Search Results (289)

Rare earth elements (REEs) are not scarce in nature; however, they rarely occur in economically viable concentrations. Over recent decades, demand for REE has increased substantially due to advances in high-technology industries and the expansion of clean energy technologies. At present, global REE production is highly concentrated, leading to instability in the international market and reinforcing the need to identify new resources. This study presents a mineralogical characterization of REE+Y occurrences in the Serra da Mesa Granitic Massif (SMGM), the type granite of the Tocantins Subprovince, Goiás Tin Province, Brazil. The objective is to evaluate its potential for REE+Y enrichment in ion-adsorption–type (IA-type) weathering profiles. Petrography, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to samples of the parental granite and associated alluvial sediments. The main REE-bearing minerals identified are allanite, bastnäsite-(Y), fluocarbonates, xenotime-(Y), zircon, and fergusonite-(Y), showing wide compositional variability. Bastnäsite-(Y) and xenotime display the highest REE+Y contents, reaching up to 74.2 wt.% and 65.1 wt.%, respectively. Bastnäsite and other fluocarbonates occur as alteration products of allanite, indicating REE+Y mobilization associated with F- and CO₂-rich fluids under low-temperature hydrothermal conditions. Alteration textures and low EPMA analytical totals suggest hydration, metamictization, and fluid-mediated neoformation processes. The abundance of REE+Y-bearing minerals, their susceptibility to weathering, and the presence of secondary fluocarbonates indicate that the SMGM represents a promising target for IA-type REE+Y mineralization within the Goiás Tin Province. Full article

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a relatively neglected tuber crop with notable nutritional, functional, and ecological value. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the biological properties and selected nutritional parameters of tiger nut tubers and oil, including antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), fatty acid (FA) profile, health-related lipid indices, and mineral composition. Methods: Natural and peeled tiger nut tubers, as well as commercially available tiger nut oil (yellow variety, Valencia, Spain), were analyzed. Antioxidant activity was measured spectrophotometrically using the DPPH method. The content of TPC was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection, and these data were used to calculate the PUFA/SFA (P/S) ratio, atherogenicity (AI), thrombogenicity (TI) index, and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) ratio. Macro- and microelement contents were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and total THQ (TTHQ) were calculated to assess potential health risks. Results: Natural tiger nut tubers exhibited substantially higher antioxidant activity and TPC compared to peeled tubers, suggesting that the peel is the primary reservoir of phenolic compounds. Strong antioxidant activity was observed in tiger nut oil (64.82 ± 2.59 mg TEAC/L). Oleic acid (C18:1cis n-9) was identified as the predominant FA across all samples, thus contributing positively to favorable health lipid indices (P/S > 0.50, low AI and TI, high h/H ratio). Potassium was the most abundant macroelement in natural and peeled tiger nut tubers. The overall trend of microelement levels in these samples was as follows: Al > Fe > Zn > Cu > Sr > Mn > Li > Ba > Se > As > Cr. All THQ and TTHQ values were below 1, indicating no appreciable health risk associated with consumption. Conclusions: These findings support the use of tiger nuts as a functionally valuable ingredient in health-oriented food products. Full article

This study examines the structural evolution of Knowledge Innovation Networks (KINs) and Technology Innovation Networks (TINs) across Chinese cities (2015–2024). Using SCI/SSCI co-authorship and prefecture-level patent data, we construct dual-layer networks and assess their resilience through metrics such as average clustering coefficient, path length, global efficiency, and largest-component ratio. Our framework clarifies how network structure, spatial proximity, and urban hierarchy jointly shape innovation dynamics and opportunity distribution. Three main findings emerge. First, KINs have moved toward polycentricity yet remain hierarchically rigid, with persistent core–periphery gaps despite improved connectivity in tier 2–4 cities. TINs show greater cross-tier adaptability, creating new innovation gateways while intensifying intra-tier polarization. Second, under simulated disruptions, KINs are vulnerable to targeted attacks and exhibit path-dependent degradation, whereas TINs maintain efficiency until a critical threshold, then collapse abruptly. Third, MRQAP analysis reveals that economic and geographic proximity facilitate collaboration in KIN but constrain linkages in TINs, with spatial proximity exerting a stronger influence on knowledge flows. These results demonstrate how innovation networks mediate urban–rural interactions, affect spatial inequality, and shape regional resilience. We argue for differentiated policies that strengthen core–periphery connectivity while mitigating proximity-induced lock-in, fostering more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban innovation systems. Full article

N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) represents the most abundant and tightly controlled modification within eukaryotic mRNA, critically influencing RNA metabolism and function. The m⁶A methyltransferase Like-3 (METTL3), responsible for the complex’s catalytic function, has emerged as a central epitranscriptomic regulator governing mRNA stability, alternative splicing, nuclear export, and the efficiency of mRNA translation. Converging research shows that METTL3 is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous disorders via m⁶A-dependent, post-transcriptional regulation of gene programs controlling cell growth, migration, and immune pathways. Regarding pulmonary pathophysiology, METTL3-mediated m⁶A is tied to disease initiation and progression in conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), lung infections, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This review summarizes the contemporary evidence for METTL3’s roles and regulatory network in diverse pulmonary pathologies. We further highlight emerging strategies for targeting METTL3 as a potential therapeutic approach, underscoring its promise as a novel epitranscriptomic target. Beyond inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, we also summarize emerging evidence linking METTL3 to lung cancer and briefly outline other respiratory conditions (e.g., ILD, bronchiectasis, and secondary pulmonary hypertension), highlighting common translational themes and remaining gaps. Further studies are required to clarify the disease-specific and context-dependent actions of METTL3 and to advance the clinical translation of m⁶A-based therapies. Full article

A Machine Learning (ML)-based surrogate modeling framework is presented for mapping structure–property relationships in architected Ti6Al4V cylindrical TPMS metamaterials subjected to quasi-static compression. A Python–nTop pipeline automatically generated 3456 cylindrical shell lattices (Gyroid, Diamond, Split-P), and ABAQUS/Explicit simulations with a Johnson–Cook failure model for Ti6Al4V quantified their mechanical response. From 3024 valid designs, key mechanical properties targets including elastic modulus (E), yield stress (Y), ultimate strength (U), plateau stress (PL), and energy absorption (EA) were extracted alongside geometric descriptors such as surface area (SA), surface-area-to-volume ratio (SA/VR), and relative density (RD). A multi-output surrogate model (feedforward neural network) trained on the simulated set accurately predicts these properties directly from seven design parameters (thickness; unit cell counts in X, Y, and Z directions; unit cell orientation; height; diameter), enabling rapid property estimation across large design spaces. Topology-dependent trends indicate that Split-P exhibits the highest strength, energy absorption, and total SA, and shows the largest variation in SA/VR; Gyroid exhibits the lowest SA with a moderate SA/VR; and Diamond is the most compliant lattice and maintains a higher SA/VR than Gyroid despite lower SA. RD increases with both SA and SA/VR across all topologies. The framework provides a reusable computational tool for architectured lattices, enabling quick prescreening of implant designs without repeated finite-element analyses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite substantial healthcare spending, U.S. mothers encounter fragmented support systems for infant feeding, care, and maternal mental health. While existing needs assessment instruments target parents of ill or preterm infants, no validated tool captures the full range of informational, psychosocial, and structural needs among mothers of healthy, full-term infants. This formative mixed-methods study sought to identify and prioritize maternal needs across multiple socioecological levels to guide the development of a comprehensive Maternal Needs Assessment Tool (MNAT). Methods: Guided by the socioecological model, six virtual focus groups were conducted with U.S. mothers of healthy infants < 2 years (analytic sample = 28). Thematic analysis in ATLAS.ti (Version 25) identified key needs, which informed the creation of a 10-domain Maternal Needs Assessment Ranking Questionnaire (MNARQ). Participants (n = 22) rated each domain’s importance on a five-point scale; weighted mean ranks were calculated in SPSS (Version 30). Results: Seven overarching themes across ten domains emerged: infant and young child feeding and care, maternal psychosocial wellbeing, parenting knowledge and skills, interpersonal and community support, institutional assistance, and work-policy environments. The highest-ranked domains of need were complementary feeding, child development, care and health, social norms, networking and support, maternal mental health, and breastfeeding guidance. Mothers described pervasive informational confusion, inadequate professional and peer support, and institutional barriers such as limited postpartum follow-up, inflexible daycare policies, and WIC hurdles in formula substitution for infants with allergies. Conclusions: Maternal needs encompass intersecting personal, social, and structural factors. Findings will inform the development and validation of a national Maternal Needs Assessment Tool to guide integrated maternal and child health programs. Full article

TiO_xN_y coatings are known for their good biocompatibility and corrosion resistance and have been previously explored for biomedical applications, including cardiovascular stents. In this work, emphasis is placed on a systematic investigation of the effect of substrate bias voltage on the structural, morphological, and mechanical properties of TiO_xN_y films deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering. TiO_xN_y coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel substrates using a pure titanium target (99.99%) in an Ar–N₂–O₂ gas mixture at various substrate bias voltages (0 to −150 V). The influence of substrate bias on the deposition rate, structure, and mechanical properties of the films was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the sequential phase evolution from cubic TiN to oxynitride TiON and further to TiO₂ (anatase/rutile) with increasing negative substrate bias, indicating that ion bombardment energy plays a decisive role in determining the crystallinity and phase composition of the coatings. The coating deposited at −50 V exhibited the highest hardness (~430 HV) and good adhesion strength (critical load 20–25 N). Contact angle measurements confirmed the hydrophilic behavior of the coatings, which is favorable for biomedical applications. Full article

We have fabricated amorphous tin oxide (a-SnO_x) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with Al₂O₃ gate insulator from deep eutectic solvents (DESs). DESs were formed using the chloride derivates of each precursor (SnCl₂, or AlCl₃) mixed with urea. The DESs were then used as precursors for the semiconductor and dielectric. Our target was to form extremely thin semiconductor film, and a sufficient high capacitance insulator. We characterized the physical and chemical properties of the DES-derived thin films by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We could evaluate that the highest content of metal–oxygen bonds was from the DES condition SnCl₂–urea = 1:3. At a low 300 °C budget temperature, we could fabricate a 3.2 nm thick a-SnO_x layer and 30 nm thick Al₂O₃, from which the TFT demonstrated a mobility of 80 ± 17 cm²/Vs, threshold voltage of −0.29 ± 0.06 V, and subthreshold swing of 88 ± 11 mV/dec. The proposed process is adequate with the back-end of the line (BEOL) process, but it is also eco-friendly because of the use of DESs. Full article

The development of metal nanostructures on large-area Gallium Nitride (GaN) surfaces has the potential to enable new, low-cost technologies for III-N semiconductor layer nanostructuring. Self-assembled nanostructures are typically formed through the thermal activation of solid-state dewetting (SSD) in thin metal layers. However, such thermal processing can induce degradation of the metal-GaN material system. This comprehensive study investigated the thermal stability of thin metal films on GaN surfaces, focusing on their morphology and nanostructuring for high-temperature processing. The research expands and systematizes the understanding of the thin metal layers on GaN surface interactions at high temperatures by categorizing metals based on their behaviour: those that exhibit self-assembly, those that catalyze GaN decomposition, and those that remain thermally stable. Depending on the annealing temperature and metal type, varying degrees of GaN layer decomposition were observed, ranging from partial surface modification to significant volumetric degradation of the material. A wide range of metals was investigated: Au, Ag, Pt, Ni, Ru, Mo, Ti, Cr, V, Nb. These materials were selected based on criteria such as high work function and chemical resistance. In this studies metal layers with a target thickness of 10 nm deposited by vacuum evaporation on 2.2 $\mathsf{\mu }$m thick GaN layers grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy were applied. The surface morphology and composition were analyzed using AFM, SEM, EDS, and Raman spectroscopy measurement techniques. Full article

Roll-to-roll production of thin organic and large-area electronic (TOLAE) devices often involves a two-step process per functional layer: a continuous, un-pattered deposition of the film and subsequent structuring process, such as laser ablation. Thin-film organic devices should be protected using ultra-barrier films. To perform laser ablation of functional layers on top of such barrier films, in particular that of transparent electrodes, highly selective laser ablation is required to completely remove the layers without damaging the thin-film barrier layers underneath. When targeting highly selective laser ablation of indium tin oxide (ITO) on top of silicon nitride (SiN) barrier layers with a 1064 nm picosecond or 1030 nm femtosecond laser, we observed the emergence of visible large-scale patterns due to local variations in ablation quality. Our investigations using a very sensitive Raman spectroscopy setup show that the observed ablation variations stem from subtle differences in optical path length within the heat-stabilized plastic substrates. These variations are likely caused by minute, localized changes in the refractive index, introduced during the bi-axial stretching process used in film fabrication. Depending on the optical path length, these variations lead to either constructive or destructive interference between the incoming laser beam and the light reflected from the back surface of the substrate. By performing laser ablation under an angle such that the reflected and incoming laser beam do not spatially overlap, highly selective uniform laser ablation can be performed, even for two stacked optically transparent layers. Full article

This study investigates the influence of multilayer architecture on the mechanical, corrosion, and tribological properties of Ti/TiN coatings deposited on biomedical Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Nine multilayer configurations were prepared by DC/RF magnetron sputtering using metallic Ti and ceramic TiN targets, with a fixed TiN/Ti ratio of 3:1 and varying total numbers of layers (3, 5, and 7) and deposition times (30, 60, and 120 min). A strict application of the 10% indentation depth rule was implemented to eliminate substrate effects, which revealed significantly higher intrinsic hardness values (540–740 HV) and indentation moduli (124–143 GPa) compared to the substrate (353 HV; 114 GPa). In contrast, conventional higher-load testing underestimated coating performance due to substrate dominance. Among the investigated architectures, the Ti/TiN-7 configuration exhibited the best balance of properties, combining high hardness (~690 HV), modulus (~137 GPa), improved corrosion resistance (Ecorr up to −0.13 V, Icorr reduced by an order of magnitude), and stable abrasive wear behavior. These findings demonstrate that both bilayer number and deposition time critically determine the mechanical and functional response of Ti/TiN multilayers. The results provide practical guidelines for the reliable characterization and design of multilayer coatings for biomedical and aerospace applications. Full article

This study addresses the construction and perception of risk and the role of the news media through a case study on radon gas, a carcinogenic, persistent hazard with a significant impact on public health, which typically flies under the radar of public opinion. The research is based on a survey (N = 1985) that targeted residents of Spain aged 18 or older. We evaluated cognitive and contextual factors, media consumption, and awareness of radon communication actions and developed a model to explain individual risk perception. The population’s knowledge about the different aspects of the risk of radon gas is moderate and uneven. A key element is the level of radon incidence among Spain’s autonomous communities. The main factors that explain the perception of radon risk are one’s perceived likelihood of being affected by radon, followed by gender and cognitive factors. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between media-disseminated information and public knowledge, but a weaker correlation between such information and protective actions, which are more closely tied to interpersonal and local communication. This study provides insights into addressing new societal risks and will help to create communication tools and analyses that avoid panic and promote responsible actions during crises. Full article

The optimization of the microstructural homogeneity and residual stress distribution in Ti sputtering targets for OLED 6G applications is essential for improving dimensional stability, durability, and deposition performance. Herein, 3N Ti plates were hot-rolled at 730 °C and then annealed at 600 °C and 700 °C for different durations to investigate the effects of annealing parameters on microstructural evolution and stress relaxation. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that hexagonal α-Ti with progressive development of the (002) orientation was produced during annealing under all the conditions. Electron backscatter diffraction analyses showed that short-time annealing at 600 °C (≤30 min) generated heterogeneous grains, high dislocation density, and mixed grain boundary character, whereas extended annealing (≥60 min) produced a more uniform microstructure. However, residual stress differences between the plate center and edge remained significant under this condition. Conversely, annealing at 700 °C promoted progressive recrystallization, as indicated by increased high-angle grain boundary fractions and decreased kernel average misorientation values, and facilitated grain growth stabilization across the plate. Prolonged annealing improved microstructural and residual stress uniformity significantly, and near-complete homogenization was achieved after 5 h. These findings demonstrate that annealing at 700 °C for sufficient time is optimal for producing homogeneous microstructures and uniform residual stress distributions, providing valuable guidelines for Ti sputtering target processing. Full article

The primary objective of this research is to simplify and make the industrial manufacturing process of coated maraging steels more economical by combining the advantages of additive manufacturing with simultaneous bulk (aging) and surface (nitriding) treatment in an effective manner. With this aim, preliminary experiments were performed that demonstrated the hardness (and related microstructure) of an as-built MS1 maraging steel, produced by selective laser melting (SLM), is comparable to that of the bulk maraging steel products treated by conventional solution annealing. The direct aging of the solution-annealed and as-built 3D printed maraging steel resulted in similar hardness, indicating that the kinetics of the precipitation hardening process are identical for the steel in both conditions. This assumption was strengthened by a thermodynamic analysis of the kinetics and determination of the activation energy for precipitation hardening using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Industrial target experiments were performed on duplex-coated SLM-printed MS1 steel specimens, which were simultaneously aged and salt-bath nitrided, followed by PVD coating with three different ceramic layers: DLC, CrN, and TiN. For reference, similar duplex-coated samples were used, featuring a bulk Böhler W720 maraging steel substrate that was solution annealed, precipitation hardened, and salt-bath nitrided in separate steps, following conventional procedures. The technological parameters (temperature and time) of the simultaneous nitriding and aging process were optimized by modeling the phase transformations of the entire heat treatment procedure using DSC measurements. A comparison was made based on the in-depth hardness profile estimated by the so-called expanding cavity model (ECM), demonstrating that the hardness of the surface layer of the coated composite material systems is determined solely by the type of the coatings and does not influenced by the type of the applied substrate materials (bulk or 3D printed) or its heat treatment (whether it is a conventional, multi-step treatment or a simultaneous nitriding + aging process). Based on the research work, a proposal is suggested for modernizing and improving the cost-effectiveness of producing aged, duplex-treated, wear-resistant ceramic-coated maraging steel. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial drugs are used to treat bacterial diseases in livestock production systems, including bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in feedlot cattle. It is recommended that therapeutic antimicrobial use (AMU) in food animals be informed by diagnostic tests to limit the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and preserve the effectiveness of available drugs. Recent evidence demonstrates preliminary support for the pen as a prospective target for AMR testing-based interventions in higher-risk cattle. Methods: A previously reported agent-based model (ABM) was modified and then used in this study to investigate the potential for different pen-level sampling and laboratory testing-informed BRD treatment strategies to favorably impact selected antimicrobial stewardship and management outcomes in the western Canadian context. The incorporation of sample testing to guide treatment choice was hypothesized to reduce BRD relapses, subsequent AMU treatments and resultant AMR in sentinel pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica. The ABM was extended to include a discrete event simulation (DES) workflow that models the testing process, including the time at sample collection (0 or 13 days on feed) and the type of AMR diagnostic test (antimicrobial susceptibility testing or long-read metagenomic sequencing). Candidate testing scenarios were simulated for both a test-only control and testing-informed treatment (TI) setting (n = 52 total experiments). Key model outputs were generated for both the pen and feedlot levels and extracted to data repositories. Results: There was no effect of the TI strategy on the stewardship or economic outcomes of interest under baseline ecological and treatment conditions. Changes in the type and number of uses by antimicrobial class were observed when baseline AMR in M. haemolytica was assumed to be higher at feedlot arrival, but there was no corresponding impact on subsequent resistance or morbidity measures. The impacts of sample timing and diagnostic test accuracy on AMR test positivity and other outputs were subsequently explored with a theoretical “extreme” BRD treatment protocol that maximized selection pressure for AMR. Conclusions: The successful implementation of a pen-level sampling and diagnostic strategy would be critically dependent on many interrelated factors, including the BRD treatment protocol, the prevalences of resistance to the treatment classes, the accuracy of available AMR diagnostic tests, and the selected “treatment change” thresholds. This study demonstrates how the hybrid ABM-DES model can be used for future experimentation with interventions proposed to limit AMR risk in the context of BRD management. Full article