Search Results (11,418)

Background/Objectives: Magnetic nanoparticles have emerged as powerful tools for biomedical imaging, targeted drug delivery, and hyperthermia therapy. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is among the most promising technologies built around its properties: a radiation-free, quantitative tomographic modality that detects superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) directly against a biologically silent background. This review synthesizes MPI’s physical principles, nanoparticle design strategies, and preclinical applications within the broader landscape of magnetic material engineering for biomedical use. Methods: A systematic review was conducted covering MPI signal generation and image reconstruction, nanoparticle core synthesis and surface coating approaches, and preclinical applications, spanning cell tracking, oncological imaging, vascular perfusion, neuroimaging, and MPI-guided theranostics. Studies were selected to provide quantitative benchmarks and direct comparisons with competing modalities where available. Results: MPI delivers signal-to-background ratios above 1000:1, iron-mass linearity at R² ≥ 0.99, regardless of tissue depth, and acquisition rates up to 46 volumes per second. Tracer architecture—encompassing single-core particles, multicore nanoflowers, and stimuli-responsive cluster designs—is the primary determinant of sensitivity, environmental robustness, and theranostic capability. Preclinical results include detection of cell populations in the low thousands, earlier ischaemia identification than diffusion-weighted MRI, real-time drug release quantification, and spatially confined tumour hyperthermia. Three translational bottlenecks are identified: the absence of a clinically approved tracer with optimal relaxation dynamics, hardware performance losses when scaling to human-bore systems, and overestimation of passive tumour accumulation in murine models. Conclusions: MPI illustrates how progress in magnetic material design directly expands clinical imaging and theranostic possibilities. Successful translation will require indication-driven, interdisciplinary development that integrates materials science, scanner engineering, and regulatory strategy in parallel. Full article

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory material basis and quality control of Pinellia ternata (P. ternata) to provide a modern scientific interpretation for its therapeutic properties. First, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) analysis was used to analyze different polar fractions of P. ternata, resulting in the identification of 79 compounds. Next, an in vitro evaluation using an LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most significant inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production. Three cyclodipeptides, cyclo (Pro-Leu), cyclo (Phe-Pro), and cyclo (Leu-Phe), which displayed notable differences from other fractions, were subsequently screened. Molecular docking studies showed binding free energies below −5 kcal/mol with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), indicating potential anti-inflammatory targeting properties. Cellular experiments further confirmed that the reduction in NO production induced by these cyclodipeptides ranged from 11.03% to 40.38%. To enable their simultaneous quantification, a method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was established, meeting all analytical validation criteria. Application of this method to P. ternata samples from different origins and growth conditions demonstrated that the contents of these cyclodipeptides were significantly influenced by both the origin and cultivation method. In conclusion, this study preliminarily identifies cyclodipeptides as an important anti-inflammatory material basis of P. ternata, and the established quantitative method provides methodological support and data for constructing its quality evaluation system. Full article

Hybrid metal–polymer components are used in many industries, such as in aerospace, automotives, and electronics, due to the possibility of reducing the weight of the final part while maintaining mechanical properties comparable to components made entirely of metal. Conventional 3D printing processes do not enable the direct fabrication of hybrid structures consisting of solid metal and polymer parts due to the significant differences in the processing temperatures of both materials. A solution to this problem is the integration of two processes, electrodeposition and photopolymerization, which allow fabrication to be carried out at room temperature. This paper presents preparatory studies aimed at developing a new 3D printing technology that uses the simultaneous application of electrodeposition and photopolymerization to manufacture hybrid metal–polymer elements in a single, integrated 3D printing process. Here, a hybrid metal–polymer element is defined as a component composed of at least two bonded parts, including at least one metal part fabricated by electrodeposition and at least one polymer part produced by photopolymerization. Thus, it is not a polymer component merely coated with an electrodeposited metal layer, but a true hybrid structure consisting of functional metallic and polymeric parts. Such components can be manufactured using the world’s first hybrid 3D printer, which integrates electrodeposition and photopolymerization to produce metal–polymer hybrid parts within a single 3D printing process (the device has been submitted to the Polish Patent Office). However, its design and operating principle are beyond the scope of this paper. The presented research focuses on initial study of selected feedstock materials for this printer, namely photocurable resins and electroplating baths. Since the entire hybrid printing process occurs in an electroplating bath environment, studies of these materials for 3D printing under such conditions were essential. This work includes a screening study of photocurable formulations with respect to rheological properties, 3D printing tests in a model copper electroplating bath, and selection of a suitable bath brightener to maximize the quality (fine grain size, homogeneous grain distribution) of additively deposited copper layers. The study was conducted using copper electrodeposition and acrylate resin photopolymerization as model processes for evaluating the proposed hybrid metal–polymer 3D printing technology. Finally, the most suitable feedstock materials for producing metal–polymer hybrid parts via the proposed 3D printing method were selected. Full article

To address the limitations of conventional metamaterials in thermo-mechanical coupling environments, this study proposes a multifunctional metamaterial structure through material selection and structural optimization, demonstrating stable vibration isolation performance under thermal fluctuations. The thermal deformation mechanisms and zero thermal expansion (ZTE) behavior of curved-beam unit cell are systematically examined through the chained beam constraint model (CBCM). A novel dual-zero metamaterial featuring both quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) and ZTE characteristics is developed using curved-beam unit cell design. A parametric analysis, through finite element modeling, systematically investigated the effects of geometric parameters and material properties on the thermal expansion deformation and mechanical responses in the curved-beam unit cell structure. Furthermore, cylindrical metamaterials featuring dual-zero properties were engineered, and their deformation control mechanisms and vibration characteristic evolution across a broad temperature range were systematically studied. The simulation results indicate that while the Al–Al structure exhibits a significant resonance peak shift of up to 64.32% at 200 °C, the Al–Steel zero-stiffness design restricts this shift to only 7.72%. Furthermore, the Steel–Invar configuration demonstrates exceptional vibrational stability, with its center frequency shifting marginally from 5.58 Hz to 5.61 Hz at 200 °C. This methodology presents a viable solution for engineering metamaterials in extreme-temperature environments. Full article

Squalene and squalane are widely used cosmetic ingredients valued for their emollient properties and excellent skin compatibility, yet sustainable sourcing remains a challenge. This study presents an integrated and eco-friendly strategy for valorizing wine lees as a renewable source of squalene and converting it into stable, high-performance squalane. Squalene was efficiently recovered from yeast-rich winery waste through optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction, followed by chromatographic purification. Green catalytic hydrogenation using palladium supported on natural clay minerals enabled the selective conversion of squalene into squalane under mild conditions. The functional evaluation via in vitro transport studies across an artificial membrane, using quercetin as a poorly permeable model antioxidant, demonstrated enhanced permeation compared with conventional vehicles, while accelerated aging experiments further confirmed the superior oxidative stability of squalane relative to native squalene. Overall, this work provides a proof of concept for upcycling winery by-products into multifunctional cosmetic ingredients that combine sustainability, stability, and functional performance, supporting circular economy principles and the growing demand for ethically sourced raw materials in the cosmetic industry. Full article

In goafs formed by underground mineral resource extraction, the remaining pillars are often subjected to uniaxial loading at different loading rates, and their mechanical responses and failure mechanisms directly affect the long-term stability of the goafs. This study uses rock-like materials to conduct uniaxial compression tests at loading rates ranging from 0.001 mm/min to 0.05 mm/min, combined with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, to systematically investigate the effects of loading rate on the mechanical properties, energy distribution, constitutive model, and AE characteristics of the material. The results show that an increase in loading rate significantly enhances the stiffness and strength of the material, promotes a transition in failure mode from a shear–tension composite to tension-dominated, intensifies brittle characteristics, and simultaneously inhibits full crack development and fragments generation. In terms of energy evolution, an increased loading rate enhances the pre-peak total strain energy and elastic strain energy storage but reduces the efficiency of energy dissipation, leading to an intensified mismatch between energy storage and dissipation capacities at peak stress. A damage variable induced by loading rate was proposed, and a damage constitutive model considering the loading rate was established, with the theoretical curves showing good agreement with the experimental data. AE characteristic analysis further reveals that an increase in loading rate causes the crack type to transition from shear-dominated to tension-dominated, and the fluctuating increase in the b-value reflects a reduction in pre-peak fracture scale and a decrease in the degree of material fragmentation. The research findings are expected to deepen the understanding of the damage and failure mechanisms of rock materials under different loading rates, thereby laying a research foundation for the stability assessment of goaf pillars and disaster warning. Full article

Fatigue failure in scaffolding components poses significant risks to worker safety, particularly in high-altitude construction environments. This study investigates the fatigue behavior of scaffolding stirrups, a critical structural element prone to premature failure. The objective is to analyze the fatigue damage mechanisms in stirrups through a combined experimental and numerical approach. Mechanical characterization and micro-hardness testing were conducted to assess the material properties of the stirrup, while finite element modeling (FEM) was employed to simulate its performance under cyclic loading. The Johnson–Cook material model was utilized to compare experimental hysteresis curves with FEM results, validating the numerical approach. Additionally, the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was applied to model crack initiation and propagation. Results reveal that material hardening and fatigue crack growth are the primary causes of stirrup failure, with distinct fatigue zones and crack paths identified. The study quantifies the relationship between crack growth stages and stirrup bending, providing insights into the failure process. These findings contribute to improving the safety and lifespan of scaffolding systems by identifying key factors influencing stirrup durability. Full article

The growing need for lightweight, multifunctional, and high-performance structures in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical industries has driven the development of advanced joining technologies for polymers and metal-polymer combinations. Among these, ultrasonic welding (USW) and friction stir spot welding (FSSW) have emerged as promising solid-state techniques capable of producing reliable joints with minimal thermal degradation and enhanced interfacial bonding. This review focuses on recent developments in USW and FSSW of thermoplastics, fiber-reinforced composites, and hybrid metal–polymer systems, with a particular emphasis on process mechanics, microstructural evolution, and joint performance. The mechanisms of heat generation, material flow behavior, and consolidation are discussed in relation to key process parameters, including applied pressure, rotational speed, vibration amplitude, plunge depth, and dwell time. Microstructural transformations such as polymer chain orientation, recrystallization, interfacial diffusion, and defect formation are analyzed to establish process–structure–property relationships. Mechanical performance metrics, including lap shear strength, fatigue resistance, impact behavior, and environmental durability, are critically compared across different materials and welding methods. Furthermore, recent advances in numerical and thermo-mechanical modeling, in situ process monitoring, and data-driven optimization are discussed to highlight pathways toward predictive and scalable manufacturing. Current industrial applications and existing limitations such as challenges in automation, thickness constraints, and hybrid material compatibility are also evaluated. Finally, key research gaps and future directions are identified to improve joint reliability, sustainability, and broader industrial adoption of advanced solid-state welding technologies. Full article

Metal mesh reflective surfaces are widely used in deployable antennas mounted on satellites where lightweight and stowability are required; however, quantitative characterization of reflective performance is difficult due to complex woven/knitted structures. This paper presents a modeling method that characterizes the reflection coefficient of complex mesh fabrics by combining a per-band effective wire radius r_eff estimation procedure with the Casey surface impedance model. The lattice spacing is fixed from the specimen geometry, the electrical conductivity is set to the material property of gold ($\sigma$ = 45.2 MS/m), and r_eff is determined as a single parameter that minimizes the error against the measured reflection coefficient in each frequency band. For validation, waveguide-contact measurements were performed on three Atlas-series mesh specimens fabricated with gold-coated molybdenum wire (diameter: 30 μm), measuring each specimen across all three waveguide standards (WR-340, WR-90, WR-28) with nine repeated trials per configuration, totaling 162 measurement runs. The estimated r_eff ranged from 10.1 to 44.5 μm depending on band and polarization, with RMSE below 0.021 dB in all native-band fits. Even for the same specimen, directional r_eff values differed by up to 1.78× due to the anisotropy of the weave structure, confirming that polarization dependence must be considered in mesh reflector antenna design. Full article

As a solid-state welding technique, friction stir welding (FSW) has many advantages over conventional fusion welding. Its applications in the manufacturing and joining of parts in aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding have significantly increased. Friction heat generation is the fundamental driver of the FSW process. It governs material flow, microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and residual stresses. Understanding the effect of heat generated on the joint quality is essential for process parameter optimization, ensuring defect-free welds and high-quality joints. Thus, evaluating the thermal history of the FSW process is a key requirement for effective analysis. This comprehensive review critically discusses research studies published over the past three decades (1991–2025) that have examined different approaches to predict and measure heat generation in FSW. A total of 136 highly relevant articles were selected from the Scopus database and systematically analyzed. The effects of various welding parameters on heat generation, microstructural evolution, and joints’ mechanical properties have been reported. Different heat generation prediction and measurement techniques, such as analytical models, finite element models (FEM), and experimental methods have been discussed in terms of their feasibility, accuracy, advantages, disadvantages, and cost. The evolution, state of the art of analytical models and FEM over the last three decades are analyzed and future research directions are outlined. Finally, the correlation between process parameters, heat generated, microstructural development, and mechanical performance of the welded joints for various workpiece materials is investigated. This review provides a critical and comparative perspective that highlights the strengths and limitations of each method, offering practical guidance for researchers and industry practitioners. Full article

The performance, safety, and long-term durability of electric vehicle (EV) battery systems are strongly governed by the chemical stability and thermophysical properties of their constituent materials. In response to the limitations of conventional lithium-based batteries—particularly with respect to thermal stability, material sustainability, and degradation under high operational loads—this study presents a thermodynamic and electrochemical modeling framework for evaluating alternative battery materials relevant to electric vehicle energy storage systems. Xenon difluoride (XeF₂) and zirconium carbide (ZrC) are proposed as functional battery components and comparatively analyzed based on chemical stability, bond enthalpy, mass–capacity relationships, and energy density characteristics. Analytical modeling is employed to investigate voltage–capacity–mass interactions over a wide operating range (3–48 V and 100–1000 mAh), representing diverse EV operating scenarios, including high-load and elevated-temperature conditions. In addition, temperature-dependent degradation behavior and cycle life performance are assessed using logarithmic degradation models and Arrhenius-based life cycle formulations. The results indicate that ZrC, with a high total bond enthalpy of 561 kJ mol⁻¹, demonstrates superior energy density, reduced material mass requirements, and enhanced resistance to thermal degradation, making it particularly suitable for high-temperature and long-life EV battery applications. In contrast, XeF₂ exhibits stable electrochemical performance under moderate temperature and capacity conditions but shows increased sensitivity to thermal effects at higher operating ranges, suggesting potential applicability in balanced-performance EV battery configurations. Overall, the proposed modeling framework provides a systematic approach for assessing alternative battery materials under electric vehicle-relevant operating conditions and offers guidance for future experimental validation, material selection, and battery design aimed at improving safety, durability, and sustainability in next-generation electric vehicle energy storage systems. Full article

As natural and anthropogenic hazards intensify, improving the performance of reinforced-concrete (RC) infrastructure within a resilience-oriented assessment framework while limiting environmental burdens has become an important challenge for sustainable construction. In this context, this study proposes an OpenBIM-based digital-twin methodology to compare two equivalent RC structural scenarios: a conventional solution and an alternative incorporating unprocessed waste sheep wool fibres into cementitious materials. Using an IFC-based model of a high-rise building, the workflow enables automated extraction of structural quantities and a consistent building-scale assessment of material use, environmental impacts, and circularity indicators. Laboratory evidence from the literature is translated into element-level performance criteria through a dual-factor selection strategy based on key structural properties and secondary indicators related to cracking and post-cracking behaviour. The results show that the wool-fibre alternative enables the incorporation of a relevant amount of waste wool into the structure while causing only negligible increases in embodied energy and carbon emissions relative to the conventional RC scenario. The selected formulations also maintain or improve the governing mechanical and serviceability-related factors, indicating potential benefits in crack control, toughness, and repairability. Overall, this methodology provides a reproducible pathway for linking laboratory-scale material innovation with building-scale digital assessment, supporting more sustainable and performance-aware decision-making in RC construction. Full article

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of research findings concerning the acid catalytic effect (ACE) of hot compressed water and water–alcohol mixtures, along with the applications of these solvents. The ACE observed during reactions can be categorized into three types: inherent, associated, and interfering. These ACE types originate from the solvent, solutes, and reactor, respectively. Distinguishing and evaluating these ACEs is crucial for elucidating reaction mechanisms and developing reaction models. Water exhibits inherent ACE in both its dissociated and undissociated forms under hot compressed conditions. Hot compressed water–alcohol mixtures possess the capability to tune the characteristics of solvents, including ACE, through their composition. The application of hot compressed water and water–alcohol is prevalent in a variety of fields, including the conversion of biomass and biomass-derived materials, extraction, biodiesel production, organic synthesis reactions, recycling via the decomposition of polymers, and inorganic material synthesis. In these applications, the utilization of water–alcohol mixtures resulted in a higher yield of target products and/or superior properties of products compared to the use of pure solvents, such as water alone or alcohol alone. The observed results can be attributed to the optimization of the roles of water and alcohol in the reaction through mixing them. Full article

Background/Objectives: Viral respiratory tract infections (VRTIs) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are characterized by a severity gap rather than an infection gap. This review synthesizes evidence from the 2023–2026 respiratory seasons to provide a post-pandemic framework for managing the synergistic metabolic and viral threats in this population. Materials and Methods: A scoping review of literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase (2023–2026) was conducted, focusing on clinical outcomes and mechanistic interactions between DM and emerging respiratory pathogens. Results: Recent data identify human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) and adenovirus as significant threats to diabetic hosts, with mortality risks equivalent to seasonal influenza (HR 1.00 for hMPV vs. influenza). The two-hit model combines a baseline of innate immune paralysis, characterized by impaired neutrophil chemo-taxis and mechanical SP-D dysfunction, with a cellular signaling environment primed for cytokine overreaction by epigenetic metabolic memory. The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) has emerged as a promising predictor of mortality compared to absolute glucose or HbA1c, with a proposed threshold of ≥1.14 identifying patients at 3.5-fold increased risk for mechanical ventilation. Precision management should consider the prudent suspension of SGLT2 inhibitors to mitigate euglycemic DKA risks and considering the early use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for their hypothesized pulmonary anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusions: Closing the mortality gap may require a shift from generic viral care to a precision model that treats metabolic susceptibility with high clinical priority alongside the treatment of the viral pathogen. Full article

This study presents a comparative investigation of MgCu intermetallic compounds, CuCoMnSn Heusler alloys, and carbon steel for spur gear applications using a novel tooth contact analysis (TCA) method. The TCA employs a nonlinear two-variable equation, providing a fast and accurate computational tool for evaluating gear contact behavior. By integrating material-specific elastic properties from density functional theory (DFT) studies, the analysis predicts contact paths, stress distributions, and responses to angular misalignments. Material selection strongly influences gear performance: MgCu is promising for lightweight applications, while CuCoMnSn is better suited where mechanical performance is prioritized. The CuCoMnSn alloy also exhibits half-metallic ferromagnetic behavior, offering potential functional advantages beyond mechanical performance. These results highlight the promise of intermetallics and Heusler alloys for high-performance, misalignment-tolerant gears and demonstrate the effectiveness of combining DFT-informed material modeling with the novel TCA method for optimized spur gear design. Full article