Search Results (3,373)

This study investigates the optimization of fabrication and operating parameters for poly(ether sulfone) (PES) ultrafiltration membranes embedded with Bismuth tungstate and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) Bi₂WO₆/MWCNTs for the removal of dye pollutants from wastewater. Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to develop regression models for evaluating membrane performance in terms of dye rejection and permeate flux. A central composite design (CCD) was used to conduct a systematic series of ultrafiltration experiments. The effects of key variables, including Bi₂WO₆/MWCNTs loading (0–0.1 wt.%), operating pressure (5–9) bar, and methyl red (MR) dye concentration (50–150 ppm), on membrane separation performance were comprehensively examined. The developed models demonstrated strong statistical significance and accurately described the experimental data. Optimization results revealed that the operating parameters exerted a more pronounced influence on membrane performance than fabrication variables. The maximum MR rejection of 96.8457% was achieved at an optimal Bi₂WO₆/MWCNTs loading of 0.08 wt.%, dye concentration of 112.6 ppm, and operating pressure of 9 bar. Experimental validation confirmed the reliability and predictive capability of the proposed models. In order to provide high-performance membranes with enhanced permeability, antifouling resistance, and dye removal efficiency for useful wastewater treatment applications, this study attempts to optimize the operating and preparation parameters for adding Bi₂WO₆/MWCNT nanocomposites into PES membranes. Full article

The NA64 experiment at the CERN H4 beamline recently started a high-energy positron-beam program to search for light dark matter particles through a thick-target, missing-energy measurement. To fulfill the energy resolution requirement of the physics measurement ${\sigma }_E/E\simeq 2.5\%/\sqrt{E\left[\mathrm{GeV}\right]}\oplus 0.5\%$ and cope with the constraints and performance requests of the NA64 setup, a new high-resolution homogeneous electromagnetic calorimeter PKR-CAL has been designed. The detector is based on PbWO₄ crystals, each read by multiple SiPM sensors to maximize the light collection. The PKR-CAL design has been optimized to mitigate and control unavoidable SiPM saturation effects at high light levels, as well as to minimize the gain fluctuations induced by instantaneous variations of the H4 beam intensity. The R&D program culminated in the construction of a small-scale prototype, POKERINO. In this work, we present the results from the experimental characterization campaign of the POKERINO, aiming at demonstrating that the obtained performances are compatible with the application requirements. Full article

Peroxydisulfate (PDS, S₂O₈²⁻) is an important oxidant for a wide range of industrial applications, including organic synthesis, polymer preparation, wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Currently, PDS is commercially produced by electrolysis of sulfate solution. Photoelectrochemistry (PEC) provides an alternative approach to PDS generation by reducing the energy required to drive this process. Because PEC uses solar light as an abundant, free resource, it is an attractive technique for PDS generation compared to electrolysis. WO₃, owing to its excellent stability in acidic environments, is an excellent metal oxide candidate for producing PDS. Withstanding stronger acidic pH as well as absorption of visible light as a major fraction of solar light renders WO₃ a promising material for PEC-based PDS production when compared with other semiconductors. This mini review examines light-assisted, sustainable production of PDS on WO₃ photoanodes. It mainly involves the oxidation of the anion bisulfate, HSO⁴⁻, in a highly acidic pH. The efficiency of photoelectrochemical generation of PDS is greatly influenced by important factors, including suppressing recombination of photoinduced charge carriers, cocatalyst loading, minimizing competing side reactions, and establishing coupled reactions. In this review, we briefly discussed the key highlights to date in the application of WO₃ as a stable photoanode material for producing PDS. It provides insight into the potential of photocatalysis as an emerging route for the sustainable synthesis of PDS as a valuable chemical oxidant. Besides the significant progress made so far, the PDS production rate remains low, and minimizing the recombination tendency to achieve a higher photocurrent density could further boost PEC-based PDS production. Full article

We report on sub-50 fs pulse generation from a diode-pumped mode-locked laser based on an ytterbium-doped monoclinic potassium yttrium double tungstate crystal operating in the 1 μm spectral region. Pumping by a low-power, spatially single-mode, fiber-coupled laser diode at 976 nm, a maximum continuous-wave output power of 433 mW at 1066.1 nm was obtained. Using a quartz-based intracavity Lyot filter, an exceptionally broad continuous-wavelength tuning range of 98 nm was achieved. In the mode-locked regime, the diode-pumped Yb:KY(WO₄)₂ laser delivered soliton pulses as short as 46 fs at a central wavelength of 1069.2 nm by employing a SEmiconductor Saturable Absorber Mirror. To the best of our knowledge, these results represent the broadest continuous-wave tuning range and the shortest pulse duration ever reported for lasers based on ytterbium-doped monoclinic double tungstate crystals. Full article

The rapid global wild boar (Sus scrofa) population growth, coupled with increasing agricultural crop damage and disease transmission, suggests that current management and control strategies remain inadequate. Therefore, an international systematic review using the Web of Science database (WoS; Clarivate Analytics, Philadepphia, PA, USA), including a quantitative synthesis (119 studies up to 11 November 2025, containing 181 experiments) of population reduction methods was conducted, with an emphasis on evaluating their effectiveness, selectivity, and animal welfare aspects relating to wild boar and feral pigs. The results demonstrate a significant increase in research interest for population control methods in recent years. The highest average effectiveness was observed for aerial shooting (56.2% of the population per month), followed by poison baiting (27.6%) and trapping (6.0%). Aerial shooting appeared highly selective in the reviewed contexts; however, together with poison baiting, it is generally not permitted under current European conditions. Trapping (6.0%) and individual hunting (3.9%) offer moderate effectiveness but are highly context-dependent. From a welfare perspective, the analysis indicated that no significant difference in effectiveness was detected between studies that included welfare or stress assessment and those that did not, indicating that consideration of animal welfare does not reduce control efficiency. The study concluded that the analysis did not identify a single universally applicable solution that combines animal welfare considerations with high effectiveness, highlighting a significant research gap. This underscores the urgent need for an effective and publicly acceptable method of reducing wild boar populations, or for the development of strategies that appropriately integrate multiple approaches. However, the interpretation of results is limited by heterogeneity in study design and variability in reported data. Full article

In this study, a novel layered WO₃@Co₃O₄ composite electrode was synthesized via a controlled electrodeposition method employing different surfactants to finely tune its nanostructure. The incorporation of polyacrylic acid (PAA) surfactant yielded an optimized P-W@Co electrode with a hierarchical porous morphology and reduced crystallite size, markedly enhancing electroactive site exposure and electron transport. Structural analyses confirmed the amorphous nature of WO₃ and crystalline spinel Co₃O₄ phases forming an integrated composite architecture. Electrochemical characterizations in a three-electrode system revealed that the P-W@Co electrode exhibited superior pseudocapacitive behavior, with an areal capacitance of 11.70 F/cm² at 20 mA/cm² and excellent rate capability, retaining 80% capacitance at 40 mA/cm². Kinetic studies demonstrated enhanced diffusion-controlled charge storage attributed to improved ion accessibility and charge transfer kinetics. To evaluate practical feasibility, asymmetric supercapacitor devices incorporating P-W@Co as the positive electrode coupled with activated carbon as the negative electrode were fabricated. This device showcased a widened operational voltage (1.5 V), outstanding areal capacitance (211 mF/cm²), and energy density (0.066 mWh/cm²). Importantly, the device exhibited exceptional cycling stability, retaining 81.8% capacitance after 7000 cycles. This work signifies a major advancement in surfactant-mediated design of WO₃@Co₃O₄ layered electrodes for scalable, high-performance supercapacitor applications, combining structural stability, enhanced conductivity, and multifaceted charge storage mechanisms. Full article

Background: Ataxic symptoms are characterized by causing motor, balance and coordination disorders. Virtual reality-based interventions (VRBIs) including video games and exergames can improve ataxic symptoms. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of VRBI on severity of ataxia, postural balance, mobility and manual dexterity in patients with ataxia. Methods: According to the PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed Medline, SCOPUS, WOS, CINAHL, PEDro and other sources for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effectiveness of VRBI, compared to others, on the severity of ataxia, balance, mobility and manual dexterity in patients with ataxia. The pooled effect was calculated using Cohen’s standardized mean difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: With data from seven RCTs, providing data from 171 patients with ataxia, our meta-analysis elucidated that VRBI is effective in reducing the severity of ataxia (SMD = −0.43; 95% CI −0.84 to −0.03; p = 0.04) and increasing functional balance (SMD = 0.97; 95% CI 0.16 to 1.78; p = 0.02) and manual dexterity (SMD = −0.63; 95% CI −1.16 to −0.11; p = 0.018). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that VRBI could be a promising and effective therapeutic approach in reducing ataxia disability and increasing balance and manual dexterity in ataxic patients. Full article

Higher education is undergoing a constant paradigm shift, transforming itself into a system of innovation for society. This study has explored and determined the relationship between educational innovation and research in university contexts in order to distinguish, compare, and establish dynamics of interaction. The contributions of scientific articles published in WoS-indexed journals between 2019 and 2025 in a total of 108 sources were analyzed using the PRISMA method and an analysis inspired by grounded theory with open coding and axial coding (mixed method). As a result, both functions have been conceptually differentiated while establishing these points of contact, productive interactions, and their relationship with university institutional management. It is concluded that higher education is facing a paradigm shift, transforming itself from a center of knowledge and professional training to the hub of innovation systems. The main contribution of this study is its exposition of how this profound change is taking place and the conditions of research–innovation interaction in the university setting. Full article

Digital stress, the psychological strain from constant connectivity, is a growing challenge, but the research field remains conceptually fragmented. This study aims to (1) map the evolution of digital stress research via bibliometric and scientometric analyses; (2) quantify measurement consistency through a meta-analysis of the Digital Stress Scale (DSS); and (3) synthesize thematic trends to clarify the construct’s boundaries. A multi-method review was conducted, integrating bibliometric analysis of 215 documents (Scopus/WoS), Google Ngram analysis, a random-effects meta-analysis of 10 DSS studies (n = 8572), and a thematic analysis of keyword co-occurrence. Bibliometrics and Ngram analysis show the field is maturing, with publications rising sharply post-2020, distinguishing it from ‘technostress.’ The construct evolved from biomedical/engineering uses to a psychosocial concept linked to ‘social media’ and ‘mental health.’ The meta-analysis found a moderate pooled mean stress level (2.45 on a 1–5 scale, 95% CI: 2.12–2.78), falling within the ‘average’ range of U.S. norms. High heterogeneity (I² = 99.7%) confirmed that cultural and contextual factors significantly moderate stress levels. Thematic analysis identified four key dimensions: conceptual ambiguity, contextual moderators, the digital transformation paradox, and digital well-being. Digital stress is a distinct, multidimensional construct encompassing social-evaluative pressures beyond original technostress models. This review consolidates its theoretical boundaries and confirms the DSS’s psychometric consistency, highlighting digital stress as a critical, context-dependent factor in human adaptation to technology. Full article

Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Wearable Technologies (WT) have rapidly evolved over the past decade. AM offers highly customisable fabrication, while WT enables minimally invasive health monitoring. The intersection of these fields presents emerging opportunities in biomedical and engineering domains. This study aims to map the scientific landscape of AM–WT research between 2015 and 2025 through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. A total of 718 peer-reviewed publications were extracted from Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and PubMed, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Using RStudio and the Bibliometrix package, analyses included co-authorship, citation trends, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic mapping. Custom author disambiguation scripts enhanced data quality and reliability. An annual publication growth of 24.89% was observed, with notable increases after 2020. Core themes included 3D printing, biosensors, microfluidics, and organ-on-a-chip devices. A shift from manufacturing-oriented research to biomedical integration is evident. Research output is dominated by the US, China, and South Korea, with moderate but not yet highly internationalised collaboration. The field of AM–WT research is undergoing a decisive transition from fabrication-focused studies to interdisciplinary, application-driven innovations. This shift is marked by increasing integration in healthcare and bioelectronics, yet hindered by regional imbalances and thematic gaps. Addressing these will be critical to advancing global impact. This study offers a cross-database bibliometric overview of AM–WT research. By combining three major data sources, it provides enhanced coverage and introduces novel analytical dimensions to guide future interdisciplinary efforts in personalised healthcare and wearable device innovation. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamins A, D₃, and folic acid, remain a significant global health challenge despite established dietary recommendations. This study proposes a novel fortification strategy using advanced emulsion technology to enrich extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) with these essential micronutrients. Water-in-oil (W/O) and double oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) emulsions were designed to enable the simultaneous encapsulation of lipophilic (A and D₃) and hydrophilic (folic acid) vitamins within a single functional food matrix. Vitamin concentrations were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a photodiode detector (PDA) to evaluate retention during processing. Bioaccessibility was assessed by subjecting vitamin-enriched emulsions to a standardized in vitro digestion model simulating gastrointestinal conditions. Results showed significantly higher incorporation efficiency in the O/W/O system compared to conventional W/O emulsions, regardless of the physicochemical properties of the vitamins. Both lipophilic (A and D₃) and hydrophilic (folic acid) compounds exhibited a satisfactory retention, highlighting the versatility of the double-emulsion approach. This study represents the first report of simple and multiple oil-continuous emulsions that simultaneously incorporate vitamins A, D₃, and folic acid, providing preliminary evidence of their stability and gastrointestinal release under simulated digestion conditions. Full article

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a major chronic complication of diabetes mellitus, often leading to severe infection, amputation, and reduced quality of life. Among various factors affecting DFUs, plantar pressure plays a pivotal role in ulcer formation and recurrence. Despite growing interest in this domain, few studies have comprehensively evaluated the research landscape concerning plantar pressure in the context of DFUs from a bibliometric perspective. Aim: To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and visualization of global research trends, hotspots, and collaborative networks in the field of plantar pressure-related diabetic foot studies from 2000 to 2024. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) on 16 February 2025, for articles published between 2000 and 2024 using terms related to “diabetic foot” and “plantar pressure”. A total of 2518 records were retrieved, from which 2110 English-language articles and reviews were included. Bibliometric and visual analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2021, VOSviewer (v1.6.20), CiteSpace (v6.4.R1), Charticulator, and Scimago Graphica. Analyses included publication trends, country/institution/author collaborations, journal distributions, keyword co-occurrence and clustering, citation bursts, and reference co-citation networks. Results: A total of 2110 publications were identified, showing an overall increase in annual publication output from 2000 to 2024, with some year-to-year fluctuations. The United States led in publication volume (678 articles), citation frequency, and H-index, followed by the United Kingdom and China. Armstrong, David was the most prolific and also had the highest H-index among the listed authors, while the University of Amsterdam was the leading institution. “Journal of Wound Care” had the highest publication count, whereas “Diabetes Care” ranked first in citation frequency. Keyword analysis revealed major research clusters including “diabetic foot”, “plantar pressure”, “wound healing”, “offloading”, and “negative pressure wound therapy”. Recent trends show an increased focus on microcirculation, regenerative medicine, customized footwear, and wound care technologies. Conclusions: The bibliometric analysis reveals research trends and current hotspots in plantar pressure management for diabetic foot ulcers, with a particular focus on managing plantar pressure through personalized offloading strategies and custom footwear. These findings highlight the practical value of tailoring interventions to individual patient needs, emphasizing the importance of biomechanical factors in ulcer prevention and healing. Full article

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are widely used in fields such as autonomous missions, reconnaissance, surveillance, and various industrial applications. These vehicles can perform desired tasks without human intervention in challenging environmental conditions. However, UAV control can be difficult due to environmental factors, wind disturbances, and uncertainties in system parameters. Therefore, developing reliable control strategies for UAVs is a significant challenge for researchers and engineers. This study presents a comprehensive review of rotary-wing UAVs, focusing on quadcopter and helicopter systems. Approximately 77 studies were selected from the Web of Science (WOS) database and analyzed, with an emphasis on Sliding Mode Control (SMC) and Fractional-Order SMC (FOSMC) applications in these systems. The review addresses key topics such as degrees of freedom, proposed control methods, adjustment techniques, comparative methods, fractional-order definitions, simulation tools, and explanations. The literature analysis highlights current research trends by showing the performance advantages and limitations of SMC and FOSMC methods. Furthermore, future research directions and existing knowledge gaps are discussed in detail. This review was prepared to provide the control engineering community with a comprehensive understanding of SMC and FOSMC applications in rotary wing systems and to contribute to the development of innovative and effective control strategies. Full article

Glasses with compositions (52.5 − x/2)B₂O₃:(12.5 − x/2)SiO₂:25La₂O₃:5ZnO:5CaO:0.5Eu₂O₃:xWO₃, x = 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 20 (mol%) were prepared by conventional melt-quenching method and investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, DSC analysis, DR-UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Physical parameters like density, molar volume, oxygen molar volume and oxygen packing density were also determined. Their values, as well as DR-UV-Vis spectroscopy results, indicate that the tungstate ions incorporate into the base borosilicate glass as tetrahedral WO₄ and octahedral WO₆ groups. With increasing WO₃ content over 5 mol%, WO₆ units are progressively linked to each other by W-O-W bonds, leading to the formation of a more connected and homogeneous glass network. Glasses are characterized by a high glass transition temperature (over 650 °C) and good thermal stability. The emission intensity of the Eu³⁺ ion increases with the introduction of WO₃ due to the occurrence of non-radiative energy transfer from the tungstate groups to the active ion. The most intense luminescence peak observed at 612 nm suggests that the glasses are potential materials for red emission. Full article

ABC transporters (ATP-binding cassette transporters) constitute one of the largest known protein families and are widely distributed in plants. Their primary function involves utilizing energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to transport substrates across membranes against concentration gradients. These transporters play crucial roles in the translocation and accumulation of metabolites, stress tolerance, disease resistance, and plant defense. Lotus is an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb and contains active ingredients primarily composed of secondary metabolites, whose transport and accumulation require the involvement of ABC transporters. However, the function of these ABC transporters remains unexplored in lotus. In this study, 122 ABC transporter genes were predicted within the lotus genome. We identified 1~15 conserved motifs among the NnABC proteins and most of them were stable proteins predominantly located on the plasma membrane with ExPASy-ProtParam, ProComp and WoLF PSORT analysis. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the lotus ABC transporter gene family could be divided into eight subfamilies, from ABCA to ABCI, and the evolution was predominantly driven by purifying selection. Comparative transcriptome analysis between the cultivar ‘Yindu Zhimi’ with orange-reddish stamen and ‘Weishan Hong’ with yellowish stamen, along with quantitative real-time PCR results, showed that the NnABCG25 gene is highly specifically expressed in the orange-reddish stamen. Molecular docking demonstrated that NnABCG25 has a stable affinity for lycopene, β-carotene and β-apocarotenal, suggesting its potential involvement in the transport of carotenoids in the stamen. These findings expand our understanding of the role of ABC transporters in the transport and accumulation of carotenoids, as well as providing a valuable reference for research on the ABC transporter gene family in other plants. Full article