An Investigation of the Indentation Elastic Modulus for Metal Films on Flexible Substrates Considering the Substrate Effect.

The accurate measurement of the elastic modulus of thin metal films on flexible substrates is critical for understanding the mechanical reliability of flexible electronics. However, conventional methods, such as the Oliver-Pharr model, often underestimate the modulus due to substrate effects, particularly with low-modulus substrates like polyimide (PI). In this study, we propose an improved weighting model that replaces the empirical weighting factor with a variable X to better account for substrate contributions.

Shear Capacity of Hollow High-Performance Concrete Beams with Cross-Wound Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement.

This paper introduces cross-wound CFRP shear reinforcement of hollow HPC beams. The CFRP reinforcement was manufactured in the form of a square tubular mesh from carbon rovings oriented at ±45° from the longitudinal axis. The shear reinforcement was made in two variants from carbon yarns with linear densities of 1600 and 3700 tex.

Physicochemical Properties and Bioreactivity of Sub-10 μm Geogenic Particles: Comparison of Volcanic Ash and Desert Dust.

Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 μm (PM) is a well-established health hazard. There is increasing evidence that geogenic (Earth-derived) particles can induce adverse biological effects upon inhalation, though there is high variability in particle bioreactivity that is associated with particle source and physicochemical properties. In this study, we investigated physicochemical properties and biological reactivity of volcanic ash from the April 2021 eruption of La Soufrière volcano, St.

Acidogenic fermentation of Ulva in a fed-batch reactor system: tubular versus foliose biomass.

The present study proposes a biorefinery of the macroalgae Ulva, focusing on evaluating two different morphologies of the species (foliose and tubular) during acidogenic fermentation in fed-batch reactors. Stage 1 of the study evaluates lyophilised foliose and tubular Ulva, whilst Stage 2 analyses the impact of ulvan extraction on volatile fatty acids yield and changes in carbohydrate availability. Acetic, propionic, and butyric acids were produced from each substrate, with peak concentrations of total VFAs recorded at 2179.

Optically Controlled Drug Delivery Through Microscale Brain-Machine Interfaces Using Integrated Upconverting Nanoparticles.

The aim of this work is to incorporate lanthanide-cored upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) into the surface of microengineered biomedical implants to create a spatially controlled and optically releasable model drug delivery device in an integrated fashion. Our approach enables silicone-based microelectrocorticography (ECoG) implants holding platinum/iridium recording sites to serve as a stable host of UCNPs. Nanoparticles excitable in the near-infrared (lower energy) regime and emitting visible (higher energy) light are utilized in a study.

Investigation of Calcium Phosphate-Based Biopolymer Composite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

We present a novel method for preparing bioactive and biomineralized calcium phosphate (mCP)-loaded biopolymer composite scaffolds with a porous structure. Two types of polymers were investigated as matrices: one natural, cellulose acetate (CA), and one synthetic, polycaprolactone (PCL). Biomineralized calcium phosphate particles were synthesized via wet chemical precipitation, followed by the addition of organic biominerals, such as magnesium gluconate and zinc gluconate, to enhance the bioactivity of the pure CP phase.

Investigation of Host-Guest Interactions in 2-Ureido-4-ferrocenylpyrimidine Derivatives.

In the present study, synthesis, conformational behavior, host-guest complex formation, and electrochemical properties of novel 6-substituted-2-ureido-4-ferrocenylpyrimidines were explored. A comprehensive NMR spectroscopic investigation was carried out to confirm the structure and conformational equilibrium of the ureidopyrimidines through studying the temperature- and concentration dependence of NMR spectra. Low-temperature NMR measurements were used to clarify structural changes inflicted by a 2,6-diaminopyridine guest.

Frustrated Synchronization of the Kuramoto Model on Complex Networks.

We present a synchronization transition study of the locally coupled Kuramoto model on extremely large graphs. We compare regular 405 and 1004 lattice results with those of 12,0002 lattice substrates with power-law decaying long links (ll). The latter heterogeneous network exhibits ds>4 spectral dimensions.

Interactions between lncRNAs and cyclins/CDKs complexes; key players in determining cancer cell response to CDKs inhibitors.

Transcription takes place over a significant portion of the human genome. However, only a small portion of the transcriptome, roughly 1.2%, consists of RNAs translated into proteins; the majority of transcripts, on the other hand, comprise a variety of RNA families with varying sizes and functions.

Comparative studies on modeling and optimization of fermentation process conditions for fungal asparaginase production using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.

The L-asparaginase is commercial enzyme used as chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment and food processing agent in backed and fried food industries. In the present research work, the artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques were employed for modeling and optimization of fermentation process conditions for enhanced production of L-asparaginase by submerged fermentation of . The experimental L-asparaginase activity obtained using central composite experiment design was used for optimization.

On the longevity and inherent hermeticity of silicon-ICs: evaluation of bare-die and PDMS-coated ICs after accelerated aging and implantation studies.

Silicon integrated circuits (ICs) are central to the next-generation miniature active neural implants, whether packaged in soft polymers for flexible bioelectronics or implanted as bare die for neural probes. These emerging applications bring the IC closer to the corrosive body environment, raising reliability concerns, particularly for chronic use. Here, we evaluate the inherent hermeticity of bare die ICs, and examine the potential of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a moisture-permeable elastomer, as a standalone encapsulation material.

Experimental and Computational Synthesis of TiO Sol-Gel Coatings.

During the experimental formation of sol-gel coatings, the colloid dispersions go through a drying process, and the structure of the coatings is formed as a result of complex chemical, colloidal, and capillary interactions. While computer simulations provide guidelines to tune and even design the nanomaterials synthesis, simulations of coating structure formation are hitherto unknown in the literature. Based on real experiments, we establish here a ReaxFF reactive force field-based molecular dynamics simulation protocol in order to investigate and determine the role of the experimental conditions on the pore structure formation in the coatings.

Overcoming Nanosilver Resistance: Resensitizing Bacteria and Targeting Evolutionary Mechanisms.

The rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance poses a critical threat to global health and the environment. Antimicrobial nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are being explored as innovative solutions; however, the emergence of nanoresistance challenges their effectiveness. Understanding resistance mechanisms is essential for developing antievolutionary strategies.

Characteristics and Antitumor Activity of Doxorubicin-Loaded Multifunctional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in MEC1 and RM1 Cell Lines.

The rapid progress in nanotechnology has introduced multifunctional iron oxide nanoparticles as promising agents in cancer treatment. This research focused on the synthesis and assessment of citric-acid-coated, folic-acid-conjugated nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin, evaluating their therapeutic potential in tumor models. An advanced automated continuous technology line (CTL) utilizing a controlled co-precipitation method was employed to produce highly dispersive, multifunctional nanofluids with a narrow size distribution.

An accelerator-based neutron source design with a thermal neutron port and an epithermal neutron port for boron neutron capture therapy.

This study presents a compact accelerator-driven neutron source design with a thermal neutron port and an epithermal neutron port for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), based on 10 mA 2.5 MeV protons bombarding on a 100 μm thick disc-shaped Li target with a diameter of 10 cm. The moderator consists of 2 parts, the epithermal neutron moderator and the thermal neutron moderator.

Assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in agricultural soils of southern Nigeria and analysis of potential health risks.

The use of pesticides in commercial farms can lead to exposure among various vulnerable groups. This study assessed the distribution, human health risks, and origins of 13 targeted organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soil samples from commercial farms in Southern Nigeria. Following a questionnaire survey on pesticide usage, soil samples were subjected to Soxhlet extraction and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

EARTH-ABUNDANT 3d-TRANSITION METAL METASILICATES AS EFFECTIVE ELECTROCATALYSTS FOR ALKALINE HER: CuZnSiO3 OUTPERFORMS CuSiO3 AND ZnSiO3.

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a key reaction in electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production leading to the development of potentially sustainable energy technology. Importantly, the catalysts required for HER must be earth-abundant for their large-scale deployment; silicates representing one such class. Herein, we have synthesized a series of transition mono- and bi- metal metasilicates (with SO32- group) using facile wet-chemical method followed by calcination at a higher temperature.

Particularities of deposition of two ICS-LABA fixed dose combination dry powder aerosol drugs in the airways of COPD patients.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of breathing parameters, age, gender and disease status on the lung doses of the two ICS + LABA fixed combination dry powder drugs. Breathing parameters of 113 COPD patients were measured while inhaling through emptied NEXThaler® and Ellipta® inhalers and the corresponding lung doses were calculated. Lung dose of Foster® NEXThaler® was superior to the lung dose of Relvar® Ellipta® in around 85 % of the patients.

Mechanisms of enhanced Cr (VI) removal by waste lignin derived N-doped hierarchical porous carbon (N-HPC).

N-doped hierarchical porous carbon (N-HPC) is made from waste lignin by a one-pot method, and its mechanisms of Cr (VI) removal was investigated. The specific surface area (S) of N-HPC-Fe3 was 1749.8 m/g, the experimentally determined equilibrium adsorption capacity (q) for Cr (VI) was 386.

Dynamic Variation in the Semiconductive Tendency of the Passive Film on Duplex Stainless Steel in Corrosion Environments.

Duplex stainless steels, known for their excellent corrosion resistance, are employed in a variety of chloride solutions-acidic, neutral, and alkaline-due to a stable passive film that forms on their surfaces. This study involved polarization tests, EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) measurements, Mott-Schottky plots, and XPS (X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) analyses in both static and dynamic conditions across acidic (1NaCl + 0.1N HCl, pH 1.

Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Elderly Mobility and Emergency SOS Alarm Responses: A GPS-Based Study in the Czech Republic.

Background: Understanding the impact of pandemic measures on elderly mobility is crucial for shaping public health responses. This retrospective study assesses the changes in mobility of 216 elderly individuals (average age 84 years) in the Czech Republic before and during COVID-19 restrictions, using two years of GPS tracking data.

Methods: We conducted statistical analyses across various physical, demographic, and social factors.

Aspects of Fe-Incorporation into CaTiO-SrTiO Perovskites and Their Catalytic Application for Ammonia SCO/SCR.

Perovskite materials in the CaTiO-SrTiO system doped with different amounts of iron (1, 2 and 5 mol.%) and various Ca/Sr ratios were prepared by the modified citrate method. Additionally, the materials with 0.

Advances, Challenges, and Applications of Graphene and Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Engineering Ceramics.

Engineering ceramics and their composites are widely used owing to their excellent properties, including high wear, corrosion and heat resistance, low friction coefficient, and low thermal conductivity; thus, the current paper presents a comprehensive review of the most common types of engineering ceramics, demonstrating their key properties, advantages, potential applications, and challenges. This paper also provides prevailing methods for tackling the engineering ceramic challenges and maximizing their applicability. This review paper focuses on alumina (AlO), silicon carbide (SiC), zirconia (ZrO), aluminum nitride (AlN), and silicon nitride (SiN), and explores their usability in automotive, aerospace, and tribological applications.

Oxidative pyrolysis of alkali lignin using nitrogen functionalized graphene oxide-cerium oxide nanocatalysts: Mechanistic insights thorough density functional theory.

In this study, a functionalized graphene oxide-cerium oxide nanocatalysts (FGCe) with varying graphene oxide (GO) contents were prepared using an in-situ reflux method. The prepared nanocatalysts showcased improvement in the crystallinity and BET surface area values with increasing GO contents. The efficacies of prepared catalysts were investigated towards oxidative pyrolysis of alkali lignin in an ethanol-water system.

Beer wheat residue as a probiotic carrier: physicochemical properties via fluid bed granulation (Beer wheat residue for lactic acid bacteria encapsulation).

Background: In recent years, consumer preference for symbiotics containing live bacteria has surged, driven by the acknowledged health benefits. Wheat residue from beer brewing, rich in dietary fiber, remains an unexplored prebiotic raw material for developing vegan probiotic powdered products. Concerns about ambient conditions, dehydration and drying affecting bacterial cell viability prompt the investigation of protective agents (maltodextrin, l-arabinose, casein, whey protein, skimmed milk) and fluidized bed granulation microencapsulation for enhancing the survival rate of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NKUST 817.