Search Results (48,561)

Microneedle array (MNA) electrodes have garnered significant attention for their capacity to record high-fidelity surface bioelectrical signals over extended periods and convenience. However, accuracy limitations in 3D-printed metal MNA electrodes, particularly concerning surface roughness and insufficient tip sharpness, have been reported. Additionally, the prevalent use of nonporous metal substrates often results in poor flexibility. This study proposes a novel MNA electrode featuring a lightweight flexible substrate and sharp, smooth microneedles. Utilizing micron-level metal 3D printing with 316L stainless steel, we fabricated the electrodes in a single step. We evaluated the MNA electrode-skin interface impedance via frequency sweep and assessed mechanical properties using porcine skin, followed by the collection and analysis of bioelectrical signals. The results demonstrate that the contact impedance of the MNA electrode is comparable to that of standard gold cup electrodes, with validated flexibility and strength. Furthermore, the MNA electrodes achieved a high signal-to-noise ratio and minimal motion artifacts during recording, thereby enhancing both comfort and signal quality. The efficient production process facilitates the broader application of metal MNA electrodes. Full article

The massive annual production of tea generates substantial underutilized by-products, leading to resource waste. This study aimed to develop an efficient process for converting these by-products into high-quality feed via fermentation with Lentilactobacillus buchneri (L. buchneri). Using a response surface methodology, the key fermentation parameters (time, temperature, inoculum size, and moisture) were optimized to target pH and crude protein (CP) content. The optimal conditions (4.5 days, 34.5 °C, 5.00 × 10⁶ CFU/g, 54% moisture) yielded a product with a pH of 3.72 and CP content of 17.96%, which was similar to the predictions. Fermentation successfully reduced ether extract (EE), tea tannin (TTN), and propionic acid (PA), while increasing lactic acid (LA) and lowering pH. This process was driven by the dominance of Lactobacillus (99.29% relative abundance), as revealed by microbial analysis. This work provides a viable and optimized strategy for valorizing tea by-products into nutritionally enhanced feed, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Lyophyllum decastes soluble dietary fiber (LDSDF) is a polysaccharide-based active ingredient derived from the edible and medicinal fungus L. decastes. However, its extraction methods remain unoptimized, and its hypolipidemic and gut microbiota effects have yet to be thoroughly investigated in mice. In this study, response surface optimization of the LDSDF extraction method indicated an optimal extraction temperature of 99 °C, a solid/liquid ratio of 25:1 mL/g, and an extraction time of 1.9 h. The optimal ethanol precipitation parameters were a concentration ratio of 3.9, an ethanol concentration of 74.4%, and a precipitation time of 16.4 h. These conditions afforded an LDSDF yield of 15.83%. Following 6 weeks of oral gavage of LDSDF in obese mice, the results showed that LDSDF inhibited increases in body and organ weight; reduced serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; increased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; decreased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities; and lowered systemic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β). Concurrently, it elevated the hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; reduced malondialdehyde levels; and mitigated lesions in liver and epididymal fat cells. Meanwhile, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that LDSDF significantly alleviated intestinal flora imbalances. Overall, this study established an optimized extraction process to obtain LDSDF with a high yield and confirmed the hypolipidemic and gut microbiota-modulating efficacy of this active ingredient, highlighting its potential for use as a functional food ingredient. Full article

In mechanical engineering, interest in reliable and practicable technologies for nano- and microstructuring of tool surfaces is increasing. Femtosecond laser structuring offers a promising approach that combines high processing speeds with high precision. However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the optimal process parameters for achieving specific surface patterns on hot-work tool steel substrates. The current study aims to investigate the effects of laser scanning parameters on the formation of self-organized surface structures and the resulting topography and morphology. Therefore, samples were irradiated using a 300 fs laser with linearly polarized light (λ = 1030 nm). Scanning electron microscopy revealed four structure types: laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs), micrometric ripples, micro-crater structures, and pillared microstructures. The results for surface area and line roughness indicate that high laser pulse overlaps lower the strong ablation threshold more effectively than high scanning line overlaps, promoting the formation of pillared microstructures. For efficient ablation and increased surface roughness, higher pulse overlaps are therefore advantageous. In contrast, at low fluences, higher scanning line overlaps support a more homogeneous formation of nanostructures and reduce waviness. Full article

Sichuan Pepper is a high-value spice, but traditional drying often degrades its unique flavor and quality. This study investigates the applicability of contact ultrasound-assisted hot air drying (US-HAD) to address these issues. The effects of drying temperature (45, 50, 55 °C), ultrasonic power (48, 60, 72 W), and frequency (25, 28, 40 kHz) on drying kinetics, effective moisture diffusivity (D_eff), and physicochemical quality were systematically evaluated. Results showed that US-HAD significantly reduced drying time by 20.00–33.33% compared to hot air drying (HAD). The Page model (R² > 0.99) best described the drying kinetics. Ultrasound enhancement increased D_eff (6.55 × 10⁻⁶ to 9.63 × 10⁻⁶ m²/s) by inducing micro-channel formation and stomatal opening, as evidenced by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Critically, US-HAD at 50 °C, 60 W, and 28 kHz minimized color degradation ( = 18.73), maximized the retention of total phenols and flavonoids, and increased antioxidant activity by 18.62%. GC-MS analysis confirmed better retention of volatile flavor compounds. However, the slight decrease in D_eff at higher temperatures (55 °C) suggests potential surface hardening risks. This study confirms US-HAD as a promising technology for high-quality spice processing, though further research is still needed on the cost-effectiveness of industrial-scale expansion. Full article

This paper presents a physics-consistent hybrid surrogate framework for simulating the mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete beams that utilize waste fired clay (WFC) as a partial substitute for cement. The main contribution is the integration of empirically observed deformation behavior with physics-informed learning to produce an interpretable, mechanically valid surrogate model. Full-field surface deformation fields were measured using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) under monotonic loading and processed through a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract deformation- and crack-sensitive features. These features were integrated with experimentally measured stress–strain data within a Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) in which equilibrium and conditional constitutive monotonicity constraints were enforced through the loss function. A Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) was utilized as a downstream parametric exploration tool to examine trade-offs among maximum load capacity, material cost, and embodied CO₂ inside a constrained mixture-design space. Model interpretability was assessed by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), indicating that deformation-driven kinematic factors predominantly influence stress prediction, whereas WFC content and reinforcement parameters have a secondary, mixture-level impact. The resulting framework achieves enhanced predictive accuracy (R² = 0.969) relative to its individual components and operates as an offline, physics-calibrated surrogate rather than a real-time digital twin, providing a reliable and interpretable basis for structural assessment and sustainability-oriented design evaluation of WFC-modified reinforced concrete beams. Full article

The Lower North River (LNR) exhibits a distinctive anabranching pattern in the Pearl River Basin, China. However, research has predominantly focused on vertical channel adjustments relying on in situ measurements, while the large-scale spatiotemporal dynamics of the anabranching planform have received limited attention. To address this gap, this study quantified the evolution of the anabranching planform from 1990 to 2022 using remote sensing images, focusing on anabranching intensity and island morphology, and analyzed driving factors using hydrological observations. Results revealed three evolutionary phases driven by shifting dominance of human interventions. During the first phase (1990–2004), the LNR experienced a moderate decline in anabranching intensity and widespread shrinkage of river islands, primarily attributed to sediment starvation induced by upstream dams. In the second phase (2004–2013), the decline in anabranching intensity accelerated and the proportion of expanding islands increased, driven by unregulated sand mining and channel regulation. In the third phase (2013–2022), the rapid decline in anabranching intensity decelerated and the islands shifted from a shrinkage-dominated to a stable-dominated state following the implementation of strict mining management and the physical confinement imposed by engineering structures. These findings reveal distinct morphological responses of the LNR to flow–sediment regimes and anthropogenic physical interventions, offering insights into the sustainable management of large anabranching rivers worldwide in the Anthropocene. Full article

Shagamite, KFe₁₁O₁₇ (IMA 2020-091) was discovered in the ferrite zone of gehlenite hornfels from the Hatrurim Complex exposed near Mt. Ye’elim, Hatrurim Basin, Israel. The mineral occurs in outer zones of gehlenite rock blocks that were heterogeneously altered by high-temperature (>1200 °C) ferritization. Ferritization was induced by K-bearing fluids or melts, generated as a by-product of late combustion processes. Shagamite crystallized from a thin melt that formed on the rock surface during cooling to approximately 800–900 °C. It is mainly associated with minerals of the magnetoplumbite group like barioferrite, Sr-analog of barioferrite, and gorerite but also with magnetite, maghemite, harmunite, devilliersite and K(Sr,Ca)Fe₂₃O₃₆ hexaferrite. Shagamite is a modular compound with a β-alumina-type structure (P6₃/mmc, a = 5.9327 (5), c = 23.782 (3) Å, γ = 120°, V = 724.91 (13) ų, Z = 2), and it is isostructural with diaoyudaoite, NaAl₁₁O₁₇, and kahlenbergite, KAl₁₁O₁₇. Its structure is also closely related, though non-isotypic, to those of the magnetoplumbite-group minerals. Shagamite is dark brown with a semi-metallic luster and forms platy crystals flattened on (001). Its mean empirical formula is: (K_1.00Ca_0.15Mn²⁺_0.05Na_0.04Rb_0.01)_Σ1.25(Fe_10.36Mn²⁺_0.15Al_0.14Mg_0.12Zn_0.10Ni_0.07Cu_0.03Cr³⁺_0.02Ti⁴⁺_0.01)_Σ11.00O₁₇. The Vickers microhardness VHN₂₅ = 507 kg/mm² corresponds to a Mohs hardness of ~5. The calculated density, based on the empirical formula and unit-cell parameters, is 4.12 g·cm⁻³. The main bands in the Raman spectrum of shagamite occur at 685 and 715 cm⁻¹ and are assigned to ν₁(FeO₄)⁵⁻ tetrahedral vibrations. Full article

Non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) surfaces are effective for accurately modeling curved geometries, and research in this area has recently increased. In this study, point cloud data obtained from two challenging test environments (a convex wooden object and the widely used Stanford Bunny dataset from the literature) were used to predict the u and v parameter values corresponding to positions in the knot vectors, to determine the knot points of NURBS surfaces. The u and v parameters were predicted with accuracies of 92.60% and 93.20% for the wooden object, and 85.50% and 84.40% for the Stanford Bunny. The models’ decision-making processes were analyzed using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods, including SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME). Predicted knot points were compared with the calculated knot points, which are considered as actual, yielding root mean square errors (RMSE) of 0.09 mm for the wooden object and 0.02 mm for the Stanford Bunny. This study fills a gap in the literature by predicting knot points and providing XAI-based analyses, demonstrating that the approach effectively preserves the characteristic features of NURBS surfaces across different geometries. Full article

This study investigates how laser power–scan speed combinations influence densification, surface quality, and mechanical performance of Ti-6Al-4V parts fabricated by Powder Bed Fusion–Laser Beam/Metal (PBF-LB/M) on a DMG MORI LASERTEC 30 SLM (2nd generation) system. A parametric matrix was explored by varying laser power (150–400 W) and scan speed (0.9–1.4 m·s⁻¹) at constant layer thickness and hatch spacing, deliberately omitting contour exposure to isolate core scan effects. A stable processing window was identified (250–300 W; 0.9–1.0 m·s⁻¹) corresponding to ~50–60 J·mm⁻³ volumetric energy density (VED) achieved at 99.5% with residual porosity of 0.1–0.3%. In this regime, as-built roughness measured Ra = 4–6 µm on top surfaces and Ra = 15–17 µm on side surfaces. Mechanical testing in the as-built showed ultimate tensile strength (UTS) = 1150–1180 MPa and offset yield strength (YS_0.2) = 955–994 MPa, with elongation up to 6.7%. Hardness increased from 220 HV to 360 HV as densification improved. Notably, similar VED values derived from distinct power–speed combinations resulted in divergent outcomes, confirming that VED alone does not uniquely predict quality. Comparative benchmarks from the literature data highlight the performance achieved. The resulting process–property map provides a practical reference for parameter optimization, reproducibility evaluation, and transferability across platforms. Full article

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, pro-inflammatory, autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints in a symmetrical manner. Differential proteomic profiling through Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Fragment Ion Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS/MS) helps in a better understanding of the RA pathogenesis. In this study, we compared the differentially upregulated proteins with those associated with fibrosis to gain a deeper understanding of the fibrotic aspect of RA. Methods: We analyzed plasma proteomics data, previously obtained by SWATH-MS/MS. Our focus was on proteins associated with Leucine Rich Alpha2glycoprotein1 (LRG1) and we employed an in silico method. Results: We identified common proteins between RA and fibrosis. Among them, LRG1 and Serine Protease Inhibitor Clade A, Member 1 (SERPINA1) showed a high co-expression score in the gene clusters. LRG1 is both pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic, while SERPINA1 is an anti-inflammatory protein that inhibits pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic molecules (Elastase). Further, docking studies and a simulation study of the docked complexes with the analysis of Hydrogen bonds, Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA), Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF) and Radius of gyration (Rg), suggested a strong interaction between the two partners, LRG1 and SERPINA1. Conclusions: Our study suggests that LRG1 may inhibit SERPINA1 and promote inflammation and fibrotic processes by disrupting SERPINA1’s primary function. Full article

The three-dimensional, turbulent, free-surface flow developing in the surf zone over a constant-slope beach as a result of the interaction between the longshore current and the undertow, induced by spilling wave breaking oblique to the shoreline, is numerically simulated. The simulations are performed by implementing the large-wave simulation (LWS) method in a numerical solver of the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations. According to the LWS method, large velocity and free-surface elevation scales are fully resolved, while the effect of the corresponding subgrid scales is modeled by eddy-viscosity stresses. The model validation is based on the comparison between the present numerical results and existing experimental measurements for a case of incident regular waves propagating normal to the shoreline over a bed of constant slope 1/35. It is found that the LWS model adequately predicts the wave-breaking parameters—breaking height and depth—and the undertow vertical profiles in the surf zone. Then, two cases of oblique waves, with wave incidence angles of 20° and 30°, and all other parameters identical to those of the validation case, are considered. The numerical results include the gradual breaking process of the refracted waves, as well as the three-dimensional structure of the longshore current and the undertow in the surf zone. In the outer surf zone, the undertow has a larger velocity magnitude than the longshore current, while in the inner surf zone, the opposite occurs. Full article

This study reveals the effects of artificial space-like proton irradiation on three meteorite samples that are Northwest Africa (NWA) 4560 LL3.2 and NWA 5838 H6 chondrite meteorites, as well as the Dhofar (Dho) 007 eucrite. We used low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LV-SEM) and Raman Spectroscopy to examine the structure and composition of olivine and pyroxene grains in the meteorites before and after the irradiation events. This article focuses on the strongest and most intense irradiation, which was performed by protons up to 12 keV with a fluence value of 10¹⁹ ions/cm² that lasted ~30 h. According to the Raman spectra, significant lattice disruption in all analyzed silicates occurred, and a more extensive amorphous, glassy layer developed under the strongest irradiation conditions. Relative to the second irradiation, peak 1 (820.0 cm⁻¹) shifts slightly negatively (–0.46 cm⁻¹) with a small FWHM increase (+0.88 cm⁻¹), while peak 2 (850.3 cm⁻¹) shifts positively in both parameters (+0.40 and +4.04 cm⁻¹) in NWA 4560 olivines. In NWA 5838 olivines, both olivine peaks (820.5 and 850.8 cm⁻¹) shift positively (+7.40 and +7.90 cm⁻¹) and broaden (+2.75 and +4.29 cm⁻¹). In Dho 007 pyroxenes, peak 1 (997.1 cm⁻¹) shifts positively (+3.01 cm⁻¹) with an FWHM decrease (−0.46 cm⁻¹), peak 2 (669.7 cm⁻¹) shifts slightly negatively (−0.75 cm⁻¹) while broadening strongly (+29.23 cm⁻¹), and peak 3 (327.7 cm⁻¹) shifts positively (+0.86 cm⁻¹) with reduced FWHM (−4.55 cm⁻¹). Three characteristic amorphous bands appear in all examined meteorite silicates, located at ~550–1000 cm⁻¹, ~1100–1700 cm⁻¹, and ~1700–1850 cm⁻¹. Olivines in NWA 4560 and NWA 5838 exhibited similar responses across all irradiation events. In contrast, Dho 007 pyroxenes showed variable compositional changes without a consistent or well-defined pattern in our SEM dataset. The Fo decrease in our experiments likely results from preferential Mg sputtering in the olivine lattice, leading to relative Fe enrichment, similar to but more pronounced than after the first irradiation. Pyroxenes exhibit a comparable response, with Fs and En increasing and Wo sharply decreasing, reflecting preferential Ca loss relative to Mg alongside Fe enrichment. Investigating these processes improves the interpretation of planetary remote sensing data and advances our understanding of planetary surface evolution, while also clarifying how surface materials respond to space environmental conditions. Full article

Green Infrastructure (GI) is crucial for urban climate adaptation, providing ecosystem services like mitigating the urban heat island effect and enhancing stormwater management, alongside benefits for public health and biodiversity. Effective GI implementation remains challenging, particularly in dense, rapidly urbanized mid-Adriatic coastal cities, classified as climate hotspots like other Mediterranean contexts. This paper presents a replicable applied trans-scalar methodology for detailed GI design scenarios, developed through the EU-funded LIFE+ A_GreeNet project to bridge the theory–practice gap and enable pilot implementations in multiple Italian mid-Adriatic coastal municipalities. The research details a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, five-phase process applied to the Sant’Antonio district of San Benedetto del Tronto—a dense, trafficked urban area projected to face “extremely strong heat stress” by 2050. Design interventions included spatial optimization, strategic species replacement, the creation of vegetated bioretention basins, and systematic pavement de-sealing. The application of the model demonstrated significant improvements: a substantial increase in permeable surface area (+194%), a measurable reduction in the UTCI index (average ENVI-MET simulated reduction of 1.17 °C by 2030), and a series of benefits resulting from increased green space and enhanced meteorological water management. This research offers local authorities a tangible model to accelerate climate-adaptive solutions, showing how precise GI design creates resilient, comfortable, and human-centered urban spaces. Full article

Raster-stereography and Moiré Fringe Topography are widely recognized as effective techniques for surface screening. Traditionally, these methods have been applied in various medical and clinical contexts, such as assessing human body symmetry, analyzing spinal deformities, evaluating scapular positioning, and predicting trunk-related abnormalities. Both techniques have proven to be reliable tools for examining the human body surface and identifying health-related issues. However, in these techniques, line grids projected onto non-uniform surfaces often break or distort, complicating curvature detection. Capturing and digitizing these distortions through photographymeans further reducing accuracy due to low contrast between background and projected lines. In this paper, we present a modified, i.e., dotted-based, approach to Moiré Fringe Topography construction, offering a simpler, more accurate, and efficient method for recording human body surface curvatures. The proposed technique significantly reduces the complexity of the data acquisition process while maintaining precision in surface analysis. A Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) image sensor was used to capture the Moiré patterns. Full article