Search Results (116)

This review highlights the growing relevance of ion-exchange nanofibrous membranes (IEX-NFMs) in membrane chromatography (MC) for protein purification, emphasising their structural advantages such as high porosity, tunable surface functionality, and low-pressure drops. While the adsorption of IEX-NFMs in MC is expanding due to their potential for high throughput and rapid mass transfer, a critical limitation remains: the precise binding capacity of these membranes is not well understood. Traditional experimental methods to evaluate protein–membrane interactions and optimise binding capacities are labour-intensive, time-consuming, and costly. Therefore, this review underscores the importance of computational modelling as a viable predictive approach to guide membrane design and performance prediction. Yet major obstacles persist, including the challenge of accurate representation of the complex and often irregular pore structures, as well as limited and/or oversimplified adsorption models. Along with molecular-scale simulations such as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum simulations, meso-scale simulations can provide insight into protein–fibre and protein–protein interactions under varying physicochemical conditions for larger time scales and lower computational burden. These tools can help identify key parameters such as binding accessibility, ionic strength effects, and surface charge density, which are essential for the rational design and performance prediction of IEX-NFMs. Moreover, integrating simulations with experimental validation can accelerate optimisation process while reducing cost. This technical review sets the foundation for a computationally driven design framework for multifunctional IEX-NFMs, supporting their use in next-generation chromatographic separations and broadening their applications in bioprocessing and analytical biotechnology. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) present a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion systems due to the abundance and low environmental impact of sodium. However, their integration into multifunctional structural battery systems that combine electrochemical and mechanical properties remains unexplored. This work investigates the electrochemical performance of sodium-ion chemistry within a structural battery framework using unsized carbon fiber (UCF) as both a structural substrate and active electrode material. Ultrasonic spray coating was employed to deposit Mesocarbon Microbeads (MCMB) and NaNi_1/3Fe_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (NFM) on UCF to form hybrid anode and cathode half-cells, respectively, with 1 M NaPF₆ in diglyme electrolyte. The MCMB on UCF hybrid anode demonstrated dual graphitic and carbon fiber storage mechanisms, achieving 50 mAh g⁻¹ capacity over 500 cycles at 1C with excellent Coulombic efficiency. The NFM–UCF cathode exhibited an initial capacity of 27.5 mAh g⁻¹ and maintained over 80% capacity retention for 230 cycles, continuing to cycle stably beyond 400 cycles. Post-cycling SEM imaging revealed surface cracking, particle expansion, and gas-pocket formation in both electrodes. These results demonstrate the electrochemical viability of sodium-ion chemistry in a multifunctional structural configuration and establish ultrasonic coating as a scalable, precise method for fabricating carbon fiber electrodes toward future sodium-ion structural batteries. Full article

O3-type NaNi_1/3Mn_1/3Fe_1/3O₂ (NFM) cathodes for sodium-ion batteries face critical challenges of sluggish Na⁺ diffusion and structural degradation during cycling. In this study, we implement an Sb³⁺ doping strategy that enhances structural stability and interfacial stability by modulating the NFM grain morphology to promote densification of primary particles and shorten Na⁺ migration paths. The optimized Sb-doped NFM1Sb (1%mol Sb) cathode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, achieving 86.48% capacity retention after 200 cycles at 1 C and a high rate capability of 122.2 mAh g⁻¹ at 5 C. These improvements are attributed to the alleviation of stress concentration and suppression of microcrack formation during cycling. This work demonstrates the critical role of grain morphology regulation through heavy-metal doping in developing long-life and high-rate SIBs, providing a viable pathway toward next-generation energy storage systems. Full article

With their considerable capacity and structurally favorable characteristics, layered transition metal oxides have become strong contenders for cathode use in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Nevertheless, their practical deployment is challenged by pronounced capacity loss, predominantly induced by unstable cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) at elevated voltages. In this study, difluoroethylene carbonate (DFEC) is introduced as a functional electrolyte additive to engineer a robust and uniform CEI. The fluorine-enriched CEI effectively suppresses parasitic reactions, mitigates continuous electrolyte decomposition, and facilitates stable Na⁺ transport. Consequently, Na/NaNi_1/3Fe_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (Na/NFM) cells with 2 wt.% DFEC retain 78.36% of their initial capacity after 200 cycles at 1 C and 4.2 V, demonstrating excellent long-term stability. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the higher oxidative stability of DFEC compared to conventional solvents, further supporting its interfacial protection role. This work offers valuable insights into electrolyte additive design for high-voltage SIBs and provides a practical route to significantly improve long-term electrochemical performance. Full article

The O3-type layered oxide materials have the advantage of high specific capacity, which makes them more competitive in the practical application of cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the existing reported O3-type layered oxide materials still have a complex irreversible phase transition phenomenon, and the cycle life of batteries needs, with these materials, to be further improved to meet the requirements. Herein, we performed structural characterization and electrochemical performance tests on O3-NaNi_0.6−xFe_0.25Mn_0.15Mg_xO₂ (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.075, denoted as NFM, NFM-2.5Mg, NFM-5.0Mg, and NFM-7.5Mg). The optimized NFM-2.5Mg has the largest sodium layer spacing, which can effectively enhance the transmission rate of sodium ions. Therefore, the reversible specific capacity can reach approximately 148.1 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2C, and it can even achieve a capacity retention of 85.4% after 100 cycles at 1C, demonstrating excellent cycle stability. Moreover, at a low temperature of 0 °C, it also can keep capacity retention of 86.6% after 150 cycles at 1C. This study provides a view on the cycling performance improvement of sodium-ion layered oxide cathodes with a high theoretical specific capacity. Full article

Mainlobe suppression jamming significantly degrades radar detection performance. The conventional blind source separation (BSS) algorithms often fail under high-jamming-to-signal-ratio (JSR) and low-signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) conditions. To overcome this limitation, we propose an enhanced BSS method combining variational mode decomposition (VMD) and wavelet packet decomposition (WPD), termed VMD-WPD-JADE. The proposed approach first applies VMD-WPD for noise reduction in radar signals and then utilizes the JADE algorithm to compute the separation matrix of the denoised signals, effectively achieving blind source separation of radar echoes for interference suppression. We evaluate the method using noise-amplitude modulation and noise-frequency modulation jamming scenarios. The experimental results show that at a JSR = 50 dB and an SNR = −5 dB, our method successfully separates the target signals. Compared with the conventional blind source separation (BSS) algorithms, the proposed technique demonstrates superior robustness, achieving a 4–11% improvement in the target detection probability under noise-amplitude modulation (NAM) jamming and a 4–16% enhancement under noise-frequency modulation (NFM) jamming within a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) range of −5 dB to 5 dB. Full article

The interference of metal working surfaces on the electric field can lead to performance variations between the flush mounting and non-flush mounting of capacitive proximity sensors in industrial applications. Traditional active shielding circuit designs are complex, while grounding shields not only reduce the sensor sensitivity but are also unsuitable for grounded sensors. To address this issue, this paper proposes an innovative near-ground (NG) shielding structure. This structure effectively concentrates the electric field between the sensing electrode and ground by adding a common ground electrode around the sensing electrode, thereby reducing the electrical coupling between the metal working surface and the sensing electrode and achieving the desired shielding effect. Through finite element analysis and experimental verification, this study performed an in-depth investigation of the capacitance difference $C_d$ and the rate of change of capacitance with the target distance of sensors under the two mounting methods. The proposed structure achieved a performance comparable with active shielding (17 fF $C_d$) while operating passively, which addressed a critical cost–adaptability trade-off in industrial CPS designs. The results show that although the performance of the NG shielding was slightly inferior to active shielding, it was significantly better than traditional grounding shielding, and its structure was simple and low cost, showing great potential in practical applications. Full article

The rapid growth of industrial activities has significantly increased oil demand, leading to wastewater contamination with oil and causing severe environmental pollution. Traditional oil–water separation techniques, such as gravity separation, filtration, and chemical treatments, are hindered by low efficiency, high energy consumption, and secondary pollution. Membrane separation technology has emerged as a promising solution due to its simplicity, low energy consumption, and high efficiency. In this study, we report the fabrication of a novel polyvinylidene fluoride/ethylene–vinyl alcohol (PVDF/EVOH) nanofibrous membrane (NFM) with a unique balsam-pear-skin-like structure using a one-step electrospinning process. The membrane’s superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity were achieved via water vapor-induced phase separation (WVIPS), by optimizing the rheological properties and mixing ratio of EVOH and PVDF precursor solutions. The resulting PVDF/EVOH (PE12-3) NFM exhibits exceptional properties, achieving separation efficiencies of 99.4% for heavy oil and 98.9% for light oil, with a heavy oil flux of 18,020 L m⁻² h⁻¹—significantly surpassing previously reported performances. Additionally, the membrane shows excellent recyclability, making it ideal for large-scale oil–water separation in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. This one-step fabrication strategy offers an efficient and scalable approach for developing high-performance membranes to tackle oil pollution in water. Full article

Flooding is a prevalent and growing problem involving significant economic losses worldwide. Traditional flood mitigation measures are based on the use of levees, dams, dredging, and river channelization, which can distort the perception of risk, leading to a false sense of security that can induce an increase in the occupation of flood-prone areas. An undisturbed watershed and its fluvial system provide regulating services that contribute to flood mitigation. However, anthropogenic activities can degrade and diminish such services, impacting the magnitude of floods by changing the runoff patterns, erosion, sedimentation, channel conveyance capacity, and floodplain connectivity. Restoration and natural flood management (NFM) seek to recover and improve their watershed regulation services. The bibliographic review performed here aimed to assess the degradation of the natural regulation services of watersheds, which allowed us to identify significant alterations to runoff and streamflow. Also, the review studies of NMF allowed us to identify the restoration actions oriented to recover or enhance the flow regulation capacity of catchments and their fluvial systems. A current challenge is to accumulate more empirical evidence for the effectiveness of such flood mitigation solutions. Currently, the results for large catchments have been obtained mainly by the application of hydrologic and hydraulic models. Also, the adequacy of the different NFM actions to catchments with different physiographic and climatological settings needs to be addressed. Full article

Neurofilament light chain (NfL), an abundant cytoskeletal protein in neurons, has emerged as a promising serum biomarker that indicates non-specific neuronal damage secondary to various neurologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Emerging evidence suggests that serum NfL levels correlate with future disability, brain atrophy, predict new disease activity, and decrease in response to various disease-modifying therapies. As research continues to validate NfL’s potential role in clinical practice, the need for a practical model to conceptualize and visualize its relevance to MS pathology becomes evident—not only for healthcare providers but also for patients. To address this, we propose the Neurofoundational Model (NFM), which likens a neuron to a home, with various parts of the home representing distinct regions of the central nervous system (CNS). In this model, the home (neuron) experiences scenarios such as a fire, an earthquake, and a slow flood, representing distinct MS disease states. A fire illustrates an MS relapse with good recovery, where serum NfL levels rise during the relapse and subsequently return near baseline. An earthquake represents an MS relapse with poor recovery, where NfL levels increase and remain elevated above baseline. Finally, a slow flood depicts MS in progressive stages, characterized by sustained and gradually increasing serum NfL levels without abrupt clinical changes. This approach offers a clear and relatable visualization for clinicians and patients alike, illustrating the dynamics of serum NfL levels during CNS damage caused by demyelination. By integrating this model into clinical practice, we aim to enhance understanding and communication regarding the role of NfL in MS pathology and its potential utility as a biomarker. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) and water pollution have posed serious hazards to human health. Nanofiber membranes (NFMs) have emerged as promising candidates for the elimination of PMs and the separation of oil–water mixtures. In this study, a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF)-based nanofiber membrane with an average diameter of approximately 150 nm was prepared via a double-nozzle electrospinning technology, demonstrating high-efficiency PM filtration and oil–water separation. The finer fiber diameter not only enhances PM filtration efficiency but also reduces air resistance. The high-voltage electric field and mechanical stretching during electrospinning promote high crystallization of β-phase PVDF. Additionally, the electrostatic charges generated on the surface of β-phase PVDF facilitate the adsorption of PM from the atmosphere. The introduction of polydopamine (PDA) in PVDF produces abundant adsorption sites, enabling outstanding filtration performance. PVDF-PVDF/PDA NFMs can achieve remarkable PM_0.3 filtration efficiency (99.967%) while maintaining a low pressure drop (144 Pa). PVDF-PVDF/PDA NFMs are hydrophobic, and its water contact angle (WCA) is 125.9°. It also shows excellent resistance to both acidic and alkaline environments, along with notable flame retardancy, as it can self-extinguish within 3 s. This nanofiber membrane holds significant promise for applications in personal protection, indoor air filtration, oily wastewater treatment, and environmental protection. Full article

The delivery of mesothelial cells by nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) can repair a damaged peritoneal mesothelium and enhance peritoneal healing in patients with chronic renal failure. On the other hand, the orientation of the nanofibers in NFMs may affect cell attachment, proliferation, and the phenotype of mesothelial cells in the nanostructured scaffold. We prepare composite gelatin/chitosan NFMs with aligned or random fiber orientations by electrospinning. We cross-link the nanofibers to maintain the fiber orientation during in vitro cell culture. We then study the cellular response of attached mesothelial cells to fiber orientation in the scaffold. From in vitro cell culture with rat mesothelial cells, the prepared NFMs show high biocompatibility to support cellular growth, regardless of fiber orientation. However, the alignment of electrospun nanofibers in a well-defined geometry can promote cell adhesion and proliferation rates with directional cell organization. The anisotropic arrangement of mesothelial cells in the aligned NFM also coincides with the phenotypic maintenance of the attached mesothelial cells, with biophysical cues provided by the aligned nanofibers. The aligned NFMs may find applications in tissue engineering of a damaged mesothelium layer or in other regenerative therapies where cellular alignment is critical for neo-tissue regeneration. Full article

Modern radar technology requires high-quality signals and detection performance. However, traditional frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar often has poor anti-jamming capabilities, and the high sampling rates associated with large time-bandwidth product signals can lead to increased system hardware costs and reduced data processing efficiency. This paper constructed a composite radar waveform based on noise frequency modulation (NFM) and linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals, enhancing the signal’s complexity and anti-jamming capability. Furthermore, a method for optimizing the processing of echo signals based on de-chirp and delay matching is proposed. The locally generated LFM signal is used to de-chirp the received echoes, resulting in a narrowband difference frequency noise signal. Subsequently, delay matching is performed in the fast time domain using the locally generated NFM signal according to the number of sampling points in the traversal processing period, allowing for the acquisition of target delay information. While reducing the analog-to-digital (A/D) sampling rate, the detection performance for wideband echo signals under high sampling rates is still maintained, with sidelobe levels and range resolution preserved. Accumulating this information in the slow time domain enables accurate target detection. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through simulation experiments. Full article

Developing a sustainable feed with minimal or no fishmeal in tilapia production is a challenge to this industry. New Technology Promoter Binder (NTPB), a guanidinoacetic acid, is a nutritional supplement to enhance the energy metabolism of the muscle and brain tissue of vertebrates. This study aimed to evaluate several plant-based diet formulations with zero and minimal use of fishmeal enriched with NTPB on the growth, feed efficiency, and health status of Tilapia sp. The experimental diets in this study were conducted based on four formulations (minimum fishmeal/FM and zero fishmeal/NFM-based diets) with 0, 0.6, and 1.2 g·kg⁻¹ feed of NTPB supplementation. The research indicated that the various diets given to tilapia affected the growth performance of fish in terms of growth parameters and feed efficiency. Tilapias fed with NTPB grew better than those without NTPB in both FM- and NFM-based diets. The addition of NTPB was safe for tilapia as demonstrated in the blood glucose, urea, and creatinine levels, which were normal for healthy fish. The viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes of tilapia fed with the experimental diets showed no distinct differences. Adding NTPB to tilapia diets increased the hardness and amino acid contents of the tilapia’s muscle, which would benefit consumers. Full article

Background: Meaning in Life (MiL) represents a key variable in mental health models of personal recovery. There is a need for straightforward and concise instruments to assess this construct quantitatively in individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI). Objective: The aim of the present study was to test the psychometric properties of the Purpose in Life Test-Short Form (PIL-SF), a brief self-report measuring the presence of MiL, in a sample of individuals with SMI. Methods: The participants were 41 adults (21 women, 51.8% and 20 men, 48.2%) aged 18 to 65 years (M = 50.05; SD = 10.73) with a diagnosis of SMI (schizophrenia, 61%; bipolar disorder, 26.8%; borderline personality disorder, 7.3%; and major depression, 4.9%) and clinically stable. The PIL-SF, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire—6 Item (OHQ-6), Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS), and Seeking of Noetic Goals—8 Item (SONG-8) were used. Descriptive analysis, estimation of the internal consistency, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the PIL-SF were conducted. Furthermore, correlations between the PIL-SF, SWLS, OHQ-6, EMAS, and SONG-8 were calculated. Results: The PIL-SF showed acceptable internal consistency (ω = 0.81) and an excellent fit as a unidimensional scale (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.070, RMSEA = 0.000, SRMR = 0.021), confirming its factorial structure. Regarding construct validity, correlations between the PIL-SF and the SWLS (ρ = 0.54, p < 0.001), the OHQ-6 (ρ = 0.52, p < 0.001), and EMAS (ρ = 0.44, p < 0.005) were positive and significant, whereas the correlations between the PIL-SF and the SONG-8NfM (ρ = −0.35, p < 0.025) were negative and significant. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the PIL-SF appears to be a reliable and valid instrument to measure the presence of MiL in adults with SMI. Full article