Search Results (6,638)

Pain remains a major clinical challenge due to its complex physiopathology and limited treatment options. In this context, several supplements based on palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) are known for their neuroprotective properties. ALA-based supplements have shown potential, but concerns about adverse effects persist. This study examines the formulations of two commercial products based on ALA and PEA, IperALA^® and IperALA^® Forte, in which ALA and vitamin D3 are replaced with Coriandrum sativum extract (C. sativum e.s.), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH), assessing improvement of neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the new formulation. Intestinal, blood–brain barrier (BBB), and central nervous system (CNS) models were sequentially stimulated with the test compounds. Both formulations were assessed for cytotoxicity, barrier integrity, permeability, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroprotection-related biomarkers. IperALA^® Forte demonstrated superior performance compared to IperALA^® and individual agents. It enhanced cell viability, preserved intestinal and BBB integrity, and improved compound permeability. Notably, it reduced ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1), while increasing analgesic markers (CB2R, GABA) in the central system. The replacement of ALA and vitamin D3 with C. sativum, NAC, and GSH in IperALA^® Forte significantly improved the neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory profile of the supplement. These results indicate a possible connection between the observed neuroprotective properties and the pathways involved in nociception and pain regulation, stating the hypothetical potential relevance of this approach for the treatment of pain-related conditions. Full article

This article focuses on developing and characterizing one-part rock-based geopolymer slurries using Brazilian rock precursors for well construction and plugging and abandonment (P&A) applications. The study presents the fluid-state and solid-state properties of these geopolymers, as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), to understand the microstructure of the precursors and the reaction level. The effect of temperature and pressure on the development of compressive strength was investigated. By altering these parameters, the study aimed to examine the impact of various conditions on the strength development of the geopolymer material. Technological tests were conducted following API RP 10B-2. Compressive strength tests were conducted to determine early strength development and thickening time. Post-curing Rietveld refinement by XRD was performed to examine the microstructure and reactivity. Finally, fluid-state properties were also assessed, including thickening time and viscosity. The strength development of geopolymers is observed to be time- and temperature-dependent, as shown by UCS results. The final product has a dense structure, and its long-term performance will require evaluation to determine its sealing capability and volume change as a barrier material. The results highlight the novelty of employing locally available Brazilian rock precursors in one-part geopolymer formulations and provide a scientific basis for their potential application as sustainable alternatives to conventional cements in well construction and abandonment. Full article

This study proposes an adaptive fault-tolerant control strategy for parametric strict-feedback systems subject to actuator faults and unknown dead-zone nonlinearities, a combination that presents significant challenges for controller design. First, a novel prescribed-performance fault-tolerant control framework is developed by incorporating a funnel function, a barrier Lyapunov function, and a bounded estimation mechanism to address the issue of multiple constrained nonlinear disturbances. Second, the proposed strategy offers two key improvements: (1) adequate compensation for the coupled effects of actuator faults and dead-zone nonlinearities, and (2) guaranteed globally prescribed transient performance, making the settling time and tracking accuracy independent of initial conditions and design parameters. Lastly, simulation results verify the approach’s effectiveness, showing rapid convergence within 0.8 s and a tracking error bounded by $\pm 0.05$, thus surpassing traditional methods. Full article

The present paper provides a general overview of the state of the art of steam generating heat pumps (SGHPs) technology employed in the industrial field. Recommended best practices and optimization procedures for overall performance improvement of compression closed-loop-based systems are described in detail, as well as the main modifications of the thermodynamic heat pump cycle. Once the main configurations of SGHPs are described, the different concepts are compared in terms of supply temperature ranges; cases of comparison among different concepts are reviewed, and techno-economic barriers are also discussed. The working fluids (including natural refrigerants) commonly selected for these steam generating systems are presented along with their uses. Moreover, zeotropic refrigerant mixtures and new potentially usable mixtures are mentioned. After that, refrigerant selection criteria for high temperature heat pumps are also discussed. Then, using an internal heat exchanger, refrigerant injection technique and super heating in lubricated compressors are herein presented as best practices for general performance improvement. Regarding thermodynamic cycle modifications, basic auto-cascade and quasi-two-stage compression cycles are discussed along with further improvements suggested in the specialized literature. Lastly, optimization strategies useful to enhance the heat pumps’ design and based on TOPSIS method, advanced exergy analysis, exergy-based cost minimization and combined design are analyzed. Full article

Background and Objectives: Surfactant protein-D (SP-D) enters the circulation when the alveolo-capillary barrier is injured. We synthesised evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic performance of circulating SP-D in children with acute infectious lung disease. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus (inception–1 June 2025) for human studies reporting serum/plasma SP-D in patients <18 years with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), viral pneumonitis or paediatric ARDS (PARDS). Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data and assessed risk of bias (ROBINS-I). Primary outcomes were discrimination of severe versus non-severe disease and prediction of hard outcomes (mechanical ventilation, PARDS and mortality). Heterogeneity in assays and outcome definitions precluded meta-analysis; a narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results: Five studies (n = 723) from emergency and PICU settings met inclusion criteria. Admission SP-D was consistently higher in severe versus mild CAP; reported AUCs ranged 0.699–0.802. Thresholds of 110–180 ng/mL yielded sensitivities of 67–85% and specificities of 45–70%. In influenza-associated respiratory failure, SP-D correlated with ventilator days (r ≈ 0.45) and ICU length of stay (r ≈ 0.44). In multicentre PARDS cohorts, each 10 ng/mL increase in SP-D was associated with higher odds of severe PARDS and death (adjusted OR 1.02 per 10 ng/mL). Overall risk of bias across studies was low-to-moderate, with one study rated serious due to sampling and adjustment limitations. Conclusions: Across pathogens and care settings, elevated circulating SP-D correlates with radiographic consolidation, evolving PARDS and worse short-term outcomes. Although assay standardisation and external validation are needed, current evidence supports incorporating SP-D into multiparametric, age-aware risk-stratification algorithms for childhood pneumonia and viral lung injury. Full article

The long-term success of composite restorations largely depends on the performance of dental adhesives at the adhesive–tooth interface. Despite ongoing improvements, secondary caries remains the leading cause of restoration failure, primarily due to the adhesive layer’s susceptibility to hydrolytic degradation, bacterial invasion, and limited biological functionality. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in bioactive dental adhesives for preventing recurrent caries, focusing on their mechanisms of action, material performance, therapeutic functions, and clinical potential. Bioactive adhesives combine durable bonding with biofunctional benefits, including remineralization, antimicrobial activity, enzymatic inhibition, and support for tissue regeneration. By integrating these properties, they enhance both the durability of the adhesive interface and oral health. Recent strategies include the incorporation of ion-releasing fillers such as calcium phosphate and bioactive glass, antimicrobial monomers such as MDPB and quaternary ammonium methacrylates, enzymatic inhibitors, and hydrolytically stable resin matrices. Together, these components strengthen the adhesive interface and provide biologically active effects to prevent recurrent caries. Although in vitro findings are promising, challenges remain, including limited long-term clinical data, the absence of standardized evaluation protocols, and barriers to clinical translation. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure predictable clinical outcomes. Bioactive dental adhesives represent a paradigm shift in restorative dentistry, evolving from passive bonding agents to multifunctional therapeutic materials. By combining structural durability with biological protection, they hold significant potential to prevent recurrent caries and improve the long-term success of composite restorations. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) has significant potential for rapid prototyping of intricate 3-dimensional geometries, yet its adoption in RF and microwave applications remains limited. Key barriers include inadequate material characterization, high dielectric losses, poor thermal stability, and challenges with multi-material integration. This work addresses these issues by developing a high-k, low-loss composite filament with a reduced coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), specifically formulated for fused deposition modelling (FDM). By varying filler volume fractions (30%, 40%, and 50% v/v) and surfactant content, their impact on thermal stability and CTE was investigated and measured by thermomechanical analysis (TMA). XRD, Pycnometry, and EDS analysis were performed to verify the effect of the calcination process on ceramic microfillers. The B.E.T. method (Brunauer–Emmet–Teller) was utilized to calculate the specific surface area of the samples with N₂ uptake. SEM images of the different composites were presented to visually demonstrate the homogeneous distribution of microfillers in the thermoplastic matrix. Titania was evaluated as the ceramic filler. Titania composites demonstrated decreased CTE values (35.93 ppm/°C at 50% v/v filler coated with surfactant) compared to composites without surfactant. A dielectric waveguide (DWG) printed with the T30S composite achieved an insertion loss of 0.46 dB at 17.23 GHz, significantly outperforming a commercially available ABS450-based DWG (0.95 dB at 16.88 GHz). Measurements aligned closely with 3D electromagnetic simulations, confirming dielectric properties (ε_r = 5.55, tan δ = 0.0009) suitable for advanced RF and microwave devices and advanced packaging applications. Full article

Rapid urbanization in developing regions presents a critical challenge to the provision of affordable housing. This systematic review, conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzed 91 studies (2013–2024) from Scopus and Google Scholar to identify cost-effective materials and innovative techniques suitable for the developing context. Findings reveal that achieving affordability in developing regions requires a holistic approach that integrates material innovation with human capacity building. The analysis of critical success factors (CSFs) in the Rumah Unggul Sistem Panel Instant (RUSPIN) system from Indonesia and the Recycled Plastic Formwork (RPF) system from South Africa exemplifies this integration. Both systems show high potential for scalability and technological transfer using local materials and labor training. The review also highlights that materials commonly used in developed countries (e.g., autoclaved aerated concrete, expanded polystyrene, and light steel gauge framing) face adoption barriers in developing regions due to challenges related to supply chains, industry capacity, and regulatory frameworks. Conversely, locally available materials (e.g., earth, bamboo, and recycled waste) require ongoing research to enhance their availability and structural performance. Ultimately, achieving affordable housing depends on an integrated approach that combines locally sourced materials, innovative construction techniques, and the strategic application of critical success factors. Full article

The combination of innovative criminal activity detection systems with deep learning technologies has transformed public safety and surveillance tools. This study presents the expansion and experimental evaluation of an intelligent video surveillance system that integrates facial recognition, activity recognition and weapon detection using recurrent neural networks (RNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and YOLO-based models. Unlike purely review-based contributions, this work combines a comprehensive survey of existing methodologies with the design and implementation of a prototype system, validated through real-time video surveillance experiments. The proposed system demonstrates high accuracy in detecting faces, weapons, and suspicious activities, supported by a graphical user interface for practical deployment. Significant barriers include performance inefficiencies and ethical implications, and dataset biases are also critically analyzed. The findings highlight both the technical effectiveness of the system and the broader implications for scalable, automated, and ethically responsible surveillance solutions in the context of Industry 4.0. Full article

Epoxy resin coatings are widely employed for steel protection owing to their excellent adhesion, chemical stability, mechanical strength, and barrier properties. However, conventional bisphenol A-based resins and organic solvents may pose risks to reproductive, developmental, and immune systems, as well as contribute to atmospheric pollution. This mini-review critically evaluates recent advancements in fully waterborne bio-based epoxy nanocomposites as sustainable alternatives, with particular emphasis on their enhanced antibacterial and corrosion-resistant performance in tropical marine environments. A central focus is the role of chitosan-grafted graphene oxide (Chi-GO) as a multifunctional nanofiller that significantly enhances both antibacterial efficacy and barrier capabilities. For instance, coatings reinforced with Chi-GO exhibit up to two orders of magnitude lower corrosion current density than pristine epoxy coatings, and achieve over 95% bacterial inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at a 1 wt.% loading. The review summarizes key synthesis methods, functional modification techniques, and commonly adopted evaluation approaches. Emerging research further underscores environmental performance metrics, including reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and improved life-cycle assessments. By integrating bio-based polymer matrices with Chi-GO, these composite systems present a promising pathway toward environmentally benign and durable protective coatings. Nevertheless, critical challenges concerning scalability and long-term stability under real-world operating conditions remain insufficiently addressed. Future research should emphasize scalable manufacturing strategies, such as roll-to-roll processing, and conduct extended tropical exposure testing (e.g., salt spray tests beyond 2000 h). Additionally, developing comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks will be crucial for sustainable industrial implementation. Full article

Background: While the positive relationship between mental health and physical activity (PA) is well established, numerous barriers are reported. This study analyzed PA levels and associated barriers in young people attending a national child and adolescent mental health service using a quantitatively driven mixed methods design. Methods: From contacted patient families (n = 1284) meeting inclusion criteria, 23.67% (n = 304; age 12 to 18 years) completed a questionnaire (quantitative component/supplementary qualitative component). Statistical tests and thematic analysis were used to interpret data. Results: 57.24% (n = 174) of participants practiced PA/sport. Those in a sporting discipline did more PA overall, and males were almost twice as likely (OR = 1.98) to do PA/sports than females. PA levels were significantly different across mental disorder groups (highest in personality disorders and related traits, and lowest in disruptive behavioral or dissocial disorders). Participants supported the positive association between mental health and athletic performance, including the use of exercise prescriptions. Barriers to PA included excessive screentime, reduced mental health support/awareness, lack of appropriate facilities, financial difficulties, etc. Conclusion: Further research is needed. However, such results will serve to inform the development of the first documented sport mental health clinic for young people. Full article

In today’s rapidly evolving data environment, secure and efficient storage solutions are fundamental to supporting the robust development of the data economy. Trustworthy data space serves as an innovative technological framework for addressing critical challenges in data circulation. It is specifically designed to facilitate the secure exchange in data elements and overcome trust barriers in cross-organizational data sharing. However, current decentralized storage architectures still have significant implementation gaps. Practical deployment and system integration remain substantial challenges for existing technological solutions. To address these issues, this paper first conducts a systematic analysis of existing trusted data storage methods. On this basis, it proposes a data-secure storage mechanism based on polynomial commitment. This mechanism uses polynomial commitment to implement data storage and verification, thereby ensuring data integrity and consistency. Meanwhile, it integrates homomorphic signature technology to guarantee the authenticity of data sources without disclosing original data. Additionally, a data modification recording function is introduced to ensure the traceability of all operations. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme achieves superior performance in three key aspects: communication overhead, storage efficiency, and data update costs. Full article

The increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentration is one of the major environmental challenges, necessitating not only emission reduction but also effective carbon utilization. Non-thermal plasma-catalytic CO₂ conversion offers an efficient pathway under mild conditions by synergistically combining plasma activation with catalytic surface reactions. In this study, mesoporous ceria catalysts were synthesized by different methods and characterized using N₂ adsorption–desorption, SEM, XRD, XPS, CO₂-TPD, and XRF techniques. The materials exhibited distinct textural and electronic properties, including variations in surface area, pore structure, and basicity. Plasma-catalytic CO₂ dissociation experiments were conducted in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor at near-room temperature. Among the synthesized catalysts, Ce(mp)-4 demonstrated the highest CO₂ conversion of 32.3% at a 5 kV input voltage and superior energy efficiency, which can be attributed to its meso-macroporous structure that promotes microdischarge formation and enhances CO₂ adsorption–desorption dynamics. CO was the only product obtained, with near-100% selectivity. Catalyst stability testing showed no deactivation while spent catalyst characterization indicated carbon-containing species. The findings in this study highlight the critical role of tailored pore structure and basic-site distribution in optimizing plasma-catalytic CO₂ dissociation performance, offering a promising strategy for energy-efficient CO₂ utilization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Heart transplantation substantially improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure; however, many heart transplantation patients fail to recover normal physical activity levels. Persistent inactivity compromises secondary prevention and long-term outcomes. Kinesiophobia—an excessive and irrational fear of movement—may act as a central barrier limiting physical activity after heart transplantation. This study aimed to explore how kinesiophobia develops and interacts with physical and psychological factors that influence adherence to an active lifestyle after heart transplantation. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 24 adult heart transplantation patients (mean age 62.1 years; 83% male) at a tertiary hospital in Spain. Semi-structured interviews lasting 35–60 min were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Methodological rigour was ensured through triangulation, reflexivity, and transparent documentation of analytic decisions. Results: Three interrelated themes were identified: (1) Kinesiophobia, characterised by fear of overexertion and avoidance of performing physical activity; (2) physical limitations, including fatigue, muscle weakness, treatment side effects, and intensified perceptions of vulnerability; and (3) psychological distress, encompassing anxiety, demotivation, and frustration, which intensified inactivity. These domains formed a self-perpetuating cycle that restricted participation in physical activity. Some participants reported simple adaptive strategies, such as pacing, walking and social support that enhanced their sense of safety and confidence. Conclusions: Kinesiophobia, physical limitations, and psychological distress interact to restrict physical activity in heart transplantation patients. Our findings suggest that rehabilitation should integrate psychological support, cognitive-behavioural strategies, and tailored education to reduce fear, enhance self-efficacy, and promote sustainable physical activity engagement. Full article

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the technological, environmental, economic, regulatory, and social dimensions shaping the development and operation of agricultural biogas plants. The paper adopts a primarily European perspective, reflecting the comparatively high share of agricultural inputs in anaerobic digestion (AD) across EU Member States, while drawing selective comparisons with global contexts to indicate where socio-geographical conditions may lead to different outcomes. It outlines core principles of the AD process and recent innovations—such as enzyme supplementation, microbial carriers, and multistage digestion systems—that enhance process efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The study emphasises substrate optimisation involving both crop- and livestock-derived materials, together with the critical management of water resources and digestate within a circular-economy framework to promote sustainability and minimise environmental risks. Economic viability, regulatory frameworks, and social dynamics are examined as key factors underpinning successful biogas implementation. The paper synthesises evidence on cost–benefit performance, investment drivers, regulatory challenges, and support mechanisms, alongside the importance of community engagement and participatory governance to mitigate land-use conflicts and ensure equitable rural development. Finally, it addresses persistent technical, institutional, environmental, and social barriers that constrain biogas deployment, underscoring the need for integrated solutions that combine technological advances with policy support and stakeholder cooperation. This analysis offers practical insights for advancing sustainable biogas use in agriculture, balancing energy production with environmental stewardship, food security, and rural equity. The review is based on literature identified in Scopus and Web of Science for 2007 to 2025 using predefined keyword sets and supplemented by EU policy and guidance documents and backward- and forward-citation searches. Full article