Search Results (749)

Whole-body vibration (WBV) remains a critical factor influencing ride comfort, driver performance and occupational health in vehicle applications. Despite the widespread use of standardized indicators, assessing WBV exposure and its perceptual implications remains challenging due to the complex interaction between road excitation, vehicle dynamics, seat transmissibility and human biodynamic response. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of contemporary methods for WBV assessment, emphasizing their theoretical foundations, practical implementation and inherent limitations. The paper examines classical evaluation metrics, including frequency-weighted root mean square acceleration and vibration dose value, alongside complementary approaches such as overall vibration total value, absorbed power and motion sickness indicators. Biodynamic modeling strategies for the human–seat–vehicle system are critically reviewed, highlighting trade-offs between model simplicity and physiological realism. Particular attention is given to road surface representation and excitation modeling, discussing the implications of ISO 8608-based stochastic profiles versus measured, time-domain inputs on WBV assessment outcomes. Simulation frameworks, experimental platforms and driving simulators are reviewed as complementary tools for evaluating vibration exposure and validating predictive models. Emerging methods, including time–frequency analysis and data-driven approaches, are discussed with a focus on interpretability, validation and integration with established standards such as ISO 2631. The review consolidates recent advances in integrated evaluation approaches, including the role of driving simulators and simulation-, hardware- and driver-in-the-loop (SiL/HiL/DiL) frameworks as enabling tools for repeatable testing, objective–subjective comfort correlation and early-stage vibration-control development. By critically examining both established and emerging methodologies, this review aims to support informed selection and interpretation of WBV assessment tools in vehicle design and evaluation. The findings underscore the need for integrated, transparent and application-oriented approaches to advance vibration comfort assessment and guide future research and standardization efforts. Full article

Water represents the fundamental source of life for all human and animal populations; however, its consumption has become increasingly hazardous due to high levels of pollution. Modern agricultural practices rely heavily on pesticides, which significantly contribute to water contamination and imbalances in aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, another critical category of pollutants consists of pathogenic bacteria that proliferate in aquatic environments, mainly originating from hospital and urban wastewater because of human activity. Considering these major environmental and health challenges, the present study aims to develop an optimized method for water treatment by synthesizing magnetic silica-based aerogels using a microfluidic vortex chip and systematically varying synthesis parameters to enhance material performance. The physicochemical properties of the aerogels were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and BET. The pesticide adsorption capacity of the materials was evaluated using FT-ICR HR-MS analysis, which demonstrated the high efficiency of the aerogels in removing a complex mixture of pesticides. In parallel, antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against E. faecalis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa isolated from surface water, hospital wastewater, and the influent of a well-known wastewater treatment plant in Bucharest, as well as against ATCC reference strains. Additionally, the study investigated the biocompatibility and biological responses of magnetic aerogels using MTT assays, nitric oxide production, lactate dehydrogenase release, intracellular ROS levels, and quantification of total protein, malondialdehyde, and reduced glutathione in HaCaT and HEK293 cell lines. The results confirm the efficiency and application potential of the developed materials and emphasize the importance of optimizing synthesis to achieve high-performance aerogels for effective decontamination of polluted waters. Full article

Background/Objectives: Our objective was to assess the role of clinical and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) parameters in predicting the risk of hypoglycemia in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 71) at the Oradea County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Romania, who underwent CGM during their initial visit and were followed for at least 6 months with in-clinic visits every 3 months were enrolled in this study. Age, body mass index, time in range, the mean daily glucose (MDG) concentration, and the coefficient of variation (%CV) were considered as potential predictors of the risk of hypoglycemia, which was defined as the percentage of time spent below two glycemic thresholds of 3.9 and 3.0 mmol/L, corresponding to mild and clinically significant hypoglycemia, respectively. Results: Among a total of 142 glycemic profiles, the MDG concentration was significantly lower in those with hypoglycemia compared to those without, whereas %CV was significantly higher (p < 0.0001). Regression tree models identified %CV as the dominant variable for both thresholds, whereas classification tree models identified %CV as the dominant variable for clinically significant hypoglycemia and MDG for mild hypoglycemia. In profiles with a %CV of less than 36.15% and an MDG concentration greater than 7.16 mmol/L, the mean percentage of time spent below the 3.9 mmol/L threshold was 4.8%, which is close to that recommended by the American Diabetes Association guidelines. Patients younger than 7 years presented the highest frequency for both mild and clinically significant hypoglycemic episodes. Conclusions: Our study supports %CV and the MDG concentration as key factors in predicting hypoglycemia risk. Minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia in pediatric patients requires a %CV of less than 36%. Full article

Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) may mimic other neurological diseases, while neurological diseases may be misdiagnosed as LNB. The aims of the study were to contribute to the knowledge regarding the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of LNB, discuss differential diagnosis, and compare characteristics in patients with and without LNB. We present patients evaluated for suspected LNB by the multidisciplinary team of a “Lyme Borreliosis Centre” in a highly endemic area in Romania. A retrospective study was performed between January 2011 and October 2023 on patients referred for suspected LNB based on neurological manifestations and positive serology for Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies using two-tier testing. A lumbar puncture was performed for diagnosis, and the European LNB definition was used for classification. Of three hundred and three LNB suspected patients, five (1.65%) were classified as definite LNB, eighty-three (27.39%) as possible LNB, and in two hundred and fifteen patients (70.95%), LNB was excluded. Comparing the definite/possible to excluded LNB patients, there was no significant difference in neurological symptoms/manifestations. The patients presented fifty-one neurological, twelve rheumatological, and seven psychiatric diagnoses, with significantly more meningitis/encephalitis/myelitis diagnoses in the definite/possible LNB group, and more demyelinating disease and discopathy in the LNB-excluded group. Considering the complex differential diagnoses, access to laboratory diagnostics and multidisciplinary management should be available in centres that evaluate suspected LNB patients. Comparing results with data from the national surveillance system, we conclude that LNB is underdiagnosed/underreported in Romania. Full article

Weed control is mainly carried out using synthetic herbicides, which represent 62.6% of the total pesticides sold. However, some plants produce allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, and these substances can be isolated and used as natural herbicides. This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic potential of the ethanol extract (EE), hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA) and hydroethanol (HE) fractions obtained from Tecoma stans flowers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to characterize the compounds present in the samples. The allelopathic activity was tested using Allium cepa and Lactuca sativa seeds, and the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity were evaluated using A. cepa seeds. The saturated and unsaturated fatty acids ω-3 and ω-6, terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids with coumaroyl or glycosyl derivatives were characterized in the samples. The HEX and DCM fractions significantly inhibited germination and root growth, effects associated with fatty acids and phenolic compounds. The EA fraction exhibits genotoxic potential at higher concentrations tested. The extract and fractions reduced the genotoxicity induced by glyphosate and atrazine, reversing chromosomal abnormalities. These results demonstrate the possible use of the extract and fractions as natural sources of allelochemicals, but safe dosage validation is required. Full article

In fixed orthodontic treatment, brackets are orthodontic attachments bonded to the tooth enamel, and their placement and removal may affect the underlying enamel surface. Enamel degradation is a critical factor for oral health, as it reduces the mechanical strength of teeth and increases susceptibility to caries and erosion. Accurate diagnosis of enamel changes is therefore essential for the evaluation of preventive and restorative treatments. In this study, enamel degradation was investigated via two integrated methods: energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and surface roughness measurement. The experimental protocol was performed in three stages: before bracket bonding, after bracket removal, and after applying a remineralization treatment. The experimental design included a repeated-measures structure, with stage (baseline, post-debonding, post-remineralization) as the within-tooth factor and bracket type (sapphire vs. metallic) as the between-tooth factor. Given the violation of the variance homogeneity assumption, group comparisons were ultimately performed using Welch ANOVA followed by Games–Howell post hoc tests, with Bonferroni-adjusted values used for pairwise comparisons. The presence of orthodontic brackets can influence enamel mineralization because the bonding and debonding procedures modify the enamel surface microtopography. These procedures can generate microcracks and surface irregularities, which may affect mineral exchange between enamel and the surrounding environment. In our study, bracket removal led to a significant decrease in the mean atomic percentages of Ca (from 32.65% to 16.37% for sapphire) and P (from 16.35% to 8.60% for sapphire), accompanied by a sharp increase in surface roughness. After remineralization, Ca and P levels increased, while roughness decreased. However, neither the mineral content nor the surface topography fully returned to the initial values, indicating that remineralization achieved only a partial recovery of enamel integrity. These findings highlight that the integrated EDS approach and roughness analysis offer a promising descriptive framework for assessing enamel degradation and monitoring the effectiveness of remineralization therapies. The generated mathematical model provides a powerful descriptive framework for the in vitro data obtained, correlating roughness with mineral composition and treatment stage. However, such a high goodness-of-fit (R² > 0.98) should be interpreted cautiously due to the risk of overfitting. Therefore, rigorous external validation is mandatory before this model can be considered a reliable predictive tool. It also highlights the importance of enamel remineralization therapies after orthodontic treatment, but also the importance of choosing personalized treatment strategies adapted to the enamel type. Full article

The pigmentation patterns of potato tubers are complex and diverse, often exhibiting significant tissue specificity. This study was conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential pigmentation in different parts of potato tubers using two cultivars, ‘Huashu 12’ and 15EM36-26, which exhibit opposite pigmentation patterns between the bud eyes and the tuber periderm. Metabolomic analysis revealed that cyanidin, pelargonidin, and malvidin are the key anthocyanin components responsible for the observed pigmentation differences. A total of 118 common differentially expressed genes in the differentially pigmented tissues of both cultivars were identified in transcriptomic analysis, including key structural genes of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway (such as StPAL, StCHS, and StDFR). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was further employed to screen modules significantly correlated with pigmentation phenotypes, and 28 candidate genes associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified. Expression validation demonstrated that the expression of StbHLH14 was significantly higher in non-pigmented tissues compared to pigmented tissues. Functional analysis revealed that StbHLH14 can inhibit the activation of structural gene promoters (such as StCHS and StDFR) via the MYB transcription factor StAN2, thereby negatively regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. This study unveils the metabolic and transcriptional basis of tissue-specific pigmentation in potato tubers and clarifies the negative regulatory role of StbHLH14. Full article

Water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) are widely used due to their economic and environmental advantages; however, shale hydration remains a major limitation. This study evaluates Fe₂O₃, CuO, ZnO, and MgO nanocrystalline metal oxides synthesized via co-precipitation as inorganic shale inhibitors for WBDFs. Comprehensive characterization confirmed phase-pure nanocrystalline oxides (17–38 nm) with high thermal stability. Performance tests revealed that MgO-based WBDF exhibited the lowest plastic viscosity (17 cP), the highest pH (≈10.0), and the strongest shale inhibition (6.1% swelling), while Fe₂O₃ provided superior filtration control (6.0 mL). CuO showed balanced rheology, whereas ZnO displayed comparatively weaker inhibition. Compared with commercial inhibitors (Amine NF and Glycol), MgO- and Fe₂O₃-based systems achieved comparable or improved performance with enhanced thermal and environmental robustness. These results demonstrate the potential of nanocrystalline metal oxides as sustainable additives for improving WBDF performance under high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Phytochemicals are known to be active contributors to a healthy life, providing valuable wound healing benefits. Methods: This research took an innovative approach that successfully overcame the bioavailability limits of herbal extracts, by entrapping CentellaA with HypericumP in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and hybrid hyaluronic acid (HA-NLCs) as valuable formulations with enhanced bioactivity. Results: NLCs and HA-NLCs showed excellent entrapping efficiency values for CentellaA and HypericumP ranging from 89.5 to 95.3%. Co-entrapping of CentellaA:HypericumP in a weight ratio of 4:1 and 2:1 led to diameters of 221.4 ± 2.08 nm for NLC-CentellaA-HypericumP and 220.3 ± 1.74 nm for hybrid HA-NLC-CentellaA-HypericumP. The bimodal calorimetric profile of NLCs contributed to a lower degree of lipid core structural organization. HA-NLC-CentellaA showed the safest biocompatibility behavior with BJ skin cells. Conclusions: The cells treated with NLC-CentellaA exhibited a favorable scratch wound closure and promoted the fastest BJ cell migration. NLC- and HA-NLC herbal extracts remodeled the cytoskeleton of BJ fibroblast cells. The morphological fluorescence changes revealed that the fibroblast cells retained intact their cytoskeleton, characteristic of a viable cell with no obvious stress. An active motility of cells treated with NLCs in the wound area was detected, indicating strong pro-migratory properties; e.g., for NLC-CentellaA, the wound was almost closed after 30 h. Designing NLCs with HA adaptability to reinforce the skin wound healing action represents a desired step for the development of herbal products that meets the challenge of combining the benefits of phytochemicals and nanotechnology to create value-added herbal products. Full article

Knowledge Management (KM) has evolved over the last five decades as a complex socio-technical system shaped by interactions between organizational processes, technologies and social actors. This study maps the systemic evolution of KM research between 1975 and 2025 by examining its intellectual, conceptual and social subsystems. Using a large-scale bibliometric science-mapping approach that combines performance indicators and network-based techniques, we analyze 33,153 documents indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. The results reveal a pronounced post-1995 expansion of the field, marked by a consolidated core of specialized journals and influential scholars, alongside an increasingly global research network. The analysis shows that KM research is structured around four interdependent dimensions: organizational processes, strategic orientations, technological infrastructures and socio-cultural factors. More recent developments indicate the emergence of new system trajectories associated with digital transformation, knowledge governance and sustainability. Viewed through a system-level lens, these findings position KM as an evolving research system characterized by adaptive and cross-domain dynamics. Full article

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of five titanium alloys that have been recently developed for dental implant applications, whose compositions were designed to align with current approaches in the development of novel biomaterials. Priority was given to limiting the harmfulness associated with specific chemical elements present in common conventional alloys and increasing corrosion resistance to improve the biomaterial–tissue cellular interaction. Methods: For this purpose, five types of titanium alloys with original chemical compositions (Ti1–Ti5) were developed. The electrochemical behavior of the alloys was analyzed by evaluating the corrosion resistance in environments that simulate the oral environment, as well as the cellular behavior, by evaluating the viability, growth, and proliferation of human cells on osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts. Detailed analysis of the chemical composition by scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) methods was used. The corrosion rate of the alloys in artificial saliva was tested using the polarization resistance technique (Tafel). Human osteoblasts (hFOB cell line) and human gingival fibroblasts (hFIB-G cell line) were used to measure biocompatibility in vitro. Results: The Ti5 alloy demonstrated the highest cell viability and the lowest corrosion rate (0.114 μm/year) among all tested compositions, with the Ti3 alloy containing Mo and Zr following closely behind. The Ti2 alloy exhibited reduced biocompatibility because of the inclusion of Ni and Fe in its composition. Conclusions: Taken together, the results of this study provide useful information on the basic characteristics of titanium alloys with original chemical compositions. The titanium alloys were analyzed in comparison with common conventional alloys (Cp–Ti and Ti6Al4V) as well as alloys such as Ti–Zr, Ti–Nb, and Ti–Nb–Zr–Ta, which are considered to be viable alternatives to conventional materials for making dental implants. Full article

This study investigates the complex interactions between operational and financial variables that influence infrastructure investment in Romania’s wastewater sector, a serious area for environmental sustainability and compliance with European environmental standards. Using a comprehensive dataset covering all regional water service operators, accounting for over 90% of the country’s population, across the period 2012–2022, the analysis employs dynamic panel data methods to examine how treated wastewater volumes, operating expenditures, revenues, tariffs and the number of connected users shape investment decisions and the modernization of wastewater infrastructure. The results reveal strong links between operational performance and investment behavior, indicating that revenues from wastewater services and efficiency in organic pollutant removal (CBO5) are key determinants of capital investment. The findings further show that an expanding user base generates substantial investment needs, supporting the extension and upgrading of wastewater treatment networks. By combining a dynamic econometric framework with a comprehensive national sample, the study makes an original contribution to the literature by providing robust empirical evidence on the interaction between financial performance, operational efficiency and sustainability objectives in the wastewater sector. The results underscore the importance of good financial planning, strategic management and sustainable investment policies, and offer relevant insights for policymakers, utility operators and researchers concerned with improving wastewater infrastructure performance under current economic and environmental challenges. Full article

In the context of intensifying global efforts to mitigate climate change, methane emissions from the oil and gas sector have emerged as a critical environmental and regulatory challenge, given methane’s high global warming potential over short timeframes. This study investigates methane emissions from representative extraction and production of oil and gas facilities in Romania, focusing on fugitive emissions from wells and associated processing infrastructure. The research is grounded in the implementation of a comprehensive Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program, aligned with OGMP 2.0 standards, and utilizes advanced detection technologies such as Flame Ionization Detectors (FID), Optical Gas Imaging (OGI), and Quantitative Optical Gas Imaging (QOGI). A systematic inventory and screening of thousands of components enabled the precise identification and quantification of methane leaks, providing actionable data for maintenance and emissions management. The findings highlight that, although the proportion of leaking components is relatively low, cumulative emissions are significant, with block valves, connectors, and compressor shaft seals identified as the most frequent sources of major leaks. The study underscores the importance of rigorous preventive and corrective maintenance, rapid leak remediation, and the adoption of modern detection and continuous monitoring technologies. The approach developed offers a robust framework for regulatory compliance and supports the transition from inventory-based to measurement-based emissions reporting, in line with recent European regulations. Ultimately, effective methane management not only fulfills environmental obligations but also delivers economic benefits by reducing product losses and enhancing operational efficiency, contributing to the decarbonization and sustainability objectives of the energy sector. Full article