Search Results (80)

Background: The aim of the present systematic review (SR) is to compile evidence regarding the use of radiomic-based machine learning (ML) models for predicting human papillomavirus (HPV) status in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients and to assess their reliability, methodological frameworks, and clinical applicability. The SR was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025640065). Methods: Using the PICOS framework, the review question was defined as follows: “Can radiomic-based ML models accurately predict HPV status in OPSCC?” Electronic databases (Cochrane, Embase, IEEE Xplore, BVS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and gray literature (arXiv, Google Scholar and ProQuest) were searched. Retrospective cohort studies assessing radiomics for HPV prediction were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated using Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST), and data were synthesized based on imaging modality, architecture type/learning modalities, and the presence of external validation. Meta-analysis was performed for externally validated models using MetaBayesDTA and RStudio. Results: Twenty-four studies including 8627 patients were analyzed. Imaging modalities included computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT), and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET). Logistic regression, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were commonly used. Most datasets were imbalanced with a predominance of HPV+ cases. Only eight studies reported external validation results. AUROC values ranged between 0.59 and 0.87 in the internal validation and between 0.48 and 0.91 in the external validation results. RoB was high in most studies, mainly due to reliance on p16-only HPV testing, insufficient events, or inadequate handling of class imbalance. Deep Learning (DL) models achieved moderate performance with considerable heterogeneity (sensitivity: 0.61; specificity: 0.65). In contrast, traditional models provided higher, more consistent performance (sensitivity: 0.72; specificity: 0.77). Conclusions: Radiomic-based ML models show potential for HPV status prediction in OPSCC, but methodological heterogeneity and a high RoB limit current clinical applicability. Full article

The aviation industry requires a series of actions that will transform its current status, aiming for sustainable operations. Aviation’s end-of-life stream is a pivotal lever for circularity, yet current dismantling and recycling practices leave significant value unrealized. Circular Economy could be considered as a transformational approach to the aviation industry and address its environmental and economic challenges, meeting sustainability principles. This study conducts a PRISMA-guided qualitative systematic review across academic and industry sources to synthesize regulations, technologies, and economics of aircraft decommissioning. It aims to quantify material recovery potential and environmental gains at the aircraft level and assess technology readiness and cost drivers for metals, polymers, and composites. Findings indicate that optimized decommissioning enables high-value part reuse and substantial material recovery (notably aluminum), with associated lifecycle greenhouse-gas avoidance at the aircraft scale. However, high costs, weak regulations, and limited recycling technologies hinder adoption. Results show that optimized dismantling and certified part-reuse pathways can recover up to 85–90% of total aircraft mass, with potential CO₂-emission avoidance of 25–35 t per narrow-body aircraft compared with landfill disposal. Metal recycling technologies (TRL 8–9) already achieve high yields, whereas polymer and composite recycling remain limited (TRL 5–6) by purity and certification barriers. A comparative assessment of EU, US, and Asia–Pacific regulations identifies enforcement and infrastructure gaps hindering implementation. The study introduces an integrated CE roadmap for aviation comprising (i) standards-aligned design-for-disassembly and digital traceability, (ii) accredited MRO-to-reuse networks, and (iii) performance-based policy incentives. Full article

The increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentration is one of the major environmental challenges, necessitating not only emission reduction but also effective carbon utilization. Non-thermal plasma-catalytic CO₂ conversion offers an efficient pathway under mild conditions by synergistically combining plasma activation with catalytic surface reactions. In this study, mesoporous ceria catalysts were synthesized by different methods and characterized using N₂ adsorption–desorption, SEM, XRD, XPS, CO₂-TPD, and XRF techniques. The materials exhibited distinct textural and electronic properties, including variations in surface area, pore structure, and basicity. Plasma-catalytic CO₂ dissociation experiments were conducted in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor at near-room temperature. Among the synthesized catalysts, Ce(mp)-4 demonstrated the highest CO₂ conversion of 32.3% at a 5 kV input voltage and superior energy efficiency, which can be attributed to its meso-macroporous structure that promotes microdischarge formation and enhances CO₂ adsorption–desorption dynamics. CO was the only product obtained, with near-100% selectivity. Catalyst stability testing showed no deactivation while spent catalyst characterization indicated carbon-containing species. The findings in this study highlight the critical role of tailored pore structure and basic-site distribution in optimizing plasma-catalytic CO₂ dissociation performance, offering a promising strategy for energy-efficient CO₂ utilization. Full article

Although fast-paced ongoing industrial growth, on the one hand, enhances the lifestyle of the population, on the other hand, it affects human health and the environment as a result of the discharge of pollutants. To address this, designing a novel and effective photocatalyst is necessary to mitigate increasing environmental pollutants. In the present work, we aim to synthesize a single-phase high-entropy zirconate pyrochlore oxide (Ce_0.2Pr_0.2Zn_0.2Nd_0.2Tb_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇ using a modified Pechini method. The physicochemical properties of the prepared nanoparticles were investigated using X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic properties were examined using cationic dye (methylene blue), anionic dye (Congo red), and Cr(VI). Photocatalytic degradation experiments demonstrate exceptional efficiency in the removal of persistent organic pollutants. The photocatalytic results indicate that the prepared high-entropy (Ce_0.2Pr_0.2Zn_0.2Nd_0.2Tb_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇ zirconate pyrochlore oxide could effectively degrade dyes and reduce Cr(VI). Radical trapping experiments indicate that the degradation of dyes was driven by the hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and holes. Furthermore, the position of the valence band and conduction band promoted efficient photocatalytic reaction kinetics. The prepared photocatalyst remains structurally stable and can be reused three times without losing activity. Full article

The great city of Mayapan has experienced a technological change in pottery making, and our results confirm a shift in the raw materials and possibly the potters’ knowledge about them. The dynamics of change during the Postclassic period in the Maya area are reflected in the material changes used to make pottery. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on a collection of 248 pottery items from the archaeological site of Mayapán in Yucatán, Mexico, dating from the Middle Preclassic to Postclassic periods (700 BC–1500 CE). Non-invasive methods were used for the entire pottery set, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS). Additionally, for a representative subset, minimally invasive techniques such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) were employed. The resulting data enabled the identification of materials used in the pottery’s manufacture. The elemental composition of the objects was determined, revealing correlations between elements such as Si with Al that yield a $R^2$ factor of 0.94. The results indicate the presence of smectite clays, carbonates, and iron oxides. The results show that a higher proportion of carbonates was found in the pieces from the Postclassic period compared to those from the Preclassic period, which may be associated with a change in the manufacturing process. Likewise, the Postclassic pieces are distinguished by a greater contribution of the Mg-OH signal, unlike the Preclassic and Classic, which show a greater contribution of the Al-OH group. The implications for the technological knowledge of the potters suggest the use of different technologies across various periods and material changes driven by shifts in political and economic relations in the city and the northern plains. Full article

This study examines the effects of injection timing and cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticle (NP) size on NOx emissions and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) in a compression ignition engine, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13. Experiments were conducted at four load conditions (25–100%) using NP sizes of 10 nm, 30 nm, and 80 nm. An artificial neural network integrated with multi-objective particle swarm optimization (ANN-PSO) was employed to identify optimal operating parameters. The optimized configurations improved BTE and reduced NOx emissions across all loads; for example, at 75% load, BTE increased from 30.38% (average) to 32.13% (optimum), while simultaneously reducing the NOx emissions from 1322 ppm (average) to 1272 ppm (optimum). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed load as the most significant factor (p < 0.001), followed by injection timing and NP size. The model predictions closely matched experimental results, validating the optimization approach. The optimization suggests an interpolated optimal NP size of approximately 45 nm, highlighting the potential for further exploration. This integrated experimental and computational approach offers a promising framework for improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions, thereby advancing cleaner and more sustainable fuel technologies. Full article

The fisheries industry faces increasing sustainability challenges from environmental, economic, and social perspectives, which directly affect fishing vessels as its primary infrastructure. This study conducted a systematic literature review following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines to evaluate technological innovations that improve the sustainability of fishing vessels. Comprehensive searches were performed in Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore, covering the period 2020–2024. The searches identified 756 articles, of which 105 met the predefined eligibility criteria after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts. Each innovation was categorised and analysed based on its functional vessel domain, contribution to environmental, economic, and social sustainability, maturity level using the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) framework, and relevance to Circular Economy (CE) principles. The results indicate that most innovations focus on environmental sustainability, particularly on emission reduction and energy efficiency. Social sustainability remains under-addressed, especially in terms of labour conditions and gender equality. CE principles are present in some initiatives but are not yet fully integrated into vessel design or operation. Most innovations are at medium TRL stages, with adoption limited by financial, infrastructural, and institutional barriers, especially in small-scale fisheries. Future research should address these gaps by enhancing CE integration and promoting a more balanced attention across all three sustainability dimensions. Full article

Marine applications often involve metallic materials, including steel, that must endure harsh conditions such as cavitation erosion (CE). This study investigates the CE behavior of 42CrMo4 steel, both in its original state and after pre-corrosion in a 3.5% NaCl solution for 120 days, simulating a simplified marine environment. Cavitation testing was conducted using an ultrasonic vibratory setup with a stationary sample, at intervals of 10 and 30 min, with a total testing time of 150 min. Mass loss (ML), mass loss rate (MLR), mean depth of erosion (MDE), and level of degradation (LoD) were calculated, while surface roughness (Rz) was measured using a TR200 tester. Surface changes were analyzed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and image analysis techniques. Morphological parameters such as the number of pits, average diameter, and total pit area were used to quantify surface damage. Results showed that pre-corroded samples exhibited a significantly higher erosion rate than non-corroded ones. Pre-corrosion introduced microcracks and surface defects that served as initiation sites for cavitation damage. These imperfections increased surface roughness and created favorable conditions for pit formation, leading to faster and deeper material loss. Image and FESEM analyses confirmed the presence of larger and deeper pits in pre-corroded samples compared to the smaller and shallower pits in non-corroded specimens. This study highlights the impact of pre-corrosion on the cavitation resistance of 42CrMo4 steel and demonstrates the effectiveness of combining mass loss data with morphological and surface analyses for evaluating cavitation damage under marine-like conditions. Full article

This work presents a frequency-domain and modal-domain model to analyze how the length of a three-phase power cable influences conducted emission (CE) voltages measured through a line impedance stabilization network (LISN). The measurement setup considered consists of an equipment under test (EUT) connected to the LISN via a power cable whose cross-section is defined in this study as quadrilateral, namely, four conductors arranged at the corners of a quadrilateral: typically the three phases and the protective earth or neutral conductor. The cable is modeled as a multiconductor transmission line (MTL). To evaluate the system performance both with and without the cable, the concept of voltage insertion ratio (IR) is introduced, defined as the reciprocal of the typical insertion loss. Closed-form expressions are derived for both common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM) emissions. The objective is twofold: to understand under which conditions the LISN measurements overestimate or underestimate the actual emissions at the EUT terminals, and to provide a predictive tool to assess the impact of electrically long cables on CE measurements. The model is validated through numerical simulations of quadrilateral cable configurations considering both a homogeneous and inhomogeneous cross-section, highlighting the need to account for cable length in system design and EMC test interpretation. Full article

The circular economy (CE) aims to reduce environmental degradation by ensuring the continuous use of materials and energy resources, aligning with the decarbonization agenda. However, despite the rising acceptance of CE concepts, the economic and managerial aspects remain underexplored in policy and practice. Therefore, this study seeks to bridge the knowledge–practice gap by studying how technology-driven innovation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency interact with CE principles to advance sustainable environmental connections in a detailed manner. The economic analysis of this study was conducted using two base and moderation models, utilizing global data from 78 developing and developed countries, and applying Fixed Effect, Random Effect, and Generalized Method of Moments estimates. The samples were selected based on data availability from internationally recognized databases from 2010 to 2021. The key findings suggest that technology-driven innovation and renewable energy reduce carbon emissions, whereas gross domestic product (GDP) growth and energy efficiency show no standalone positive effects. Notably, moderation effects reveal that the integration of technology with GDP promotes sustainability outcomes, but energy efficiency and renewable energy interact negatively with emissions, a contradictory result warranting further policy investigation. CE-driven innovation promotes decarbonization by striking a balance between environmental preservation, economic expansion, and technology uptake. This study emphasizes region-specific techniques and offers policy insights for combining the CE with natural capital and green GDP. It increases the knowledge of how circular business models powered by technology support sustainable growth and the shift to a circular economy. Full article

Air pollution and the emission of toxic gases represent a critical global concern, posing significant threats to human health and environmental stability. Resistive gas sensors are widely employed to detect toxic gases, owing to their cost-effectiveness, high stability, sensitivity, and swift dynamics. Among various sensing materials, comparatively less attention has been paid to CeO₂ despite its good catalytic activity and high stability. In this review paper, we are focusing on CeO₂ gas sensors in pristine, doped, decorated, and composite forms. Using numerous examples, we have shown the great potential of CeO₂ for gas sensing. The main features of CeO₂ as a gas sensor include excellent environmental stability, the abundance of oxygen vacancies, high mechanical strength, cost-effectiveness, and good catalytic activity. However, low electrical conductivity is the main shortage of CeO₂ as a gas sensor. With a high emphasis on the sensing mechanism, we believe that this review paper is highly useful for researchers working in this field. Full article

Background: Clinical data indicate that at least half of patients with malignancies receive radiotherapy. While radiotherapy effectively kills tumor cells, it is also associated with significant ionizing radiation (IR) damage. Moreover, the increasing emissions of nuclear pollutants raise concerns about the potential exposure of more individuals to the risks associated with IR. The Chinese term for amniotic fluid (AF) is rooted in the Yin–Yang theory of traditional Chinese medicine, where it symbolizes the inception of human life. Chick early AF (ceAF), a natural product, has shown promise in the field of regenerative medicine. There have been no studies investigating the potential efficacy of ceAF in the treatment of IR-induced damage. This study aims to assess the therapeutic potential of ceAF in alleviating IR-induced damage and elucidate its potential molecular mechanism. Methods: In vivo experiments were conducted on 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice to investigate the effects of ceAF in a radiation injury model induced by whole-body irradiation with X-rays (6 Gy) for 5 min. The ceAF was extracted from chicken embryos aged 7–9 days. Results: We found that the supplementation of ceAF reduces mortality induced by IR, improves exercise capacity in IR mice, and reverses IR-induced skin damage. IR leads to varying degrees of volume atrophy and weight loss in the major internal organs of mice. However, ceAF intervention effectively mitigates IR-induced organ damage, with a notable impact on the spleen. The supplementation of ceAF enhances spleen hematopoietic and immune functions by reducing oxidative stress, alleviating inflammatory responses, and preventing splenic DNA damage from IR exposure, ultimately leading to an overall improvement in health. Conclusions: ceAF effectively alleviates body damage induced by IR, and our findings provide new perspectives and therapeutic strategies for mitigating IR-induced damage. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high power, high capacity, and support for fast charging are increasingly favored by consumers. As a commercial electrode material for power batteries, LiFePO₄ was limited from further wide application due to its low conductivity and lithium-ion diffusion rate. The development of advanced architectures integrating rational conductive networks with optimized ion transport pathways represents a critical frontier in optimizing the performance of cathode materials. In this paper, a novel self-supporting cathode material (designated as LFP@LVP-CES) was synthesized through an integrated coaxial electrospinning and controlled pyrolysis strategy. This methodology directly converts LiFePO₄, Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃, and polyacrylonitrile (PAN)) into flexible, binder-free cathodes with a hierarchical structural organization. The 3D carbon nanofiber (CNF) matrix synergistically integrates LiFePO₄ (Li/Fe/PO_x) and Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ (Li/V/PO_x) nanoparticles, where CNFs act as a conductive scaffold to enhance electron transport, while the PO_x polyanionic frameworks stabilize Li⁺ diffusion pathways. Morphological characterizations (SEM and TEM) revealed a 3D cross-connected carbon nanofiber matrix (diameter: 250 ± 50 nm) uniformly embedded with active material particles. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrated that the LFP@LVP-CES cathode delivers an initial specific capacity of 165 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.1 C, maintaining 80 mAh·g⁻¹ at 5 C. Notably, the material exhibited exceptional rate capability and cycling stability, demonstrating a 96% capacity recovery after high-rate cycling upon returning to 0.1 C, along with 97% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 1 C. Detailed kinetic analysis through EIS revealed significantly reduced R_ct and increased Li⁺ diffusion. This superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects between the 3D conductive network architecture and dual active materials. Compared with traditional coating processes and high-temperature calcination, the preparation of controllable electrospinning and low-temperature pyrolysis to some extent avoid the introduction of harmful substances and reduce raw material consumption and carbon emissions. This original integration strategy establishes a paradigm for designing freestanding electrode architectures through 3D structural design combined with a bimodal active material, providing critical insights for next-generation energy storage systems. Full article

Life cycle carbon emissions from the construction industry (CE) have a profound impact on China’s “dual carbon” goals, with significant emissions posing severe challenges to the environment. In this paper, four prediction models were trained and compared, and the optimal model, the Genetic Algorithm Optimized BP Neural Network (GA-BP), was finally selected for multi-scenario prediction of CE. Firstly, this study performs a comprehensive accounting and indicator analysis of CE over its entire life cycle. In addition, this paper further conducts a spatial differentiation analysis of CE. Subsequently, parameter analysis was conducted using an improved STIRPAT model, followed by LMDI factor decomposition based on this model. Finally, the model performance was verified using three evaluation metrics: the coefficient of determination (R²), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The results indicate that (1) in the carbon emission impact assessment, CE reached a peak of 42.52 t per capita annually and 8.90 t CO₂/m² per unit area; (2) the year-end resident population has the greatest influence on CE, with other related variables also contributing positively; and (3) the GA-BP model outperforms other models, with R² increasing from 0.0435 to 0.0981, MAE reducing from 63% to 76%, and MAPE decreasing from 23% to 68%. Full article

In this work, a novel potential thermal barrier coating material entropy-stabilized titanium–aluminum oxide (La_0.25Ce_0.25Nd_0.25Sm_0.25)Ti₂Al₉O₁₉ (META) was successfully synthesized by the solid-state reaction method, and its thermophysical properties, phase stability, infrared emissivity, mechanical properties, and CMAS corrosion resistance were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that META exhibits low thermal conductivity at 1100 °C (1.84 W·(m·K)⁻¹), with a thermal expansion coefficient (10.50 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, 1000–1100 °C) comparable to yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Furthermore, META displayed desirable thermal stability, high emissivity within the wavelength range of 2.5–10 μm, and improved mechanical properties. Finally, META offers superior corrosion resistance due to its excellent infiltration inhibiting. The bi-layer structure on the corrosion surface prevents the penetration of the molten CMAS. Additionally, doping small-radius rare-earth elements thermodynamically stabilizes the reaction layer. The results of this study indicate that (La_0.25Ce_0.25Nd_0.25Sm_0.25)Ti₂Al₉O₁₉ has the potential to be a promising candidate for thermal barrier coating materials. Full article