Search Results (689)

Background/Objectives: Point-of-care (PoC) manufactured fresh chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are typically formulated in hypothermic preservation formulations (HPFs) and stored under hypothermic conditions (2–8 °C) until administered to the patient. However, in current HPFs the shelf life of fresh CAR-T cells is short (~24–36 h) due to limited CAR-T cell stability, which poses significant time constraints on manufacturing procedures and logistics. The objective of this study was to improve the stability and extend the shelf life of fresh clinical-grade CAR-T cell drug products (DPs). Methods: A novel HPF was developed by supplementing a base HPF with the novel excipient SUL-138, which stabilizes mitochondria during hypothermic storage and subsequent rewarming, alone or in combination with endogenous mitochondrial substrates. This panel of HPFs was first screened for their stability-improving characteristics in the model cell line Jurkat cells. Subsequently, HPFs were assessed for their stability-improving characteristics of clinical-grade CD19 CAR-T cell DPs. Critical quality attributes, including CAR-T cell viability, T-cell differentiation state, exhaustion markers, and functional potency were evaluated in a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant stability study up to 72 h. Results: For Jurkat cells, HPFs supplemented with SUL-138 and a combination of glucose, glutamine, and succinate demonstrated the greatest stability improvement at 2–8 °C, improving cell viability from ~1% to >85% after 72 h. For CAR-T cells, supplementation of HPFs with SUL-138 alone demonstrated the greatest improvement, resulting in a CAR-T cell viability from ~40% to >85% after 72 h of storage at 2–8 °C, while no additional benefits from mitochondrial substrates were observed. The novel HPF did not significantly impact CAR-T cell potency test results, T cell subset distribution, or exhaustion markers compared to control. Conclusions: A novel clinical-grade HPF that significantly improved fresh CAR-T cell stability during hypothermic storage was developed. This novel HPF can aid in the establishment of GMP-compliant and PoC CAR-T cell manufacturing platforms. Full article

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) generation with bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging systems offers a promising pathway toward sustainable transportation and grid support. However, the dynamic coupling between maximum power point tracking (MPPT) perturbations and grid-side power quality presents a fundamental challenge in such multi-converter architectures. This paper addresses this challenge through a coordinated design and optimization framework for a grid-connected, PV-assisted bidirectional off-board EV fast charger. The system integrates a 184.695 kW PV array via a DC-DC boost converter, a common DC link, a three-phase bidirectional active front-end rectifier with an LCL filter, and a four-phase interleaved bidirectional DC-DC converter for the EV battery interface. A comparative evaluation of three MPPT algorithms establishes the Fuzzy Logic Variable Step-Size Perturb & Observe (Fuzzy VSS-P&O) as the optimal strategy, achieving 99.7% tracking efficiency with 46$\mathrm{s}$ settling time. However, initial integration of this high-performance MPPT reveals system-level harmonic distortion, with grid current total harmonic distortion (THD) reaching 4.02% during charging. To resolve this coupling, an Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) metaheuristic algorithm performs coordinated optimization of all critical PI controller gains. The optimized system reduces grid current THD to 1.40% during charging, improves DC-link transient response by 43%, and enhances Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) synchronization accuracy. Comprehensive validation confirms robust bidirectional operation with seamless mode transitions and compliant power quality. The results demonstrate that system-wide intelligent optimization is essential for reconciling advanced energy harvesting with stringent grid requirements in next-generation EV fast-charging infrastructure. Full article

Background: Digital surgery integrates advanced imaging, computational modeling, additive manufacturing, and intraoperative navigation technologies. Although widely explored, most platforms remain fragmented and lack regulatory cohesion. The B-onic Platform was conceived as a unified workflow that enables surgical planning, device personalization, and intraoperative navigation within a regulatory-compliant framework. Objective: This study aimed to present a comprehensive single-center clinical evaluation of the implementation of the B-onic Platform in a large single-center cohort, focusing on efficiency, patient safety, and surgeon-reported outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of 308 consecutive surgical plans was performed at La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain) between 2020 and 2024 and compared with institutional historical controls from 2018 to 2019. Procedures included maxillofacial surgery, traumatology, reconstructive surgery, and other specialties. The platform incorporated imaging-based CAD modeling, 3D-printed biomodels and guides, and immersive validation through the NavigatorPro XR module. Outcomes analyzed were preoperative planning time, operative duration, 30-day complication and rehospitalization rates, intraoperative blood loss, and surgeon-reported perception of anatomical understanding and intraoperative confidence. Results: Mean preoperative planning time was reduced by 34% (−42 h; 95% CI: −48 to −36 h; p < 0.01) compared with historical controls. Mean operative duration decreased from 226 ± 74 min to 181 ± 61 min (−45 min; 95% CI: −52 to −38 min; p < 0.001). The 30-day postoperative complication rate decreased from 12.9% to 10.7% (absolute reduction 2.2%; 95% CI: 0.2–4.1%; p = 0.037), while rehospitalization rates declined from 9.1% to 4.3% (p = 0.012). Mean length of hospital stay decreased from 6.8 ± 3.1 to 5.2 ± 2.3 days (p = 0.022), and intraoperative blood loss was reduced by 12–30% across specialties (p = 0.008). NavigatorPro XR halved validation time for guides and implants (71.8 ± 22.4 h vs. 35.6 ± 18.9 h; p < 0.001). Ninety-two percent of surveyed surgeons reported improved 3D anatomical understanding and enhanced intraoperative safety. Conclusions: The B-onic Platform has transitioned from a prototype to a consolidated system, integrated into routine practice with significant gains in efficiency, safety, and training value. These findings support the potential of the platform as a precision surgery model; however, further multicenter prospective studies are required to confirm scalability. Full article

Spatial efficiency drives the adoption of integrated station–bridge structures in maglev transit, yet the rigid coupling between track and station poses inherent challenges to vibration serviceability. This study isolates the impact of support constraints, specifically contrasting rigid connections with pinned supports, on the dynamic performance of a five-story maglev station. Using a unified, high-fidelity 3D coupled model that incorporates electromagnetic suspension nonlinearity, we evaluated structural responses under train speeds of 60–120 km/h. Simulations identify a critical operational threshold: while the waiting hall remains compliant with standard comfort criteria (DIN 4150-3), the platform floor exceeds the 1.5% g acceleration limit during dual-track operations at speeds ≥ 100 km/h. Beyond standard safety checks, the main scientific innovation of this study is revealing the mechanical transmission paths of structure-borne vibrations at the track-frame interface. The results demonstrate that rigid connections create full mechanical coupling, directly passing train-induced bending moments into the station frame. Conversely, pinned supports release the rotational degrees of freedom, which physically cuts off the primary energy transmission route. By explaining this structural decoupling mechanism, this work moves beyond a specific engineering case study to provide a fundamental theoretical framework for vibration control in complex maglev hubs. Full article

Six-dimensional force sensors are widely used in compliant robotic control and safe human–machine interactions due to their mature sensing mechanisms and high accuracy. However, conventional six-dimensional force sensors often suffer from complex structures, bulky size, and high manufacturing costs. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a compact and low-cost six-axis force sensor based on capacitive sensing. By employing a tailored arrangement of flexible sensing units, partial structural decoupling of force and torque in specific directions is achieved. A Physically Informed Neural Network (PINN) is further introduced to decouple the residual coupled signals. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves decoupling accuracy, achieving force decoupling errors of 1.75%, 1.20%, and 1.31% for F_x, F_y, and F_z, respectively, and torque decoupling errors of 0.95%, 0.93%, and 0.97% for M_x, M_y, and M_z. The proposed sensor offers low-cost fabrication, compact integration, and high sensitivity, making it well suited for lightweight and high-precision sensing applications. Full article

This paper studies a MuJoCo-based locomotion framework that couples an adaptive-frequency central pattern generator (AFCO-CPG) with single rigid-body dynamics model predictive control (MPC) for the RENS Q1 quadruped with elastic parallel knee joints. AFCO-CPG combines multi-scale phase coordination, saturated phase correction, and load-gated feedback, while MPC supplies feasible ground-reaction forces and returns load cues to the timing layer. In MuJoCo, the controller achieves stable diagonal-trot speed tracking from 0.4 to 1.2 m/s and recovers from short external pushes. A matched elastic-versus-rigid timing sweep shows a favorable flat-ground parameter band around $\omega =1.8$ Hz, with a best-case cost-of-transport reduction of 12.83% for the elastic model under identical controller gains. A flat-to-slope ascent case further verifies that AFCO timing is modulated when load conditions change. Ablation across nine controller variants shows that multi-scale coordination is the dominant component, causing a 135% increase in phase error and a 536% increase in recovery time when removed. A reduced-order early/late-contact benchmark further confirms faster re-locking than diagonal-only and minimal variants. The results support the value of combining neural timing, predictive force optimization, and compliant-leg feedback in high-fidelity simulation, while hardware validation remains future work. Full article

The flexible upper-limb exoskeleton robot (exosuit) is composed of fabrics, soft actuators and compliant force-transmitting structures, which provides assistance or rehabilitation training for the shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. By realizing human–robot collaboration, this kind of system has the advantages of comfort, light weight and portability, thus promoting motor function recovery and neural plasticity. This review establishes a classification and comparison framework for flexible upper-limb exoskeletons based on the actuation modalities and systematically summarizes the research progress under different actuation modalities. The relevant literature published from 2015 to 2025 was retrieved from the EI, IEEE Xplore, PubMed and Web of Science databases. After screening according to the preset inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 64 original research papers meeting the criteria were finally included for analysis. According to the actuation modalities, the flexible upper-limb exoskeleton robot is classified, and all kinds of systems are summarized and compared. Motor–cable/tendon actuation and pneumatic/hydraulic actuation have advanced substantially and are approaching technical maturity for flexible upper-limb exoskeletons. Meanwhile, designs based on passive/hybrid mechanisms (e.g., elastic energy storage elements and clutches) and new intelligent material actuations are showing a diversified development trend. In the future, the development is expected to further focus on lightweight and compliance, and by integrating multimodal sensing and feedback control, motion intention recognition and human–robot interaction theories, actuation systems will be developed towards modularization, intelligence and high-power density, in order to achieve more comfortable, lighter and more effective flexible upper-limb exoskeleton systems. Full article

Flexible and safe object handling in modern industrial environments increasingly relies on mobile robotic systems capable of both dexterous manipulation and adaptive motion. However, when wheeled mobile manipulators (WMMs) operate under heavy or dynamically varying loads, challenges arise in maintaining sufficient force exertion capability and achieving stable coordination, particularly during cooperative transportation. In this paper, we present a unified framework to address these challenges with three main contributions. A quadratic-programming-based redundancy resolution scheme incorporating a load-capacity maximization metric is developed to explicitly enhance the force exertion capability of the system under heavy loads. A variable-admittance cooperative control strategy for dual-WMM transport is proposed to ensure synchronized motion and adaptive force regulation during collaborative manipulation. In addition, a unified framework that integrates configuration optimization with compliant cooperative control is established, enabling strict constraint enforcement, improved load capacity, and robust coordination between the two WMMs. Extensive simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods in improving load-handling performance and ensuring coordinated, compliant cooperative manipulation. Full article

Additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of personalized protective equipment with locally tailored mechanical properties. In this work, a low-cost scan-to-print workflow is proposed for the fused filament fabrication (FFF) of personalized dual-zone shin guards combining a stiff outer load-distribution layer with a compliant inner energy-absorbing layer. Subject-specific leg geometry was acquired via structured-light 3D scanning and used to design a shin guard with two 3.5 mm thick zones (total thickness 7 mm). Foamable filaments of PLA, ASA, and TPU were employed to manufacture unfoamed and foamed regions by controlling extrusion temperature. Mechanical performance was assessed through three-point bending tests and dynamic finite element impact simulations. Unfoamed PLA and ASA exhibited flexural strengths of approximately 88 MPa and 72 MPa, respectively, while foaming reduced these values by about 74%. Dual-zone configurations partially restored stiffness, reaching 41 MPa for PLA and 29 MPa for ASA. TPU showed lower flexural stresses with a smaller reduction of 23% upon foaming. Impact simulations revealed maximum deformations of 1.97 mm and 2.02 mm for PLA and ASA outer zones, respectively, while TPU exhibited large deformations leading to penetration of the 3.5 mm thick inner layer. The results demonstrate that dual-zone designs manufactured via foaming-enabled FFF can effectively balance stiffness, weight, and impact response for personalized shin guard applications. Full article

The accumulation of copper smelting slags generated by non-ferrous metallurgy represents both an environmental challenge and a potential source of technogenic raw materials for value-added products. In this study, the feasibility of producing magnesia–quartz proppants from secondary copper smelting slag formed after the pyrometallurgical extraction of iron and zinc was investigated. The slag, primarily composed of oxides of the SiO₂–CaO–Al₂O₃–MgO system, was processed by centrifugal melt granulation to obtain spherical granules suitable for proppant applications. The initial granules exhibited an amorphous glassy structure and insufficient mechanical strength, with up to 70% of particles destroyed under a pressure of 34.5 MPa. Controlled heat treatment within the temperature range of 300–1000 °C induced crystallization of silicate and aluminosilicate phases, leading to a significant improvement in mechanical performance. Optimal properties were achieved after holding at 800 °C for 60 min, where the fraction of crushed granules decreased to 10%, meeting the requirements of GOST R 54571-2011. The influence of MgO content on microstructure and strength was also examined. Increasing the MgO concentration from 5 to 16 wt.% resulted in grain refinement and improved crushing resistance, reducing the fraction of destroyed granules to 3%. To enhance chemical durability, a phenol–formaldehyde protective coating was applied, decreasing proppant solubility in a hydrochloric–hydrofluoric acid mixture from 19% to 2%. These results demonstrate that secondary copper smelting slag can serve as a promising raw material for producing standard-compliant proppants while contributing to the efficient utilization of metallurgical waste. Full article

Skin-whitening products (SWPs) are widely used, yet many contain prohibited or misdeclared depigmenting agents posing safety concerns. This study developed and validated a sensitive and reliable HPLC-DAD method for the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone (HQ), salicylic acid (SAL), and niacinamide (NIC) in commercial and homemade SWPs. Validation followed ICH Q2(R1), demonstrating good specificity, linearity (R² > 0.9999), method precision (%RSD < 2%), and LOD/LOQ values of 0.2 and 0.7 µg/mL for all analytes. Recoveries of 97.48–99.83% for HQ, 99.37–101.26% for NIC, and 83.04–95.38% for SAL were also obtained. Analysis of 51 products revealed major discrepancies between declared and measured contents. HQ was detected in 18.60% of commercial samples despite its prohibition in OTC cosmetic formulations; none of the SAL-containing products matched their labels, and NIC appeared in 25.58% of samples, with only one sample compliant with its declared content. Homemade products showed undeclared HQ in 62.50% of samples, 25% of samples exceeded the 2% permitted SAL limit, and unregulated multi-ingredient combinations. Risk assessment showed all HQ-containing commercial products and several homemade formulations posed unacceptable systemic exposure risks (MoS < 100). Overall, the proposed method provides a practical and accessible approach for routine quality control and market surveillance of cosmetic products. Full article

Human hair waste represents a dense nitrogen reservoir (~15% N); however, its agricultural valorization is hindered by two concurrent barriers: the extreme recalcitrance of alpha-keratin and the high salinity derived from cosmetic treatments. While chemical hydrolysis generates secondary pollutants, biological composting often fails due to osmotic inhibition of non-adapted inoculants. Here, we report a biological strategy to circumvent this osmotic bottleneck using unwashed human hair collected from professional salons. We compared the degradation efficiency of a syntrophic Effective Microorganisms (EM) consortium with traditional single-strain inoculants (Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp.) in a 16-week co-composting system. Data revealed that the EM consortium displayed superior resilience, sustaining thermophilic sanitation (>45 °C) compliant with US EPA PFRP standards and achieving a Nitrogen Mineralization Rate of 883 mg N kg⁻¹ week⁻¹ (nearly triple the control), resulting in a final N content of 1.41% (14,133 mg kg⁻¹). Crucially, the EM treatment reduced electrical conductivity from a phytotoxic 7.23 mS cm⁻¹ to a tolerable level of 3.82 mS cm⁻¹, a mitigation effect likely mediated by humification-driven ion chelation. This performance suggests a “syntrophic succession” mechanism where initial acidification facilitates subsequent proteolytic attack. The final product presented a high sulfur-to-nitrogen ratio indicative of extensive disulfide bond cleavage. Preliminary economic estimates (~$60 USD ton⁻¹) confirm the process’s viability for decentralized scalability, though future molecular validation is recommended. We conclude that bio-augmentation with metabolically diverse consortia is essential to process chemically treated hair waste, converting a hazardous salon residue into a high-value proteinaceous biofertilizer. Full article

Reliable detection of microplastics by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is often hindered by poor particle–substrate contact and limited access to plasmonic hotspots on conventional planar substrates optimized for molecular adsorption. Here, we report a rapid microwave-assisted carbothermal shock strategy to fabricate silver nanoparticle-decorated electrospun carbon fibers (AgNPs@ECF) as a three-dimensional plasmonic platform tailored for solid microplastic sensing. Localized microwave-induced heating in a mixed ethanol–hexane system enables Ag nanoparticle nucleation and anchoring on conductive carbon fibers within 45 s, yielding a mechanically compliant, junction-rich architecture without chemical reductants or vacuum processing. The AgNPs@ECF composite was evaluated using morphologically weathered polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics, along with size-controlled PS bead standards ranging from ~50 nm to 45 μm. Across these models, SERS response is governed primarily by particle–substrate contact geometry and near-field accessibility rather than polymer type. The strongest enhancement occurs in the sub-micrometer regime, where particles can engage multiple AgNP-decorated fiber junctions, while ultrasmall and large, smooth particles show reduced enhancement due to limited contact or rapid field decay. Spatially resolved Raman mapping and finite-difference time-domain simulations support a contact-dominated enhancement mechanism, revealing localized field confinement at particle–fiber interfaces. These results establish the design principles for three-dimensional SERS substrates targeting heterogeneous solid particulates, demonstrating that contact-accessible plasmonic architectures are critical for reliable microplastic detection under realistic solid-particle measurement conditions. Full article

Movable guardrail systems are increasingly used in work zones, reversible lanes, and temporary traffic operations; however, evidence on their crashworthiness, material performance, and operational reliability remains dispersed across multiple design typologies and regulatory frameworks. This PRISMA-compliant systematic review synthesizes 78 studies involving full-scale crash tests, validated finite-element simulations, field performance evaluations, and compliance evaluations under MASH, EN 1317, NCHRP 350, and AS/NZS 3845.1. The findings indicate that modular rigid barriers reliably achieve TL-3/TL-4 performance when joint alignment and foundation conditions are properly controlled; semi-rigid steel systems provide a practical balance between containment capacity and redeployability, but remain sensitive to post spacing and connector detailing; and flexible polymer systems are best suited for short-duration, low-speed applications. Material-focused research highlights the advantages of UHPC section refinement, high-strength steels, and hybrid FRP–metal configurations in enhancing energy absorption without exceeding occupant-risk thresholds. Across studies, connection integrity consistently emerges as the dominant factor governing redirection stability and working-width performance. Field evaluations confirm satisfactory operational performance in constrained environments, while life-cycle assessments identify refurbishment intervals and mass-related logistics as major cost contributors. This review provides an integrated, evidence-based synthesis and a structured engineering foundation for advancing next-generation movable barrier designs, testing protocols, and deployment strategies. Full article

Animal welfare is a key component of sustainable poultry production and is routinely monitored through official veterinary inspections. The aim of this study was to determine the level of welfare compliance among different poultry species and production categories, to compare compliance levels across these groups, and to assess long-term trends using official inspection data. The study was based on the results of supervisory inspections conducted by veterinary inspectors in poultry farms in the Czech Republic between 2016 and 2024. Welfare compliance was evaluated in laying hens, broiler chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese using a standardized system of welfare assessment checkpoints applied during official controls. Inspections were classified as compliant or non-compliant based on the presence or absence of deficiencies, and overall compliance levels were calculated as the proportion of animals kept in farms with compliant inspections. Across the entire study period, the proportion of poultry kept in farms with compliant inspections ranged from 82.8% to 98.4%, with the highest compliance level observed in turkeys, followed by ducks and broiler chickens, while the lowest compliance level was recorded in geese. Differences among poultry species and categories were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Comparison of two time periods (2016–2018 and 2022–2024) revealed significant improvements in compliance for broiler chickens, ducks, and geese, whereas significant declines were observed for laying hens and turkeys (p < 0.001). These results demonstrate clear differences in welfare compliance among poultry species and categories and indicate that compliance trends over time are not uniform across the poultry sector. Official veterinary inspection data provide a valuable tool for large-scale assessment of welfare compliance and for identifying poultry sectors that may benefit from targeted welfare improvement measures. Full article