Search Results (44)

Aggregates of misfolded α-synuclein proteins are key markers of Parkinson’s disease. The protein α-synuclein (aSyn) is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) and therefore lacks a single stable 3D structure, instead sampling multiple conformations in solution. It is primarily located in presynaptic terminals and is thought to help regulate synaptic vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release. ASyn proteins have three domains: an N-terminal domain, a hydrophobic non-amyloid-β component (NAC) core implicated in aggregation, and a proline-rich C-terminal domain. Asyn proteins with truncated C-terminal domains are known to be prone to aggregation and suggest that understanding domain–domain interactions in aSyn monomers could help elucidate the role of the flanking domains in modulating protein structure. To this end, we used Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GAMD) to simulate wild-type (WT), N-terminal truncated (ΔN), C-terminal truncated (ΔC), and isolated NAC domain (isoNAC) aSyn protein variants. Using clustering and contact analysis, we found that removal of the N-terminal domain led to increased contacts between NAC and C-terminal domains and the formation of inter-domain β-sheets. Removal of either flanking domain also resulted in increased compactness of every domain. We also found that the contacts between flanking domains in the WT protein result in an electrostatic potential (ESP) that may lead to favorable interactions with anionic lipid membranes. Removal of the C-terminal domain disrupts the ESP in a way that could result in over-stabilized protein–membrane interactions. These results suggest that cooperation between the flanking domains may modulate the protein’s structure in a way that helps maintain elongation and creates an ESP that may aid favorable interactions with the membrane. Full article

The growing demand for air connectivity, coupled with the forecasted increase in passengers by 2040, implies an exigency in the aviation sector to adopt sustainable approaches for net zero emission by 2050. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is currently the most promising short-term solution; however, ensuring its overall sustainability depends on reducing the life cycle carbon footprints. A key challenge prevails in hydrogen usage as a reactant for the approved ASTM routes of SAF. The processing, conversion and refinement of feed entailing hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), decarboxylation, hydrogenation, isomerisation and hydrocracking requires substantial hydrogen input. This hydrogen is sourced either in situ or ex situ, with the supply chain encompassing renewables or non-renewables origins. Addressing this hydrogen usage and recognising the emission implications thereof has therefore become a novel research priority. Aside from the preferred adoption of renewable water electrolysis to generate hydrogen, other promising pathways encompass hydrothermal gasification, biomass gasification (with or without carbon capture) and biomethane with steam methane reforming (with or without carbon capture) owing to the lower greenhouse emissions, the convincing status of the technology readiness level and the lower acidification potential. Equally imperative are measures for reducing hydrogen demand in SAF pathways. Strategies involve identifying the appropriate catalyst (monometallic and bimetallic sulphide catalyst), increasing the catalyst life in the deoxygenation process, deploying low-cost iso-propanol (hydrogen donor), developing the aerobic fermentation of sugar to 1,4 dimethyl cyclooctane with the intermediate formation of isoprene and advancing aqueous phase reforming or single-stage hydro processing. Other supportive alternatives include implementing the catalytic and co-pyrolysis of waste oil with solid feedstocks and selecting highly saturated feedstock. Thus, future progress demands coordinated innovation and research endeavours to bolster the seamless integration of the cutting-edge hydrogen production processes with the SAF infrastructure. Rigorous techno-economic and life cycle assessments, alongside technological breakthroughs and biomass characterisation, are indispensable for ensuring scalability and sustainability. Full article

In this study, the chemical solubility (stability) of yttria-partially stabilized zirconia (2.3Y-TZP) dental ceramics, both glazed (Group 2) and non-glazed samples (Group 1), was evaluated using a modified testing protocol based on ISO 6872:2024. Chemical stability was assessed by measuring ion release with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and by analyzing phase composition with X-ray diffraction (XRD). While ISO 6872 prescribes chemical stability testing in a 4 wt.% aqueous acetic acid solution at 80 °C for 16 h, the exposure duration in this study was extended to 768 h (32 days) to allow a more accurate determination of long-term solubility behavior. Additionally, the surface roughness parameters (R_a, R_max, R_z, S_a, S_q) were analyzed and evaluated before and after solubility testing. Kinetic analysis revealed that degradation followed a near-parabolic rate law, with power-law exponents of n = 2.261 for Group 1 and n = 1.935 for Group 2. The corresponding dissolution rate constants were 3.85 × 10⁻⁵ µgⁿ·cm⁻²ⁿ·h⁻¹ for Group 1 and 132.3 µgⁿ·cm⁻²ⁿ·h⁻¹ for Group 2. XRD results indicated that the long exposure to acetic acid induced a partial phase transformation of zirconia from the tetragonal to the monoclinic phase. Under prolonged acetic exposure, the glaze layer on 2.3Y-TZP exhibited significantly higher dissolution, whereas the zirconia (polished, unglazed) showed low ion release. The temporal change in the total amount of dissolved ions was statistically analyzed for Group 1 and Group 2. The samples showed a strong correlation, but ANOVA confirmed significant differences between them. Full article

Electric vehicle (EV) drivetrains often suffer from degraded control precision due to resolver zero-position deviation. This issue becomes particularly critical under diverse automotive-grade operating conditions, posing challenges for achieving reliable and efficient drivetrain performance. To tackle this problem, we propose a dual-mode PID dynamic compensation control methodology. This approach establishes a divide-and-conquer framework that differentiates between weak-magnetic and non-weak-magnetic regions. It integrates current loop feedback with a fuzzy self-tuning mechanism, enabling real-time dynamic compensation of the resolver’s initial angle. To ensure system stability under extreme automotive conditions (−40 °C to 125 °C, ±0.5 g vibration, and electromagnetic interference), a triple-redundancy architecture is implemented. This architecture combines hardware filtering, software verification, and fault diagnosis. Our contribution lies in presenting a reliable solution for intelligent EV drivetrain calibration. The proposed method effectively mitigates resolver zero-position deviation, not only enhancing drivetrain performance under challenging automotive environments but also ensuring compliance with ISO 26262 ASIL-C safety standards. This research has been validated through its implementation in a 3.5-ton commercial logistics vehicle by a leading automotive manufacturer, demonstrating its practical viability and potential for widespread adoption in the EV industry. Full article

Infrared thermography, particularly its active form, is increasingly used in various industries in non-destructive testing (NDT). To support its broader adoption, structured standardization efforts have been developed within CEN/TC 138/WG11 and coordinated with ISO. Key standards—such as EN 16714, EN 17119, and EN 17501—define principles, procedures, and equipment requirements. Current activities include finalizing the draft on induction thermography, revising EN 17119, and developing new projects on optical lock-in, laser weld inspection, and thermal diffusivity. Standardization enhances comparability, reliability, and certification, making thermography a robust and scalable solution within the global NDT framework. Full article

Marking techniques are employed to guarantee the identification and traceability of biomedical materials. This study investigated the impact of laser and mechanical marking processes on the tribological performance of ISO 5832-1 austenitic stainless steel (SS), specifically examining corrosion resistance, the coefficient of friction, and wear volume in ball-cratering wear tests. The laser marking was performed using a nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Cytotoxicity tests assessed the biocompatibility of the biomaterial. Non-marked surfaces were also evaluated for comparison. A phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) served as both the lubricant and corrosion medium. The surface finishing was analyzed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with a field-emission gun (SEM-FEG), combined with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The oxide film was examined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Wear tests lasted 10 min, with PBS drops applied every 10 s at 75 rpm; solid balls of AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) and polypropylene (PP), each 1 inch in diameter, were used as counter-bodies. Corrosion resistance was assessed using electrochemical methods. Results showed variations in roughness and microstructure due to laser marking. The tribological behaviour was influenced by the type of marking process, and the wear amount depended on the normal force and ball nature. None of the samples was considered cytotoxic, although laser-marked surfaces exhibited the lowest cellular viability among the tested surfaces and the lowest corrosion resistance. Full article

This study investigates the feasibility of producing low-carbon FeCr via metallothermic smelting of Cr concentrate and chromite spinel powder using a complex FeAlSiCa alloy as the reductant in an induction furnace. The proposed approach offers an alternative to conventional carbothermic and oxygen-blown technologies, reducing both the carbon footprint and airborne emissions. Three charge compositions were tested with varying FeAlSiCa additions (12, 14, and 16 kg per 100 kg of Cr source) and partial replacement of Cr concentrate with up to 20% CSP. Thermodynamic and microstructural analyses were conducted, and the effects of the slag basicity, temperature profiles, and holding time were assessed. In optimal conditions, Cr recovery reached up to 80% with minimal Cr₂O₃ losses in slag, and the resulting alloys met ISO 5448-81 requirements for nitrogen-containing low-carbon FeCr. Microstructural examination revealed the formation of Fe-Cr solid solutions and CrN phases, with V incorporation from the FeAlSiCa alloy. The process proved stable and energy-efficient, producing compact, non-disintegrating slag. This study highlights the potential of induction furnace smelting and chromite spinel powder valorization as a sustainable path for FeCr production. Full article

Sweetness is a key dimension of sensory experience in food, and variations in the type and concentration of sweeteners can elicit distinct brain responses. In this study, electroencephalography (EEG) was employed to systematically evaluate neural activity elicited by different concentrations of sucrose solutions (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) and by non-nutritive sweeteners matched in perceived sweetness to a 7% sucrose solution (10% erythritol, 0.0133% sucralose, and 0.0368% stevioside). The results revealed that an increased sucrose concentration was associated with progressively weaker EEG signal intensity, suggesting that the brain can effectively distinguish sweetness intensity. Under iso-sweet conditions, different types of sweeteners induced significantly distinct EEG patterns, indicating that the nature of the sweetener modulates flavor perception at the neural level. Further analysis showed increases in both δ- and α-band power following sweet taste stimulation, with prominent activations observed in the frontal, parietal, and right temporal regions. These findings demonstrate the utility of EEG in detecting subtle differences in brain responses to sweeteners, offering new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying sweet taste perception. Full article

Business Continuity Management (BCM) is critical for organizations to mitigate disruptions and maintain operations, yet many struggle with fragmented and non-standardized self-assessment tools. Existing frameworks often lack holistic integration, focusing narrowly on isolated components like cyber resilience or risk management, which limits their ability to evaluate BCM maturity comprehensively. This research addresses this gap by proposing a structured Self-Assessment System designed to unify BCM components into an adaptable, standards-aligned methodology. Grounded in Design Science Research, the system integrates a BCM Model comprising eight components and 118 activities, each evaluated through weighted questions to quantify organizational preparedness. The methodology enables organizations to conduct rapid as-is assessments using a 0–100 scoring mechanism with visual indicators (red/yellow/green), benchmark progress over time and against peers, and align with international standards (e.g., ISO 22301, ITIL) while accommodating unique organizational constraints. Demonstrated via focus groups and semi-structured interviews with 10 organizations, the system proved effective in enhancing top management commitment, prioritizing resource allocation, and streamlining BCM implementation—particularly for SMEs with limited resources. Key contributions include a reusable self-assessment tool adaptable to any BCM framework, empirical validation of its utility in identifying weaknesses and guiding continuous improvement, and a pathway from initial assessment to advanced measurement via the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. By bridging the gap between theoretical standards and practical application, this research offers a scalable solution for organizations to systematically evaluate and improve BCM resilience. Full article

In recent years, Facility Management has undergone significant technological and methodological advancements, primarily driven by Building Information Modelling (BIM), Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM), and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS). These innovations have improved process efficiency and risk management. However, challenges remain in asset management, maintenance, traceability, and transparency. This study investigates the potential of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to address these challenges. By referencing international (ISO, BOMA) and European (EN) standards, the research develops an asset management process model incorporating blockchain and NFTs. The methodology includes evaluating the technical and practical aspects of this model and strategies for metadata utilization. The model ensures an immutable record of transactions and maintenance activities, reducing errors and fraud. Smart contracts automate sub-phases like progress validation and milestone-based payments, increasing operational efficiency. The study’s practical implications are significant, offering advanced solutions for transparent, efficient, and secure Facility Management. It lays the groundwork for future research, emphasizing practical implementations and real-world case studies. Additionally, integrating blockchain with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning could further enhance Facility Management processes. Full article

Despite the rapid efficiency advancement of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), non-radiative recombination at the buried interface between self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and perovskite remains a critical bottleneck, primarily due to interfacial defects and energy level mismatch. In this study, we demonstrate a bifunctional interlayer engineering strategy by introducing 4,5-diiodoimidazole (4,5-Di-I) at the Me-4PACz/perovskite interface. This approach uniquely addresses two fundamental limitations of SAM-based interfaces: the insufficient defect passivation capability of conventional Me-4PACz due to steric hindrance effects and the poor perovskite wettability on hydrophobic SAM surfaces that exacerbates interfacial voids. The imidazole derivatives not only form strong Pb–N coordination bonds with undercoordinated Pb²⁺ but also modulate the surface energy of Me-4PACz, enabling the growth of pinhole-free perovskite films with preferential crystal orientation. The champion device with 4,5-Di-I modification achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.10%, with a V_OC enhancement from 1.12 V to 1.14 V, while maintaining 91% of initial PCE after 1300 h in N₂ atmosphere (25 °C), demonstrating superior stability under ISOS-L-2 protocols. This work establishes a universal strategy for interfacial multifunctionality design, proving that simultaneous defect suppression and crystallization control can break the long-standing trade-off between efficiency and stability in solution-processed photovoltaics. Full article

To address the limitations of conventional antibacterial therapies, we developed an injectable, conductive polyurethane-based composite gel system for sustained root canal disinfection. This gel incorporates piezoelectric nanoparticles (n-BaTiO₃) and conductive segments (aniline trimer, AT) within a polyurethane matrix, which synergistically interact with a static antimicrobial agent (n-ZnO) to achieve dynamic, mechano-responsive antibacterial activity. Under cyclic compression (simulating mastication), the piezoelectric gels exhibited enhanced electroactivity via the mechano-electric coupling effect, generating 2-fold higher voltage and a 1.8–1.9× increase in current compared to non-piezoelectric controls. The dynamic electroactivity of the gels enabled superior long-term performance, achieving 92–97% biofilm eradication, significantly higher than the static n-ZnO-only gel (88%). XPS and UV-vis spectroscopy analyses confirmed mechano-electrochemically amplified reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which contributed to improved biofilm disruption. The ISO-compliant gel provides durable, load-responsive disinfection while maintaining good biocompatibility, offering a promising solution to prevent post-treatment reinfection. Full article

Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and ISO standards, we compared the global environmental sustainability (ES) of two technologies that process the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) in Mexico. The first technology was a biorefinery (BRF) known as HMEZSNN-BRF (abbreviation for Hydrogen-Methane-Extraction-Enzyme-Saccharification/Nanoproduction Biorefinery); it produces the gas biofuels hydrogen (H) and methane (M), organic acids (E), enzymes (Z), saccharified liquors (S), and bionanobioparticles (BNBPs) in a nanoproduction stage (NN). The second technology was incineration with energy recovery (IER). An LCA was performed with a functional unit (FU) of 1000 kg of OFMSW. The BRF generates 166.4 kWh/FU (600 MJ) of net electricity, along with bioproducts such as volatile organic acids (38 kg), industrial enzyme solution (1087 kg), and BNBPs (40 kg). The IER only produces 393 net kWh/FU electricity and 5653 MJ/FU heat. The characterization potential environmental impacts (PEIs) were assessed using SimaPro software, and normalized PEIs (NPEIs) were calculated accordingly. We defined a new variable alpha and the indices σ-τ plane for quantifying the ES. The higher the alpha, the lower the ES. Alpha was the sum of the eighteen NPEIs aligned with the ISO standards. The contributions to PEI and NPEI were also analyzed. Four NPEIs were the highest in both technologies, i.e., freshwater and marine ecotoxicities and human non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic toxicities. For the three first categories, the NPEI values corresponding to IER were much higher than those of the BRF (58.6 and 8.7 person*year/FU freshwater toxicity; 93.5 and 13.6 marine ecotoxicity; 12.1 and 1.8 human non-carcinogenic toxicity; 13.7 and 13.9 human carcinogenic toxicity, for IER and the BRF, respectively). The total α values were 179.1 and 40.7 (person*yr)/FU for IER and the BRF, respectively. Thus, the ES of IER was four times lower than that of the BRF. Values of σ = 0.592 and τ = −0.368 were found; the point defined by these coordinates in the σ-τ plane was located in Quadrant IV. This result confirmed that the BRF in this work is more environmentally sustainable (with restrictions) than the IER in Mexico for the treatment of the OFMSW. Full article

Wheat production in the Brazilian Cerrado region faces challenges related to drought and salinity, which limit plant development and crop yield. This study evaluated the multivariate adaptability of 11 tropical wheat cultivars to drought and salinity stresses during early plant development. Wheat plants were grown for 12 days at 25 °C under non-stressful (control) and simulated drought and salinity stress conditions with –0.30 MPa iso-osmotic solutions prepared with polyethylene glycol or sodium chloride, respectively. The germination, growth rate and dry matter accumulation of the plants were measured. The results showed that wheat cultivars have distinct morphological responses to stressful environmental conditions, with drought stress having a greater impact on shoot growth and saline stress having a greater impact on root system development. The multivariate adaptability and stability analyses performed using the Lin and Binns method and GGE biplot revealed that the wheat cultivars BIO 190057, BRS 404 and TBIO Duque combine adaptability and stability for all morphological traits simultaneously, being considered cultivars tolerant to drought and salinity stresses. It was concluded that the identification of cultivars tolerant and adapted to adverse environmental conditions is essential for the advancement of sustainable cultivation of tropical wheat in the Brazilian Cerrado region, contributing to global food security. Full article

Quality control circles (QCCs) are a proven method for fostering continuous improvement through employee involvement. However, the implementation process and organizational impact of QCCs in the food industry remain underexplored. This case study evaluates the implementation of QCCs by examining the benefits and challenges perceived by employees and managers, assessing QCC alignment with ISO standards, and providing actionable recommendations to optimize QCC implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the employee findings indicate that QCCs promote continuous improvement, enhance productivity, foster a positive culture of quality, and strengthen engagement and responsibility for product and process quality. Employees felt that their ideas were valued and that they received constructive feedback from leadership. However, they also identified challenges related to training and resource availability. From a managerial perspective, the ISO diagnostic tool revealed a 78.28% compliance rate with the QCC program planning, quality procedures, action plans, quality management system alignment, and documentation. Non-conformities included insufficient monitoring solutions, absence of effectiveness indicators, lack of risk assessments, and insufficient resources. Although managers acknowledged benefits such as improved engagement and communication, challenges such as limited human resources, high demand, and resistance to change were also noted. This paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing future QCC cycles and for creating a structured implementation process. Full article