Search Results (256)

Fifty million Americans, nearly 15% of the population, live below the federal poverty level, often facing civil legal issues without representation. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long served as economic engines and vital resources for their communities. HBCU law schools uphold this legacy by preparing students for legal careers while instilling a commitment to service, particularly for underserved citizens who lack access to quality legal representation. This research examines the dual mission of HBCU law schools—educating students and serving local communities—through a systematic document analysis of publicly available materials and literature on law school clinical programs. The findings identify four key community performance indicators that define the community impact of HBCU law schools: advocacy, engagement, client outcomes, and representation. These indicators reflect a shared commitment across all institutions to addressing systemic inequities through clinical legal education, reinforcing the role of HBCU law schools as both training grounds for future attorneys and essential pillars of justice in their communities. Full article

The Great Wall of China is a cultural monument of profound historical significance and a testament to the evolution of various historical periods. As a living heritage, it holds exceptional value. However, due to inadequate protection measures in recent years, numerous sections of the Great Wall have been subject to continuous degradation. While damage to its main structural components and explicit heritage elements has been widely acknowledged, the more critical issue lies in the ambiguous recognition and insufficient safeguarding of its implicit heritage elements. This study explores the composition and classification of protective elements associated with the Great Wall, proposing a framework that emphasizes the dual safeguarding of both its tangible structures and intangible cultural significance. Employing big data collection through search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and questionnaire surveys, this research analyzes recent trends in the prioritization of heritage conservation efforts related to the Great Wall. Furthermore, by constructing a mathematical model based on the “grey relational analysis” method, the study classifies and stratifies various heritage elements to highlight the Wall’s core values and propose targeted protection strategies. The findings reveal that (1) certain regions possess considerable development potential and can be restored and planned as cultural tourism destinations; (2) conservation efforts should prioritize material restoration while preserving the intrinsic spiritual and cultural values; (3) a living heritage transmission strategy should underpin the overall protection framework. Ultimately, the study establishes a classification and grading system for conservation elements centered on the sustainable development of the Great Wall heritage. By concretely mapping the concept of living heritage protection onto the various protective elements of the Great Wall, this research offers valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing conservation practices. Full article

Since 2015, research on liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerators (L-S TENGs) has shown steady growth, with the primary focus on application domains such as engineering, physics, materials science, and chemistry. These applications have underscored the significant attention L-S TENGs have garnered in areas like human–nature interaction, energy harvesting, data sensing, and enhancing living conditions. Presently, doping composite dielectric materials and surface modification techniques are the predominant methods for improving the power generation capacity of TENGs, particularly L-S TENGs. However, studies exploring the combined effects of these two approaches to enhance the power generation capacity of TENGs remain relatively scarce. Following a review of existing literature on the use of composite material doping and surface modification to improve the power generation performance of L-S TENGs, this paper proposes an experimental framework termed “self-assembled surface TENG@carbonyl iron particle doping (SAS-TENG@CIP)” to investigate the integrated power generation effects of L-S TENGs when combining these two methods. Research cases and data results indicate that, for TENGs exhibiting capacitor-like properties, the enhancement of power generation performance through composite material doping and superhydrophobic surface modification is not limitless. Each process possesses its own inherent threshold. When these thresholds are surpassed, the percolation of current induced by material doping and electrostatic breakdown (EB) triggered by surface modification can lead to a notable decline in the power output capacity of L-S TENGs. Consequently, in practical applications moving forward, fully realizing the synergistic potential of these methods necessitates a profound understanding of the underlying scientific mechanisms. The conclusions and insights presented in this paper may facilitate their complex integration and contribute to enhancing power generation efficiency in future research. Full article

The micro-phase segregation of two incompatible components on a nanometer scale results in a unique solvent-induced extended anisotropic arrangement. With the addition of a chiral dopant, lyotropic liquid crystals can be induced to adopt a helical structure, forming lyotropic cholesteric liquid crystals capable of reflecting incident light. In this study, to prevent fluid leakage in lyotropic materials, we encapsulated a series of hydrogel-stabilized lyotropic liquid crystals, presenting tunable structural colors visible in all directions, mimicking the color-changing characteristics of living organisms. Hydrogel scaffolds with controllable swelling behaviors were engineered by incorporating crosslinking monomers. To ensure stable integration of lyotropic liquid crystals, high-boiling-point ethylene glycol was employed as a fluid during the fabrication process. This study extensively explores the relationship between tensile force, temperature, and pressure and the color changes in lyotropic liquid crystals (LC). The results indicate that lyotropic LC membranes, stabilized by ethylene glycol and PDMS encapsulation, exhibit long-term stability, rendering them suitable for applications in temperature and pressure sensing. This approach ensures the continuous presence and stability of lyotropic liquid crystals within the hydrogel matrix. Full article

Magnetic particles have gained prominence in biomedical analyses due to their unique properties, originating from the high surface area-to-volume ratio, ease of functionalization, and their ability to respond to an external magnetic field. Despite its impact in affinity-based biosensing, magnetic particle cluster formation is a largely underrepresented topic at the border of materials sciences, engineering, and biology. This mini-review examines the recent literature demonstrating novel assays based on the assembly of magnetic affinity particles and target live cells, fostering biomedical analyses. It highlights the biosensing opportunities of lab-on-a-chip characterization methods for immunomagnetic clusters and novel approaches for improving affinity capture. It critically discusses the specific means for the on–off control of particle-based immune clusters towards rapid, quantitative tools in live cell detection and analysis of their relevance for biomedical applications involving rare cells in patient samples, such as circulating tumor cells (CTC) and sepsis-related microorganisms. The review aims at encouraging research in magnetic affinity clustering control for biosensing and provides an inter-disciplinary perspective on this high-impact field. Full article

Nanogels are polymer-based, crosslinked hydrogel particles on the nanometer scale. Nanogels developed from synthetic and natural polymers have gathered a great deal of attention in industry and scientific society due to having an increased surface area, softness, flexibility, absorption, and drug loading ability, as well as their mimicking the environment of a tissue. Nanogels having biocompatibility, nontoxic and biodegradable properties with exceptional design, fabrication, and coating facilities may be used for a variety of different biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and therapy, tissue engineering, and bioimaging. Nanogels fabricated by chemical crosslinking and physical self-assembly displayed the ability to encapsulate therapeutics, including hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and small molecules, proteins, peptides, RNA and DNA sequences, and even ultrasmall nanoparticles within their three-dimensional polymer networks. One of the many drug delivery methods being investigated as a practical option for targeted delivery of drugs for cancer treatment is nanogels. The delivery of DNA and anticancer drugs like doxorubicin, epirubicin, and paclitaxel has been eased by polymeric nanogels. Stimuli-responsive PEGylated nanogels have been reported as smart nanomedicines for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Another promising biomedical application of nanogels is wound healing. Wounds are injuries to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact. There are numerous nanogels having different polymer compositions that have been reported to enhance the wound healing process, such as hyaluronan, poly-L-lysine, and berberine. When antimicrobial resistance is present, wound healing becomes a complicated process. Researchers are looking for novel alternative approaches, as foreign microorganisms in wounds are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Silver nanogels have been reported as a popular antimicrobial choice, as silver has been used as an antimicrobial throughout a prolonged period. Lignin-incorporated nanogels and lidocaine nanogels have also been reported as an antioxidant wound-dressing material that can aid in wound healing. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in biomedical applications for various nanogels, with a prime focus on cancer and wound healing. Full article

Imitating nature’s mechanisms has enormous potential to improve our lives and tools. Biomimetics emulates nature’s proven patterns and strategies to develop novel solutions widely applied in various fields. This study aims to propose an overall perspective and research direction for innovation using biomimetics. Using text network analysis and topic modeling, we analyzed the evolution of 5202 Korean R&D projects in biomimetics. The results indicate significant interdisciplinary collaborations between bioengineering, drug development, polymer chemistry, and robotics. Moreover, biomimetic national R&D has primarily focused on fundamental research and its trends reveal interconnection with topic clusters around intelligent robotics, biomedical engineering, and materials science. This study provides guidelines for governments and R&D organizations to establish biomimetic R&D plans and select convergence topics for innovation. Full article

Fatigue life testing is a crucial method for evaluating the fatigue performance of a material or part. However, the reliability and accuracy of the analysis methods applied to the data generated by such tests remain insufficient owing to their considerable scatter. This study accordingly conducted fatigue testing on fourth-generation 2060-T8 aluminum–lithium alloy specimens before and after low- and high-intensity cast steel shot peening. The resulting fatigue test data were evaluated for normality, processed using outlier identification, and subjected to hypothesis testing and comparative analysis. Finally, the fatigue reliability of each specimen group was calculated based on the significant differences between their observed fatigue lives. This study pioneers the systematic integration of normality testing, outlier identification, and hypothesis testing, constructing a multi-tiered analytical framework specifically tailored for shot peening effect evaluation. This approach fundamentally overcomes the constraints of traditional methodologies characterized by their sole reliance on mean fatigue life analysis. The determined effects of shot peening on the specimen fatigue life and data dispersion indicated that analysis using statistical methods can effectively improve the reliability of fatigue test results and support the selection of materials for use in engineering structures. Full article

The utilization of recycled materials has emerged as a pivotal strategy for mitigating resource depletion and reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. However, existing reviews predominantly focus on specific technical aspects, often overlooking the interdisciplinary complexities associated with recycled materials as a systems engineering challenge. This study systematically reviews 1533 documents from the Web of Science Core Collection, integrating quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches to assess the current state and future trajectory of the field, thereby addressing existing research gaps. The findings highlight the substantial evolution of recycled building materials from waste recovery to a multifaceted domain encompassing value assessment, circular economy principles, advanced technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and long-term societal benefits. This study identifies six key research themes in recycled building materials: life cycle assessment, biological and natural materials, recycled concrete, recycled asphalt and building infrastructure, construction and demolition waste, and environmental impacts with composite factors. Furthermore, current research is categorized into two primary dimensions: value strategies and technological tools. The analysis of future research directions underscores the potential of AI-driven innovations and their role in enhancing human living environments. However, developing countries continue to face critical challenges, necessitating further interdisciplinary integration and knowledge exchange. Finally, this study proposes a comprehensive and systematic disciplinary framework that offers valuable insights for future strategic planning and technological advancements in the field. Full article

Mangrove forests are vital for flood reduction, yet their failure mechanisms during storms are poorly known, hampering their integration into engineered coastal protection. In this paper, we aimed to unravel the relationship between the resistance of mangrove trees to overturning and root distribution and the properties of the soil, while avoiding damage to natural mangrove forests. We therefore (i) tested the stability of 3D-printed tree mimics that imitate typical shallow mangrove root systems, mimicking both damaged and intact root systems, in sediments representing the soil properties of contrasting mangrove sites, and subsequently (ii) tested if the existing stability models for terrestrial trees are applicable for mangrove tree species, which have unique shallow root systems to survive waterlogged soils. Root systems of different complexities were modeled after Avicennia alba, Avicennia germinans, and Rhizophora stylosa, and printed at a 1:100 scale using material densities matching those of natural tree roots, to ensure the geometric scaling of overturning moments. The mimic stability increased with the soil shear strength and root plate surface area. The optimal root configuration for mimic stability depended on the sediment properties: spreading root systems performed better in softer sediments, while concentrating root biomass near the trunk improved stability in stronger sediments. An adapted terrestrial tree resistance model reproduced our measurements well, suggesting that such models could be adapted to predict the stability of shallow-rooted mangroves living in waterlogged soils. Field tree-pulling experiments are needed to further confirm our conclusions with real-world data, examine complicating factors like root intertwining, and consider mangrove tree properties like aerial roots. Overall, this work establishes a foundation for incorporating mangrove storm damage into hybrid coastal protection systems. Full article

Connectivity is crucial for species conservation, but most assessments define connectivity solely in terms of protected or natural areas and land covers without regard for the underlying thermal environment. As climate change accelerates, it is becoming increasingly important to not only assess land use and land cover changes (LULCC) but also how surface temperatures are evolving and creating more fragmented thermal refuges over time. This research investigates how the surface thermal environment has changed over time in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, a desert city in the southwestern United States, and how the spatial patterns of cooler refuges within the heat landscape, or “heatscape,” may be affecting wildlife habitat availability alongside LULCC. We quantify the structural and functional connectivity of thermal refuges using a suite of connectivity metrics from landscape ecology to demonstrate how the spatial distribution and configuration of these critical areas has changed over the last 35 years and what the implications are for the many wildlife species living in this desert environment. Results show that thermal refuge patches have been shrinking and becoming more fragmented over the past 35 years, with connectivity also declining over the same period. A key inflection point was identified in 2000, when the probability that cooler refuges patches were connected dropped to nearly zero, and it has remained at that low level ever since. These shifts in connectivity are tightly coupled with LULCC in the study area, particularly the loss of irrigated agriculture as it has been replaced by residential and other developed land uses over time. Decreasing water security in the region also threatens to reduce the availability of cooler patches and, simultaneously, the connectivity of those refuges. Introducing cooler patches through engineered materials or artificial shade may help offset some of the losses from irrigated lands. The findings offer a perspective for conservation research with implications for advancing a more formal thermal landscape ecology for understanding and improving the relationship between spatial thermal patterns and ecological processes. Full article

Neuromimetic in vitro models, simulating in vivo architecture/organization, are urgently needed to reduce experimental reliance on live animals. Our group recently reported a novel brain tissue derivation protocol, simultaneously deriving all major cortical cell types (including immune cells) in a facile protocol, generating a network of neurons in a single growth medium, which was interfaced with nanomaterials. This represents a significant advance, as tissue engineers overwhelmingly use diverse methods to derive and combine individual brain cells for materials-interfacing. However, this multicellular model lacked cellular directionality/structural organization (unlike the highly organized cortical circuits in vivo). Synthetic nanofiber constructs are of high value in tissue engineering, providing directional cues for cells. Most neuro-nanofiber studies employ simple monocultures of astrocytes/neurons and commonly use peripheral neurons rather than central nervous system populations. Here, we have interfaced our complex brain model (neurons/astrocytes derived simultaneously) with randomly oriented or aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber meshes. Both cell types showed targeted extension along aligned fibers versus coverslips or random fibers. A new analysis method developed in-house demonstrated that peak orientations for astrocytes and neurons correlated with aligned nanofibers. Our data support the concept that nanofiber scaffolds can achieve organized growth of mixed cortical neural cell populations, mimicking neural architecture. Full article

Almost two decades have passed since the development of the first (stand-alone) version of the oscilloscope simulator, known as Analogue Oscilloscope Simulator, widely utilized by thousands of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) students at Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP). Meanwhile, dramatic changes have occurred in students’ learning preferences, digital competences, and expectations, alongside advancements in software architectures, internet accessibility, and Quality-of-Service (QoS). This paper presents the design, implementation and applications of the new version of oscilloscope simulator, named Oscilloscope Web Interface, built from scratch to replicate a real oscilloscope and signal generator. The application offers two operating modes, Simulation Mode and Acquisition & Control Mode, designed to support various use cases, including (i) supporting students’ (e-)learning of oscilloscope basics; (ii) enhancing live in-class teaching and demonstrations; (iii) creating instructional materials; (iv) supporting remote experimentation and circuit signal analysis; and (v) complementing or substituting traditional lab work. Recently, this tool was used by approximately 250 students enrolled in the Circuit Theory (TCIRC) course (ECE degree, first year, second semester). It was initially employed for off-class preparation of a laboratory script focusing on the fundamental operations of the oscilloscope and signal generator and, subsequently, for training ahead of their first laboratory test. Analysis of nearly two hundred questionnaire responses indicates that the overall user experience was highly positive. Beyond immediate classroom applications, the tool offers the potential to expand remote education capabilities, foster self-directed learning, and serve as a benchmark for developing similar tools in other engineering disciplines. Full article

Waste production is a worldwide concern due to its adverse impact on the environment, as well as on the health of living beings. Sustainable development states the urgent need to implement actions to gradually replace fossil resources, including the use of renewable raw materials such as residues and secondary raw materials from other industries as a promising alternative to replace fossil resources. This research explores an approach focused on the design of renewable materials by developing a bio-based textile coating with the use of sawdust from radiata pine, which is the result of industrial wood transformation processes. The methodology adopted a transdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from design, engineering, and sociology disciplines. A perceived sawdust quality study was carried out in its original format, while two different coated textile substrates were developed, using knife-over-roller and spray coating processes, which were evaluated from user acceptance and functional performance points of views. Finally, a clothing prototype for workwear, using the bio-based coatings, was developed, employing a mono-material design concept (i.e., using the same material in all its forms). The results obtained from users and laboratory studies favour the knife-over-roller coating and the removable clothing design, which provides improved usability performance. The obtained conclusions highlight that transdisciplinary collaboration is essential to address complex challenges in the development of solutions, placing the design of material as a necessary prior action in the design process of final products. Full article

The KREIS-Haus, an inhabited living lab in Switzerland, serves as a demonstrator of the implementation of sustainable and circular building practices. Addressing the environmental impacts associated with construction, operation, and deconstruction, this study presents an innovative systematic design concept that synthesizes principles of the circular economy, Cradle-to-Cradle design, and ecological engineering. The design process was applied to the KREIS-Haus as a lighthouse project, combining theoretical frameworks with real-word application to derive actionable insights. The novelty of the KREIS-Haus lies in the holistic integration of circular and sustainable concepts within a compact footprint, realized in a real-life, publicly accessible living lab. Its design maximizes resource efficiency by incorporating locally sourced materials, modular construction techniques, and flexible interior features, which allow for easy disassembly and reuse. At the heart of its circular design is the multifunctional conservatory, which provides heat and sound insulation, generates solar power, and expands the living space. Additionally, it supports plant cultivation and enables the reuse of treated wastewater and nutrients, as part of the off-grid water and nutrient management system to reduce reliance on external resources. The principles of solar architecture further minimize the building’s energy demands. Key insights from the design and construction process highlight the challenges of navigating conflicting goals, the importance of partner alignment, and considerations for scaling these concepts to larger developments. While technical challenges may arise, addressing systemic barriers will be essential for advancing sustainable and circular building practices on a broader scale. Full article