A critical review of microplastics characterisation in aquatic environments: recent trends in the last 10 years.

Anthropogenic activities have introduced various contaminants into freshwater and marine ecosystems. Microplastics (MPs) are persistent and ubiquitous contaminants threatening natural ecosystems and impairing organisms at different biological levels of organization. Their durability and degradation rate pose a great concern in the scientific community, and thus, several techniques have been used to detect MPs effectively.

Computational insights into spin-polarized density functional theory applied to actinide-based perovskites XBkO₃ (X = Sr, Ra, Pb).

The exploration of perovskite compounds incorporating actinide and divalent elements reveals remarkable characteristics. Focusing on PbBkO, RaBkO, and SrBkO, these materials were studied using density functional theory (DFT) via the CASTEP code to analyze their electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. The results show semiconductor behavior, with respective band gaps of 1.

A novel numerical solution of nonlinear stochastic model for the propagation of malicious codes in Wireless Sensor Networks using a high order spectral collocation technique.

The open nature of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) renders them an easy target to malicious code propagation, posing a significant and persistent threat to their security. Various mathematical models have been studied in recent literature for understanding the dynamics and control of the propagation of malicious codes in WSNs. However, due to the inherent randomness and uncertainty present in WSNs, stochastic modeling approach is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the propagation of malicious codes in WSNs.

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.

Optimal design of a novel modified electric eel foraging optimization (MEEFO) based super twisting sliding mode controller for controlling the speed of a switched reluctance motor.

Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) has a very high potential for adjustable speed drive operation due to their cost-effectiveness, high efficiency, robustness, simplicity, etc. Now a days SRMs are widely used in automotive industries as traction motors in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, air-conditioning compressors, and for other auxiliary services. In this article, a novel super twisting sliding mode controller (STSMC) is proposed to improve the performance of an SRM for reducing the ripple in speed and torque.

Comparative analysis of bulk ceramics and thick film coatings for optimized energy storage technologies.

The present investigation provides an easy and affordable strategy for fabrication of functional ceramics BiNaTiO-SrFeO (BNT-SrF5) thick films on a flexible, inexpensive and electrically integrated substrate using electrophoretic deposition process (EPD). EPD is a widely accepted, environmentally friendly method for applying coatings from a colloidal suspension to conductive substrates. Lead-free ferroelectric BNT-SrF5 powder was synthesized by solid state method to fabricate bulk samples and thick films (30-160 μm) by EPD process.

Distributional properties of the entropy transformed Weibull distribution and applications to various scientific fields.

A novel two-parameter continuous model titled the entropy-transformed Weibull (ET-W) distribution has been developed via the entropy transformation. A new framework has been investigated and found to meet the criteria of the probability function. By significantly improving the functional shape and having the ability to model the most likely form of the hazard rate function, this novel modification has increased the adaptability of typical model.

A deep transfer learning based convolution neural network framework for air temperature classification using human clothing images.

Weather recognition is crucial due to its significant impact on various aspects of daily life, such as weather prediction, environmental monitoring, tourism, and energy production. Several studies have already conducted research on image-based weather recognition. However, previous studies have addressed few types of weather phenomena recognition from images with insufficient accuracy.

Impact of antiphospholipid syndrome on placenta and uterine NK cell function: insights from a mouse model.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is associated with recurrent pregnancy morbidity, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We performed multifaceted characterization of the biological and transcriptomic signatures of mouse placenta and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells in APS. Histological analysis of APS placentas unveiled placental abnormalities, including disturbed angiogenesis, occasional necrotic areas, fibrin deposition, and nucleated red blood cell enrichment.

Investigation of factors affecting the sound absorption behaviour of 3D printed hexagonal prism lattice polyamide structures.

The aim of this work is to investigate the sound absorption properties of open-porous polyamide 12 (PA12) structures produced using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology. The examined 3D-printed samples, fabricated with hexagonal prism lattice structures, featured varying thicknesses, cell sizes, and orientations. Additionally, some samples were produced with an outer shell to evaluate its impact on sound absorption.

Vancomycin wound penetration in open-heart surgery patients receiving negative pressure wound therapy for deep sternal wound infection.

Introduction: It is hypothesized that systemically administered antibiotics penetrate wound sites more effectively during negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). However, there is a lack of clinical data from patients who receive NPWT for deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after open-heart surgery. Here, we evaluated vancomycin penetration into exudate in this patient group.

Interval variational approach for production control and waste reduction using artificial hummingbird algorithm.

Nowadays, consumers show more interest towards eco-friendly products. To meet this demand, however, manufacturing processes often generate a lot of hazardous waste, which creates challenges for companies. To tackle these issues, this work develops an optimization model to help companies with managing production, reduce waste, and maintain green product standards.

Performance analysis of dual-hop mixed RF-FSO systems combined with NOMA.

This paper investigates the performance of hybrid radio frequency/free space optical (RF/FSO) systems combined with non-orthogonal multiple access communications technology. We examine a scenario where the source and destination are separated by a large distance, with no direct link between them. The relay, denoted R, operates using the decode-and-forward (DF) protocol.

A novel technique using integral transforms and residual functions for nonlinear partial fractional differential equations involving Caputo derivatives.

Fractional nonlinear partial differential equations are used in many scientific fields to model various processes, although most of these equations lack closed-form solutions. For this reason, methods for approximating solutions that occasionally yield closed-form solutions are crucial for solving these equations. This study introduces a novel technique that combines the residual function and a modified fractional power series with the Elzaki transform to solve various nonlinear problems within the Caputo derivative framework.

Regional and seasonal drivers of metals and PAHs concentrations in road dust and their health implications in the Czech Republic.

While car exhaust emissions in the EU are clearly decreasing, the future of non-exhaust emissions looks more pessimistic. The relative importance of the latter is thus expected to increase in terms of air quality and human health. The aim of the study was to assess regional and seasonal differences in the chemical composition of road dust across the Czech Republic and the health impact of its resuspension, with special respect to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals.

Benefits of Using Design Patterns on Microcontrollers in Implemented IoT Applications.

As part of our research for microcontroller software support, we have developed a modular framework that utilizes previously unimplemented architectural principles for developing applications on microcontrollers. These principles are still a privilege of enterprise and server applications. The paper describes the benefits of a new architectural approach to developing applications on microcontrollers and describes the most common application scenarios along with examples of IoT application development using a framework with design pattern architecture and SOLID principles.

Powering Agriculture IoT Sensors Using Natural Temperature Differences Between Air and Soil: Measurement and Evaluation.

As the need to monitor agriculture parameters intensifies, the development of new sensor nodes for data collection is crucial. These sensor types naturally require power for operation, but conventional battery-based power solutions have certain limitations. This study investigates the potential of harnessing the natural temperature gradient between soil and air to power wireless sensor nodes deployed in environments such as agricultural areas or remote off-grid locations where the use of batteries as a power source is impractical.

Influence of Selected Factors of Vibratory Work Hardening Machining on the Properties of CuZn30 Brass.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selected vibratory strengthening machining factors on the properties of CuZn30 brass. Vibratory strengthening machining was carried out using metal media dedicated to polishing processes, which also contributed to strengthening the treated surfaces. The test samples were cut with an abrasive water jet and recrystallized to obtain a soft microstructure.

Residual Stress Distribution in Dievar Tool Steel Bars Produced by Conventional Additive Manufacturing and Rotary Swaging Processes.

The impact of manufacturing strategies on the development of residual stresses in Dievar steel is presented. Two fabrication methods were investigated: conventional ingot casting and selective laser melting as an additive manufacturing process. Subsequently, plastic deformation in the form of hot rotary swaging at 900 °C was applied.

Determination of the Chloride Ion Deposition by the Bresle Method.

In corrosion science, accurate determination of chloride ion deposition rates is critical to mitigating the environmental impact on structures. Traditional methods, such as the wet candle and dry plate methods (ISO 9225), are often inaccurate in capturing localized conditions and are also time-consuming and costly. The Bresle method, which measures soluble salts directly on metal surfaces, offers a more targeted approach.

Comparative Study of Water and Milk Kefir Grains as Biopolymeric Adsorbents for Copper(II) and Arsenic(V) Removal from Aqueous Solutions.

This study investigates the biosorption capabilities of kefir grains, a polysaccharide-based byproduct of the fermentation process, for removing copper(II) and arsenic(V) from contaminated water. Unlike traditional heavy-metal removal methods, which are typically expensive and involve environmentally harmful chemicals, biopolymeric materials such as kefir grains provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for adsorbing hazardous inorganic pollutants from aqueous solutions. Our experimental results revealed significant differences in the sorption capacities of two types of kefir grains.

Utilization of Bottom Ash from Biomass Combustion in a Thermal Power Plant to Remove Cadmium from the Aqueous Matrix.

This study provides a cost-effective method for using bottom ash from biomass combustion, which would otherwise constitute waste, to remove cadmium from acidic industrial wastewater. The X-ray powder diffraction method was used to identify the crystal forms, i.e.

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.

The fractional soliton solutions of the dynamical system of equations for ion sound and Langmuir waves: a comparative analysis.

In light of the ponderomotive force, this article focuses on establishing the exact wave structures of the ion sound system. It is the result of non-linear force and affects a charged particle oscillating in an inhomogeneous electromagnetic field. By using the Riemann-Liouville operator, -operator, and Atangana-Baleanu fractional analysis, the examined equation-which consists of the normalized electric field of the Langmuir oscillation and normalized density perturbation-is thoroughly examined.

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.