Search Results (631)

Background/Objectives: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but sight-threatening corneal infection, often associated with contact lens wear and resistant to conventional therapies. Preventive strategies capable of reducing Acanthamoeba adhesion to corneal epithelium may represent an important tool for infection control. This study aimed to evaluate the amebicidal and preventive activity of CORNEIAL MED eye drops against Acanthamoeba castellanii adhesion and early adhesion layer on human corneal epithelium (HCE). Methods: Reconstructed HCE models were exposed to A. castellanii under four experimental conditions: negative control (HCE only), positive control (HCE + A. castellanii), co-incubation with CORNEIAL MED and A. castellanii (Study 1), and treatment with CORNEIAL MED after initial A. castellanii adhesion (Study 2). Adherent amoebae were quantified using EDTA detachment and Neubauer chamber counting. The early adhesion layer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis considered p < 0.05 as significant. Results: In Study 1, simultaneous application of CORNEIAL MED with A. castellanii reduced amoeba adhesion by 33.0 ± 11% compared with controls (p = 0.0529). In Study 2, when the product was applied 3 h after amoeba inoculation, adhesion was significantly reduced by 51.9 ± 6.5% (p < 0.05). SEM confirmed a decrease in amoebic colonization and biofilm density in treated samples. Conclusions: CORNEIAL MED demonstrated a measurable inhibitory effect on A. castellanii adhesion to HCE, particularly when applied after initial pathogen contact. These findings suggest a potential preventive role of CORNEIAL MED in reducing AK risk, although further in vivo studies are warranted. Full article

With the goal of achieving carbon neutrality, promoting the clean and low-carbon transformation of energy assets, as exemplified by existing thermal power units, has emerged as a pivotal challenge in addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development. Arrangements and technologies such as the electricity–carbon–certificate multi-market, microgrids with direct green power connections, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) retrofitting provide favorable conditions for facing the aforementioned challenge. Based on an analysis of how liquid-storage CCS retrofitting affects the flexibility of thermal power units, this manuscript proposes a bi-level optimization model and solution method for capacity allocation for grid-connected microgrids, while considering CCS retrofits under multi-markets. This approach overcomes two key deficiencies in the existing research: first, neglecting the relationship between electricity–carbon coupling characteristics and unit flexibility and its potential impacts, and second, the significant deviation of scenarios constructed from real policy and market environments, which limits its ability to provide timely and relevant references. A case study in southern China demonstrates that first, multi-market implementation significantly boosts microgrids’ investment in and absolute consumption of renewable energy. However, its effect on reducing carbon emissions is limited, and renewable power curtailment may surge, potentially deviating from the original intent of carbon neutrality policies. In this case study, renewable energy installed capacity and consumption rose by 17.09% and 22.64%, respectively, while net carbon emissions decreased by only 3.32%, and curtailed power nearly doubled. Second, introducing liquid-storage CCS, which decouples the CO₂ absorption and desorption processes, into the capacity allocation significantly enhances microgrid flexibility, markedly reduces the risk of overcapacity in renewable energy units, and enhances investment efficiency. In this case study, following CCS retrofits, renewable energy unit installed capacity decreased by 24%, while consumption dropped by only 7.28%, utilization hours increased by 22%, and the curtailment declined by 78.05%. Third, although CCS retrofitting can significantly reduce microgrid carbon emissions, factors such as current carbon prices, technological efficiency, and economic characteristics hinder large-scale adoption. In this case study, under multi-markets, CCS retrofitting reduced net carbon emissions by 86.16%, but the annualized total cost rose by 3.68%. Finally, based on the aforementioned findings, this manuscript discusses implications for microgrid development decision making, CCS industrialization, and market mechanisms from the perspectives of research directions, policy formulation, and practical work. Full article

This study investigates torsional vibration characteristics in an aged coastal car ferry propulsion system using theoretical calculations based on the Matrix method alongside experimental measurements. While the measured torsional vibration at the propeller shaft remained within the limits, it was significantly higher than the calculated values, particularly at the 5th harmonic order excited by engine combustion. Negative torque peaks observed during transient clutch engagement caused gear hammering. Structural vibration analysis identified potential gearbox defects, such as wear or misalignment. Multiple torsional vibration calculation models were developed considering various degrees of degradation of the aged rubber blocks and viscous torsional damper. A model assuming that the damping capacity of damper drops to about 1%, corresponding to the specified values at 125 °C, produced results that closely reproduced the measured vibration characteristics. The finding, confirmed by an actual inspection, identifies viscous oil leakage and deterioration of the damper as the primary cause of excessive vibration. Prompt replacement of the viscous oil is recommended to improve torsional vibration behavior. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ocular drug delivery faces significant challenges due to anatomical and physiological barriers that limit drug bioavailability, particularly with conventional eye drops. Levofloxacin (LEVO), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is widely used in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, but its therapeutic efficacy is hindered by rapid precorneal clearance and short residence time. Methods: This study introduces a biorelevant 2 mL dissolution model to simulate ocular conditions better and evaluate the release kinetics of LEVO-loaded nanofibrous ophthalmic inserts. Compared to the conventional 40 mL setup, the 2 mL system demonstrated a slower and more sustained drug release profile, with kinetic modeling confirming a more controlled release behavior. Difference and similarity factor analysis further validated the distinct release profiles, highlighting the impact of dissolution volume on release dynamics. Results: Preliminary pharmacokinetic modeling suggested that the nanofiber inserts, particularly when applied twice daily, maintained levofloxacin concentrations above minimum inhibitory and bactericidal levels for extended durations across three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus), potentially outperforming traditional eye drops. Conclusions: These findings suggest that small-volume dissolution testing may provide a more realistic method for evaluating ophthalmic insert formulations, though in vivo validation is needed. Moreover, the nanofibrous inserts show potential as a sustained-release alternative that warrants further investigation to improve patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes in ocular disease management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Few studies have investigated the perioperative adverse events following intraoperative hypothermia in pediatric patients with preserved functional capacity. We aimed to assess associations between intraoperative hypothermia and adverse outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included children under 12 years of age who underwent anesthesia in 2020 at Songklanagarind Hospital, Thailand. Intraoperative hypothermia was defined as the occurrence of one or more episodes of a core temperature drop to <36 °C during anesthesia. Perioperative data were extracted from the hospital information system and analyzed to identify adverse outcomes. Children with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status of 4–5 were excluded to ensure that only those with preserved functional capacity before surgery were included. Multivariate regression modeling was used to evaluate associations between hypothermia and adverse outcomes after adjusting for potential confounders. Odds ratios, count ratios or beta coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. Results: Among the 892 patients included, 169 (18.9%) experienced intraoperative hypothermia. Intraoperative hypothermia was significantly associated with postoperative ventilator requirements (p < 0.001), postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission (p < 0.001), longer ventilator requirements (p < 0.001), and prolonged ICU stays (p < 0.001) and hospitalization periods (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that intraoperative hypothermia was associated with a 1.0-day longer ICU stay and a 20% higher risk of hospitalization. Conclusions: Intraoperative hypothermia was associated with adverse outcomes in children with preserved functional capacity undergoing anesthesia, suggesting hospital policies should be modified to ensure vigorous perioperative temperature management to mitigate these outcomes. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) has been widely applied in gas flooding for reservoir development due to its remarkable oil recovery potential. However, because its viscosity is lower than that of water and most crude oils, severe channeling often occurs during the flooding process, resulting in a significant reduction in the sweep efficiency. To address this issue, foam flooding has attracted considerable attention as an effective method for controlling CO₂ mobility. In this study, a compound foam system was developed with alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS) as the primary foaming agent, alcohol ethoxylate (AEO) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as co-surfactants, and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) as the stabilizer. The optimal system was screened through evaluations of comprehensive foam index, salt tolerance, oil resistance, and shear resistance. Results indicate that the AOS+AEO formulation exhibits superior foaming ability, salt tolerance, and foam stability compared with the AOS+CTAB system, with the best performance achieved at a mass ratio of 2:1 (AOS:AEO), balancing both adaptability and economic feasibility. A heterogeneous reservoir model was constructed using parallel core flooding to investigate the displacement performance and blocking capability of the system. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging was employed to monitor in situ oil phase migration and clarify the recovery mechanisms. Experimental results show that the compound foam system demonstrates excellent conformance control performance, achieving a blocking efficiency of 84.5% and improving the overall oil recovery by 4.6%. NMR imaging further reveals that the system effectively mobilizes low-permeability zones, with T₂ spectrum analysis indicating a 4.5% incremental recovery in low-permeability layers. Moreover, in reservoirs with larger permeability ratio, the system exhibits enhanced blocking efficiency (up to 86.5%), though the incremental recovery is not strictly proportional to the blocking effect. Compared with previous AOS-based CO₂ foam studies that primarily relied on pressure drop and effluent analyses, this work introduces NMR imaging and T₂ spectrum diagnostics to directly visualize pore-scale fluid redistribution and quantify sweep efficiency within heterogeneous cores. The NMR data provide mechanistic evidence that the enhanced recovery originates from selective foam propagation and the mobilization of residual oil in low-permeability channels, rather than merely from increased flow resistance. This integration of advanced pore-scale imaging with macroscopic displacement analysis represents a mechanistic advancement over conventional CO₂ foam evaluations, offering new insights into the conformance control behavior of AOS-based foam systems in heterogeneous reservoirs. Full article

Expansive soils present a significant geotechnical challenge due to their pronounced volume changes with moisture variations, leading to substantial infrastructure damage. This study investigates the efficacy of thermal stabilization in mitigating the swell potential and compressibility of a high-plasticity, kaolinite-rich clay from Al Ghat, Saudi Arabia. As well, the changes in basic properties including consistency limits, specific gravity, and compaction characteristics were studied and highlighted. Microstructural studies using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDX) were performed to trace the structural changes and interpret the achieved improvement. Soil specimens were subjected to heat treatment at levels of 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C for two hours, after which their geotechnical and microstructural properties were comprehensively evaluated. The results demonstrate a direct correlation between increasing temperature and the reduction in expansive behavior. Treatment at 600 °C caused a substantial decrease in the plasticity index from 27.00 to 2.94. Correspondingly, oedometer tests showed that the free swell was reduced from 6% to nearly zero, and the swelling pressure was eliminated, dropping from 250 kPa to 0 kPa. XRD analysis confirmed kaolinite decomposition through dehydroxylation, producing metakaolin with diminished water absorption capacity. SEM further revealed significant particle aggregation and the formation of a coarser soil fabric. The findings confirm that heat treatment at temperatures of 400 °C and above is a highly effective method for permanently stabilizing kaolinitic expansive soils, rendering them suitable for construction applications. Full article

In this work a multi-criteria analysis and an optimization tool were developed, which allows the substitution of fossil-based solvents with bio-based alternatives based on Hansen solubility parameters and various physical parameters, such as the boiling point, evaporation rate, viscosity or wetting behavior. The proof of concept was achieved by formulating two different paints used in coil coatings using the bio-based solvents, and they performed equally as well as their fossil-based counterparts. A potential decrease in CO₂ emissions was determined by a life cycle assessment and cradle-to-grave analysis of bio- and fossil-based solvents, which showed a large sustainability bonus when using solvents based on biomass. The introduced methodology provides initial insights into substituting currently used solvents systematically. Overall, implementing bio-based solvents is a viable drop-in method to decrease the environmental impact of paints and coatings, while maintaining the same performance. Full article

This study presents a comparative analysis of a “design” speaker cabinet shape and a conventional block enclosure, both having identical internal volumes. Both enclosures were built from birch wood, and for comparison, block-shaped baffles were also made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF). While the designer’s new shape was handcrafted using a lathe, a cube baffle was made using a CNC machine. The block-shaped sound box was made as a representative of the classic shape that occurs most often in the world of music. For this reason, it is offered as an ideal reference sample of the enclosure for comparison with the new design proposal, which was produced based on the shape predispositions and the interest of potential customers. The loudspeaker systems were then subjected to anechoic chamber testing using the exponential sine sweep (ESS) technique to assess and compare their resonance characteristics. The box-shaped enclosure showed a smoother course of the frequency response, but the differences are not significant. A potential improvement in acoustic performance was offered by an acoustic dampening material that was incorporated into each enclosure, and the measurement was repeated. The drop shape from solid birch benefits most from filling, with an 8 dB reduction in low-end boom and 2 dB smoothing, resulting in more controlled bass. The cuboid of solid birch is quite stable even without filling, but filling still improves deep bass by ~3 dB and smooths mid-bass by ~2 dB. For comparison, the cuboid made of MDF shows the largest improvement with filling, with a 10 dB reduction in sub-bass peaks and 4 dB smoothing in dips. With the acoustic filling, the frequency curves are even more smoothed, and it can be said that the damping material can eliminate some of the imperfections of the enclosures. Full article

This study is the first to encapsulate chicken broth into caviar-like hydrogel beads (CBHBs) using ionic gelation, aiming to explore their potential in molecular gastronomy and functional food design. The effects of calcium lactate concentration (1%, 2.5%, and 5%) and post-gelation holding time (0, 30, and 60 min) on the physicochemical, morphological, mechanical, and sensory properties of chicken broth hydrogel beads were evaluated. The beads were produced by dropping a 1% sodium alginate–chicken broth mixture into calcium lactate solutions, followed by analysis of diameter, bulk density, pH, color, shape, texture, and consumer acceptance. Results revealed that higher calcium concentrations and extended holding times significantly decreased bead diameter and increased bulk density and hardness, indicating denser and more compact structures. Morphologically, increased calcium levels resulted in irregular, droplet-like shapes, with reduced sphericity. Instrumental color analysis showed higher a*, b*, and chroma values at higher calcium levels. Sensory evaluations demonstrated that samples with lower calcium concentrations and no post-gelation holding were significantly preferred by panelists in terms of softness and overall liking. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing calcium concentration and holding time in the design of alginate-based hydrogel beads and suggest that CBHBs have potential applications in molecular gastronomy and functional food product development. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the corrosion behavior of and morphological changes in S235JR steel exposed to 0.5 M hydrochloric acid solution over a period of 24 weeks. Corrosion resistance was assessed through weight loss measurements and electrochemical techniques (such as open circuit potential (OCP), polarization resistance (R_p), and corrosion rate (V_corr)), while surface morphology, elemental analysis, roughness, and Vickers hardness were also analyzed. All evaluations were performed at the same immersion intervals: 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. The corrosion rate started at 0.9 mm/year after the first hour of immersion, then decreased due to the formation of corrosion products on the steel surface, and fluctuated during prolonged exposure, reaching a maximum of 8.5 mm/year after 24 weeks. Weight loss increased gradually during the first 8 weeks, followed by a more pronounced rise. Polarization resistance and corrosion rate exhibited dynamic variations. SEM analysis revealed severe surface degradation, including cracks and deep pits. Surface roughness increased significantly from an initial value of 0.91 μm to 9.03 μm at 24 weeks. Vickers hardness dropped from 148.7 HV0.5 to 87.3 HV0.5, due to non-uniform corrosion product formation. These findings highlight the progressive deterioration of S235JR steel in acidic environments and provide valuable insight into its long-term corrosion resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) develops from the interplay of vascular, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative processes. Citicoline, a natural compound essential for cell membranes, enhances neurotransmitter levels, has a neuroprotective effect, reduces oxidative stress by increasing glutathione, and decreases glutamate toxicity. Studies suggest that a citicoline liposomal formulation (eye drops) may prevent diabetes-induced retinal neurodegeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of citicoline eye drops on the clinical signs of DR in clinical settings. Methods: More than 100 patients with nonproliferative DR (NPDR) were selected consecutively from the DR screening program and included in this real-life prospective observational clinical study. Each patient underwent color-fundus photography of two fields (macular field and disk/nasal field) in both eyes using a standard 45° fundus camera. Patients were prescribed citicoline eye drops and followed for a period of one year or longer. Results: In 4 patients with NPDR and macular hard exudates, the application of citicoline (Omk1^®) eye drops three times a day for at least six months to a year resulted in a reduction or complete disappearance of hard exudates. Conclusions: Our study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first one that establishes a clinically positive effect of citicoline eye drops on hard exudates in DR. However, to support the potential value of citicoline in the treatment of DR, the conclusions of this study still need to be confirmed by statistical analysis of a larger sample size and prospective studies with longer follow-up periods. Full article

This study presents a multiphysics simulation approach to optimize graphite-buffered bilayer anodes for enhanced energy density in lithium-ion batteries, assessing the electrochemical impact of diverse inner-layer materials, including silicon, hard carbon, lithium titanate (LTO), and metallic lithium, in pure and graphite-composite forms. A coupled finite-element model implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 was used to integrate spherical lithium diffusion, charge conservation, and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation kinetics. The evaluated anode structure consisted of a 60 µm-thick bilayer: a 30 µm graphite surface layer coupled with a 30 µm inner layer of alternative active materials. Simulations were performed using an NMC622 cathode, LiPF₆ in EC:EMC electrolyte, at room temperature, under a charge rate of 1 C, considering realistic particle sizes (graphite: 2.5 µm; Si: 0.1 µm; hard carbon: 2.5 µm; LTO: 0.2 µm; Li metal: 0.5 µm), and evaluated over 2000 cycles. The hard carbon/graphite configuration exhibited a capacity fade of 5.8% compared with 7.1% in pure graphite. Additionally, the SEI thickness decreased to 0.20 µm (from 0.25 µm), the overpotential dropped to −17 mV (from −59 mV), and the electrolyte consumption was reduced to 20.8% (from 42.9%). The analysis highlights hard carbon and LTO inner layers as optimal trade-offs between capacity and cycle stability, whereas silicon and lithium metal significantly increased the initial capacity but accelerated SEI formation and impedance growth. These findings demonstrate the graphite-buffered bilayer’s potential to decouple interfacial degradation from high-capacity materials, providing valuable guidelines for the design of advanced lithium-ion battery anodes. Full article

Given the strong coupling between electricity flow and carbon flow, promoting the low-carbon transformation of the energy sector is a crucial measure to actively responding to climate challenges. As a pivotal hub linking the electricity market with the carbon market, promoting electricity–carbon coordinated scheduling of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) is of great significance in expediting the energy transition process. Based on the introduction of carbon potential, this manuscript constructs a VPP electricity–carbon coordinated scheduling model that incorporates various typical elements, including renewable energy units and demand response. Furthermore, this paper utilizes Brain Storm Optimization (BSO) to improve the Snow Ablation Optimizer (SAO) algorithm and applies the improved algorithm to solve the model developed in this manuscript. Finally, an analysis was conducted using a small-scale VPP project in eastern China, and the results are the following: Firstly, the SAO improved by BSO demonstrates a significant enhancement in solution efficiency. In particular, for the cases presented in this manuscript, the algorithm’s convergence speed increased by 42.85%. Secondly, under the multi-market conditions and with real-time carbon potential, VPPs will possess greater flexibility in scheduling optimization and stronger incentives to fully explore their emission reduction potential through collaborative electricity–carbon scheduling, thereby improving both economic and environmental performance. However, constrained by factors such as the currently low carbon price level, the extent of improvement in VPPs’ performance under real-time carbon potential, compared to fixed carbon potential, remains relatively limited, with a 1.07% increase in economic benefits and a 2.63% reduction in carbon emissions. Thirdly, an increase in carbon prices can incentivize VPPs to continuously tap into their emission reduction potential, but beyond a certain threshold (120 CNY/t in this case study), the marginal contribution of further carbon price increases to emission reductions will progressively decline. Specifically, for every 20-yuan increase in the carbon price, the carbon emission reduction rate of VPPs drops below 1%. Full article

The effect of molecule–surface interaction strength on water becomes pronounced when pore size shrinks to the nanoscale, leading to the spatially varying viscosity and water slip phenomena that break the theoretical basis of the classic Lucas–Washburn (L-W) equation for the spontaneous imbibition of water. With the purpose of fulfilling the knowledge gap, the viscosity of nanoconfined water is investigated in relation to surface contact angle, a critical parameter manifesting microscopic molecule–surface interaction strength. Then, the water slip length at the nanoscale is determined in accordance with the mechanical balance of the first-layer water molecules, which enlarges gradually with increasing contact angle, indicating a weaker surface–molecule interaction. After that, a novel model for the spontaneous imbibition of nanoconfined water incorporating spatially inhomogeneous water viscosity and water slip is developed for the first time, demonstrating that the conventional model yields overestimations of 16.7–103.2%. Hydrodynamics affected by pore geometry are considered as well. The results indicate the following: (a) Enhanced viscosity resulting from the nanopore surface action reduces the water imbibition distance, the absolute magnitude of which could be 3 times greater than the positive impact of water slip. (b) With increasing pore size, the impact of water slip declines much faster than the enhanced viscosity, leading to the ratio of the nanoconfined water imbibition distance to the result of the L-W equation dropping rapidly at first and then approaching unity. (c) Water imbibition performance in slit nanopores is superior to that in nanoscale capillaries, stemming from the fact that the effective water viscosity in nano-capillaries is greater than that in slit nanopores by 5.1–22.1%, suggesting stronger hydrodynamic resistance. This research is able to provide an accurate prediction of spontaneous imbibition of nanoconfined water with microscopic mechanisms well captured, sharing broad application potential in hydraulic fracturing water analysis and water-flooding-enhanced oil/gas recovery. Full article