Search Results (8,778)

Background/Objectives: Coupled with the already-problematic background rates of traditional cigarette consumption during pregnancy, the surging epidemic of electronic cigarette usage among pregnant women redoubles the importance of understanding the impacts of nicotine exposure during critical periods of development. To date, a burgeoning body of human epidemiological and animal model research indicates that not only the children but also the grandchildren of maternal smokers are at higher risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia and are predisposed to neurodevelopmental abnormalities which transcend these diagnoses. However, the roles of discrete cellular sub-populations in these and other intergenerational consequences of smoking during pregnancy remain indeterminate. Methods: Toward the resolution of this void in the literature, the present study characterized alterations in the gene expression profiles of dopamine receptor D1-expressing striatal cells from the first- and second-generation male progeny of female mice that were continuously exposed to nicotine beginning prior to conception, continuing throughout pregnancy, and concluding upon weaning of offspring. Results: Dopamine receptor D1-expressing striatal cells from our mouse models of the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers exhibit differential expression patterns for a multitude of genes that are (1) individually associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, (2) collectively overrepresented in gene set annotations related to brain, behavioral, neurobiological, and epigenomic phenotypes shared among neurodevelopmental disorders, and (3) orthologous to human genes that exhibit differential DNA methylation signatures in the newborns of maternal smokers. Conclusions: Together with our and others’ previous findings, the results of this study support the emerging theory that, by inducing extensive alterations in gene expression that in turn elicit cascading neurobiological changes which ultimately confer widespread neurobehavioral abnormalities, nicotine-induced epigenomic dysregulation may be a primary driver of neurodevelopmental deficits and disorders in the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and grid storage, but their rapidly increasing demand is paralleled by growing waste volumes. Current disposal methods remain costly, complex, energy-intensive, and environmentally unsustainable. This pilot study investigates a scalable, low-impact disposal method by incorporating LIB waste into concrete, evaluating both the structural and environmental effects of LIB waste on concrete performance. Several cement–mortar cube specimens were cast and tested under compression using the cement–mortar mix with varying battery waste components, such as black mass and varied metals. All mortar mixes maintained an identical water-to-cement ratio. The compressive strength of the cubes was measured at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after casting and compared. The mix containing black mass exhibited a 35% reduction in compressive strength on day 28, whereas the mix containing varied metals showed a 55% reduction relative to the control mix without LIB waste. A case study was conducted to evaluate the combined structural and environmental performance of a concrete specimen incorporating LIB waste by estimating the embodied carbon (EC) for each mix and comparing the strength-to-net EC ratio. Selective incorporation of LIB waste into concrete provides a practical, low-carbon upcycling pathway, reducing both embodied carbon and landfill burden while enabling greener, non-structural construction materials. This sustainable approach simultaneously mitigates battery waste and lowers cement-related CO₂ emissions, delivering usable concrete for non-structural and low-strength structural applications. Full article

Power supply for traction substations (TSs) of AC railways has traditionally been provided by 110–220 kV overhead transmission lines (OHL). These OHLs can be damaged during strong winds and ice formation. Furthermore, these lines generate significant electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which adversely affect maintenance personnel, the public, and the environment. Mitigating the resulting damages requires the establishment of protection zones, necessitating significant land allocation. Enhancing the reliability of power supply to traction substations and reducing EMF levels can be achieved through the use of gas-insulated lines (GIL), whose application in the power industry of many countries is continuously increasing. The aim of the research presented in this article was to develop computer models for determining the EMF of a GIL supplying a group of traction substations, taking into account actual traction loads characterized by non-sinusoidal waveforms and asymmetry. To solve this problem, an approach implemented in the Fazonord AC-DC software package, based on the use of phase coordinates, was applied. This allowed for the correct accounting of the skin effect and proximity effect in the massive current-carrying parts of the GIL, as well as the influence of asymmetry and harmonic distortions. The simulation results showed that the use of GIL brings the voltage unbalance factors at the 110 kV busbars of the traction substations within the permissible range, with the maximum values of these coefficients not exceeding 2%. The results of the harmonic distortion assessment demonstrated a significant reduction in harmonic distortion factors in the 110 kV network for the GIL compared to the OHL. The performed electromagnetic field calculations confirmed that the GIL generates magnetic field strengths one order of magnitude lower than those of the OHL. The obtained results lead to the conclusion that the use of gas-insulated lines for powering traction substations is highly effective, ensuring increased reliability, improved power quality, and a reduced negative impact of EMF on personnel, the public, the environment, and electronic equipment. Full article

A conceptual design study is presented for a hemispherical, two-chamber water Cherenkov detector instrumented with bladder-embedded light traps. The detector consists of a rigid aluminium vessel enclosing a water volume that is divided into an outer, optically black chamber and a inner, reflective chamber lined by a flexible bladder. Arrays of light-trap modules, based on plastic scintillators with wavelength-shifting elements and thin silicon photomultipliers, are integrated into the bladder and selected inner surfaces. This geometry is intended to enhance muon tagging, increase acceptance for inclined air showers, and enable improved discrimination between electromagnetic and hadronic components. The study describes the mechanical and optical layout of the detector, the baseline aluminium housing, and the use of 3D-printed hexagonal prototypes to validate integration of the bladder and readout electronics. A first-order structural assessment based on thin-shell and plate theory is presented, indicating large safety margins for the hemispherical shells and identifying the flat base as the mechanically most loaded component. While GEANT4 simulations for detector response to extensive air showers in the atmosphere and performance measurements are left to future work, the present study establishes a mechanically validated, costed baseline design and outlines the steps needed to assess its impact in air-shower arrays. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely employed across various industrial, medical, and consumer applications due to their unique biocidal properties, raising concerns about their potential impact on biota such as planktonic microinvertebrates, which, in turn, necessitates the rapid development of in vivo nanotoxicological bioassays. Here, we combined physicochemical particle characterization with organismal responses to assess the in vivo nanotoxicity of chemically synthesized AgNPs in the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis (Ploimida, Brachionidae). Particles were fully characterized by dynamic light scattering (hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy in both stock and exposure media. Rotifers were exposed to low AgNP concentrations: 0 (control), 2, and 20 µg/L. After a 24 h exposure, in vivo metabolic activity was quantified via resazurin reduction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the fluorescent probe H₂DCF-DA (excitation 485 nm, emission 530 nm), quantified by fluorimeter and fluorescence microscopy. Results showed that AgNP exposure decreased ROS levels at both tested concentrations, a finding that can be linked to reduced aerobic metabolic activity in the rotifers. These findings demonstrate that B. plicatilis provides a rapid and sensitive in vivo toxicity assessment that integrates metabolic and ROS endpoints for nano-ecotoxicity evaluations. Full article

Background and Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is a major global public health problem that can occur at any age. Pediatric CD can be typical, atypical, or even asymptomatic. Early diagnosis and early initiation of treatment are essential for improving patients’ quality of life and preventing serious complications later in life. However, it is impossible to identify asymptomatic children and adolescents without screening. In this systematic review, we attempted to identify different mass screening programs that have been reported for CD in apparently healthy children and adolescents across the world, to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of such strategies, and to collect and synthesize data from these studies reporting the prevalence of CD. In addition, where data were available, we also attempted to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the tests used, their cost-effectiveness, the reported clinical benefits, and follow-up data from individuals identified through screening. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases, including PubMed and Scopus, were systematically searched. Initially, a total of 316 studies were retrieved. Finally, 55 studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The included studies were published between 1996 and 2023. Results: The reported age of participants ranged from 6 months to 23 years. Confirmation of CD by biopsy was reported in all but six studies. According to the studies that provided data, the (tTG IgA) seroprevalence of CD in apparently healthy children and adolescents, detected through different mass screening methods around the world, ranged from 0.20% (Turkey) to 3.11% (Italy). In addition, the prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CD ranged from 0.036% (Vietnam) to 3% (Sweden and Spain). Studies from 17 countries reported mass screening strategies based on finger-prick rapid tests. All rapid tests detected CD antibodies, except two, which detected HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes. Rapid tests appeared to be no less sensitive and specific than other screening tests for CD and were probably less expensive, but further studies are needed for more reliable conclusions. Of the 55 studies in the review, only 10 reported follow-up data. After 3 months of a gluten-free diet, the general condition of the patients improved; after 6 months, tTG IgA and EMA IgA levels decreased and hemoglobin values increased; while after 1 year, tTG IgG levels also decreased, symptoms subsided, the children’s weight and height increased, school performance improved, episodes of upper respiratory tract infections decreased, and thyreoperoxidase antibodies that were positive at screening became negative. Conclusions: Mass screening for CD in asymptomatic children and adolescents is a challenge. Future research should provide more answers regarding the most appropriate target age, the frequency of screening, the optimal screening method, the cost-effectiveness, the clinical utility, and the long-term impact of mass screening on patients’ quality of life. Full article

Background: Nicotine use among the youth has been on the rise, especially with the introduction of E-cigarettes. This has sparked concerns regarding E-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes in terms of patterns, dependence, and perceptions within the youth population, which are issues this study aimed to investigate. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among university students at Ajman University, which is in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Using the Cigarette Dependence Scale (CDS-12) and Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PS-ECDI), dependence on both cigarettes and E-cigarettes was quantified. Results: Out of 1713 respondents, 18.9% were currently using nicotine products, including E-cigarettes (12.7%) and traditional cigarettes (5.1%). Nicotine use was significantly associated more with males than females with an odds ratio of 4.14. However, there was no difference between genders in the dependence scores. In addition, dual nicotine use and an earlier onset of nicotine consumption were associated with significantly higher dependence scores than single users and a late onset of smoking. Participants overall attributed cigarettes and E-cigarettes as equally harmful. Conclusions: Both cigarette and e-cigarette use were prevalent and associated with notable dependence. Although E-cigarettes are often promoted as cessation aids, their use in our sample did not appear to facilitate quitting and may instead sustain nicotine dependence. Targeted youth-focused cessation programs and stricter marketing and sales regulations are essential to prevent further normalization. Longitudinal studies are needed to track evolving patterns and health impacts in the MENA region. Full article

This study investigates the design of bio-hybrid sandwich composites by combining polyester/glass skins with cores reinforced by continuous Musa paradisiaca fibres. The aim is to quantify how fibre weight fraction and alkaline surface treatment control the Charpy impact performance of these systems. Sandwich laminates were manufactured with three fibre loadings in the core (20, 25 and 30 wt.%), using fibres in the as-received condition and after alkaline treatment in NaOH solution. Charpy impact specimens were machined from the laminates and tested according to ISO 179-1. Fibre morphology and fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor changes in surface chemistry after alkaline treatment. The combined effect of fibre content and treatment on absorbed energy was assessed through a two-way analysis of variance. Increasing Musa paradisiaca fibre content up to 30 wt.% enhanced the impact energy of the sandwich composites, and alkaline treatment further improved performance by strengthening fibre–matrix adhesion and promoting fibre pull-out, crack deflection and bridging mechanisms. The best Charpy impact response was obtained for cores containing 30 wt.% NaOH-treated fibres, demonstrating that surface modification and optimised fibre loading are effective design parameters for toughening polyester/glass bio-hybrid sandwich composites. Full article

The global clean energy transition requires power conversion technologies that combine high efficiency, operational flexibility, and reduced environmental impact over their entire service life. Solid-state transformers (SSTs) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional line-frequency transformers, offering bidirectional power flow, high-frequency isolation, and advanced control capabilities that support renewable integration and electrified infrastructures. This paper presents a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of conventional transformers and SSTs across representative power-system applications, including residential and industrial distribution networks, electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure, and transmission–distribution interface substations. The analysis follows a cradle-to-grave approach and is based on literature-derived LCA data, manufacturer specifications, and harmonized engineering assumptions applied consistently across all case studies. The results show that, under identical assumptions, SST-based solutions are associated with indicative lifecycle CO₂ emission reductions of approximately 10–30% compared to conventional transformers, depending on power rating and operating profile (≈90–1000 t CO₂ over 25 years across the four cases). These reductions are primarily driven by lower operational losses and reduced material intensity, while additional system-level benefits arise from enhanced controllability and compatibility with renewable-rich and hybrid AC/DC grids. The study also identifies key challenges that influence the sustainability performance of SSTs, including higher capital cost, thermal management requirements, and the long-term reliability of power-electronic components. Overall, the results indicate that SSTs represent a relevant enabling technology for future low-carbon power systems, while highlighting the importance of transparent assumptions and lifecycle-oriented evaluation when comparing emerging grid technologies. Full article

The valorization of dredged sediments represents a major environmental and logistical challenge, particularly in the context of forthcoming regulations restricting their marine disposal. This study investigates the potential of untreated dredged sediments as sustainable raw materials for geopolymer binder development, with the dual objective of sustainable sediment management and reduction in cement-related environmental impact. Dredged sediments from the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux (GPMB) were activated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃), both alone and in combination, with supplementary aluminosilicate and calcium-rich co-products, to assess their reactivity and effect on binder performance. A multi-scale experimental approach combining mechanical testing, calorimetry, porosity analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was employed to challenge the commonly assumed inert behavior of sediments within geopolymer matrices, to elucidate gel formation mechanisms, and to optimize binder formulation. The results show that untreated sediments actively participate in alkali activation, reaching compressive strengths of up to 5.16 MPa at 90 days without thermal pre-treatment. Calcium-poor systems exhibited progressive long-term strength development associated with the formation of homogeneous aluminosilicate gels and refined microporosity, whereas calcium-rich systems showed higher early age strength but more limited long-term performance, linked to heterogeneous gel coexistence and increased total porosity. These findings provide direct evidence of the intrinsic reactivity of untreated dredged sediments and highlight the critical role of gel chemistry and calcium content in controlling long-term performance. The proposed approach offers a viable pathway for low-impact, on-site sediment valorization in civil engineering applications. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sterilization of low-adhesive films with ethylene oxide (EO) or accelerated electrons (radiation sterilization) on their performance in the context of their use to protect forensic traces. It was hypothesized that the implementation of the sterilization process made it possible to obtain functional tools for securing traces. The analysis showed that changes in surface density, density, tensile strength, and adhesion strength do not significantly affect the functional performance of the tapes. Additionally, no alterations in chemical resistance were observed following either sterilization method. The results confirm that both sterilization techniques are suitable for obtaining sterile tapes for forensic applications. Full article

In this study, a procedure to build Bayesian optimal designs using utility functions and exploiting existing data is proposed. The procedure is illustrated through a case study in the field of reliability, by applying a hierarchical Bayesian model and performing Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations. Two innovative contributions are introduced: (i) the definition of specific utility functions that involve several key issues and (ii) the use of observational data. The use of observational data makes it possible to build the optimal design without additional costs for the company, while the definition of the utility functions accounts for the specific characteristics of the reliability study. Features like model residuals, i.e., discrepancies between observed and predicted response values, and the costs of the electronic component are addressed. Costs are also weighted considering the environmental impact. Satisfactory results are obtained and subsequently validated through an in-depth sensitivity analysis. Full article

Background and Objectives: E-cigarette use among middle and high school students steadily increased in the last decade, raising significant public health concerns. It is argued that e-cigarettes contain a lower level of toxicants than combustible tobacco cigarettes. This perception has contributed to the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among youth. However, lower level of toxicants does not mean addiction is less likely. In this study, we examine trends in the usage of electronic cigarettes among middle and high school students in the U.S. from 2018 to 2023, compare these patterns with traditional cigarette use over the same period and population, and explore the underlying reasons driving e-cigarette use within this demographic. Understanding patterns and motivations are essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. Materials and Methods: Data were derived from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Population-level estimates and standard errors were calculated to facilitate comparisons across subgroups and time points. Results: A declining trend in e-cigarette use was observed over the study period. The proportion of students who reported exclusive e-cigarette use was significantly higher than that of those who used combustible cigarettes exclusively. Among reported motivations, anxiety consistently ranked among the top three reasons for vaping for current users. Conclusions: The downward trend in youth e-cigarette experimentation is encouraging. However, the period from 2020 to 2023, which includes the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021) era, may have impacted usage patterns. Alarmingly, the number of students who vape exclusively is approximately five times greater than that of those who smoke only cigarettes. This finding contradicts claims by e-cigarette manufacturers that their products facilitate smoking cessation. Further rising e-cigarette smoking exclusively is of public health concern, which warrants targeted intervention. Full article

The photovoltaic (PV) bands on the mid-wave and long-wave infrared (MWIR and LWIR) cold focal plane assemblies of Terra and Aqua MODIS have suffered from gradually increasing electronic crosstalk contamination as both instruments have continued to operate in their extended missions, respectively. This contamination has considerable impact, particularly for the PV LWIR bands, which includes image striping and radiometric bias in the Level-1B (L1B)-calibrated radiance products as well as higher level (and mostly atmospheric but also land and oceanic) products (e.g., cloud phase particle, cloud mask, land and sea surface temperatures). The crosstalk was characterized early in the mission, and test corrections were developed then. Ultimately, the groundwork for a robust electronic crosstalk correction algorithm was developed in 2016 and implemented in MODIS Collection 6.1 (C6.1) back in 2017 for the Terra MODIS PV LWIR bands. It was later introduced in Aqua MODIS C6.1 for the same group of bands in April 2022. Additional improvements were made in MODIS Collection 7 (C7) to better characterize the electronic crosstalk in the PV LWIR bands, and the electronic crosstalk correction algorithm was also extended to select detectors in the MODIS MWIR bands. This work will describe the electronic crosstalk correction algorithm and its application on the MODIS L1B product, the differences in application between C6.1 and C7, as well as additional improvements made to enhance the contamination correction and improve image quality for the Aqua MODIS PV LWIR bands. The electronic crosstalk correction coefficient time series for the MODIS PV bands will be discussed, and some cases will be presented to illustrate how image quality improves on the L1B and Level 2 products after the correction is applied. Lastly, experiences gained regarding the PV bands electronic crosstalk and the strategy used to correct it will be discussed to provide future data users and scientists with an insight as to how to improve on the legacy record that the Terra and Aqua MODIS sensors will leave behind after both spacecrafts are decommissioned. Full article

We present a brief review of a nontraditional but significant application for a high-temperature charged plasma. The unorthodox proposition was made by Barry Ninham concerning a contribution from Casimir forces across high-temperature electron–positron plasma in nuclear interactions. The key message in this review is that high temperatures (about ${10}^{11}$ K) are found to be essential. Certainly, classical, semi-classical, and quantum considerations for the background media impact both the Casimir effect and the physics of stars and the Universe. Full article