Search Results (597)

Introduction: Aquatic chemical pollution is among the most worrying threats to ecosystem health. There is an ever-increasing variety of pollutant substances detected across the source-to-sea continuum, causing loss of biodiversity and ecological disequilibrium. Achieving cleaner and healthier systems relies on carrying out sustained, cost-effective, diagnosis and aquatic effects monitoring, within the adaptive management cycle. The available methods are, however, cumbersome, which creates a clear need for innovative expeditious approaches for low-cost surveillance monitoring. In the last decade, Raman Spectroscopy (RS) has gained wide recognition for application to biological questions, for its ability to uncover the complexity of molecules and their interactions. Various fields, from pharmacology to disease diagnosis and prognosis, have suffered an innovation revolution through the application of RS. In this technique inelastic light scattering of a small part of photons of an incident electromagnetic monochromatic light beam (ranging from near-infrared to visible or ultraviolet) is caused by the molecular vibration of chemical bonds. This results in shifts in energy, which indicate discrete vibrational modes of polarisable molecules, providing qualitative and quantitative assessments of the chemical composition and molecular structure of the sample. The technique shows high sensitivity, no need for sample preparation and the possibility of use in non-invasive and label-free analysis. Objective: The aim of this work is to present and discuss evidence about the application of Raman Spectroscopy (RS) to environmental diagnosis and aquatic effect monitoring of pollution. Methodology: The technique was applied to different biological models, i.e., diatoms, zebrafish embryos and larvae and freshwater snails. Quality assessments with diatoms were tested in environmental monitoring, while assessments with other models were done upon exposure to metals and organic contaminants. Results and conclusions: The Raman spectra obtained from the samples analysed comprised bands detected within the 800 to 2000 cm⁻¹ wavenumber range. These were related to bond vibrations of carbohydrates, DNA phosphate groups, proteins or CH, NH and OH stretching in lipids and proteins. Data analysis using chemometric methods clearly distinguished pollutant exposure from control sites or treatments, pointing out the potential for surveyance monitoring. The next steps include the comparison with other sensitive methods (e.g., locomotion and avoidance behaviours, omics methods) to assess efficiency and bring further mechanistic understanding. Full article

Viscose-derived carbon fibers (VDCFs) are lightweight and flexible textile materials with strong potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding; however, their performance is governed by surface chemistry. This study aims to tailor the functional properties of VDCFs via process-driven sulfurization. The fibers were treated with sulfur vapor at 400–800 °C under argon, followed by rapid quenching, enabling controlled sulfur incorporation (0.5–12 mmol g⁻¹). Structural and chemical analyses (XRD, SEM–EDS, ATR–FTIR, and TPD–MS) revealed temperature-dependent sulfur incorporation and evolution of sulfur-containing surface functionalities. Sulfurization at 400–500 °C favored the formation of thermally labile sulfur species, tentatively assigned to mercapto-, sulfide-, and polysulfide-type groups, whereas higher treatment temperatures promoted more thermally stable sulfur-containing functionalities associated with the carbon framework. Two desorption regimes (120–250 °C and 250–500 °C) indicate the coexistence of weakly and strongly bound sulfur species. Importantly, sulfurization preserved fibrous morphology while increasing surface roughness and defect density, enhancing interfacial activity. The treatment temperature was identified as the key factor controlling sulfur loading and distribution, with sulfur content continuing to decrease above 600 °C, albeit at a reduced rate. Electromagnetic characterization in the X-band (8–12 GHz) showed a transition toward reflection-dominated EMI shielding, with reflectivity increasing from 87% for pristine fibers to 94–95% for sulfurized samples at 10 GHz, accompanied by corresponding decreases in transmission and absorption. These results demonstrate a clear processing–structure–property relationship and highlight sulfur-functionalized VDCFs as efficient textile components for EMI shielding. Full article

To reveal the electromagnetic response characteristics and hydro-thermal evolution mechanism of frozen soil under microwave irradiation, we used remolded frozen soil prepared from undisturbed parent soil collected in Hegang, China, as the research object. We conducted dielectric parameter tests across the 715–1150 MHz and 2250–2650 MHz frequency bands and 1.5 kW microwave heating tests on specimens with three gravimetric water contents (15%, 20%, and 25%) paired with a coupled numerical simulation of electromagnetic field-heat transfer-moisture migration. The results show that water content is the dominant factor controlling the dielectric response of frozen soil. The dielectric loss and water content sensitivity of frozen soil in the low-frequency band (dominated by unfrozen water) are significantly higher than those in the high-frequency band (dominated by ice phase and soil matrix). Microwave-induced temperature rise exhibits a three-stage characteristic, as follows: slow temperature rise, isothermal plateau at the freezing point, and rapid temperature rise. Specimens with a lower initial water content show a higher temperature rise efficiency in the late heating stage, with a maximum rate of 1.112 °C·s⁻¹ for the 15% water content specimen. Mass loss is negatively correlated with initial water content, with a maximum value of 1.8 g after 120 s of irradiation. In addition, the non-uniformity of the electromagnetic field results in a temperature field pattern characterized by a high-temperature core at the specimen center and lower temperatures at the edges. This study provides fundamental theoretical support and technical guidance for the application of microwave thawing technology in geotechnical engineering, particularly for frozen soil foundation treatment in cold regions. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive computational evaluation of radiofrequency (RF) ablation efficacy and the spatial formation of thermal ablation zones within a 3D model of a liver tumor. By systematically comparing these configurations, the study aims to elucidate the physical mechanisms governing electromagnetic (EM) energy dissipation in hepatic tissue and to provide clear engineering guidelines for optimizing RF applicator selection and treatment planning in clinical practice. To reliably simulate the biophysical phenomena of the RF ablation procedure, a coupled electro-thermal model based on the finite element method and the Pennes bioheat equation was implemented. The research investigates six distinct applicator variants: conventional needle-type applicators and advanced expandable umbrella-type RF applicators equipped with four- and eight-tine electrodes, each evaluated in both monopolar and bipolar configurations. Numerical simulations were conducted for a standard 10 min ablation procedure at varying applied voltages to assess the specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution, transient heating dynamics, and the exact volumes of the resulting coagulation necrosis which were quantified using rigorous isotherms and the cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C (CEM₄₃) thermal dose index. Volumetric analysis of the ablation zones revealed that bipolar multi-tine electrodes induce highly localized heat concentration. Conversely, monopolar multi-tine setups strongly disperse EM energy. The results demonstrated that, for conventional needle applicators, the monopolar configuration generated significantly larger necrosis zones than the bipolar operating mode. The RF applicator geometry and its operating mode directly dictate the spatial extent of liver tissue necrosis. Moreover, advanced numerical treatment planning is essential for optimizing SAR and CEM₄₃ distributions and ensuring safe and complete hepatocellular carcinoma eradication. Full article

Physical energy-based therapies are non-invasive adjunctive interventions that deliver mechanical, electromagnetic, light, or radiofrequency/thermal energy to tissues with the aim of reducing symptoms and improving tolerance of active rehabilitation. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a heterogeneous whole-joint disorder in which cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone remodeling, synovitis, peri-articular tissue dysfunction, neuromuscular impairment, and pain sensitization may interact to produce pain, stiffness, and activity restriction. As conservative therapy for OA, education, progressive therapeutic exercise, weight management when indicated, and self-management remain the core of care. Nevertheless, some patients cannot fully participate in exercise because of pain, fear of movement, load intolerance, comorbidity, or limited access to supervised rehabilitation. This narrative review synthesizes evidence published mainly between 2016 and 2026 for extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), photobiomodulation/low-level laser therapy (PBMT/LLLT), pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), transfer energy capacitive and resistive/capacitive–resistive electric transfer (TECAR/CRET) therapy, body weight support and aquatic unloading strategies, and mechanosonic vibration therapies. The available literature suggests that ESWT and PBMT/LLLT may provide short- to mid-term pain and function benefits in selected patients with knee OA when parameters are aligned with evidence-supported dosing windows. PEMF and vibration therapies show promising but less consistent effects because protocols, devices, sham conditions, and populations vary. TECAR/CRET and unloading approaches are best interpreted as enabling tools that may reduce guarding, improve walking tolerance, or increase the quality of therapeutic exercise, rather than stand-alone disease-modifying treatments. Current national and society guidelines consistently prioritize exercise, education, and weight management; most of the modalities reviewed here are absent from guidelines or are supported only indirectly, which justifies cautious wording and individualized use. A practical application model is, therefore, time-limited and goal-oriented: identify the barrier to rehabilitation, select a modality with a plausible mechanism and published protocol, monitor pain and functional response, and discontinue the modality if it does not improve participation in active care. Full article

To improve the durability of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic shielding materials in atomic oxygen environments relevant to low Earth orbit (LEO), two MXene/para-aramid nanofiber (ANF) composite architectures were designed, including a uniformly blended structure and a sandwich configuration. Ti₃C₂T_x MXene was used as the conductive phase, while ANF served as a protective matrix. Oxygen plasma treatment was employed to simulate atomic oxygen exposure. The results show that the plasma resistance of blended films strongly depends on MXene content. Increasing the MXene fraction enhances conductive network redundancy and reduces conductivity degradation. In contrast, the sandwich-structured film exhibits superior structural stability. The outer ANF layers effectively limit direct plasma–MXene interaction and undergo surface carbonization during plasma exposure, forming an additional diffusion barrier. As a result, the sandwich film maintains stable THz shielding performance, with the average shielding effectiveness increasing from 42.6 dB to 44.9 dB after plasma treatment. These results indicate that structural regulation of the internal conductive network, which limits plasma penetration, is essential for maintaining stable MXene-based THz shielding performance under oxidative plasma conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a frequent condition in postmenopausal women and is associated with a substantial negative impact on quality of life. Conservative management can include pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation (HIFEM); however, data regarding the potential benefit of combining these modalities remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate whether the addition of a structured Kegel exercise program to EMSELLA-based electromagnetic stimulation is associated with enhanced clinical outcomes in postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence. Methods: This prospective comparative study included 99 postmenopausal women with stress, urgency, or mixed urinary incontinence and an International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score ≥ 6. Participants received either EMSELLA therapy alone (Group A, n = 49) or EMSELLA combined with a standardized Kegel exercise program (Group B, n = 50) over a three-month period. Symptom severity was assessed at baseline and at three months using the ICIQ-UI SF. Between-group comparisons were performed using analysis of covariance, adjusting for baseline scores. Results: Both therapeutic approaches were associated with clinically meaningful improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms. After adjustment for baseline severity, lower follow-up ICIQ-UI SF scores, greater mean symptom reduction, and higher response rates were observed in the combined-therapy group. Across all menopausal-duration subgroups, outcomes consistently favored the association of EMSELLA therapy with Kegel exercises. No treatment-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The association of EMSELLA electromagnetic stimulation with a structured Kegel exercise program was associated with greater symptom improvement than electromagnetic stimulation alone, suggesting an additive therapeutic effect of voluntary pelvic floor muscle training. This combined conservative approach was well tolerated and may represent a useful management strategy for postmenopausal urinary incontinence. Full article

This study investigates the effect of complex nanomodification combined with the simultaneous application of magnetic fields and mechanical vibration on the structure formation and performance properties of medium-alloy steel 40CrNi3MoV. Improving the structural homogeneity and operational characteristics of such steels remains an important task due to their widespread use in components operating under severe loading and wear conditions. The introduction of the nanostructured modifier InSteel-7 at a concentration of 0.03%, together with simultaneous magnetic and vibrational treatment of the melt, resulted in pronounced structural homogenization and grain refinement. Quantitative metallographic analysis using Thixomet Pro image analyzer revealed a significant refinement of the dendritic structure, with the secondary dendrite arm spacing decreasing from 73.9 μm to 27.9 μm. X-ray phase analysis confirmed the preservation of phase composition while indicating increased structural uniformity of the BCC matrix. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy and elemental micro-mapping demonstrated high chemical purity of the alloy and a uniform distribution of the modifier components. The combined treatment significantly improved the mechanical and tribological characteristics of the material. The average hardness increased from 390 HV to 510 HV, while tribological tests showed a reduction in wear track depth from 5.16 μm to 0.87 μm and a decrease in surface roughness from Ra 2.13 μm to 0.20 μm, indicating enhanced wear resistance. Full article

Seawater desalination has become a critical approach to mitigating the global scarcity of freshwater resources. This study aims to comprehensively review desalination methods based on thermal and electromagnetic methods, examining their processes, benefits, and limitations. Thermal methods include multi-stage flash distillation, multi-effect distillation, thermal vapor compression, and mechanical vapor compression. These techniques rely on evaporation and distillation to remove salts and are effective in treating highly saline water. However, they consume large amounts of energy and are prone to problems such as limescale and corrosion. In contrast, electromagnetic-based technologies represent a novel, promising approach for enhancing desalination performance. Electromagnetic fields contribute to improved membrane performance and equipment longevity by modulating ionic behavior and mitigating surface fouling. Empirical studies suggest that such interventions can lead to reduced energy usage and lower rates of mineral deposition. The findings reviewed here suggest that integrating thermal and electromagnetic techniques may offer a viable pathway toward more sustainable, efficient, and reduced environmental impacts. Full article

Many patients with primary or metastatic lung cancer are not candidates for surgery, additional radiation, or further systemic therapy due to advanced age or comorbidities; this creates a need for minimally invasive locoregional options. Image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA) is being applied across a broader spectrum of lesions, while bronchial artery chemoembolization (BACE) is emerging as a therapy option for treatment-refractory advanced disease. Recent studies in thermal ablation have focused on optimizing energy delivery and protocols, as well as improving ablation zone predictability and analysis. Advances in lesion targeting, including cone beam CT fusion, electromagnetic guidance, and robotic-assisted ablation, allow for treatment of subcentimeter and ground-glass lesions in anatomically challenging locations. Growing clinical experience supports IGTA for intrathoracic oligoprogression and as salvage therapy after recurrence. In the endovascular space, improved imaging, microcatheters, and drug-eluting microspheres have expanded the use of BACE for disease and symptom control in advanced lung cancer. Multimodal strategies combining minimally invasive locoregional treatments with systemic therapies and radiation are being explored, with early data showing improvements in survival without increased toxicity. This narrative review synthesizes emerging techniques, clinical data, and indications for percutaneous and endovascular lung cancer treatments and underscores the need for prospective and randomized trials to refine patient selection, treatment sequencing, and long-term outcomes. Full article

This paper evaluates the advantages of overlapping microwave ablation (OMWA) for the personalized treatment of large tumors, providing quantitative and technical references for conformal tumor eradication. A three-dimensional numerical model coupled with electromagnetic fields and Pennes’ biological heat transfer equation was constructed, comprehensively considering the nonlinear behavior of tissue electrical and thermal parameters with temperature changes. A simulation model was developed to predict temperature distribution and the formation of the coagulation zone under single-needle multiple-point and multiple-needle multiple-point OMWA strategies. The LiTS2017 public dataset of liver tumor cases and real clinical cases was selected for verification. The results showed that OMWA could achieve faster thermal accumulation, higher central temperature, and more conformal tumor coverage. Compared with the single-needle strategy, OMWA significantly reduces thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissues while achieving complete tumor coverage. Therefore, OMWA is more efficient and safer than the single-needle strategy in the personalized treatment of large tumors and can provide important references for clinical preoperative planning and parameter optimization. Full article

Background and Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a major cause of global disability. The efficacy of a non-invasive treatment, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, remains debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate PEMF’s effectiveness on KOA, exploring the influence of device parameters. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2015 to 2025. Nine RCTs with a total of 457 patients were included. Primary outcomes were pain (Visual Analog Scale—VAS) and function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index—WOMAC). Data were pooled using a random-effects model with subgroup analyses based on PEMF amplitude and frequency. Results: No significant improvement in VAS pain or total WOMAC scores was found at one month. However, time-dependent effects were observed. WOMAC-pain improved significantly at 18–21 days (MD = −1.63, 95% CI: −2.43 to −0.82, I² = 28%) but not at one month. Conversely, WOMAC-stiffness (MD = −1.11, 95% CI: −1.386 to −0.85, I² = 0%) and daily activity (MD = −3.39, 95% CI: −4.81 to −1.97, I² = 0%) improved significantly only at the one-month. Objective functional measures did not improve, and the overall risk of bias across studies was high. The efficacy of PEMF is also influenced by the amplitude and frequency. Conclusions: PEMF efficacy for KOA is nuanced, with benefits dependent on timing and device parameters. High frequency gives fast pain relief; high amplitude builds function. Though statistically significant, these improvements may not reach thresholds for clinical meaningfulness. Significant heterogeneity in treatment protocols is a major barrier to clear conclusions. Standardized, large-scale RCTs are needed to determine optimal parameters and confirm PEMF’s clinical role. Full article

The review describes advances in stimulus-sensitive carriers for chemotherapy of various organs, since selectivity in cytotoxicity against cancer and normal cells is a key factor in effective cancer treatment. Special attention is devoted to particle carriers composed of natural compounds, such as lipids, phospholipids, oligopeptides, and synthetic macromolecules, that are sensitive to internal or external stimuli, and delivered to targeted body tissue in a controlled manner. The stimuli discussed include the following: temperature, pH, enzymes, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, and redox potential. The description of stimulus-sensitive drug delivery, the methods for synthesizing polymers and copolymers, and the preparation of nano- and microparticles are briefly presented. A description of drug delivery systems (DDSs) with controlled release to specific organs, such as the breast, intestine, lung, prostate, etc., is preceded by a description of methods for preparing drug carriers. The review also covers DDSs at various stages of preclinical and clinical trials and summarizes the state of knowledge on this subject. Full article

The rapid advancement and widespread application of telecommunication technologies have significantly increased human exposure to electromagnetic waves, thereby intensifying the demand for effective electromagnetic shielding materials. Beyond potential health concerns, ensuring the stable performance of highly integrated electronic devices also necessitates protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this study, the effects of processing conditions on the EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of AZ61 magnesium alloy sheets were systematically investigated. Aging treatment of rolled AZ61 alloy promoted the formation of Mg₁₇Al₁₂ lamellae. Transmission Kikuchi diffraction analysis revealed that plate-like Mg₁₇Al₁₂ precipitates preferentially formed on the (0001) planes of the Mg matrix, contributing to improved EMI shielding. The rolled AZ61 sheet exhibited the highest SE in both the as-rolled state (83.1 dB at 900 MHz) and after aging for 131 h at 250 °C (76.2 dB at 900 MHz). The superior shielding performance of the as-rolled sheet is attributed to its high density of deformation-induced defects such as dislocations and twins, which induce lattice distortions and impede wave propagation. Meanwhile, the enhanced SE from the 131 h-aged condition results from multiple reflections of incident electromagnetic waves facilitated by the matrix–precipitate lamellar microstructure. Full article