Search Results (7,626)

Background: Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface and/or tear film. It is one of the leading causes of ocular morbidity worldwide. Current therapy primarily consists of topical application of artificial tears and anti-inflammatory drugs. Autologous serum eye drops are an alternative treatment typically reserved for severe dry eyes mainly due to the limitations associated with access, storage, and the need for frequent application. Methods: Herein we describe the design and characterization of a bilayer carboxymethylcellulose/serum ocular insert that may expand the utility and accessibility of this treatment method. The insert, designed to be placed in the inferior fornix of the eye, has a unique carboxymethylcellulose backing layer to enhance comfort and direct protein release to the ocular surface. Results: Released serum proteins were able to protect corneal cells in vitro after treatment with hydrogen peroxide, demonstrated by a significantly higher cell viability compared to both serum eye drops and untreated cells. Our in vivo studies showed that the ocular inserts were able to deliver epitheliotrophic growth factors to treated animals at a level similar to standard serum eyedrops at an 8-fold reduction in dosing frequency that was well-tolerated in the treated eyes. In comparison to the control, serum ocular inserts demonstrated improvement in dry eye signs and symptoms in a rabbit model. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the novel inserts prolong the delivery of key proteins and growth factors for treating dry eye disease and significantly enhance shelf stability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dry-eye disease (DED) is a disorder of the eye surface associated, among other things, with tear film instability. It can lead to abnormal biometry results, especially with respect to keratometry. DED is more common in the elderly population. Its prevalence is often underestimated. Failure to provide adequate treatment prior to biometry may result in refractive errors after cataract surgery. The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact of DED on refractive predictability in cataract surgery and assess whether short, preoperative ocular-surface optimization reduces the mean absolute error (MAE) of postoperative refraction, regardless of DED. Methods: Seventy patients undergoing cataract surgery were divided into three groups: A—individuals with DED who were receiving treatment; B—individuals without DED who were receiving treatment; and C—a control group. In all groups, biometry was performed twice, before and after treatment (groups A and B) or at two-week intervals without treatment (group C). All of the individuals underwent cataract surgery. Refractive error was calculated one month after surgery for both biometry measurements (before and after treatment). Results: After dry eye treatment, a reduction in refractive error was achieved in both groups with and without DED. The MAE in the group with DED was 0.39 ± 0.31 vs. 0.27 ± 0.30 (p < 0.001), and the MAE for those without DED was 0.30 ± 0.25 vs. 0.24 ± 0.20 (p = 0.043). No significant differences in biometric measurements were observed in any of the groups. The most variable parameter was corneal astigmatism in the DED group. Conclusions: Proper preparation of the eye surface for biometric measurement reduces refractive errors after surgery. Full article

The Cairo Monorail System presents significant geotechnical challenges due to its integrated structural configuration and its alignment across heterogeneous soil conditions, including collapsible and swelling soils. This study investigates the foundation performance of the monorail through a combination of advanced site investigations, full-scale pile load testing under dry and wetted conditions, and finite-element modeling incorporating soil–structure interaction. Field load tests on large-diameter bored piles founded in collapsible soils demonstrated a pronounced increase in settlement and a reduction in stiffness following wetting, confirming the sensitivity of pile behavior to moisture variations. Three-dimensional numerical analyses of the integrated monorail system showed that differential settlements between adjacent columns are generally limited to less than 9 mm under serviceability loading conditions, satisfying passenger comfort requirements. Long-term coupled seepage–deformation analyses conducted using PLAXIS indicated that surface water infiltration into swelling soils may induce time-dependent monopile heave of approximately 10 mm over a 50-year design life, which remains within acceptable serviceability limits. The results demonstrate that detailed geotechnical characterization, combined with appropriate numerical modeling strategies, can effectively control differential deformation and long-term heave in continuous monorail systems, ensuring their operational safety and long-term performance. Full article

Lightning-induced forest fires represent a dominant natural ignition source in boreal and temperate ecosystems, yet their climatic and biophysical controls remain poorly understood. This study investigates the spatiotemporal patterns and environmental drivers of 646 lightning-induced forest fires across the Da Hinggan Ling region, Northeast China, during 2001–2024. Multi-source datasets from ERA5-Land, MODIS, and ETCCDI were integrated to quantify short-term meteorological variability, vegetation water status, and long-term climatic extremes. Using Random Forest and XGBoost models combined with SHAP interpretability analysis, we identified key predictors and nonlinear responses of burned area to environmental forcing. Results reveal pronounced interannual fluctuations in fire activity, with 2010, 2016, and 2022 emerging as compound extreme years characterized by co-occurring drought and heatwaves. Vegetation moisture index (NDMI), diurnal temperature range (DTR), and heatwave duration (HWDI) were the most influential variables controlling burned area variability. The total burned area and fire duration showed significant declining trends, while high burned-area fires exhibited spatial clustering in dry, low-LAI regions. These findings demonstrate that compound dry–hot conditions coupled with vegetation desiccation are the primary drivers of large lightning fires. The study provides a process-based understanding of climate–fuel–fire linkages and supports improved fire risk forecasting under a warming climate. Full article

Developing safe and effective hemostatic materials is critical for rapid bleeding control and wound management. However, traditional hemostatic materials using chemical crosslinking often fall short in hemostatic efficiency and carry risks of secondary injury from reagent residues. This study introduced an irradiation-fabricated composite collagen sponge based on fish skin collagen, chitosan, and soluble starch. The sponge was prepared via material solution blending, followed by cobalt-60 gamma irradiation at various doses, with casting and freeze-drying. Its functionality and safety were systematically evaluated. The results show that low-dose gamma irradiation (1–3 kGy) applied to a precursor solution prior to freeze-drying promoted intermolecular crosslinking, improving mechanical strength, elongation, and biostability, while higher doses (6 kGy) slightly reduced crosslinking due to the partial degradation of collagen, chitosan, and starch. With low-dose irradiation, the proposed hemostatic sponges show enhanced water absorption, blood cell adsorption, swelling, and antibacterial properties, indicating effective hemostatic performance. Spectroscopic characterization confirmed chemical bond modifications with no loss of crystallinity. Cytotoxicity and in vivo tests demonstrated biocompatibility and effective hemostatic performance. Compared with the commercial HSD sponge, the irradiated sponges exhibited superior hemostatic efficacy. This study presents that a collagen-based synergistic matrix prepared by gamma-ray irradiation can produce a hemostatic sponge with enhanced absorbency, bioactivity, and antibacterial properties, highlighting its great potential in rapid hemostasis and wound care applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Response heterogeneity limits the implementation of dry needling for spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS). This secondary analysis aimed to identify early responders and explore predictors of response. Methods: We conducted a responder analysis of a pilot randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial (NCT05956119) including 18 ambulatory MS patients with spasticity, randomized to a single session of dry needling (n = 9) or sham (n = 9). Sensitive responder criteria were defined as improvement ≥ 2.0 s in Timed Up-and-Go, ≥5 points in MSQOL-54 physical component, or ≥10% in 25-Foot Walk Test at 4 weeks. Results: Using these criteria, 33.3% (3/9) of dry needling recipients were classified as responders versus 0% (0/9) in the sham group (p = 0.214). Responders were more frequently observed among participants with relapsing–remitting MS (100% vs. 40%, p = 0.090) and lower baseline disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale 3.4 vs. 4.4). A positive association was observed between baseline pyramidal subscore and physical quality-of-life change, although this did not reach statistical significance (r = 0.52, p = 0.150) in the active group. Conclusions: Approximately one-third of participants met predefined responder criteria following dry needling; however, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary signals derived from an exploratory, underpowered pilot analysis. These results are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in adequately powered trials. Full article

With the increasing deployment of autonomous and semi-autonomous road vehicles, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs) rely heavily on multi-modal sensing technologies to ensure safe and reliable operation. Among these sensors, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) provides high-resolution three-dimensional environmental perception but is particularly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions such as snowfall. Snowfall can degrade LiDAR performance through signal attenuation, backscattering, false detections, and sensor surface contamination, ultimately reducing visibility and detection reliability. In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted in a climatic chamber to systematically assess LiDAR performance degradation under controlled snowfall conditions. Key parameters influencing sensor behavior, including chamber air temperature, precipitation intensity, and sensor orientation, were isolated and examined. Chamber temperature was varied to generate snow characteristics representative of dry and wet snow, while precipitation intensity was controlled by adjusting snow gun flow rates. Sensor orientation was modified to evaluate its effect on perceived precipitation and snow accumulation. The experimental results confirm the initial hypothesis that snowfall intensity, snow physical properties, and sensor orientation exert a significant influence on LiDAR performance degradation. Increasing precipitation intensity significantly accelerates both 3D target detection loss and 2D visibility reduction, with polynomial regression revealing a non-linear degradation response. Inclined sensor orientations exhibited more rapid performance deterioration compared to a horizontal configuration. These findings provide valuable insights into LiDAR vulnerability in snowy environments and support the development of mitigation strategies to improve ADAS and autonomous vehicle operation in cold climates. Full article

Carbon fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites (CFRC) are extensively used in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and sports equipment. However, the brittle nature of the resin matrix causes CFRC to exhibit severe vibrations and noise under dry friction conditions. Enhancing the intrinsic damping properties of the resin matrix serves as a fundamental and effective strategy to mitigate vibration and noise radiation in composite components. This study systematically investigates high-temperature co-curing damping composites using co-curing technology, aiming to improve the mechanical performance and damping characteristics of traditional fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composites. A novel carbon fiber-reinforced terminal carboxyl nitrile epoxy pre-polymer composite material demonstrates both stable chemical properties and excellent high-temperature resistance. Through formulation adjustments, the curing temperature and time of epoxy resin are matched with those of the terminal carboxyl nitrile epoxy pre-polymer. The performance of epoxy carbon fiber composites was evaluated through tensile tests, flexural tests, impact tests, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Results show that blending epoxy resin with terminal carboxyl nitrile liquid rubber enhances energy dissipation by increasing intermolecular friction and hydrogen bonding interactions. The damping ratio of epoxy resin-based carbon fiber composites reaches as high as 1.67%. Tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength reach 1968 MPa, 1343 MPa, and 127 kJ/m², respectively. The addition of terminal carboxylated nitrile liquid rubber facilitates the formation of continuous friction membranes, enhancing friction stability. Tensile tests demonstrate that carbon fiber composites containing 25% terminal carboxylated nitrile liquid rubber outperforms other formulations. As evidenced by impact tests, the performance of the prepared composites is superior to that of other configurations. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicates that the 25% rubber-containing composites exhibit enhanced damping characteristics and higher loss modulus. Experimental results confirm that this study advances the development of functional composites for vibration reduction and noise control applications. Full article

This study assessed the impact of the dietary inclusion of Prosopis laevigata pods (PLPs) on growth performance, carcass traits, and the metabolomic profiles of liver and meat in finishing lambs. A total of 28 crossbred lambs (38 ± 5 kg body weight) were allocated to one of two treatments: a control diet (0 g PLP/kg dry matter, n = 14; CONT) and a diet supplemented with 300 g PLP/kg dry matter (DM) (n = 14; PS). Growth performance was monitored over 25 days. Animals were assigned to a randomized design, and data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure. Compared with the control diet, PLP inclusion (300 g/kg DM) reduced total body weight gain (p = 0.04) and worsened feed conversion efficiency. Lambs on the control diet also displayed a significantly greater (p = 0.02) rump perimeter. In contrast, lambs fed the 300 g PLP/kg DM diet showed a marked increase (p < 0.05) in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle area. Principal component analysis revealed a distinct separation between treatment groups based on the identified metabolites. Liver metabolomic data accounted for 30.6% of the total variability, while meat samples accounted for 45.7%. A total of 21 and 23 metabolites exhibited positive correlations in liver and meat, respectively. Notably, PLP supplementation influenced several metabolic pathways (p < 0.05), including the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid biosynthesis, and sulfur metabolism in both liver and meat. Additionally, phenylalanine metabolism was specifically affected (p < 0.05) in the liver, while steroid biosynthesis was altered (p < 0.05) in meat. Overall, the inclusion of PLPs in the diet of finishing lambs resulted in notable changes to the liver and meat metabolomes, particularly in pathways associated with fatty acid biosynthesis. Although PLP supplementation reduced overall growth performance, it did not negatively impact carcass quality traits; hence, we recommend the inclusion of 300 g PLP/kg DM in finishing lamb diets. Full article

The growing demand for carbon-based energy materials requires sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. This study explored the production and characterization of char obtained from refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and biomass blended pellets in varying proportions (0%, 15%, 25%, 50%, and 100% RDF). The objective was to evaluate their potential as high-energy-density solid fuels while addressing operational challenges related to ash behavior. Chars were produced at 400 °C for one hour in a muffle furnace in closed crucibles. A set of analytical techniques (calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, inductively coupled plasma, and X-ray fluorescence) was employed to assess physicochemical properties. RDF content strongly affected mass yield, energy yield, and thermochemical behavior. Among the tested formulations, char with 50 and 25% of RDF (C_RDF50:BW50 and C_RDF25:BW75) ignited at lower temperatures (≈150 °C) and showed high flammability (C) values (1.97–2.03 × 10⁻⁵), indicating greater flammability. They also reached higher combustion temperatures (716–746 °C), suggesting improved thermal stability during the final combustion stage. Both chars presented increased high heating values (18–19 MJ/kg, dry basis) and a few surface functional groups. This supports a lower devolatilization rate, meaning that although ignition is easy, combustion remains stable and controllable. All chars showed very high acid–base indices, indicating a strong tendency for ash melting. However, low slag viscosity and alkalinity values suggest viscous, poorly mobile slag, reducing adhesion and buildup on reactor surfaces. This study combines thermogravimetric combustion analysis with ash chemistry–based slagging and fouling indices to provide an integrated assessment of the operational behavior of RDF–biomass-derived char fuels. The results highlight the technical feasibility of chars produced from RDF and biomass blended pellets, whose thermal properties make them promising candidates for use as solid fuels. Full article

The combination of additives in ruminant diets is a growing strategy focused on cow health and productivity; therefore, the additives need to have synergistic effects when combined. Because of this, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of combining functional additives (biocholine, live yeasts, Yucca schidigera extract, and exogenous enzymes) on the productive performance, milk quality, rumen environment, oxidative status, and metabolic parameters of lactating Jersey cows maintained in an intensive system as well as verifying whether the effects on metabolism and the rumen environment (volatile fatty acids and microbiota) directly or indirectly influence productive efficiency. Eighteen Jersey cows in their second lactation were used, distributed in a completely randomized design into two groups: control, receiving a basal diet, and treatment, receiving the same diet plus the additive mixture. The experiment lasted 56 days. Dry matter intake, milk production and composition, feed efficiency, apparent digestibility, volatile fatty acid profile, rumen microbiota, hematological and biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. The combination of additives was able to increase milk production and production corrected for fat, protein, and energy, without altering dry matter intake, resulting in greater feed efficiency. There was an increase in milk protein content from day 28 onwards. In the rumen, a reduction in the protozoan population and an increase in the proportion of propionic acid were observed, without altering the ruminal pH or the total production of volatile fatty acids. The apparent digestibility of crude protein was higher in the treated group. The consumption of additives also promoted specific changes in the ruminal microbiota, with a greater abundance of microorganisms associated with carbohydrate degradation and less activity of pathways related to denitrification. From a systemic point of view, the treatment reduced markers of oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species—ROS and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances—TBARS), decreased creatine kinase and cholinesterase activity, and increased serum fructosamine concentration, indicating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and improved energy status, respectively. It is concluded that the combination of plant biocholine, yeasts, Yucca schidigera extract, and exogenous enzymes improves productive efficiency, promotes ruminal fermentation, and contributes to greater metabolic and oxidative stability in lactating Jersey cows. Full article

Laser radiation constitutes a promising technological advancement within the integrated weed management toolbox but is hindered by low energy use efficiency. This study investigated the efficiency of a pulsed blue diode laser for controlling small weed seedlings and seeds under controlled conditions. Dose–response experiments were conducted on three grasses (Poa annua, Echinochloa crus-galli, Digitaria sanguinalis) and three dicotyledonous species (Solanum nigrum, Chenopodium album, Senecio vulgaris). For seedlings, the effects of species, growth stage (cotyledon, 2-leaf), and leaf wetness (dry, wet) were tested. For seeds, burial depth (0 mm, 2 mm) and imbibition status (non-imbibed, imbibed) were examined. Biological efficiency was assessed through plant survival, aboveground dry biomass, leaf area, and seed viability. Laser application caused significant, dose-dependent reductions in biomass accumulation and plant survival, with up to 100% mortality. Seedlings were most sensitive at the cotyledon stage and when foliage was dry, requiring up to 68 and 52% lower energy doses compared to older or wet targets, respectively. Species-specific responses were observed, with dicotyledonous species generally requiring 80 to 99% lower energy doses than grasses. Laser exposure was also effective in reducing the viability of non-imbibed, surface-exposed seeds, requiring up to 64 and 99% lower energy doses than imbibed or buried seeds, respectively. These results confirm that laser efficiency is strongly influenced by species traits, developmental stage, surface moisture, and seed water status. Optimising and tailoring laser parameters to these factors enhances weed control efficacy while maximising energy efficiency, improving the performance and sustainability of laser-based weeding. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial residues through fermentation processes represents a sustainable approach to producing high-value bioproducts, such as microbial organic acids and fermentation-derived anti-browning agents, including kojic acid and kojic acid-rich fermented extracts. In this study, melon waste (non-commercial-quality or damaged fruit) was evaluated as an alternative carbon source (whole fruit) for kojic acid (KA) production by Aspergillus oryzae (ATCC 10124) under submerged fermentation. The effects of process variables such as pH, temperature, and nitrogen and carbon availability on KA synthesis were analyzed, and biomass growth and product formation were described using logistic and Luedeking–Piret kinetic models. Under optimal conditions (pH 5.5, 36 °C, 2.5 g/L melon dry matter, 2.5 g/L yeast extract, 100 rpm), KA production reached 1.64 g/L at a final time of 120 h. Kinetic analysis showed moderate fungal growth (μ_max = 0.058 h⁻¹; X_max = 0.81 g/L), with KA formation following a mixed growth-associated pattern as described by the Luedeking–Piret model (α = 1.26 g KA/g X; β = 0.024 h⁻¹), indicating sustained production during the stationary phase. The KA-rich fermented extract was subsequently applied as an anti-browning treatment on spineless prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes. Short immersion times (0.5–1.0 min) in a 2 g/L KA solution significantly preserved luminosity (L*) and limited total color change (ΔE ≤ 5) during 4 days of storage at 28 °C, compared with water-treated controls, which exhibited accelerated darkening (ΔE ≈ 9–15). Prolonged immersion times induced tissue damage and color deterioration, indicating an optimal exposure window. These results demonstrate the feasibility of valorizing melon waste to obtain a KA-rich extract and support its potential application as a natural anti-browning agent in fresh-cut vegetables within a circular agrifood framework. Full article

Microalgae are emerging as a key biological platform for the production of important metabolites, environmental monitoring, and water treatment. However, despite their significant potential for a variety of industrial applications, several challenges associated with the efficiency of their cultivation hinder their widespread use. Here, focus was placed on the freshwater organism, Micractinium inermum strain EE-M2, to study the growth and accumulation of pigments, proteins, lipids, and starch under various strategies of increased inorganic carbon supply and ammonium nutrition conditions. NaOH and NaHCO₃ were tested as pH control agents. Combinations of constant sparging with atmospheric air enriched with CO₂ (finally 2.0% CO₂, v/v) and NaHCO₃ addition showed a slight increase in algal biomass productivity, but the metabolic profiles were indistinguishable from those obtained with pH regulation using NaOH. Decreasing the CO₂ concentration from 2.0% to 0.5% significantly reduced the final biomass yield and productivity of this strain (in a batch process). Also, the present study showed the feasibility of continuous cultivation of M. inermum to produce marketable biomass and metabolites. Under two cultivation strategies, batch and continuous, the alga effectively accumulated pigments (up to 2.7% of dry weight), proteins (up to 37.3%), lipids (up to 23.3%), and starch (up to 22.5%), indicating its biotechnological value. Overall, the obtained results demonstrate that M. inermum strain EE-M2 is a robust and fast-growing microalgal strain suitable for both laboratory and industrial cultivation. Full article

High-power clutches operating under high-frequency engagement–disengagement cycles demand piston ring seals with exceptional leakage control and tribological reliability. Conventional architectures often experience lubrication failure and severe adhesive wear during transient pressure fluctuations. This research proposes an autonomous intelligent sealing strategy leveraging fluid pressure-induced morphological evolution. By strategically integrating periodic macroscopic structural relief features on the non-sealing surface, the sealing interface transforms into a micron-scale wavy topography in response to hydraulic loading. This structurally embedded intelligence significantly improves fluid pressure distribution, facilitating a transition toward a more favorable lubrication regime. Furthermore, a “self-healing and positional stagnation” logic is elucidated: upon pressure dissipation, the induced waviness elastically recovers to a planar state to ensure sealing integrity, while the ring maintains its axial position due to the predominant frictional resistance of the secondary seal. This synergistic mechanism effectively precludes deleterious dry friction during the clutch disengagement phase. High-fidelity numerical investigations, benchmarked against established experimental data, identify the rectangular groove configuration as the optimal geometry for maximizing waviness amplitude (≈1.5 µm). This research provides a robust framework for developing responsive, zero-wear intelligent seals in advanced power transmissions. Full article