Search Results (1,617)

This study examines the longitudinal shortening of clay blanks during extrusion and introduces a hybrid soft sensor framework for early prediction of ceramic roof tile performance. Targeted properties include shrinkage, water absorption, and saturation. The models integrate real-time process data collected after vacuum extrusion and pressing with clay-specific descriptors such as carbonate content and granulometry, alongside additional variables including moisture, firing temperature, and length reduction. Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression was adopted as the core method due to robustness against multicollinearity and ease of industrial integration. In contrast to complex machine learning pipelines, PLS-based soft sensors enable lightweight edge deployment without reliance on IoT infrastructure. Complementary regression and machine learning models were used to benchmark predictive accuracy and explore nonlinear effects. The results confirm reliable prediction of key performance indicators and reveal mechanistic links between extrusion-induced deformation and downstream behavior. Although developed for clay systems, the framework is generalizable and can be adapted to other traditional ceramic processes or industries seeking interpretable, locally deployable solutions for process control. Full article

Background: Drug delivery against ciprofloxacin-resistant microbial strains is one of the most challenging areas of research in the pharmaceutical industry. The broad-spectrum antibiotic ciprofloxacin often faces challenges due to its poor bioavailability; thus, the activity of this drug is generally compromised against resistant strains. Traditional drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, are utilized to address this issue; however, niosomes have surfaced as a promising successor to their liposomal counterparts due to their superior attributes, such as enhanced stability and reduced toxicity. However, owing to environmental and toxicological concerns over commonly used chemical surfactants in niosomes, there is a pressing need to explore greener and safer alternatives. This study is focused on the application of sophorolipids (SLs), a biosurfactant that is synthesized by the yeast Starmerella bombicola, as a vesicular assembly for ciprofloxacin encapsulation. Methods: The SL-based niosomal formulation was characterized for particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI), while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to determine the morphology of niosomes. Agar well diffusion, broth dilution, and biofilm inhibition assays were performed to assess efficacy. Results: The niosomal formulations were successfully prepared; among them, the (+)vely charged formulation exhibited a more organized morphology, and their size and zeta potential values were found to be around ~371 nm and 63 mV for the blank niosomes (without the loaded drug) and ~269 nm and 51 mV for the ciprofloxacin-loaded niosomes. The minimum inhibitory concentration and biofilm inhibitory concentration against the MRSA strain were 5 µg/mL and 25 µg/mL, respectively, for the ciprofloxacin-loaded, (+)vely charged SL niosomes—for free ciprofloxacin these values were 40 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL—presenting remarkable potential for biofilm inhibition. Conclusion: This study highlights the promising therapeutic potential of SL-based ciprofloxacin-loaded niosomes against the emerging health threat of the MRSA strain. Full article

The progressive stamping process includes blanking, piercing, bending, and drawing operations on press machines with a single die set for high production runs. The processing conditions at individual progressive stamping stations are intricately coupled, posing a challenge for maintaining part quality at high production rates and dimensional precision. This study investigated the effects of the die bottom dead center (and later, BDC) depth, punch-die clearance, tool wear condition, and lubrication performance on the precision of stamped parts and bending angles. Quality characteristics were measured using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) by employing a thin-sheet steel progressive die in a factorial experimental design. Using Pareto effect plots and the MINITAB platform, it was observed that for part bending angles, the first greatest factor of importance is BDC, followed by clearance as the second greatest, and then tool condition. The results reveal that although it affects part quality through interactions, the lubrication effect is not as significant as the main factors. However, SEM analyses show that worn tools and inadequate lubrication induce grain boundary separation, microcracking, and dislocations, while proper lubrication and sharp tooling maintain more homogeneous grain structures. Research indicates that achieving the full control of part quality in the progressive stamping process requires more than bottom dead center (BDC) adjustment; factors such as component clearances, punch condition, and lubrication level must also be considered. Process-based knowledge of the relationships among process parameters in multi-stage stamping processes can be used to develop adaptive monitoring systems that stabilize part geometry and minimize production variation. Full article

The contradiction between the threshold values of carbon nanomaterials in cement-based materials for enhancing electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties appears irreconcilable in previous studies. Reducing the numerical differences of these thresholds of carbon nanomaterials in cement-based materials is a straightforward approach to resolving the predicament. Flash graphene powder (FGP) with varying dosages is used to prepare the modified Portland cement paste in this work. Hydration heat release behaviours and the morphologies of hydrates are significantly impacted due to the unique turbostratic graphene layers. The percolation threshold of FGP in paste approximates its thresholds for enhancing the strength and absorption of electromagnetic waves (EMWs), which is 0.50 wt.% of cement. The compressive and flexural strength values of samples with 0.50 wt.% FGP increased by 59.5% and 22.4%, respectively, compared with the blank sample. The minimum EMWs loss value of the sample with 0.50 wt.% FGP is −12.2 dB with an effective absorption bandwidth value of 7.76 GHz in the EMWs frequency between 2 and 18 GHz. The smaller Portlandite crystals are associated with better conductive and impedance-matching properties, resulting in significantly improved EMWs absorption in the Ku band. This work proposes a possible solution that involves using FGP to replace normal graphene, thereby alleviating the contradiction and reducing the gaps in the graphene thresholds in cement paste and enhancing mechanical and electrical conductivity and EMWs absorption properties. Full article

In view of the problems of high weed regeneration rate in traditional mechanical weeding and environmental risk in chemical weeding, a synergetic strategy of “mechanical damage + wound spraying mechanism” was proposed, and an intelligent weeding device combining synchronous cutting and spraying was designed to enhance the efficacy of herbicides and reduce their use. Focusing on the physical characteristics of weeds and the cutting mechanism, the analysis of the weed-cutting system and the force characteristics of the cutting tool were conducted. Key factors affecting cutting quality were identified, and their respective value ranges were determined. A targeted spraying system was developed, featuring a conical nozzle, DC diaphragm pump, and electromagnetic control valve. The Delta parallel manipulator, equipped with both the cutting tool and nozzle, was designed, and a kinematic model was established for both its forward and inverse movements. Genetic algorithms were applied to optimize structural parameters, aiming to ensure effective coverage of typical weed distribution areas within the working space. A simulated environment measurement was built to verify the motion accuracy of the manipulator. Field experiments demonstrated that the equipment achieved an 81.5% wound weeding rate on malignant weeds in the seedling stage at an operating speed of 0.6 m/s, with a seedling injury rate below 5%. These results validate the high efficiency of the integrated mechanical cutting and targeted spraying system, offering a reliable technical solution for green and intelligent weed control in agriculture. This study fills the blank of only focusing on recognition accuracy or weeding rate under a single weeding method, but lacks a cooperative weeding operation. Full article

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a clinically relevant pathogen with a strong ability to form biofilms on a wide range of surfaces, which markedly reduces the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments and contributes to therapeutic failure. Although essential oils (EOs) represent effective and economical antimicrobial alternatives, their clinical application is limited by rapid oxidation, volatility, and potential cytotoxicity. In this context, nanoencapsulation emerges as a promising strategy to improve EO stability, control release, and reduce toxicity. In this study, Tetradenia riparia essential oil was encapsulated into poly(lactide) (PLA) nanoparticles (NP) using the nanoprecipitation method. Methods: The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized, and their antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities were evaluated. Antibiofilm and antibacterial effects against S. aureus were assessed by the broth microdilution method, while cytotoxicity was determined using a VERO cell line. Results: The nanoparticles exhibited nanometric size, spherical morphology, and homogeneous structure. Both free EO and EO-loaded nanoparticles demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against S. aureus. Importantly, EO-loaded nanoparticles were significantly less cytotoxic than free EO. Nanoencapsulation effectively prevented rapid EO evaporation and degradation, thereby enhancing stability. The nanoparticles exhibited a zeta potential of approximately −23.1 mV, indicating adequate colloidal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed a reduction in melting enthalpy from 429.63 J/g (blank nanoparticles) to 115.83 J/g for EO-loaded nanoparticles, indicating decreased polymer crystallinity and a system favorable for controlled EO release. Conclusions: Overall, these findings demonstrate that nanoencapsulation of T. riparia essential oil into PLA nanoparticles preserves antimicrobial efficacy, reduces cytotoxicity, and improves physicochemical stability, supporting the potential of this nanostructured system as a promising strategy for the treatment of S. aureus biofilm-associated infections. Full article

The widespread use of antibiotics, combined with pervasive exposure to diverse environmental media, has intensified the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. Accumulating evidence reveals that beyond direct antibiotic pressure, residual non-antibiotic chemicals—despite lacking intrinsic antibacterial activity—can significantly promote the enrichment and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in farmland soils through indirect mechanisms such as inducing oxidative stress, altering microbial community structure, and enhancing both vertical and horizontal gene transfer. To address this issue, the present study investigates the influence of representative non-antibiotic contaminants commonly detected in agricultural environments—including pesticides (e.g., Omethoate, imidacloprid, and atrazine), industrial pollutants (e.g., PCB138, BDE47, benzo [a] pyrene, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin [TCDD], and benzene), plastic-associated compounds (e.g., Polyethylene trimer, phthalates, and tributyl acetylcitrate), and ingredients from personal care products (e.g., triclosan and bisphenol A)—on ARG transmission dynamics. Leveraging bioinformatics resources such as the CARD database, PDB, AlphaFold, and molecular sequence analysis tools, we identified relevant small-molecule ligands and macromolecular receptors to construct a simulation system modeling ARG transfer pathways. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were then implemented, guided by a Plackett–Burman experimental design, to systematically evaluate the impact of individual and co-occurring pollutants. The resulting data were processed using advanced analytical tools, and MD trajectories were interpreted at the molecular level across three scenarios: an unperturbed (blank) system, single-pollutant exposures, and dual-pollutant combinations. By integrating computational simulations with machine learning approaches, this work uncovers the “co-selection” effect exerted by non-antibiotic chemical residues in shaping the environmental resistome, thereby providing a mechanistic and scientific basis for comprehensive risk assessment of agricultural non-point source pollution and the development of effective soil health management and antimicrobial resistance containment strategies. Full article

Nanoemulsions (NEs) offer a promising strategy for delivering lipophilic cannabidiol (CBD) to protect skin from particulate matter (PM)-induced damage. In this study, CBD-loaded oil-in-water NEs based on Brij^® O10 (polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether) and olive oil were prepared by the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method and characterized. A 20% w/w Brij^® O10 formulation (B20) remained clear and stable for 30 days. CBD solubility was markedly enhanced in Brij^® O10 micelles and further increased in NEs, exceeding theoretical predictions and indicating synergistic solubilization in the oil–surfactant system. CBD incorporation lowered the PIT and induced nonlinear changes in droplet size with oil content. All formulations exhibited nanoscale droplets by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, moderately low zeta potentials consistent with nonionic steric stabilization, and maintained physical stability despite increased turbidity at higher oil levels. In a full-thickness human ex vivo skin model exposed to PM, both blank and CBD-loaded NEs reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in PM-exposed skin, with CBD-loaded NEs providing additional reductions and uniquely restoring procollagen type I C-peptide (PIP) relative to their blanks. Overall, PIT-based CBD NEs enhance CBD solubilization and protect human ex vivo skin from PM-induced inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. Full article

Fatty acid vesicles (FAVs) are promising nanocarriers, but their application is limited by a narrow, alkaline pH formation window that mismatches the weak acidity of physiological environments, such as skin. To overcome this, we developed composite vesicles using oleic acid (OA) and the non-ionic surfactant Tween 40 (TW40). pH titration confirmed that the OA/TW40 system successfully broadened the vesicle formation window from 8.2–10.08 to 3.1–7.2, aligning it with the physiological pH range. The bioactive flavonoid luteolin (LUT) was efficiently encapsulated into these OA/TW40-FAVs, achieving a high encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 87.13% and a drug loading capacity (DLC) of 9.58. The formulation demonstrated superior topical delivery performance: the cumulative transdermal flux (933.08 µg·cm⁻²) and skin retention (68.18 µg·cm⁻²) were both approximately double that of the free LUT solution. Furthermore, the OA/TW40/LUT-FAVs provided sustained drug release and exhibited synergistically enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to free LUT or blank vesicles. Collectively, these findings establish OA/TW40 composite vesicles as a robust and efficient nanoplatform for the topical delivery of bioactive compounds. Full article

This study evaluated the protective effects of naringin (NG) against intestinal injury in 7-day-old piglets infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Eighteen piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large, body weight = 2.58 ± 0.05 kg) were divided into three treatment groups based on similar body weights and equal numbers of males and females: the blank control group (CON group), the PEDV infection group (PEDV group), and the NG intervention + PEDV infection group (NG + PEDV group) (n = 6 per group). The experiment lasted for 11 days, comprising a pre-feeding period from days 0 to 3 and a formal experimental period from days 4 to 10. On days 4–10 of the experiment, piglets in the NG + PEDV group were orally administered NG (10 mg/kg). On Day 8 of the experiment, piglets in the PEDV and NG + PEDV groups were inoculated with PEDV (3 mL, 10⁶ 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID₅₀) per milliliter). On day 11 of the experiment, piglets were euthanized for sample collection. PEDV infection caused significant intestinal damage, including a decreased (p < 0.05) villus height in the duodenum and ileum and an increased (p < 0.05) crypt depth in all intestinal segments. This intestinal damage was accompanied by an impaired absorptive function, as indicated by reduced (p < 0.05) serum D-xylose. Further results showed that PEDV compromised the intestinal antioxidant capacity by decreasing (p < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, and it stimulated the intestinal inflammatory response by upregulating (p < 0.05) the expression of key inflammatory genes, including regenerating family member 3 gamma (REG3G; duodenum, jejunum, colon), S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9; ileum, colon), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β; ileum, colon), and S100 calcium binding protein A8 (S100A8; colon). PEDV also suppressed the intestinal lipid metabolism pathway by downregulating (p < 0.05) the ileal expression of Solute Carrier Family 27 Member 4 (SLC27A4), Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein (MTTP), Apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4), Apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), and Cytochrome P450 Family 2 Subfamily J Member 34 (CYP2J34). Moreover, PEDV suppressed the intestinal antiviral ability by downregulating (p < 0.05) interferon (IFN) signaling pathway genes, including MX dynamin like GTPase 1 (MX1) and ISG15 ubiquitin like modifier (ISG15) in the duodenum; weakened intestinal water and ion transport by downregulating (p < 0.05) aquaporin 10 (AQP10) and potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 13 (KCNJ13) in the duodenum, aquaporin 7 (AQP7) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 6 (TRPV6) in the ileum, and TRPV6 and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 6 (TRPM6) in the colon; and inhibited intestinal digestive and absorptive function by downregulating (p < 0.05) phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) in the duodenum and sucrase-isomaltase (SI) in the ileum. Notably, NG effectively counteracted these detrimental effects. Moreover, NG activated the IFN signaling pathway in the jejunum and suppressed PEDV replication in the colon. In conclusion, NG alleviates PEDV-induced intestinal injury by enhancing the antioxidant capacity, suppressing inflammation, normalizing the expression of metabolic and transport genes, and improving the antiviral ability. Full article

In the seasonal frozen soil region of Northeast China, freeze–thaw processes destabilize soil structure and elevate the risk of spring flooding. While biochar and straw are recognized for their ability to enhance soil structure, their regulatory effects on the characteristics of frozen front migration and snowmelt infiltration in this region have not been thoroughly investigated. This study conducted indoor simulation experiments in 2024, establishing three different initial moisture contents (W1: 20%, W2: 15%, W3: 10%) and four distinct regulation measures (CK: blank control, B: 1.0% biochar, J: 0.5% straw, BJ: 1.0% biochar and 0.5% straw) to investigate the influence of various regulation modes on snowmelt water infiltration in freeze–thaw soils. The experimental results indicate that the application of biochar and straw significantly enhances soil aggregate stability, with the BJ treatment increasing small pores by 58.25–60.17% and micropores by 26.69–77.71%. The application of biochar and straw can increase both the migration depth of the soil freezing front and its average migration velocity. An appropriate amount of biochar and straw can enhance the cumulative soil infiltration amount and infiltration rate. Additionally, biochar and straw enhance the relationship between the cumulative soil infiltration amount and the migration characteristics of the freezing front. Full article

Few studies have examined the effects of puerarin (PE) on ruminant parameters and methane production. Therefore, we determined the degradation of PE in the rumen and evaluated the effect of PE on in vitro fermentation, methanogenesis, and microbial community structure. A completely randomized design was used for the in vitro fermentation, and 4 gradient dosages of PE (0 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg of DM) were applied in this trial. The in vitro fermentation was carried out in three runs at 6 h and 48 h, with four replicates per treatment per time point. Each run included 40 samples: eight treatments × four replicates and eight blank samples. Based on the fermentation results, both the PE treatments and the control group (CON) at 48 h were chosen for further analysis to explore the effects of PE on the bacterial community structure. Meanwhile, we determined the degradation rate and degradation products of PE in vitro ruminal fluid using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In this trial, PE may be isomerized into daidzin by rumen microorganisms; the in vitro degradation results of PE indicated that 70% of PE was degraded within 6 h, with the degradation rate reaching nearly 85% by 12 h. The concentrations of NH₃-N and microbial crude protein (MCP) significantly increased linearly with the PE doses at 6 h (p = 0.01). The concentrations of MCP (p = 0.02) and propionate (p = 0.04) demonstrated a linear increase with increasing PE doses at 48 h. In contrast to microbial protein (MCP) and propionate, the acetate-to-propionate ratio decreased linearly with increasing PE doses at 48 h (p = 0.05). Additionally, the addition of PE linearly decreased methane production at 48 h (p = 0.01). Meanwhile, the relative abundances of g_UBA1217 (p = 0.03), g_UBA2810 (p = 0.04), and g_Succiniclasticum (p = 0.03) were significantly lower compared with the CON group. The results showed that PE can be degraded by rumen microflora. Furthermore, it can improve rumen fermentation parameters, increase the amount of protein synthesized by rumen microorganisms, and reduce methane production and the acetate-to-propionate ratio. PE could potentially be an effective strategy for methane mitigation; however, further research is needed to assess its in vivo effects in dairy cows over a longer period. Full article

The modern coinage industry ensures dimensional and weight precision, as well as improved surface quality, for its products. The speed of coin mass production requires increased performance for used machines and tools. Despite these, error incidence cannot be excluded. Some of these errors are recorded inside the punching machine and generate clipped blank disks; on their turn, those malformed disks lead to the clipped coins. In the first part, the paper presents the premises underlying the appearance of clipped blanks. There are some exemplified coins having different types of clips: curved, straight, and ragged. The literature review in the coinage field covers the following subjects: coin and die behavior under the striking load, viewpoints on 3D modeling, and finite element method (FEM) analysis, insights on various striking errors, with most of them more or less valued as collection metal pieces. The paper’s main purpose is outlined as follows: to study, using the available modern techniques, the particularities of different clipped coin types. In the second part of the paper, we introduced the adequate tridimensional (3D) model, for parts such as the die, collar, and the coin. It follows the assembled model corresponding to each studied case, which consists of the obverse and reverse striking dies and the collar, having inside them the coin. For each of the models, based on the initial conditions, the finite element analysis was performed. The paper’s last part presents the analysis’ results, the discussions, and the conclusions. Full article

Selenium-enriched oyster proteins were hydrolyzed using trypsin to obtain peptides with angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. The hydrolysate was purified by ultrafiltration and two-step reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), yielding the most active fraction M4-2 (selenium content: 37.00 ± 0.56 mg/kg; IC₅₀: 0.774 mg/mL, significantly lower than the IC₅₀ of the crude hydrolysate, 2.801 mg/mL). This fraction was further analyzed by LC-MS/MS and molecular docking, leading to the identification of 91 selenium-containing peptide sequences. Two novel peptides, SeMFRTSSK and QASeMNEATGGK, showing strong binding affinities (−9.8 and −9.0 kcal/mol, respectively), were selected. Molecular docking revealed that SeMFRTSSK bound to key residues in the ACE active pocket via hydrogen bonds, whereas QASeMNEATGGK interacted with the Zn²⁺ active center. Cellular assays using EA.hy926 cells demonstrated that both peptides were non-cytotoxic at concentrations up to 0.25 mg/mL. At 0.025 mg/mL, SeMFRTSSK and QASeMNEATGGK enhanced cellular NO release by 202.65% and 273.45%, respectively, while suppressing Endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion by 18.03% and 27.86%, compared to the blank control group. Notably, these peptides induced higher levels of NO release and greater suppression of ET-1 secretion than those in the captopril-treated positive control group. These findings support selenium-enriched oyster-derived peptides as potential natural antihypertensive ingredients. Full article

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents a major global cause of mortality and disability. A primary therapeutic strategy involves promoting angiogenesis in ischemic limbs. The Xuefu Zhuyu Capsule (XFZYC) is widely used in China for treating PAD and demonstrates therapeutic potential; however, the mechanism underlying its pro-angiogenic effect remains unclear. Methods: The components of XFZYC were identified via TCMSP and HERB databases, with network pharmacology and molecular docking predicting its potential targets and pathways. For in vitro validation, drug-containing serum and blank control serum were prepared. Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HMEC-1) cells were treated with 1.25%, 2.5%, or 5% serum to determine the optimal concentration using tube formation assays and Western blot (WB) analysis of HIF-1α, HK2, and PFKFB3. The efficacy of XFZYC was further assessed through CCK-8, scratch wound healing, cell adhesion, and tube formation assays. Glycolytic metabolite levels and enzyme activities were measured by colorimetric assays and WB. Results: Network pharmacology screening identified 167 active components in XFZYC and 2967 potential targets. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses suggested that XFZYC likely promotes the glycolytic pathway via the HIF-1 signaling pathway, specifically mediated by HK2 and PFKFB3. In vitro experiments confirmed that XFZYC enhanced HMEC-1 cell viability, migration, adhesion, and tube formation. Concurrently, it augmented the glycolytic capacity of HMEC-1 cells, manifested by increased glucose consumption, lactate production, enhanced activity of key glycolytic enzymes (HK, PFK, and PK), and upregulated protein expression of PFKFB3. Treatment with 3PO, a glycolytic inhibitor, significantly suppressed these drug-induced effects. Conclusions: XFZYC promotes angiogenesis in endothelial cells by modulating the glycolytic pathway, an effect primarily mediated through the upregulation of PFKFB3 expression. This study offers a preliminary exploration of the underlying mechanisms by which XFZYC may act in the treatment of PAD, thereby providing a new scientific perspective for further understanding its therapeutic effects. Full article