Search Results (1,835)

The effect of A-site substitution on the morphological and electrochemical properties of La_1-xSr_xMnO₃ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50) perovskites was investigated to evaluate their potential as electrode materials for supercapacitors. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of the perovskite structure, with minor peak shifts and distortion of crystal structure induced by Sr substitution. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed irregularly shaped particulate morphology across all perovskite compositions. The increasing amount of Sr as in La_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ (LSM-50) favored the formation of nanosized particles, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of all constituent elements; EDX elemental mapping also showed a uniform distribution of all elements in the various perovskite compositions. Among all compositions, La_0.75Sr_0.25MnO₃ (LSM-25) possessed the highest specific capacitance (C_sp) of 483 Fg⁻¹ at 1 Ag⁻¹ current density in 3 M KOH electrolyte, as determined by electrochemical analysis. This perovskite material also exhibited a capacitance retention of 87.8% after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that LSM-25 showed the lowest solution resistance (0.68 Ω*cm²) and charge transfer resistance (1.52 Ω*cm²), indicating strong electrode–electrolyte interaction. Detailed analysis of cyclic voltammetry data revealed that the predominant charge storage mechanism was diffusive in nature, with 88% of the diffusive contribution registered for LSM-25. These findings demonstrate that Sr substitution at the A-site significantly enhances the energy storage performance of LaMnO₃, making it a promising candidate for supercapacitor applications. Full article

Honeycomb composites are extensively utilized in critical applications where weight is a concern in a structure, due to their high efficiency in stiffness-to-weight ratio. In this study, the effective elastic orthotropic behavior of honeycomb composites is analytically expressed as a function of the elastic properties of the constituent sheet material and the geometric parameters of the representative unit cell. Closed-form expressions based on classical beam theory and plate theory are evaluated and systematically validated against a high-fidelity finite element analysis FE-based homogenization benchmark constructed from a representative unit cell with in-plane periodic kinematic constraints. The analytical predictions exhibit generally good agreement with the FE results, with plate-theory-based formulations capturing most elastic constants with higher accuracy. To further support the fidelity of the numerical benchmark, the predicted normalized in-plane moduli are additionally compared with published experimental measurements for aluminum honeycombs, demonstrating close agreement for representative specimens. To quantify the influence of the geometric parameters, a Taguchi-style design-of-experiments (DOE) study reveals that relative density and internal cell angle jointly govern the majority of elastic moduli and Poisson’s ratios, while cell height plays a minor role. Furthermore, dedicated parametric studies confirm the cubic thickness-scaling of in-plane moduli (E₁, E₂, G₁₂), demonstrating the dominant role of bending-controlled deformation. Together, these results establish a validated, high-fidelity FE homogenization benchmark for assessing analytical formulations and providing design-level constitutive data for optimizing honeycomb core sandwich structures. Full article

Background: Indigenous African fruits, like the African horned cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus), are abundant in nutrients and serve as a source of food and raw materials for manufacturing value-added products in both rural and urban areas. This review presents a comparative analysis of selected fruits in the Cucurbitaceae family, specifically in terms of the phytochemical, biochemical and mineral constituents, as well as nutritional contribution, and aims to explore how the African horned cucumber measures up to its counterparts by comparing their nutritional content against the recommended daily intake (RDI). Material and Methods: A literature search—using the keywords ‘African horned cucumber’, ‘Cucurbitaceae fruits’, ‘biochemical constituents’, ‘indigenous fruits’ and ‘recommended daily intake’—was used to gather credible data suitable for this review paper. Findings and Conclusions: The published peer-reviewed literature reveals that the African horned cucumber—with its nutrient-rich profile boasting high levels of calcium (19%), potassium (28%), magnesium (78.1%), sodium (10.7%), zinc (12.7%), beta carotene (15.5%), vitamin C (4.1%), vitamin E (15.2%), total flavonoids (0.28%), and total phenols (0.7%)—holds the promise of contributing significantly to the human diet while aligning with the RDI and dietary guidelines, as documented in studies, further underscoring its potential to meet nutritional needs and enhance health, thus supporting its consideration for commercialisation. Full article

Punica granatum L. is a nutritionally relevant fruit with a complex phytochemical profile that varies across its anatomical fractions, including peel, arils, juice, seeds, and seed oil. Although pomegranate is widely recognized for its health-promoting potential, the nutritional significance of its matrix-dependent composition, bioavailability, and gut microbiota-mediated metabolism remains insufficiently integrated. This review aimed to critically evaluate the phytochemical diversity of pomegranate and its nutrition-related multi-target biological functions, with particular emphasis on food matrices, bioaccessibility, and translational relevance. A structured review of peer-reviewed studies indexed in major scientific databases from 2000 to January 2026 was conducted. Eligible reports included analytical, preclinical, and clinical studies addressing the composition of pomegranate-derived materials and their biological effects, with attention to extraction matrix, processing, bioavailability, microbial biotransformation, and mechanisms of action. Pomegranate exhibits marked matrix-specific phytochemical diversity. Peel is particularly rich in ellagitannins, especially punicalagin and punicalin; arils and juices are enriched in anthocyanins and flavonols; and seed oil contains high levels of punicic acid. Reported biological activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, metabolic, anti-aging, and anticancer effects. These actions appear to result from synergistic interactions among multiple bioactive compounds rather than from a single dominant constituent. Importantly, gut microbiota-driven conversion of ellagitannins and ellagic acid into urolithins is a major determinant of systemic bioactivity and may contribute to interindividual variability in response. The health effects of pomegranate should be interpreted within a nutrition-focused, matrix-dependent framework integrating composition, processing, bioavailability, and microbiota-derived metabolism. Full article

In layered systems with porous substrates and a dense solid surface, stiffness and strength are inherently coupled through porosity-dependent relations, influencing their load-bearing behaviour. This work presents a systematic methodology for the assessment and design of such layer-substrate systems based on a criterion of balanced material utilization. A dimensionless parameter is defined to characterize the stress state in both components relative to their admissible limits, from which the optimal layer thickness is determined at equal stress levels in both constituents. Stress distributions are calculated using a numerical half-space model for layered contacts and evaluated through material-dependent equivalent stress criteria. The relationship between material utilization and load-carrying capacity is reduced to a scaling factor that combines the influence of porosity-dependent parameters. The approach establishes a direct link between the governing material parameters and structural design variables. Across the investigated parameter range, the utilization rate scales linearly with optimal layer thickness, whereas the load-carrying capacity follows a cubic relation. For a representative Ashby strength scaling coefficient of $C_{\sigma }=0.3$, for example, a substrate porosity of 90% leads to a scaling factor of 1.6, corresponding to a possible load amplification of 60% relative to the homogeneous reference. Full article

The performance, safety, and long-term durability of electric vehicle (EV) battery systems are strongly governed by the chemical stability and thermophysical properties of their constituent materials. In response to the limitations of conventional lithium-based batteries—particularly with respect to thermal stability, material sustainability, and degradation under high operational loads—this study presents a thermodynamic and electrochemical modeling framework for evaluating alternative battery materials relevant to electric vehicle energy storage systems. Xenon difluoride (XeF₂) and zirconium carbide (ZrC) are proposed as functional battery components and comparatively analyzed based on chemical stability, bond enthalpy, mass–capacity relationships, and energy density characteristics. Analytical modeling is employed to investigate voltage–capacity–mass interactions over a wide operating range (3–48 V and 100–1000 mAh), representing diverse EV operating scenarios, including high-load and elevated-temperature conditions. In addition, temperature-dependent degradation behavior and cycle life performance are assessed using logarithmic degradation models and Arrhenius-based life cycle formulations. The results indicate that ZrC, with a high total bond enthalpy of 561 kJ mol⁻¹, demonstrates superior energy density, reduced material mass requirements, and enhanced resistance to thermal degradation, making it particularly suitable for high-temperature and long-life EV battery applications. In contrast, XeF₂ exhibits stable electrochemical performance under moderate temperature and capacity conditions but shows increased sensitivity to thermal effects at higher operating ranges, suggesting potential applicability in balanced-performance EV battery configurations. Overall, the proposed modeling framework provides a systematic approach for assessing alternative battery materials under electric vehicle-relevant operating conditions and offers guidance for future experimental validation, material selection, and battery design aimed at improving safety, durability, and sustainability in next-generation electric vehicle energy storage systems. Full article

This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics by developing biodegradable composites from peach and apple processing waste employing hot compression molding. Utilizing a definitive screening design, the impact of the process variables, including recipe composition, grinding size, pressure, temperature, and holding time, on the physical (including water resistance) and mechanical properties of the composites was systematically evaluated. Physicochemical and thermal analyses of the dried by-products indicated that processing temperatures below 150 °C prevent the degradation of lignocellulosic constituents. The results demonstrated that increasing both the molding pressure and holding time decreased the composite thickness, while enhancing the stiffness and flexural strength, with modulus of elasticity values exceeding 1000 MPa under optimal conditions. Higher molding temperatures reduced water absorption and diffusivity, particularly in lignin-rich composites, by promoting lignin softening and particle consolidation, resulting in denser structures with limited moisture transport. Biodegradability was assessed through soil burial tests over 200 days, revealing a weight loss ranging from 54.2% to 90.7% among samples, with apple-based composites exhibiting greater degradation compared to peach-based ones. Overall, the study highlights the development of a “green composite” formulation inspired by biomimetic principles, exploiting the natural self-bonding capacity of lignocellulosic biomass, where two different-in-composition biowastes are combined to produce a plastic-free composite material with possible applications in the foodservice industry. Full article

Acute kidney injury (AKI) presents a critical clinical challenge due to its rapid progression and lack of effective targeted therapies. The herbal combination of rhubarb and Salvia miltiorrhiza, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for renal protection, shows promise, yet its bioactive components and mode of action remain incompletely understood. This study identifies and characterizes inherent nanoscale entities from this herbal pair as a novel nanotherapeutic platform. Self-assembled nanoparticles (designated RSNPs) were isolated from the ethanol extract via differential centrifugation. Comprehensive characterization revealed that RSNPs form stable nanostructures through spontaneous self-assembly, primarily driven by supramolecular interactions (e.g., π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding). UPLC-MS/MS quantification confirmed the co-assembly of multiple bioactive constituents within RSNPs. Network pharmacology and molecular docking initially predicted their synergistic action on AKI-related pathways. In a cisplatin-induced murine AKI model, RSNP administration markedly attenuated renal dysfunction and histopathological damage, mechanistically linked to the mitigation of oxidative stress (e.g., decreased MDA and increased SOD) and inflammation (e.g., downregulated TNF-α and IL-6). In vitro, RSNPs demonstrated enhanced cellular internalization and superior cytoprotection against cisplatin toxicity in renal tubular epithelial cells, significantly reducing apoptosis. These findings unveil that the therapeutic efficacy of the Rheum palmatum L.–Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge pair is intrinsically embedded within its nanoscale architecture. RSNPs represent a new class of TCM-derived nanotherapeutics with a well-defined material basis and multimodal mechanisms, offering a promising strategy for AKI treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Beeswax, a complex natural secretion primarily derived from Apis mellifera and Apis cerana, has evolved from an ancient remedy into a multifunctional excipient and bioactive material in modern pharmaceutical sciences. This review evaluates its physicochemical properties, pharmaceutical applications, and emerging biomedical potential, while addressing current quality and regulatory challenges. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by analyzing literature on the chemical composition, functional properties, conventional uses, advanced drug delivery applications, pharmacological activities, and quality control of beeswax, emphasizing structural characteristics, formulation roles, and integration into innovative delivery technologies. Results: Beeswax is a lipid-based matrix composed of over 300 constituents, including wax esters, hydrocarbons, and free fatty acids, conferring thermoplasticity, biocompatibility, and structural stability. Traditionally, it functions as a stiffening agent, viscosity modifier, and emulsion stabilizer in topical formulations, forming an occlusive barrier that enhances skin hydration. In advanced systems, it serves as a solid lipid matrix in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), microspheres, and 3D-printed tablets, enabling controlled drug release and improved bioavailability of lipophilic compounds. It also exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities, while beeswax-derived policosanols show potential cardiovascular and gastroprotective benefits. However, concerns regarding paraffin adulteration and pesticide contamination highlight the need for stringent analytical and regulatory oversight. Conclusions: With rigorous quality control and sustainable sourcing, beeswax remains a versatile, eco-friendly material bridging traditional medicine and advanced pharmaceutical innovation. Full article

Background and Objectives: Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is one of the most aggressive skin malignancies due to its rapid progression and high therapeutic resistance. Growing evidence demonstrates that the tumor microenvironment (TME)—comprising diverse immune, stromal, vascular, and epidermal cell populations alongside various cytokines and growth factors, as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) components—plays a crucial role in tumor heterogeneity, metastatic potential, and response to therapy. This review aims to synthesise current knowledge on the cellular and non-cellular constituents of the CM microenvironment and clarify their contributions to tumor progression, immune evasion, and treatment resistance. Materials and Methods: We conducted a narrative review of recent experimental, clinical, and translational studies investigating melanoma–microenvironment interactions, integrating evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human tissue analyses. Results: Melanoma exhibits marked intra-tumoral heterogeneity driven by genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental influences. Cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes are reprogrammed by melanoma cells to promote invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Immune subsets play divergent roles: neutrophils, M2 macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and tolerogenic dendritic cells foster immune suppression, while lymphocytes—particularly CD8⁺ T cells, TFH cells, and B cells —are associated with improved outcomes but often become dysfunctional. ECM remodeling, including collagen deposition, integrin signaling, and increased matrix stiffness, actively remodels the tissue to support tumor growth and immune evasion. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-mediated signaling drives cell dedifferentiation, angiogenesis, and metabolic changes that contribute to treatment resistance. Consequently, emerging therapeutic strategies are moving beyond targeting tumor cells alone to focus on modulating TME components, counteracting immunosuppression, hypoxia, metabolic reprogramming, and extracellular vesicle signaling. Conclusions: The TME profoundly modulates tumor behavior and therapeutic response. A deeper understanding of the reciprocal interactions between melanoma cells and their microenvironmental components may enable the development of more effective strategies for early detection, prognosis, and personalized therapies. Full article

Saponins, the primary bioactive constituents with immunomodulatory activities in Baoyuan decoction—a traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of ginseng, astragalus, licorice, and cinnamon—are limited by low extraction yield, poor stability, and easy degradation. In this study, cellulase and pectinase were used for the extraction of saponins from Baoyuan decoction and optimized by response surface methodology. Subsequently, the optimal extracts were microencapsulated by spray drying with soy protein isolate (SPI) or high-oleic acid soy protein isolate (HOSPI) and pectin (PE) as composite wall materials, followed by application evaluation in gummies and in vitro digestion. After optimization, the total saponin yield was 63.68 ± 0.15 mg/g. HOSPI-PE microcapsules (HBP) had a higher encapsulation efficiency (90.38%), smaller particle size, and lower hygroscopicity than SPI-PE ones (SBP). Furthermore, both microcapsules showed good stability during storage and controlled release, with 60.9% of saponins in SBP and 65.8% in HBP being delivered to the intestinal phase during in vitro digestion of microparticles. When applied in gummies, microcapsule gummies retained satisfactory sustained-release in vitro digestion (23.0% released in the stomach and 66.2% in the small intestine). In contrast, the unencapsulated gummies exhibited a burst release (74.4%) at 30 min in gastric digestion. This study provides theoretical and technical insights into the development of plant-derived functional foods and promotes the practical application of microencapsulation in functional gummy candies. Full article

This paper presents a systematic investigation into the design and performance of layered polymer gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses. A material-driven optimization algorithm is proposed, which uses physical volume fractions of the constituent polymers to parameterize the refractive index distribution. By integrating effective medium theory with Sellmeier-based dispersion data, the algorithm ensures that the gradients remain within physically realizable material limits while better aligning with actual refractive index profiles. First, refractive index distribution models for first-order radial GRIN lenses and linear spherical radial GRIN lenses were derived based on material properties, establishing manufacturable lens parameterization expressions. Subsequently, simulation software was employed to model and compare a first-order GRIN doublet, a cemented doublet, a linear spherical radial GRIN lens, and a first-order GRIN aspheric lens. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed GRIN structures exhibit superior performance in both monochromatic aberration suppression and chromatic control, particularly under large aperture conditions. For a lens system with a 50 mm focal length and a 25 mm entrance pupil diameter, the spherically symmetric GRIN lens achieves diffraction-limited chromatic performance, with its secondary spectrum reduced by over 70% compared to conventional cemented doublets. Furthermore, the first-order GRIN doublet maintains the smallest RMS spot size across multiple fields of view and exhibits the most stable aberration growth rate as the aperture increases. These results validate the feasibility of the material-driven GRIN modeling approach and provide theoretical support for high-performance, short-focal-length optical systems. Full article

Coal gangue (CG), a bulk solid waste produced during coal mining, is rich in active components such as silicon and aluminum oxides, making it a high-quality raw material for the production of cementitious materials. Its utilization represents a significant pathway for achieving high-value applications of CG and facilitating the low-carbon transformation of the cement industry. Owing to advantages such as low carbon emissions, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and tunable performance, CG-based cementitious materials have been extensively investigated by researchers worldwide. Studies have focused on various aspects, including cementitious backfill materials, CG solid waste-based cement, geopolymers, concrete, and composite materials derived from CG. This paper systematically reviews the regional distribution, mineral composition, chemical constituents, and reactivity characteristics of CG. It further summarizes recent advances in activation techniques, performance optimization, and engineering applications of CG-based cementitious materials. Current challenges, such as insufficient activation efficiency, ambiguous hydration mechanisms, and limitations in large-scale application, are critically analyzed. Finally, future research directions and development trends are outlined to provide a theoretical foundation for further investigation and industrial implementation of CG-based cementitious materials. Full article

This study presents an integrated approach for producing antioxidant-rich polar fractions from Inula salicina L. via pressurised ethanol/water extraction (PLE-EtOH/H₂O), optimised by coupling a central composite design and response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) with Aspen Plus^® simulation. The effects of PLE temperature, extraction time, and EtOH/H₂O ratio for yield, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) measured in ABTS^•+-scavenging, cupric ion reducing antioxidant (CUPRAC) and oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC) assays were assessed via a multi-response optimisation approach. Optimal conditions were set at 82 °C, 27 min, and 60% EtOH (v/v), yielding ~29 g extract per 100 g plant material, characterised by high TPC (227 mg GAE/g), TFC (34 mg QE/g), and TEAC values in the CUPRAC (1473 mg TE/g), ABTS (869 mg TE/g), and ORAC assays (1165 mg TE/g). The TPC and TEAC values of the post-extraction residue were >92% lower than those of unextracted I. salicina, confirming efficient recovery of the major portion of antioxidant-active constituents by PLE-EtOH/H₂O. The high in vitro radical scavenging capacity, reducing power, and photoprotective potential (sun protection factor ~50 at 0.5 mg/mL) of the I. salicina extract are consistent with its phenolic-rich composition, with chlorogenic acid (~97 mg/g extract) and its derivatives being the major constituents. The validated Aspen Plus^® model closely aligned with the CCD-RSM predictions, supporting process scale-up and energy feasibility and demonstrating an industry-relevant, green-solvent PLE process for producing higher value-added I. salicina fractions with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Full article

Within the framework of consistent couple stress theory (CCST) and employing Hamilton’s principle, we derive a Galerkin weak formulation to analyze the three-dimensional (3D) size-dependent free vibration characteristics of a simply supported, functionally graded (FG) magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) doubly curved (DC) microscale shell subjected to a uniform temperature change. Incorporating the differential reproducing kernel (DRK) interpolants into the weak formulation, we further develop an element-free Galerkin (EFG) method. The microscale shell of interest is composed of two-phase MEE materials, and its material properties are assumed to vary through its thickness according to a power-law distribution of the volume fractions of the constituents. The results show that the natural frequency solutions obtained using the EFG method are in excellent agreement with the reported 3D solutions for laminated composite and FG-MEE macroscale plates, with the material length-scale parameter and the inverse of the curvature radii set to zero. The effects of the material length-scale parameter, temperature change, inhomogeneity index, and mid-surface radius and length-to-thickness ratios on the FG-MEE microscale shell’s free vibration characteristics in a thermal environment are examined and appear to be significant. Full article