV transformation. Full article

In this work, we introduce a new subclass of bi-univalent functions using the $(p,q)$-derivative operator and the concept of subordination to generalized Laguerre polynomials ${\mathbb{L}}_t^{\varsigma }\left(k\right)$, which satisfy the differential equation $k{y}^{″}+(1+\varsigma -k)y^{\prime }+ty=0,$ with $1+\varsigma >0$, $k\in \mathbb{R}$, and $t\ge 0$. We focus on functions that blend the geometric features of starlike and convex mappings in a symmetric setting. The main goal is to estimate the initial coefficients of functions in this new class. Specifically, we obtain sharp upper bounds for $|a_2|$ and $|a_3|$ and for the Fekete–Szegö functional $|a_3-\eta a_2^2|$ for some real number $\eta$. In the final section, we explore several special cases that arise from our general results. These results contribute to the ongoing development of bi-univalent function theory in the context of $(p,q)$-calculus. Full article

The two-parameter $(p,q)$-operators are a new family of operators in calculus that have shown their capabilities in modeling various systems in recent years. Following this path, in this paper, we present a new construction of the Langevin equation using two-parameter $(p,q)$-Caputo derivatives. For this new Langevin equation, equivalently, we obtain the solution structure as a post-quantum integral equation and then conduct an existence analysis via a fixed-point-based approach. The use of theorems such as the Krasnoselskii and Leray–Schauder fixed-point theorems will guarantee the existence of solutions to this equation, whose uniqueness is later proven by Banach’s contraction principle. Finally, we provide three examples in different structures and validate the results numerically. Full article

Background: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overactive in many tumors. This phase I trial evaluated the safety and preliminary efficacy of afatinib plus capecitabine in refractory pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), biliary tract cancers (BTC), and other solid tumors. Patients and Methods: The phase Ia study had a 3 + 3 design with capecitabine 1000 mg/m² twice daily on days 1–14 and afatinib 20 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg daily in 21-day cycles. In phase Ib, 15 patients, each with PDA and BTC, were treated at maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Results: A total of 41 patients were enrolled. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and the MTD was 40 mg afatinib plus capecitabine. Among 36 response-evaluable patients, one had a partial response (3%), and eight (22%) had stable disease. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 1.9 months (95% CI 1.0, 2.0) for PDA and 1.9 months (95% CI 1.6, 3.4) for BTC. Median overall survival (OS) was 3.2 months (95% CI 2.0, 5.8) for PDA, and 4.6 months (95% CI 1.9, 6.1) for BTC. Median OS was 5.8 months (95% CI 2.0, 9.6) for KRAS^WT PDA, and 5.0 months (95% CI 1.6, 6.1) for KRAS^WT BTC, vs. 3.9 months (95% CI 1.9, 5.8) for KRAS^MUT PDA and 3.1 months (95% CI 1.0, 22.8) for KRAS^MUT BTC, respectively. Conclusions: Afatinib plus capecitabine is tolerable but does not have clinically meaningful efficacy in refractory PDA/BTC. Future studies should test novel anti-EGFR/HER2 therapies in KRAS^WT cancers further selected with a comprehensive molecular profile. Full article

Biocomposites are defined as eco-friendly materials from an environmental point of view. Because of the importance of this class of materials, their study is important, especially in moist and heated conditions. In this sense, this work aims to evaluate the transient behavior of moisture absorption and mechanical performance of biocomposites composed of a matrix of high-density biopolyethylene (originated from ethanol produced from sugarcane) filled with curauá vegetable fiber and organophilic montmorillonite clay. For this purpose, dry biocomposites filled with organophilic montmorillonite clay and curauá fiber (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were prepared using a hand lay-up technique and subjected to moisture absorption and mechanical (flexural and impact tests) characterizations at different times. The experiments were carried out at water bath temperatures of 30 °C and 70 °C. The results have proven the strong influence of chemical composition and temperature on the moisture absorption behavior of biocomposites across time. For a higher percentage of reinforcement on the polymeric matrix, a higher moisture migration rate was verified, reaching a higher hygroscopic equilibrium condition at 16.9% for 5 wt.% of curauá fiber and 10.25% for 5 wt.% of montmorillonite clay particles. In contrast, the mechanical properties of all of the biocomposites were strongly reduced with an increasing moisture content, especially at higher fiber content and water bath temperature conditions. The innovative aspects of this research are related to the study of a new material and its transient mechanical behavior in dry and wet conditions. Full article

The present study explored the combined effects of CC (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw.) and full-fat corn germ (FFCG) as a source of supplementary PUFA on milk fatty acid (FA) composition of dairy goats fed elephant grass (EG). Twelve Saanen goats were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (GC or FFCG as energy sources, and the inclusion or not of CC in the diet as a partial substitute for EG). The proportions of various milk FAs were influenced by CC, FFCG, or both. Significant interactions between CC and FFCG were noted for most trans-C18:1 and CLA isomers. Specifically, including CC in the FFCG-supplemented diet increased the levels of trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat, whereas these isomers were unchanged or slightly reduced with CC in the GC diet. Similar patterns were observed for C18:2 n-6, while C16:0 increased with CC in the GC diet. Ratios of trans-C18:1/C18:0 and trans-11 C18:1/C18:0 were notably higher when CC was included in the FFCG-supplemented diet. These findings suggest that CC inhibits the last step of rumen biohydrogenation in dairy goats, enriching milk with trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA when supplementary PUFA is provided in the diet. Full article

Maintaining optimal hydration is critical for physiological function, particularly during intense physical activities, in which dehydration or overhydration can impair performance and recovery. Traditional methods for monitoring hydration status, such as body weight changes, bioelectrical impedance, and urine specific gravity, are limited by inconvenience and lack of real-time capability. This study introduces a novel graphene-based dual-sensing electrochemical sensor for the rapid and non-invasive quantification of sodium and potassium concentrations in human sweat, key biomarkers of hydration status. Leveraging graphene’s exceptional conductivity and functionalization potential, the sensor employs open-circuit potentiometry (OCP) to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting sodium and potassium. The sensor performance was validated against that of a commercial analyzer and ICP-OES, demonstrating a near-Nernstian response (61.93 mV/decade for sodium and 61.21 mV/decade for potassium detection) and a linear detection range spanning from 0.1 mM to 100 mM for both sodium and potassium monitoring in sweat. Sweat samples from an athlete during endurance exercise confirmed the sensor’s reliability, with results closely matching those of ICP-OES and outperforming the commercial analyzer in regards to accuracy and sample efficiency. This work represents a cross-validated study of a sweat-based sensor with a second analytical technique, highlighting its potential as a real-time hydration monitoring tool for use in sports and beyond. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the Netherlands, selective ultrasound (US) screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) typically occurs at 3 months of age. During the COVID-19 pandemic, US screening was temporarily halted in Dutch hospitals, with consequent delay in DDH screening and possibly inferior outcomes in DDH patients. Methods: We analyzed 1849 infants screened for DDH during the COVID-19 pandemic (March–August 2020) and 1663 infants screened before the pandemic (March–August 2019). We compared mean age and timing of screening (standard vs. delayed (delayed defined as ≥15 weeks)). For secondary outcomes, we compared DDH patients with delayed screening to standard screening, assessing severity at diagnosis, treatment method and duration, and outcomes at the age of one year, including acetabular index (AI) on radiographs. Results: Mean age at screening was 17.3 weeks during the COVID-19 crisis (2020) vs. 15.8 weeks in the 2019 cohort (mean difference 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–1.8, p < 0.001). Delayed screening occurred in 57.6% of infants in 2020 vs. 36.7% in 2019 (p < 0.001). Patients with DDH with delayed screening (n = 284), compared to standard screening (n = 284), did not differ in mean alpha angle at diagnosis (55.0° vs. 54.4°, mean difference 0.6, 95% CI −0.06–1.25, p = 0.08) and AI at one year (24.0° vs. 24.5°, mean difference −0.5, 95% CI −1.05–0.14, p = 0.13). Conclusions: This study revealed that disruption of healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a delay in the Dutch DDH-screening program. However, in this study, delayed screening was not associated with inferior outcomes at the age of one year. Full article

Spray drying (SD) is widely used for fruit powder production, but hygroscopic compounds can affect flowability and cause stickiness. This study evaluated rice protein and rice starch as encapsulating agents during SD of blueberry pulp (BPP and BPS, respectively), combined with ozone aeration (BPP-O3 and BPS-O3), focusing on physical, morphological, structural, and bioactive properties, as well as 56-day stability. The process yield was 55.26% (BPP) and 52.5% (BPS) (p < 0.05). All microparticles had low moisture (<5.03%) and water activity (<0.21%). BPP had higher phenolic (308.60 mg GAE/100 g) and anthocyanin content (85.26 mg/100 g), while BPS had more flavonoids (33.84 mg CE/100 g). Ozone treatment increased solubility (89.10–91.27%) and reduced hygroscopicity (9.25–10.06%). Morphological analysis revealed that BPP produced smaller, uniform particles (11.70 µm), whereas BPS generated larger (16.67 µm) and more agglomerated particles. Ozone improved sphericity, reduced agglomeration, and enhanced flow properties. FT-IR analysis indicated no new functional groups but a reduction in absorbance bands. Ozone also enhanced the stability of bioactive compounds, reducing anthocyanin and flavonoid degradation over 56 days. Overall, BPP-O3 is a promising approach for producing functional powders with enhanced stability and physical properties, suitable for food applications. Full article

Taylor expansion is a remarkable tool with broad applications in analysis, science, engineering, and mathematics. In this manuscript, we derive a proof of generalized Taylor expansion for polynomials and write its particular case in symmetric quantum calculus. In addition, we define a novel type of calculus that is called symmetric $(\mathit{p},\mathit{q})$- or dual basic symmetric quantum calculus. Moreover, we derive a symmetric $(\mathit{p},\mathit{q})$-Taylor expansion for polynomials based on this calculus. After that, we investigate Taylor’s formulae through an example. Furthermore, we define symmetric definite $(\mathit{p},\mathit{q})$-integral and derive a fundamental law of symmetric $(\mathit{p},\mathit{q})$-calculus. Finally, we derive the symmetric $(\mathit{p},\mathit{q})$-Cauchy formula for integrals that enables us to construct the fractional perspectives of $(\mathit{p},\mathit{q})$-symmetric integrals. Full article

This study investigates the combined effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and silica fume on the workability, microstructure, thermal stability, and compressive strength of concrete. The addition of these admixtures slightly reduced slump performance due to their reinforcing effect. However, the concrete remained within the medium workability range. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) confirmed the successful integration of MWCNT and silica fume. The analysis revealed improved matrix densification and stronger interfacial bonding. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provided further insights into the material’s thermal stability and chemical interactions. These microstructural and thermal improvements contributed to a 31.5% increase in compressive strength compared to the control mix. The findings highlight the synergistic role of MWCNT and silica fume in enhancing concrete performance. Full article