Search Results (509)

This paper reports new results on the synthesis and comparative characterization of cellulose nitrates (CNs) derived from Miscanthus × giganteus stems and from commercial microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Miscanthus CNs synthesized by nitration with mixed sulfuric–nitric acids containing 16–20% water exhibit new functional properties: a high solubility in organic solvents (100% in acetone and 97–99% in alcohol–ether solvent) and a high viscosity (17–51 mPa·s), with a nitrogen content of 10.54–12.08 wt%. CNs from Miscanthus × giganteus are similar in nitrogen content and solubility to those from MCC (11.54% and 99%) but have a significantly greater viscosity (3 mPa·s), which is an undoubted advantage and considerably expands their potential application range. The solubility test of CNs synthesized from both sources demonstrated that Miscanthus CNs have a better film-forming ability. SEM analysis revealed a great difference in fiber length, despite the same cylindrical shape and observed aggregation: 1.0–2.0 mm for CNs from Miscanthus versus 40–60 μm for CNs from MCC. IR spectra of CNs from both sources showed the appearance of five new characteristic frequencies (1632–1633, 1273–1274, 823–826, 748, 677–686 cm^–1 for Miscanthus CNs and 1659, 1277, 832, 747, 691 cm^–1 for CNs from MCC), allowing the obtained compounds to be identified as nitric acid esters of cellulose. According to TGA/DTA analysis, the synthesized polymers have similarly high values of the onset temperature of both intense decomposition (197–198 °C) and narrow exothermic peaks (209–211 °C and 212 °C), respectively, indicating their high thermal stability. The combination of high solubility, viscosity, thermal stability and chemical purity of CNs derived from Miscanthus × giganteus stems suggests that strong thin films can be obtained and recommended for use in the manufacture of nitrocellulose membranes. Full article

Background: Lateral eye movements are part of natural ocular motility, and their effect on tear film behavior is largely unknown because they are usually not evaluated during tear film examinations, where patients are required to look straight ahead. This study aimed to determine what happens to the tear film during lateral eye movements in the absence of blinking. Methods: Tear film dynamics during a sequence of open-eye lateral gaze maneuvers were recorded using an infrared camera system (TearView). Results: The study included 15 healthy participants (5 female; median age 26) who had no ocular surface-related complaints. It was observed that lateral eye movements exposed new ocular surface areas not previously covered by the tear film. The tear film margins reacted to lateral eye movements by spreading towards the newly uncovered ocular surface areas, thereby recoating them. This response was asymmetrical, with a tear reservoir in the lacus lacrimalis of the medial canthus providing additional tear film spread only during ocular abduction. Conclusions: These findings expand our understanding of tear film physiology beyond static gaze. They might also bear implications for dry eye disease and oculoplastic surgical techniques affecting the medial canthus. Full article

This article investigates the reparative politics of resistance at the heart of the production model and formal strategies developed by Joana Pimenta and Adirley Queirós in the film Dry Ground Burning [Mato Seco em Chamas] (2022). Pimenta and Queirós propose an alternative to the tendency of global filmic realism to focus on the suffering of the impoverished. Their participatory approach fabulates heroic collective memories in the marginalised community where the film is set. I propose they are engaging with the Brazilian practice of gambiarra, a reframing of material and discursive possibilities given a lack of economic and/or social resources. By repurposing state financing to radically extend the duration of production, the filmmakers generate a reparative realism that expands the possibilities of World Cinema as well as the revolutionary ideals proposed by Third Cinema. Full article

This paper proposes a dynamic model incorporating centrifugal forces and elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) to analyze the vibration characteristics of high-speed rolling bearings with localized outer raceway defects. A four-degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) motion equation is established using Hertzian contact theory and isothermal EHL equations. Numerical solutions incorporating defect-induced time-varying displacement excitations are experimentally and theoretically validated. Results confirm the oil film’s vibration-damping effect, reducing peak acceleration by 11.8% and the root-mean-square (RMS) value by 3.7% compared to dry contact conditions. Higher rotational speeds thin the oil film and reduce comprehensive stiffness, amplifying vibration and impact intensity without altering fault characteristic frequencies, which remain stable with a relative error within 0.5%. As the defect size increases, RMS and peak values rise monotonically, with the RMS acceleration increasing by 69.5% (from 0.6102 m/s² to 1.0344 m/s²) as the outer race defect expands from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, while kurtosis peaks and subsequently declines. The dual-impact phenomenon is most prominent under low rotational speed and large defect conditions, providing a basis for a a quantitative fault diagnosis strategy to invert defect size from dual-impact time intervals is proposed and experimentally validated, yielding an inversion error of less than 2% under such favorable conditions. While this inversion method is condition-dependent—with its precision degrading under increased speeds and micro-defect scenarios—it provides an accurate and reliable quantitative tool within its applicable boundaries. The developed dynamic model and multi-index diagnostic approach provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for fault diagnosis, condition monitoring and quantitative defect identification of rotating machinery. Full article

Plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater environments and its accumulation along food chains has been poorly studied in birds. In this paper we reported evidence of microplastic (MP) contamination in pellets collected in rural and urban sites for a set of species: common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus; great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo; barn owl, Tyto alba; little owl, Athene noctua; long-eared owl, Asio otus; Eurasian scops owl, Otus scops; European bee-eater, Merops apiaster; and little egret, Egretta garzetta. A total of 559 pellets were collected and analyzed; among them, 78 microplastics were found on 77 pellets (13.8% compared to the total number of pellets sampled). The following polymers were recorded: polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), expanded polyester (EPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyester (PES), polymethyl acrylate (PMA), rubber, and starch-based biopolymer. We found significantly higher MP frequency in the most anthropized site. Pellets with the highest number of microplastics were those produced by Falco tinnunculus, Asio otus, and Tyto alba, with 30.0%, 29.6%, and 27.1%, respectively. Of a total sample of 78 MP items, 59.0% are represented by fibers, 23.1% by fragments and 17.9% by films. Among the microplastics, fragments of balloons (in a remote area) and biopolymer shopping bags were found. Our results suggest that pellet analysis may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination along food chains in terrestrial ecosystems. Full article

The present study investigated the effect of liquid smoke (LS) on the physicochemical, structural, barrier, and functional properties of okra mucilage–corn starch (OMCS) films. Formulations containing varying concentrations of LS (0–3%) were prepared using the casting method. The incorporation of LS modified the rheological behavior of the film-forming dispersions, as evidenced by increased apparent viscosity and consistency index. In the films, water solubility increased from 43.6 to 53.2%, contact angle increased from 31.9° to 55.6°, and opacity increased from 4.73 to 8.83, while water vapor permeability decreased from 1.05 to 0.88 g·mm·m⁻²·h⁻¹·kPa⁻¹, indicating modifications in matrix organization and surface hydrophobicity. Tensile strength increased from 26.3 to 40.5 MPa at 3% LS, accompanied by a slight reduction in elongation, suggesting enhanced structural rigidity. Structural analyses revealed interactions between the LS phenolic compounds and the polysaccharide hydroxyl groups, resulting in a more cohesive polymeric network. LS was the main contributor to the film’s antioxidant activity owing to its elevated phenolic content and free radical scavenging capacity. The films also showed substantial degradation under soil burial conditions, with mass loss ranging from 61% to 96%. Overall, LS proved to be an effective functional additive, improving the structural and antioxidant performance of OMCS films and expanding their potential for active food packaging applications. Full article

Water damage under the coupled effects of traffic load and pore water pressure (PWP) is a primary cause of early failure in asphalt pavements. Although dense-graded pavements generally have low void ratios, excess PWP poses a severe threat to durability under extreme conditions. These conditions include heavy rainfall, water accumulation in wheel tracks, and upward capillary water rise. In this study, a mesoscopic model considering fluid–solid coupling effects was established using the Particle Flow Code in the 2 Dimensions (PFC2D) platform, which is based on the discrete element method (DEM). A parallel-bonded stress corrosion model was introduced to describe damage evolution. The results show that the maximum positive PWP increased monotonically with load, reaching a distinct peak value at a critical loading frequency under specific load amplitudes. At this critical frequency, the fatigue life was significantly shortened compared to lower-frequency conditions. The PWP response exhibited a clear phase lag relative to the applied load, with the lag angle increasing alongside frequency. Furthermore, the absolute value of the minimum PWP continued to increase with fatigue damage accumulation. This indicates that regions with a vacuum suction effect were continuously expanding, which is a key reason for asphalt film stripping from the aggregate surface. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding mesoscopic water damage mechanisms in asphalt pavements and offer a reference for durability design. Full article

Nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) is one of the most studied inverse-spinel ferrites because it combines moderate saturation magnetization, comparatively high electrical resistivity, chemical stability, and broad synthesis flexibility. Yet the literature shows that the measured structure and magnetism of NiFe₂O₄ are not intrinsic constants; they evolve strongly with dimensionality, size, thickness, strain state, cation distribution, surface spin disorder, and synthesis pathway. This review develops a unified theoretical and literature-based interpretation of how dimensionality reshapes the structural and magnetic behavior of NiFe₂O₄ across bulk ceramics, nanoparticles, one-dimensional nanostructures, polycrystalline thin films, and ultrathin epitaxial films. The review is anchored in the two uploaded nickel ferrite attachments and expanded using internet-sourced journal literature on spinel inversion, surface effects, mechanochemical synthesis, sputtered and pulsed laser deposited thin films, and epitaxial ultrathin-film anomalies. The central novelty of this article is the formulation of a dimensionality-dependent framework in which the observed magnetic response is governed by a competition among three coupled factors: (i) the cation-distribution function, which controls the A–B superexchange balance and therefore the net ferrimagnetic moment; (ii) the microstructural coherence function, which measures how crystallinity, strain, defects, and anti-phase boundaries preserve or degrade exchange continuity; and (iii) the surface/interface spin-order parameter, which quantifies the loss or reconfiguration of magnetic order at free surfaces and buried interfaces. Within this framework, bulk NiFe₂O₄ behaves as a near-equilibrium inverse spinel with relatively stable magnetization, whereas nanoscale NiFe₂O₄ experiences strong spin canting and finite-size suppression due to the growing fraction of disordered surface spins. Thin films introduce a distinct regime in which strain, texture, anti-phase boundaries, substrate mismatch, and growth kinetics determine both anisotropy and magnetization. In ultrathin epitaxial films, off-equilibrium cation redistribution and interface-controlled electronic reconstruction may even generate magnetization values far above bulk expectations. The review also compares major synthesis routes—solid-state reaction, sol–gel, co-precipitation, hydrothermal growth, reactive milling, combustion, pulsed laser deposition, and radio-frequency sputtering—and explains why each route biases the final dimensionality-dependent properties differently. A set of word-style equations is provided to formalize spinel inversion, finite-size suppression, anisotropy scaling, coercivity trends, and superparamagnetic crossover. Beyond summarizing the field, the review proposes a regime map linking dimensionality to characteristic structural defects and magnetic signatures, and it identifies unresolved questions concerning the true origin of enhanced magnetization in ultrathin NiFe₂O₄, the interplay between anti-phase boundaries and strain, and the distinction between intrinsic inversion changes and extrinsic substrate artifacts. The resulting article offers a submission-ready, originality-focused review that positions dimensionality as the master variable governing structure–magnetism correlations in nickel ferrite. Full article

In this study, Fe₇₀Ni₃₀ metal was deposited onto continuous glass fiber composites via magnetron sputtering, followed by surface coating with SiO₂. The effects of key process parameters-including Fe₇₀Ni₃₀ sputtering duration (2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min) and SiO₂ surface coating-on the electromagnetic properties and microwave absorption performance of the materials were systematically investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization revealed that as sputtering time increased, the metal coating evolved from discrete small particles into a continuous film. Cross-sectional SEM analysis further demonstrated the formation of a bilayer structure after SiO₂ introduction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the presence of diffraction peaks corresponding to the Fe₇₀Ni₃₀ alloy solid solution. Electromagnetic parameter measurements indicated that the influence of sputtering time on electromagnetic properties was primarily pronounced during the metal layer growth stage; once a continuous film was formed, the variation in electromagnetic parameters diminished. Concurrently, the SiO₂ coating exhibited a significant regulatory effect on dielectric parameters. Reflection coefficient calculations showed that the optimal absorption thickness for the single-layer material ranged from 2.5 to 3.0 mm, with the absorption peak shifting toward lower frequencies as thickness increased. However, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) was only 3–5 GHz, failing to meet wideband requirements. In contrast, the three-layer composite structure (total thickness: 3.8 mm) optimized via genetic algorithm achieved impedance gradient and loss synergy, expanding the EBW (R < −10 dB) from 4.8 GHz (single layer) to 10 GHz (8–18.0 GHz)-a substantial improvement over the single-layer configuration. This work provides experimental evidence and technical support for the structural design and process optimization of lightweight, high-efficiency, wideband microwave-absorbing materials. Full article

The rapid advancement of information technology and multimedia applications has led to an increasing demand for video data processing. In particular, video fusion technology in multi-camera environments, which integrates and optimizes video data from multiple camera viewpoints, plays a crucial role in enhancing visual quality and improving the completeness of information. This technology addresses the challenge of obtaining high-quality video content in complex and dynamic environments. By improving image clarity, expanding perspective information, and enhancing scene understanding, video fusion technology has shown significant potential for a wide range of applications, attracting considerable attention from both academia and industry. Despite the existence of several review articles on video fusion, they tend to focus on isolated aspects of the technology and often lack a comprehensive, systematic overview of the field. To fill this gap, this paper provides an in-depth review of the research on video fusion technology in multi-camera scenarios. The paper covers the definition of video fusion; offers a detailed classification of key technologies, such as geometric correction and alignment, perspective fusion, spatio-temporal fusion, and multi-modal fusion; and explores its applications in diverse fields including surveillance security, virtual reality, film and television production, intelligent transportation, medical imaging, robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Additionally, the paper examines the role of edge caching in video fusion, highlights the current challenges faced by the field, and discusses the potential of video fusion technology for driving innovation across multiple industries. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are widely studied as natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in food systems. However, their high volatility, low water solubility, instability, phytotoxicity, and strong aroma often limit their consistent applicability for food preservation. This review critically examines the literature and synthesizes current essential oil stabilization and delivery strategies in food systems, integrated with a bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed literature published before June 2025. The bibliometric findings showed an expanding research field, supported by 543 authors and 54 journals, revealing the disciplinary diversity of research on essential oil-based preservation systems. In addition, the review highlights a significant focus of studies on nanoemulsions, encapsulation, and active packaging in essential oil applications. Interestingly, the study also reveals the emergence of non-contact, or vapor-phase, technologies with improved release management. Furthermore, the review shows that essential oils’ functionality depends not only on major bioactive compounds but also on chemical class, oxidative sensitivity, release behavior, interactions with the food matrix, and the delivery platform. Mechanistically, stabilization technologies such as emulsions, encapsulation, and coatings/films can improve the protection, dispersion, and release of essential oils; however, their effectiveness strongly relies on formulation variables, matrix composition, and the regulatory framework. Emerging platforms such as nanofibers, zeolites, and metal–organic frameworks offer promising routes for vapor-phase or non-contact delivery systems, ensuring improved release control, functionality, and sensory quality, but may be limited by their scalability and production cost. However, a major research gap identified by this review is the imbalance between extensive “in vitro” studies and limited studies on real food matrices, which impedes understanding of the impacts of food matrices and packaging materials on essential oil release kinetics, antimicrobial efficacy, and sensory quality. Therefore, future research should integrate real-food applications, consumer acceptability, shelf-life performance, release-kinetic modeling, and techno-economic analysis to advance essential-oil-based technologies in food systems. Full article

Raw lacquer, a natural polymer derived from the bast of lacquer trees (Toxicodendron vernicifluum), is renowned as the “King of Coatings” due to its exceptional film-forming properties, abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, its inherent limitations—including stringent drying conditions, slow curing rates, deep coloration, and difficult application—have severely restricted its modernization and widespread adoption. This review systematically summarizes recent research advances in the modification and application of raw lacquer, focusing on four major modification strategies: (1) Nanocomposite modification—incorporating functional nanofillers such as Al₂O₃, cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), polydopamine (PDA) melanin-like nanoparticles, and SiO₂ to significantly enhance film hardness, compactness, UV-aging resistance, and drying kinetics. (2) Chemical structure modification—employing molecular design strategies including aminoanthraquinone grafting, tung oil blending, water-based emulsification, and terpene/allyl group functionalization to improve hydrophobicity, flexibility, fast-drying properties, and achieve dual photo/oxygen curing. (3) Biomass synergistic composites—utilizing natural polymers such as chitosan and lignin, along with bio-inspired adhesion mechanisms (e.g., PDA), to confer advanced functionalities including antibacterial and antifouling properties. (4) Curing behavior regulation—precisely controlling drying kinetics through inorganic salt ion microenvironment engineering, nonionic surfactants, and salicylaldehyde Schiff base-based driers. Building upon these foundations, this review further expands on the emerging high-value applications of modified lacquer in preventive conservation of cultural heritage, advanced functional coatings (anti-corrosion, super-hydrophobicity, flame retardancy), biomedical materials (hemostasis, antibacterial activity, drug-controlled release, water treatment adsorption), and intelligent responsive flexible electronics. Finally, addressing challenges including weak fundamental research, bottlenecks in green industrialization, and lack of standardization, future development directions are proposed encompassing interdisciplinary innovation, sustainable modification strategies, integration of multifunctional intelligent systems, and big data-driven research paradigms, aiming to provide theoretical guidance and technical references for the high-value utilization and modernization of lacquer resources. Full article

Advances in polysaccharide-based polymer matrices have expanded the possibilities for developing controlled-release systems for bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the effect of incorporating maltodextrin (0, 1, 3, and 5% w/w) into films composed of thermoplastic starch (5%) and chitosan (2%) was evaluated with the aim of improving their structural, thermal, mechanical, and surface properties. The films were obtained by solvent casting and characterized by XRD, TGA-DSC, FTIR, SEM, contact angle, and mechanical analysis. X-ray diffraction revealed greater organization in sample TPS-CH-M3 compared with TPS-CH-M0 (23,316.7) and TPS-CH-M5 (18,941.4), indicating a balanced semicrystalline structure. Thermal analyses showed an increase in the glass transition temperature from 63.0 °C to 72.6 °C and a shift in the main degradation step from 308 °C to 311 °C, indicating greater thermal stability. The contact angle decreased from 89.5° to 74°, confirming increased hydrophilicity. SEM micrographs revealed a homogeneous surface in TPS-CH-M0 and controlled roughness in TPS-CH-M3. Mechanical tests recorded the highest tensile strength (12.5 MPa) and elongation (18%) for TPS-CH-M3. FTIR spectra revealed physical interactions without the formation of new chemical bands, while colorimetry showed an increase in yellow hue, suggesting potential applications related to photosensitive materials. Overall, the incorporation of 3% maltodextrin optimized the functional properties of the matrices for potential controlled-release applications. Full article

Understanding how geometry, surface condition, and polarity influence surface flashover is important for improving the reliability of polymeric insulation in high-voltage systems exposed to transient overvoltages. The purpose of this study was to experimentally investigate visible arc path behaviour on polymeric insulators made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and nylon under standard 1.2/50 µs lightning voltage impulses. Cylindrical, concave, and convex profiles were tested in a rod–plane configuration for both positive and negative polarities under clean and sunflower oil- coated surface conditions. Seven arc types were observed. While the visible arc path was governed mainly by geometry and polarity, the electrical breakdown response exhibited material-dependent effects. Positive-polarity oil-coated samples generally exhibited longer time-to-breakdown, while negative-polarity tests produced higher breakdown voltages, and oil often reduced the withstand level. The large variability in time-to-breakdown data indicates that impulse flashover is strongly stochastic and sensitive to small surface or field variations. The findings highlight the need for improving control of surface films, expanding environmental testing, and conducting further modelling to predict flashover behaviour across different insulator designs. Full article

Since the first successful synthesis of borophene in 2015, this atomically thin boron allotrope has attracted extensive attention due to its polymorphic structures, metallic conductivity, and outstanding mechanical flexibility. As a new member of the two-dimensional (2D) materials family, borophene exhibits a unique triangular lattice with tunable hexagonal vacancies, leading to rich structural diversity and anisotropic physical properties. Recent breakthroughs in synthesis—particularly molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and solvothermal-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation (S-LPE)—have significantly expanded the accessible structural phases and improved control over film quality and stability. Meanwhile, borophene’s distinctive combination of structural and electronic characteristics has enabled its rapid development in both energy and biomedical applications. In energy storage, borophene serves as a promising anode material for lithium/sodium-ion batteries and a lightweight medium for hydrogen storage and supercapacitors, owing to its metallic conductivity, high surface charge density, and large adsorption capacity. In biomedicine, borophene-based nanoplatforms exhibit excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, enabling multifunctional roles in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Despite these advances, several challenges—such as environmental instability, oxidation susceptibility, and limited scalable synthesis—continue to restrict practical implementation. Future progress will depend on chemical functionalization, surface passivation, and machine-learning-assisted materials design to achieve oxidation-resistant, large-area, and biocompatible borophene derivatives. This review summarizes recent advances in borophene synthesis, structural engineering, and multifunctional applications, while outlining key scientific challenges and future opportunities for the realization of borophene-based materials in next-generation energy and biomedical systems. Full article