Search Results (611)

Background/Objectives: Achieving renal access is a key step in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), with transpapillary access considered the safest anatomical approach. This prospective pilot study aimed to compare the effectiveness of freehand ultrasound-guided (F-UG) versus fluoroscopy-guided (FG) punctures in achieving anatomically accurate transpapillary access during supine PNL, confirmed by endoscopic visualization. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes were also evaluated. Methods: Forty-three patients undergoing supine PNL for renal pelvic or lower calyceal stones were prospectively enrolled and assigned to either the FG group (n = 23) or F-UG group (n = 20). Following renal access, intraoperative flexible ureteroscopy confirmed the anatomical nature of the puncture (transpapillary vs. nonpapillary). The puncture time, fluoroscopy time, operative time, complications (Clavien–Dindo classification), transfusion requirement, hospital stay, and one-month stone-free rates were recorded. Results: Transpapillary access was achieved in 95.7% of FG cases and 55.0% of F-UG cases (p = 0.003). Radiation exposure was significantly lower in the F-UG group (p < 0.001). Complication (15.0% vs. 0.0%) and transfusion rates (10.0% vs. 0.0%) were higher in the F-UG group but not statistically significant (p = 0.092 and p = 0.210, respectively). Other outcomes, including the operative time, hospital stay, and stone-free rates, were similar between groups. Conclusions: FG puncture is more effective for achieving transpapillary access, while F-UG significantly reduces radiation exposure. The endoscopic confirmation method may provide a reference for future comparative studies on access techniques in PNL. Full article

Since 2014, the Paleoanthropology Group of the National Museum of Natural Sciences (CSIC), in collaboration with Equatoguinean researchers, has been conducting archeo-paleontological fieldwork in Equatorial Guinea, continuing a longstanding Spanish naturalist tradition in this region of West Central Africa. These multidisciplinary investigations, framed within an archeo-paleo-anthropological approach, aim primarily to identify early human occupation in the Central African rainforests. To date, robust evidence of Pleistocene human presence has been documented, particularly through lithic assemblages. Although the scarcity and fragmentation of well-dated sites in Central Africa complicate chronological placement, technological traits observed in the lithic industries recorded in Equatorial Guinea show clear affinities with the African Middle Stone Age (MSA). Complementary taphonomic analyses of faunal remains have been undertaken to better understand bone preservation and fossilization processes under tropical rainforest conditions, thereby contributing to the interpretation of archeological contexts. In parallel, ongoing primatological research within the project—focused on extant primates in their natural habitats—seeks to provide ethological models relevant to the study of hominin locomotor evolution. Notably, the project has led to the ecogeographic characterization of the Engong chimpanzee group in Monte Alén National Park, one of the country’s most pristine protected areas. Full article

To tackle the challenges of detecting complex cracks on large stone slabs with noisy textures, this paper presents the first domain-optimized framework for stone slab cracks, an improved semantic segmentation model (YOLOv8-Seg) synergistically integrating U-NetV2, DSConv, and DySample. The network uses the lightweight U-NetV2 backbone combined with dynamic feature recalibration and multi-scale refinement to better capture fine crack details. The dynamic up-sampling module (DySample) helps to adaptively reconstruct curved boundaries. In addition, the dynamic snake convolution head (DSConv) improves the model’s ability to follow irregular crack shapes. Experiments on the custom-built ST stone crack dataset show that YOLOv8-Seg achieves an mAP@0.5 of 0.856 and an mAP@0.5–0.95 of 0.479. The model also reaches a mean intersection over union (MIoU) of 79.17%, outperforming both baseline and mainstream segmentation models. Ablation studies confirm the value of each module. Comparative tests and industrial validation demonstrate stable performance across different stone materials and textures and a 30% false-positive reduction in real production environments. Overall, YOLOv8-Seg greatly improves segmentation accuracy and robustness in industrial crack detection on natural stone slabs, offering a strong solution for intelligent visual inspection in real-world applications. Full article

With the growing severity of environmental pollution, people are paying increasing attention to their health. However, naturally occurring wood with health benefits and applications in human healthcare is still scarce. Natural wood exhibits a limited negative oxygen ion release capacity, and this release has a short duration, failing to meet practical application requirements. This study innovatively developed a humidity-responsive, healthy wood material with a high negative oxygen ion release capacity based on fast-growing poplar. Through vacuum cyclic impregnation technology, hexagonal stone powder was infused into the pores of poplar wood, endowing it with the ability to continuously release negative oxygen ions. The healthy wood demonstrated a static average negative oxygen ion release rate of 537 ions/cm³ (peaking at 617 ions/cm³) and a dynamic average release rate of 3,170 ions/cm³ (peaking at 10,590 ions/cm³). The results showed that the particle size of hexagonal stone powder in suspension was influenced by the dispersants and dispersion processes. The composite dispersion process demonstrated optimal performance when using 0.5 wt% silane coupling agent γ-(methacryloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (KH570), achieving the smallest particle size of 8.93 μm. The healthy wood demonstrated excellent impregnation performance, with a weight gain exceeding 14.61% and a liquid absorption rate surpassing 165.18%. The optimal impregnation cycle for vacuum circulation technology was determined to be six cycles, regardless of the type of dispersant. Compared with poplar wood, the hygroscopic swelling rate of healthy wood was lower, especially in PEG-treated samples, where the tangential, radial, longitudinal, and volumetric swelling rates decreased by 70.93%, 71.67%, 69.41%, and 71.35%, respectively. Combining hexagonal stone powder with fast-growing poplar wood can effectively enhance the release of negative oxygen ions. The static average release of negative oxygen ions from healthy wood is 1.44 times that of untreated hexagonal stone powder, and the dynamic release reaches 2 to 3 times the concentration of negative oxygen ions specified by national fresh air standards. The water-responsive mechanism revealed that negative oxygen ion release surged when ambient humidity exceeded 70%. This work proposes a sustainable and effective method to prepare healthy wood with permanent negative oxygen ion release capability. It demonstrates great potential for improving indoor air quality and enhancing human health. Full article

Natural carbonate stones such as limestones and marbles are widely used in heritage and contemporary architecture, yet their durability is increasingly threatened by wildfire-related thermal stress. Since water transport plays a key role in stone deterioration, understanding how high temperatures affect hydric behavior is critical for conservation. This study investigates thirteen Portuguese carbonate lithotypes (including marbles, limestones, a travertine, and a breccia) exposed to temperatures of 300 °C and 600 °C. Capillary absorption and open porosity were measured, alongside Leeb hardness (HL) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), to evaluate their predictive capacity for post-fire moisture behavior. Results show that thermal exposure increases porosity and capillary uptake while reducing mechanical cohesion. Strong correlations between UPV and hydric parameters across temperature ranges highlight its reliability as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. HL performed well in compact stones but was less consistent in porous or heterogeneous lithologies. The findings support the use of NDT tests, like UPV and HL, for rapid post-fire assessments and emphasize the need for lithology-specific conservation strategies. Full article

The olive oil industry, a key component of Southern Europe’s agricultural sector, generates large amounts of by-products during processing, including olive leaves, branches, stones, and seeds. In the context of growing environmental concerns and limited natural resources—particularly in the Mediterranean regions—there is increasing interest in circular economy approaches that promote the valorization of agricultural residues. These by-products are rich in bioactive compounds, particularly phenolics such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of by-products from three olive cultivars using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC–PDA) and mass spectrometry (MS). The leaves and seeds, particularly from the “Cobrança” and a non-identified variety, presented the highest antioxidant activity, as well as the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, demonstrating once again the direct relationship between these two parameters. The identification of the compounds present demonstrated that the leaves and branches have a high diversity of phenolic compounds, particularly secoiridoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenylethanoids, and lignans. An inverse relationship was observed between the chlorophyll and carotenoid content and the antioxidant activity, suggesting that phenolic compounds, rather than pigments, are the major contributors to antioxidant properties. Therefore, the by-products of the olive oil industry are a valuable source of sustainable bioactive compounds for distinct industrial sectors, such as the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, aligning with the European strategies for resource efficiency and waste reduction in the agri-food industries. Full article

To evaluate animal performance and meat quality, stoned olive cake and linseed were used in an experimental test conducted on thirty-six young Podolian bulls, divided into four groups: the control group (CON), OC group (with olive cake containing a 30% as-fed basis of stoned olive cake), EL group (with linseed containing a 15% as-fed basis of extruded linseed), and OCEL group (with olive cake + linseed containing 20% stoned olive cake and 10% extruded linseed). The results show that olive cake supplementation did not influence performance in vita or the post-slaughter animal measurements (final body weight, DMI, FCR, ADG, carcass weight, dressing percentage, and pH) (p > 0.05); this was not true of the TBARS and color measurements, for which the meat samples showed excellent values (p < 0.001), especially in diets supplemented with olive cake. In conclusion, incorporating olive cake and linseed into the diet of fattening cattle may be a way to utilize a by-product of the olive industry and naturally increase the nutritional value of meat and meat-based products in Mediterranean regions. This would reduce environmental impacts and promote the valorization of this local feed source in alignment with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

To address the limitations of traditional hardened concrete road surfaces in coal mine tunnels, which are prone to damage and entail high maintenance costs, this study proposes using modular concrete blocks composed of fly ash and coal gangue as an alternative to conventional materials. These blocks offer advantages including ease of construction and rapid, straightforward maintenance, while also facilitating the reuse of substantial quantities of solid waste, thereby mitigating resource wastage and environmental pollution. Initially, the mineral composition of the raw materials was analyzed, confirming that although the physical and chemical properties of Liangshui Well coal gangue are slightly inferior to those of natural crushed stone, they still meet the criteria for use as concrete aggregate. For concrete blocks incorporating 20% fly ash, the steam curing process was optimized with a recommended static curing period of 16–24 h, a temperature ramp-up rate of 20 °C/h, and a constant temperature of 50 °C maintained for 24 h to ensure optimal performance. Orthogonal experimental analysis revealed that fly ash content exerted the greatest influence on the compressive strength of concrete, followed by the additional water content, whereas the aggregate particle size had a comparatively minor effect. The optimal mix proportion was identified as 20% fly ash content, a maximum aggregate size of 20 mm, and an additional water content of 70%. Performance testing indicated that the fabricated blocks exhibited a compressive strength of 32.1 MPa and a tensile strength of 2.93 MPa, with strong resistance to hydrolysis and sulfate attack, rendering them suitable for deployment in weakly alkaline underground environments. Considering the site-specific conditions of the Liangshuijing coal mine, ANSYS 2020 was employed to simulate and analyze the mechanical behavior of the blocks under varying loads, thicknesses, and dynamic conditions. The findings suggest that hexagonal coal gangue blocks with a side length of 20 cm and a thickness of 16 cm meet the structural requirements of most underground mine tunnels, offering a reference model for cost-effective paving and efficient roadway maintenance in coal mines. Full article

Currently, natural resources are rapidly depleting as a result of increasing construction facilities. Increasing energy consumption with increasing construction is another serious issue. In addition, many problems that threaten the environment and human health arise during the disposal and storage of waste materials obtained in different sectors. The main objective of this study is to investigate the substitution of cotton (CW), chicken feather (CFF) and stone wool waste (SWW) from pumice aggregate in the production of environmentally friendly hollow blocks. To achieve this, CW, CFF and SWW were substituted for pumice at ratios of 2.5–5–7.5–10% in mass, and hollow blocks were produced with this mixture under low pressure and vibrations in a production factory. Various characterization methods, including a size and tolerance analysis, unit volume weight test, thermal conductivity test, durability test, water absorption test and strength tests, were carried out on the samples produced. This study showed that waste fibers of chicken feather and stone wool are suitable for the production of sustainable and environmentally friendly hollow blocks that can reduce the dead load of the building, have sufficient strength, provide energy efficiency due to low thermal conductivity and have a high durability due to a low water absorption value. Full article

Innovative changes to our current food system are needed, and one solution is cultivated meat, which uses modern engineering, materials science, and biotechnology to produce animal protein. This article highlights the advantages of incorporating whey protein isolate (WPI) and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) into hydrogel networks to aid cell growth on cultivated meat scaffolds. The protein and polysaccharide (i.e., alginate) components of the scaffolds are food-grade and generally regarded as safe ingredients, enabling the transition to more food-safe, edible, and nutritious scaffolds. The impact of WPI and varying properties on cell performance was evaluated; alginate concentration and the addition of proteins into the hydrogels significantly altered their stiffness and strength. The results of this study demonstrate the innocuous nature of novel scaffolds and reveal enhanced cell proliferation on WPI and β-LG-modified groups compared to standard biomaterial controls. This work serves as a stepping stone for more comprehensive analyses of WPI, β-LG, and alginate scaffolds for use in cultivated meat research and production. Full article

This study evaluates the accuracy of ²²²Rn exhalation rates from building materials using two standard experimental protocols, thus addressing the increasing importance of rapid radon assessment due to health concerns and regulatory limits. In detail, six types of natural stones frequently employed for the construction of buildings of historical-artistic relevance were analyzed using the closed chamber method (CCM) combined with the Durridge Rad7 system, by using two experimental protocols that differed in the measurement duration: 10 days (Method 1) versus 24 h (Method 2). Obtained results revealed that the radon exhalation rates ranged from 0.004 to 0.072 Bq h⁻¹, which are moderate to low if compared to studies in other regions. Statistical comparison using the u-test confirmed equivalence between protocols (u-test ≤ 2), thus supporting the validity of the faster Method 2 for practical applications. Furthermore, to estimate the potential indoor radon levels and determine the associated radiological risks to human health, for the investigated natural stones, the Markkanen room model was employed. As a result, simulated indoor radon concentrations remained well below regulatory thresholds (maximum value: 37.3 Bq m⁻³), thus excluding any significant health concerns under typical indoor conditions. Full article

The development of sustainable cementitious materials is crucial to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry. Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) have emerged as promising environmentally friendly alternatives; however, their compatibility with natural stone in heritage structures remains poorly understood, especially regarding salt migration and related damage to stones. This study presents a novel methodology for assessing salt movement in solid materials between two types of stones—Boñar and Silos—and two types of binders: blended Portland cement (BPC) and an AAM. The samples underwent capillarity and immersion tests to evaluate water absorption, salt transport, and efflorescence behavior. The capillarity of the Silos stone was 0.148 kg·m⁻²·t^−0.5, whereas this was 0.0166 kg·m⁻²·t^−0.5 for the Boñar stone, a ninefold difference. Conductivity mapping and XRD analysis revealed that AAM-based mortars exhibit a significantly higher release of salts, primarily sodium sulfate, which may pose a risk to adjacent porous stones. In contrast, BPC showed lower salt mobility and different salt compositions. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating the compatibility between alternative binders and heritage stones. The use of AAMs may pose significant risks due to their tendency to release soluble salts. Although, in the current experiments, no pore damage or mechanical degradation was observed, additional studies are required to confirm this. A thorough understanding of salt transport mechanisms is therefore essential to ensure that sustainable restoration materials do not inadvertently accelerate the deterioration of structures, a process more problematic when the deterioration affects heritage monuments. Full article

Civil structures carry significant service loads over long times but are prone to deterioration due to various natural impacts. Traditionally, these structures are inspected in situ by qualified engineers, a method that is high-cost, risky, time-consuming, and prone to error. Recently, researchers have explored innovative practices by using virtual reality (VR) technologies as inspection platforms. Despite such efforts, a critical question remains: can VR models accurately reflect real-world structural conditions? This study presents a comprehensive framework for assessing the visual fidelity of VR models for structural inspection. To make it viable, we first introduce a novel workflow that integrates UAV-based photogrammetry, computer graphics, and web-based VR editing to establish interactive VR user interfaces. We then propose a visual fidelity assessment methodology that quantitatively evaluates the accuracy of the VR models through image alignment, histogram matching, and pixel-level deviation mapping between rendered images from the VR models and UAV-captured images under matched viewpoints. The proposed frameworks are validated using two case studies: a historic stone arch bridge and a campus steel building. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on VR-based structural inspections, providing a foundation for our peers for their further research in this field. Full article

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of time (20–50 min) and temperature (160–220 °C) of roasting on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) stones and to select extraction solvents (water and 50% and 80% methanol) to obtain reliable results. To maintain the highest content of bioactive compounds with a high level of antioxidant properties, roasting at a temperature of 160–180 °C for 30–40 min should be considered optimal. Incorrect selection of roasting parameters (>40 min and >200 °C) causes a significant reduction in the bioactive properties of roasted stones. Regression analysis showed a different nature of changes in the determined features during the roasting process at 160 °C than at other temperatures. The use of methanol, especially at a high concentration (80%), to assess the content of bioactive compounds in roasted cornelian cherry stones provides more reliable results. Full article

Background/Objectives: The introduction of innovative technologies for the management of oral diseases has revolutionized treatment approaches, offering less invasive options and improved outcomes. Among oral cavity diseases, sialolithiasis is the most common disorder of the salivary glands. It involves the formation of calculi or stones within the salivary ducts, primarily affecting the submandibular gland due to its tortuous duct and the alkaline nature of its saliva. In particular, laser-assisted techniques have shown significant promise in enhancing the precision and safety in the management of sialolith removal. This article aims to present a case report and also explores the scientific evidence supporting these innovative methods, highlighting their benefits and limitations in clinical practice. Methods: This research was conducted using PubMed and Scopus search engines with a combination of relevant keywords, including laser, laser-assisted, laser treatment in combination with sialolith, sialolith removal, and sialoadenectomy. Selected articles were carefully reviewed to identify studies reporting data on the effectiveness of laser-assisted sialolith removal. Results: Results from the literature review indicate a growing interest in the application of diode laser and CO₂, with evidence suggesting improved clinical outcomes and reduced postoperative pain compared to traditional methods. Conclusions: Although lasers offer enhanced safety and reduced morbidity and bleeding, which ensures optimal visibility, certain limitations must be considered, including the need for an adequate training period. Further randomized clinical trials and longer follow-up studies are needed to better evaluate their use in sialolith removal. Full article