Search Results (817)

Background: Contemporary data on macronutrient intake and carbohydrate composition in Indian adults are limited. The Indian Study to Assess Real-World Carbohydrate Consumption (I-STARCH-1) characterised these patterns among adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This multicentre cross-sectional study included 1104 adults (690 with T2DM and 414 without) recruited by convenience sampling from 29 diabetes-focused centres across 14 Indian states. Dietary intake was assessed using a structured three-day dietary recall. Between-group differences were estimated using linear mixed-effects models adjusted for age and sex, with the centre as a random intercept. Results: Carbohydrates contributed 62.1% of the energy, fat 25.1%, and protein 12.8%. Mono- and disaccharides accounted for 20.1% of the total carbohydrate intake, and fibre intake averaged 15.4 g/day. Participants with T2DM had lower carbohydrate %E and a lower simple-carbohydrate proportion of total carbohydrate, but higher protein and fat %E; these differences persisted after adjustment. Absolute fibre intake did not differ between the groups. The composition varied modestly across the four geographic zones. Descriptively, the carbohydrate contribution was lower and the fat contribution was higher than that in the Study To Assess the dietaRy CarboHydrate content of the Indian type 2 diabetes population (STARCH) 2014 cohort, but the cohorts were non-harmonised. Conclusions: Carbohydrates remained the predominant energy source, with low fibre intake. The overall macronutrient profile closely resembled the contemporary national population estimates. The findings support attention to carbohydrate composition and fibre adequacy alongside quantity but describe healthcare-seeking adults rather than the general Indian population. Full article

Physical processing can modify the structural, textural, and dispersion characteristics of nanostructured oxide materials, thereby altering their functional state under suspension conditions. Here, poorly crystalline, sol–gel-derived porous MnO_x materials were used to establish how post-synthetic physical processing affects the relationship between nanoscale structure, accessible mesoporosity, powder-to-suspension transfer, and chromogenic response in 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation. Two compositionally distinct processing series were examined: an ultrasonic processing/recovery route for Sr- and Fe-containing MnO_x and vibratory milling followed by identical ultrasonic dispersion for Sr-free Fe-containing MnO_x. The recovered SrFeMn-US-S solid showed higher N₂-accessible surface area and pore volume, stronger hydration signatures, and a larger low-temperature H₂ temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR) contribution than SrFeMn-S. In contrast, vibratory milling of FeMn-S preserved the bulk Fe/Mn ratio but decreased S_BET from 305.9 to 127.1 m² g⁻¹, V_tot from 0.533 to 0.215 cm³ g⁻¹, total H₂ uptake from 0.38 to 0.34 mmol g⁻¹, and the Mn concentration in the operationally defined stable suspension fraction from 50.5 to 17.3 mg L⁻¹. At an identical assay concentration of 500 ng Mn mL⁻¹, milled FeMn-S5 also exhibited a lower time-summed ΣA₆₅₂ response than FeMn-S. Thus, milling affected both the efficiency of powder-to-suspension transfer and the Mn-normalized functional response of the dispersed material. The contrasting outcomes show that the functional state of nanostructured, powder-derived MnO_x is route-dependent and cannot be predicted from a single solid-state descriptor. Full article

Building facades and construction materials are continuously exposed to airborne particulate matter, organic pollutants, and microbial colonization, which cause progressive soiling, aesthetic degradation, and structural deterioration while imposing high maintenance and energy burdens. Photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has emerged as the most widely studied material for imparting self-cleaning functionality to building surfaces, owing to its ability to mineralize adsorbed contaminants under solar irradiation and to modulate surface wettability. This narrative review provides a structured account of TiO₂-based self-cleaning coatings for building materials, organized around three complementary themes: surface mechanisms, performance metrics, and outdoor durability. We first rationalize the two intertwined self-cleaning mechanisms—photocatalytic oxidative degradation and photoinduced superhydrophilicity—and their combination with physically repellent (superhydrophobic/superamphiphobic) wetting states. We then survey the principal coating-design strategies, including morphology and facet engineering, SiO₂-TiO₂ composites, metal/non-metal doping and heterojunction construction for visible-light activation, and dual-functional photocatalytic–superhydrophobic systems, and their integration into cementitious substrates, natural stone and cultural heritage, and transparent glass/photovoltaic surfaces. The quantitative metrics used to benchmark self-cleaning performance—water contact angle, dye photodegradation, NO_x and VOC abatement, and antimicrobial activity—are critically discussed together with the limitations of standardized laboratory tests. Finally, we analyze the weathering-induced deactivation pathways (photocatalyst leaching, surface contamination by soluble salts, and UV aging of organic matrices) and the emerging strategies for durable coatings, including inorganic binders, light-driven hydration, and defect- and heterojunction-engineered photocatalysts. The review concludes with an outlook on the open challenges that must be addressed to translate these coatings from laboratory demonstrations to long-lived, large-scale building applications. Full article

Graphene and graphene oxide (GO) are promising nanofillers for improving thermal transport in cementitious materials, but their performance is strongly affected by interactions with calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). Understanding how these fillers retain or lose their heat-transport capability after incorporation into the cement hydrate matrix is therefore important for rational nanocomposite design. Reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to compare isolated graphene/GO sheets with the corresponding sheets embedded in C-S-H. The extrapolated thermal conductivity of pristine graphene decreased from 1854.6 to 1264.2 W/(m·K) after embedding, giving a retention ratio of 0.68. Increasing the oxidation degree reduced the intrinsic conductivity of GO through defect-induced phonon scattering, while the additional reduction caused by C-S-H progressively weakened. At an oxidation degree of 20%, GO retained more than 90% of its isolated-sheet conductivity. Atomic heat-flux analysis showed that C-S-H markedly broadened the transport-direction distribution of graphene but produced only limited additional disturbance in GO. Interfacial binding energy increased with oxidation degree, and radial distribution function analysis identified short-range Ca-O coordination and hydrogen bonding at the GO/C-S-H interface. Phonon density of states analysis further revealed pronounced substrate-induced phonon softening in graphene, whereas the vibrational spectrum of GO remained comparatively stable. These results clarify the trade-off between intrinsic conductivity and matrix-induced thermal stability in graphene-based cementitious nanocomposites. Full article

Tungsten trioxide (WO₃) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) are redox-active Group VI transition-metal oxides widely used in functional thin-film technologies. Many studies have examined single-phase WO₃ and MoO₃ films. However, WO₃/MoO₃ nanocomposite thin films and heterostructures have not yet been comprehensively reviewed as interface-engineered platforms for smart and sustainable technologies. This review addresses this gap by analyzing WO₃/MoO₃ thin-film nanocomposites through the concept of interfacial synergy. Particular attention is paid to the structural complementarity of WO₃ and α-MoO₃, oxygen nonstoichiometry, mixed W⁶⁺/W⁵⁺/W⁴⁺ and Mo⁶⁺/Mo⁵⁺/Mo⁴⁺ valence states, crystallographic-shear suboxides, W–O–Mo interfaces, and fabrication routes for mixed, graded, and multilayer films. The functional advantages of these systems do not arise from simply combining the two oxides. Instead, they result from charge and oxygen-vacancy redistribution, shortened ion–electron transport pathways, phase stabilization, and the formation of new active sites at interface boundaries. The review also emphasizes the need to distinguish genuine interfacial synergy from apparent improvements caused by surface area, film thickness, porosity, hydration, or measurement conditions. Finally, the review links structural features, defect chemistry, and interface-controlled properties to device-level functionality. This framework highlights promising directions for WO₃/MoO₃ nanocomposite films in a wide range of smart and sustainable technologies. Full article

Soilless systems are increasingly important in protected horticulture because they improve water and nutrient-use efficiency, support year-round production, and reduce dependence on field conditions. However, the root zone is still commonly managed as a passive nutrient reservoir using mainly electrical conductivity and pH set points. This review presents the root zone as an actively engineered biological environment in which dissolved oxygen, root-zone temperature, nutrient-solution chemistry and hydraulics, microbiomes and biofilms, and sensor-guided control interact to determine crop performance. These domains converge on root respiration and ATP production, membrane transport, aquaporin activity, hydraulic conductance, calcium delivery, oxidative balance, and microbial or pathogen selection. Their combined effects influence fresh mass, tissue hydration, nutrient uptake, phytochemical composition, tipburn incidence, disease resilience, and overall system stability. Recent evidence indicates that active aeration, targeted root-zone heating or cooling, optimized flow scheduling, and calcium-focused interventions can improve the yield and quality of leafy vegetables, although responses vary with crop species, cultivar, developmental stage, and production-system architecture. Current evidence also indicates important uncertainties, including crop- and cultivar-specific response thresholds, architecture-dependent performance, energy and resource costs, and the still-limited predictability of microbiome manipulation. Emerging sensing, machine learning, digital-twin, and predictive-control approaches could enable a transition from threshold-based correction to physiology-informed root-zone state management. Nevertheless, wider commercial translation is constrained by inconsistent reporting of sensor location, hydraulic conditions, nutrient composition, microbial status, and resource use. We therefore propose a minimum reporting framework and research priorities for developing reproducible, energy-aware, microbiologically robust, and crop-specific root-zone management strategies for closed soilless horticulture. Full article

Wounds represent a persistent challenge in modern medicine, driving the search for novel nanomaterials capable of modulating oxidative stress and promoting tissue regeneration. While cerium oxide nanoparticles have been extensively studied for their enzyme-mimetic activity, hydrated cerium orthophosphates remain relatively unexplored despite their promising biocompatibility and redox properties. The aim of the study is the synthesis of cerium phosphate nanoparticles (CePO₄ NPs) via controlled hydrolysis of a Ce(NO₃)₃–sodium tripolyphosphate complex under different temperature regimes (60 °C (CePO₄-1) and 90 °C (CePO₄-2)), their physicochemical characterization (using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, UV spectroscopy), and the evaluation of their biocompatibility and biological activity in relation to human cells involved in skin regeneration. Their biological activity was evaluated on human dermal fibroblasts (BJ TERT) and keratinocytes (HaCaT) using MTT assays and direct cell counting across a broad concentration range (10⁻²–10⁻⁴ M). Synthesis temperature critically governed the atomic structure without significantly altering NPs size. CePO₄-1 (4.7 ± 1.2 nm) was X-ray amorphous with a high density of oxygen vacancies and a mixed Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ valence state on the surface (the physical basis for its antioxidant enzyme-mimetic and pro-regenerative activity); CePO₄-2 (5.2 ± 0.9 nm) formed highly crystalline hexagonal rhabdophane. Both nanoparticle types demonstrated biocompatibility. A dose-dependent stimulating effect of NPs on the metabolism and proliferation of fibroblasts (by 1.14–1.45 times) was established. In contrast, keratinocytes exhibited dose-dependent metabolic suppression at higher concentrations (10⁻²–10⁻³ M), while remaining unaffected at 10⁻⁴ M. The amorphous, defect-rich CePO₄-1 exhibited pronounced biological activity, significantly stimulating fibroblast metabolic (up to 128%) and proliferative (up to 145%) activity. Thus, the temperature control during the CePO₄ NPs synthesis enables the “physical programming” of biological activity, presenting a promising strategy for the development of biocompatible, enzyme-mimetic and redox-mediated wound-healing nanodrugs. Full article

The myelin sheath has traditionally been viewed as a passive electrical insulator that accelerates nerve impulse propagation. Recent experimental studies, however, indicate that myelin is a dynamic biological material whose structure and hydration state adapt to neuronal activity, metabolic conditions, and environmental perturbations. Building on these observations, we propose a conceptual framework that treats myelin as an adaptive electromechanical multilamellar interface, in which coupled lipid bilayers, hydration layers, and interlayer interactions influence energy dissipation, structural adaptation, and history-dependent behavior. Within this framework, collective excitations and delayed relaxation processes are hypothesized to contribute to transient energy storage and adaptive responses to electrical activity in the integrated axon–glia system. We further argue that testing this framework requires multimodal characterization combining electrophysiology with neutron and X-ray scattering, terahertz spectroscopy, and data-driven analysis to establish quantitative relationships between membrane structure, dynamics, and function. This work outlines experimentally testable predictions and provides a foundation for investigating how electromechanical adaptation of myelin may contribute to normal neural function and the early biophysical changes associated with demyelinating disease. Full article

The restart risk in a deepwater gas well is governed by the thermal and phase history established during shut-in. This study develops a multiphysics workflow that continuously transfers temperature, pressure, water availability and residual hydrate from shut-in into restart. The workflow couples transient thermal and hydrate evolution with pressure reconstruction and deposition–erosion–restriction feedback. The quality-gated computational path completed every requested time point in the 24 h simulations, and grid and time-step tests gave well-wide peak differences of 0.0195% and 0.0020%, respectively. Across 17 LS36-1 cases, well-wide peaks increased from 0.07268 after 12 h shut-in to 0.15837 after 24 h and 0.18858 after 48 h. Five additional cases placed the model-based 0.10 crossing between 14 and 16 h (linear interpolation: 14.87 h). Ramp increment controlled the duration of exceedance rather than the initial peak, whereas MEG concentration and pre-injection modified the shut-in end state. The results identify shut-in duration as the leading restart constraint and provide a two-scale screening framework for mudline and target interval risk. Full article

In situ and operando small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) have become powerful techniques for studying adsorption processes because they provide real-time information that traditional ex situ methods cannot capture. This review examines the use of these techniques in four major material groups: soft matter and polymers, carbon-based materials, biological systems and ceramics. Unlike conventional before-and-after characterization, in situ methods allow researchers to follow structural changes during adsorption as they happen, revealing adsorption kinetics, intermediate states and pore-filling mechanisms. Operando approaches further connect nanoscale structural evolution with overall adsorption performance, leading to deeper mechanistic understanding. Important developments include monitoring structural rearrangements in polymers during adsorption, studying sodium storage mechanisms in hard carbon anodes using combined small- and wide-angle neutron scattering, observing protein conformational changes at hydrated interfaces, and identifying organic functional groups in mesoporous ceramics in real time. SANS contrast variation, especially through hydrogen/deuterium substitution, allows selective visualization of different components in complex systems, while synchrotron SAXS enables kinetic studies with millisecond time resolution. Despite these advantages, several challenges remain, including model-dependent interpretation of scattering data, difficulties in separating real structural changes from contrast-related artifacts, limitations in accessible timescales and the technical complexity of isotopic labeling. Future research is expected to focus on improved contrast methods, machine learning-assisted data analysis, multimodal approaches combining scattering with spectroscopy or microscopy and the application of these techniques to more complex and disordered adsorbents such as activated carbons, coals and bio-based materials. Overall, this review summarizes current methodologies, compares adsorption-related structural changes across different materials and highlights both current limitations and future opportunities for in situ and operando SAS studies in adsorption research. Full article

Three layered rare-earth hydrogenselenite–selenite hydrates, Ln(HSeO₃)(SeO₃)·2H₂O (Ln = Yb, Dy, Eu), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and systematically characterized. Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction show that the compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic Sohncke space group P2₁2₁2₁, featuring LnO₈ polyhedra and SeO₃/HSeO₃ units assembled into hydrogen-bonded layered frameworks. Two-component inversion-twin refinements gave Flack x values of 0.06(4), 0.27(3), and 0.22(3) for the Yb-, Dy-, and Eu-containing crystals, respectively; the Yb crystal is dominated by one inversion domain, whereas the Dy and Eu crystals contain appreciable inverted-domain fractions. Because L/D/DL descriptors conventionally refer to the absolute configuration of chiral molecular entities, they are not assigned to these extended inorganic frameworks. Under the present achiral synthesis conditions, crystals dominated by the opposite, inversion-related framework hand cannot be excluded. Photoluminescence measurements reveal characteristic Dy³⁺ and Eu³⁺ emissions, while the Yb analogue exhibits a broad visible band tentatively related to host-framework states. Magnetic measurements show no long-range ordering above 2 K; the Yb and Dy phases display dominant antiferromagnetic correlations, whereas the Eu phase is governed mainly by Van Vleck paramagnetism. These results identify Ln(HSeO₃)(SeO₃)·2H₂O as a layered Sohncke-symmetry platform with lanthanide-dependent optical and magnetic behavior. The observed lanthanide emissions and non-centrosymmetric framework suggest prospective photonic and nonlinear-optical applications, although device-level performance remains to be established. Full article

Cell-laden hydrogel bioinks for extrusion bioprinting are commonly evaluated by precursor rheology, extrusion behavior, and immediate shape fidelity, yet these measures do not establish whether printed constructs remain stable and functional during culture or tissue maturation. This review examines the post-printing evolution of cell-laden extrusion-printed hydrogel constructs, prioritizing direct evidence from cell-laden prints and using acellular prints and bulk hydrogels only to clarify mechanisms. Maturation is organized into immediate stabilization, network evolution and environmental equilibration, and long-term remodeling. Crosslinking, hydration, ion exchange, stress relaxation, degradation, cellular contraction, and matrix deposition may support maturation or cause structural, mechanical, interfacial, transport, and biofunctional failure. We propose a conceptual, research-oriented use-point assessment framework that compares each construct with relevant reference states and application-specific requirements after stabilization, during culture, and before intended use. The framework links the earliest observed critical deviation to relevant measurements, targeted redesign, and reassessment under the same conditions. A cartilage construct illustrates sequential evaluation of geometry, wet-state mechanics, cell distribution, and matrix formation. Current evidence is limited by inconsistent assessment times, incomplete reporting, and few integrated longitudinal studies. Future work should standardize maturation histories, model construct trajectories, and prospectively validate product-specific criteria. Evaluation should focus on the complete cell-laden extrusion-printed construct at its intended use point rather than on the freshly printed filament. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and apply a novel integrated approach for predicting local mucosal tolerability of spray-dried chitosan/mannitol microspheres previously developed for nose-to-brain donepezil delivery. Methods: Microspheres were prepared by ultrasonic spray-drying, and process reproducibility was evaluated based on particle size distribution, entrapment efficiency, and process yield across independent batches. A lactose-based formulation served as a comparative control. A novel biomimetic model was developed to investigate water evaporation under simulated nasal conditions, enabling prediction of formulation dehydration and crust-like layer formation on the nasal mucosa during nasal residence time. Donepezil-loaded chitosan microspheres and their physical mixture with mannitol were used as controls. Analyses were complemented by solid-state and rheological characterization to elucidate the effects of formulation composition and processing on the observed behavior. Irritation potential was further assessed using the established slug mucosal irritation (SMI) assay. Results: Reproducible microsphere size distribution (Dv10 11.5 ± 1.1 µm, RSD 9.6%; Dv50 28.4 ± 3.9 µm, RSD 13.7; Dv90 61.3 ± 8.4 µm, RSD 8.4%), entrapment efficiency (99.6 ± 1.8%, RSD 1.8%) and process yield (40.9 ± 5.5%, RSD 13.3%) confirmed the robustness of the ultrasonic spray-drying. Replacing mannitol with lactose failed to achieve the desired particle size distribution, highlighting the key role of mannitol under the investigated processing conditions. The biomimetic model coupled with rheological studies demonstrated that chitosan-based gels formed by microsphere swelling in simulated nasal fluid, maintain viscosity, resist dehydration, and undergo rehydration. Additionally, mannitol enhanced water retention and reduced evaporation without increasing occlusivity or the risk of mucosal dehydration. Furthermore, powders containing mannitol exhibited a lower irritation potential in the SMI assay compared to chitosan microspheres alone. Conclusions: Mannitol is a critical determinant of the performance of donepezil-loaded chitosan-based microspheres, contributing to the desired particle size distribution, process reproducibility, favorable hydration and improved mucosal tolerability, thereby supporting the suitability of this platform for nasal donepezil delivery. Full article

CO₂ hydrate sequestration in marine sediments has attracted increasing attention as a potential offshore carbon-storage strategy. However, the acoustic response associated with CO₂ injection, fluid migration, hydrate formation, and subsequent storage stabilization remains insufficiently understood, which limits the development of reliable in situ monitoring methods. In this study, we develop a staged acoustic modeling framework based on multiphase poroelastic formulations. According to the evolution of pore components, the sequestration process is divided into three representative stages: a CO₂–water–sediment skeleton system during CO₂ injection, a CO₂–water–CO₂ hydrate–sediment skeleton system during hydrate formation, and a CO₂ hydrate–CO₂–sediment skeleton system during stable sequestration. The acoustic responses at these stages are analyzed in terms of wave velocity, attenuation, and velocity ratio under different CO₂ and hydrate saturation conditions. The results show that the injection stage is mainly controlled by pore-fluid substitution and changes in fluid compressibility. In this stage, P-wave velocity, P-wave attenuation, and VP/VS are sensitive to CO₂ saturation, whereas S-wave velocity varies only weakly. During hydrate formation, the acoustic response is jointly affected by fluid substitution, hydrate-induced solid stiffening, interphase coupling, and viscous dissipation. As hydrate saturation increases, both P1- and S1-wave velocities increase, while the velocity ratio decreases, indicating that hydrate formation significantly enhances sediment shear stiffness. In the stable sequestration stage, hydrate saturation becomes the dominant control on the elastic and dissipative properties of the medium. A comparison with published laboratory P-wave velocity data further supports the ability of the formation-stage model to reproduce the velocity increase associated with CO₂ hydrate generation. Therefore, the combined use of P-wave velocity, S-wave velocity, attenuation, and VP/VS provides a theoretical basis for identifying CO₂ migration, hydrate formation, and stable storage states in marine sediments. Full article

Fiber-reinforced high-water-resistance concrete backfill (FHWCB) is a rapid-setting cementitious backfill system used for underground support and backfilling, but its stability is strongly affected by mixture water content and fiber dispersion. This study investigated the fresh-state behavior, mechanical performance, acoustic emission (AE) fractal characteristics, b-value response, and energy evolution of FHWCB. Mixtures with water-to-cement ratios (w/c) of 1.0–1.8 and fiber volume fractions (Vf) of 0–0.5% were prepared and tested using fresh property measurements, unconfined compression, thermogravimetry, AE monitoring, correlation dimension analysis, b-value analysis, and strain energy partitioning. Increasing w/c improved flowability and delayed setting, but weakened the hydration skeleton and reduced early-age compressive strength by approximately 56–61%. Fiber reinforcement showed a non-monotonic effect: Vf = 0.3% increased compressive strength by approximately 16–26%, whereas excessive fiber addition reduced strength because of fiber clustering and weak local zones. AE amplitude sequences exhibited measurable fractal characteristics. A higher correlation dimension indicated distributed microdamage, while decreasing correlation dimension and b-value reflected the transition toward localized macrocrack growth. Energy analysis showed that the peak elastic strain energy density decreased from approximately 0.60 to 0.39 MJ/m³ as w/c increased. The proposed AE fractal–b-value–energy framework provides a quantitative basis for tracking damage progression and optimizing FHWCB for underground engineering. Full article