Search Results (694)

Europe’s fossil-based electricity mix has shifted rapidly in recent years, raising a practical question: can we model competitive substitution among fuels with a framework that is both predictive and interpretable? We address this by combining a compact neural network (NN) with a three-dimensional Lotka–Volterra (LV) system to study monthly EU coal, natural gas, and oil-fired generation shares from the second semester of 2017 to 2023. After converting the series to row-wise shares that sum to one, we use the first $70\%$ of the sample to learn smooth trajectories and data-driven derivatives with the NN and then estimate the LV interaction coefficients through a constrained nonlinear fit. We advance the calibrated LV system over the final $30\%$ holdout with a fourth-order Runge–Kutta (RK4) scheme and evaluate forecasts using the RMSE and MAE for each fuel share series. For comparison, we report the results against both a neural network-only forecasting baseline and a classical ARIMA benchmark, both trained on the same $70\%$ window and evaluated on the same $30\%$ holdout. The hybrid NN–LV model achieves competitive forecast errors while yielding interpretable interaction patterns consistent with substitution pressures (for example, negative cross-effects between coal and gas). Finally, we run counterfactual shock experiments to illustrate how a change in one fuel’s share propagates through the mix under the learned LV dynamics, highlighting the usefulness of embedding a simple mechanistic structure within a data-driven estimator. Full article

Background: The management of bone defects in pediatric oncology represents a major challenge in orthopedics, as it requires preserving both joint function and skeletal growth. Traditional reconstructive approaches, such as autografts and allografts, are limited by availability, complications, and incomplete biological integration. In this context, xeno-hybrid bone substitutes have emerged as a promising alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of SmartBone^® ORTHO in the reconstruction of post-oncological bone defects in children. Methods: Twelve pediatric patients treated at the Centro Traumatologico Ortopedico (CTO) and OIRM Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin (Italy), between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Lesions included simple and aneurysmal bone cysts, non-ossifying fibroma, chondroblastoma, and other benign conditions. All patients underwent curettage followed by defect filling with SmartBone^® ORTHO. Results: At clinical and radiological follow-up, nine patients (75%) showed stable graft integration and complete functional recovery. Three patients (25%) developed local recurrence, which was managed with revision surgery and re-implantation of SmartBone^®, with all achieving stable outcomes. Radiographs demonstrated progressive increases in bone density and trabecular thickness, reaching values comparable to those of native bone within 6–12 months. Conclusions: SmartBone^® ORTHO proved to be a safe and effective biomaterial for pediatric post-oncological bone reconstruction, promoting rapid osteointegration and physiological bone remodeling without infection or intolerance. Full article

Steel slag is a major solid waste generated by the steelmaking industry. Its characteristics, including high hardness and large specific surface area, offer the potential to replace traditional mineral fillers in asphalt mixtures. However, the high alkalinity of unmodified steel slag often leads to unbalanced rheological properties and insufficient moisture stability in asphalt mastic. In this study, a modified steel slag filler was prepared using a process involving crushing and screening, water washing for dealkalization, and surface modification with a silane coupling agent. Using limestone powder and hydrated lime as control groups, the modification effects on base asphalt mastic were systematically investigated. Rheological properties were characterized using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR). Interfacial performance was evaluated through pull-off tests and water immersion dispersion tests. Furthermore, mechanisms were elucidated using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), BET specific surface area analysis, and surface free energy (SFE) tests. The results indicate that the modified steel slag significantly enhances the high-temperature deformation resistance of the asphalt mastic. At 58 °C, the complex modulus reached 7.3 MPa, representing increases of 43.3% compared to limestone powder mastic. At −18 °C, the creep stiffness increased by only 3.0%, suggesting that low-temperature cracking resistance remained fundamentally stable. The water immersion dispersion loss rate was 2.12%, and the attenuation rate of pull-off strength after water immersion was 12.5%, indicating that its resistance to moisture damage is superior to that of limestone powder and comparable to that of hydrated lime. Mechanism analysis reveals that the large specific surface area of the modified steel slag strengthens physical adsorption, while the basic oxides undergo a weak acid–base reaction with the acidic components of the asphalt. Additionally, surface modification improves compatibility. The preparation process for modified steel slag is simple; it can be used as a standalone substitute for traditional mineral fillers, balancing both performance and environmental benefits. Full article

The application of fiber-reinforced polymer bars has been considered an alternative for the non-metallic reinforcement of concrete structures. Basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) is a new composite used to reinforce concrete structures. However, the main drawback of BFRP is its low modulus of elasticity. Therefore, hybrid reinforced fiber polymers, in which carbon fibers replace part of the basalt fibers, might be considered as a relatively “simple” modification that can increase the modulus of elasticity. The literature data suggest that modification of the epoxy matrix with nanosilica particles can positively influence resistance to high temperatures. Besides the mechanical characteristics of FRPs, the evaluation of alkali resistance is necessary for technical approval for construction applications. This paper focuses on testing the alkali resistance of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars and its modification through the partial substitution of basalt fibers with carbon fibers (HFRP) and the addition of nanosilica to the epoxy binder (nHFRP). The alkali resistance was tested based on the most common method described in ACI report 440.3R-04—part B6. This method consists of three procedures carried out at 60 °C on the specimens immersed in an alkaline solution, both with and without load. The changes in the mass and tensile strength of the bars are examined after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months. The test procedures are time-consuming and expensive, particularly Procedures B (in alkaline solution) and C (in concrete cover), in which longitudinal tested specimens must be immersed in alkaline solution and subjected to constant strain at an elevated temperature for a 6-month period. Therefore, this study proposes a test setup to achieve a less time-consuming and cheaper assessment of the alkali resistance of FRP bars. Additionally, the usefulness of the shear strength test for the evaluation of alkali resistance of FRP bars is also discussed. The results (Procedure A) indicate that modification of the composition of BFRP did not decrease the resistance to the alkaline environment in the case of HFRP (5% lower than in the case of BFRP). Under the same conditions, the decrease in the tensile strength of nHFRP was 40% higher than in the case of BFRP. This indicates that additional modification of the composition by adding nanosilica to the epoxy binder did not provide the expected stability of tensile properties at elevated temperatures. The results of the evaluation of alkali resistance according to Procedure B show that the device proposed for maintaining constant strain during the seasoning is promising. At this stage, the device makes it possible to conduct the tests at ambient temperature and yields a significantly lower decrease in tensile strength (10–14%) after 6 months, demonstrating a significant effect of temperature on the results of the FRP alkali resistance test. Full article

Background/Objectives: The use of the drug delivery system is notable for the systemic improvement of low orally bioavailable compounds, such as the bioactive phenolic acid, syringic acid. Innovative techniques are employed to enhance the performance of certain drug delivery systems. In connection with our previously reported journal with the use of MIL-100(Fe) as a drug carrier for syringic acid, this study utilized a mixed-linker synthesis of syringic acid and trimesic acid and characterized the properties in comparison with the unmodified MIL-100(Fe) through a solid solution approach. Methods: Modified MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized by substituting different molar concentrations of syringic acid for trimesic acid through de novo synthesis. Simple impregnation of syringic acid was carried out at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h and at 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios of MIL-100(Fe) to syringic acid. Characterization was performed via PXRD, FTIR, BET, SEM, and DLS. In vivo studies included acute oral toxicity testing (OECD 425) and bioavailability assessment in Sprague Dawley rats. Results: The optimized amount of syringic acid to be substituted for trimesic acid is 0.10 mmol, as confirmed by the value of the PXRD. Optimized drug loading of 66.85 ± 0.004% was achieved using a 1:2 ratio of syringic acid to MIL-100(Fe)-10% over 36 h. Structural modifications were confirmed via FTIR, specifically through shifts at 1239.2 cm⁻¹, while TGA demonstrated thermal stability up to approximately 350 °C. Morphological analysis by SEM showed octahedral particles (210.70 ± 1.23 nm), and a decrease in BET surface area post-loading verified successful encapsulation. While in vitro release was media-dependent, toxicity studies at 2000 mg/kg showed no adverse effects; notably, SGOT and SGPT levels decreased, though BUN and creatinine levels rose. Compared to pure oral syringic acid, the SYA@MIL-100(Fe)-10% formulation demonstrated a 5.09-fold increase in relative bioavailability. Furthermore, it outperformed intraperitoneal administration of the drug by 1.65-fold. Conclusions: Modification of MIL-100(Fe) by incorporating syringic acid into the framework as a substituted organic linker indicates that SYA@MIL-100(Fe)-10% is a safe and effective delivery system for syringic acid, enhancing oral bioavailability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the mixed-linker synthesis of MIL-100(Fe) by utilizing syringic acid as a structural co-ligand, rather than solely as an encapsulated guest. While MIL-100(Fe) has been extensively employed as a carrier for various therapeutics, this research uniquely integrates the active agent into the framework lattice itself to modulate porosity and loading capacity, subsequently evaluating its systemic performance in an in vivo model. Full article

Producer share indicators summarize how value is distributed along agrifood supply chains, yet their temporal dynamics remain difficult to compare across products and periods. This paper proposes a reproducible time-series analytics framework to characterize and group producer-share trajectories derived from paired origin–destination price series. We compute producer share time series for a set of agrifood products and quantify similarity using complementary measures capturing co-movement and shape, including Pearson-correlation-based proximity and Euclidean distance on standardized representations. To reduce dimensionality and mitigate noise, we apply principal component analysis and perform unsupervised clustering (k-means) to identify classes of products exhibiting comparable producer-share dynamics. The resulting clusters provide an interpretable typology of market behaviors, highlighting homogeneous groups that may share structural drivers (e.g., commercialization patterns or intermediation margins). We further discuss how cluster membership can support decision-making in crop substitution and market monitoring by revealing products with analogous temporal responses. The proposed pipeline is simple to implement, fully data-driven, and adaptable to other commodity-price settings. Full article

Constructing a donor–acceptor (D–A) architecture in luminescent radicals is an effective strategy for enhancing luminescent properties. However, further structural modification of the radical core through the simple substitutions in the framework of D–A radicals remains relatively underexplored. Herein, we synthesized two radical derivatives TTM-Mes-Cz-Mz and TTM-Mes-Dpa-Mz through modification of the TTM unit of TTM-Cz and TTM-Dpa with imidazole and mesitylene groups. These radical derivatives exhibited high photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) (80% for TTM-Mes-Cz-Mz and 39% for TTM-Mes-Dpa-Mz) and photostability. The radical units were further covalently grafted onto the polymer chains to synthesize ionic radical polymers LT-Cz and LT-Dpa. LT-Cz and LT-Dpa showed PLQE of 39% and 29% in a solid state, respectively. Furthermore, the polymers exhibited solvent-responsive luminescence with dichloromethane and tetrahydrofuran. A significant redshift in emission wavelength and decrease in emission intensity were observed. The polymers could return to their initial state with solvent evaporation. This work advances the exploration of the role of simple substituent modifications in D–A radical systems, thereby enabling highly efficient luminescence in both small-molecule radicals and radical polymers. Full article

Health systems face pressure to strengthen resilience against supply chain disruptions while maintaining cost-effective service delivery. This mixed-methods study describes a pilot project that integrated 3D printing services into a Canadian provincial health authority. Quantitative data were derived from internal clinical engineering work orders, where a scenario-based economic analysis compared original equipment manufacturer (OEM) procurement with modelled 3D-printed parts. Using conservative assumptions, selected non-electronic structural parts were assigned a fixed unit cost. Qualitative data were collected from two focus groups with clinical engineers and other end-users. Results from an exploratory scenario-based economic analysis suggest that substituting selected structurally simple clinical engineering parts with 3D-printed alternatives would be associated with modelled cost impacts ranging from a 67.4% net increase (OEM prices halved and 3D-printing costs doubled) to a 69.6% cost reduction (OEM prices increased by 10% and 3D-printing costs decreased by 20%). Demand changes affected absolute savings but not the percent difference (58.1% under ±50% quantity changes), and a pessimistic procurement scenario (OEM prices decreased by 30% and 3D-printing costs increased by 50%) reduced savings to 10.3%. Focus groups highlighted perceived benefits and implementation challenges associated with integrating additive manufacturing. Implementation was facilitated through an outsourcing model, which was perceived to shift certain responsibilities and risk-management functions to the vendor. Long-term adoption will require clearer communication and targeted education. This pilot study suggests that, under constrained regulatory scope and scenario-based assumptions, additive manufacturing may contribute to supply chain resilience and may be associated with modelled cost advantages for selected low-risk components. Full article

Background: Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is a major determinant of prognosis in patients with ischemic heart disease. Electrocardiography (ECG) is widely available, inexpensive, and may aid in identifying patients at risk. We hypothesized that a composite score derived from multiple established ECG markers could improve the detection of LVSD in patients with stable angina. Methods: In this single-center, cross-sectional study, 177 patients undergoing elective coronary angiography for stable angina were included. Patients were classified as LVSD-negative (n = 123) or LVSD-positive (n = 54) based on echocardiographic ejection fraction. ECG parameters, including fragmented QRS, pathologic Q waves, R-wave peak time, QRS duration, and frontal QRS–T angle, were assessed. Independent predictors of LVSD were identified using multivariate logistic regression. A composite ECG score was constructed by assigning one point to each abnormal parameter. Model robustness was evaluated using bootstrap resampling (1000 iterations) and 10-fold cross-validation. Results: Multivariable analysis identified prior stent implantation, fragmented QRS, pathological Q waves, R-wave peak time, frontal QRS–T angle (log-transformed), and QRS duration as independent predictors of LVSD. ROC analysis demonstrated good discriminatory performance for R-wave peak time (AUC 0.804), QRS duration (AUC 0.649), and frontal QRS–T angle (AUC 0.825) measurements. The composite ECG score showed a stepwise association with LVSD: a score of ≥2 yielded high sensitivity (88%) and negative predictive value (97%), whereas a score of ≥3 provided high specificity (100%) and positive predictive value (100%). Bootstrap resampling and cross-validation confirmed model stability and strong discriminatory performance (mean AUC, 0.964; accuracy, 0.91). Conclusions: A simple composite ECG score integrating multiple established ECG markers is associated with the robust detection of LVSD in patients with stable angina. Although not a substitute for echocardiography, this score may support early risk stratification and help identify patients who warrant further imaging evaluations. External validation in larger and more diverse populations is required before routine clinical implementation of this model. Full article

Spinel ferrites offer a versatile platform for high-temperature CO₂ conversion, yet simultaneously achieving strong adsorption/activation and long-cycle thermal stability remains challenging. Here, we tailor the defect chemistry and microstructure of NiFe₂O₄ through low-level A/B-site modification by partially substituting Ni with Mg (Ni_0.96Mg_0.04Fe₂O₄). The catalyst was synthesized by Mg doping and characterized comprehensively by ICP, XRD, SEM and CO₂-TPD, followed by evaluation of CO₂ adsorption and thermal decomposition activity under cyclic operation. Mg incorporation suppresses grain coarsening, refines crystallites, increases accessible surface area and reduces particle size, thereby improving resistance to thermal aging. The enriched oxygen-vacancy population enhances oxygen storage and strengthens CO₂ adsorption, which translates into higher catalytic utilization of active sites. Under repeated CO₂ decomposition cycles, the Mg-modified ferrite shows markedly improved stability and service life, achieving a carbon deposition of 19.62%. The combined evidence indicates that Mg substitution stabilizes the spinel lattice against sintering while promoting vacancy-assisted CO₂ activation, providing a simple and cost-effective compositional lever to balance activity and durability for high-temperature CO₂-to-carbon conversion. Full article

The construction sector faces pressure to decarbonise while addressing rising resource demands and agricultural waste. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is a major CO₂ emitter, yet biomass residues are often open-burned or landfilled. This study explores corncob ash (CCA) as a sustainable supplementary cementitious material (SCM), examining how calcination conditions influence pozzolanic potential and support circular economy and climate goals, which have not been adequately explored in literature. Ten CCA samples were produced via open-air burning (2–3.5 h) and electric-furnace calcination (400–1000 °C, 2 h), alongside a reference OPC. Mass yield, colour, XRD, XRF, LOI, and LOD were analysed within a process–structure–property–performance–sustainability framework. CCA produced in a 400–700 °C furnace window consistently achieved high amorphous contents (typically ≥80%) and combined pozzolanic oxides (SiO₂ + Al₂O₃ + Fe₂O₃) above the 70% ASTM C618 threshold, with 700 °C for 2 h emerging as an optimal condition. At 1000 °C, extensive crystallisation reduced the expected reactivity despite high total silica. Extended open-air burning (3–3.5 h) yielded chemically acceptable but more variable ashes, with lower amorphous content and higher alkalis than furnace-processed CCA. Simple industrial ecology calculations indicate that valorising a fraction of global CC residues and deploying optimally processed CCA at only 20% OPC replacement could displace 180 million tonnes CC waste and clinker avoidance on the order of 5–6 Mt CO₂ per year, while reducing uncontrolled residue burning and primary raw material extraction. The study provides an experimentally validated calcination window and quality indicators for producing reactive CCA, alongside a clear link from laboratory processing to clinker substitution, circular resource use, and alignment with SDGs 9, 12, and 13. The findings establish a materials science foundation for standardised CCA production protocols and future life cycle and performance evaluations of low-carbon CCA binders. Full article

Bioprocessing grape pomace (GP) presents a sustainable solution aligned with circular economic principles and transforms it into valuable functional ingredients for baked products. This review (2020–2025) synthesizes enzymatic and microbial strategies that modify the fiber–phenolic matrix and improve dough performance. Enzyme-assisted extraction, alone or combined with ultrasound or pressurized liquids, increases extractable polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in GP fractions used as flour substitutions or pre-ferments. Fungal solid-state and lactic fermentations liberate bound phenolic compounds and generate acids and exopolysaccharides. Among these routes, enzyme-assisted extraction and lactic sourdough-type fermentations currently appear the most compatible with bakery-scale implementation, offering substantial phenolic enrichment while relying on relatively simple, food-grade equipment. In current bakery applications, GP is mainly used as crude grape pomace powder, which typically shows higher total phenolics and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, in several models it lowers starch hydrolysis and predicted glycemic index. The practical substitution rate is between 5 and 10% of flour, which balances nutritional gains with processing disadvantages. These can be mitigated by fractionation toward soluble dietary fiber or co-fortification with flours rich in protein and fiber. An additional benefit of these methods includes reduced mycotoxin bioaccessibility in vitro. A key evidence gap is the absence of standardized comparisons between raw and bioprocessed GP in identical formulations. Overall, GP emerges as a promising ingredient for bakery products, while the added technological and nutritional value of bioprocessing remains to be quantified. Full article

The chloroplast (cp) genome of Panicum bisulcatum (Thumb.), a significant agricultural weed, was sequenced and characterized to elucidate its genomic architecture, evolutionary dynamics, and phylogenetic relationships. The complete cp genome was assembled as a circular DNA molecule of 138,489 bp, exhibiting a typical quadripartite structure comprising a large single-copy (LSC, 82,260 bp), a small single-copy (SSC, 12,569 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (IR, 21,830 bp each) regions. It encodes 135 genes, including 89 protein-coding genes, 49 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. Functional annotation revealed that most genes are involved in photosynthesis and genetic system. A total of 51 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 62 long repeats (LRs) were identified, providing potential molecular markers. Comparative analysis of IR boundaries highlighted both conserved features and species-specific expansion/contraction events among Panicum species. Phylogenomic analysis robustly placed P. bisulcatum within the genus Panicum, showing a closest relationship with P. incomtum and confirming the monophyly of the genus. Furthermore, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis with its closest relative, P. incomtum, revealed 4659 SNPs, with a dominance of synonymous substitutions, indicating the action of purifying selection. This study provides the first comprehensive cp genomic resource for P. bisulcatum, which will facilitate future studies in species identification, phylogenetic reconstruction, population genetics, and the development of sustainable management strategies for this weed. Full article

Background: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an important fiber crop belonging to the genus Hibiscus in the Malvaceae family. Research on its chloroplast genome holds significant importance for deciphering the evolutionary relationships of the Hibiscus species, developing genetic markers, and promoting kenaf (H. cannabinus) genetic breeding. Methods: Based on high-throughput sequencing technology, this study completed the sequencing and assembly of the kenaf (H. cannabinus) chloroplast genome. Results: (1) The kenaf (H. cannabinus) chloroplast genome exhibits a typical circular quadripartite structure with a total length of 163,019 bp, including a large single-copy region (LSC) of 90,467 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,486 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRa/IRb) of 26,533 bp each. The total GC content is 36.62%, among which, the IR region has the highest GC content (42.61%) and the SSC region the lowest (30.87%). (2) A total of 131 genes were annotated, including 85 mRNAs, 37 tRNAs, 8 rRNAs, and 1 pseudogene. Their functions cover photosynthesis (e.g., pet and atp family genes), self-replication (e.g., rpl, rps, and rpo family genes), and genes with unknown functions (e.g., ycf1 and ycf2). A codon usage bias analysis revealed that the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) value of the stop codon UAA is the highest (1.6329), and codons ending with A/U are preferentially used (e.g., GCU for alanine with RSCU = 1.778). (3) A repeat sequence analysis identified various interspersed repeat sequences (predominantly 30~31 bp in length, with a relatively high proportion in the 30~40 bp range, including forward and palindromic types) and simple sequence repeats (cpSSRs). Among them, single-base repeat SSRs account for the highest proportion (e.g., (A)8 and (T)9), and specific SSR primers were designed. (4) A comparative evolutionary analysis indicated that the Ka/Ks ratios (nonsynonymous substitution rate/synonymous substitution rate) of core chloroplast genes (e.g., rps2 and rpoC2) in kenaf (H. cannabinus) are all less than 1 (0.145~0.415), suggesting that they are under purifying selection. The collinearity similarity of chloroplast genomes between kenaf (H. cannabinus) and its closely related species reaches over 99.97%, and the IR region boundaries are relatively conserved. The phylogenetic tree shows that kenaf (H. cannabinus) clusters with closely related Hibiscus species with a 100% bootstrap value, indicating a close genetic relationship. Conclusions: This study provides basic data for the functional analysis of the kenaf (H. cannabinus) chloroplast genome, the phylogeny of Hibiscus, and the utilization of genetic resources. Full article