Search Results (2,433)

Background/Objectives: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by tear film instability, inflammation, and ocular surface damage, which significantly impairs visual function and quality of life. Conventional ophthalmic formulations, such as eye drops, have low bioavailability owing to rapid elimination, necessitating frequent administration. In this study, we developed an eyelid-applied drug delivery system (DDS) based on troxipide (TRO) nanoparticle formulation (TRO-NP@EG) to achieve sustained ocular surface delivery. Methods: TRO nanosuspensions were prepared by wet bead milling and incorporated into a Carbopol-based gel. Particle size, dispersion stability, and uniformity were evaluated, and in vitro drug release studies was compared with that of TRO-MP@EG. In vivo drug transfer into tear fluid was assessed in rabbits following eyelid application, and therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in an N-acetylcysteine-induced dry eye model. Results: TRO nanosuspensions had a mean particle size of approximately 118 nm. TRO-NP@EG exhibited superior dispersion stability and uniformity and achieved 2.5-fold higher drug release than TRO-MP@EG, while the nanoparticles remained in solid form. In vivo studies in rabbits, TRO-NP@EG significantly enhanced drug transfer into tear fluid, primarily via the meibum pathway. Furthermore, TRO-NP@EG significantly improved mucin levels, tear secretion, and tear film stability compared with TRO-MP@EG in an N-acetylcysteine-induced dry eye model. Conclusions: These findings suggest that eyelid application of nanoparticle-based formulations enables efficient and sustained drug delivery to the ocular surface via the meibomian glands. Therefore, TRO-NP@EG represents a promising therapeutic strategy for DED, providing enhanced efficacy and a novel route of administration for ophthalmic DDSs. Full article

A rare-earth (RE)-segregation-assisted route combining mechanical alloying and hot extrusion was used to produce a WE43 alloy with an in situ network-like bimodal structure. Mechanical alloying fragmented and partially dissolved RE-containing phases produced a supersaturated Mg-RE solid solution, and dispersed oxygen-bearing surface films. During the pre-sintering stage before hot extrusion, defect-rich prior powder-particle boundaries (PPBs) acted as preferential sinks for RE solutes, establishing RE-enriched regions before extrusion, while some oxygen-bearing species remained near PPBs and grain boundaries. During subsequent hot extrusion, RE solute drag and pinning by RE-containing precipitates and retained oxides restricted grain-boundary migration near PPBs, whereas rotation-assisted grain coalescence and growth occurred within particle interiors. In the 350—extruded alloy, the relatively coarse and fine grains averaged 299 and 144 nm and occupied 71 and 29 vol.%, while the precipitates averaged 97.1 and 9.2 nm. The 400—extruded alloy achieved a yield strength of 396 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 432 MPa, and an elongation of 7.9%. For the 350—extruded alloy, Orowan-type, solid-solution, grain-boundary, and dislocation strengthening contributed approximately 118.5, 116.8, 84, and 67 MPa, respectively, leaving an unresolved residual difference of 63.7 MPa. Coupled RE redistribution and oxide dispersion therefore provide a route to a favorable strength–ductility balance in powder-metallurgy Mg alloys. Full article

Background: Niosomes are spherical, non-ionic surfactant-based vesicular carriers structured as lipid bilayers that are widely utilised in pharmaceutical and cosmetic research for integration into topical formulations like gels and creams. Objective: This study presents a novel contribution concerning the preparation of niosomes using a mixture of distinct Span and Tween non-ionic surfactants and diverse biomolecules. Methods: In this context, novel formulations of niosomes have been prepared by including into their composition a mixture of Span 80 and Tween 20 (in order that HLB = 8.42) non-ionic surfactants with cholesterol (Chol) in a Span 80:Tween 20:Chol = 2:1:1 molar ratio, which is meant to optimise their rigidity and stability, respectively. Their preparation was achieved through three methods: probe sonication, bath sonication and thin-film hydration (TFH). Additionally, the samples were analysed by means of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR). On the other hand, the antioxidant capacity profile of the formulas of interest was assessed by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical reduction method. The investigated bioactive molecules were ascorbic acid (AA) and a yellow dye of fungal origin, previously extracted from an Epicoccum nigrum strain. Results: The average particle size of the niosomes ranged from 2.771 ± 0.808 to 3.397 ± 0.917 μm. Furthermore, high entrapment efficiency was observed for both AA (92.71 ± 0.01%) and the fungal dye (83.54 ± 0.08%), particularly in the formulations prepared through an optimised procedure. The gathered results illustrated that the highest DPPH radical scavenging percentage (48.71 ± 0.05%) occurred when the bath sonication technique was applied. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the entrapment of active biomolecules depends on the preparation methods utilised. Furthermore, employing fungal dyes represents a promising strategy to simultaneously enhance both the antioxidant and dyeing capacities exhibited by the formulated niosomal colloidal systems. Full article

Lubrication performance is a critical index determining the service performance of self-lubricating ceramic cutting tools, but the coupling between mechanical properties, lubrication, and wear makes the lubrication effect challenging to predict. In this paper, WC-cBN-MoS₂ self-lubricating ceramics with 15 vol% MoS₂ and a range of mechanical properties (Vickers hardness: 10.33–20.22 GPa; fracture toughness: 1.8–5.95 MPa·m^1/2) were fabricated by high-pressure sintering. A lubricating particle release model is established to analyze the contributions of matrix deformation and surface wear to lubricant release. It is found that matrix deformation alone cannot extrude lubricating particles to the surface; instead, wear is the primary mechanism supplying particles to the friction interface. The lubricating film, containing both ceramic matrix debris and lubricating particles, exhibits characteristics of multi-media powder lubrication, with film thickness increasing linearly with applied load and sliding speed. The friction coefficient shows a non-monotonic relationship with load and speed, attributed to the coexistence of powder lubrication within the film and quasi-boundary lubrication at the upper interface. A predictive model is established based on the superposition of these two mechanisms, and its predictions agree well with experimental measurements. This work clarifies the multiple lubrication mechanisms of self-lubricating ceramics and provides a quantitative framework for predicting their tribological performance. Full article

Clayey sand is a typical transitional coastal alluvial soil controlled by both coarse-grain friction and fine-grain cementation. Current studies focus mostly on remolded samples, lacking systematic understanding of water-induced structural degradation and quantitative physico-mechanical correlations for natural undisturbed clayey sand. In this work, 74 intact undisturbed specimens (0.5–23.0 m depth) were tested via basic physical tests, one-dimensional consolidation and consolidated-undrained triaxial shear tests. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to establish prediction relationships between routine physical indices and mechanical parameters. Results show the soil is classified as SC clayey sand with 39.70% fines and an average natural water content of 23.17%. Natural water content dominates soil engineering performance, presenting strong linear correlations with dry density and void ratio (|r| = 0.90). Higher water content and void ratio increase compressibility and reduce shear strength. The compression coefficient and compression modulus exhibited a consistent nonlinear relationship, reflecting the inherent linkage between these two compression parameters. Burial depth has little influence on soil properties, and plasticity index only serves for soil classification. Mechanistically, increasing moisture may thicken adsorbed water films, weaken interparticle contact and matric suction, and the fine particle-filled skeleton may further enhance the water sensitivity of the soil. The established prediction models support fast evaluation of soil mechanical behaviors, offering theoretical and practical support for geotechnical design of similar coastal clayey sand strata. Full article

We investigated the impact of Au ion irradiation on the corrosion behavior of medium-entropy alloy coatings (MEAs), with and without Al addition, in simulated primary water of pressurized water reactors (PWRs). The results indicated the formation of double-layer oxide films on the surfaces of both types of coatings, consisting of outer oxide particles and a protective inner oxide layer. The high-fluence irradiation modified the microstructures of both coatings and accelerated their corrosion kinetics. However, the coating with a slight addition of Al demonstrated superior post-irradiation corrosion resistance owing to its enhanced lattice distortion effect within the system, inhibited atomic diffusion, and reduced impact of irradiation on its phase structure. A comprehensive discussion was carried out on the corrosion processes of the coatings, both irradiated and non-irradiated. Full article

Slag splashing protection is the dominant technology for extending refractory lining service life and enhancing production efficiency in basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steelmaking. However, the intrinsic mechanism of gas-slag-steel multiphase coupled splashing remains poorly understood, and existing numerical methods suffer from prohibitive computational costs and inaccurate characterization of interfacial momentum transfer and multiphase interactions. This study establishes a fully coupled three-dimensional numerical model integrating Volume of Fluid (VOF)–Discrete Particle Method (DPM) bidirectional phase transition, adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), and Eulerian Wall Film Model (EWFM), and the multiphase flow simulation in this study adopts constant thermophysical parameters of molten steel and slag at the industrial splashing temperature of 1650 °C. Taking the Blowing Number (N_B) as the core similarity criterion, a 1:10 scaled geometric model of a 50-ton industrial BOF is employed to systematically investigate the regulatory effects of top-blowing flow rate, lance height, and N_B on droplet splashing behavior and wall liquid film evolution. The model is validated against mercury-glycerol cold model experimental data, with a relative error of less than 3% in total splashing mass prediction. Results demonstrate that increasing N_B significantly enhances splashing intensity. Under optimal conditions (200 mm lance height, 11.76 Nm³/h flow rate, N_B = 9.30), the wall liquid film fully covers the middle-upper furnace wall with a uniform thickness of 0.8–1.2 mm. N_B dominates jet momentum distribution: high N_B forms a deep-penetrating four-lobed impact cavity, remarkably improving droplet axial momentum and residence time. Molten steel droplets concentrate at 3–4 mm, while slag droplets shift to 2–4 mm at high flow rates of 11.76 Nm³/h, with maximum slag droplet production at N_B = 6.99. This work provides reliable theoretical support for industrial BOF slag-splashing process optimization. Full article

Understanding the environmental fate of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils remains a major challenge, particularly under field conditions where soil structure and hydraulic processes jointly regulate particle transport and retention. This study investigated whether hydro-physical soil functioning can explain the distribution and accumulation of MPs in pistachio orchard soils from a semi-arid region of southeastern Türkiye. A total of 42 soil samples were analyzed for MP abundance, size distribution, and morphology, together with key hydro-physical properties including texture, porosity, bulk density, aggregate stability, organic matter content, and soil water retention characteristics. To identify the dominant controls on MP occurrence, explainable machine learning approaches combining Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), and SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis were employed. Microplastic abundance differed among management systems. Former landfill or construction sites represented the largest proportion of the total recorded microplastic abundance (40.9%), followed by conventionally managed (25.2%), manure-amended (24.5%), and sewage-sludge-amended orchards (9.4%). Median microplastic abundances were 1433, 667, 4633, and 633 particles kg⁻¹ soil, respectively. Fine-sized MPs constituted the dominant particle fraction and exhibited strong associations with pore-system characteristics, indicating that pore-size compatibility governs their retention and mobility within the soil matrix. Morphology-specific analyses further revealed contrasting relationships between soil hydro-physical properties and individual MP forms, suggesting distinct retention pathways for granules, films, fragments, and fibers. Explainable AI analysis identified organic matter, silt content, bulk density, and water retention characteristics as the most influential predictors of MP occurrence. Among the tested models, RF demonstrated superior predictive robustness and generalization capacity. The findings demonstrate that hydro-physical soil functioning plays a central role in determining microplastic fate in agricultural soils and highlight the value of interpretable machine learning frameworks for uncovering the mechanisms underlying contaminant retention and redistribution. Integrating soil structural indicators with explainable artificial intelligence offers a promising pathway for improving microplastic risk assessment in agroecosystems. Full article

To address the problem of the short service life of relay injection molds caused by erosion of high-temperature glass fibers, AlCrN coatings were deposited on the surface of ELMAX mold steel using multi-arc ion plating technology. The surface morphology, cross-sectional morphology, and elemental composition of the coatings were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the attached energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The phase structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface hardness, film–substrate adhesion strength, and friction and wear performance were tested using a nanoindenter, a scratch tester, and a friction and wear tester, respectively. The effects of duty cycle, arc current, and negative bias voltage on the coating microstructure, hardness, adhesion strength, and friction and wear performance were systematically investigated. Increasing the duty cycle increases surface particles and pits but improves coating density; increasing the arc current increases coating thickness but coarsens particles; increasing the negative bias voltage refines particles but increases pits. Through a three-factor, three-level orthogonal experiment and a multi-index equal-weight weighting method, with hardness, adhesion strength, and friction coefficient as comprehensive evaluation objectives, the optimal process parameters were determined as a duty cycle of 70%, an arc current of 60 A, and a negative bias voltage of 110 V. The optimized coating achieved a hardness of 36.04 GPa (399% higher than that of the uncoated substrate), an adhesion strength of 143.87 N, and a friction coefficient of 0.422. In production cycle tests, the coated mold exhibited an average service life of 128,070 cycles, which is 277% higher than that of the uncoated mold (33,985 cycles). The surface of the coated mold showed only slight scratches, while the uncoated mold exhibited severe glass-fiber plowing grooves. This study provides a process optimization and verification solution for extending the service life of injection molds. Full article

Background: Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Thai medicine, reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. However, its topical use is limited by the poor dermal delivery of its active compounds. This study aimed to develop and characterize a topical niosomal delivery system containing O. indicum leaf extract to enhance permeation through Strat-M^® membrane and anti-inflammatory activity. Methods: Extract-loaded niosomes were prepared via thin-film hydration using non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol. The developed niosomes were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, in vitro release and in vitro permeation, stability, and anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results: The optimal formulation consisted of a phosphate buffer at pH 5.5, Span 60, cholesterol, 0.5% (w/v) extract, and 10% propylene glycol, with the extract added during the hydration step. The optimal formulation showed a high encapsulation efficiency (>70% (total phenolics) and >90% (total flavonoids), a nano-sized particle size of approximately 100–200 nm with a narrow size distribution, and a zeta potential within the acceptable value (≤−30 mV). The successful incorporation of the extract into niosome bilayers was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The niosomal formulation demonstrated a significantly more sustained and controlled release of total phenolics and flavonoids, including enhanced permeation of phenolic compounds across the Strat-M^® membrane, compared to the extract solution. Formulations containing 0.3–0.5% extract remained physically stable, maintaining encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and zeta potential under thermal stress conditions. Significantly, niosomes loaded with 0.5% extract exhibited the greatest inhibition of nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. Conclusions: These findings are based on in vitro membrane permeation and cell-based assays; further ex vivo or in vivo skin studies are required to confirm topical anti-inflammatory efficacy. Full article

During the production of high-sulfur-content gas–water wells, elemental sulfur saturated in natural gas gradually precipitates as solid particles with decreasing wellbore temperature and pressure. When these sulfur particles cannot be continuously carried upward in the gas–liquid–solid three-phase flow formed with natural gas and formation water, they tend to deposit in the wellbore, potentially blocking the production string and even severely restricting the gas well’s deliverability. Current research on predictive models for the critical gas flow velocity required to carry sulfur particles remain inadequate. Therefore, accurately predicting this critical velocity and adjusting production to prevent deposition are crucial for managing high-sulfur gas wells. The primary innovation of this study lies in the development of a predictive model for the critical gas flow velocity required for sulfur particle entrainment. Grounded in the “gas–liquid coalescence–liquid film entrainment” coupling mechanism revealed by preliminary experiments, this model is established through a mechanical analysis of sulfur particles within liquid films in vertical and inclined pipes. Recognizing liquid film thickness and velocity as pivotal parameters for model solving, auxiliary models for predicting these two parameters in inclined pipe annular flow were developed based on experimental results and the momentum balance principle. The proposed model comprehensively incorporates factors such as well inclination angle, pipe diameter, liquid flow rate, and sulfur particle size, rendering it applicable to diverse well configurations including vertical, horizontal, and deviated wells. Evaluation against 48 sets of experimental data yielded a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 2.28%, demonstrating high predictive accuracy. Furthermore, an engineering calculation program for the critical gas flow velocity was developed. A case study involving a well in the Puguang Gas Field was conducted to predict and diagnose sulfur deposition conditions, thereby verifying the model’s practical utility. This research provides a scientific basis for the safe and efficient development of high-sulfur gas fields. Full article

Marrubium vulgare L. aerial parts are a rich source of polyphenols with recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, their therapeutic potential is limited due to poor stability and bioavailability. To enhance its pharmacological efficacy, a liposomal formulation of M. vulgare polyphenolic extract (MV-Lipos) was developed in this study by employing the thin-film hydration method. Before encapsulating, the free-extract (MV-Ext) was analyzed using LC-MS, and the resultant nanoliposomes were tested for physicochemical qualities, biological activity, and safety. MV-Lipos exhibited particle sizes ranging from 127 to 200 nm, an 84% encapsulation efficiency, and high colloidal stability (zeta potential −29.58 ± 0.40 mV). In vitro evaluations revealed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities without cytotoxic effects. In vivo, MV-Lipos significantly improved analgesic and anti-inflammatory responses. Specifically, a dose of 100 mg/kg lowered acetic acid induced writhing by up to 75.9% and carrageenan induced paw edema by 72%, with efficacy comparable to ibuprofen. A 28-day subacute toxicity assessment found no treatment-related adverse effects. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses validated the experimental results by revealing possible interactions with inflammation-related targets. Overall, liposomal encapsulation improved the biological efficacy and safety profile of M. vulgare polyphenols, highlighting their potential as natural agents for the management of pain and inflammatory conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Shikonin (SKN) is a potential anti-psoriatic agent, yet its clinical application is hindered by poor water solubility and low stratum corneum permeability. This study aimed to develop a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive hydrogel microneedle system encapsulating SKN-loaded polymeric micelles (SKN-M@MN) to enhance transdermal delivery and evaluate its therapeutic effects in psoriasis. Methods: Shikonin-loaded micelles (SKN-M) were optimised using a thin-film hydration method. SKN-M@MN was fabricated via a two-step casting method using phenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-PBA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 as the tip matrix. Skin penetration, ROS-responsive release, and anti-psoriatic efficacy were assessed in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model. Mechanistic studies included RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western blotting. Results: SKN-M achieved an encapsulation efficiency of 93.45 ± 0.24%, a particle size of 62.49 ± 0.92 nm, and a zeta potential of −36.78 ± 1.12 mV. SKN-M@MN showed 100% skin penetration, sustained drug release, and accelerated degradation under high ROS conditions. In psoriatic mice, SKN-M@MN significantly alleviated skin lesions, reduced epidermal hyperplasia (Ki67), and downregulated IL-17A and TNF-α levels both locally and systemically. Mechanistically, it inhibited the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signalling pathways. Conclusions: The SKN-M@MN microneedle platform integrates physical skin penetration, ROS-responsive drug release, and pathway inhibition, offering an effective strategy for transdermal delivery of poorly soluble drugs in psoriasis therapy. Full article

Viticulture is increasingly being threatened by the effects of climate change, particularly rising temperatures and prolonged drought, which can adversely affect vineyard management, productivity, and grape quality. To enhance vineyard resilience under Mediterranean conditions, this study evaluated the effectiveness of using two mineral particle films—calcined kaolin and basalt powder—as short-term adaptation tools for Nocera (Vitis vinifera L.) grapevines grown in the Faro DOC area (Sicily). Treatments were applied at key phenological stages to assess their capacity to mitigate thermal stress and preserve physiological activity during the hottest summer periods. Both formulations significantly improved yield components compared with untreated vines, primarily by reducing berry dehydration and maintaining bunch and berry mass. Treated vines also showed enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, higher stomatal conductance, and improved water use efficiency, indicating effective protection of the photosynthetic apparatus against heat- and light-induced stress. Must composition benefited from the treatments, demonstrating higher total soluble solids. The polyphenolic profile revealed treatment-specific metabolic responses: kaolin promoted higher flavanol and antioxidant accumulation, whereas basalt powder favored phenolic acids and UV-protective flavonols. Overall, mineral particle films proved to be valuable tools for sustaining productivity and grape quality in hot, dry seasons, supporting vineyard resilience without altering technological maturity. Full article

Agricultural soil contact components, including ploughshares, rotary blades, and furrow openers, form the active interface between machinery and complex field media. Operating in multiphase environments, these tools face severe abrasive wear, impact fatigue, and interfacial adhesion. These destructive forces irreversibly alter edge geometry and drastically degrade macroscopic operation quality. This review integrates tillage and precision seeding components into a unified tribological framework. It highlights the nonlinear relationship between microscopic material removal and geometric edge retention. Profile degradation is heavily dictated by soil texture, where sandy soils cause micro-cutting, clay soils induce severe adhesion, and gravelly soils produce impact fracture. To predict these complex wear behaviours accurately, coupled multiphysics numerical simulation using the discrete element method for particle flow dynamics and finite element analysis for transient contact stress provides a highly robust methodology. Mitigating these failures requires a functionally zoned surface engineering approach. Carbide hardfacing offers localized abrasion resistance, while polymer composite layers and bionic nonsmooth structures effectively interrupt continuous liquid films in wet cohesive soils. Ultimately, integrating online multidimensional sensing with full life cycle digital-twin models represents the future trajectory for developing adaptive and highly durable agricultural equipment. Full article