Search Results (12,104)

Rechargeable zinc-based batteries (ZBBs) have attracted considerable attention for use in large-scale energy storage systems due to their inherent high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the practical applicability of ZBBs is limited by challenges related to the anode—such as uncontrollable zinc dendritic growth, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and corrosion—which lead to significant polarization, capacity degradation, and unsatisfactory Coulombic efficiency of the ZBBs. Polyacrylamide (PAM)-based hydrogels have emerged as promising electrolyte materials to address these challenges due to their superior mechanical properties, flexibility, high ionic conductivity, and structural designability. Considering the rapid increase in research attention regarding this topic, we comprehensively summarize recent progress in PAM-based hydrogels as electrolytes for ZBBs in this study. First, we discuss the key challenges associated with Zn anodes in ZBBs, together with corresponding optimization strategies. Next, we detail the fundamental structure, properties, and synthesis of PAM-based hydrogels. Then, the relationships among synthetic methods, nano/microstructures, and electrochemical properties are systematically reviewed and discussed. Finally, prospects for the rational design and application of PAM-based hydrogels in ZBBs are summarized. Full article

Traumatic fractures are common in small animal emergency care, yet subtle fracture lines may be difficult to identify accurately using routine three-dimensional reconstruction workflows, particularly when access to specialized software is limited. This study describes the use of the open-source platform Three-Dimensional Slicer for computed tomography-based reconstruction and three-dimensional printing in a small dog with cranial trauma, with emphasis on documenting a practical and reproducible workflow through voxel resampling. Imaging data were imported into the software, bone structures were segmented using a rapid workflow, voxel spacing was resampled for smoother surface visualization by volume resampling, and the reconstructed model was processed for physical printing. Digital models of different resolutions were generated within minutes, and a life-size skull model was successfully fabricated using fused deposition modeling in less than three hours at a material cost of under one United States dollar. The enhanced model provided an intuitive representation of fracture morphology and spatial relationships compared with routine reconstruction alone. These findings demonstrate that open-source software combined with low-cost printing can provide a rapid, affordable, and user-friendly approach for practical skeletal reconstruction in small animals, with practical value for fracture assessment, preoperative planning, and broader use in resource-limited veterinary settings. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are widely recognized as emerging contaminants in freshwater environments. Their identification often relies on extensive sample preparation and chemical treatments, which increase analysis time, reagent use, and overall resource consumption. Consequently, there is a growing need for sustainable analytical approaches enabling reliable MP detection while minimizing sample handling. This study proposes an analytical workflow based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) as a proof-of-concept approach for direct identification of MPs in freshwater samples. Water samples collected from three different rivers, containing heterogeneous natural materials, were spiked with MPs (250–1000 μm) of three common polymers, namely high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP), to simulate realistic contamination scenarios. HSI acquisitions were performed in the short-wave infrared range (SWIR: 1000–2500 nm). Spectral preprocessing and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied for data exploration, while a hierarchical partial least squares-discriminant analysis (Hi-PLS-DA) model was developed to classify five target classes: natural materials, water, HDPE, PS, and PP. Despite sample complexity, the proposed workflow achieved satisfactory classification results, as demonstrated by the predicted class map and the corresponding statistical metrics (sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1-score: 0.900–0.999). These results highlight the potential of the SWIR-HSI-based approach as a rapid and sustainable method for direct MP identification in freshwater samples and provide methodological insights for rapid MP screening strategies requiring minimal sample preparation. Full article

This paper critically examines disability-inclusive design theory and practice through the lens of new materialism, tracing a shift from designing for users to designing with and ultimately from disability. It reveals a key paradox: while participatory and disability-led approaches foreground lived experience and plural voices, design outcomes must still function across shared, pluriversal contexts. Individual accounts of disability generate situated, partial knowledge that cannot be straightforwardly generalised, creating persistent tensions between singular experiences and collective design needs. By introducing a relational ontology, the paper reframes design knowledge as emergent from dynamic interactions between people, materials and contexts, destabilising binaries such as designer/user and disabled/non-disabled. The proposed praxeology advances disability leadership, positionality and embedded participation as core to design practice. These insights prompt new research questions around how plural, situated knowledges can inform scalable design decisions, how conflicting lived experiences can be ethically negotiated, and how relational, material perspectives can reshape methodologies for inclusive and socially just design. Full article

Following the PRISMA-ScR framework for scoping reviews, we systematically searched five databases (Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Web of Science) using a Boolean query combining real-time processing, 3D reconstruction, and deformation modelling terms. From 86 records identified, 56 peer-reviewed publications (2009–2025) were retained after two-stage screening and organized into a unified taxonomy covering sensing modalities (RGB-D, LiDAR, tactile), reconstruction pipelines (volumetric fusion, NRSfM, neural radiance fields), and deformation models (FEM, PBD, mass-spring, GNN-based surrogates, differentiable simulators). Of the 56 included works, 60% were published between 2022 and 2025, confirming the field’s rapid growth. Neural and implicit representations account for 20% of contributions, FEM-based methods for 16%, and hybrid or application-specific pipelines for 21%. Four systemic gaps emerge: the absence of a unified physics-aware benchmark; unresolved speed–accuracy trade-offs (PBD achieves >30 FPS on desktop GPUs for 10³–10⁴ vertex meshes but lacks mapping to physical material constants (Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio), limiting material fidelity; full-order FEM ensures physically consistent stress–strain behavior but runs at only 1–10 FPS without order reduction; reduced-order FEM recovers interactive rates for low-frequency deformation modes); fragile handling of occlusions and multi-object contact; and limited end-to-end integration of sensing and simulation. The findings support the presentation of a research roadmap centered on model order reduction, differentiable physics, multimodal sensing fusion, and standardized evaluation protocols, with implications for robust digital twins of deformable environments. Full article

The increasing demand for lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), and rare earth elements (REEs) driven by battery technologies, electrification and renewable energy systems has intensified the interest in recovery pathways as an alternative to conventional mining. High-salinity mine waters—including lithium brines, geothermal fluids, and metallurgical effluents—represent both an environmental liability and a significant secondary resource for metal recovery. However, extreme ionic strength, complex metal speciation, and strong competition from major ions severely limit the efficiency and selectivity of traditional extraction technologies. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are promising biological agents for metal recovery via biosorption, bioaccumulation, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-mediated binding, especially in saline and hypersaline systems. This review synthesises current knowledge on microalgal-based recovery of Li, Co, and REEs from high-salinity waters, emphasising co-design principles that integrate strain physiology, their adaptation to the extreme operating conditions, water chemistry, and process engineering. Halotolerant and extremophilic taxa—Nannochloropsis oceanica, Galdieria sulphuraria, and Synechococcus elongatus—are examined as representative models for complementary metal-binding mechanisms and operational niches. Limitations such as weak affinity for lithium, competitive ion suppression, desorption inefficiencies, and scale-up challenges are discussed. Emerging strategies such as modular multi-strain systems, hybrid bio-physicochemical platforms, and biomass valorisation are also addressed. The review concludes that microalgal systems, when co-designed for selectivity and resilience, can contribute to the strategic recovery of critical materials that align with EU, UK and US policies. Full article

Hydrogen-compatible elastomeric seals are critical for the reliability and safety of high-pressure hydrogen infrastructure. However, hydrogen exposure can alter the mechanical response and surface condition of elastomeric materials through coupled transport–mechanical interactions. This study presents a comparative experimental and data-driven investigation of the pressure-dependent degradation behavior of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), and fluorocarbon elastomer (FKM) O-ring seals following 192 h exposure to hydrogen pressures ranging from 800 to 7000 psi at room temperature. Tensile testing was performed directly on complete O-ring geometries, and descriptor-based analysis was used to quantify peak-response behavior, energy absorption, stiffness evolution, and normalized deformation characteristics. Multivariate statistical methods, principal component analysis (PCA), clustering analysis, and Random Forest regression were applied to identify material-specific degradation patterns. NBR maintained the highest overall load-bearing capability and stiffness-related response across the investigated pressure range, whereas EPDM exhibited more compliant and non-monotonic deformation behavior. FKM showed the strongest pressure sensitivity, with substantial increases in force- and stiffness-related descriptors at elevated hydrogen pressures. Optical image analysis revealed pronounced increases in defect density and defect area fraction for NBR, while FKM exhibited comparatively stable surface-state behavior. PCA and clustering analyses identified distinct material-dependent degradation trajectories, and Random Forest regression achieved an R² value of 0.888 for energy-absorption prediction. The results demonstrate that hydrogen-induced degradation emerges through coupled interactions among stiffness evolution, deformation progression, energy absorption, and surface-state changes, providing a comparative framework for assessing elastomer performance in hydrogen environments. Full article

Liver-on-a-chip (LoC) platforms offer promising alternatives to conventional in vitro and animal models for studying hepatic function and drug response; however, wide variability in cell sources, seeding strategies, extracellular matrices (ECMs), and functional assays limits reproducibility. This study reviews reported 2D and 3D LoC systems to identify commonly used liver cell types, seeding densities, ECM materials, and albumin/urea assay methods. Immortalised HepG2-based models dominate current platforms, with optimal seeding densities typically ranging from ~3 × 10⁶ cells/mL in 2D systems and 0.5–5 × 10⁶ cells/mL in 3D constructs. Collagen I, alone or combined with Matrigel, emerged as the most frequently adopted ECM. Functional assessment across studies highlighted albumin and urea as robust markers, with Abcam ELISA and QuantiChrom DIUR assays providing suitable sensitivity for microfluidic sample volumes. Collectively, this work establishes practical benchmarks for hepatic cell selection, seeding parameters, ECM choice, and assay selection, supporting more standardised and reproducible LoC development. Full article

Introduction: Several Enterobacterales species harboring New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) have been reported worldwide. Among them is Providencia stuartii (P. stuartii), an emerging pathogen in nosocomial infections. Objective: This study aimed to perform the clinical and genomic characterization of NDM-1-producing P. stuartii isolates recovered from hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted between April and September 2021 at a Brazilian teaching hospital. Fifty P. stuartii isolates were identified, and carbapenem-resistant isolates underwent phenotypic and molecular characterization. Genetic relatedness was assessed by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR), and selected isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing using the Illumina NextSeq platform to determine sequence types, resistance genes, virulence determinants, and plasmid content. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Among the 50 isolates, 21 (42%) harbored the blaNDM-1 gene. Most isolates were recovered from tracheal aspirates (57.2%), followed by blood (23.8%), urine (9.5%), and skin and soft tissue samples (9.5%). Significant associations were observed between NDM-1-producing isolates and SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.013), central venous catheter use (p = 0.012), mechanical ventilation (p = 0.006), hemodialysis (p = 0.033), previous antimicrobial exposure, and mortality (p = 0.021). Genomic analysis revealed the presence of blaNDM-1, blaOXA-1, and multiple resistance determinants associated with aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines, and folate pathway inhibitors. ERIC-PCR demonstrated low genetic variability among isolates, suggesting possible clonal dissemination within the hospital environment. Conclusions: This study reports the emergence of NDM-1-producing P. stuartii during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian teaching hospital. The low genetic variability among isolates and the multidrug-resistant profile highlight the potential for nosocomial dissemination and reinforce the importance of genomic surveillance and infection control strategies. Full article

The transition towards the circular economy (CE) is fundamentally reshaping Italian agrifood systems, thus enhancing sustainability. The aim of this research is to establish a spatially advanced framework for quantifying, monitoring, and valorizing agricultural residues, supporting their transition from being disposed of to being a valuable secondary material for renewable bioenergy. This study provides a provincial-scale territorial screening of selected agricultural residues in Italy based on a five-year average dataset (2020–2024) of apples, peaches, grapes, fava beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. The main contribution lies in combining crop-specific residue quantification, GIS-based mapping, and Local Moran’s I analysis to identify spatial clusters of theoretical bioenergy potential. The results indicate a geographically polarized pattern, with northern areas, such as Bolzano, which offers over 1.06 million GJ, exhibiting substantial potential driven by apple orchards. Conversely, southern regions have emerged as major contributors to grape- and legume-derived bioenergy potential. The integration of geospatial intelligence with the assessment of agricultural residues and their energy potential supports the implementation of circularity by optimizing biomass logistics, providing practitioners and stakeholders with environmental and economic data for improved sustainability performance. Full article

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are emerging as biomimetic bioelectrochemical systems that emulate naturally occurring microbial electron-transfer pathways for stimulus bioenergy generation and wastewater remediation. In this study, food–vegetable leachate (FVL) and sugarcane bagasse-derived biol were evaluated in combination with carbon fiber (CF) and biochar-modified carbon fiber (BCF) electrodes used as membrane components in MFCs. Four configurations, in duplicate, were constructed by coupling two substrates (biol or FVL) with two membrane types (CF and BCF). All systems exhibited progressive anodic acidification and up to a 55% increase in electrical conductivity. The highest voltage output was achieved in MFC-BL-2 (404.59 mV), followed by MFC-FL-1, driven by synergistic interactions between the substrate and biochar-enhanced conductive networks. MFC-FL-1 also demonstrated superior contaminant removal performance, achieving 60% COD reduction, 36% BOD reduction, and 50% NH₄⁺–N removal. SEM–EDS analysis confirmed that biochar-modified electrodes developed a porous structure and substantially enhanced microbial adhesion. FVL-fed systems formed dispersed electroactive biofilms that facilitated electron transfer, whereas biol-fed systems developed compact biofilms that constrained electron flux. By integrating waste-derived lignocellulosic materials with electroactive microbial consortia, this work advances a biomimetic circular bioengineering platform for sustainable bioelectrochemical recovery and wastewater remediation. Full article

Aim: To evaluate the leveling of the curve of Spee (COS) of the lower arch in deep-bite patients by using three different clear aligners: Invisalign^® Align Technology^® Inc. (Santa Clara, CA, USA), Spark™ Clear Aligner System Ormco™ (Brea, CA, USA) and Angel Aligner™ Technology Inc. (Shanghai, China). Material and Methods: Sixty-nine patients were selected based on specific criteria and subdivided in three different groups based on clear aligner systems used for their treatment: Invisalign^® Aligner (I group), Spark™ Clear Aligner (S group), and Angel Aligner™ (A group). All patients were treated from 2021 to 2025 by the same orthodontist with extensive experience in the aligner technique, following a standardized protocol for deep-bite resolution. The STL files of the lower arch were analyzed using MeshLab software at three specific time points: pre-treatment (ID), post-treatment (AC), defined as the result achieved after the first set of aligners, and digital planning (EC). In all three groups, the differences between AC-ID and EC-AC were examined by means of the T-test; intergroup variations were also compared using the ANOVA test. Results: The study revealed that aligners were only minimally effective at leveling the COS. The planned dental movements were not fully achieved, leading to a low accuracy of the treatment. The highest mean accuracy was detected in the Angel Aligner™ group (39%). Conclusions: The clear aligner treatment for leveling the COS presents limits in terms of biomechanics of the device. The study shows that no clinically and statistically significant differences emerged across the three systems used. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of current study was the significant improvement of both the flowability and the compressibility of mesoporous silica microparticles (MSMs), to enable the formulation a potential drug delivery system. MSMs are of emerging interest in the pharmaceutical industry, due to their numerous advantages and versatile applicability, such as improvement in aqueous solubility and epithelial permeability, thus enhancing the oral bioavailability of drugs. However, the formulation of these types of materials has been a major challenge. This problem originates from poor powder flow characteristics due to particle properties. Methods: A binder-free high-shear wet granulation (HSWG) process was performed to improve the flowability and compressibility of the model material, meanwhile preserving its porosity. The prepared granules were characterized by particle size, size distribution, yield percentage, particle morphology, porosity, powder flowability, crushing strength, and stability. Micro-CT measurements were performed to examine the structure of the granules and to see the internal segmentation resulted by the two-step granulation process. The granules were compressed into tablets to evaluate the compressibility behavior based on the models of Kawakita and Walker. The physical parameters of the compressed tablets, such as breaking hardness, tensile strength, and thickness, were tested. Results: The prepared granules were evaluated successfully according to the mentioned properties and found to be satisfactory compared to the raw materials. The binder-free method appeared to be effective, thus the use of binders may be avoided if the process is designed well and critical process parameters (CPPs) selected carefully. The granules showed good stability over a one-year testing period. The micro-CT test also verified the success of the initial concept of preparing core–shell structured granules, and enabled the determination of macropores. Nevertheless, the results were completed with BET measurements to determine specific surface area of the granules. Conclusions: The effect of the critical process parameters of the granulation process on all the mentioned attributes was investigated and since major differences were observed between the batches, the effect of the selected CPPs were also verified. Full article

Seed enhancement technologies have emerged as promising approaches to improve seedling growth and nursery performance of forest tree species. This study evaluated the effects of combining seed priming and seed coating technologies with beneficial microbial inoculants on the seedling quality of Falcataria falcata (L.) Greuter & R.Rankin. Fourteen treatments, including hydropriming (HP), gibberellic acid (GA₃), Rhizobium sp., Trichoderma sp., endomycorrhiza, polymer coating, nutrients, fungicide, and insecticide, were assessed under nursery conditions. Seedling quality was determined using the number of roots, number of nodules, root-to-shoot ratio, vigor index I, and vigor index II. Significant differences among treatments were observed for all measured parameters (p < 0.001). The treatment HP + GA₃ + Rhizobium sp. + polymer coat + fungicide (T13) produced the highest number of roots (31.76 roots seedling⁻¹), indicating enhanced root development. Meanwhile, HP + endomycorrhiza (T4) resulted in the highest number of nodules (5.49 nodules seedling⁻¹), root-to-shoot ratio (0.593), and vigor index I (2055.57), reflecting improved biomass allocation and overall seedling quality. Principal component analysis explained 71.9% of the total variation and revealed distinct associations between treatments and growth attributes. Treatments containing Rhizobium sp. were primarily associated with root proliferation and seedling vigor, whereas endomycorrhizal treatments were linked to nodulation and balanced biomass development. The results demonstrate that integrating microbial inoculants with seed priming and coating technologies can significantly enhance seedling quality, even when germination responses are similar among treatments. These findings highlight the potential of biologically enhanced seeds as a sustainable strategy for producing vigorous planting materials suitable for plantation forestry, reforestation, and landscape restoration programs. Full article

Purpose: This study aims to determine the incidence of kidney injury associated with liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) treatment, based on RIFLE criteria, in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Materials and Methods: A retrospective, multicenter observational study including patients treated with L-AmB for IPA while admitted to the ICU between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2022. Results: A total of 65 patients were included. The prevalence of renal failure was 35.39%. Renal failure was mostly mild and reversible. The need for major surgery (OR 6.71; p = 0.121) and concomitant use of other nephrotoxic treatments (OR 2.5; p = 0.194) emerged as potential risk factors for the development of renal failure; however, neither association reached statistical significance. Overall mortality was 66.2%, significantly higher in the group with renal failure (82.6% vs. 57.1%; p = 0.03). Factors associated with mortality included concomitant use of other nephrotoxic agents (OR 4.51; p = 0.024) and development of renal failure (OR 3.66; p = 0.068). Duration of L-AmB treatment was not associated with mortality. Regarding creatinine recovery, all patients who developed renal failure but survived showed creatinine levels below 1.5 mg/dL after completion of treatment. Conclusions: Renal impairment was common in this high-risk population of critically ill patients, with renal function impairment in one-third of exposed patients, although most cases were mild. In this population, concomitant administration of other nephrotoxic drugs was associated with both renal failure and mortality. Treatment duration with L-AmB was not linked to mortality, and creatinine levels normalized after therapy completion. Full article