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23 pages, 2767 KB  
Article
Study on Chloride Diffusion Performance and Structural Durability Design of UHPC Under Chloride Salt Erosion
by Wenbo Kang, Kuihua Mei, Wei Liu and Shengjiang Sun
Buildings 2025, 15(19), 3569; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193569 - 3 Oct 2025
Abstract
Normal concrete exhibits poor resistance to chloride penetration, often leading to reinforcement corrosion and premature structural failure. In contrast, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) demonstrates superior resistance to corrosion caused by chloride salts. The chloride diffusion behaviour of UHPC was investigated via long-term immersion (LTI) [...] Read more.
Normal concrete exhibits poor resistance to chloride penetration, often leading to reinforcement corrosion and premature structural failure. In contrast, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) demonstrates superior resistance to corrosion caused by chloride salts. The chloride diffusion behaviour of UHPC was investigated via long-term immersion (LTI) and rapid chloride migration (RCM) tests. Additionally, this study presents the first development of a time-dependent diffusion model for UHPC under chloride corrosion, as well as the proposal of a performance-based design method for calculating the protective layer thickness. Results show that the incorporation of steel fibers reduced the chloride diffusion coefficient (D) by 37.9%. The free chloride content (FCC) in UHPC increased by 92.0% at 2 mm after 300 d of the action of LTI. D decreased by up to 91.0%, whereas the surface chloride concentration (Cs) increased by up to 92.5% under the action of LTI. The time-dependent models of D and Cs followed power and logarithmic functions, respectively. An increase in UHPC surface temperature, relative humidity, and tensile stress ratio significantly diminishes the chloride resistance of UHPC. The minimum UHPC protective layer thicknesses required for UHPC-HPC composite beams with design service lives of 100 years, 150 years, and 200 years are 30 mm, 37 mm, and 43 mm, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
22 pages, 3137 KB  
Article
Materials in Water Supply Systems: Migration of Organic Compounds from Rubber Materials
by Cristina M. M. Almeida, Ana Penetra, Rui Neves Carneiro and Vitor Vale Cardoso
Water 2025, 17(19), 2864; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17192864 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
It is just as important to produce high-quality drinking water as it is to distribute it throughout the water supply system without compromising chemical or microbiological quality. Therefore, it is essential to study the migration of substances in contact with water to assess [...] Read more.
It is just as important to produce high-quality drinking water as it is to distribute it throughout the water supply system without compromising chemical or microbiological quality. Therefore, it is essential to study the migration of substances in contact with water to assess potential chemical contamination under the conditions usually found in distribution systems, which is critical for potential toxicity studies. This initial characterization of the material allows for the assessment of its suitability for contact with drinking water. The rubber material used in the water supply system was selected and subjected to migration tests for 29 days using demineralized water. The potential organic contaminants from migration waters were extracted using liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). More than 50 organic compounds were quantified in migration waters. Most of the organic compounds were considered unexpected substances. Benzothiazole, 2-benzothiazole, and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole were dominant compounds. The unknowns showed a lower estimated concentration at the consumer tap (CTap) than the maximum tolerable concentration at the tap (MTCTap), and their sum was less than 5.0 µg/L. The studied rubber material is suitable for use in the water distribution system, as it satisfies the criteria of the migration tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater for Health and Well-Being)
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47 pages, 24562 KB  
Article
An Improved Whale Migration Optimization Algorithm for Cooperative UAV 3D Path Planning
by Zhanwei Liu, Shichao Li and Hong Xu
Biomimetics 2025, 10(10), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10100655 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
This study proposes an Improved Whale Migration Algorithm (IWMA) to overcome the shortcomings of the original Whale Migration Algorithm, which suffers from premature convergence and insufficient local exploitation in high-dimensional multimodal optimization. IWMA introduces three enhancements: circle chaotic initialization to improve population diversity, [...] Read more.
This study proposes an Improved Whale Migration Algorithm (IWMA) to overcome the shortcomings of the original Whale Migration Algorithm, which suffers from premature convergence and insufficient local exploitation in high-dimensional multimodal optimization. IWMA introduces three enhancements: circle chaotic initialization to improve population diversity, a three-layer cooperative search framework to achieve a stronger balance between exploration and exploitation, and a dynamic adaptive mechanism with t-distribution re-exploration to reinforce both global escaping and local refinement. On the CEC2017 benchmark suite, IWMA demonstrates clear superiority over seven representative algorithms, delivering the best results on 27 out of 29 functions by best, 25 by mean, and 23 by standard deviation in 30 dimensions, and on 25, 18, and 18 functions, respectively, in 50 dimensions. Compared with other migration-based optimizers, its average rank improves by more than 30 percent, while runtime analysis shows only a small additional overhead of 7 to 12 percent. These outcomes, supported by convergence curves, boxplots, radar charts, and Wilcoxon tests, confirm the effectiveness of the proposed improvements. In six multi-UAV path planning scenarios, IWMA reduces the average cost by 14.5 percent compared with WMA and achieves up to 32.1 percent reduction in the most complex case. Overall, its average cost decreases by 27.4 percent across seven competitors, with a 23.6 percent improvement in the best solutions. These results demonstrate that the proposed modifications are effective, enabling IWMA to transfer its performance gains from benchmark tests to practical multi-UAV cooperative mission planning, where it consistently produces safer and smoother trajectories under complex constraints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biological Optimisation and Management)
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18 pages, 8195 KB  
Article
Phase Engineering of Cu2S via Ce2S3 Incorporation: Achieving Enhanced Thermal Stability and Mechanical Properties
by Boke Sun, Liang Li, Yitong Wang, Yuqi Chen, Zhaoshuai Song and Ming Han
Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101135 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
Cu2S has wide-ranging applications in the energy field, particularly as electrode materials and components of energy storage devices. However, the migration of copper ions is prone to component segregation and copper precipitation, impairing long-term thermal stability and service performance. Ce2 [...] Read more.
Cu2S has wide-ranging applications in the energy field, particularly as electrode materials and components of energy storage devices. However, the migration of copper ions is prone to component segregation and copper precipitation, impairing long-term thermal stability and service performance. Ce2S3 not only possesses the unique 4f electron layer structure of Ce but also has high thermal stability and chemical inertness. Here, we report for the first time that the thermal stability and mechanical properties of Cu2S can be significantly enhanced by introducing the dispersed phase Ce2S3. Thermogravimetry—differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) results show that the addition of 6 wt% Ce2S3 improves the thermal stability of Cu2S sintered at 400 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the crystal structure of Cu2S gradually transforms to tetragonal Cu1.96S and orthorhombic Cu1.8S phase at 400 °C with the increase of Ce2S3 addition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that the particle size gradually decreased with the increase of Ce2S3 amount, indicating that the Ce2S3 addition increased the reactivity. The Ce content in Cu2S increased gradually with the increase of Ce2S3 amount at 400–600 °C. The 7 wt% Ce2S3-Cu2S exhibits paramagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 1.2 µB/Ce. UV-Vis analysis indicates that the addition of Ce2S3 can reduce the optical energy gap and enrich the band structure of Cu2S. With increasing addition of Ce2S3 and rising sintering temperature, the density of Ce2S3-Cu2S gradually increases, and the hardness of Ce2S3-Cu2S increases by 52.5% at 400 °C and by 34.2% at 600 °C. The friction test results show that an appropriate addition amount of Ce2S3 can increase the friction coefficients of Cu2S. Ce2S3 modification offers a novel strategy to simultaneously enhance the structural and service stability of Cu2S by regulating Cu ion diffusion and suppressing compositional fluctuations. Full article
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39 pages, 16563 KB  
Article
Innovative Amino-Functionalization of Pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine Scaffolds for Broad Therapeutic Applications Supported by Computational Analyses
by Hagar S. El-Hema, Haitham E. Shehata, Mohamed A. Hawata, Eman S. Nossier, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Najla A. Altwaijry, Asmaa Saleh, Modather F. Hussein, Amr Sabry and Adel A.-H. Abdel-Rahman
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(10), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18101472 - 30 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background: Derivatives of Pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate are promising multi-target scaffolds. This study focused on synthesizing 16 amino-functionalized derivatives and evaluating their dual anticancer and antibacterial activities, supported by mechanistic and computational analyses. Objectives: Design and synthesize derivatives, evaluate cytotoxicity against HeLa, HepG-2, and [...] Read more.
Background: Derivatives of Pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate are promising multi-target scaffolds. This study focused on synthesizing 16 amino-functionalized derivatives and evaluating their dual anticancer and antibacterial activities, supported by mechanistic and computational analyses. Objectives: Design and synthesize derivatives, evaluate cytotoxicity against HeLa, HepG-2, and MCF-7 (selectivity against WI-38), investigate EGFRWT and EGFRT790M inhibition, assess cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration effects, antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and perform in silico ADMET, docking, molecular dynamics, DFT, and antiviral predictions. Methods: Synthesized 16 derivatives; tested for cytotoxicity, EGFR inhibition, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration; assessed antibacterial activity; performed ADMET profiling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and DFT calculations. Results: Derivatives 1, 2, and 7 showed highest cytotoxicity (IC50 = 3.98–17.52 μM; WI-38 IC50 = 64.07–81.65 μM). Compound 1 potently inhibited EGFRWT (IC50 = 0.093 μM) and EGFRT790M (IC50 = 0.174 μM), induced G0/G1 arrest (74.86%) and apoptosis (26.37%), and reduced MCF-7 migration (69.63%). Moderate antibacterial activity observed (MIC = 50 μg/mL). ADMET indicated favorable pharmacokinetics, low CYP inhibition, negative mutagenicity, and oral toxicity class III. Molecular dynamics confirmed stable binding (EGFRWT RMSD 3 Å; EGFRT790M 3.5–4.6 Å) with persistent hydrogen bonds. In silico antiviral evaluation suggested strong binding to HCV NS5A (–9.36 kcal/mol), SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (–9.82 kcal/mol), and E.coli DNA gyrase (–10.25 kcal/mol). Conclusions: Compound 1 exhibits dual anticancer and antibacterial activity, supported by mechanistic and computational analyses, highlighting pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines as promising multi-target therapeutic scaffolds. Full article
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28 pages, 11872 KB  
Article
Research on the Dynamic Characteristics of a Gas Purification Pipeline Robot in Goafs
by Hongwei Yan, Yaohui Ma, Hongmei Wei, Ziming Kou, Haojie Ren and Guorui Wang
Machines 2025, 13(10), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13100889 - 29 Sep 2025
Abstract
Gas monitoring and dust control in coal mine goafs are critical for ensuring safe and efficient production. To address the challenges posed by dust accumulation from mechanized mining and ventilation systems, this study designs a spiral-driven gas purification pipeline robot integrating a wet [...] Read more.
Gas monitoring and dust control in coal mine goafs are critical for ensuring safe and efficient production. To address the challenges posed by dust accumulation from mechanized mining and ventilation systems, this study designs a spiral-driven gas purification pipeline robot integrating a wet dust removal mechanism. The robot features a modular structure, including a spiral drive, a plugging and extraction system, and a wet dust removal unit, to enhance pipeline adaptability and dust removal performance. Dynamic modeling reveals that the robot’s speed increases with the deflection angle of the driving wheel, with optimal performance observed at a 45° angle. The analysis of the rolling friction, medium resistance, and deflection angle indicates that reducing the angle improves the obstacle-crossing ability. Numerical simulations of gas migration in the goaf identify a high dust concentration at the air outlet and show that flow velocity significantly affects dust removal efficiency. Simulation and prototype testing confirm stable robot operation at deflection angles of between 30° and 90° and effective crossing of 5 mm barriers. Optimal dust removal is achieved with a 5 m/s flow velocity, 0.6 MPa water mist pressure, and 400 mm chord grid spacing, providing both theoretical and practical guidance for gas monitoring and dust control in coal mine goafs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Robotics, Mechatronics and Intelligent Machines)
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18 pages, 5858 KB  
Article
Research on Deformation Behavior and Mechanisms of Concrete Under Hygrothermal Coupling Effects
by Mingyu Li, Chunxiao Zhang, Aiguo Dang, Xiang He, Jingbiao Liu and Xiaonan Liu
Buildings 2025, 15(19), 3514; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193514 - 29 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study elucidated the evolution and catastrophic failure mechanisms of concrete’s mechanical properties under high-temperature and moisture-coupled environments. Specimens underwent hygrothermal shock simulation via constant-temperature drying (100 °C/200 °C, 4 h) followed by water quenching (20 °C, 30 min). Uniaxial compression tests were [...] Read more.
This study elucidated the evolution and catastrophic failure mechanisms of concrete’s mechanical properties under high-temperature and moisture-coupled environments. Specimens underwent hygrothermal shock simulation via constant-temperature drying (100 °C/200 °C, 4 h) followed by water quenching (20 °C, 30 min). Uniaxial compression tests were performed using a uniaxial compression test machine with synchronized multi-scale damage monitoring that integrated digital image correlation (DIC), acoustic emission (AE), and infrared thermography. The results demonstrated that hygrothermal coupling reduced concrete ductility significantly, in which the peak strain decreased from 0.36% (ambient) to 0.25% for both the 100 °C and 200 °C groups, while compressive strength declined to 42.8 MPa (−2.9%) and 40.3 MPa (−8.6%), respectively, with elevated elastic modulus. DIC analysis revealed the temperature-dependent failure mode reconstruction: progressive end cracking (max strain 0.48%) at ambient temperature transitioned to coordinated dual-end cracking with jump-type damage (abrupt principal strain to 0.1%) at 100 °C and degenerated to brittle fracture oriented along a singular path (principal strain band 0.015%) at 200 °C. AE monitoring indicated drastically reduced micro-damage energy barriers at 200 °C, where cumulative energy (4000 mV·ms) plummeted to merely 2% of the ambient group (200,000 mV·ms). Infrared thermography showed that energy aggregation shifted from “centralized” (ambient) to “edge-to-center migration” (200 °C), with intensified thermal shock effects in fracture zones (ΔT ≈ −7.2 °C). The study established that hygrothermal coupling weakens the aggregate-paste interfacial transition zone (ITZ) by concentrating the strain energy along singular weak paths and inducing brittle failure mode degeneration, which thereby provides theoretical foundations for fire-resistant design and catastrophic failure warning systems in concrete structures exposed to coupled environmental stressors. Full article
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16 pages, 4143 KB  
Article
Assessing the Role of Socio-Demographic Triggers on Kolmogorov-Based Complexity in Spoken English Varieties
by Katharina Ehret
Entropy 2025, 27(10), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/e27101009 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
This paper assesses the role of socio-demographic triggers on Kolmogorov-based complexity in spoken English varieties. It thus contributes to the ongoing debate on contact and complexity in the sociolinguistic typological research community. Currently, evidence on whether socio-demographic triggers influence the morphosyntactic complexity of [...] Read more.
This paper assesses the role of socio-demographic triggers on Kolmogorov-based complexity in spoken English varieties. It thus contributes to the ongoing debate on contact and complexity in the sociolinguistic typological research community. Currently, evidence on whether socio-demographic triggers influence the morphosyntactic complexity of languages is controversial and inconclusive. Particularly controversial is the influence of the proportion of non-native speakers and the number of native speakers, which are both common proxies for language contact. In order to illuminate the issue from an English-varieties perspective, I use regression analysis to test several socio-demographic triggers in a corpus database of spoken English varieties. Language complexity here is operationalised in terms of Kolmogorov-based morphological and syntactic complexity. The results only partially support the idea that socio-demographic triggers influence morphosyntactic complexity in English varieties, i.e., speaker-related triggers turn out to be negative but non-significant. Yet, net migration rate shows a positive significant effect on morphological complexity which needs to be seen in the global context of English as a commodity and unequal access to English. I thus argue that socioeconomic triggers are better predictors for complexity than demographic speaker numbers. In sum, the paper opens up new horizons for research on language complexity. Full article
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14 pages, 3309 KB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Mechanism of Steam Flooding for Heavy Oil in Pores of Different Sizes
by Dong Zhang, Li Zhang, Yan Wang, Jiyu Zhou, Peng Sun and Kuo Zhan
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3083; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103083 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Nowadays, most of the heavy oil fields around the world have entered difficult exploiting stages, with problems regarding high viscosity and poor fluidity. However, there has been little previous research on the accurate identification and distribution of remaining oil with different levels of [...] Read more.
Nowadays, most of the heavy oil fields around the world have entered difficult exploiting stages, with problems regarding high viscosity and poor fluidity. However, there has been little previous research on the accurate identification and distribution of remaining oil with different levels of steam dryness. Therefore, this paper proposes a new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) interpretation method, as well as a new samples analysis method for remaining oil in the core. We conducted core displacement experiments using different methods. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests and analysis of core thin sections after steam flooding were used to study the effect of different steam dryness levels on the migration and sedimentation mechanisms of heavy oil components. The results showed that the viscosity of crude oil and the permeability of rock cores are both sensitive to steam dryness; therefore, the improvement of steam dryness is beneficial for improving oil recovery. Heavy oil is mainly distributed in the medium pores of 10–50 μm and the small pores of 1–10 μm. However, with the decrease in steam dryness, the dynamic amount of crude oil in both medium and small pores decreases, and the bitumen in crude oil stays in the pores in the form of stars, patches, and envelopes, which leads to a decline in oil displacement efficiency. Thus, our study provides a micro-level understanding of remaining oil which lays the foundation for the further enhancement of oil recovery in heavy oilfields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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13 pages, 1803 KB  
Article
Effects of High Glucose Concentrations on PC12 Cells: Possible Implications on Neurodegeneration
by Claudia Cannas, Grazia Galleri, Laura Doro, Ilaria Campesi, Alessandra Tiziana Peana and Rossana Migheli
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(10), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47100801 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Hyperglycemia, which arises in type 1 or 2 diabetes, leads to different complications, such as macrovascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. In addition, different cognitive variations are associated with type 1 diabetes. Long-term changes in glucose metabolism might induce effects on the central [...] Read more.
Hyperglycemia, which arises in type 1 or 2 diabetes, leads to different complications, such as macrovascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. In addition, different cognitive variations are associated with type 1 diabetes. Long-term changes in glucose metabolism might induce effects on the central nervous system (CNS) such as reduced mental performance and loss of consciousness, which could be implicated in neurotoxicity. The direct impact of hyperglycemia and elevated glucose concentrations on neuronal cells remains to be fully elucidated, primarily due to the multifaceted mechanisms underlying glucose neurotoxicity, including apoptosis, oxidative stress, and alterations in signaling cascades. The multifaceted mechanisms further complicate the study of the relationship between diabetes and neurodegeneration. Research in this field is continually advancing, with the aim of investigating these eventual connections and developing more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. The present study aims to assess the damage induced by different glucose concentrations (from 25 to 150 mM) in a neuronal model, such as PC12 cells, rat pheochromocytoma cells. In glucose-exposed PC12 cells, we have tested oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell migration by (a) viability screening, (b) intracellular levels of anion superoxide (O2), (c) extracellular levels of MDA and nitrites, (d) apoptosis, and (e) the wound healing assay. By the cell viability assay, it has emerged that glucose (25–150 mM) showed a stronger effect at the highest concentrations (100 and 150 mM). The increase in MDA and O2 levels was determined in PC12 cells treated with high glucose concentrations (6.5–8.8 fold for MDA). High concentrations (100 and 150 mM) significantly reduced the expression of full-length caspase-3 (2.8-fold and 4.2-fold decrease at 24 and 72 h) and caspase-9 (3.4-fold and 2.8-fold decrease at 24 h and 5-fold decrease at 72 h) compared with control conditions. Finally, the wound healing assay showed different scenarios during the several time points. Indeed, the wound closure rate was reduced in a dose-dependent manner (24 h: control 18%, G 50 mM 9%, 100 and 150 mM 8%; 48 h: control 26%, G 50 mM 20%, G 100 mM 13%, 150 mM 11%), following the treatment with three concentrations considered (50, 100, 150 mM). The results obtained in these experimental conditions highlight that glucose, at high concentrations, induced cell damage and corroborate the hypothesis that it could be involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology)
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14 pages, 5885 KB  
Article
Microvoids Enhance the Low-Cycle Fatigue Resistance of TiAl Alloys
by Hailiang Jin, Wenya Peng, Chunling Zhao, Zhilai Chen, Hao Ding, Wei Li and Junyan Zhou
Crystals 2025, 15(10), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15100833 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 9
Abstract
Voids have a crucial effect on the fatigue performance of materials. The general viewpoint is that voids, as possible sources of cracks, are harmful to the fatigue performance of materials. However, this study finds that microvoids enhance the low-cycle fatigue resistance of TiAl [...] Read more.
Voids have a crucial effect on the fatigue performance of materials. The general viewpoint is that voids, as possible sources of cracks, are harmful to the fatigue performance of materials. However, this study finds that microvoids enhance the low-cycle fatigue resistance of TiAl alloys, both in single crystal and polycrystal, using molecular dynamics simulations. Due to the difference between the simulation and test, the selected strain value is larger. It is found that during cyclic loading, Shockley partial dislocations preferentially nucleate around the microvoid in the single crystal, with stacking fault tetrahedra forming progressively to obstruct dislocation motion. The polycrystal model exhibits the synergistic effect of the microvoid–grain boundary, and the fatigue resistance is substantially enhanced through the combined mechanisms of Lomer–Cottrell lock formation, twin boundary migration, and phase transformation. In addition, simulation models with microvoids exhibit lower plastic strain energy density and enhance fatigue life compared to microvoid-free counterparts. The present study provides significant insights into designing γ-TiAl alloys through controlled microvoids to optimize fatigue resistance. Future work should include experimental validation to substantiate these computational findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crystalline Metals and Alloys)
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22 pages, 4349 KB  
Article
In Vitro Investigation of the Antiproliferative and Antimetastatic Effects of Atorvastatin: A Focus on Cervical and Head and Neck Cancers
by Hiba F. Muddather, Noémi Bózsity, György T. Balogh, Zsuzsanna Schelz and István Zupkó
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(10), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17101253 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 87
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In spite of substantial treatment progress, cancer persists as a leading health challenge. With the slow advancement in developing new anticancer agents, drug repurposing provides a promising strategy to enhance cancer therapy. This study investigates the antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In spite of substantial treatment progress, cancer persists as a leading health challenge. With the slow advancement in developing new anticancer agents, drug repurposing provides a promising strategy to enhance cancer therapy. This study investigates the antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties of two 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, which represent lipophilic and hydrophilic statins, respectively. Methods: Growth inhibition was evaluated in a panel of human cancer cells using the standard MTT assay. Apoptotic effects were determined through flow cytometry, caspase-3 activity assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assessment, and Hoechst/Propidium iodide fluorescent double staining. Migration and invasion assays were conducted using wound-healing and Boyden chamber assays, respectively. Results: Atorvastatin demonstrated more pronounced growth-inhibitory effects than rosuvastatin, with the IC50 values in the range of 2.57–61.01 µM. Atorvastatin exhibited both biochemical and morphological indicators of apoptosis. Flow cytometry revealed cell cycle disruptions and increased sub-G1 apoptotic populations in HPV-positive oral squamous carcinoma cells (UPCI-SCC-154) and HPV-negative cervical cancer cells (C33A). Atorvastatin also significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in the tested cell lines. Conclusions: Our results highlight the promising anticancer potential of atorvastatin in cervical cancer and oral squamous carcinoma cells. However, these findings are limited to in vitro models and warrant further in vivo validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Strategies and Novel Approaches for Cancer Treatment)
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15 pages, 1717 KB  
Article
Evaluation and Validation of an Accelerated Weathering Procedure to Characterise the Release of Bisphenol A from Polycarbonate Under Exposure to Simulated Environmental Conditions
by Olivia Frenzel, Tanja Westphalen, Katja Kaminski, Stephanie Kluge, Michael Bücker and Christian Piechotta
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10361; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910361 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 73
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) has been listed as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its endocrine-disrupting properties according to REACH in 2017. European competent authorities have prepared a REACH restriction proposal to reduce BPA levels in the environment. The proposed limit [...] Read more.
Bisphenol A (BPA) has been listed as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its endocrine-disrupting properties according to REACH in 2017. European competent authorities have prepared a REACH restriction proposal to reduce BPA levels in the environment. The proposed limit for the concentration of free BPA and other bisphenols in articles is 10 mg kg−1. If exceeded, migration testing can demonstrate that no more than 0.04 mg L−1 is released from the product or material over its lifetime. German authorities are drafting a new restriction proposal after the original was temporarily withdrawn. The residual and migration limits mentioned above were key requirements from the previous restriction proposal. Numerous national and international standards exist for assessing how environmental factors affect the physical and chemical properties of products and materials—such as notch impact strength and tensile strength—but these standards do not cover the release of pollutants. A standardised procedure that covers all aspects of artificial weathering and monitors the subsequent release of pollutants is necessary, especially in the context of the regulation of these substances. An accelerated weathering procedure was established for non-protected samples. This material was not intended for outdoor applications. The testing procedure applied a typical weathering scenario that represents Central European climate conditions. The procedure was validated and applied to samples under distinct quality assurance aspects. Released BPA is quantified via an organic isotope dilution LC-MS/MS method. In parallel, identical samples were weathered outdoors on a weathering rack. Haze and yellowness index are measured to compare outdoor and weathering chamber results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sciences)
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13 pages, 570 KB  
Article
Shared Strength: Protective Roles of Community Resilience and Social Support in Ukrainian Forced Migration
by Martina Olcese, Paola Cardinali, Lorenzo Antichi, Francesco Madera and Laura Migliorini
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101298 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 81
Abstract
Forced migration following the outbreak of war in Ukraine has severely affected the psychological well-being of refugees. The community and its resources play an important role in helping refugees cope with their challenges. This study examines the role of community resilience as a [...] Read more.
Forced migration following the outbreak of war in Ukraine has severely affected the psychological well-being of refugees. The community and its resources play an important role in helping refugees cope with their challenges. This study examines the role of community resilience as a mediator between refugee distress, social support and subjective well-being among Ukrainian refugees in Italy. A study was conducted with 180 Ukrainian refugees. Participants were given an online questionnaire that assessed distress, community resilience, social support and subjective well-being. A mediation analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized relationships. There was a direct negative relationship between refugee distress and well-being, which was partially mediated by community resilience. In addition, community resilience fully mediated the positive relationship between social support and well-being. High levels of distress were associated with lower levels of community resilience, which in turn predicted lower levels of well-being. Community resilience emerges as an important factor in mitigating the negative effects of refugee distress and enhancing the positive effects of social support on well-being. These findings highlight the importance of community-based psychosocial interventions aimed at promoting resilience to support the well-being and integration of refugees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Resilience and Migrant Wellbeing)
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19 pages, 3221 KB  
Article
GPR Feature Enhancement of Asphalt Pavement Hidden Defects Using Computational-Efficient Image Processing Techniques
by Shengjia Xie, Jingsong Chen, Ming Cai, Zhiqiang Cheng, Siqi Wang and Yixiang Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(18), 4400; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184400 - 20 Sep 2025
Viewed by 195
Abstract
Hyperbolic reflection features from ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data have been recognized as essential indicators for detecting hidden defects in the asphalt pavement. Computer vision and deep learning algorithms have been developed to detect and enhance the hyperbolic features of hidden defects. However, migrating [...] Read more.
Hyperbolic reflection features from ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data have been recognized as essential indicators for detecting hidden defects in the asphalt pavement. Computer vision and deep learning algorithms have been developed to detect and enhance the hyperbolic features of hidden defects. However, migrating existing hyperbolic feature detection methods using raw GPR data results in inaccurate predictions. Pre-processing raw GPR data using straightforward image processing methods could enhance the reflection features for fast and accurate hyperbolic detection during real-time GPR measurements. This study proposed accessible and straightforward image processing methods as GPR data preprocessing steps (such as the Sobel edge detector and histogram equalization) to assist existing computer vision algorithms for reflection feature enhancement during the GPR survey. Field tests were conducted, and several image processing methods with existing standard image processing libraries were applied. The proposed regions of the identified hyperbola signal-to-noise ratio (RIHSNR) were used to quantify the enhancement performance of hyperbolic feature detectability. Applying Sobel edge detection and Otsu’s thresholding to GPR data significantly improves detection accuracy and speed: mAP@0.5 rises from 0.65 to 0.85 for Faster R-CNN and from 0.72 to 0.88 for CBAM-YOLOv8 using the proposed computer vision methods as preprocessing steps. At the same time, inference time drops to 30 ms and 25 ms, respectively. Full article
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