Search Results (7,318)

Lead-free tin-based perovskites, particularly CsSnI₃, offer a promising route toward environmentally benign photovoltaics, yet their device performance still lags behind lead-based counterparts. In this work, we perform a systematic SCAPS-1D simulation study on a planar heterojunction CsSnI₃ solar cell with a TiO₂ electron transport layer and a P3HT hole transport layer. We focus on the interplay between absorber-layer properties, acceptor doping concentration, thickness, defect density, carrier mobility, and parasitic resistances. Our results reveal that an optimal acceptor density around 10¹⁹ cm⁻³ balances built-in potential enhancement against Shockley–Read–Hall recombination, yielding the highest efficiency. Thicker absorbers improve light harvesting but aggravate bulk recombination, while defect densities above 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ cause catastrophic performance collapse. High carrier mobility (>1 cm²/V·s) is essential for efficient collection, and series resistance must be kept below 2 Ω·cm² to avoid fill factor degradation. Under optimized conditions, the device achieves a theoretical efficiency exceeding 27%, demonstrating the critical role of co-optimizing absorber parameters for high-performance, lead-free perovskite solar cells. Full article

High-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) generate useful thermal energy that can be recovered for additional power production. This study investigates an integrated HT-PEMFC–organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system by combining response surface methodology (RSM) with thermodynamic energy analysis. A 17-run response-surface design was used to quantify the effects of pressure, temperature, and current density on polarization voltage. Power density was derived directly from the RSM-predicted voltage using P_d = iE to preserve physical consistency. The electrochemical model was benchmarked against published phosphoric-acid-doped polybenzimidazole HT-PEMFC polarization data under comparable conditions. The constrained optimization identified an operating condition of 400 kPa, 443 K, and approximately 1.198 A cm⁻², giving a predicted voltage of 0.5395 V and a power density of approximately 0.6462 W cm⁻². This represents a 12.9% increase in power density relative to the adopted reference condition. Separately, the reference thermodynamic case produced 13.08 kW of gross HT-PEMFC stack electrical power and 15.45 kW of thermal output assumed available to the ORC. The available legacy R409A reference case was evaluated at an evaporator pressure of 2 MPa, yielding approximately 1.24 kW of ORC net power and a net thermal efficiency of about 8.02%. The resulting combined modeled electrical output was approximately 14.32 kW before unmodeled balance-of-plant auxiliary power consumption, with the ORC contribution corresponding to about 9.5% of the gross HT-PEMFC stack output. The results demonstrate the complementary potential of physically consistent HT-PEMFC operating-condition optimization and waste-heat recovery, while the ORC results remain specific to the retained R409A reference dataset. Full article

Background: The widespread use of portable electronic devices may involve prolonged exposure to altered cranio-cervical postures. This study investigated whether participants classified as HT+ and HT− according to a predefined operational classification differed in masticatory muscles recruitment. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 healthy adults (30 F, 20 M; mean age, 27 ± 5 years) classified into two operational groups. The HT+ group (n = 25) was defined by the simultaneous presence of portable electronic device use >8 h/day and habitual marked anterior head flexion, whereas the HT− operational group (n = 25) included participants who did not simultaneously meet both criteria. Participants underwent surface electromyography of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles during maximum voluntary clenching (MVC) in the neutral head posture and during anterior head flexion (approximately target range 40–60°) using the MyoWise device (MyoWise, Via Gran Sasso 18, 20008 Bareggio, Milan, Italy). Percentage Overlapping Coefficients, Asymmetry Index, Activity Index, Torque Index, and Impact were assessed. Between-group comparisons, within-group posture-related changes, and between-group comparisons of change scores (Δ) were performed using parametric or non-parametric tests according to data distribution. The between-group comparison of the Activity Index in the reference posture was predefined as the primary analysis, whereas secondary analyses were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) procedure. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for the primary analysis and at FDR-adjusted q < 0.05 for secondary analyses. Results: The Activity Index was significantly more negative in HT+ than in HT− participants in both the reference posture (p < 0.001) and during anterior head flexion (p = 0.003; q = 0.032). The Activity Index decreased significantly from the neutral head posture to anterior head flexion in both groups (HT+: q = 0.025; HT−: q = 0.002), whereas the magnitude of this change did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.101; q = 0.607). No other sEMG outcome remained significant after FDR correction. Conclusions: The HT+ operational group was associated with a distinct temporalis–masseter recruitment pattern in asymptomatic adults. The Activity Index emerged as the sEMG parameter most strongly associated with operational HT classification, indicating that the observed between-group differences primarily involved the relative recruitment balance between the jaw-elevator muscles. Full article

Asphalt mixtures are heterogeneous composite materials primarily composed of mineral aggregates and asphalt binder; depending on the mixture design, they may also incorporate reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and polymer-modified binders. Their long-term performance is governed by the rheological evolution of the asphalt binder and its interactions with surrounding composite constituents during aging. Existing laboratory long-term aging (LTA) protocols have been developed primarily to evaluate mixture cracking resistance; however, their ability to reproduce the high-temperature rheological evolution of recovered asphalt binders remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the fidelity of accelerated LTA protocols by comparing the high-temperature rheological response of binders recovered from plant-produced asphalt mixtures with the conventional benchmark of 85 °C for 5 days. Five mixtures, including one containing an unmodified PG 67-22 binder with RAP and four containing SBS-modified PG 76-22 binders with varying RAP contents, were characterized using continuous high-temperature performance grade (PG-HT), dynamic shear rheometer rutting parameter (|G*|/sinδ), zero-shear viscosity, multiple stress creep recovery, and interrupted shear flow. Among the investigated protocols, loose-mixture aging at 135 °C for 6 h showed the closest agreement with the benchmark rheological response, whereas 135 °C for 8 h and 120 °C for 20 h produced greater rheological stiffening relative to the benchmark. The unmodified PG 67-22 binder exhibited the greatest aging sensitivity, while SBS-modified binders showed closer agreement overall. Full article

Depression, characterized by persistent low mood and anhedonia, represents a prevalent affective disorder imposing substantial medical and economic burdens. Current first-line antidepressants are limited by delayed onset and treatment resistance. Psilocybin (PSI) has re-emerged as a promising therapeutic agent with rapid, sustained antidepressant effects. This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and prospectively registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD420261425626). Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect identified studies published between January 2021 and March 2026 that examined the antidepressant mechanisms and clinical efficacy of PSI. Of 949 records screened, 46 original studies were included. We synthesized evidence across the molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and clinical dimensions. Our findings suggest that psilocin, the active metabolite, may exert antidepressant effects through multilevel mechanisms, including 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (5-HT_2a) receptor activation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tropomyosin receptor kinase B(TrkB) signaling, hippocampal neurogenesis, and default mode network functional connectivity remodeling. Clinical trials confirm that single or limited-dose PSI (particularly 25 mg) rapidly and sustainably alleviates symptoms in treatment-resistant depression, with efficacy comparable or superior to that of escitalopram. This multilevel framework bridges mechanistic insights with clinical translation, supporting PSI as a novel therapeutic pathway for depression. Full article

This study presents a sustainable approach for developing multifunctional hyaluronic acid–TMSPMA hydrogel films incorporated with banana stem-derived carbon dots (BCDs) via gamma radiation. The solvent-free radiation process enables sterile synthesis, homogeneous crosslinking, and uniform BCD distribution. FTIR and XPS confirmed oxygen- and nitrogen-rich functional groups on BCDs; TGA demonstrated excellent thermal stability. The nanocomposite films (HT series) exhibited improved structural integrity, enhanced thermal resistance, and smooth compact morphology. Cytocompatibility verified non-toxicity and biocompatibility. Surface and barrier analyses indicated increased hydrophilicity and reduced oxygen/moisture permeability. The films showed strong antioxidant performance exceeding 60% (DPPH) and 70% (ABTS) radical scavenging for HT3, and a controlled, diffusion-mediated BCD release. In banana packaging, the films delayed ethylene and CO₂ evolution, prolonging shelf life and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, this work introduces a green and scalable route for producing BCD-reinforced hydrogel films combining antioxidant functionality, biocompatibility, and biodegradability for next-generation active food packaging. Full article

Richards’ equation (RE) describes transient water flow in variably saturated porous media and plays a fundamental role in hydrological, agricultural, and environmental modelling. Its inherent nonlinearity, potential degeneracy, and sensitivity to hydraulic parameterization make accurate numerical solutions a persistent challenge. This review offers a systematic comparative analysis of numerical methods for the RE across three key dimensions: spatial discretization, primary variable formulation, and iterative linearization strategy. Finite Difference, Finite Element, and Finite Volume methods are evaluated for their theoretical properties and performance under demanding conditions such as sharp infiltration fronts and heterogeneous parameter fields. Meshless methods are also assessed for their geometric flexibility and accuracy. Iterative linearization schemes are compared in terms of convergence, robustness, and computational cost. The analysis is structured around three performance metrics: numerical stability, computational efficiency, and mass conservation. Mass conservation is found to depend critically on both the primary variable formulation and the discretization framework, with mixed and finite volume approaches offering the strongest guarantees. The review concludes that no universally optimal solver exists; method selection must be tailored to specific soil conditions, boundary conditions, and computational constraints. Key open challenges include convergence under extremely dry conditions, multiscale heterogeneity, and coupled flow-transport processes. Full article

Background/Objectives: It remains unclear whether sleep deprivation induces constipation. This study aimed to evaluate the intervention effects of Bifidobacterium longum 151-1 and BN-BB01 on constipation induced by sleep deprivation in mice, and to explore the underlying mechanism from the perspective of the gut-brain axis, so as to provide a theoretical basis for probiotic intervention in sleep-related gastrointestinal dysfunction. Methods: A mouse model of sleep deprivation was established via the multiple platform water environment method. Through the detection and analysis of relevant indicators, the effects of sleep deprivation on intestinal function in mice were systematically investigated, and the changes in various indicators of mice after Bifidobacterium longum intervention were observed. Results: Sleep deprivation significantly impaired intestinal motility and intestinal mucosal barrier function in mice, reducing fecal water content by approximately 21.4%, prolonging the time to first black stool defecation by about 57 min, and decreasing goblet cell count by nearly 50%. In terms of gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters, sleep deprivation significantly downregulated the levels of excitatory gastrointestinal hormones (MTL, GAS) and excitatory neurotransmitter SP by 22.3%, 14.8%, and 16.2%, respectively. Additionally, sleep deprivation promoted the secretion of the inhibitory neurotransmitter VIP and stress hormone CORT, with their levels increased by 53.1% and 23.8%, respectively. The levels of neurotransmitters including 5HT and GABA were reduced by 15.6% and 23.2%, which ultimately led to a decrease in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels. Intervention with Bifidobacterium longum significantly reversed the above abnormalities. It elevated SCFA levels and upregulated the expression of SCFA receptors GPR41 and GPR109A, promoted the expression of BDNF and GDNF, inhibited HDAC activity, increased the abundance of the beneficial bacterium Akkermansia, and reduced the abundance of the harmful intestinal bacterium Alistipes. Conclusions: Bifidobacterium longum can alleviate sleep deprivation-induced constipation in mice by regulating gut-brain axis function, optimizing intestinal flora structure, modulating the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters, and repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier. This study provides a solid theoretical basis for the clinical application of probiotics in the intervention of sleep-related gastrointestinal disorders. Full article

The Sadiola Hill gold deposit is located in Mali in the Kédougou–Kénieba Inlier (KKI) of the West African craton. The gold deposit is hosted in metamorphosed carbonaceous and clastic sedimentary rocks that are intruded by diorite dykes and granitoids. The deposit records a multistage history of alteration, including complex compositional variation and speciation of carbonate group minerals and white and dark micas. We present the results of spectral and petrographic studies of 36 drill core samples from six diamond boreholes from the Sadiola Hill gold mine to (1) refine paragenetic studies and (2) define alteration assemblages accompanying the main gold event. The methodologies used included high-resolution short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging, electron microprobe analysis, and conventional petrography. The alteration assemblages that correspond with the gold mineralizing event include ferroan dolomite, dolomite, ankerite, Al-poor muscovite/illite to muscovite/muscovitic illite, and phlogopite. Pervasive and vein-type carbonate alteration includes ferroan dolomite–ankerite in greywacke and dolomite in the marble (with minor Fe²⁺ substitutions). The texture and spectral character of pervasive hydrothermal dolomite differ from metamorphic dolomite. In the greywacke, it is dominantly expressed as Au-stage Al-poor illite and Al-poor muscovite. In marble, it is expressed as moderately crystalline muscovitic illite and muscovite. In well-mineralized marble samples, white mica is notably more crystalline and aluminous. Pre-gold Mg-rich illite is fully consumed. Phengite, calcite, and chlorite occur late in the paragenetic sequence irrespective of lithology and post-date the main gold event. Results demonstrate that the integrated study of hyperspectral imaging with petrography and microprobe analysis characterizes the alteration mineralogy of the gold-mineralizing event and refines the paragenetic sequence of the gold deposit. Full article

Introduction: Cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors are frequently encountered in canine patients, posing diagnostic challenges in general veterinary practice. Heat-Diffusion Imaging (HDI) is an active dynamic thermography technique that evaluates tissue thermal changes following controlled stimulation. Integration of HDI with artificial intelligence (AI) provides a non-invasive approach for tumor classification. Objective: Our objective was to develop and internally validate HDI-based, tumor-specific AI classifiers for differentiating canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) and lipomas from other cutaneous and subcutaneous masses. Methods: This study included 669 dogs with 1010 cutaneous and subcutaneous masses. Dynamic thermal data were recorded from each mass using an HDI system. This was followed by cytological or histopathological diagnosis. Thermal features were extracted from the recordings and used to develop, train, and internally validate a primary AI-based classifier that distinguishes benign from malignant lesions. A diagnostically confirmed subgroup was used to train and internally validate tumor-specific classifiers for lipomas and mast cell tumors. The diagnostic performance of all classifiers was independently evaluated. Results: The primary classifier cohort comprised 952 masses. Of these, 760 masses were assigned to the training cohort and 192 masses to the test cohort. The primary classifier achieved a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI 83.6–96.3) in the test set of 192 masses, and a prevalence-adjusted negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.1% at an assumed malignancy prevalence of 15%. Among the 55 masses assessed by the lipoma classifier, sensitivity was 86.4% (95% CI 73.3–93.6) and specificity 100% (95% CI 74.1–100); all 38 masses flagged as lipoma were lipomas. Among the 81 masses assessed by the MCT classifier, sensitivity was 31.8% (95% CI 20.0–46.6) and specificity 94.6% (95% CI 82.3–98.5); all 16 masses flagged as MCT were malignant, and 14/16 were diagnosed as MCTs. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that combining HDI-derived thermal features with AI enables promising, non-invasive differentiation of common canine cutaneous tumor types. The two-tiered diagnostic approach improves upon the primary classifier by providing tumor-specific classification. This strategy may be particularly valuable in general practice settings, where access to immediate cytological or histopathological evaluation can be limited. Full article

Background/Objective: The H-HT represents a critical vulnerability for patient–family caregiver dyads. This study developed and content-validated a middle-range nursing theory, the Adaptarte Model, designed to guide dyadic adaptation during the H-HT within the Latin American healthcare context. Methods: A sequential exploratory multimethod design was executed in two phases. Phase 1 integrated three evidence streams: clinical practice insights, a JBI-guided scoping review, and two focus groups with transitional care professionals. Qualitative content analysis and iterative consensus refined the model’s core concepts, assumptions, and propositions. Phase 2 evaluated the model’s content, structure, functionality, and projection using an international panel of eleven Latin American experts meeting strict eligibility criteria. Data were analyzed using Lawshe’s Content Validity Ratio (CVR) modified by Tristán (cutoff = 0.58) and the overall Content Validity Index (CVI). Reporting followed PRISMA-ScR and GRAMMS guidelines. Results: Expert consensus confirmed the essential model components. Item-level CVR values ranged from 0.90 to 0.99, yielding an overall CVI of 0.96, while external functionality and conceptual projection achieved an average rating of 0.88. Conclusions: The Adaptarte Model demonstrates high content validity and structural clarity, establishing a rigorous theoretical foundation for subsequent empirical research. Rather than being ready for immediate clinical implementation, it provides a structured blueprint for prospective protocol development. Systematic empirical testing and longitudinal studies are now imperative to evaluate its clinical utility and drive future healthcare transformations. The scoping review protocol was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) URL (accessed on 23 September 2024). Full article

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a human ssDNA virus with ample pathogenic potential, characterized by a selective tropism for erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) in the bone marrow. In vitro, in addition to EPCs, UT7/EpoS1 cells are widely used as a model cell system, permissive to viral replication, although in a restrictive pattern. In our work, we applied mRNA high-throughput sequencing technology (HTS) and a dedicated bioinformatic pipeline to investigate both viral and cellular expression profiles in the course of B19V infection of UT7/EpoS1 cells. Mapping of the viral transcriptome detailed the differential expression pattern across early and late time points in the course of infection, at 2, 16 and 48 h post-infection (hpi). Analysis of the cellular transcriptome indicated that downregulation of genes involved in the immune/cytokine/interleukin response was prominent from earlier time points throughout the time course of infection. Upregulation of genes involved in cell stress response was found at 2 hpi, and genes involved in cell cycle regulation were affected mainly at 16 hpi and 48 hpi. A comparative analysis was performed with EPCs, showing similarity in their viral expression profile but substantial divergence in the virus-induced dysregulation of the cellular transcription pattern. This dual-transcriptome analysis of infected UT7/EpoS1 cells and comparison with EPCs provides groundwork for future research aimed at providing a better definition of the pathogenic mechanisms of B19V. Full article

Background: Aircraft wastewater (AWW) provides a composite environmental matrix reflecting passengers from diverse geographic origins and may serve as a surveillance tool for AMR monitoring. Objectives: To characterize microbial community composition, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factor genes (VFGs), and genome-resolved features of AWW. Methods: Samples (N = 10) were collected from long-haul flights arriving in the UAE between October 2024 and February 2025. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing and high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR) were performed. Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were reconstructed. Results: Shotgun metagenomics identified 752 bacterial species dominated by gut-associated families, including Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae. A total of 345 ARGs were detected, with tetracycline resistance genes being most abundant. Regional variation in resistome composition was supported by permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA, p = 0.010), and principal coordinate analysis indicated separation by flight-origin region. MAG reconstruction recovered 1012 genomes, with 85.4% resolved to species level. MAG-based annotation identified 280 VFGs corresponding to 116 non-redundant virulence genes. HT-qPCR confirmed the widespread presence of key ARG classes and mobile genetic elements across samples, in keeping with metagenomic findings. Conclusions: AWW contains diverse microbial communities and AMR determinants. Genome-resolved analysis provided organism-level context for resistome and virulome characterization, confirming AWW as an environmental matrix for monitoring transboundary AMR dynamics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Graft selection remains one of the main hot topics in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Despite significant advances in surgical techniques, graft-related factors continue to influence postoperative stability, graft survival, donor-site morbidity, and return-to-sport outcomes. Hamstring tendon (HT), bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB), and quadriceps tendon (QT) autografts currently represent the most widely utilized graft choices. Recently, isolated rectus femoris tendon (RFT) harvesting has emerged as a potential alternative, based on the concept of selective utilization of the superficial component of the QT, while preserving deeper structures of the extensor mechanism. Methods: A narrative review of the available literature in accordance with the principles of the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) on RFT autografts for ACL reconstruction was performed, focusing on anatomical, biomechanical, technical, and clinical studies. Relevant evidence regarding graft morphology, harvesting techniques, biomechanical properties, and clinical outcomes in both primary and revision procedures was synthesized. Results: Initial evidence consists of anatomical and biomechanical investigations, as well as three clinical series (one primary, two revision reconstructions). Available data suggest favorable biomechanical characteristics, including adequate graft length, strength, and versatility, together with promising short-term clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Isolated RFT autografting represents a promising emerging option for ACL reconstruction. Preclinical and anatomical studies support the rationale for selective harvesting, and the currently available, albeit very limited, clinical data are encouraging. Higher-level prospective evidence is required to define its role in contemporary ACL surgery. Full article