Search Results (4,959)

The development of oil–water separation materials that combine high separation efficiency, robust mechanical properties, and environmental degradability remains a significant challenge. This study presents a novel degradable and superhydrophobic porous material fabricated via a multi-step process. A porous foam was first synthesized from degradable poly(ε-caprolactone-co-2-ethylhexyl acrylate) using a high internal phase emulsion templating technique. The foam was subsequently modified through in situ silica (SiO₂) deposition via a sol–gel process, followed by grafting with hydrophobic hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) to produce the final oil–water separation porous materials. Various characterization results showed that the optimized material featured a hierarchical pore structure in micro scales and the porosity of the foam remained ~90% even after the 2-step modification. Mechanical tests indicate that the modified material exhibited significantly enhanced compressive strength and the water contact angle measurements revealed a superhydrophobic surface with a value of approximately 156°. The prepared material demonstrated excellent oil/water separation performance with notable absorption capacities ranging from 4.11 to 4.90 g/g for oils with different viscosity. Additionally, the porous material exhibited exceptional cyclic stability, maintaining over 90% absorption capacity after 10 absorption-desorption cycles. Moreover, the prepared material achieved a mass loss of approximately 30% within the first 3 days under alkaline hydrolysis conditions (pH 12, 25 °C), which further escalated to ~70% degradation within four weeks. The current work establishes a feasible strategy for developing sustainable, high-performance oil–water separation materials through rational structural design and surface engineering. Full article

Chemically vapor-deposited silicon carbide (CVD-SiC) is a high-performance material that possesses excellent mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties, making it highly promising for components in the semiconductor, aerospace, and automotive industries. However, its inherent hardness and brittleness present significant challenges to precision machining, thereby hindering the commercialization of reliable, high-precision parts. Therefore, the application of CVD-SiC in fields that require ultra-precision shaping and nanometric surface finishing necessitates the exploration of machining methods specifically tailored to the material’s unique characteristics. This paper presents a comprehensive review of CVD-SiC machining—from traditional mechanical approaches to advanced hybrid and high-energy techniques—aimed at overcoming machining limitations from its material properties and achieving high-efficiency and nanometric-quality machining. The study discusses various grinding tools designed for superior surface finishing and efficient material removal, as well as machining techniques that utilize micro-scale removal mechanisms for ductile regime machining. Looking ahead, the integration of AI-based process optimization with enhanced machining methods is expected to fully exploit the superior properties of CVD-SiC and broaden its industrial application as a high-performance material. Full article

People who are incarcerated experience a high rate of hepatitis C (HCV) worldwide, and HCV micro-elimination in prisons is an effective strategy to support treatment. In Victoria, British Columbia, administrative barriers limited HCV testing and treatment at Vancouver Island Correctional Centre (VIRCC), and people who were HCV RNA+ were lost to follow up. Cool Aid Community Health Centre (CACHC) is an inner-city, primary care clinic that serves a marginalized population. The CACHC HCV nurse coordinator with the VIRCC nurse held HCV testing ‘blitzes’ at VIRCC and offered phlebotomy for screening and pre-treatment bloodwork. Clients who tested HCV RNA+ were started on HCV treatment and if discharged before completion, CACHC followed them in the community. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify all clients who accessed HCV testing and treatment through the VIRCC partnership. To date, 230 clients were tested: 49 tested HCV antibody+, 11 tested HCV RNA+, and 10 started on treatment (6 SVR). Case management and consultation with the nurse coordinator and VIRCC nurse supported treatment starts for an additional 18 clients (14 SVR). This pragmatic and innovative approach to HCV care with people who are incarcerated demonstrated effective HCV testing and treatment. CACHC and VIRCC have established closer relationships and reduced barriers to reach and maintain continuity with this target population. Full article

Background: The juvenile-pubertal period is a critical window for linear growth and bone mass accumulation. This study investigated the joint effects of folic acid (FA) and colostrum basic protein (CBP)-fortified milk powder on growth, bone health, and metabolic safety in juvenile mice. Methods: Three-week-old C57BL/6J mice (n = 120) were acclimatized for 1 week and then randomly assigned to three isocaloric diet groups for an 8-week intervention starting at 4 weeks of age: Control (AIN-93M), Milk (AIN-93M + FA/CBP-fortified milk powder), and Positive Control (AIN-93G). Body length and weight were measured twice weekly. Bone microarchitecture was assessed by micro-computed tomography, and bone remodeling was evaluated through histology and serum biomarkers. The GH–IGF-1 axis and related metabolic parameters were also assessed. Results: FA–CBP–fortified milk powder significantly accelerated linear growth at intervention week 2, with body length higher in the Milk group than in the Control group (p < 0.01). After 8 weeks, the Milk group showed improved trabecular bone mass and microarchitecture compared with Control, especially in males (p < 0.01). Bone remodeling was transiently elevated at intervention week 4, as indicated by higher serum osteocalcin and CTX-I, and by increased osteoclast and cartilage matrix formation versus Control (p < 0.05). The GH–IGF-1 axis was also temporarily activated at week 4, with elevated serum GH and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio compared with Control (p < 0.05). These skeletal benefits occurred without excess weight gain or adverse metabolic effects compared with Control (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: FA-CBP-fortified milk significantly enhanced linear growth during puberty and improved bone mass and microstructure in early adulthood. These skeletal benefits are consistent with the transient activation of the GH–IGF-1 axis. Importantly, no adverse metabolic effects were detected from early intervention through adulthood, supporting its potential application in growth-promoting nutritional strategies. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the effect of direct (probe) and indirect (bath) ultrasound treatments on the physicochemical and structural properties of red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) tissue. Ultrasound was applied under controlled conditions to induce structural modification without excessive thermal or mechanical damage. The treated samples were evaluated using chemical (polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, sugars), microbiological (total viable count (TVC) and total yeast and mold count (TYM)), spectroscopic (FTIR, NMR), thermal (TGA), and microscopic (SEM, micro-CT) analyses. Both ultrasound modes affected the tissue, but their effects differed in intensity and character. Direct ultrasound caused stronger cavitation and mechanical stress, resulting in greater cell wall disruption, higher permeability, and enhanced release of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, vitamin C and antioxidants from the tissue matrix to the surroundings. Indirect ultrasound acted more gently, preserving cellular integrity and sugar profile while moderately increasing antioxidant activity. Cluster and correlation analyses confirmed that ultrasound mode was the main factor differentiating the samples. Short-term direct sonication enhanced the release of antioxidant compounds, whereas prolonged exposure led to their degradation, resulting in an overall decline in antioxidant capacity, and indirect ultrasound better preserved texture and sugar composition. This demonstrates that ultrasound mode and duration can be tailored to balance tissue integrity and enhance bioactive compounds in plant-based materials. Full article

Background: Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as pivotal regulators of pathophysiological processes, reflecting systemic responses to stress, inflammation and metabolic imbalance. Their role in advanced liver disease and in modulating responses to therapeutic interventions, such as fecal microbiota transfer (FMT), remains insufficiently characterized. Methods: We conducted a prospective study including six male patients with toxic ethanolic liver cirrhosis undergoing FMT and six healthy controls. Stool and blood samples were collected pre- and post-FMT. Fecal micro-RNA expression (miR-21, miR-122, miR-125, miR-146 and miR-155) was quantified using RT-qPCR and normalized to miR-26c. Associations with noninvasive fibrosis markers (FIB-4, APRI, elastography, CAP) and biological parameters were analyzed through multivariable regression and Pearson correlation, with internal validation by bootstrapping. Results: One week after fecal microbiota transfer, miR-21 and miR-146 exhibited significant expression changes, while miR-122, miR-125, and miR-155 showed non-significant trends toward increased expression. Post-FMT increases in miR-21, miR-122, miR-146 and miR-155 were consistently associated with reductions in hepatic fibrosis markers (FIB-4, APRI and liver stiffness), whereas no significant associations were observed with CAP. Conclusions: Fecal micro-RNAs reflect interconnected molecular networks that capture systemic adaptations to FMT. Despite a limited cohort, these findings highlight their potential as integrative biomarkers and as therapeutic targets in advanced liver disease. Larger-scale studies are warranted to validate clinical utility. Full article

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally. Beyond metabolic and haemodynamic stress, the complement system has emerged as a contributor to glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury. In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), complement proteins contribute through autoimmune mechanisms, while in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) they are linked to insulin resistance. In both, complement activation promotes micro- and macrovascular complications through inflammatory pathways that accelerate DN progression. This review summarises the current evidence on the role of complement activation in diabetic nephropathy (DN). First, we outline the mechanisms by which the complement system is activated through the lectin pathway (in which mannoses bind to modified glycosylation structures), the classical pathway (in which C1q recognises immune complexes/damaged self), and the alternative pathway (in which C3 ticks over and amplifies on damaged renal surfaces). Next, we consider the roles of their effector molecules (C3a, C5a, and C5b-9/MAC), and the consequences of regulatory dysfunction (e.g., CD59 dysfunction). When integrated with findings from renal histology, blood and urine biomarkers enable us to evaluate the correlation between prognosis, disease severity, and progression. We will also discuss therapeutic implications, including the rationale behind selective complement inhibition and future intervention strategies. Full article

The influence of solution treatment time on the microstructural and mechanical properties of a super duplex stainless steel was investigated. A solution annealing treatment at 1120 °C was applied to the hot-rolled alloy, with soaking times varying between 10 and 30 min. The microstructural characteristics before and after solution treatment were examined using XRD and EBSD techniques by measuring lattice parameters and micro-strains, weight fraction, average grain size, and maximum misorientation angle. The experimental results showed that the constituent phases are δ-Fe and γ-Fe, regardless of the alloy state. The mechanical properties of the solution-treated alloy were evaluated by tensile testing, measuring the ultimate tensile strength (σ_UTS), yield strength (σ_0.2), fracture strain (ε_f), and impact toughness (KCV). Increasing the solution treatment time from 10 min to 30 min leads to improved ductility and reduced mechanical strength, with the volume of the ferrite phase increasing, the average austenite grain size decreasing, and the maximum misorientation angle decreasing. This is due to the ability of ferrite to absorb stress and to the greater participation of grains in the deformation process. Important decreases in high elastic strains and residual stress fields after solution treatment were also noted. Full article

Analyzing 2,309,573 tweets by S&P 500 firms along with 2,498,767 public replies, we examine how firms’ ESG communication tactics on social media influence the micro-level accumulation of reputational capital. Leveraging the prior communication literature, we categorize firms’ ESG messages based on three primary communication functions: Information, Community-Building, and Action. Information-based tactics unidirectionally disseminate knowledge; community-building tactics foster engagement and relationship-building; and action-based tactics seek to mobilize stakeholders to take direct action. Our results indicate that information-focused ESG messages relate to reputational awareness, whereas community-building tactics are associated with reputational favorability. Additional analyses reveal different audience response patterns between ESG-specific and general corporate messaging as well as between B2C and B2B firms. This study provides evidence of new, non-reporting-based ESG communication tactics and illustrates how firms accumulate reputational capital on a micro, message-by-message, day-to-day level. Our findings offer insights into the strategic use of ESG communication to enhance corporate reputation. Full article

Background: Chronic venous disease (CVD) substantially influences workers’ comfort, productivity, and capacity to remain employed, yet many occupational settings complicate the implementation of effective symptom management strategies. Temperature fluctuations, in particular, influence daily functioning: heat often worsens swelling, heaviness, pain, and fatigue, while cold may offer partial relief. This study examines how workplace thermal and organizational conditions affect adults with CVD, paying attention to the challenges they face in applying clinical recommendations. Methods: Fifty adults with CEAP C1–C6 disease were interviewed and observed in clinical settings. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted to capture workers’ accounts rather than generate a new theory. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis within a qualitative descriptive framework. Results: Heat exposure consistently aggravated swelling, pain, and fatigue, whereas moderate cold often improved comfort and functional capacity. Participants highlighted numerous workplace barriers, including rigid schedules, restrictive uniforms, and difficulties maintaining compression in hot environments. Supportive supervisors, micro-breaks, access to hydration, and flexibility in posture facilitated better symptom control. Workers frequently described tensions between clinical advice and job demands, noting that instructions such as leg elevation or frequent breaks were often unrealistic in their occupational context. Conclusions: Aligning clinical guidance with workplace realities is essential for the well-being and long-term employability of individuals with CVD. Climate-sensitive and ergonomic job design represents an important strategy for supporting employees’ ability to manage symptoms and sustain productivity amid increasing thermal variability. Full article

In this study, the asymmetrical rolling technique was employed to fabricate 75 μm-thick Ti-6Al-4V ultra-thin strips from the initial 0.45 mm sheet without intermediate annealing, aiming for applications in fuel cell bipolar plates. The rolled strips exhibited good surface quality without cracking. In order to enhance both the mechanical response and the shaping capability of Ti-6Al-4V strips produced by asymmetric rolling, the material was subjected to annealing at various temperatures, and the resulting changes in microstructural features and mechanical performance were systematically examined. The findings indicated that the cold-rolled Ti-6Al-4V exhibited a microstructure primarily composed of subgrains with an average size of approximately 0.41 μm, a feature that contributed to improved corrosion resistance and enhanced ductility after annealing. When the alloy was subjected to heat treatment within the range of 650–800 °C, it was observed that annealing temperatures below 700 °C favored microstructural changes governed predominantly by recovery processes and the onset of recrystallization. At 700 °C, the grains became equiaxed and uniformly distributed, and the dislocation density significantly decreased. The tensile strength reached 887 MPa, while the elongation increased to 13.7%, achieving an excellent strength-ductility balance. Once the annealing temperature rose above 700 °C, noticeable grain growth took place, accompanied by a more pronounced grain-size gradient and a renewed increase in dislocation density. Meanwhile, the dimples observed on the fracture surface became finer, collectively contributing to a decline in tensile elongation. The Ti-6Al-4V ultra-thin strip annealed at 700 °C was used for bipolar plate stamping, producing fine micro-channels with an aspect ratio of 0.43. Finally, TiN coating was applied to the surface, which significantly improved the corrosion resistance and reduced the interfacial contact resistance (ICR), meeting the performance requirements for bipolar plates. Full article

The efficient removal of failed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coatings from GH4169 superalloy substrates is crucial for aero-engine maintenance. This study investigates the application of plasma electrolytic technology for YSZ coating removal, systematically examining the effects of key process parameters. Through a three-factor, five-level orthogonal experimental design, the influence of working voltage, solution temperature, and processing time on coating removal effectiveness was analyzed using range analysis. The results demonstrated that solution temperature exerted the most significant effect on coating removal rate, followed by working voltage, with processing time showing the least influence. The optimal parameter combination was determined as 265 V working voltage, 50 °C solution temperature, and 120 s processing time, achieving a maximum coating removal rate of 92.36%. The underlying mechanisms were elucidated through detailed characterization: at 250 V, micro-arc discharge enabled effective coating removal through combined physical bombardment and electrochemical dissolution, while at 300 V, arc discharge caused substrate damage with crater formation. Solution temperature critically affected process stability through its regulation of vapor-gaseous envelope characteristics and current behavior. Verification experiments confirmed that the optimized parameters achieved complete coating removal without substrate damage, preserving surface integrity for subsequent recoating processes. This research provides both theoretical foundation and practical parameters for plasma electrolytic removal of YSZ coatings on hot-section components. Full article

In this study, the Cu/Al composite foil with a thickness of 0.04 mm was prepared by a combination of secondary micro-rolling and intermediate annealing process. The influence of different holding times (40, 60, and 80 min) at an annealing temperature of 400 °C on the microstructure, interfacial diffusion behavior, and deformation behavior of the secondary micro-rolled Cu/Al composite foil was systematically investigated using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental results showed that as the holding time increased, the grain sizes of both Cu and Al in the first and second micro-rolled samples and the thickness of the interfacial diffusion layer were increased, meanwhile the interfacial intermetallic compounds were consistently identified as CuAl₂, Cu₄Al, and Cu₉Al₄ at different holding times. When the holding time reaches 80 min, (CuAl) appears in the secondary micro-rolled specimens. Furthermore, with the increase in holding time, the protrusion height of the edge profile and the degree of edge cracking in the secondary micro-rolled specimens increase, demonstrating that the edge deformation behavior of the material was significantly influenced by the holding time. Full article

This study introduces an innovative hybrid approach combining salting-out and adsorption for the highly efficient removal of crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions. The method leverages high-ionic-strength brine discharge from the Complex of El-Outaya (CEO, ENASEL, Biskra, Algeria) and micro-mesoporous biochar derived from calves’ horn cores (BHC-800). Results demonstrate that both undiluted and diluted brine significantly enhance CV removal, while BHC-800, with a surface area of 258 m² g⁻¹, exhibits a maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of 106.1 mg g⁻¹ (at 20 °C ± 2). Thermodynamic analysis confirms a spontaneous (ΔG° < 0) and exothermic (ΔH° = −0.86 kJ mol⁻¹) process, with increased interfacial disorder (ΔS° = 93.53 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹). The synergistic effect of salting-out and adsorption achieved ~99.8% removal of CV at an initial concentration of 1000 mg L⁻¹. Furthermore, BHC-800 exhibited excellent reusability, maintaining high adsorption efficiency over multiple cycles. Economic assessment revealed operational costs of 0.45–0.89 US$ m⁻³ for 60% brine discharge. Biochar production costs were 0.076–0.18 US$ kg⁻¹, translating to 7.5–17.2 (10⁻⁴ US$) per gram of CV removed. This dual strategy not only offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for dye-laden water but also promotes the valorization of saline effluents and animal byproducts, addressing critical environmental challenges in industrial wastewater treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Given the overlapping seasonality of influenza (Flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in human populations, Flu–RSV combination vaccines are urgently needed. However, development of combo-vaccines is often faced with intra-vaccine interference which could compromise vaccination outcomes. Here we present an approach to overcoming this problem using a microneedle array patch (MAP)-based combo-vaccine with minimum intra-vaccine interference. Methods: Vaccine-laden dissolving MAPs were fabricated using a two-step micro-molding process with polyvinyl alcohol as major excipient. A partition-loading strategy was adopted to ensure spatially segregated distribution of a split-virus Flu vaccine and recombinant prefusion protein of RSV in separate MAP sectors. Serum samples from BALB/c mice post-vaccination were assessed for titers of binding and neutralizing antibodies against the viruses. Live virus challenge studies were carried out to assess the protection efficacy of the MAP-based vaccines. Results: Although i.m. administered standalone Flu and RSV vaccines were able to induce strong IgG responses in BALB/c mice, bidirectional intra-vaccine interference was observed when the two vaccines were co-administered in premixed form. However, when the two vaccines were loaded onto nonoverlapping sectors of D-MAPs for intradermal vaccination, the intra-vaccine interference effect was effectively overcome. The partition-loaded MAP-Flu/RSV combo-vaccine elicited antigen-specific IgG with robust virus-neutralizing activity and was strongly efficacious against either virus in challenge studies. Conclusions: Our data provide proof-of-concept evidence for the potential usefulness of partition-loaded MAPs in overcoming a critical barrier in vaccinology and offer a promising platform for future clinical translation. Full article