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22 pages, 5378 KB  
Article
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Battery Immersion Cooling: Impact of Dielectric Fluid Thermophysical Properties
by Sara El Afia, Francisco Jurado, R. Mazuir Raja Ahsan Shah and Antonio Cano Ortega
Energies 2026, 19(12), 2770; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19122770 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2026
Abstract
The rapid growth in the electric vehicle sector has increased demand for advanced battery thermal management systems (BTMSs) with high heat-dissipation capacity and temperature uniformity. Immersion cooling using dielectric fluids has recently been recognized as a promising alternative technology to conventional indirect liquid [...] Read more.
The rapid growth in the electric vehicle sector has increased demand for advanced battery thermal management systems (BTMSs) with high heat-dissipation capacity and temperature uniformity. Immersion cooling using dielectric fluids has recently been recognized as a promising alternative technology to conventional indirect liquid cooling methods. This study investigates the thermal and hydrodynamic behaviour of a sixteen-lithium-ion cell battery (LIB) module immersed in low-viscosity dielectric fluids using three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations. In this context, a total of twenty dielectric fluids are evaluated using the ANSYS Fluent solver, with particular emphasis on the effects of key thermophysical properties, including viscosity, density, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity. The simulation findings reveal that mineral oil and PAO4 yield the lowest maximum LIB cell temperatures, with a reduction of approximately 4 K compared to the least effective dielectric fluids, such as undecane and cumene. Moreover, in terms of temperature uniformity, mineral oil, Novec 7000, and PAO4 exhibit the most homogeneous temperature distributions among the twenty dielectric fluids. In addition, they show an improvement in the temperature uniformity index of approximately 32.4% compared with the least effective dielectric fluid, cumene. On the other hand, mineral oil and PAO4 generate significantly higher pressure drops because of their relatively high viscosities, which increases hydraulic resistance and pumping power requirements. These findings demonstrate that excellent thermal performance does not necessarily correspond to optimal overall thermo-hydraulic behaviour. Overall, the results confirm that immersion-BTMS performance is governed by a complex interaction between dielectric fluid thermophysical properties and flow behaviour, highlighting the importance of coupled thermo-hydraulic optimization in the selection of dielectric fluids for next-generation immersion-cooled battery systems. Full article
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22 pages, 1876 KB  
Article
Development of Slow-Release Salt Storage Fillers and Performance Evaluation of Salt-Storage Pavement
by Yanhai Yang, Dongning Ban, Ye Yang and Guanliang Chen
Materials 2026, 19(12), 2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19122450 - 8 Jun 2026
Abstract
To address the issues of poor sustained-release behavior and limited long-term efficacy associated with conventional salt-storage materials, this study developed the epoxy-resin-encapsulated slow-release salt-storage filler to enhance both the engineering performance and the deicing/snow-melting capacity of salt-storage pavements. In this study, attapulgite was [...] Read more.
To address the issues of poor sustained-release behavior and limited long-term efficacy associated with conventional salt-storage materials, this study developed the epoxy-resin-encapsulated slow-release salt-storage filler to enhance both the engineering performance and the deicing/snow-melting capacity of salt-storage pavements. In this study, attapulgite was optimized and selected as the salt storage carrier through the adoption of pesticide coating technology and experimental testing, wherein a deicing salt blend with a CaCl2 to NaCl mass ratio of 2:1 was loaded via a wet adsorption method. Subsequently, using dimethicone as the surface modifier, the optimal encapsulation process was determined to involve the dilution ratio of epoxy resin to cyclohexanone of 4:1 and the curing agent dosage of 30% by weight. The results indicated that the recommended content of the filler should not exceed 5%. The filler reduced the high-temperature stability and water stability of the mixture, while the low-temperature crack resistance first increased and then decreased, peaking at the 2% filler content with an improvement of 12.2%. The water stability was the most significantly affected by the filler content. Ice–snow melting performance tests demonstrated that the salt-storage mixture with 5% filler achieved the deicing rate of 56.35% at −5 °C, meeting the industry standard requirements. The self-prepared slow-release salt-storage filler exhibited superior long-term ice–snow melting performance to V-260, with the slow-release duration extended by 60%. The salt release process was divided into three distinct stages: rapid dissolution, stable release and slow dissolution. The 60 °C was determined as the optimal temperature for the accelerated immersion testing, which the accelerated test could effectively simulate the natural immersion process. Based on the prediction model established accordingly, the functional service life of snow-melting for this slow-release salt-storage asphalt pavement in northern area was estimated be approximately 4.07 years. The slow-release salt-storage filler fabricated in this work possesses both remarkable sustained-release behavior and deicing efficacy. The findings provide the technical foundation for the development of novel salt-storage pavement materials, performance characterization, and mechanistic analysis of snow-ice melting. Full article
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19 pages, 3104 KB  
Article
A Study on Condition-Based Maintenance for Wafer Table Edge Degradation in Photolithography Equipment
by Kyunghwan Joo, Kwang Hoon Lee and Jae Wook Jeon
Sensors 2026, 26(12), 3650; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26123650 - 8 Jun 2026
Abstract
This study proposes a condition-based maintenance monitoring method based on Geometry-based Optical Focus Metrology (GOFM) to detect wafer table edge deterioration early and enable proactive interventions before actual Critical Dimension (CD) bridge defects occur. In advanced Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) immersion photolithography, prolonged equipment [...] Read more.
This study proposes a condition-based maintenance monitoring method based on Geometry-based Optical Focus Metrology (GOFM) to detect wafer table edge deterioration early and enable proactive interventions before actual Critical Dimension (CD) bridge defects occur. In advanced Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) immersion photolithography, prolonged equipment operation mechanically wears the wafer table, inducing Edge-Roll-Off (ERO). Because conventional optical metrology struggles to separate this localized defocus from process noise, this work utilizes the existing GOFM technique to isolate the pure focus residual within the 140–147 mm radius region. To quantify this hardware-specific degradation, a mathematical dual-indicator system was constructed. This framework integrates a statistical threshold, the Range Percentile 97%, to reject baseline measurement noise, and a geometric variable, Slope × 3, to capture the topographical drop in the outermost 3 mm. Analysis of long-term time-series data from multiple High-Volume Manufacturing (HVM) scanners confirmed a strong correlation (R2=0.93) between these indicators. Furthermore, we proved that the drift trajectory of Slope × 3 deterministically predicts mechanical failure prior to defect occurrence on production wafers. Based on these findings, an automated condition-based maintenance architecture was designed using an OR-logic decision gate. By triggering a preemptive table replacement at a quality-based critical warning threshold, this system converts routine time-based scheduling into a data-driven paradigm, maximizing both edge yield and equipment uptime. Furthermore, this proposed framework establishes a solid foundation for future extensions toward machine learning-based predictive maintenance. Full article
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20 pages, 4189 KB  
Article
Spectrophotometric Evaluation of the Masking Ability of 3D-Printed Ceramic-Filled Hybrid Veneers on Discolored Dental Substrates
by Alexandra Cristina Măroiu, Anca-Elena Anghel-Lorinți, Marius Leretter, Raul Rotar, Adrian Cândea and Anca Jivănescu
Dent. J. 2026, 14(6), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14060349 - 8 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Tooth discoloration can influence the esthetic outcome of restorative treatments. Recently, 3D-printed ceramic-filled hybrid materials have been introduced for dental restorations using digital workflows. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of 3D-printed ceramic-filled hybrid veneers [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Tooth discoloration can influence the esthetic outcome of restorative treatments. Recently, 3D-printed ceramic-filled hybrid materials have been introduced for dental restorations using digital workflows. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of 3D-printed ceramic-filled hybrid veneers on the final color of discolored teeth using spectrophotometric measurements. Methods: Twenty-five extracted human anterior teeth without caries or restorations were prepared for veneer restorations using standardized reduction protocols. Artificial discoloration was induced by applying light-cured color coatings to the buccal surfaces of the specimens. The prepared teeth were digitally scanned, and veneers with a thickness of 1 mm were designed and fabricated using a 3D printing system and a ceramic-filled hybrid material. Color measurements were performed with a spectrophotometer and recorded in the Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage L*a*b* (CIELAB) color system. Measurements were obtained at four stages: after creation of discoloration, after two weeks of immersion in physiological saline solution, after veneer placement using neutral try-in gel, and after two months of immersion following veneer placement. Color differences were calculated using three color difference formulas (ΔE*ab, ΔE94, and ΔE00). Results: The placement of the 3D-printed veneers produced substantial modifications in the optical characteristics of the discolored substrates, reflected by reduced chroma values and significant color differences between the baseline and veneer stages. After two months of immersion, only minor variations in color coordinates were observed. The calculated color differences between the veneer stage and the post-immersion stage remained low across all evaluated color difference formulas, indicating good short-term color stability of the veneered specimens. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this pilot in vitro study, 3D-printed ceramic-filled hybrid veneers demonstrated the ability to effectively modify the color of discolored substrates while maintaining relatively stable optical properties after two months of immersion. These restorations may represent a promising and cost-effective option for the esthetic management of discolored teeth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dental Materials)
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12 pages, 616 KB  
Review
Virtual Reality-Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Scoping Review of Therapeutic Mechanisms with Potential Implications for Anxiety, Depression, and Precision Digital Mental Health
by Maria Teresa Moreira, Andreia Lima, Diana Ribeiro Martins, Maria Inês Guimarães, Inês Lopes Cardoso, Carla Sílvia Fernandes, Telmo Lima da Costa and Salomé Ferreira
Psychiatry Int. 2026, 7(3), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7030129 - 8 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health concern frequently associated with anxiety and depressive disorders, highlighting the need for innovative and personalised mental health interventions. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a digital tool that may support cognitive behavioural therapy [...] Read more.
Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health concern frequently associated with anxiety and depressive disorders, highlighting the need for innovative and personalised mental health interventions. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a digital tool that may support cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) by enabling immersive and controlled exposure to relevant stimuli. Methods: This scoping review aimed to map how VR is integrated into CBT-oriented interventions for adults with AUD, with a focus on therapeutic mechanisms and their potential relevance for precision digital mental health. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection for studies published in the last ten years in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Two independent reviewers performed screening and data extraction. Results: Eight studies were included, encompassing approaches such as cue exposure, simulation of high-risk environments, and covert sensitisation. The studies explored mechanisms including craving induction and regulation, identification of individual triggers, emotional processing, and enhancement of self-efficacy. The evidence base was characterised by small sample sizes, heterogeneous designs, and limited longitudinal data. Conclusions: This review provides a structured mapping of current applications of VR within CBT frameworks for AUD and highlights key therapeutic mechanisms that may have transdiagnostic relevance. However, the existing evidence remains preliminary, and findings should be interpreted with caution. The results support the exploration of VR within emerging precision digital mental health approaches, while underscoring the need for further rigorous and standardised research. Full article
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15 pages, 966 KB  
Article
Effects of a Virtual Reality Intervention on Women’s Menstrual Problems Related to Endocrine Disruptors: A Randomized Controlled Repeated-Measures Pilot Study
by SoMi Park, Yun Jeong Hwang and ChaeWeon Chung
Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111583 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026
Viewed by 94
Abstract
Background: Menstrual disorders are among the most common health problems faced by young women, yet effective interventions remain limited. Recent evidence has linked endocrine disruptors (EDs) to dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), suggesting that reducing exposure may alleviate symptoms. Purpose: The aim of [...] Read more.
Background: Menstrual disorders are among the most common health problems faced by young women, yet effective interventions remain limited. Recent evidence has linked endocrine disruptors (EDs) to dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), suggesting that reducing exposure may alleviate symptoms. Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of an immersive virtual reality (VR) intervention designed to promote protective behaviors against EDs and to evaluate its longitudinal impact on menstrual pain and PMS among young adult women. Methods: A nonequivalent comparison group pretest and repeated posttest experimental design was applied, using a convenience sample of 30 participants. Guided by the Information–Motivation–Behavioral skills model, the immersive VR intervention incorporated educational content, motivational cues, and avatar-based play experiences to enhance knowledge, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy. The comparison group received a small-group education session. Data were collected at baseline and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-baseline. Results: Repeated-measures revealed significant interaction effects between group and time for menstrual pain (F = 2.67, p = 0.039), perceived benefits of protection from ED exposure (F = 4.41, p = 0.003), self-efficacy in reducing ED exposure (F = 5.42, p = 0.001), and protective behaviors against EDs (F = 4.68, p = 0.002). However, the overall group-by-time interaction effect for PMS was not statistically significant (F = 2.05, p = 0.097). Conclusion/Implication for Practice: Immersive VR as part of digital interventions has the potential to transform patient education by enhancing engagement while promoting protective health behaviors and improving associated health outcomes. Future research should explore strategies to improve long-term behavioral adherence and examine whether booster sessions can help sustain the effects of the intervention over time. Full article
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12 pages, 6511 KB  
Article
The Effects of Cigarette Smoke and Heated-Tobacco Aerosol on Streptococcus mutans Adhesion and Surface Topography of Dental Hard Tissues In Vitro
by Mahmoud M. Bakr, Mohamed Shamel, Nourhan Taha, Sara Moataz and Mahmoud Al Ankily
Oral 2026, 6(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral6030069 - 4 Jun 2026
Viewed by 97
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Methods of smoking have evolved over the years, including heated tobacco products. The impact of exposure to traditional tobacco smoke and heated/electronic tobacco products (IQOS) on biofilm formation has not been previously compared in vitro. Aims and objectives: The present study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Methods of smoking have evolved over the years, including heated tobacco products. The impact of exposure to traditional tobacco smoke and heated/electronic tobacco products (IQOS) on biofilm formation has not been previously compared in vitro. Aims and objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of tobacco and electronic smoking on microbial biofilm formation on dental hard tissues. Materials and Methods: Thirty premolars were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10 per group) according to tissue type and smoking exposure: Six experimental groups were defined: Group 1, non-exposed enamel; Group 2, enamel subjected to conventional cigarette smoke (CS); Group 3, enamel subjected to heated tobacco (HT); Group 4, non-exposed cementum; Group 5, cementum subjected to conventional cigarette smoke; and Group 6, cementum exposed to heated tobacco. Enamel and root discs were then immersed in 2 mL of an adjusted, standardized bacterial suspension of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to allow bacterial biofilm adhesion after incubation for 48 h at 37 °C. The mean colony-forming unit (CFU) count was calculated, and the surface topography and roughness were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and ImageJ software with the SurfCharJ plugin, respectively. Results: Conventional cigarette smoking showed significantly higher S. mutans adhesion on the enamel and root discs compared with IQOS and control groups. Both IQOS and cigarette smoking increased roughness on enamel and root versus the control group, and cigarette smoking produced significantly higher roughness on the enamel surface when compared to IQOS; however, there were no significant differences in the roughness between the two smoking methods on the root surface. SEM analysis showed the most extensive enamel and root microtopography change in IQOS smoking. Conclusions: Aerosols from heated tobacco products (IQOS) alter the surface topography and roughness of enamel and root, while traditional cigarette smoking significantly increases bacterial colonization. Further in vivo studies are warranted to simulate the dynamic nature of the oral cavity. Full article
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15 pages, 414 KB  
Article
User-Centered Demand Analysis for a Virtual Reality Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation System: Cross-Sectional Study Using the Kano Model
by Bing Liu, Xijun Chen, Rui Yang, Mingna Zhang and Qian Xiao
Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111571 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 135
Abstract
Background: Poor adherence and monotony in home-based pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) often lead to suboptimal rehabilitation outcomes. Serious games using virtual reality (VR) may improve training motivation and precision. This study aimed to explore user demands for a VR pelvic floor rehabilitation [...] Read more.
Background: Poor adherence and monotony in home-based pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) often lead to suboptimal rehabilitation outcomes. Serious games using virtual reality (VR) may improve training motivation and precision. This study aimed to explore user demands for a VR pelvic floor rehabilitation training system with game-based features. Methods: A Kano model-based questionnaire was developed and distributed to patients receiving PFMT. The survey assessed 20 demand items spanning five dimensions: system operation, exercise guidance, personalization, device use, and interaction. Traditional Kano categorization and an optimized mixed-method classification were used to identify core demand attributes. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction indices were also calculated. Results: A total of 112 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Using the Kano model, 20 demand items were classified as attractive (n = 7), one-dimensional (n = 5), must-be (n = 6), or indifferent (n = 2). Personalization-related demands were mainly identified as attractive attributes, whereas exercise guidance-related demands were primarily classified as must-be or one-dimensional attributes. Satisfaction Index (SI) values ranged from 0.27 to 0.64, and absolute Dissatisfaction Index (DSI) values ranged from 0.34 to 0.71. Optimized Kano analysis identified nine mixed attributes. The questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.96). Conclusions: Participants demonstrated positive willingness to adopt a game-based VR system for PFMT, with diverse needs identified across functional and motivational dimensions. These findings suggest that integrating immersive, personalized, and gamified design features may hold promise for enhancing user engagement and anticipated training adherence, though direct evaluation of clinical effectiveness awaits future prototype-based studies. The identified demand priorities provide structured, evidence-informed guidance for the user-centered design of serious game–oriented VR pelvic floor rehabilitation systems. Full article
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20 pages, 5478 KB  
Article
ZnO@TiO2/PDMS Superhydrophobic Antibacterial Coating with Photocatalytic Activity, Durability, and Self-Cleaning Properties
by Shuyu Yuan, Yuan Feng, Shuaichao Liang, Huidong Cai and Qingge Feng
Materials 2026, 19(11), 2380; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19112380 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Superhydrophobic antibacterial coatings offer an effective approach to overcoming the limitations of single anti-adhesion or bactericidal strategies; however, it remains a great challenge to develop such coatings with long-term durability and high bactericidal performance. In this study, a ZT/PDMS composite coating was successfully [...] Read more.
Superhydrophobic antibacterial coatings offer an effective approach to overcoming the limitations of single anti-adhesion or bactericidal strategies; however, it remains a great challenge to develop such coatings with long-term durability and high bactericidal performance. In this study, a ZT/PDMS composite coating was successfully fabricated by directly mixing ZnO@TiO2 with PDMS. Benefiting from the low surface energy of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the coral-like micro/nanostructured rough morphology generated by the incorporation of ZnO@TiO2 nanoparticles, the coating exhibited excellent superhydrophobic properties, with a water contact angle of 153.5°. The proposed fabrication method showed good adaptability to various substrates, and the resulting coating demonstrated outstanding durability and self-cleaning performance. Notably, the coating retained superhydrophobicity after six abrasion cycles, and the water contact angle remained above 140° after immersion in solutions with pH ranging from 1 to 13 for 7 days. The ZT/PDMS composite coating achieved an antibacterial adhesion rate of 87.98% and 80.11% against Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), respectively. Under UV and visible light irradiation, its bactericidal efficiency exceeded 90%. The excellent antibacterial performance of the coating was attributed to the synergistic effects of anti-adhesion, active sterilization (Zn2+ release and ROS generation), and self-cleaning. This study provides a facile and effective strategy for the development of efficient and durable multifunctional antibacterial coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)
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21 pages, 6286 KB  
Article
Silica–Acrylic Nanocomposite Coatings for Durable and Hydrophobic Wood
by Andromachi Mitani, Paschalina Terzopoulou and Vasiliki Kamperidou
Materials 2026, 19(11), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19112339 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 167
Abstract
Wood strength, renewability and appearance make it one of the most preferred and widely used natural materials in structural and cultural applications. The gradual degradation of wood from abiotic and biotic factors has an adverse impact on its structural durability and service life. [...] Read more.
Wood strength, renewability and appearance make it one of the most preferred and widely used natural materials in structural and cultural applications. The gradual degradation of wood from abiotic and biotic factors has an adverse impact on its structural durability and service life. This study investigates the effect of surface treatment of wood of the invasive tree species of tree-of-heaven, through short-term immersion in an acrylic polymer (Paraloid-B72) containing silica dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles at low concentrations (0–4% w/v) to impart hydrophobic behavior and weathering resistance. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of the acrylic polymer and silica nanoparticles within the wood structure without altering the chemical integrity of the substrate. For both treated and untreated wood specimens, the physical properties (density, equilibrium moisture content, surface roughness, color-parameters), hygroscopic properties (swelling/absorption, contact angle) and weathering resistance tests were conducted using xenon-arc combined with wetting–drying cycles. The findings revealed that treated wood has significantly improved hydrophobic performance and dimensional stability, reducing moisture uptake. Treatment significantly increased the samples’ resistance to artificial weathering, with the effectiveness dependent on nanoparticle concentration. Although moderate surface color changes were observed in treated samples (compared to untreated ones), during their exposure to weathering, reduced lightness and slight increases in red and yellow chromatic coordinates were observed, with treated specimens exhibiting higher color stability during aging. Nevertheless, surface roughness increased significantly by the treatment, slightly restricting the method when a highly smooth surface touch is required. The proposed modification method appears promising to prolong the wooden structures’ service-life, meanwhile inspiring modern strategies for conserving historical timber structures that cannot be moved and should be protected by applying less invasive protective methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)
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23 pages, 11826 KB  
Article
An Immersive P300 Brain–Computer Interface Based on 3D Morphological Stimuli and Self-Adaptive Bayesian Linear Discriminant Analysis
by Junhong Luo, Mengnan Zhu, Yongbo Xiao, Yuanhao Long, Xiaoting Zhang, Hui Cao, Javid Atai, Jing Xiao and Xuesong Chen
Biomimetics 2026, 11(6), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11060381 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Conventional P300-based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) commonly rely on two-dimensional (2D) visual flashing, which may induce visual fatigue and limit immersion, thereby restricting long-term usability and system performance. To address these limitations, this study proposes an immersive P300-BCI framework integrating a three-dimensional morphological stimulation [...] Read more.
Conventional P300-based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) commonly rely on two-dimensional (2D) visual flashing, which may induce visual fatigue and limit immersion, thereby restricting long-term usability and system performance. To address these limitations, this study proposes an immersive P300-BCI framework integrating a three-dimensional morphological stimulation paradigm, termed 3D-Morph, with self-adaptive Bayesian linear discriminant analysis (SA-BLDA). Instead of using color or luminance flickering, the proposed paradigm employs dynamic 2D-to-3D morphological transformations of virtual objects in a virtual reality environment to enhance target-related event-related potentials while preserving visual immersion. SA-BLDA further adjusts the number of stimulation rounds according to classification confidence to balance accuracy and interaction efficiency. Experiments with 24 participants showed that the proposed system outperformed the conventional 2D paradigm. In offline analysis, the proposed method achieved an average classification accuracy of 94.17% and an information transfer rate (ITR) of 25.50 bits/min, significantly outperforming the 2D paradigm (87.29% accuracy, 22.75 bits/min ITR, both p<0.001, Cohen’s d1.22). In online experiments, the 3D-Morph paradigm achieved an average accuracy of 91.46% and an ITR of 37.23 bits/min, compared with 83.96% and 28.74 bits/min for the conventional 2D paradigm (both p<0.01, Cohen’s d1.14). The average response time was reduced by 0.46 s (p<0.01, Cohen’s d=0.78), and the processing time per stimulation round (PT) of SA-BLDA was significantly reduced from 48.54±10.47 ms in the 2D paradigm to 26.40±9.41 ms in the 3D-Morph paradigm (p<0.01, Cohen’s d=2.34), corresponding to a 45.61% reduction in computational time per round. NASA-TLX evaluations indicated a significantly lower subjective workload across all dimensions (all p<0.05, Cohen’s d0.76). These results demonstrate that combining 3D-Morph stimulation with SA-BLDA can significantly improve classification performance, interaction efficiency, and user experience, providing a feasible framework for immersive and practical P300-BCI applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Biomedical Engineering: 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 3223 KB  
Article
Applicability of Electrochemical Testing for Internal Steel Rebar Corrosion in UHPC Under Chloride Environment
by Linghai Kong, Gen Li, Agudamu, Xunlin He, Zhengdong Luo and Xuhui Zhang
Eng 2026, 7(6), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7060265 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 164
Abstract
Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is widely used for its excellent compactness and durability. However, steel fibers in UHPC may form conductive paths, affecting electrochemical testing of internal rebars. To assess the applicability of current testing standards in UHPC, specimens of UHPC, high-performance concrete [...] Read more.
Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is widely used for its excellent compactness and durability. However, steel fibers in UHPC may form conductive paths, affecting electrochemical testing of internal rebars. To assess the applicability of current testing standards in UHPC, specimens of UHPC, high-performance concrete (HPC), and normal concrete (NC) with different cover thicknesses are designed. Open circuit potential (OCP), linear polarization resistance (LPR), and Tafel polarization curves are adopted to compare the corrosion behavior during 180 days of chloride immersion. Results show that UHPC has the most negative OCP, followed by NC and HPC. According to ASTM C876, this would indicate the highest corrosion risk for UHPC, contradicting its well-known superior chloride resistance. Hence, ASTM C876 is not applicable to UHPC. Corrosion current density (Icorr) is smallest in UHPC, followed by HPC and NC, consistent with chloride resistance ranking, indicating good applicability of the linear polarization method to UHPC. The anodic Tafel slope is larger than the cathodic one for all specimens, showing anodic control, unaffected by steel fibers. Larger cover thickness leads to higher OCP, higher polarization resistance, and lower Icorr. At 30 mm cover, internal rebars in UHPC are essentially non-corroded. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical, Civil and Environmental Engineering)
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15 pages, 276 KB  
Protocol
Virtual Reality as a Digital Premedication to Alleviate Preoperative Anxiety and Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: Study Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial
by Redwan Jabbar, Samuel D. Pettersson, Agnieszka Pawelczyk and Maciej Radek
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(6), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16060587 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 208
Abstract
Background: Preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain are prevalent and are frequently associated with poor postoperative functional outcomes. Comprehensive postoperative management, including both pharmacological and psychological components, is essential for proper postoperative care and better recovery. While the analgesic effect of traditional non-pharmacological [...] Read more.
Background: Preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain are prevalent and are frequently associated with poor postoperative functional outcomes. Comprehensive postoperative management, including both pharmacological and psychological components, is essential for proper postoperative care and better recovery. While the analgesic effect of traditional non-pharmacological intervention, such as cognitive behavior therapy, has been investigated by other trial studies, the newer innovative methods for delivering psychological interventions for reducing anxiety and pain are extensively being investigated. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a novel and promising technology that offers opportunities to mitigate patient perception and cognitive responses, and has been shown to be associated with lower levels of anxiety and pain. The aim of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to determine whether delivering the psychological content through virtual reality (VR) along with the standard preoperative and postoperative care results in better anxiety and pain relief outcomes than standard care in patients undergoing spinal surgery. Methods: This study protocol outlines a parallel-group RCT to be conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz. The objective is to assess the efficacy of immersive VR environments in reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain intensity in the following day after surgery. Adult patients (18–70) will be randomly assigned to either (1) standard care before surgery (control group), (2) VR exposure simulating the hospital environment alongside standard care, or (3) VR-based exposure to calming natural landscapes accompanied by soothing background sound along with standard care. In each group, a minimum of 50 patients will be recruited. The primary outcome is the change in preoperative anxiety measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) scale from baseline to immediately after intervention. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), postoperative analgesic consumption, patient satisfaction, and VR-related adverse effects. To facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the VR intervention’s impact, the primary outcome will be complemented with measures of the adverse effects, level of immersion, and level of presence in the VR environment. Secondary outcomes of self-reported satisfaction scores and postoperative analgesics from patients’ medical charts will be assessed. Conclusions: This trial will evaluate whether VR-based interventions may reduce preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in patients undergoing spine surgery. This study may provide evidence supporting the future implementation of VR as a non-pharmacological adjunct in perioperative care. This intervention may hold significant clinical relevance clinically, particularly in patients with high level of preoperative anxiety, by offering an alternative method to pharmacological anxiolytics in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurorehabilitation)
34 pages, 6344 KB  
Review
Seamless Human–Computer Interaction Enabled by Wearable Biointerfaces and Intelligent Systems
by Huiyu Wei, Jiangbo Hua, Yongchang Jiang, Wenkai Zhu, Wen Cheng, Yi Shi and Lijia Pan
Biomimetics 2026, 11(6), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11060368 - 26 May 2026
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Human–computer interaction (HCI) is central to wearable technology; however, traditional interaction methods face constraints from environmental noise, privacy risks, and operational inconveniences. With the convergence of flexible electronics and artificial intelligence, smart wearable systems equipped with biomimetic biointerfaces are evolving into “external organs” [...] Read more.
Human–computer interaction (HCI) is central to wearable technology; however, traditional interaction methods face constraints from environmental noise, privacy risks, and operational inconveniences. With the convergence of flexible electronics and artificial intelligence, smart wearable systems equipped with biomimetic biointerfaces are evolving into “external organs” that augment human capabilities, establishing a new paradigm for natural and intelligent interaction. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress in seamless HCI driven by wearable biointerfaces and intelligent systems. From the input perspective, we elucidate how high-fidelity physiological and motion signals are captured through biocompatible electronic skins, and subsequently decoded via intelligent algorithms capable of robust noise decoupling, cross-user generalization, and multimodal data fusion, while emphasizing algorithmic trustworthiness including privacy and interpretability. From the output perspective, we explore adaptive closed-loop feedback mechanisms, spanning both non-visual multi-sensory rendering and biomimetic actuation-based physical interventions. Finally, we discuss key engineering and algorithmic bottlenecks—such as material durability, internal latency, system integration, and trustworthiness—offering future perspectives for the development of next-generation personalized and immersive HCI systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Computing Devices and Their Interactive Technologies)
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39 pages, 2418 KB  
Review
A Systematic Review of Extended Reality (XR) Applications in Cultural Heritage
by Nikolaos Partarakis, Menelaos N. Katsantonis and Emmanouil Zidianakis
Heritage 2026, 9(6), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9060215 - 25 May 2026
Viewed by 355
Abstract
This systematic review examines how Extended Reality (XR) technologies, i.e., Virtual (VR), Augmented (AR), Mixed (MR), and Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) are designed, implemented, and evaluated in cultural heritage (CH) applications, addressing five research questions: (RQ1) How were XR technologies applied in CH [...] Read more.
This systematic review examines how Extended Reality (XR) technologies, i.e., Virtual (VR), Augmented (AR), Mixed (MR), and Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) are designed, implemented, and evaluated in cultural heritage (CH) applications, addressing five research questions: (RQ1) How were XR technologies applied in CH between 2021 and 2025? (RQ2) What interaction paradigms are used, and how do they shape engagement and meaning making? (RQ3) What user experience outcomes are reported in XR CH applications? (RQ4) What evaluation methods are employed and what methodological gaps remain? (RQ5) What challenges persist across XR heritage implementations? Peer-reviewed, English-language studies reporting on implemented XR systems in CH contexts with empirical or evaluative data were included; conceptual articles without a described implementation, non-English publications, and studies published before January 2020 were excluded. Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and the ACM Digital Library were searched for publications dated January 2020 through March 2025, complemented by manual proceedings screening (SIGGRAPH, CHI, IMX, VRCAI) and backward/forward citation tracking. All databases were last searched in March 2025. Two independent researchers screened all records and extracted data; disagreements were resolved through structured discussion. Bias toward positive novelty outcomes was mitigated by including conference proceedings alongside journal articles to broaden the evidence base. A qualitative thematic synthesis was employed, as methodological heterogeneity across studies precluded statistical meta-analysis. Findings were organized inductively into four thematic domains through iterative coding and inter-author consensus. From an initial corpus of 359 records, 287 unique records were retained after deduplication; following title/abstract screening and full-text eligibility assessment, 64 studies were included in the final synthesis. The majority (60/64) were published between 2021 and 2025, with study sample sizes ranging from small expert cohorts (n ≈ 6) to large public deployments (n > 125). The thematic analysis across technology, interaction design, user experience, and evaluation reveals trends toward participatory, multiuser, and multimodal XR designs, reporting benefits including immersion, engagement, learning, and accessibility, alongside recurring challenges such as cost, usability, cybersickness, content authenticity, and lack of longitudinal evaluation. Beyond thematic description, using a cross-domain analytical synthesis, we identify the Design Coherence Framework for XR Heritage (DCF-XR); this is a four-dimensional interpretive model spanning technology, interaction design, user experience, and evaluation, which provides an original diagnostic lens for understanding the conditions under which XR effectively serves cultural heritage goals. A typology of four recurring design failure modes, derived inductively from the corpus, demonstrates that the most persistent shortcomings in the field arise not from the weakness of individual dimensions but from their misalignment with one another. Evidence is limited by the predominance of small convenience samples, single-session laboratory evaluations, and the absence of domain-specific standardized assessment instruments for XR in CH, which constrains the generalizability of reported outcomes. Targeted recommendations for rigorous, ethical, and inclusive XR practice in CH are presented, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies, open datasets, and standardized evaluation frameworks. This review received no external funding. This review was not pre-registered in a prospective register. Full article
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