Search Results (110)

Early printed books, particularly incunabula, are invaluable archives of the beginnings of modern educational systems. However, their complex layouts, antique typefaces, and page degradation caused by bleed-through and ink fading pose significant challenges for automatic transcription. In this work, we present a modular pipeline that addresses these problems by combining modern layout analysis and language modeling techniques. The pipeline begins with historical layout-aware text segmentation using Kraken, a neural network-based tool tailored for early typographic structures. Initial optical character recognition (OCR) is then performed with Kraken’s recognition engine, followed by post-correction using a fine-tuned ByT5 transformer model trained on manually aligned line-level data. By learning to map noisy OCR outputs to verified transcriptions, the model substantially improves recognition quality. The pipeline also integrates a preprocessing stage based on our previous work on bleed-through removal using robust statistical filters, including non-local means, Gaussian mixtures, biweight estimation, and Gaussian blur. This step enhances the legibility of degraded pages prior to OCR. The entire solution is open, modular, and scalable, supporting long-term preservation and improved accessibility of cultural heritage materials. Experimental results on 15th-century incunabula show a reduction in the Character Error Rate (CER) from around 38% to around 15% and an increase in the Bilingual Evaluation Understudy (BLEU) score from 22 to 44, confirming the effectiveness of our approach. This work demonstrates the potential of integrating transformer-based correction with layout-aware segmentation to enhance OCR accuracy in digital humanities applications. Full article

The fabrication of high-performance organic optoelectronic devices using solution-based techniques, in particular inkjet printing, is both a desirable and challenging goal. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are multilayer devices that have demonstrated great potential in display applications, with ongoing efforts aimed at extending their use to the lighting sector. A key objective in this context is the reduction in production costs, for which printing techniques offer a promising pathway. The main obstacle to fully printed OLEDs lies in the difficulty of depositing new layers onto pre-existing ones while maintaining high film quality and avoiding damage to the underlying layers. In a bottom-emitting OLED, the electron transport layer (ETL) is the final organic layer to be deposited, making its printing particularly challenging, a process for which only a few successful examples have been reported. In this work, we report on the optimization of a 2,2′,2″-(1,3,5-Benzinetriyl)-tris(1-phenyl-1-H-benzimidazole) (TPBi)-based ink formulation for ETL printing on an emitting layer composed of 5,10-Bis(4-(3,6-di-tert-butyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2,6-dimethylphenyl)-5,10-dihydroboranthrene (tBuCzDBA). A specific ratio of methanol to diethyl ether was identified as the most suitable for printing the ETL without compromising the integrity of the underlying layer. The printed ETL was successfully integrated into an OLED device, which exhibited a maximum current efficiency of 6.8 cd/A and a peak luminance of about 8700 cd/m². These results represent a significant step toward the development of a fully printed OLED architecture. Full article

Older age is a risk factor for glaucoma, in which progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss leads to visual field defects and irreversible visual impairment and even blindness. We recently identified the involvement of cellular senescence in RGC cell death post-optic nerve injury. Here we further aimed to delineate the profile of RGC survival in mice with aging, a physiological process with increasing cellular senescence. The numbers of senescent cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) significantly and progressively increased starting at 8 months of age. Yet, significant reduction of ganglion cell complex layer thickness began in the 10-month-old mice, and significant reduction in the number of RGCs began in the 12-month-old mice as compared to the 2-month-old mice. Meanwhile, pyroptosis and ferroptosis markers as well as cellular senescence-related cell cycle arrest proteins p15^Ink4b, p16^Ink4a, p21^Cip1, and p53 were significantly and progressively increased in GCL. In contrast, there were no significant changes in dendritic field, complexity, and branches with increasing ages. Comparing between the 2- and 16-month-old mouse retinas, the differentially expressed genes were involved in the pathways of neurodegeneration, innate immunity, and mitochondrial ATP synthesis. In summary, this study revealed the gradual increase in senescent cells as well as pyroptosis and ferroptosis with progressive RGC reduction in mice with aging. Cellular senescence and the related cell death pathways are potential targets for age-related RGC reduction. Full article

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is critical for maintaining signal integrity in high-speed electronic packaging. However, conventional shielding approaches face limitations in process complexity and spatial efficiency. In this study, an EMI shielding film based on trimodal silver (Ag) ink and low-dielectric polyimide (PI) resin was developed and comprehensively evaluated. The fabricated film exhibited an average shielding effectiveness (SE) of −99.7 dB in the 6–18 GHz frequency range and demonstrated a 50% increase in electrical conductivity after lamination (from 0.752 × 10⁵ S/m to 1.13 × 10⁵ S/m). The horizontal thermal conductivity reached 34.614 W/m·K, which was 3.4 times higher than the vertical value (10.249 W/m·K). Signal integrity simulations showed significant reductions in near-end crosstalk (NEXT, 77.8%) and far-end crosstalk (FEXT, 65%). Moreover, cyclic bending tests confirmed excellent mechanical durability, with a normalized resistance change below 0.6 after 1000 cycles at a bending radius of 4 mm. Notably, the film enabled a 50% reduction in signal line spacing while maintaining signal integrity, even without strict compliance with the 3W Rule. These results demonstrate the potential of the proposed EMI shielding film as a high-performance solution for advanced packaging applications requiring high-frequency operation, thermal management, and mechanical flexibility. Full article

This article outlines the method of creating electrodes for electrochemical sensors using hybrid nanostructures composed of graphene and conducting polymers with insertion of gold nanoparticles. The technology employed for graphene dispersion and support stabilization was based on the chemical vapor deposition technique followed by electrochemical delamination. The method used to obtain hybrid nanostructures from graphene and conductive polymers was drop-casting, utilizing solutions of P3HT, PANI-EB, and F8T2. Additionally, the insertion of gold nanoparticles utilized an innovative dip-coating technique, with the graphene-conducting polymer frameworks submerged in a HAuCl₄/2-propanol solution and subsequently subjected to controlled heating. The integration of gold nanoparticles differs notably, with P3HT showing the least adhesion of gold nanoparticles, while PANI-EB exhibits the highest. An inkjet printer was employed to create electrodes with metallization accomplished through the use of commercial silver ink. Notable variations in roughness (grain size) result in unique behaviors of these structures, and therefore, any potential differences in the sensitivity of the generated sensing structures can be more thoroughly understood through this spatial arrangement. The electrochemical experiments utilized a diluted sulfuric acid solution at three different scan rates. The oxidation and reduction potentials of the structures seem fairly alike. Nevertheless, a notable difference is seen in the anodic and cathodic current densities, which appear to be largely influenced by the active surface of gold nanoparticles linked to the polymeric grains. The graphene–PANI-EB structure with Au nanoparticles showed the highest responsiveness and will be further evaluated for biomedical applications. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the degree of contamination of water matrices (deionised water, spring water, tap water) in a 14-week experiment using film samples from commercial bags printed with water- and solvent-based inks. The effect of different lighting conditions on leaching and ecotoxicity was also investigated. Samples were exposed for 24 h to natural sunlight and to no light in a darkroom. A significant increase in contaminants in the aqueous matrices was observed in regard to the 12-week leaching potential of the components from the films in regard to all the lighting variants and aqueous matrices analysed: an increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total organic carbon (TOC), and total suspended solids (TSS). Based on the procedures carried out, the relationship between the lighting conditions and the amount of the constituents released into the aqueous matrices was not confirmed. The concentration of total organic carbon in all the samples peaked between weeks 6 and 9 of the study, followed by a gradual reduction in leaching. This phenomenon could be linked to the gradual depletion of the substances present in the samples or to the achievement of a concentration equilibrium between the aqueous matrix and the sample and/or to the formation of deposits on the surface of the films, which hindered the migration of the substances into the solutions. Ecotoxicity tests performed between 7 and 14 weeks showed most samples’ toxic and highly toxic effects on the growth of Lemna minor fronds and Sinapis alba/Lepidium sativum roots. In contrast, no toxic effects were observed in regard to most of the samples during screening mortality tests on Daphnia magna and Artemia salina. This study highlights the need for further research into the effects of plastic pollution on the aquatic environment. Full article

Background/Objectives: We wished to evaluate in vitro whether vacuum plasma surface treatment of bone graft substitutes and resorbable membranes could improve the hydrophilicity and wettability of the tested materials. Methods: A total of 28 sterilized samples were considered for this research and divided into three groups. Six samples were used for the SEM-EDS analysis. The other 22 samples were randomly assigned into the test (plasma-treated, n = 11) and control (no treatment, n = 11) groups. Vacuum plasma surface treatment was performed in the test group before the SEM-EDS analysis using the ACTILINK reborn with a material holder (Plasmapp Co., Ltd., Daejeon, Republic of Korea). Plasmatreat (Plasmatreat, Steinhagen, Germany) inks were used to evaluate the differences in the hydrophilicity between the test and control groups. The outcome measures were the absorption time, wettability grade, and grade of decontamination after different time cycles. Results: After the vacuum plasma surface treatment, the absorption time of the inks statistically decreased in all of the subgroups (p < 0.05), while the wettability grade increased. The SEM-EDS analyses showed an increased reduction rate of carbon impurities after up to three vacuum plasma surface treatment cycles. Furthermore, the SEM-EDS analysis did not reveal any areas of damage caused by the multiple treatments. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the vacuum plasma surface treatment increased the hydrophilicity and wettability of the tested biomaterials. Particle bone graft and bone blocks should be treated using longer time programs. Further well-conducted randomized clinical trials with sample size calculations are needed to confirm these preliminary results. Full article

Direct ink writing (DIW) of low-yield-stress UV-curable silicone rubber faces challenges in maintaining dimensional accuracy due to post-extrusion swelling and viscoelastic deformation. This study proposes an ultraviolet-follow curing (UFC) method to enhance geometric precision by UV-follow curing (UFC) during deposition. The effects of UFC on filament dimensions—including width, length, cross-sectional geometry, and roundness—were systematically investigated. The mechanical properties of the printed structures were also evaluated to assess their functional integrity. The experimental results demonstrated that UFC effectively reduced extrusion swelling, achieving a filament-width deviation reduction of 22–81% and a filament-length deviation of 1.4–1.8% compared to conventional DIW. The printed rings exhibited improved roundness uniformity with reduced geometric fluctuations. Crucially, UFC enhances dimensional accuracy without compromising the mechanical performance of low-yield-stress silicones, providing a viable strategy for the high-precision additive manufacturing of soft elastomeric architectures. Full article

Radar sensors are critical for obstacle detection and navigation, especially for automated driving. Using the use-case “printing of heating coils on the inside of the front housing (primary radome)” needed for de-icing in winter, it is demonstrated that additive manufacturing (AM) can provide economic and functional benefits for manufacturing of the sensors. AM will allow significant cost reduction by eliminating parts and simplifying the manufacturing process. Different AM technologies for the coils were investigated, first, by applying the conductive traces by fused deposition modeling (FDM), and, second, by printing copper particle-free inks and pastes. The metal layers were electrically and mechanically characterized using a profilometer to measure the trace dimension and a four-point probe to measure the resistance. It was revealed that low-cost conductive filaments with low resistivity and current carrying capacity are commercially still not available. The best option sourced was a copper–polyester-based filament with 6000 µΩcm after printing. Therefore, low-cost particle-free copper inks and commercial copper flake paste were selected to print the heating coil. The Cu particle-free inks were amine-based Cu (II) formate complexes, where the Cu exists in an ionic form. Using contactless printing processes such as ink-jet printing or pneumatic dispensing, the traces could be deposited onto the low-melting temperature (225 °C) polymeric radome structure. After printing, the material needed to be sintered to form the conductive copper traces. To avoid damaging the polymer radome during sintering, two different processes were investigated: low-temperature (<150 °C) sintering in an oven for 30 min or fast laser sintering. The sintered Cu layers achieved the following specific electric resistivities when slowly sintered in the oven: paste 4 µΩcm and ink 8.8 µΩcm. Using laser sintering, the ink achieved 3.2 µΩcm because the locally high temperature provides better sintering. Also, the adhesion was significantly increased to (5 B). Therefore, laser sintering is the preferred technology. In addition, it allows fast processing directly after printing. Commercial equipment is available where printing and laser sintering is integrated. The potential of low-cost copper material and the integration in additive manufacturing of electronic systems using radar sensors as an example are demonstrated in this paper. Full article

The sustainability of agriculture is seriously threatened by climate change. In Europe, chestnut ecosystems, which are growing mainly in Mediterranean climate, are facing during summertime increasing of heat and drought stresses. These induce fragilities on trees, leading to a reduction in productivity and predisposing them to pest and disease attacks. The plasticity of chestnut species under contrasting climate is known. Understanding the specific adaptation of cultivars to different climate features is now important to anticipating climate changes. Caucasian Region is considered the origin center of chestnut (Castanea sativa), which is characterized by climatic transition from the Mediterranean to the Euro-Siberian area. Mostly, areas of chestnut are concentrated in the countries around the Mediterranean Basin, thriving in regions with humid and Pré-Atlantic bioclimates. In Portugal, more than 95% of the chestnut area is located in the Center and North side of Portugal. This is an anisohydry species, characterized by good hydroplasticity: 90% reduction in A occurs when Ψ_wstem drops to −1.25 MPa, and a 50% reduction in A occurs at values of −1.7 MPa. The highest fatty acid contents in chestnut chloroplasts are a-linolenic acid (18:3), ranging between 40 and 50% of the total amount and being the unsaturated/saturated 2.27 for Longal. New strategies are being investigated in order to increase tolerance against those abiotic factors in chestnut species. They include the use of innovative irrigation techniques, which can increase production 22–37%. Fertilization with silicone (Si) has been investigated to promote the tolerance of plants against heat and drought stresses. Breeding programs, mostly (in Europe) against ink disease, have been performed since the middle of the XX century to create new genotypes (such the Portuguese ColUTAD^®). ClimCast, a network of orchards, was created in Portugal with the aim of responding to the new challenges facing orchards in the context of climate change. Full article

The proliferation of sophisticated counterfeiting poses critical challenges to global security and commerce, with annual losses exceeding $2.2 trillion. This paper presents a novel physics-constrained deep learning framework for high-precision security ink colorimetry, integrating three key innovations: a physics-informed neural architecture achieving unprecedented color prediction accuracy (CIEDE2000 ($\Delta E_{00}$): 0.70 ± 0.08, p < 0.001), advanced attention mechanisms improving feature extraction efficiency by 58.3%, and a Bayesian optimization framework ensuring robust parameter tuning. Validated across 1500 industrial samples under varying conditions (±2 °C, 30–80% RH), this system demonstrates substantial improvements in production efficiency with a 50% reduction in rejections, a 35% decrease in calibration time, and 96.7% color gamut coverage. These achievements establish new benchmarks for security printing applications and provide scalable solutions for next-generation anti-counterfeiting technologies, offering a promising outlook for the future. Full article

Cement-based 3D printing provides an opportunity to create cement-based elements with a hierarchy of structures and patterns that are not easily achievable using traditional casting techniques, thereby providing new possibilities for improving thermal control and energy storage in cement-based materials. In this study, the influence of internal architecture and ink formulation on the thermal behavior of 3D-printed cement composite beams was investigated using infrared thermal imaging and a conceptual one-dimensional heat transfer model based on cooling fins in convective media. Three-dimensional printed beams with rectilinear, three-dimensional honeycomb, and Archimedean chord infill patterns and cement ink formulations with and without 5% halloysite nanoclay were exposed to a heating source at one end. The thermal behavior of the beams was found to be predominantly influenced by their internal architecture rather than the cement ink formulation, with differences in void structures and heat transfer pathways among the different architectures resulting in a hierarchy of apparent thermal conductivity. The internal architecture resulted in a reduction in apparent thermal conductivity by up to 75%, while the incorporation of halloysite nanoclay in the cement ink led to a reduction of up to 14%. Among the tested internal architecture, the rectilinear architecture showed a 10–15% higher apparent thermal conductivity compared to the three-dimensional honeycomb architecture and a 35–40% higher apparent thermal conductivity than the Archimedean architecture. The research demonstrates a promising strategy for fabricating and evaluating cement-based materials with thermal management capabilities using 3D printing methods. Full article

Enhanced dewatering remains a major challenge in sludge disposal. In this paper, a thermal solidification treatment under low temperatures was first and successfully employed to improve the dewaterability of sludge from water-based ink wastewater. A total of 95.1% of dewatering ratio, 36.6% of moisture content, and 91.9% of sludge volume reduction could be acquired at 75 °C and 30 min setting time by the reported approach. The DSC results indicated that a large amount of bound water trapped in sludge could be released into the bulk solution to become free water after thermal solidification treatment. The bound water content of sludge can be reduced from 3.40 to 0.20 g g⁻¹ dry solid. The reported thermal solidification treatment is a thermophysical process that does not involve the solubilization of solid substrates and does not cause an increase in the COD value of dehydrated water. The obtained sludge after cooling was a clot of compacted cake with a uniform coralline-like structure. The softening and shrinking of acrylic resin within the sludge during heating contributed to the formation of compacted cake and thus enhanced the dewaterability. This study offers an economical and efficient treatment of sludge for the water-based ink printing industry. Full article

The present study aims to evaluate the effect of Sepia pharaonis ink on insulin resistance in PCOS-induced mice. Treatment with sepia ink in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS mice at various doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg body weight mitigated the insulin resistance in the study groups with decreased concentration of testosterone and increased concentrations of estrogen and progesterone compared to the PCOS group tested by ELISA. The histopathological analysis and restoration of glucose analysis showed a significant reduction in treatment groups. Reduced expression of insulin resistance genes like androgen receptor (AR), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), and insulin-like growth factor1 (IGF-1) by qRT-PCR indicate a positive impact of sepia ink in alleviating the symptoms associated with PCOS. Taken together, the results of this study indicate sepia ink as a promising therapeutic intervention and a possible drug target for insulin resistance in diabetes and gynecological disorders like PCOS. Full article

The sustainable use of natural resources is becoming an increasingly important issue today. Stone paper, produced as an alternative to cellulose-based paper from the forest, is rich in minerals and produced without cellulose and water. This study focuses on the behavior of screen-printing ink on two different papers, stone paper and coated sticker paper. Properties such as ink adhesion, rubbing resistance, optical printing ink density, ink consumption, and lightfastness were measured on these surfaces. Solvent- and UV-based inks were used, and printing was carried out on cellulose-based (coated sticker paper) and mineral-based (stone paper) paper layers using three different mesh counts (90, 120, and 140 tpc). The rubbing resistance and lightfastness of the papers were also measured. The present findings revealed that stone paper had the same printability properties as cellulose-based paper. The study concluded that using a 140 tpc mesh with both types of ink results in a high-lightfastness ink layer and lower ink consumption. UV-based inks exhibited high rub resistance across all mesh counts. Additionally, when printing with stone paper, there will be a reduction in ink consumption, thereby achieving cost savings. Based on the present findings, it was concluded that water- and oil-resistant stone paper can be considered an essential alternative in many fields, including the printing industry. Full article