Search Results (8,055)

Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) has been identified as a potential solution to the ever-growing climate impact of the aviation sector. One of the key problems for the industry remains the provision of the necessary storage volume, which results from the low density of hydrogen. The objective of this paper is to quantify the potential for structurally integrated conformal wing tanks for liquid hydrogen. The three wing tanks derived for the CHoSe project contain internal rib structures and are placed inside the center wingbox as well as from wing root to kink. The multidisciplinary aircraft design environment BLADE has been extended by the capabilities to complement liquid hydrogen fuselage tanks with wing tanks of varying area mass. Comparing short-to-medium range (SMR) aircraft with only fuselage tanks and with additional wing tanks resulted in key findings: for similar area mass assumptions for fuselage and wing tanks of 20 kg/m², no fuel burn benefit could be achieved. The decrease in fuselage length could not compensate for the increased structural tank masses. No significant load alleviation effect on the wing structure can be expected due to the limited mass and lever arm of the tanks inside the wing. Small efficiency gains can only be expected when synergistic stiffening effects with the load-carrying structure of the wings reduce the effective added area mass to lower values than for the fuselage tanks. Adding tanks further outbound than the wing kink deteriorates the performance, even for the most optimistic tank assumptions. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the potential of Global Navigation Satellite System Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS-IR) based on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis for monitoring crop structure and moisture. Data were collected using a GNSS antenna placed within an experimental meadow located in NW Italy. GNSS-IR exploits the interference between direct and ground-reflected signals to derive physical parameters such as the vegetation phase center height and soil moisture. In this work, by analyzing and modeling the oscillations in SNR time series, the sensitivity to crop growth dynamics was assessed. Vegetation height and dielectric parameters were compared against corresponding ground-surveyed values collected using a ruler and buried soil moisture sensors. Results suggest that GNSS-IR can detect canopy height with a high degree of consistency (Pearson’s r = 0.89, MAPE = 18%). Results also show that changes in the amplitude and phase of the interference pattern are sensitive to biomass density and dielectric properties of the reflecting surface (r = −0.81 and r = 0.86 respectively). GNSS-IR observables were analyzed across four representative measurement campaigns capturing distinct seasonal stages of meadow development. Despite the limited temporal sampling (n = 4), the selected observations correspond to contrasting vegetation and soil moisture conditions, allowing the identification of systematic variations in crop biophysical properties. These findings open promising perspectives for the development of innovative monitoring strategies in precision agriculture, leveraging existing GNSS infrastructure to obtain key biophysical parameters with minimal additional equipment and operational complexity. Full article

The Real Maestranza de Caballería in Seville features one of the most prominent Spanish bullrings, characterized by a notable architectural design. Its distinctive ovoid geometry resulted from a protracted construction history (1761–1881), during which the floor plan adapted to pre-existing urban structures. Beyond its architectural significance, the sounds perceived within such venues constitute traces of collective memory and form part of an intangible cultural heritage relevant for understanding the sociocultural context of such spaces. This work provides an acoustic characterisation of the bullring through field measurements. Reverberation time and other monaural and binaural descriptors were determined using 3D impulse responses obtained from strategically placed sources and receivers. This analysis is complemented by examining the sound energy distribution of early reflections in the time–frequency domain to define the acoustic signature of the venue, namely the characteristic pattern of early reflections that unequivocally determines its sound response, and identify the provenance of reflections. In the Maestranza, music and silence are hallmarks of its identity, contributing to a complex auditory environment. The results highlight how its geometry and tiered seating create a differentiated sound field, potentially contributing to the preservation of the site as a cultural landmark. Full article

Oxidative stress and redox imbalance are central features of both age-related neurodegenerative disorders and the persistent neurological sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019. Increasing evidence suggests that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection disrupts neuronal redox homeostasis via mitochondrial dysfunction, iron dysregulation, inflammatory signaling, and the depletion of pyridine nucleotide pools. In that context, ferroptosis provides a unifying mechanistic framework linking lipid peroxidation to progressive neuronal injury. This review proposes that neuronal vulnerability might depend not only on the oxidative burden itself but also on the failure of membrane-localized antioxidant defenses. Particular emphasis is placed on the plasma membrane redox system (PMRS), a membrane-associated quinone-reducing network that can support coenzyme Q redox cycling and constrain lipid radical propagation at the plasma membrane. Unlike canonical ferroptosis defense systems that rely predominantly on NADPH, components of the PMRS, particularly cytochrome b5 reductase, can also use NADH, conferring partial metabolic flexibility in conditions of redox stress. We further discuss how SARS-CoV-2-induced NAD⁺ depletion might progressively destabilize this membrane-proximal defense architecture, potentially lowering the ferroptotic threshold of vulnerable neurons. Finally, we outline therapeutic strategies that might reinforce PMRS-dependent membrane redox control through NRF2 activation, NAD⁺ restoration, coenzyme Q-centered interventions, and modulation of iron-catalyzed lipid oxidation. Full article

First responders are routinely exposed to potentially traumatic events and occupational stress, placing them at heightened risk for mental health difficulties. Despite the prominence of psychological resilience in first responder research, insufficient attention has been given to gender differences in how resilience functions within male-dominated occupations. The present study investigated gender differences in the relationships between perceived stress, resilience, and mental health outcomes among South African first responders (n = 429). Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale-10, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5. Correlational and mediation analyses were conducted. There were no significant gender differences in overall levels of resilience. Perceived stress was associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD for both genders. Resilience showed significant direct protective effects for men across all mental health outcomes, whereas for women it was significantly associated only with depression and PTSD but not anxiety. Mediation analyses revealed that resilience mediated the relationship between perceived stress and mental health outcomes for men only. These findings suggest that resilience operates through gender-specific pathways. It underscores the importance of conceptualizing resilience as a contextually shaped process rather than solely an individual capacity in first responder populations. Full article

The upper Euphrates and Tigris basins are located in modern-day Southeast Türkiye, on the northern periphery of the Fertile Crescent. From the eleventh to the eighth millennium calBC, during the Younger Dryas and the Early Holocene, human communities in this region transitioned from mobile hunter-foragers to settled agriculturalists. This process went hand in hand with the construction of the first monumental buildings, such as those at Göbeklitepe and its sister site Karahantepe. Although the Early Holocene is broadly understood as a phase of climate amelioration following the Younger Dryas climate reversal, it also featured short and abrupt phases of climatic instability, so-called rapid climate change (RCC) intervals. This contribution examines demographic trends against the backdrop of climate change to highlight potential impacts on human communities in this key region of Neolithisation, placing Göbeklitepe in its broader cultural and palaeoclimate context. Full article

The design of multitargeted drug candidates has recently emerged as a highly attractive area of research. Numerous heterometallic compounds have been developed to enhance both the biological efficacy and physicochemical properties of monometallic metallodrugs. Combining classical transition metals with established antitumor activity, such as Pt, Ru, and Au, with other metal-based fragments offers the potential to generate complex compounds with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Incorporating different bioactive metal cations within a single molecular framework may enhance anticancer activity through metal-specific interactions with distinct biological targets or through improved physicochemical characteristics of the resulting heteronuclear complexes. Recent studies have underscored the significant progress and promising impact of this multitargeted strategy, particularly in systems that combine ruthenium with other biologically active metal centers. This approach may enable selective biological targeting and help overcome drug resistance. This review compiles and analyzes reported ruthenium-based heteronuclear complexes, offering a comprehensive and critical assessment of recent advances in the rational design and synthesis of novel multinuclear compounds as potential chemotherapeutic agents. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding structure–activity relationships, mechanistic pathways, and the role of metal–metal and metal–ligand interactions in modulating biological responses. The findings summarized herein highlight the remarkable efficacy of a wide range of multinuclear ruthenium anticancer complexes and support the hypothesis that synergistic and/or cooperative interactions between distinct metal-based fragments can significantly enhance pharmacological performance, including improved selectivity, stability, and cellular uptake. Furthermore, emerging insights into their modes of action, resistance profiles, and potential for targeted delivery underscore their promise as viable alternatives to conventional therapies. Overall, this dynamic and rapidly evolving field is poised to inspire continued interdisciplinary research and drive the development of next-generation metallodrugs with improved therapeutic indices and clinical potential. Full article

The synthesis of heterocyclic compounds such as pyridines, quinazolinones and coumarins is a fundamental area of organic chemistry due to their wide application in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, agro-industry, and other fields of modern technology. As these compounds are produced in large quantities and have significant industrial importance, the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly synthetic approaches has become a key objective of green chemistry. In this context, this review examines the principles, methods and applications of the sustainable synthesis of pyridines, quinazolinones and coumarins in deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a new class of solvents characterized by low volatility, non-toxicity, ease of preparation and recyclability, often from renewable sources. Special emphasis is placed on synthetic strategies that achieve reaction efficiency while reducing environmental impact, including processes without additional catalysts or with reusable catalysts. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances and highlights the potential of DESs as a viable alternative to conventional organic solvents in the synthesis of bioactive pyridine, quinazolinone and coumarin compounds. Full article

Endophytic bacteria from plants adapted to arid and semi-arid environments represent an underexplored reservoir of microbial diversity with potential agricultural applications. Here, we report a polyphasic taxonomic and genome-based characterization of Achromobacter sp. isolates recovered from root and foliar tissues of Citrullus colocynthis and Peganum harmala, two medicinal plants thriving under harsh environmental conditions. Whole-genome sequencing, phylogenomic analyses, average nucleotide identity (ANI), digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH), multilocus sequence typing, and detailed phenotypic profiling revealed three previously undescribed species, for which we propose the names Achromobacter colocynthi sp. nov., Achromobacter maghribensis sp. nov., and Achromobacter semiaridum sp. nov. Genome assemblies were highly complete (98.7–99.2%) with minimal contamination (<1%), supporting robust taxonomic inference. All three species displayed ANI and dDDH values below accepted thresholds relative to their closest phylogenetic neighbors, despite partial inconsistencies in 16S rRNA similarity for one isolate, highlighting the value of genome-wide metrics for species delineation. Phylogenomic analyses placed the novel taxa within Achromobacter sp. as distinct evolutionary lineages. Phenotypic characterization indicated broad metabolic versatility, including utilization of carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids, tolerance to moderate salinity and acidic pH, and resistance to multiple antimicrobial compounds, traits likely linked to adaptation to endophytic lifestyles under semi-arid conditions. Beyond their taxonomic novelty, the isolates exhibited in vitro traits associated with plant adaptation and stress tolerance, including IAA production, ACC deaminase activity, and tolerance to Zn, Cu, and Cd. Genomic analyses further indicated functions related to phosphate acquisition and stress response. These findings expand the taxonomic framework of Achromobacter sp., establish C. colocynthis and P. harmala as reservoirs of novel endophytic bacteria, and highlight their potential relevance for agricultural biotechnology in stress-prone environments. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented pressure on diagnostic services worldwide. The first cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the UK were confirmed on 31 January 2020, prompting National Health Service (NHS) laboratories to scale diagnostic procedures. The demand for testing rapidly exceeded historical norms for respiratory virus diagnostics, necessitating substantial government investment in consumables, assay development, and workforce expansion. This review presents a retrospective evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic platforms deployed within the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) trust and compares them with those implemented by other regional laboratories during the pandemic. It examines the molecular mechanisms, performance, scalability, and specificity of the multiple molecular testing approaches to optimise workflow based on the evolving technology. The integration of complementary platforms through a stratified testing strategy enabled high-throughput population screening while preserving diagnostic resolution for complex respiratory cases, substantially improving laboratory efficiency and resilience. The emerging diagnostic methodologies, RT-LAMP and CRISPR-based assays, are described, and we discuss their potential roles in future outbreaks. We critically evaluate the overall preparedness of UK health services for the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight key priorities for future pandemic preparedness at both local and national levels. Full article

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a diverse group of environmental pollutants capable of interfering with hormonal and immune system regulation. In recent years, increasing concern has been raised about the effects of chemicals, including bisphenols, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), insecticides, and parabens, on maternal and fetal health, primarily due to their widespread exposure in human populations. Pregnancy represents a critical window characterized by tightly regulated hormonal and immunological adaptations. Emerging evidence suggests that EDC exposure during this period may alter maternal microbiota, disrupt immune responses, and interfere with endocrine signaling. These changes may increase susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections, including bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and intrauterine infections, all of which are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review summarizes the current evidence on the sources and mechanisms of exposure to endocrine disruptors during pregnancy and examines the potential biological pathways linking endocrine disruption to the development of infections. Particular emphasis is placed on the interactions between immune regulation, hormonal signaling, and changes in the microbiome, which may contribute to increased susceptibility to infections. A deeper understanding of these complex mechanisms is critical to improve risk assessment, develop effective public health strategies, and ultimately protect maternal and fetal health in an environment of increasing chemical exposure. A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, including studies published up to January 2026. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapid expansion of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is transforming oral biopharmaceutics by offering mechanistically rich, human-relevant tools that can reduce reliance on animal testing while improving translational confidence. Regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), are increasingly open to NAM-generated evidence, provided that methods are fit-for-purpose and scientifically justified. This review synthesizes current advances and evaluates how NAMs can be integrated across drug-development stages to enhance the prediction of oral absorption, formulation performance, and regulatory decision-making. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted across classical and emerging methodologies, including in vitro permeability and solubility models, organoids, organ-on-a-chip (OoC) systems, machine learning frameworks, and mechanistic approaches such as the physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and biopharmaceutics (PBBM) models. Emphasis was placed on physiological relevance, predictive performance, validation status, and regulatory applicability. Results: Classical tools remain essential for the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS)-based biowaivers and risk-based assessments, yet they often lack physiological fidelity. NAMs provide enhanced representation of intestinal architecture, hydrodynamics, transporter activity, and metabolism. Organoids and microphysiological systems generate high-quality permeability and metabolic data, while computational NAMs enable scalable prediction of ADME properties and formulation behavior. When integrated into PBPK/PBBM models, these methods have great potential in predicting in vivo performance in humans. Evidence demonstrates that NAMs can refine, reduce, and, in specific contexts, replace animal studies without compromising scientific rigor. Conclusions: NAMs complement, rather than displace, classical biopharmaceutic tools, enabling a more mechanistic, human-centered, and ethically responsible framework for drug development. Their effective implementation will depend on continued validation, standardization, and regulatory harmonization as the field transitions toward fully NAM-supported biopharmaceutical assessment. Full article

Objectives: Endodontic complications are among the most frequently reported biological complications in tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of periapical complications in FDPs placed on vital and non-vital abutments and to identify risk factors for these lesions. Methods: This retrospective clinical trial was conducted on participants who had attended routine follow-up visits at the dental hospital at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. Participants were examined clinically and radiographically for the presence of periapical lesions. Information was recorded on the design, material, location of the prostheses, and oral hygiene. The survival and lesion-free survival rates were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method. Life-table analysis was performed to assess the mean time to event. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess potential risk factors for the development of periapical lesions (α = 0.05). Results: A total of 495 FDPs were placed in 302 participants, with a mean age of 45.7 ± 13.4 years and a mean follow-up period of 7.5 ± 6.5 years. Lesions were detected in 32.3% of FDPs during follow-up. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of lesions in vital compared with non-vital abutments or between males and females (p > 0.05). Poor oral hygiene was the most significant risk factor for the development of periapical lesions (p < 0.05). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that anterior–posterior FDPs had a higher risk of lesions (p = 0.035). No significant associations were found between lesions and the material used or the design of the abutment (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Periapical complications in FDPs are mainly influenced by oral hygiene and the location of the FDPs, whereas abutment vitality and material type appear to have limited impact. Full article

To address the issue of traditional bistable vibration energy harvesters (BVEHs) being prone to becoming trapped in a single potential well—which results in a narrowed energy harvesting bandwidth and reduced efficiency—this paper proposes a method that utilizes the nonlinear electromagnetic force generated during the induction process to modulate the kinematic behavior of the oscillator. The characteristics and influencing factors of the nonlinear force produced during electromagnetic induction are analyzed. A dual-cantilever beam structure is designed, with an iron-core coil and a magnet placed at the respective free ends. A mathematical model of a piezoelectric–electromagnetic coupled bimodal broadband vibration energy harvester is established and numerically simulated. Furthermore, a vertical vibration experimental platform is constructed to conduct frequency sweep tests. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed piezoelectric–electromagnetic coupled bimodal broadband vibration energy harvester effectively improves energy harvesting efficiency. Within the frequency range of 5–20 Hz, the system exhibits two vibration modes, with resonant frequencies of approximately 7.7 Hz and 15.7 Hz. For a single-layer PVDF piezoelectric film, the maximum output power at the first and second resonance points is 8.9 μW and 9.7 μW, respectively. The electromagnetic module achieves maximum output powers of 0.39 W and 0.71 W. Moreover, within the frequency ranges of 6.3–9.8 Hz and 14–17.7 Hz (a total bandwidth of 7.2 Hz), the device maintains a stable power output. The effective bandwidth is broadened by approximately 80%, demonstrating excellent broadband performance. Full article

This paper explores the ways in which AI-based urban mapping tools may influence informal sustainability learning, with a particular emphasis on their use in participatory “Green Walk” activities in Manchester. As cities continue to integrate algorithmic systems to respond to environmental concerns, it becomes increasingly relevant to ask how such technologies affect not only governance structures but also public modes of understanding and engagement. Grounded in theories of place-based learning, embodied cognition, and constructionism, the study captured participants’ interaction with AI-generated maps that visualised carbon data, land use, and ecological sites. Drawing on semi-structured interviews and field observations, the findings suggest that combining algorithmic representations with real-world walking experiences helped participants develop a stronger awareness of local environmental issues. The study points out both the pedagogical potential and limitations of AI-based tools in sustainability education. While they can support conceptual learning and foster new perspectives, they are not neutral or universally accessible. The effectiveness of these tools depends on how they are embedded within inclusive, dialogic, and situated pedagogical practices. Overall, this paper contributes to a more nuanced understanding of digital tools in place-based learning and informal education. Full article