Search Results (13,542)

Conventional and emerging extraction methods for recovering phenolic compounds (PCs) from Pinus radiata bark were investigated for their potential use in bio-composites and bio-based biomaterial applications. To optimize the recovery process, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Box–Behnken design was used to evaluate the effects of extraction time (20–100 min), temperature (20–80 °C), and water or ethanol-water solvent concentrations with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) or NaOH (0.5–1.5% w/v CD/db). Polyphenolic profiles of the extracts were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), LC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate the thermal stability and degradation behavior of the powdered extracts. Antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were assessed by spectrophotometric assays and the agar diffusion method, respectively. Highest extraction yields were obtained using alkaline extraction (14.32%) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) (13.86%), followed by ethanol extraction (12.74%). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for P-βCD was 0.04 mg/mL, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 0.32 mg/mL against S. aureus. These results suggest a strong inhibitory capacity at low concentrations and the potential incorporation of these extracts into bio-based antimicrobial biomaterials. Full article

Background/Objectives: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and breakthrough infections underscores the need for next-generation vaccines capable of protecting from natural infection and/or preventing virus transmission. Intranasal vaccination offers a promising approach by eliciting local immune responses in the nasal mucosa, the primary site of infection and reservoir for transmissible virus. We evaluated two live-attenuated, respiratory syncytial virus-vectored vaccines in which the RSV F and G surface glycoproteins were replaced with a chimeric SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein from the ancestral USA/WA-1/2020 strain (MV-014-212) or the Delta variant (MV-014-212-delta). Methods: K18-hACE2 mice and LVG Syrian hamsters were vaccinated with a single intranasal dose of MV-014-212 or MV-014-212-delta. Systemic and mucosal immunity were assessed following vaccination, and protection was evaluated following Delta SARS-CoV-2 challenge. In vaccinated hamsters, morbidity, viral shedding, and lung inflammation and injury were also assessed following natural exposure to infected cagemates. Results: A single intranasal dose of either vaccine elicited systemic and mucosal immunity in K18-hACE2 mice, including serum neutralizing antibodies, Spike-specific memory B cells and plasmablasts, and Spike-specific CD8⁺ lung-resident memory T cells. Although MV-014-212-delta vaccination provided the best protection against the Delta variant virus challenge, both vaccines decreased viral loads in nasal discharge, lung, and brain, and reduced weight loss and mortality. In naturally acquired infection studies, vaccinated hamsters exposed to infected cagemates exhibited minimal weight loss, limited viral replication within the nasal mucosa, and attenuated lung pathology. Conclusions: Intranasal RSV-vectored vaccines can elicit broad protective respiratory immunity, suggesting that this platform could be leveraged for other respiratory pathogens. Full article

Background: Hand trauma accounts for up to one-third of trauma-related emergency department (ED) visits and ranges from minor lacerations to complex multi-structural injuries. As healthcare systems, workflows, and patient behavior evolve, contemporary epidemiological data are crucial to guide triage, optimize resource allocation, and adapt patient care pathways. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of all hand-related ED consultations at a Swiss university hospital in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022. In total, 8644 cases were analyzed for demographics, diagnosis, anatomical localization, injury complexity (≥2 functional structures), seasonal distribution, and animal-related injuries. Temporal trends and demographic or clinical shifts were assessed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Among 8644 cases, most patients were male (63.8%) with a median age of 38 years (IQR 26–55). Lacerations (32.2%) and blunt trauma (29.1%) were the most frequent diagnoses, primarily involving digits II–V. The proportion of complex injuries declined significantly from 40.0% in 2013 to 32.5% in 2022 (p < 0.001), while cat-bite injuries almost doubled from 1.3% in 2013 to 2.3% in 2022. Case volumes peaked in spring and early summer. Conclusions: Over the analyzed decade, hand trauma cases in the ED have shifted toward a rising proportion of minor, low-acuity conditions, possibly reflecting reduced primary care access and evolving referral patterns. These trends highlight the need for adaptive triage models, strengthened outpatient care, and structural responses to primary care shortages to ensure efficient resource use and maintain high-quality hand trauma management. Full article

Solid-contact ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) are typically constructed using ion-selective membrane (ISM)-based configurations. However, such structures often suffer from water-layer formation and the weak mechanical stability of the ISM. Herein, we report an ISM-free K⁺-SC-ISE based on a Prussian blue analogue transducer, KMnFe(CN)₆, eliminating the need for a conventional ionophore-based ISM layer. KMnFe(CN)₆ was synthesized via a one-step citrate-assisted co-precipitation method. The material functions as a bifunctional transducer, in which the open framework structure with ion-transport channels enables selective K⁺ recognition, while the redox-active Mn centers facilitate ion-to-electron transduction. The fabricated KMnFe(CN)₆-based K⁺ sensor exhibits a near-Nernstian response with a sensitivity of 52.3 ± 1.0 mV dec⁻¹ and a rapid response time of 25 s. The linear range and limit of detection were determined to 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻¹ M and 5.8 × 10⁻⁵ M, respectively. The sensor also demonstrates selectivity to representative interfering ions, with log K_ij of −2.39 ± 0.12 (Na⁺), −2.86 ± 0.09 (Li⁺), −3.06 ± 0.09 (Ca²⁺), −2.74 ± 0.12 (Mg²⁺) and −0.95 ± 0.08 (NH₄⁺). By eliminating the ISM layer, the water-layer effect is effectively avoided, resulting in excellent long-term stability with a potential drift of 57.2 ± 6.1 μV h⁻¹ over 7 days. The sensor was further applied to the analysis of K⁺ in real lake water samples, where the measured concentration showed good agreement with ion chromatography results. This work provides an ISM-free SC-ISE strategy for ion analysis in water environments. Full article

Background: This study aimed to assess the impact of PSMA-PET/CT fusion imaging on target volume delineation in prostate cancer RT and to evaluate its effects on dosimetric parameters and PSA response, including intraprostatic boost. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 138 prostate cancer patients treated with definitive RT. Patients were evaluated according to the use of PSMA-PET/CT fusion-based planning and an intraprostatic focal boost, and dosimetric parameters for target volumes and organs at risk were compared. Results: PSMA-PET/CT fusion-based planning significantly increased the minimum dose coverage of the prostate target volume (96.7% vs. 95.5%, p = 0.003) while reducing the maximum dose (104.8% vs. 106.1%, p < 0.001). At 1 year after RT, the median change in PSA from baseline was 0.08 ng/mL (range, −0.44–2.12) in patients who underwent PSMA PET imaging-based fusion planning compared with 0.01 ng/mL (range, −0.049–4.07) in those who did not (p = 0.010). In patients receiving the intraprostatic focal boost with PSMA-PET/CT fusion, rectal maximum dose percentages were significantly lower than in those without the boost (103.2% [98.9–106.7] vs. 103.8% [95.7–107.4], p = 0.026). Rectal V65 and V50 values were also significantly reduced in the fusion group (7.0% [0.7–19.8] vs. 5.2% [1.2–21.7], p = 0.007; and 13.6% [6.3–21.9] vs. 11.4% [4.4–29.2], p = 0.027, respectively). Bladder maximum dose percentages were significantly lower in patients receiving the PSMA-PET/CT fusion-guided intraprostatic boost compared with those without the boost (102.6% [99.7–107.9] vs. 104.5% [99.1–108.5], p = 0.001). Conclusions: PSMA-PET/CT fusion-based planning improves biologically guided target delineation and dose homogeneity and suggests potential for better early biochemical response while reducing normal tissue exposure, whereas the intraprostatic focal boost improves dose distribution but is not associated with a significant short-term (1-year) PSA benefit. Full article

This study addresses, within the framework of fracture mechanics, the structural analysis of the DEMO (demonstration power plant) divertor—a key component in fusion reactors—subjected to particularly severe loading conditions. A global model of the divertor was developed using Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis through the software ANSYS Workbench 2024, including all structural subcomponents. Thermal and internal pressure load cases were considered. The FEM analysis enabled the identification of critical areas prone to stress concentration. Based on the global results, a submodeling technique was applied to analyze locally critical components with higher resolution. On these submodels, a Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) analysis was performed using the FRANC3D (v 8.6.2) software. Static semi-elliptical cracks were introduced in various configurations, and the stress intensity factor was evaluated to assess their criticality. Subsequently, an incremental crack growth analysis was conducted to simulate crack propagation based on the local stress field, also accounting for directional variations. Finally, a lifetime analysis was carried out using Paris’ law, estimating the fatigue cycles for an arbitrary crack propagation under the given loading conditions. The entire procedure was repeated for each subcomponent and loading condition, resulting in a broad and detailed understanding of the fracture response of the system. This approach provides crucial insights for the design, inspection, and long-term maintenance of the divertor. Full article

Alkali-activated concrete can reduce reliance on Portland cement by valorizing industrial by-products. This study evaluates slag-based alkali-activated concretes incorporating natural diatomaceous earth (M2, M3) and residual diatomaceous earth from industrial filtration (V6–V7), benchmarked against an OPC reference. The experimental program measures compressive, tensile and flexural strengths and elastic modulus, and examines steel–concrete bond behavior through bond stress–slip response at multiple slip levels. Member-level performance is assessed using reinforced beams tested under four-point bending, and cracking is compared in the constant-moment region using crack number and average spacing derived from post-test observations. Results show that diatom-based alkali-activated mixtures can achieve mechanical performance comparable to OPC concrete, with clear dependence on diatom source and mixture design. Bond response is markedly mixture-dependent and cannot be inferred from compressive strength alone. All beams exhibited flexural behavior suitable for structural applications, with the RV6 mixture providing the most favorable overall response among the tested members. These findings support the feasibility of residual diatomaceous earth as a viable component in structural alkali-activated concretes. Full article

Carbon nanotube (CNT) materials exhibit ultrahigh electrical and thermal conductivity. Upon electrical excitation, CNT-based transparent conductive films (TCFs) can emit far-infrared radiation (FIR) and provide certain physiotherapeutic efficacy, making them ideal candidates for thermotherapy applications. This work systematically tests and analyzes the fundamental physical properties and physiotherapeutic performance of CNT flexible thin-film heaters (TFHs) for potential use in health physiotherapy. Two types of TFHs with different electrode connection modes were fabricated via the prepared TCFs. Experimental characterizations were conducted on their response time, electrothermal performance, and heat transfer characteristics. The results showed that the temperature rise per unit input power for TFH1 was 16.71 °C/W, while that of TFH2 was 4.29 °C/W at the same voltage of 10 V. In addition, the variation trends of maximum temperature with power density were highly consistent for the two films. This demonstrates that TFHs fabricated using the same TCFs exhibit excellent and high electrothermal conversion efficiency as well as outstanding comprehensive electrothermal performance. In addition, smaller L/W ratio leads to lower resistance of TFHs, resulting in a stronger thermal effect under identical applied voltage. After the temperature stabilized, the surface temperature of the TFHs decreased by approximately 5 °C when attached to the human arm, confirming that the heat generated by the TFHs under electrical excitation could be effectively absorbed by the human body. The TFHs emitted rapid FIR upon electrification, and the peak wavelength ranged from 8 to 12 µm, which fell within the range of 6–14 µm that was easily absorbable by the human body. The heat can be rapidly absorbed by the skin and distributed throughout the body via blood circulation, yielding favorable physiotherapeutic efficacy. This study provides key physical parameters for the application of TFHs in wearable medical devices and physiotherapy equipment. Full article

Accurate measurement of spool displacement is essential for achieving high-performance closed-loop control and condition monitoring in hydraulic systems. However, conventional inductive displacement transducers typically rely on sinusoidal excitation and complex analog signal conditioning circuits, resulting in higher hardware cost and limited system integration. To address these issues, this paper proposes a software-based demodulation method for a differential inductive displacement transducer under symmetric complementary square-wave excitation. First, the structure and operating principle of the transducer are analyzed, and an electromagnetic model describing the nonlinear relationship between coil inductance and the position of the inductive core is established, along with its electrical characteristics. Then, a simplified signal acquisition circuit is designed to enable digital extraction of inductance variations using a microprocessor. Compared with conventional approaches, the proposed scheme significantly reduces hardware complexity and cost while being more suitable for embedded system integration. A simulation model is developed to analyze the inductance variation and to validate the proposed hardware circuit. In addition, a test platform is built to conduct static calibration and dynamic response experiments. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a linearity of 2.36% and a sensitivity of 155.6 mV/mm and exhibits strong robustness against switching noise. Finally, application tests in a hydraulic valve system demonstrate that the proposed transducer and demodulation method enable accurate and stable spool position measurement, providing a low-cost and easily integrated solution for embedded hydraulic control systems. Full article

Engineering systems increasingly demand multifunctional and energy-efficient integration within constrained volume and energy budgets. One promising solution is the monolithic integration of components and functions to minimize occupied volume and simplify control interfaces. Paraffin-based phase change material (PCM) actuators provide high mechanical work density and can be coupled with thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for multifunctional operation. However, their dynamic response is typically constrained by the intrinsically low thermal conductivity of PCM materials. This work introduces a quasi-monolithic fabrication method for a fully integrated TEG-PCM system combining standard four-layer printed circuit board (PCB) technology and CNC milling. By constructing the system as a quasi-monolithic block, thermal interface materials are considerably reduced, thereby diminishing parasitic thermal resistance and promoting faster heat transport from the TEG to the PCM cavity. The system is fabricated using CNC milling with high depth resolution enabled by an electrical sensing-via structure. Experimental validation shows a 76% improvement in displacement rate (15.03 µm/s) at half the input power (1 W) compared to a conventional hybrid-assembled TEG-PCM actuator system consisting of a commercial TEG and an aluminum PCM container. The exploitation of the PCM as a thermal flux modulator for energy harvesting has been preliminarily investigated; considering the measured 5 K temperature difference sustained during a simulated short “day–night” cycle, an estimated open-circuit voltage of ∼13.5 mV is expected to be retrieved under load-match conditions. The actuator is compatible with PCB-based power management and thermal routing, enabling scalable incorporation into compact microsystems and multifunctional MEMS devices. Full article

During Zambia’s 2023–2024 cholera outbreak, reliance on single-pathogen diagnostics risked overlooking co-circulating enteric pathogens. This study estimated the prevalence of rotavirus and described co-detected enteropathogens and rotavirus genotypes among patients admitted with suspected cholera. A sub-analysis was conducted on diarrhoeal stool specimens collected from patients who met the syndromic suspected cholera case definition. Samples were tested using the Bosphore^® Gastroenteritis Panel v2, a multiplex PCR enteric panel, to detect rotavirus and other gastrointestinal pathogens. Rotavirus-positive specimens with sufficient viral load were further genotyped by RT-PCR targeting of the VP7 and VP4 genes. Among 319 suspected cholera admissions, rotavirus was detected in 18 patients (5.6%; 95% CI 3.4–8.8%), predominantly in children aged <5 years (27.8%, 5/18) and 6–17 years (27.8%, 5/18). Co-infection was common, with 17/18 (94.4%) of rotavirus-positive samples showing co-infection with at least one additional enteric pathogen, most frequently Campylobacter. Genotyping was successful in five samples and revealed heterogenous circulating strains, including G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[6], G12P[6], and G1P[6]. Rotavirus accounted for a modest proportion of suspected cholera admissions and was frequently detected in mixed enteric infections, underscoring the value of multi-pathogen diagnostics and continued molecular surveillance during outbreak response. Full article

Industrial isolated power systems are highly sensitive to load disturbances due to their limited inertia and absence of large-grid support. This article analyzes the dynamic stability of an isolated system with a current available generation contribution of approximately 24 MW, evaluating the integration of a new production plant planned to be integrated in two construction phases of 2 MW each (total 4 MW). The system operates with local generation at 13.8 kV and distribution at 34.5 kV; therefore, demand expansion requires a detailed assessment to maintain safe operating conditions. In addition, the study verifies compliance with spinning reserve requirements for Phase 1 and Phase 2 in accordance with applicable industrial power system criteria, including IEEE 3007.1 and IEEE C37.106, as part of the N−1 security assessment. The developed stability analysis is based on time-domain dynamic simulations using IEEE AC8C excitation models and a UG-8 governor. The results show that, under severe contingencies, the frequency nadir can reach deviations close to 1.5 Hz and RoCoF values above 4 Hz/s. The results indicate that Phase 1 (2 MW) can be incorporated while maintaining acceptable spinning reserve margins, whereas the additional 2 MW corresponding to Phase 2 cannot be integrated under the current operating conditions without violating reserve criteria. However, the system remains stable when generators operate under automatic voltage control, while fixed power factor mode produces less robust responses. Based on this result, the dynamic analysis is focused on the Phase 1 condition under critical contingencies, particularly the sudden outage of the 5 MW and 8 MW generating units, with special emphasis on the outage of the largest generator, mitigated through spinning reserve support and a RoCoF-based load shedding scheme of approximately 4.4 MW. Likewise, the energization of the new plant through the 8 km line requires the evaluation of the available reactive compensation resources, including the use of capacitor banks/reactive support, to prevent underexcitation and maintain acceptable voltage conditions. Full article

Three ethynyl-extended benzanthrone derivatives with benzonitrile (Dye A), thiophene (Dye B), and methyl propiolate (Dye C) as substituents were synthesized and investigated to illustrate structure–property relationships governing their nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior. The third-order nonlinear absorption and refractive index of three dyes were studied using open- and closed-aperture z-scan measurements under 532 nm continuous-wave laser excitation. All dyes exhibited reverse saturable absorption dominated by two-photon absorption, with Dye A showing the highest nonlinear absorption coefficient (βeff = 2.3 × 10⁻⁵ cm/W) and two-photon response, attributed to its extended conjugation and smaller HOMO−LUMO gap (6.45 eV). Closed-aperture Z-scans revealed strong nonlinear refraction (n₂), with the thiophene-substituted Dye B displaying the largest n₂ (14.8 × 10⁻⁹ cm²/W) and third-order susceptibility (χ³ = 3.1 × 10⁻⁶ esu). The evaluated optical switching figures of merit met the requirements for all-optical switching and optical limiting. DFT and TDDFT calculations demonstrated that donor substitution and conjugation length govern electronic structure, charge transfer character, and global reactivity descriptors. Enhanced electronic softness and hyperpolarizability in Dye B further support its superior refractive nonlinearity. These results establish clear structure–property correlations and highlight donor engineering as an effective strategy for developing organic nonlinear optical and photonic materials. Full article

In response to the influence of extreme disasters, damage to distribution lines and user outages, a parallel implementation strategy is proposed for emergency repair of disaster-damaged distribution networks and rapid restoration of power supply for users, considering the collaboration of “human–vehicle–road–pile” resources. This strategy constructs a hierarchical optimization framework, with the upper-level model aiming to minimize the repair time for disaster damage. It adopts a collaborative optimization approach between repair resources and transportation routes to quickly repair the connection between the distribution network and the main power network. In the lower-level model, a model predictive control mechanism is adopted to schedule electric vehicles (EVs) in Real-time as mobile energy storage systems, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) service technology is used to provide an emergency power supply for key loads during the repair period, achieving parallel optimization of “repair–restoration”. Considering constraints such as emergency repair resources, time-varying transportation, electric vehicle scheduling and power management, charging pile capacity, power flow safety of the distribution network, and topology of the distribution network, second-order cone relaxation technology is adopted to improve solving efficiency. The simulation results show that compared with the traditional serial restoration strategy, the proposed strategy delivers a dual benefit: it significantly eliminates the power supply vacuum period without compromising the efficiency of emergency repair operations. Specifically, it increases weighted load restoration by 57.2% compared with traditional sequential methods and reduces the average outage time for key loads from 3.22 h to 0.5 h, effectively enhancing the resilience and restoration ability of the power supply guarantee of the distribution network. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of serological assays in understanding antiviral immune responses, monitoring vaccine efficacy, and informing public health strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of commonly used SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection methods, focusing on binding and neutralization assays. Antibody binding assays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIAs), lateral flow immunoassays (LFAs), and multiplex platforms, enable the rapid and high-throughput detection of immunoglobulin isotypes against various viral antigens. Neutralization assays, including live-virus, pseudovirus (PsV), and surrogate assays, offer functional insights into the ability of antibodies to prevent viral entry, though they often require higher biosafety levels and optimization. Serological assays, primarily antibody binding assays and several surrogate neutralization assays, received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) during the pandemic, supporting seroprevalence efforts. Antibody binding assays and neutralization assays were also widely used in vaccine immunogenicity studies. Despite many standardization initiatives, assay standardization and data harmonization remain challenging and require further efforts. The choice of assay should be guided by study goals: antibody binding assays are preferred for high-throughput monitoring and epidemiological studies, while neutralization assays are essential for assessing functional immunity and variant-specific neutralization and protection. Full article