Search Results (4,364)

Complex wastewater matrices hinder the efficacy of conventional treatment methods due to the presence of various inorganic and organic pollutants, along with their intricate interactions. Leveraging the synergy between algae and bacteria, algal–bacterial symbiosis (ABS) systems offering an evolutionary and highly effective approach. The ABS system demonstrates 10–30% higher removal efficiency than conventional biological/physicochemical methods under identical conditions, especially at low C/N ratios. Recent advances in biology techniques and big data analytics have deepened our understanding of the synergistic mechanisms involved. Despite the system’s considerable promise, challenges persist concerning complex pollution scenarios and scaling it for industrial applications, particularly regarding system design, environmental adaptability, and stable operation. In this review, we explore the current forms and operational modes of ABS systems, discussing relevant mechanisms in various wastewater treatment contexts. Furthermore, we examine the advantages and limitations of ABS systems in treating complex wastewater matrices, highlighting challenges and proposing future directions. Full article

Background. Physicomechanical properties and clinical service of bulk-fill composites depend on their adequate polymerization and depth of cure. Some manufacturers claim that these composites can be adequately cured when used in bulks exceeding 4 mm. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare Vickers microhardness (VMH) and depth of cure (DOC) of six contemporary bulk-fill resin composites at depths of 4 mm and 6 mm. Material and methods. Six bulk-fill composites were evaluated in this study: 1. Tetric EvoCeram Bulk (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), (TEC); 2. Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA), (FBF); 3. Filtek One Bulk Fill (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA, (FOB); 4. SonicFill 2 (Kerr, Orange, CA, USA), (SF2); 5. Admira Fusion X-tra (Voco, GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), (AFX); 6. GrandioSO X-tra (Voco, GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), (GSX). The 18 specimens (3 of each composite) were prepared in split Teflon moulds of 4 mm diameter and 6 mm thickness. All composites were cured in standard mode for 20 s using LED LCU (D-Light Duo, RF-Pharmaceuticals Sarl, Geneva, Switzerland; 1200–1300 mW/cm). The VMH was measured using a digital Micro Hardness Tester Shimadzu (HMV-2T E, Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan). A 50 g (0.5 N) load force was applied for 30 s. Each specimen was measured at five places selected by chance at each level (N = 15). The hardness ratio or DOC was calculated for all samples as the ratio of bottom and surface microhardness at levels of 4 and 6 mm. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results. Significant reduction in VMH was observed for all tested materials when comparing top surface and bottom (p < 0.01). The highest VMH was obtained for GSX and AFX, and the lowest for TEC. The results show that the degree of polymerization was adequate for all tested materials at a depth of 6 mm, since the hardness ratio exceeded 0.80 in all cases. The hardness ratio at 4 mm was high for all tested composites ranging from 0.91 for TEC to 0.98 for GSX. All composites showed adequate DOC at the bottom of the 6 mm bulk samples. However, the hardness ratio was the highest for Admira Fusion X-tra (0.96) and GrandioSO X-tra (0.97). Conclusions. All tested materials showed a significant decrease in microhardness from the top surface to the bottom. The DOC was adequate for all bulk-fill composites at a depth of 6 mm cured under standard mode for 20 s. All bulk-fill resin composites evaluated in this study can be used in bulk, up to 6 mm. Full article

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) often involves autonomic dysfunction, most notably impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), which disrupts cardiovascular homeostasis and contributes to orthostatic hypotension (OH). Pharmacological and invasive treatments, including deep brain stimulation, have yielded inconsistent benefits and carry procedural risks, highlighting the need for safer, more accessible alternatives. In this systematic review, we evaluated non-invasive interventions—spanning somatosensory stimulation, exercise modalities, thermal therapies, and positional strategies—aimed at improving cardiovascular autonomic function in PD. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. Eight original studies (n = 8) including 205 participants met the inclusion criteria for analyzing cardiac sympathovagal balance. Results: Five studies demonstrated significant post-intervention increases in BRS. Most reported favorable shifts in heart rate variability (HRV) and favorable changes in the low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio. Across modalities, systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by an average of 5%, and some interventions produced benefits that persisted up to 24 h. Conclusion: Although sample sizes were small and protocols heterogeneous, the collective findings support the potential of non-invasive neuromodulation to enhance BRS and overall cardiovascular regulation in PD. Future research should focus on standardized, higher-intensity or combined protocols with longer follow-up periods to establish durable, clinically meaningful improvements in autonomic function and quality of life for people living with PD. Full article

This study investigates the predictive performance of financial indicators in forecasting stock prices within the automotive sector using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). In light of the growing complexity of global financial markets and the increasing demand for automated, data-driven forecasting models, this research aims to identify those financial ratios that most accurately reflect price dynamics in this specific industry. The model incorporates four widely used financial indicators, return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), earnings per share (EPS), and profit margin (PM), as inputs. The analysis is based on real financial and market data from automotive companies, and model performance was assessed using RMSE, nRMSE, and confidence intervals. The results indicate that the full model, including all four indicators, achieved the highest accuracy and prediction stability, while the exclusion of ROA or ROE significantly deteriorated model performance. These findings challenge the weak-form efficiency hypothesis and underscore the relevance of firm-level fundamentals in stock price formation. This study’s sector-specific approach highlights the importance of tailoring predictive models to industry characteristics, offering implications for both financial modeling and investment strategies. Future research directions include expanding the indicator set, increasing the sample size, and testing the model across additional industry domains. Full article

Salinization hinders the restoration of vegetation in salt-affected soils by negatively impacting plant growth and development. Halophytes play a key role in the restoration of saline and degraded lands due to unique features explaining their growth aptitude in such extreme ecosystems. Suaeda fruticosa is an euhalophyte well known for its medicinal properties and its potential for saline soil phytoremediation. However, excessive salt accumulation in soil limits the development of this species. Research findings increasingly advocate the use of extremophile rhizosphere bacteria as an effective approach to reclaim salinized soils, in conjunction with their salt-alleviating effect on plants. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to assess the role of a halotolerant plant growth-promoting actinobacterium, Glutamicibacter sp., on the growth, nutritional status, and shoot content of proline, total soluble carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds in the halophyte S. fruticosa grown for 60 d under high salinity (600 mM NaCl). Results showed that inoculation with Glutamicibacter sp. significantly promoted the growth of inoculated plants under stress conditions. More specifically, bacterial inoculation increased the shoot concentration of proline, total polyphenols, potassium (K⁺), nitrogen (N), and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in shoots, while significantly decreasing Na⁺ concentrations. These mechanisms partly explain S. fruticosa tolerance to high saline concentrations. Our findings provide some mechanistic elements at the ecophysiological level, enabling a better understanding of the crucial role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) in enhancing halophyte growth and highlight their potential for utilization in restoring vegetation in salt-affected soils. Full article

This study, conducted in Mexico, evaluates the agricultural potential of three compost formulations BFS1, BFS2, and BFS3 produced from mining tailings and thermophilic microbial mats and collected from geothermal environments. The physicochemical characterization included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S), micronutrients (Fe, Zn, B, Cu, Mn, Mo, and Ni), organic matter (OM), and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. All composts exhibited neutral pH values (7.38–7.52), high OM content (38.5–48.4%), and optimal C/N ratios (10.5–13.9), indicating maturity and chemical stability. Nitrogen ranged from 19 to 21 kg·t⁻¹, while potassium and calcium were present in concentrations beneficial for crop development. However, EC values (3.43–3.66 dS/m) and boron levels (>160 ppm) were moderately high, requiring caution in saline soils or with boron-sensitive crops. A semi-quantitative Compost Quality Index (CQI) ranked BFS3 highest due to elevated OM and potassium content, followed by BFS1. BFS2, while rich in nitrogen, scored lower due to excessive boron. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant difference in nitrogen (p > 0.05), but it did reveal significant differences in potassium (p < 0.01) and boron (p < 0.001) among formulations. These results confirm the potential of mining tailings—microbial mat composts are low-cost, nutrient-rich biofertilizers. They are suitable for field crops or as components in nursery substrates, particularly when EC and boron are managed through dilution. This study promotes the circular reuse of geothermal and industrial residues and contributes to sustainable soil restoration practices in mining-affected regions through innovative composting strategies. Full article

This research explores the application of NiTiNOL-steel (NiTi–ST) wire ropes as nonlinear damping devices for mitigating vibrations in composite stiffened panels. A dynamic model is formulated by coupling the composite panel with a modified Bouc–Wen hysteresis representation and employing the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), based on Hamilton’s principle. Using the Galerkin truncation method (GTM), the model is converted into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The dynamic response to axial harmonic excitations is analyzed, emphasizing the vibration reduction provided by the embedded NiTi–ST ropes. Finite element analysis (FEA) validates the model by comparing natural frequencies and force responses with and without ropes. A newly developed experimental apparatus demonstrates that NiTi–ST cables provide outstanding vibration damping while barely affecting the system’s inherent frequency. The N3a configuration of NiTi–ST ropes demonstrates optimal vibration reduction, influenced by excitation frequency, amplitude, length-to-width ratio, and composite layering. Full article

This paper addresses the critical challenge of selecting suitable pile foundations in port engineering by systematically investigating the axial bearing behavior of large-diameter steel pipe piles and prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) piles. The study integrates both numerical simulations and field tests within the context of the Yancheng Dafeng Port Security Facilities Project. A self-balanced static load numerical model for PHC piles was developed using Plaxis 3D, enabling the simulation of load-displacement responses, axial force transfer, and side resistance distribution. The accuracy of the model was verified through a comparison with field static load test data. With the verified model parameters, the internal force distribution of steel pipe piles was analysed by modifying material properties and adjusting boundary conditions. A comparative analysis of the two pile types was conducted under identical working conditions. The results reveal that the ultimate bearing capacities of the 1# steel pipe pile and the 2# PHC pile are 6734 kN and 6788 kN, respectively. Despite the PHC pile having a 20% larger diameter, its ultimate bearing capacity is comparable to that of the steel pipe pile, suggesting a more efficient utilisation of material strength in the latter. Further numerical simulations indicate that, under the same working conditions, the ultimate bearing capacity of the steel pipe pile exceeds that of the PHC pile by 18.43%. Additionally, the axial force distribution along the steel pipe pile shaft is more uniform, and side resistance is mobilised more effectively. The reduction in side resistance caused by construction disturbances, combined with the slenderness ratio (L/D = 41.7) of the PHC pile, results in 33.87% of the pile’s total bearing capacity being attributed to tip resistance. The findings of this study provide crucial insights into the selection of optimal pile types for terminal foundations, considering factors such as bearing capacity, environmental conditions, and economic viability. Full article

Graphene’s exceptional carrier mobility and broadband absorption make it promising for ultrafast photodetection. However, its low optical absorption limits responsivity, while the absence of a bandgap results in high dark current, constraining the signal-to-noise ratio and efficiency. Although silicon (Si) photodetectors normally offer fabrication compatibility, their performance is severely hindered by interface trap states and optical shading. To overcome these limitations, we demonstrate an epitaxial graphene/n-Si heterojunction photodiode. This device utilizes graphene epitaxially grown on germanium integrated with a transferred Si thin film, eliminating polymer residues and interface defects common in transferred graphene. As a result, the fabricated photodetector achieves an ultralow dark current of 1.2 × 10⁻⁹ A, a high responsivity of 1430 A/W, and self-powered operation at room temperature. This work provides a strategy for high-sensitivity and low-power photodetection and demonstrates the practical integration potential of graphene/Si heterostructures for advanced optoelectronics. Full article

Soil phosphorus (P) availability is an important determinant of productivity in Pinus massoniana (Masson pine) forests. The mechanistic bases governing the physiological and growth responses of Masson pine to varying soil P conditions remain insufficiently characterized. This study aims to decipher the adaptive strategies of Masson pine to different soil P levels, focusing on root morphological–architectural plasticity and the allocation dynamics of nutrient elements and photosynthetic assimilates. One-year-old potted Masson pine seedlings were exposed to four P addition treatments for one year: P0 (0 mg kg⁻¹), P1 (25 mg kg⁻¹), P2 (50 mg·kg⁻¹), and P3 (100 mg kg⁻¹). In July and December, measurements were conducted on seedling organ biomass, root morphological indices [root length (RL), root surface area (RSA), root diameter (RD), specific root length (SRL), and root length ratio (RLR) for each diameter grade], root architectural indices [number of root tips (RTs), fractal dimension (FD), root branching angle (RBA), and root topological index (TI)], as well as the content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), carbon (C), and non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) in roots, stems, and leaves. Compared with the P0 treatment, P2 and P3 significantly increased root biomass, root–shoot ratio, RL, RSA, RTs, RLR of finer roots (diameter ≤ 0.4 mm), nutrient accumulation ratio in roots, and starch (ST) content in roots, stems and leaves. Meanwhile, they decreased soluble sugar (SS) content, SS/ST ratio, C and N content, and N/P and C/P ratios in stems and leaves, as well as nutrient accumulation ratio in leaves. The P3 treatment significantly reduced RBA and increased FD and SRL. Our results indicated that Masson pine adapts to low P by developing shallower roots with a reduced branching intensity and promoting the conversion of ST to SS. P’s addition effectively alleviates growth limitations imposed by low P, stimulating root growth, branching, and gravitropism. Although a sole P addition promotes short-term growth and P uptake, it triggers a substantial consumption of N, C, and SS, leading to significant decreases in N/P and C/P ratios and exacerbating N’s limitation, which is detrimental to long-term growth. Under high-P conditions, Masson pine strategically prioritizes allocating limited N and SS to roots, facilitating the formation of thinner roots with low C costs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Urban green space has been increasingly recognized as a determinant of maternal and child health. This study investigated the association between prenatal exposure to different types of green space and the risk of congenital anomalies in South Korea. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Service (N = 142,422). Green space exposure was measured at the area level and categorized into grassland and forest; statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations and generalized additive models to analyze the associations. Additionally, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: GEE analysis showed that a 10% increase in the proportion of grassland in a residential district was associated with a reduced risk of nervous system (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63–0.94) and genitourinary system anomalies (aOR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71–0.97). The subgroup analysis results showed significance only for male infants, but the difference between the sexes was not significant. In the quartile-based analysis, we found a slightly significant p-value for trend for the effect of forests on digestive system anomalies, but the trend was toward increasing risk. In a sensitivity analysis with different exposure classifications, the overall and nervous system anomalies in built green space showed that the risk decreased as green space increased compared to that in the lowest quartile. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of spatial environmental factors during pregnancy and suggest that different types of green spaces differentially impact the offspring’s early health outcomes. This study suggests the need for built environment planning as part of preventive maternal and child health strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: The long-term renal and cardiovascular effects of neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI) in preterm infants remain unclear. This study investigated whether neonatal AKI leads to persistent subclinical kidney injury and blood pressure changes in school-aged children born preterm. Methods: In this prospective cohort, preterm-born children (≤35 weeks’ gestation) with (n = 19) and without (n = 38) neonatal AKI were evaluated at 7–12 years. A term-born control group (n = 44) was included for biomarker comparison. Assessments included perinatal data, anthropometry, office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and renal ultrasonography. Kidney function was evaluated using serum creatinine (sCr), cystatin C, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Tubular injury was assessed using urinary kidney injury molecule-1/Cr (KIM-1/Cr), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin/Cr (NGAL/Cr), and trefoil factor 3/Cr (TFF3/Cr) ratios, as well as serum TFF3. Results: Conventional kidney function markers were similar among groups. However, the AKI group had higher serum cystatin C, lower cystatin C–based eGFR, and elevated urinary KIM-1/Cr and NGAL/Cr compared to no-AKI and term controls. Serum TFF3 was also higher in the AKI group. ABPM revealed higher nocturnal systolic blood pressure and blood pressure load in the AKI group. Kidney size did not differ between preterm subgroups. Conclusions: Neonatal AKI in preterm infants is associated with subtle alterations and potential renal stress or injury at school age, detectable only with sensitive biomarkers and ABPM. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these biomarkers and determine their role in predicting long-term outcomes in preterm infants with neonatal AKI. Full article

Vermicomposting is a sustainable biotechnological process that transforms organic waste through the synergistic activity of earthworms, such as Eisenia fetida, and their associated microbiota. This study evaluated bacterial and physicochemical dynamics during the vermicomposting of bovine manure by analyzing the microbial composition of the substrate and the gut of E. fetida at three time points (weeks 0, 6, and 12). The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced, and microbial diversity was characterized using QIIME2. Significant differences in alpha diversity (observed features, Shannon index, and phylogenetic diversity) and beta diversity indicated active microbial succession. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota were the dominant phyla, with abundances varying across habitats and over time. A significant enrichment of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and the genera Chryseolinea, Flavobacterium, and Sphingomonas was observed in the manure treatments. In contrast, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, and the genera Methylobacter, Brevibacillus, Enhygromyxa, and Bacillus, among others, were distinctive of the gut samples and contributed to their dissimilarity from the manure treatments. Simultaneously, the physicochemical parameters indicated progressive substrate stabilization and nutrient enrichment. Notably, the organic matter and total organic carbon contents decreased (from 79.47% to 47.80% and from 46.10% to 27.73%, respectively), whereas the total nitrogen content increased (from 1.70% to 2.23%); these effects reduced the C/N ratio, which is a recognized indicator of maturity, from 27.13 to 12.40. The macronutrient contents also increased, with final values of 1.41% for phosphorus, 1.50% for potassium, 0.89% for magnesium, and 2.81% for calcium. These results demonstrate that vermicomposting modifies microbial communities and enhances substrate quality, supporting its use as a biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture, soil restoration, and agrochemical reduction. Full article

This study assesses the quality of fat in conventional and specialist infant formulas (IFs) available in Poland. The IFs studied were characterized in terms of fatty acid profiles and lipid quality indices. The study material consisted of eight types of conventional and specialist IFs. The determination of fatty acids was carried out using gas chromatography (GC). Lipid quality indices were estimated based on established formulas. Goat milk-based formulas showed significantly higher levels of caproic acid (C6:0) and capric acid (C10:0) than cow milk-based formulas of the same category (initial or follow-on) (p < 0.05). In addition, these IFs stood out in terms of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content (0.30%) compared to cow and specialist formulas (about 0.20%). It was shown that the average ratio of n6/n3 fatty acids was significantly lower in conventional IFs (6.07:1) compared to specialist IFs (8.10:1). The goat’s milk-based IFs had the most favorable values for individual lipid quality indices (index of desirable fatty acids (DFAs) = 62.46; index of hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (OFAs) = 25.94; index of atherogenicity (AI) = 0.71; index of thrombogenicity (TI) = 0.88; hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (H/H) = 2.05), while the specialist S-PH formula was characterized by the lowest DFA value (49.17) and the highest AI and TI indices (1.48 and 1.68). Multivariate analysis clearly classified the division of formulas into two groups—conventional and specialist—based on lipid quality indices. The results obtained provide new information on the variation in the lipid profile of IFs depending on the intended use of the formula and may serve as a basis for further research in this area. Full article

This study aimed to examine how downward load applied during instrumentation affects the stress generation and shaping properties in thermally treated and non-treated NiTi rotary instruments. ProTaper Universal (PTU; non-thermally treated) and ProTaper Gold (PTG; thermally treated) were used to prepare J-shaped canals in resin blocks. Load-controlled automated instrumentation and torque/force sensing devices were employed with preset downward loads of 1, 2, or 3 N (n = 10 each). The torque/force, instrumentation time, and canal-centering ratio were measured and analyzed using two-way or one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). In the PTU-1N group, instrumentation was not completed because a ledge was formed in all canals. The PTU-3N group showed significantly greater upward force (screw-in force) and clockwise torque, along with a significantly smaller canal-centering ratio (less deviation) at the apical 0 mm level, than the PTU-2N group (p < 0.05). The downward load did not influence the instrumentation time (p > 0.05). In the PTG groups, these effects of downward load on the force generation and canal-centering ratio were not significant (p > 0.05). In the non-thermally treated PTU instruments, greater downward loads enhanced screw-in force while decreasing apical canal deviation; however, these effects were abolished in the thermally treated PTG instruments. This study highlights the importance of adapting the instrumentation technique with instrument characteristics: thermally treated flexible instruments facilitate smoother use, while stiffer, non-thermally treated ones may require precise control of downward loads. Full article