Search Results (739)

Respirable quartz and dust exposures in dusty façade renovation work tasks were investigated. The presumption was that dust-producing work tasks can be performed safely, keeping exposures low, with practical, easily available methods to control dust emissions and exposure. The aim was to identify deficiencies in exposure management and compare exposure limiting methods to find out how to minimize dust emissions and exposures. Average respirable quartz and dust exposures from the 31 work situations, encompassing nine work tasks studied, were 0.082 and 1.3 mg/m³, respectively. Both values exceed the OEL in Finland, pointing to severe deficiencies in managing exposures. All tasks could, however, be executed safely, keeping exposures low. This often required using respirators while working inside façade covers or close to dust emissions. Other key things when planning exposure maintenance were the following: using water sprays and tool-specific exhausts vents; opening façade cover ventilation apertures; ensuring that non-participants in dusty work tasks are not exposed; working upwind from dust emissions; using pre-blended plaster; using grinders with extension handles; replacing diamond saws and angle grinders with hydraulic cutters when dismantling balcony elements; executing façade jackhammering with robots installed on lifting platforms prior to installing scaffolds and façade covers; detaching façade covers from the clean side; and using lifting platforms. Full article

The rapid advancement of high-performance electronics has intensified the demand for wide-bandgap semiconductor materials capable of operating under high-power and high-temperature conditions. Among these, silicon carbide (SiC) has emerged as a leading candidate due to its superior thermal conductivity, chemical stability, and mechanical strength. However, the high cost and complexity of SiC wafer fabrication, particularly in slicing and exfoliation, remain significant barriers to its widespread adoption. Conventional methods such as wire sawing suffer from considerable kerf loss, surface damage, and residual stress, reducing material yield and compromising wafer quality. Additionally, techniques like smart-cut ion implantation, though capable of enabling thin-layer transfer, are limited by long thermal annealing durations and implantation-induced defects. To overcome these limitations, ultrafast laser-based processing methods, including laser slicing and stealth dicing (SD), have gained prominence as non-contact, high-precision alternatives for SiC wafer exfoliation. This review presents the current state of the art and recent advances in laser-based precision SiC wafer exfoliation processes. Laser slicing involves focusing femtosecond or picosecond pulses at a controlled depth parallel to the beam path, creating internal damage layers that facilitate kerf-free wafer separation. In contrast, stealth dicing employs laser-induced damage tracks perpendicular to the laser propagation direction for chip separation. These techniques significantly reduce material waste and enable precise control over wafer thickness. The review also reports that recent studies have further elucidated the mechanisms of laser–SiC interaction, revealing that femtosecond pulses offer high machining accuracy due to localized energy deposition, while picosecond lasers provide greater processing efficiency through multipoint refocusing but at the cost of increased amorphous defect formation. The review identifies multiphoton ionization, internal phase explosion, and thermal diffusion key phenomena that play critical roles in microcrack formation and structural modification during precision SiC wafer laser processing. Typical ultrafast-laser operating ranges include pulse durations from 120–450 fs (and up to 10 ps), pulse energies spanning 5–50 µJ, focal depths of 100–350 µm below the surface, scan speeds ranging from 0.05–10 mm/s, and track pitches commonly between 5–20 µm. In addition, the review provides quantitative anchors including representative wafer thicknesses (250–350 µm), typical laser-induced crack or modified-layer depths (10–40 µm and extending up to 400–488 µm for deep subsurface focusing), and slicing efficiencies derived from multi-layer scanning. The review concludes that these advancements, combined with ongoing progress in ultrafast laser technology, represent research opportunities and challenges in transformative shifts in SiC wafer fabrication, offering pathways to high-throughput, low-damage, and cost-effective production. This review highlights the comparative advantages of laser-based methods, identifies the research gaps, and outlines the challenges and opportunities for future research in laser processing for semiconductor applications. Full article

The review is intended to systematize the latest achievements and the most promising methods in polycrystalline diamond saw blade dressing used for dicing Si and SiC wafers. Dicing, or die singulation, is important in IC assembly, and the quality of the die edges influences the final product quality. Reducing chipping size and width has been a scientific problem over the last few decades. Many techniques were proposed to solve it. The most practical solutions involved optimizing processing factors and cutting direction in accordance with the crystallographic structure of the wafers, since silicon and silicon carbide are hard and brittle materials with low fracture toughness, high hardness, and high thermal conductivity. Wear of the PCD saw blade is also a contributing factor to the formation of chipping and cracks. Dressing allows the bond material removal and diamond grain liberation, where grit size plays a critical role. Dressing techniques were divided into two groups depending on the nature of the exposure, and a combined technique of dressing–coating–redressing was also observed. The less significant chipping size effect was observed for the combined technique in dicing Si wafers when the effect of the techniques based on the mechanical and electrophysical exposures was more significant. Full article

Background/Objectives Plant lectins have emerged as potential antifungal molecules, where the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) is possibly the main mode of action of these proteins. Previously, we saw that the lectin extracted from the seeds of Dioclea violacea (DVL) has anti-candida activity against Candida krusei cells by acting to inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, cell wall deformation, and deregulation of the redox system. Methods We have now confirmed this anti-candida activity by proteomic analysis, with the expression of proteins that show us how C. krusei cells respond to this treatment. Results A total of 395 proteins were identified: 142 proteins exclusively found in untreated C. krusei cells and 245 proteins exclusive to DVL-treated cells. Eight proteins were detected in both conditions. Six displayed positive accumulation (fold change > 1.5), one exhibited negative accumulation (fold change < 0.5). We observed the expression of proteins related to cell wall remodeling; alteration of energy metabolism, suggesting a metabolic adaptation to stress; oxidative stress was responded to through the expression of proteins with antioxidant action, in addition to identifying multidrug transport proteins that are often involved in the process of antifungal resistance and sterol transport to the membrane. Conclusions Our results show the complexity of adaptive responses of C. krusei cells to treatment with DVL, elucidating new mechanisms of resistance and paving the way for the development of more effective and innovative antifungal therapies. Full article

In intelligent multi-agent systems, particularly in drone combat scenarios, the challenges posed by rapidly changing environments and incomplete information significantly hinder effective strategy optimization. Traditional multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) approaches often encounter difficulties in adapting to the dynamic nature of adversarial environments, especially when enemy strategies are subject to continuous evolution, complicating agents’ ability to respond effectively. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a novel enhanced MARL framework, MADDPG-SASP, which integrates an improved self-attention mechanism with self-play within the MADDPG algorithm, thereby facilitating superior strategy optimization. The self-attention mechanism empowers agents to adaptively extract critical environmental features, thereby enhancing both the speed and accuracy of perception and decision-making processes. Concurrently, the adaptive self-battling mechanism iteratively refines agent strategies through continuous adversarial interactions, thereby bolstering the stability and flexibility of their responses. Empirical results indicate that after 600 rounds, the win rate of agents employing this framework saw a substantial increase, rising from 26.17% with the original MADDPG to a perfect 100%. Further validation through comparative experiments underscores the method’s efficacy, demonstrating considerable advantages in strategy optimization and agent performance in complex, dynamic environments. Moreover, in the Predator–Prey Scenario combat environment, when the enemy side employs a multi-agent strategy, the win rate for the drone agent side can reach 98.5% and 100%. Full article

This study examines the current Digital Transformation (DT) knowledge in higher education, focusing on mobile app usage among Generation I. It examines publication trends, influential works, intellectual structures, keyword trends, and network visualizations to provide a foundation for future research and practice. This study used bibliometric analysis to examine articles from the Scopus database published from 2014 to 2024. Using the PRISMA method, the authors identified the articles and bibliographic information in the database and utilized VOS viewer to produce mapping and graphical presentations. This study presents how DT in higher education through mobile apps has evolved between 2014 and 2024. Studies on DT in higher education saw an 86% increase in 2020, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The top journals, influential authors, and affiliated countries are identified. The United States leads in contributions to this field with 35 publications, accounting for 19% of the total, followed by China and the UK, which account for 9% and 7%, respectively. Several key research gaps are identified based on existing literature, and suggestions are made for future studies. By examining current and influential trends, this study contributes to the knowledge of digital transformation in higher education and offers insights for institutions seeking to enhance mobile-based support services. Full article

Surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) sensors with Langasite (LGS) substrate have broad prospects in the field of wireless passive temperature sensing in harsh environments. However, there are still challenges in terms of accuracy regarding the material temperature coefficient of LGS and the temperature simulation of heavy mass load electrodes. This paper presents a method for fitting the material temperature coefficient of LGS based on a combination of finite element simulation (FEM) and measured data. Eleven different cuts of LGS SAW resonators were fabricated, and the frequency response of each cut device at 30–800 °C was obtained through experiments. Some of the data were used in the training dataset and the material temperature coefficient of LGS was obtained through comsol simulation fitting. The remaining data were used as a test dataset to verify the accuracy of the results. The results show that the material coefficient obtained using this method has good accuracy in the frequency prediction of thick electrode LGS SAW sensors at different temperatures with different cuts. Full article

Background: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was originally conceived as a noninvasive alternative to functional neurosurgery by the Swedish neurosurgeon Lars Leksell. This review traces the historical development of stereotactic methods from early mechanical frames to advanced image-guided systems and examines the pivotal innovations that enable precise intracranial targeting for SRS. Methods: Using PubMed and Google Scholar, we reviewed the literature on the general history of functional stereotactic neurosurgery and radiosurgery, its indications, and how their treatment methods evolved, focusing mainly on the early period from the end of the 18th century to the 1990s. Results: The origins of stereotaxy as a principle and technique were traced back to the early 20th century with animal studies by Horsley and Clarke, later adapted for human use by Spiegel and Wycis, and then Talairach in the 1940s. This enabled the precise targeting of deep brain structures for lesion-based interventions in movement, pain, and psychiatric disorders. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) emerged in the 1980s as a reversible treatment for tremor. Stereotactic radiosurgery was conceived in 1951 as a noninvasive alternative functional approach and saw limited use until the 1990s due to imaging constraints. With MRI-guided planning, its application has expanded mostly to the management of benign and malignant tumors and vascular disorders, as well as for functional approaches, particularly for trigeminal neuralgia, tremor, epilepsy, and OCD. Conclusions: This review underscores how technological progress and shifting clinical priorities have transformed SRS from a niche neurosurgical technique into a cornerstone of modern clinical practice, with functional SRS representing its latest clinical field of expansion. Full article

Racialised minority populations were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and saw the highest rate of COVID-19 infections and mortality. Low socioeconomic status, working as frontline workers, temporary employment, precarious immigration status and pre-existing medical conditions were factors that contributed to disadvantaged experiences. This systematic review looked at the impact of COVID-19 on racialised minority populations globally, recognising their experiences, perspectives and the effects on their physical and mental health. Eight electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Social Policy and Practice (SPP), Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), MedRxiv and Research Square) for English language qualitative studies. Reference lists of relevant literature reviews and reference lists of articles were hand-searched for additional potentially relevant articles. Duplicates were removed, and articles were screened for titles and abstracts, followed by full-text screening. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the included studies (n = 70). Data were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Seven major and three minor themes were identified. The major themes related to (i) children and young people’s experiences of COVID-19; (ii) exacerbated pre-existing disparities relating to income, employment and housing security, health insurance and immigration status; (iii) lack of knowledge and information about COVID-19 and COVID-19 misinformation; (iv) racial history of medicine and treatment of racialised populations; (v) contemporary experiences of racism; (vi) impact on physical and mental health and wellbeing; (vii) concerns about safety at work. Minor themes related to (a) experiences of intercommunity mutual aid; (b) adherence to preventative guidance/COVID-19 restrictions; (c) the role of faith. Research needs to focus on developing and testing interventions that support transformation of social, cultural and economic systems towards equity of access to healthcare and healthcare knowledge. Research should be cognisant of interventions that have worked in shifting the equity dial in the past, implement these and use them to inform new approaches. Policy and practice should be mechanisms for enabling the implementation of interventions. Full article

In this work, the sensor properties of multilayered Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of tetra-tert-butylphthalocyaninate zinc (tBuZnPc) were studied using an acoustoelectronic method. The morphology and optical properties of the fabricated films were characterized by atomic force microscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, respectively. The LB films were deposited on surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay lines, and their gas-sensing properties were investigated. The films demonstrated high selectivity towards chloroform vapor compared to acetone, methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. The highest selectivity was observed for the five-layer film, which can be attributed to the specific interaction of chloroform molecules with the hydrophobic cavities formed by the tert-butyl groups. Increasing the film thickness to 41 layers enhanced the absolute response to chloroform to 370 ppm; however, the selectivity decreased due to increased nonspecific adsorption. The results demonstrate the potential of using tBuZnPc LB films as sensitive coatings for the selective detection of chloroform in environmental and industrial monitoring applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing health epidemic. Innovative approaches such as digital technologies incorporating peer-supported coaching have shown promise in diabetes prevention. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and effect on weight of a digitally-enabled peer support program in inner-regional Sydney. Methods: A pre-post study of a digitally-enabled peer support initiative promoted weight management and lifestyle changes in participants at risk of T2D in inner-regional Sydney. Participants were recruited primarily from general practices and community groups. Participants received initial guidance, educational videos, goal-setting tools, and self-assessment weights, while volunteer peer support facilitators provided ongoing support through action planning and monthly calls. Baseline and follow-up weights at 6 months were collected to determine program effectiveness, while feasibility was evaluated through short exit interviews and analytic website data. Results: Most eligible participants (92.4%) were recruited through general practice. Program completers (n = 35, 43.8%) reported an average weight reduction of 3.7 kg (SD = 3.9, p < 0.001). Those who used the platform to log at least one achievement saw a greater reduction in weight than those who did not log achievements (mean difference = −2.9 kg, 95% CI −5.6 to −0.1, p = 0.049). Exploratory qualitative analysis of exit interviews revealed challenges surrounding technology, website interaction, scheduling conflicts, data collection, and attrition. Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate that this digital program was associated with significant weight reduction among individuals at risk of diabetes in an inner-regional area of Sydney. Recruitment was most effective via general practices, highlighting the potential for such a program to be promoted through this setting. Full article

Objective: Historically, television has been regarded as the mass medium that is most closely associated with audiences’ needs and expectations. In the context of rapid population ageing, older adults now inhabit a progressively important place in society, and they remain the most frequent consumers of broadcast television. This study investigates the formative role of television among Portuguese older adults—combining informal learning, cognitive engagement, and social connection. It explores how TV contributes to well-being and participation in later life. Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted with 203 participants aged 65 to 94. Results: Television continues to play a fundamental role in older adults’ everyday lives, mitigating loneliness and promoting happiness, information, and life satisfaction. We also saw that higher TV consumption is related with superior income and residence in urban areas. Conclusions: The findings highlight television’s enduring formative and compensatory functions and contribute to ongoing debates on active ageing, media literacy, and digital inclusion among older adults. Full article

This article investigates the use of bent metal strips on the top of a SiO₂ layer for the suppression of spurious modes in temperature-compensated surface acoustic wave (TC-SAW) resonators employing a SiO₂/Cu/128°YX-LiNbO₃ structure. The proposed metal strip method includes two parts: a primary metal strip located at the edge of the interdigital transducer (IDT) aperture region and a secondary metal strip in the gap region. The impact of the geometric parameters of bent metal strips was calculated by the 3D finite element method (FEM), and theoretical simulation results show that this method can effectively suppress the transverse modes and mitigate the gap modes originating from the gap region in conventional TC-SAW resonators. Furthermore, experimental validation further confirms that the proposed method can effectively suppress nearly all spurious modes without degrading the performance of the quality factor. Full article

The rapid proliferation of e-commerce has reshaped the spatial logic and facility typologies of urban logistics. While the literature on logistics facility location selection is extensive, there is limited understanding of how the relative importance of location criteria varies across facility types shaped by e-commerce. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the location criteria of logistics facilities of different sizes using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. Twenty-five criteria, identified through a literature review and feedback from seven experts in the Istanbul e-commerce logistics sector, were analyzed using the Fuzzy Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method. The relative weights of criteria were calculated for three facility scales, macro-, meso-, and micro-scales, to reveal how location priorities vary across scales. Proximity to main arteries ranks first across all scales (macro: 0.317, meso: 0.431, micro: 0.409). Land rental values are highly prioritized at both the macro- and meso-scale, while population density ranks prominently at the macro- and micro-scale. At the meso-scale, shopping mall proximity gains notable weight, whereas intermediate arteries stand out as a key factor at the micro scale. These findings advance the understanding of scale-sensitive dynamics in urban logistics and provide a framework for more adaptable and sustainable logistics planning. Full article

Indoor cat allergens, particularly the major allergen Fel d 1 protein, represent significant environmental triggers for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other immune-related disorders in humans. With the continuous global increase in pet ownership, cat allergen proteins are prevalent in diverse settings and can even be transmitted to pet-free locations via clothing and animal fur, thereby posing health risks to sensitized individuals. This review systematically summarizes the molecular characteristics, distribution patterns, and mechanisms of human sensitization to indoor cat allergen proteins. It focuses on a comparative analysis of the principles, sensitivity, and application of commonly used immunological methods (such as various modified ELISAs, immunoblotting, and high-throughput multiplex detection technologies) alongside emerging real-time sensing platforms (including QCM, SAW, and LIF). Furthermore, this review summarizes key factors affecting indoor allergen concentrations, such as cat characteristics, architectural environments, human activities, and spatiotemporal variations. It also evaluates the efficacy and limitations of current allergy control strategies, covering source control (e.g., gene editing, immunomodulation), environmental management (e.g., air filtration), and medical treatments (e.g., allergen immunotherapy), and discusses future prospects. This review aims to offer a scientific foundation and systematic reference for the detection, control, and public health protection related to indoor cat allergens. Full article