Search Results (20,105)

Background: Patient-specific targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) requires consideration not only of administered activity but also of the spatial distribution of radiopharmaceutical uptake and radionuclide-specific energy deposition. This study developed a voxel-based computational workplan to compare ¹⁷⁷Lu, ¹⁶¹Tb and ⁹⁰Y, together with hybrid radionuclide models, using patient-specific PSMA PET-derived tumour activity distributions. Methods: PSMA PET/CT data from 20 patients with prostate cancer, comprising 10 ¹⁸F-PSMA and 10 ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA examinations, were processed to obtain 2285 quality-filtered lesions. Radionuclide-specific dose-point kernels (DPKs) were generated in water using OpenGATE and applied to voxel-wise lesion activity distributions to reconstruct absorbed-dose maps. Kernel characteristics were evaluated using radial energy-containment metrics, and ¹⁷⁷Lu, representing ¹⁶¹Tb simulations, was subjected to grid-convergence testing and external comparison with a published DPK. Lesion dosimetry was assessed using Dmean, D90, D95, equivalent uniform dose (EUD) and tumour control probability (TCP), with uncertainty quantified using patient-cluster bootstrap confidence intervals. Kinetic sensitivity and diagnostic tracer subgroup analyses were additionally performed. Results: The study showed that ¹⁶¹Tb produced the highest median lesion-level Dmean, D90, D95 and EUD at 182.79, 136.28, 132.07 and 148.53 Gy, respectively, with a median TCP of 0.981. Corresponding values for ¹⁷⁷Lu were 141.33, 105.42, 102.10 and 114.78 Gy (TCP 0.930), while ⁹⁰Y produced lower local dose metrics but the broadest radial dose distribution, consistent with its longer-range β-particle crossfire. ¹⁶¹Tb remained the highest-ranking radionuclide across the investigated kinetic cases and within both diagnostic tracer subgroups. Hybrid ¹⁶¹Tb/⁹⁰Y kernels provided a controllable compromise between localised energy deposition and extended crossfire; a 70:30 model increased central dose localisation while retaining an R90 and R95 of 6 and 7 mm, respectively. Grid-convergence and published-DPK comparisons supported the numerical adequacy of the kernel methodology. Radionuclide emission characteristics substantially influence the transformation of heterogeneous tumour uptake into spatial absorbed-dose distributions. Within this model, ¹⁶¹Tb provided the strongest overall lesion-level dosimetric performance, whereas the extended range of ⁹⁰Y may offer complementary crossfire for selected bulky or heterogeneous lesions. Conclusions: The findings support phenotype-informed radionuclide comparison and provide a computational basis for investigating hybrid strategies. However, the absolute dose estimates and proposed radionuclide combinations remain model-based and require validation using serial therapeutic imaging, heterogeneous patient-specific dosimetry and normal-organ dose constraints before clinical translation. Full article

To address cathode passivation, performance deterioration, and toxic stress during the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in biocathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs), this study constructed nanomaterial-hybridized biocathodes to improve electricity generation and Cr(VI) removal in MFCs. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), nano-iron sulfide (nano-FeS), and rGO/nano-FeS were separately hybridized with biocathodes to systematically investigate the effects of different hybridized biocathodes on the performance of MFCs for Cr(VI)-containing wastewater treatment. The results showed that the FeS group exhibited the best Cr(VI) removal capability, with a maximum removal kinetic constant of 0.184 h⁻¹, which was 3.60 times that of the Control group, and showed the smallest performance decline after three consecutive cycles. Mechanistic analysis indicated that nano-FeS promoted the transformation of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) and Cr(0) through its strong adsorption and reducing capacities; it also enhanced biofilm cell activity and the protein/polysaccharide ratio in extracellular polymeric substances; furthermore, it shaped a multi-taxon-dominated microbial community capable of Cr(VI) tolerance and reduction and enhanced the associated metabolic functions, thereby improving resistance to Cr(VI) stress and effectively alleviating cathode passivation. In contrast, rGO tended to enhance biocathode conductivity and electricity generation in MFCs, with the rGO + FeS group achieving the highest power density output of 51.54 ± 3.62 mW/m², which was 1.22 times that of the Control group, as well as the smallest decline in power density after three consecutive cycles. Overall, nanomaterial hybridization reshaped interfacial electron transfer and microbial stress resistance in biocathodes, enabling efficient Cr(VI) removal and stable electricity generation, and providing a new strategy to construct long-term stable bioelectrochemical systems for heavy metal-containing wastewater treatment. Full article

Polysaccharide-based organic−inorganic hybrid carriers combine renewable polymer matrices with inorganic phases that can modify mechanical integrity, swelling, barrier performance, payload retention, and release behavior. This review critically evaluates alginate as a reference matrix together with chitosan, cellulose/nanocellulose, starch/maltodextrin, pectin, carrageenan, and related polysaccharides, focusing on how matrix chemistry, inorganic-phase properties, interfacial interactions, and fabrication route govern encapsulation efficiency, loading, structural stability, swelling, mechanical and barrier properties, storage retention, and release kinetics. Silica and mesoporous silica, clays and halloysite, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), metal oxides, hydroxyapatite, magnetic particles, and metal−organic frameworks are compared according to their reservoir, reinforcing, diffusion-controlling, responsive, and safety-related functions. Representative quantitative findings illustrate the importance of hybrid architecture; for example, incorporation of LDHs into an alginate matrix reduced erythropoietin release after 108 h from 86% to 24% while increasing mechanical performance by approximately 5–30-fold. In this review, particular attention is given to volatile and bioactive compounds, for which storage retention, oxidation stability, headspace behavior, and application-relevant release are as important as initial encapsulation efficiency. Key challenges, such as long-term stability, standardization of release studies, scalability, safety assessment, and performance in real formulations, are also discussed, together with future directions for sustainable, application-specific hybrid carrier systems. Overall, the review provides a structure−property-application framework for selecting matrix−filler-processing combinations for controlled-release systems. Full article

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a key enzyme responsible for enzymatic browning in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, severely compromising their quality and shelf life. This study aimed to investigate the combined inhibitory mechanism of oxyresveratrol (OXY) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on PPO through multi-spectroscopic analyses, molecular docking, TEM, and XRD, with the goal of developing a natural and effective anti-browning strategy for fresh-cut fruits. The results showed that the optimal combined effect was achieved at an OXY:EGCG ratio of 1:2, where the inhibition rate was significantly enhanced by 43.72% and 14.36% compared to using OXY or EGCG single treatment, respectively. The combined treatment exhibited enhanced chelation capacity of copper ion and DPPH radical scavenging activity, and enhanced hydrogen-bonding interactions while lowering binding energy, exhibiting characteristics of mixed inhibition kinetics. Structural characterization showed that the combined treatment drastically reduced the enzyme’s fluorescence intensity to 39.81% of that of the native enzyme, induced rearrangements in α-helix and random coil structures, triggered obvious protein aggregation, and weakened the intensity of crystal diffraction peaks. Importantly, the combined treatment effectively delayed browning in fresh-cut pear slices, demonstrating its practical application potential. These findings provide a promising natural combined approach for controlling enzymatic browning and extending the shelf life of fresh-cut produce. Full article

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) resolves the internal physicochemical processes of lithium-ion batteries across timescales—from ohmic conduction through charge-transfer kinetics to solid-state diffusion. Despite this analytical power, EIS deployment remains largely confined to laboratory electrochemical workstations that are bulky, expensive, and incapable of online multi-cell operation under dynamic DC bias conditions. This study presents a multi-channel EIS measurement device that simultaneously addresses three requirements for practical battery diagnostics: workstation-grade measurement accuracy, multi-cell synchronous acquisition, and tolerance to the DC bias voltage present across battery terminals during operation. The device employs a master–slave distributed architecture: each slave unit is built around the DNB1101 battery-dedicated impedance measurement chip with a Kelvin four-wire sensing configuration, while the STM32F407-based master controller coordinates measurement scheduling and data communication under FreeRTOS. A four-channel slave board with a differential daisy-chain communication topology and hardware broadcast trigger mechanism supports multi-cell synchronous acquisition. The device operates over a frequency range of 0.01 Hz to 5620 Hz with logarithmic spacing, and a C#-based host application provides real-time Nyquist and Bode visualization along with MATLAB R2024a-based post-processing for outlier rejection and data smoothing. Validation was conducted using Panasonic NCR18650 ternary (NCA) and LiFePO₄ (LFP) 18650 cells, benchmarked against a CorrTest CS350 electrochemical workstation at SOC = 40% and 25 °C. The device achieves a maximum impedance magnitude error of 1.55% and a maximum phase error of 1.22%. Equivalent circuit model fitting via ZSimpWin yields parameter differences below 1% between the device and the reference workstation. Under online conditions with a 3.6 V DC bias, the impedance measurement deviation of a 20 mΩ precision resistor remains below 0.69% across the full frequency range. Multi-channel synchronous measurements across four cells demonstrate inter-channel amplitude variance below 2.13%. Cross-chemistry validation with LiFePO₄ cells yields magnitude and phase errors below 0.92%. These results demonstrate that the proposed device provides laboratory-grade EIS accuracy with multi-channel, online, and cross-chemistry capabilities, offering a practical platform for integrating EIS-based diagnostics into next-generation battery management systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Matrix pellet formulations enable homogeneous incorporation of the active ingredient and advanced control of release depending on the excipients added. The aim of this study was to develop, characterize, and assess the drug release profiles of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and isomalt-based matrix pellets with direct drug incorporation, advancing beyond the earlier concept of isomalt as a mere inert core with layered drug application, under simulated physiological conditions in vitro. Methods: Matrix pellets with varying MCC–isomalt ratios (90:10, 70:30, and 50:50) were produced by extrusion/spheronization and subsequently coated with film-forming polymers. Dissolution experiments were performed under varying osmolarity to characterize release profiles. The experimental design data were statistically evaluated. Results: The extrusion/spheronization technique yielded uniform, robust matrix pellets with acceptable sphericity and mechanical integrity, even at high isomalt levels. Release from coated pellets was significantly influenced by the polymer coating and osmolarity of the dissolution medium. However, with increasing isomalt content in the matrix, the dependence of drug release kinetics on medium osmolarity was substantially reduced. Conclusions: The production of MCC–isomalt matrix pellets in which isomalt acts as a functional matrix component reduced the effect of osmolarity of dissolution medium on the release of ibuprofen sodium salt in in vitro experiments. Full article

Humic acid, as a natural macromolecular aggregate rich in functional groups, offers abundant modification sites and tunable chemical functionality, making it a promising building block for three-dimensional network construction. In this study, glutaraldehyde (GA) was employed as a crosslinking agent to incorporate sodium humate (NaHA, sodium salt of humic acid from alkaline treatment) into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix, yielding composite membranes with enhanced structural stability and performance. The results demonstrate that NaHA effectively modulates the crosslinked network, and the physical and mechanical characteristics can be readily tailored by varying the PVA/NaHA/GA ratio. Compared with pristine PVA/GA hydrogel, the inclusion of NaHA significantly influences the mechanical response, with optimal comprehensive performance achieved at a NaHA content of 7.5 wt%, corresponding to a tensile strength of 60.4 MPa and an elongation at break of 74.2%. Furthermore, the cumulative release of NaHA after two days reached 64.4%, confirming that NaHA supramolecular aggregates were stably entrapped within the PVA/GA crosslinked matrix. The release kinetics were well described by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Overall, the covalent crosslinking of PVA with GA, together with hydrogen-bonding associations and physical entrapment mediated by NaHA, constructed a composite membrane network. This network exhibited tunable dry-state mechanical properties and sustained NaHA release, supporting its further evaluation as a prospective candidate for agricultural mulching films. Full article

Pump-turbines often experience performance deterioration under high-load conditions beyond their best efficiency point, while the underlying flow mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigate the relationship between internal flow structures and energy performance in a pump-turbine operating at a rated head of 202 m over a range of guide vane openings. Energy losses are evaluated using an average kinetic energy-based method and compared with an entropy production approach. A threshold-independent rigid vorticity method is adopted for vortex identification, and a streamline-based coordinate system is introduced for spatial quantification of energy loss and blade loading. The results show that hydraulic losses are mainly concentrated in the draft tube (66–75%) and runner (25–30%) under high-load conditions. A coupled vortex system formed by separation vortices and horseshoe vortices governs localized dissipation in the runner. In the draft tube, a columnar vortex rope generates strong shear layers that dominate energy loss in the cone and elbow regions. At high flow rates, negative incidence induces pressure-side separation, forming negative torque regions that reduce net runner torque and lead to output power deterioration. These findings highlight the dominant role of coupled vortex structures and pressure redistribution in performance degradation under high-load operation. Full article

Although canna (Canna edulis Ker) starch possesses high swelling power, it remains an underutilized resource. This study aimed to engineer highly porous, food-grade canna starch aerogels as carriers for cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), incorporating enzymatically modified starch fractions prepared via α-amylase hydrolysis followed by lyophilization. Moderate enzymatic modification (sample AG1) effectively tailored the aerogel architecture by selectively removing amorphous regions. This targeted hydrolysis yielded a highly interconnected, hierarchical porous network with a high porosity (92%). Importantly, although this architectural transformation increased the average macroscopic pore size, it preserved mechanical integrity, as evidenced by a compressive strength exceeding 4000 kPa. In contrast, excessive hydrolysis led to pore collapse and structural failure. The AG1 aerogel exhibited a markedly enhanced C3G equilibrium adsorption capacity (43.9 mg/g), outperforming the native starch aerogel (36.0 mg/g). Adsorption data adhered to pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating that this model provided a better description of the adsorption process, while the underlying adsorption mechanism may involve interactions between C3G and the aerogel matrix, potentially including hydrogen bonding. These results suggest that controlled enzymatically hydrolysis may provide a useful strategy for modulating the hierarchical microstructure of canna starch aerogels, thereby supporting their potential as effective carriers for sensitive bioactive compounds in functional food systems. Full article

Hydrogen is considered one of the most promising energy carriers for sustainable and carbon-neutral energy systems. However, the large-scale deployment of hydrogen technologies is limited by the lack of efficient, safe, and cost-effective hydrogen storage methods. This review examines current hydrogen storage technologies and the physical and chemical mechanisms underlying hydrogen adsorption. Traditional storage approaches, including compressed gas and liquid hydrogen, are briefly analyzed with respect to their advantages, limitations, safety concerns, and energy requirements. Special focus is given to solid-state hydrogen storage systems based on metal hydrides, which offer high storage capacities and enhanced operational safety. Recent advances in intermetallic hydrides, magnesium-based materials and complex hydrides are discussed, along with challenges related to thermodynamic stability, sorption kinetics, thermal management, and cycling durability. This review also highlights recent developments in nanoporous carbon materials and the role of the hydrogen spillover mechanism in improving adsorption performance. Experimental studies reporting hydrogen adsorption capacities above 7 wt.% and up to 11.2 wt.% are analyzed. Based on the reviewed literature, key research directions are identified for optimizing the adsorption properties of advanced materials and accelerating the development of efficient and sustainable hydrogen storage technologies for future energy applications. Full article

17β-Estradiol (E2), a highly bioactive steroid estrogen, poses potential ecological risks even at trace concentrations in aquatic environments. In this study, a nanoconfined Co-based catalyst (Co@C_in) was employed to activate peracetic acid (PAA) for efficient E2 degradation. Microscopic and spectroscopic characterizations indicated that Co-containing species were highly dispersed within the CNT-based architecture, while the graphitic tubular framework was largely preserved. Compared with PAA alone, CNTs, Co@C_in alone, and the externally loaded Co@C_out/PAA system, Co@C_in/PAA exhibited substantially faster E2 degradation. Pseudo-first-order kinetic analysis further demonstrated the enhanced degradation kinetics of the internally confined system. Importantly, ICP analysis showed comparable Co loadings for Co@C_in and Co@C_out, while Co@C_in retained a markedly higher Co-normalized apparent kinetic activity, indicating that its enhanced performance cannot be explained simply by differences in total Co loading. Moreover, Co@C_in exhibited substantially lower Co leaching than Co@C_out and maintained considerable catalytic activity over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating improved stability of the confined Co species. The degradation performance was influenced by initial E2 concentration, catalyst dosage, PAA concentration, and pH, while Cl⁻ and NO₃⁻ showed negligible effects and humic acid and CO₃²⁻ caused only moderate inhibition. Scavenging experiments and controlled TEMP-EPR measurements with appropriate blank and control systems supported a dominant contribution of singlet oxygen (¹O₂), with radical pathways playing only minor roles. The enhanced performance is therefore associated with the nanoconfined reaction environment, which promotes efficient PAA activation while stabilizing the Co species. This work extends nanoconfinement-regulated PAA oxidation to the treatment of the highly bioactive steroid estrogen E2 and provides a quantitative assessment of the activity–stability advantages of internally confined Co species. Full article

This work presents an electrochemical, kinetic, and morphological study of iron electrodeposition on a glassy carbon electrode from an ammonium chloride-based electrolyte containing 0.01 M FeCl₂ and 0.1 M NH₄Cl at pH 6.0. Thermodynamic analysis identified [Fe(H₂O)₆]²⁺ as the predominant Fe(II) species under the investigated conditions. Cyclic voltammetry showed a predominantly diffusion-controlled cathodic response at scan rates ≤ 25 mV s⁻¹. At higher scan rates, a marked decrease in cathodic current was observed, which is attributed to the shorter timescale available for Fe nucleation and growth and the reduced contribution of the concurrent hydrogen evolution reaction. Chronoamperometric analysis indicated three-dimensional progressive nucleation and growth under diffusion-controlled conditions. The kinetic parameters revealed a substantial difference between the initial active-site density (N₀) and the nuclear saturation density (Ns), indicating a decrease in the number of sites available for stable nucleus formation as deposition proceeded. SEM characterization showed an increase in particle density and surface coverage with increasing cathodic overpotential, consistent with the potential dependence of the nucleation parameters. Full article

Floricultural residues represent a substantial and largely unvalorised organic stream in Europe, yet their anaerobic digestion has received limited attention. This study benchmarked the biochemical methane potential and degradation kinetics of Gerbera spp. flower residues (FRs), non-marketable apples (AW) and pig slurry (PS) under mesophilic batch conditions in mono-digestion and in five co-digestion mixtures. Mono-digestion yielded 362.5 ± 4.1 mL_CH4·g_VS⁻¹ for FR, constrained by lignocellulosic recalcitrance and a high extractive content, and 320.9 ± 39.2 mL_CH4·g_VS⁻¹ for AW, whose dispersion reflects the heterogeneity of non-marketable fruit; PS yielded 437.7 ± 2.6 mL_CH4·g_VS⁻¹ and supplied the alkalinity that both plant residues lacked. The highest yield was obtained for the ternary mixture COAD_5 (0.30 PS, 0.45 AW, 0.25 FR on a VS basis), reaching 472.8 ± 8.6 mL_CH4·g_VS⁻¹. This corresponds to a 29.1% increase over the theoretical additive potential (synergy index: 1.29 ± 0.07) and a gain of 8.0% over pig slurry mono-digestion. Once uncertainties were propagated, demonstrable synergy was confined to COAD_5 and to the binary mixture COAD_4. All treatments remained stable, with final pH between 7.40 and 7.86 and VFA-to-alkalinity ratios below 0.11. Kinetic modelling distinguished two regimes: first-order behaviour for the hydrolysis-limited and slurry-dominated substrates, and Modified Gompertz behaviour for the sugar-rich mixtures. Applied to the project site, these yields correspond to a preliminary gross scenario of the order of 481,000 Nm³ CH₄·yr⁻¹. The results establish that floricultural residues can be integrated into livestock-based anaerobic digestion without compromising process stability. Full article

A water treadmill (WT) is used in equine rehabilitation and training. This study aimed to investigate whether varying water depths and using an active artificial river (AR) system during water treadmill exercise would affect physiological stress responses in leisure horses. Thirteen leisure horses participated in five 20 min WT sessions, including those with a treadmill with dry belt, fetlock-depth WT (with/without AR), and carpal-depth WT (with/without AR) at a walking speed of 1.25 m/s. Blood and salivary cortisol levels were measured before, immediately after, and 30 min after exercise. Blood cortisol levels increased after exercise in all sessions. Immediately after exercise, blood cortisol concentrations were significantly lower following the AR sessions. Salivary cortisol concentrations increased 30 min after exercise, with the highest values observed following the carpal-depth WT + AR session. The weak blood–salivary cortisol correlation likely reflects differences in temporal kinetics and biological matrices. Because all horses completed the experimental sessions in the same predefined order, the effects of AR mode cannot be completely separated from all other uncontrolled effects. However, these preliminary findings indicate that activation of the AR system modifies physiological responses during water treadmill exercise and highlight the importance of combining blood and salivary cortisol measurements when evaluating equine responses to exercise. Full article

Objective: This study investigated the effects of hopping speed and distance on ankle joint moments, power, and muscle activation during repeated lateral hopping tasks. Methods: Twelve trained male athletes involved in team sports performed repeated lateral hop tasks at varying speeds (slow and fast) and hop widths (30 and 45 cm). Kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation were recorded using ten optoelectronic cameras, two force platforms, and four channels of electromyography at the peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA assessed the effects of speed and distance, and secondary outcomes were adjusted for multiple comparison using the false discover rate procedure. Result: Hopping speed significantly influenced ankle joint moment (p < 0.05) and produced selective altered joint power and muscle activation (p < 0.05), while distance affected ankle joint moment and range of motion in the frontal plane (p < 0.05), but not muscle activation. Several of these effects remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. A significant speed × distance interaction was observed for frontal plane peak ankle moment (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Hopping speed modulates ankle joint moment most consistently, with more variable changes in joint power and relative muscle activation, while distance manipulation selectively affects mechanical loading without altering muscle activation. Faster hopping increased ankle joint loading and altered relative muscle activation, while wider hopping distances could progressively load frontal plane structures. The results may inform progressive loading strategies for multidirectional sport training in healthy athletes, though clinical applicability remains to be confirmed. Full article