Search Results (182)

The global food industry is facing growing pressure to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, minimize waste, and adopt environmentally sustainable packaging solution. Nanotechnology offers innovative ways to meet these demands by enabling the creation of smart and sustainable food packaging systems. Due to their unique properties, nanomaterials can significantly enhance the functional performance of packaging by boosting mechanical strength, barrier efficiency, antimicrobial activity, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanomaterials used as smart and sustainable food packaging, focusing on their role in active and intelligent packaging systems. By integrating nanomaterials like metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanostructures, and nano-biopolymers, packaging can now perform real-time sensing, spoilage detection, and traceability. These systems improve food quality management and supply chain transparency while supporting global sustainability goals. The review also discusses potential risks related to nanomaterials’ migration, environmental impact, and consumer safety, as well as the current regulatory landscape and limitations in industrial scalability. Emphasis is placed on the importance of standardized safety assessments and eco-friendly design to support responsible innovation. Overall, nano-enabled smart packaging represents a promising strategy for advancing food safety and sustainability. Future developments will require collaboration across disciplines and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and practical application of nanotechnology in food systems. Full article

This article provides a comprehensive review of gas flow behavior in low-permeability geological media, focusing on its implications for the long-term performance of engineered barriers in underground radioactive waste repositories. Key mechanisms include two-phase flow and gas-driven fracturing, both critical for assessing repository safety. Understanding the generation and migration of gas is crucial for the quantitative assessment of repository performance over extended timescales. The article synthesizes the current research on various types of claystone considered as potential host rocks for repositories, providing a comprehensive analysis of gas transport mechanisms and constitutive models. In addressing the challenges related to multi-field coupling, the article provides practical insights and outlines potential solutions and areas for further research, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle these challenges and push the field forward. In addition, the article evaluates key research projects, such as GMT, FORGE, and DECOVALEX, shedding light on their methodologies, findings, and significant contributions to understanding gas migration in low-permeability geological media. In this context, mathematical modeling becomes indispensable for predicting long-term repository performance under hypothetical future conditions, enhancing prediction accuracy and supporting long-term safety assessments. Finally, the growing interest in gas-driven fracturing is explored, critically assessing the strengths and limitations of current numerical simulation tools, such as TOUGH, the phase-field method, and CODE_BRIGHT. Noteworthy advancements by the CODE_BRIGHT team in gas injection simulation are highlighted, although knowledge gaps remain. The article concludes with a call for innovative approaches to simulate gas fracturing processes more effectively, advocating for advanced modeling techniques and rigorous experimental validation to address existing challenges. Full article

The preparedness of healthcare workers for disaster situations depends on their technical skills, disaster knowledge, and psychosocial strength, including teamwork and emotional regulation. This study aims to assess disaster preparedness among healthcare professionals in primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Alqurayat, Saudi Arabia, with a specific focus on evaluating technical competencies, psychosocial readiness, and predictive modeling of preparedness levels. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observational data from disaster drills to evaluate the preparedness levels of 400 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. The results showed that while knowledge (mean: 3.9) and skills (mean: 4.0) were generally moderate to high, notable gaps in overall preparedness remained. Importantly, 69.5% of participants reported enhanced readiness following simulation drills. Machine learning models, including Random Forest and Artificial Neural Networks, were used to predict preparedness outcomes based on psychosocial variables such as emotional intelligence, teamwork, and stress management. Sentiment analysis and topic modeling of qualitative responses revealed key themes including communication barriers, psychological safety, and the need for ongoing training. The findings highlight the importance of integrating both technical competencies and psychosocial resilience into disaster management programs. This study contributes an innovative framework for evaluating preparedness and offers practical insights for policymakers, disaster planners, and health training institutions aiming to strengthen the sustainability and responsiveness of primary healthcare systems. Full article

Despite the benefits of resistance training in mitigating sarcopenia, adherence among frail older adults is often limited by osteoarticular pain, comorbidities, and logistical barriers. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has emerged as a potential alternative. However, evidence regarding its effects on functional and psychological parameters remains scarce. Objectives: To assess the effects of 12 PEMF therapy sessions on knee extensor strength and functional performance (Timed Up and Go test—TUG) in older adults with sarcopenia. Secondary outcomes included changes in calf circumference (CC), SARC-F + CC scores, and depressive symptoms. Methods: A controlled, non-randomized experimental design was employed, with a pre-intervention control group serving as a baseline reference (PEMF group: n = 25; control group: n = 16). Participants received 12 PEMF therapy sessions (three times per week) targeting the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles. Outcomes were measured using knee-extension dynamometry, TUG, CC, SARC-F + CC, and the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. Statistical analyses included ANCOVA, with baseline values as covariates. Results: Significant improvements were observed in knee-extension strength, which increased from 13.05 ± 4.8 kgf to 18.56 ± 8 kgf (p < 0.001); TUG test time improved from 23.1 ± 14.4 to 18.7 ± 10 s (p = 0.048); SARC-F + CC scores decreased from 11.6 ± 8.2 to 6.5 ± 7.6 (p < 0.001), though the interaction effect with time was not significant (p = 0.252). No statistically significant changes were observed in CC, which increased from 34.0 ± 4.0 cm to 36.0 ± 3.9 cm following the intervention (p = 0.548). Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale scores improved significantly (7.9 ± 2.4 to 5.4 ± 1.7, p = 0.0013). Conclusions: PEMF therapy significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength and functional mobility in elderly individuals with sarcopenia. Additionally, depressive symptoms were significantly reduced. However, no significant changes were observed in CC or SARC-F + CC. Full article

Breast cancer is a condition characterized by the uncontrolled growth of breast cancer cells. The treatment for the disease, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, can significantly impact patients’ body image and overall quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate body image perceptions and cancer-related quality of life in women who underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer at a reference hospital in southern Brazil. One hundred six women with breast cancer, aged 21 to 93 years (M = 55.3; SD = 12.9), participated in this cross-sectional study. They responded to the Body Image and Relationships Scale (BIRS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Breast Cancer scale (FACT-B), and a questionnaire on clinical and sociodemographic variables. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that general perceived body image, as measured by BIRS, was significantly predicted by younger age and chemotherapy (F(2, 99) = 7.376, p = 0.003). These predictors accounted for 11.2% of the variance in BIRS (adjusted R² = 0.112). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that cancer-related quality of life was significantly predicted by younger age, use of psychiatric medication, and body image domains, including strength and health, social barriers, and appearance and sexuality. The complete model, encompassing all predictors, was significant (F(5, 96) = 15.970, p < 0.001) and explained 42.6% of the variance in FACT-B (adjusted R² = 0.426). Clinicians should be aware that younger patients who have undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer may experience changes in body image perception following surgery. Contributing factors such as younger age, use of psychiatric medications, and negative postoperative body image may be associated with a diminished quality of life related to cancer. Full article

Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) offer promising pathways to enhance ecological resilience and address urban water challenges, particularly in heritage cities where conventional gray infrastructure often fails to balance environmental needs with cultural preservation. This study proposes a strategic framework for the integration of NBSs into historic urban landscapes by employing Internal–External (IE) matrix modeling and an impact–uncertainty assessment, grounded in a structured evaluation of key internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. The Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) score of 2.900 indicates a favorable internal environment, characterized by the multifunctionality of NBS and their ability to reconnect urban populations with nature. Meanwhile, the External Factor Evaluation (EFE) score of 2.797 highlights moderate support from policy and public awareness but identifies barriers such as funding shortages and interdisciplinary coordination. Based on these findings, two strategies are developed: an SO (Strength–Opportunity) strategy, promoting community-centered and policy-driven NBS design, and a WO (Weakness–Opportunity) strategy, targeting resource optimization through legal support and cross-sectoral collaboration. This study breaks new ground by transforming theoretical NBS concepts into actionable, culturally sensitive planning tools that enable decision-makers to navigate the unique challenges of implementing adaptive stormwater and environmental management in historically constrained urban environments. Full article

Antifouling coatings are integral to the maritime economy. The efficacy of the applied painting system is closely correlated with susceptibility to fouling and the adhesion strength of contaminants. A fouled hull might result in an elevated fuel consumption and journey expenses. Biofouling on ship hulls also has detrimental environmental consequences due to the release of biocides during maritime travel. Therefore, it is imperative to develop eco-friendly antifouling paints that inhibit the robust adhesion of marine organisms. This study aimed to assess a biocide-free antifouling coating formulated with polymers intended to diminish molecular adhesion interactions between marine species’ adhesives and the coating. The evaluation included laboratory corrosion experiments in artificial seawater and the immersion of samples in a marine environment in Attica, Greece, for varying durations. The research indicates that an antifouling coating applied to naval steel in an artificial seawater solution improves corrosion resistance by more than 60%. The conductive polymer covering, comprising polyaniline and graphene oxide, diminishes corrosion current values, lowers the corrosion rate, and enhances corrosion potentials. The impedance parameters exhibit analogous behavior, with the coating preventing water absorption and displaying corrosion resistance. The coating serves as a low-permeability barrier, exhibiting exceptional durability for naval steel over time, with an operational performance up to 98%. Full article

Spice by-products, often discarded as waste, represent an untapped resource for sustainable packaging solutions due to their unique, multifunctional, and bioactive profiles. Unlike typical plant residues, these materials retain diverse phytochemicals—including phenolics, polysaccharides, and other compounds, such as essential oils and vitamins—that exhibit controlled release antimicrobial and antioxidant effects with environmental responsiveness to pH, humidity, and temperature changes. Their distinctive advantage is in preserving volatile bioactives, demonstrating enzyme-inhibiting properties, and maintaining thermal stability during processing. This review encompasses a comprehensive characterization of phytochemicals, an assessment of the re-utilization pathway from waste to active materials, and an investigation of processing methods for transforming by-products into films, coatings, and nanoemulsions through green extraction and packaging film development technologies. It also involves the evaluation of their mechanical strength, barrier performance, controlled release mechanism behavior, and effectiveness of food preservation. Key findings demonstrate that ginger and onion residues significantly enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to high phenolic acid and sulfur-containing compound concentrations, while cinnamon and garlic waste effectively improve mechanical strength and barrier attributes owing to their dense fiber matrix and bioactive aldehyde content. However, re-using these residues faces challenges, including the long-term storage stability of certain bioactive compounds, mechanical durability during scale-up, natural variability that affects standardization, and cost competitiveness with conventional packaging. Innovative solutions, including encapsulation, nano-reinforcement strategies, intelligent polymeric systems, and agro-biorefinery approaches, show promise for overcoming these barriers. By utilizing these spice by-products, the packaging industry can advance toward a circular bio-economy, depending less on traditional plastics and promoting environmental sustainability in light of growing global population and urbanization trends. Full article

This paper outlines a structural qualification process to assess the use of newly developed high-modulus (HM) glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars with headed ends in the joint between concrete bridge barriers and decks. The main goals of the study are to evaluate the structural performance of GFRP-reinforced TL-5 barrier–deck systems under transverse loading and to determine the pullout capacity of GFRP anchorage systems for both new construction and retrofit applications. The research is divided into two phases. In the first phase, six full-scale Test-Level 5 (TL-5) barrier wall–deck specimens, divided into three systems, were constructed and tested up to failure. The first system used headed-end GFRP bars to connect the barrier wall to a non-deformable thick deck slab. The second system was similar to the first but had a deck slab overhang for improved anchorage. The third system utilized postinstalled GFRP bars in a non-deformable thick deck slab, bonded with a commercial epoxy adhesive as a solution for deteriorated barrier replacement. The second phase involves an experimental program to evaluate the pullout strength of the GFRP bar anchorage in normal-strength concrete. The experimental results from the tested specimens were then compared to the factored applied moments in existing literature based on traffic loads in the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. Experimental results confirmed that GFRP-reinforced TL-5 barrier–deck systems exceeded factored design moments, with capacity-to-demand ratios above 1.38 (above 1.17 with the inclusion of an environmental reduction factor of 0.85). A 195 mm embedment length proved sufficient for both pre- and postinstalled bars. Headed-end GFRP bars improved pullout strength compared to straight-end bars, especially when bonded. Failure modes occurred at high loads, demonstrating structural integrity. Postinstalled bars bonded with epoxy performed comparably to preinstalled bars. A design equation for the barrier resistance due to a diagonal concrete crack at the barrier–deck corner was developed and validated using experimental findings. This equation offers a conservative and safe design approach for evaluating barrier–deck anchorage. Full article

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common disorders in childhood that significantly impacts quality of life. Background/Objectives: This study conducted a literature review of physical activity (PA)-based interventions for children and adolescents with CP, highlighting the physical, cognitive, and social benefits, as well as the factors and barriers that influence practice. Methods: The PRISMA methodology was used to identify and analyze the most relevant studies up to December 2024 through specific search equations and the databases Science Direct, Scopus, and Dialnet. Of the 707 articles identified, a total of 62 publications were selected for further analysis. These were subjected to a quality assessment through a checklist based on seven items. Results: The practice of PA guaranteed improvements in balance, postural control, strength, socialization, and self-confidence. On the other hand, some programs, such as Makey Makey, Ballet, aquatic PA, and Matrogymnasia, among others, were highlighted because they promoted an increase in physical practice among the population. However, there are still some barriers, such as sedentary lifestyles (90%), limited accessibility, and a lack of qualified professionals that hinder the intervention and ensure motivation and interest in its practice for those individuals who have not yet begun to practice it. Conclusions: PA is an effective tool to favor quality of life in children and adolescents, as it contributes to their integral development and social inclusion. The need for interdisciplinary strategies to reduce barriers and increase the benefits of PA is emphasized. A joint effort to promote integration in leisure time could promote optimal long-term results. Full article

The incorporation of commercial graphene oxide (GO) into composites offers significant improvements in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, making it a promising material for industrial applications. This study presents a comprehensive characterization analysis of five commercial GOs, using advanced techniques to evaluate their structural, chemical, and especially their behavior when submitted to thermal treatment. The aim is to enable the use of GO in industrial processes of particular technological importance, where its thermal stability/integrity is required, such as in polymer composites, electronic and energy storage devices, among others. Raman spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy are employed to examine the structural defects and functional groups of GOs, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) provides insight into the crystallinity and interlayer spacing. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) assesses the thermal stability, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) offers detailed information on the surface chemistry and relevant elemental composition of GOs. Additionally, the temperature-dependent behavior of GOs is explored through temperature-dependent XRD and IR measurements to investigate the thermal expansion and functional group stability. The study highlights the critical role of oxygen-containing groups—such as epoxides, hydroxyls, and carboxyls—while variations in the type and concentration of these functional groups across commercial GOs could influence the compatibility and performance of nanocomposites. This research attempts to fill to some extent the gap in understanding how the unique properties of different commercial GOs can be strategically applied to meet specific industrial performance requirements, such as barrier properties, transport efficiency, or mechanical strength, among others. Full article

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are microbial metabolites involved in immune regulation, energy metabolism, and intestinal barrier integrity. Among them, the role of hexanoic acid (C6), predominantly derived from dietary sources, remains poorly understood in chronic heart failure (CHF) and sarcopenia. A total of 636 patients with confirmed CHF were screened between 2019 and 2021. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 114 patients, with 74 meeting the inclusion criteria for analysis. Plasma levels of SCFAs—including butanoic, propanoic, isobutyric, 2- and 3-methylbutanoic, hexanoic, pentanoic, and 4-methylpentanoic acids—were measured using HPLC-MS/MS. Muscle strength, mass, and physical performance were assessed using handgrip dynamometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and SPPB, respectively. All patients showed elevated SCFA levels compared to reference values. Butanoic acid levels exceeded reference values by 32.8-fold, propanoic acid by 10.9-fold, and hexanoic acid by 1.09-fold. Patients with plasma hexanoic acid levels above the 50th percentile had a seven-fold increased mortality risk (OR = 7.10; 95% CI: 1.74–28.9; p < 0.01). Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed significantly lower survival in this group (p = 0.00051). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 41.2 ± 7.5%, and the mean SPPB score was 6.1 ± 1.8, indicating impaired physical performance. Elevated plasma hexanoic acid is associated with poor prognosis in CHF patients with sarcopenia. These findings suggest that C6 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in this population. Full article

This study examines the formation of the clay mineral simonkolleite (Skl) in bentonites contaminated with zinc(II) chloride (ZnCl₂), a process that has been little documented in heterogeneous systems such as contaminated bentonites. We explain the contamination mechanisms and provide new insights into the mineralogical, structural, and physicochemical transformations occurring within these materials. The objective, explored for the first time, was to assess how the ZnCl₂-induced mineral phase formation influences the properties of bentonites used as sealing materials, particularly regarding changes in specific surface area and porosity. Three bentonites were analyzed: Ca-bentonite from Texas (STx-1b), Na-bentonite from Wyoming (SWy-3), and Ca-bentonite from Jelsovy Potok, Slovakia (BSvk). Treatment with ZnCl₂ solution led to ion exchange and the formation of up to ~30% simonkolleite, accompanied by a concurrent decrease in montmorillonite content by 9–30%. A suite of analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), was employed to characterize these transformations. The contamination mechanism of ZnCl₂ involves an ion exchange of Zn²⁺ within the montmorillonite structure, the partial degradation of specific montmorillonite phases, and the formation of a secondary phase, simonkolleite. These transformations caused a ~50% decrease in specific surface area and porosity as measured by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) methods. The findings raise concerns regarding the long-term performance of bentonite-based barriers. Further research should evaluate hydraulic conductivity, mechanical strength, and the design of modified bentonite materials with improved resistance to Zn-induced alterations. Full article

Cellulose-based paper products derived from agro-industrial waste have attracted considerable interest due to their potential in sustainable material development. In this study, bacterial cellulose (BC) residue from the food and beverage industry was employed as a reinforcing agent to fabricate high-performance paper composites by blending with eucalyptus pulp (EP) at various ratios and basis weights. These papers were coated with a cationic modified starch solution (MS) using a rod coater, followed by hot pressing. Mechanical strengths (TAPPI Standard), water resistance (Cobb test and water contact angle), and air permeability (ASTM D737) were evaluated to assess material performance. The results showed that incorporating 50 wt% BC produced paper with outstanding mechanical performance, characterized by a high tensile index and excellent tear resistance. The application of the MS coating significantly boosted water resistance and air barrier performance, underscoring the effectiveness of this approach in creating high-performance paper materials. The resulting coated composites demonstrated excellent mechanical strength and barrier properties, positioning them as promising candidates for filtration applications such as personal protective face mask membranes. Full article

This study systematically investigates the influence of different heat treatment processes on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Cu-15Ni-3Al alloys, with particular emphasis on the synergistic strengthening mechanisms of spinodal decomposition and precipitation hardening. Two distinct aging routes—solution aging and direct aging—were designed to facilitate a comparative assessment of microstructural characteristics and their correlation with mechanical performance. Comprehensive characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and room-temperature tensile testing to elucidate the structure–property relationships. The results reveal that direct aging promotes the formation of fine, coherent L1₂-type Ni₃Al precipitates and the evolution of Ni-enriched regions initially generated through spinodal decomposition into stable Ni₃Al precipitates. These microstructural features act as effective barriers to dislocation motion, thereby significantly enhancing both strength and ductility. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing heat treatment strategies to improve the performance of Cu-Ni-Al alloys. Full article