Search Results (113,035)

An in-depth analysis of the drivers of agricultural emissions at the farm-gate level is crucial for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This study examines the short- and long-run effects of crop production on farm-gate emissions in the regional trading bloc (RTB) member states in Africa. Crop production was proxied by cereals, roots and tubers, vegetables, and fruits production, and emissions were split into methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. Data on these variables were collected from 30 RTB member states from 1990 to 2022 and were analyzed using the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributive lag approach. The pooled mean group was used as a robustness check, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the reliability of the study findings. The results revealed that cereal production increases farm-gate CH₄ and N₂O emissions in the short and long run. The average increase ranges from 1.0021 to 1.0033 kilotons CO₂–eq yr⁻¹ for CH₄, and from 1.0024 to 1.0035 kilotons CO₂–eq yr⁻¹ for N₂O. In addition, fruit production increases farm-gate CH₄ emissions by an average of 1.0023 kiloton CO₂–eq yr⁻¹ in the long run. Thus, cereal production has a more adverse effect on N₂O than CH₄ emissions, while the opposite is true for fruit production in the RTB member states’ Nationally Determined Contributions. With respect to mediation, cropland expansion (proxied by area harvested) plays a partial intermediary role in the impact of crop production on farm-gate CH₄ and N₂O emissions in the short run and CH₄ emissions in the long run. However, it assumes a full mediation role in the long run and has an effect on crop production in farm-gate N₂O emissions. Therefore, targeted use of nitrogen fertilizer and crop rotations to reduce cereal-related N₂O and CH₄ emissions, respectively, would be viable strategies. The use of a drip irrigation system in fruit production to reduce CH₄ emissions and the scaling up of secured subsidies should also be explored. Finally, these recommendations should be incorporated into the Africa’s RTB member states’ Nationally Determined Contributions and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Full article

Microbial communities regulate the transformation and stabilization of nutrients during composting; however, current knowledge on their specific functional roles across composting stages remains poorly integrated. This review examines the pivotal role of microbial mediation in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) dynamics during composting and their subsequent impact on soil health. We analyze how biotechnological interventions—specifically the inoculation of functional microbial consortia (phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, phosphate-accumulating bacteria, and nitrifiers) and the application of physicochemical additives such as biochar—reconfigure microbial succession patterns to mitigate gaseous losses and enhance nutrient bioavailability. Several studies have reported substantial reductions in ammonia (NH₃) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions under specific composting conditions, while simultaneously promoting the stabilization of labile P into more recalcitrant forms, including polyphosphates. Furthermore, the application of mature compost to agricultural systems induces a profound ecological reassembly of the soil microbiome, shifting community composition toward copiotrophic dominance (Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota) and increasing functional redundancy. These microbial and functional shifts enhance soil resilience to environmental stressors—such as drought and temperature fluctuations—by stabilizing extracellular enzyme activity and reinforcing microbial co-occurrence networks. We conclude that managing microbial interactions along the compost–soil continuum is essential for developing organic amendments optimized for specific soil and crop requirements. This integrated approach represents a cornerstone of precision sustainable agriculture and contributes to climate change mitigation through soil health restoration. Full article

The transition toward low-carbon energy systems has intensified interest in sustainable hydrogen production technologies. One of the most promising methods for producing green hydrogen is water electrolysis powered by renewable energy. This work reviews recent advances in electrode materials used in four major electrolysis technologies: alkaline (ALK), proton exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), and anion exchange membrane (AEM). A bibliometric analysis of scientific publications from 2021 to 2025 highlights the rapid growth of research and the increasing importance of electrode materials in improving electrolysis performance. Operating environments, material requirements, and catalytic properties are compared across these systems. Recent developments in electrocatalysts—including transition-metal alloys, heterostructured catalysts, defect-engineered materials, and nanostructured systems—are evaluated in terms of catalytic activity, durability, and scalability. Particular attention is given to reducing noble metal usage while maintaining high electrochemical performance. Results indicate that transition-metal-based catalysts and engineered interfaces can achieve activity comparable to noble-metal systems while offering better cost efficiency. However, challenges related to long-term durability, large-scale synthesis, and standardized testing persist. Continued interdisciplinary research in materials design and electrochemical engineering is essential to enable efficient, durable, and cost-effective green hydrogen production. Full article

Metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and lipid disorders are major health challenges worldwide. There is increasing interest in the role of food-derived antioxidants in the context of metabolic disorders due to their documented antioxidant activity. Antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce oxidative stress, which can affect cell function and metabolic processes. Anthocyanins, curcumin, and resveratrol exhibit physiological and pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic effects. The main aim of this systematic review is to comprehensively evaluate and synthesize the current scientific evidence on the role of anthocyanins, curcumin, and resveratrol in the prevention and management of metabolic disorders, with a focus on obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Databases such as PubMed and Embase were searched, and the final selection included 105 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The analyzed studies demonstrated that anthocyanin supplementation (up to 320 mg/day) was associated with reductions in inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α, improvements in HDL cholesterol, and modest reductions in HbA1c (~0.3–0.5%). Curcumin supplementation was associated with decreases in body weight (up to 0.82 kg), BMI (up to 0.30 kg/m²), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels. Resveratrol showed mixed but potentially beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress markers, and lipid metabolism, although the clinical outcomes remained inconsistent across studies. These findings suggest that the antioxidant effects of anthocyanins, curcumin, and resveratrol may be related to their ability to suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory processes, thereby contributing to improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism. The conclusions from this analysis may contribute to a better understanding of the role of antioxidants in the management of metabolic health and indicate directions for future research in this area. Full article

This study investigates the production behavior of Fe–Ni–S matte from synthetic nickel ore designed to simulate low-grade saprolitic laterite. The synthetic feed was formulated based on XRF and XRD analyses of magnetically upgraded laterite concentrate. Thermodynamic modeling, including phase stability analysis, Ellingham evaluation, viscosity prediction, and sulfidation equilibria, was employed to define optimal smelting conditions. Carbothermic reduction at 1550 °C enabled selective reduction in NiO and FeO, leading to the formation of Fe–Ni alloy droplets, which subsequently reacted with FeS to produce Fe–Ni–S matte. The carbon ratio played a critical role in controlling FeO content in slag, thereby influencing slag basicity and viscosity. An optimal carbon ratio of 0.2–0.4 mol maintained slag viscosity within the industrially favorable range (2–5 poise) and minimized crucible dissolution. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that FeS is the only stable sulfide phase at high temperature and dissolves into the Fe–Ni melt, promoting stable matte formation. Under optimized carbon and FeS addition conditions, a maximum nickel recovery of approximately 88% was achieved, attributed to improved slag composition, controlled viscosity, and enhanced matte–slag separation. These results demonstrate that simultaneous carbothermic reduction and sulfidation is an effective route for Fe–Ni–S matte production from saprolite-derived oxide feed. Control of carbon ratio, FeS addition, and Al₂O₃ flux is essential for achieving stable matte formation and efficient metal–slag separation. Full article

Cancer is a complex and evolutionary disease, with the development of different types of cancers leading to various different defective gene mutations. Synthetic lethality is a genetic-level precision medical strategy. Currently, treating BRCA (BReast CAncer)-mutated breast or ovarian cancer cells with a chemical inhibitor (Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, PARPi) is a typical synthetic lethal application in clinical practice. However, PARPi therapy has been found to cause off-target effects and therapy-induced immune escape driven by PD-L1 upregulation, allowing for cancer cells to escape attack from the immune response. To overcome these challenges, we developed a core–shell structure comprising a hydrophobic core of quercetin (Q)-mediated PARP inhibition and iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), enveloped by a hydrophilic fucoidan (Fu) shell to encapsulate short hairpin RNA targeting Programmed Death Ligand 1 (shPD-L1) for efficient gene transfection (shPD-L1@QIO@Fu). Structurally, the incorporation of quercetin into the intermediate hydrophobic layer enables modulate of the PARP effect, while the inner aqueous core with shPD-L1 gene silencing can inhibit the expression of PD-L1 protein. In this study, we proved that shPD-L1@QIO@Fu demonstrated a dual therapeutic mechanism against BRCA-mutant cancer cells by inducing extensive DNA double-strand breaks and promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, the combined action of quercetin-mediated DNA damage and shPD-L1-driven PD-L1 suppression led to a significant reduction in PD-L1 mRNA to approximately 5% at 72 h and decreased surface PD-L1 below baseline by 96 h. This effectively suppresses PARPi-induced PD-L1 upregulation and enhances antitumor immunity. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of shPD-L1@QIO@Fu nanomedicine, providing a promising foundation for advanced co-delivery strategies to synergize PARP inhibition mediated synthetic lethality with immune checkpoint blockade in next-generation precision medicine. Full article

Biomolecular condensates in the cytoplasm and nucleus contribute to carcinogenesis through aberrant signaling by assorted transcription factors and fusion oncoproteins. Oral cancer, which is highly prevalent worldwide, frequently occurs in a U-shaped “high-risk” zone (floor of mouth, side of tongue, and anterior fauces) which forms the path of liquid transit through the mouth. We previously reported that environmental stresses of saliva-like hypotonicity and beverage-like temperature changes triggered cycles of disassembly/reassembly of biomolecular condensates of GFP-tagged human myxovirus resistance protein (MxA; alias Mx1) in oral cancer cells. In the present study, we identified some of the constituents of GFP-MxA cytoplasmic condensates in oral cells. These condensates were isolated from interferon (IFN)-λ1-treated GFP-MxA expressing OECM1 human oral cancer cells using magnetic bead-based immunoisolation. Unbiased peptide identification confirmed the presence of MxA/Mx1 peptides; however, the strongest intensity was for the BACH1 transcription factor family. Immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the association of BACH1 and the family member Nrf2 with cytoplasmic human GFP-MxA condensates. Moreover, GFP-BACH1 and GFP-Nrf2 colocalized with cytoplasmic human HA-MxA condensates in transiently transfected OECM1 cells. Western blot assays confirmed the presence of BACH1 and Nrf2 proteins in complexes isolated using anti-MxA pAb. As much as BACH1 and Nrf2 regulate oxidative stress response genes, it was remarkable that immunofluorescence assays revealed the presence of heme oxygenase 1 (HO1)—a downstream redox regulator—in GFP-MxA condensates. However, these condensates were devoid of p62, KEAP1 and Cul3. In terms of aberrant function, in live cells, the Nrf2 transcription factor underwent rapid disassembly and reassembly cycles driven by saliva-like hypotonicity, and was also disassembled by sulforaphane. The data highlight the unexpected intersections in oral cells between MxA condensates and BACH1, Nrf2 and HO1—proteins well known to be involved in pathways regulating cellular responses to environmental and oxidative stresses, antiviral defense, oral epithelial dysplasia, and cancer progression and metastases. Full article

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) remains a leading cause of disability in diabetes, yet current care is largely symptomatic and does not directly address early neurovascular-immune pathology. This narrative review synthesizes clinical, redox, vascular, and immunological evidence into a peripheral nerve neurovascular unit (PNVU)/blood–nerve barrier (BNB)-centered framework for DPN. First, the review outlines the diagnostic and translational endpoint landscape of DPN, emphasizing that commonly used clinical, neurophysiological, small-fiber, and imaging-based tools capture important disease domains but do not directly assess early BNB dysfunction. It then reviews the anatomical and functional basis of the PNVU and BNB, including endoneurial microvascular endothelial cells, pericytes, basement membrane components, immune cells, and tight-junction proteins. Next, it discusses how chronic hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia drive metabolic-to-vascular coupling, redox imbalance, antioxidant defense failure, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), receptor for AGEs (RAGE), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, endothelial activation, leukocyte recruitment, macrophage polarization, and junctional disassembly, culminating in increased BNB permeability and exposure of peripheral nerves to pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic mediators. Finally, it evaluates incretin-based therapies—including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors, DPP-4is), and emerging multi-agonists—as potential modulators of oxidative and inflammatory stress within this framework. Although semaglutide and related agents show mechanistic plausibility and preclinical promise, direct evidence for incretin-mediated BNB stabilization in human DPN remains limited. By reframing DPN as a redox-driven neurovascular-immune disorder, this review highlights barrier-focused biomarkers, translational endpoints, and hypothesis-generating therapeutic opportunities that require clinical validation. Full article

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the leading cause of death globally. Current treatment strategies involve restoring blood flow to the coronary artery, but have shortcomings in that these procedures cannot reverse damage to the myocardium that has already occurred. Therefore, therapies that can decrease the severity of ischemic damage are needed. Oxidative stress is an early and major driver of cardiomyocyte death following MI. Rhynchophylline (RHY) is a natural alkaloid known for its antioxidant activity; however, whether it can protect against MI-induced ischemic injury, as well as its underlying mechanism of action, remains unexplored. We performed murine models of surgical MI and examined the effects and mechanisms of RHY in protecting against myocardial ischemic injury. A sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-specific inhibitor, EX-527, was subsequently used to verify that the cardioprotective effects of RHY were dependent upon targeted SIRT1-activation. Mice administered with RHY significantly protected against ischemic injury following MI, with improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, and decreased levels of oxidative and DNA damage. The cardioprotective effect of RHY is associated with activation of the SIRT1 and its downstream redox-sensitive transcription factors: nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and forkhead-box protein O3 (FOXO3a). The cardioprotective and antioxidant effects of RHY were abolished by EX-527, a selective SIRT1 inhibitor. Our findings provide evidence for the robust antioxidant properties of RHY in protecting against MI injury via activating the SIRT1/NRF2/FOXO3a signaling axis. These findings provide new mechanistic insight into the preconditioning-like cardioprotective potential of RHY during myocardial infarction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anshen Bunao Oral Liquid (ABOL) is a traditional medicinal formula comprising Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum, Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata and other ingredients. It replenishes essence, nourishes qi and blood, and soothes the spirit. It is used in clinical practice to treat neurasthenia and insomnia (emotion-related symptoms), and its key component, glycyrrhizin, exhibits anxiolytic properties. This aligns with the holistic approach of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to regulating neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anxiolytic efficacy of ABOL in rats with anxiety induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS), and to clarify its mechanism by focusing on modulation of the gut–brain axis (microbiota and metabolism). Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats underwent three hours of restraint per day for 28 days to induce anxiety. ABOL was administered intragastrically in three doses. Anxiety-like behaviours were assessed using OFT, EPM and SPT. Serum, tissue and faecal samples were analysed using ELISA, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, non-targeted metabolomics, 16S rRNA sequencing and RT-qPCR. Results: CRS induced anxiety-like behaviours, impaired weight gain and perturbed the balance of neurotransmitters (decreasing 5-HT, GABA, NE and DA, while increasing CORT), inducing inflammation/oxidative stress, hippocampal neuronal injury, intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota/metabolic dysregulation. ABOL effectively reversed these abnormalities by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters and the HPA axis, suppressing inflammation and oxidation, protecting neurons and the intestinal barrier, remodelling the gut microbiota (enriching Akkermansia and balancing Firmicutes/Bacteroidota) and regulating sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid pathways. The interaction between the gut microbiota and metabolites may contribute to this pharmacological effect. Conclusions: ABOL exerts anxiolytic effects by modulating the gut–brain axis at multiple targets, involving microbiota remodelling, regulation of lipid metabolism and improvement of pathology. This validates its ethnopharmacological value, linking traditional Chinese medicine to the development of modern anxiolytics. Full article

Oil shale in situ conversion provides an important pathway for developing medium- to deep-buried, low-grade, and thin oil shale resources. Among the available approaches, the in situ conversion technology triggered by the topochemical reaction method, hereafter referred to as the TSA method, induces local oxidation reactions of pyrolysis residuals, fixed carbon, and reactive organic matter through preheating and oxygen-containing gas injection. The released in-formation heat then supports continued kerogen cracking and reaction-front propagation. This review summarizes the TSA method from a process-oriented perspective, linking reaction mechanisms, engineering controls, geochemical process identification, pilot tests, economic–environmental constraints, and scale-up evaluation. Existing studies indicate that the TSA method has formed a technical chain involving reaction initiation, heat/reaction-front propagation, oil and gas recovery, and process monitoring. Pilot tests provide evidence for operational feasibility, but not yet for full commercial feasibility. Thermal simulation results show that oil and gas generation and expulsion become significant above ~350 °C, and that 375–425 °C can be used as an important reference window for temperature control rather than a fixed optimum for all oil shale reservoirs. Geochemical indicators can provide complementary constraints for identifying reaction progress, especially when calibrated with produced oil and gas. Further development should focus on fracture-network control, heat-transfer enhancement, oxygen-supply regulation, multi-well coordination, equipment reliability, economic evaluation, groundwater protection, and CO₂ emission accounting. These issues are critical for advancing the TSA method toward larger-scale, low-carbon, and well-regulated application. Full article

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss (ARHL), is a multifactorial disorder characterized by a gradual, bilateral sensorineural decline in hearing sensitivity, predominantly affecting high-frequency sounds. It is one of the most common chronic conditions in the aging population and represents a major public health concern due to its high prevalence and progressive nature. Presbycusis significantly impairs speech perception, especially in noisy environments, leading to communication difficulties, reduced social participation, increased risk of social isolation, and a decline in quality of life. Moreover, growing evidence highlights a strong association between ARHL and cognitive impairment, dementia, depression, and increased frailty in older adults. The etiology of presbycusis is complex and involves the interplay between genetic predisposition and cumulative environmental and lifestyle-related factors. Genetic susceptibility influences cochlear aging, neural degeneration, and vulnerability to external insults. Non-genetic contributors include chronic noise exposure, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and dyslipidemia, ototoxic medications, smoking, and other lifestyle factors that may accelerate cochlear damage through oxidative stress and microvascular dysfunction. This narrative review aims to provide an updated overview of the genetic and environmental determinants involved in the development and progression of presbycusis. Furthermore, it discusses the clinical implications of these factors for early identification, audiological evaluation, prevention strategies, and personalized management approaches. A better understanding of the multifactorial nature of presbycusis may support the development of targeted interventions to preserve hearing function and improve overall health outcomes in the aging population. Full article

This study evaluates volatile extracts (HE1 and HE2) from the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea as eco-friendly agents to control algal proliferation, specifically targeting the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and the green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. Both extracts exhibited potent anti-microalgal activity against the two species with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 375 to 750 µg/mL. Furthermore, both extracts reduced cell density by more than 98% after eight days of treatment. Chlorophyll a and protein levels decreased significantly (>80%) in both species, indicating suppression of pigment synthesis. However, their physiological responses were distinct: M. aeruginosa underwent early acute oxidative stress and severe membrane damage, while C. sorokiniana exhibited delayed oxidative activation and a negative growth rate, suggesting non-lytic metabolic inhibition. An in silico study by molecular docking of the most abundant compounds identified in these volatile extracts, such as terpenoids (abietatriene, δ-cadinene) and a phenolic compound (atraric acid), showed that these compounds interact with vital cellular targets in M. aeruginosa and C. sorokiniana and likely contribute to the effects observed in these two species. Predictive toxicity by applying the ADMET framework confirmed the favorable bioavailability and low acute toxicity of these volatile compounds. Therefore, P. furfuracea volatiles are promising, species-specific, and environmentally safe candidates for mitigating aquatic algal proliferation through targeted oxidative and metabolic interference. Full article

Gaucher disease is a prototypical lysosomal sphingolipid storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in GBA1, resulting in glucocerebrosidase deficiency and accumulation of bioactive lipids, including glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb1). While non-neuronopathic Gaucher disease is effectively managed with enzyme replacement and substrate reduction therapies, neuronopathic forms remain largely refractory to treatment due to progressive central nervous system (CNS) involvement and limited penetration of current therapies across the blood–brain barrier. Disease pathobiology extends beyond lysosomal substrate accumulation to encompass dysregulated sphingolipid signaling, particularly sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-mediated “inside-out” signaling, alongside neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and glial activation, which collectively drive neurodegeneration. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on sphingolipid metabolism and signaling in neuronopathic Gaucher disease and integrate these mechanisms into a three-tier, CNS-focused biomarker framework. The first tier comprises substrate-proximal markers of lysosomal burden (lyso-Gb1), which reflect GCase deficiency and correlate with systemic disease severity but incompletely capture CNS pathology. The second tier comprises markers of glial activation and neuroinflammation (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B [GPNMB]), which reflect the downstream neuroimmune response to sphingolipid accumulation. The third tier comprises markers of neuroaxonal injury (neurofilament light chain [NfL]), which index irreversible neuronal damage as the terminal consequence of uncontrolled CNS disease. Together, these tiers map distinct but mechanistically interconnected stages of disease progression, from lysosomal dysfunction through glial activation to neuroaxonal loss, enabling stage-specific interpretation of biomarker signals that single-analyte approaches cannot provide. We further examine how S1P-mediated inside-out signaling links intracellular lipid dysregulation to extracellular neuroimmune and neurovascular responses and how the blood–brain barrier shapes compartment-dependent biomarker behavior across cerebrospinal fluid and blood. By grounding biomarker selection in this mechanistic cascade, the framework provides explicit criteria for pairing analytes across tiers, interpreting discordance between peripheral and CNS compartments, and designing multi-modal endpoints for clinical trials of CNS-penetrant therapies. Despite these advances, significant challenges remain, including limited longitudinal datasets, variability in assay methodologies, and incomplete validation of biomarkers as surrogates of CNS disease progression. Addressing these gaps will require harmonized, multi-modal approaches integrating biochemical, functional, and imaging measures. By positioning neuronopathic Gaucher disease as a model of sphingolipid-driven neurodegeneration, this review highlights opportunities for biomarker-guided therapeutic development relevant to Gaucher disease and the broader spectrum of sphingolipid-associated neurological disorders. Full article

Gallium oxide is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor with excellent opto-electronic properties, making it a highly promising material for a wide range of applications and devices. In this article, we report how the optical, morphological, structural, and compositional properties of $\beta$-Ga₂O₃ thin films deposited by RF Sputtering on silicon substrates are affected by thermal treatments. Ellipsometric spectra recorded at multiple angles of incidence from several samples subjected to thermal annealing in the range of 550–1000 °C were analyzed to extract the optical functions using appropriate multilayer models. This analysis is complemented by compositional, structural, and morphological characterization techniques. We observed two main stages of crystallization with increasing annealing temperature; up to 700 °C, there is an increase in density and then, for 700–1000 °C, there is an improvement in crystallinity. While the refractive index increases continuously throughout this process, we found that the polarizability of the samples decreases in the first stage and increases in the second. These observations demonstrate that thermal treatments are a powerful tool to tune the optical properties of Ga₂O₃ thin films for device applications. Full article