Search Results (3,949)

This article explores the use of waste from polymetallic combines in South Kazakhstan, specifically tailings from the Achisay and Ansay deposits, as aggregates (crushed stone, sand) and mineral additives (dispersed barite powder) for producing concrete with specified operational properties. These secondary raw materials are now abundant in relation to their use, which makes them an affordable and accessible alternative for the manufacturing of concrete while also promoting environmental sustainability. X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy of enriched barite ores in these tailings revealed valuable components, such as calcite, quartzite, and dolomite, suitable for use as aggregates and mineral additives. The calcite and quartzite content in the Ansay samples exceeds that in the Achisay samples. Concrete mixes with various proportions of crushed stone and sand from these tailings were prepared, and their working characteristics were analyzed. The impacts of filler content and grain composition on the characteristics of concrete mixtures were identified, and the requirements for optimizing aggregate grain composition to produce heavy concrete with desired qualities were determined. Heavy concrete with densities from 2300 to 2839 kg/m³ and compressive strengths from 41.6 to 58.2 MPa was developed. Physical and mechanical properties, including density, water absorption, frost resistance, and compressive strength, were also evaluated, confirming the feasibility of using technogenic waste in composite heavy concrete production. Full article

Carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRCs) are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and defense applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent mechanical performance. In this study, cores and sandwich panels were fabricated via fused filament fabrication (FFF) using co-polyester filaments reinforced with 20 wt.% short carbon fibers. The mechanical response of the structures was evaluated under low-velocity impact (LVI) conditions using instrumented drop weight testing at energy levels ranging from 2 to 20 J. A three-factor, three-level full factorial experimental design was employed, considering build orientation (flat vs. upright), infill pattern (trihexagonal vs. triangular), and impact energy as factors. The maximum contact force was selected as the primary response variable. The results revealed that upright-printed specimens exhibited significantly improved impact resistance compared to flat-printed ones, with increases in peak force of up to 28% for cores and over 68% for sandwich structures. Among the tested infill geometries, the triangular pattern outperformed the trihexagonal one across all configurations and energy levels. The combination of upright orientation and triangular infill proved to be the most effective, providing enhanced energy absorption and reduced rear-side damage, especially under higher impact energies. These findings offer valuable insights into the design of lightweight, impact-resistant structures produced by additive manufacturing, with direct implications for structural components in demanding engineering environments. Full article

This study introduces an improved X-shaped re-entrant auxetic structure designed to enhance mechanical performance by incorporating diamond-shaped elements into the re-entrant hexagonal configuration. Using a validated numerical model, the resistance of sandwich beams with the proposed core under localized impulsive loading is explored. The results reveal that local compression and global shear deformation dominate the response. The study further examines the effects of cell arrangement, geometric parameter, inclined gradient distribution, and cell construction on structural behavior. The X-direction arrangement of cells significantly enhances deformation control, improving deflection by dissipating impact energy. Increasing the angle α enhances mechanical properties and reduces residual deflection. Various inclined gradient distribution designs notably affect performance: positive gradients improve energy absorption, while negative gradients alter deformation mode. Under the same conditions, the proposed sandwich beam outperforms the conventional re-entrant hexagonal sandwich beam in terms of impact resistance. This research offers valuable insights for the design of explosion-resistant metamaterial sandwich structures. Full article

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, LINNAEUS, 1758) is a protein-rich edible insect. In this study, low-gluten wheat flour was formulated with mealworm protein powder at various concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) to investigate its influence on the pasting, farinographic, and extensographic properties of low-gluten wheat flour, as well as the changes in the overall quality of the resulting biscuits (soda crackers and cookies). The viscosity of the composite flour decreased with an increasing substitution level of mealworm protein powder, and the setback significantly decreased from 69.31 ± 0.16 RVU (M0) to 19.00 ± 0.71 RVU (M20), indicating enhanced resistance to starch retrogradation. Farinographic and extensographic analyses revealed that the addition of mealworm protein powder reduced dough water absorption, significantly prolonged dough development time and stability time, and enhanced overall dough stability. However, extensibility gradually decreased, with a further reduction observed as the proofing time increased. Concurrently, the baking expansion ratio and hardness of the biscuits decreased. Specifically, for soda crackers, the baking expansion ratio decreased from 198.96 ± 3.88% (M0) to 135.74 ± 1.28% (M20), and hardness dropped from 26.40 ± 1.53 N (M0) to 6.32 ± 0.08 N (M20). For cookies, the baking expansion ratio and hardness decreased from 93.77 ± 0.72% (M0) to 86.06 ± 1.08% (M20) and from 1.76 ± 0.06 N (M0) to 1.10 ± 0.16 N (M20), respectively. The impact of mealworm protein powder (5–20%) was relatively minor in cookies but more pronounced in soda crackers, likely due to differences in formulation and processing methods. Additionally, the crunchiness of soda crackers was 3.42 times greater than that of cookies, whereas resilience was only 0.15 times that of cookies under controlled conditions. Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) further elucidated the relationships between the dough properties and final product quality. Furthermore, the substitution of mealworm protein powder affected the sensory properties of the product but significantly enhanced its nutritional value, confirming the feasibility of replacing low-gluten wheat flour with mealworm protein powder and offering a theoretical foundation for its development and application in diverse biscuit formulations. Full article

Background: Children with cystic fibrosis (CwCF) are at increased risk of fat-soluble vitamin (FSV) deficiency due to fat malabsorption. In France, children were usually supplemented with multiple individual vitamin preparations but have recently converted to DEKAs Plus Liquid (DPL), an absorption-enhanced, CF-specific, multivitamin formulation that includes vitamins D₃, E, K₁, A (beta-carotene and retinol), B, C, zinc, and selenium. We evaluated the impact of this change on FSV levels, treatment satisfaction, and compliance. Methods: Young CwCF (n = 39, mean age 2.3 ± 1.1 years) were analyzed retrospectively. Serum FSV levels, prothrombin time, treatment satisfaction, and compliance were assessed at baseline (M0) and after 12 months (M12). Results: Paired data analysis was performed on the 34 who completed 12 months. After 3 months, the initial daily dose was adjusted in nine cases. Median (interquartile range) serum levels of vitamin E (19.3 (17–27) vs. 26.3 (20–31) µmol/L, p = 0.0002) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (80.2 (68–91) vs. 88.5 (79–108) nmol/L, p = 0.04) increased. Prothrombin time and vitamin A levels showed no significant change (p = 0.7, p = 0.4, respectively). The total number of FSV deficiencies decreased from 10 to 1, vitamin D deficiency was eliminated, and vitamin K₁ supplementation increased from 76% to 100% (p = 0.008). The median treatment satisfaction score (VAS_1–10) improved from 7 (5–9) to 9 (9–10) (p = 0.0006). Patient compliance remained high (9.5 (8.5–10) vs. 10 (9–10), p = 0.4). Conclusions: Switching from individual vitamins to DPL reduced vitamin deficiencies and improved FSV levels and patient satisfaction. Full article

Managing plastic waste is a great challenge for today’s society, and it is increasingly necessary to find solutions to the large amount of plastic waste dumped annually in the oceans. The main objective of this research is to perform a comprehensive characterisation of different gypsum-based materials incorporating recycled PP/HDPE pellets from the recycling of discarded fishing nets in the Mediterranean Sea. For this purpose, composites were developed with a partial substitution of the original material by these pellets, up to 30% by volume, while maintaining a water/gypsum ratio of 0.65 by mass. The results showed that even in the most unfavourable case, with a 30% replacement in volume by these recycled pellets, flexural (2.72 MPa) and compressive (7.15 MPa) strengths higher than those required by the standards were obtained, with good integration of the residue in the matrix. Also, there was a decrease in total water absorption of up to 20.5% compared to traditional gypsum. The thermal behaviour study showed that a minimum conductivity value of 292.3 mW/m K was obtained, implying a decrease of 14.9% from the control series. In addition, a life cycle analysis was conducted, obtaining a reduction in environmental impact of up to 13.1% in terms of CO₂ equivalent emissions. Overall, the composites obtained represent a sustainable alternative to producing prefabricated plates and panels for building construction. Full article

Inspired by the self-organizing optimization mechanisms in nature, the leaf venation of the royal water lily exhibits a hierarchically branched fractal network that combines excellent mechanical performance with lightweight characteristics. In this study, a structural bionic approach was adopted to systematically investigate the venation architecture through macroscopic morphological observation, experimental testing, 3D scanning-based reverse reconstruction, and finite element simulation. The influence of key fractal geometric parameters under vertical loading on the mechanical behavior and energy absorption capacity was analyzed. The results demonstrate that the leaf venation of the royal water lily exhibits a core-to-margin gradient fractal pattern, with vein thickness linearly decreasing along the radial direction. At each hierarchical bifurcation, the vein width is reduced to 65–75% of the preceding level, while the bifurcation angle progressively increases with branching order. During leaf development, the fractal dimension initially decreases and then increases, indicating a coordinated functional adaptation between the stiff central trunk and the compliant peripheral branches. The veins primarily follow curved trajectories and form a multidirectional interwoven network, effectively extending the energy dissipation path. Finite element simulations reveal that the fractal venation structure of the royal water lily exhibits pronounced nonlinear stiffness behavior. A smaller bifurcation angle and higher fractal branching level contribute to enhanced specific energy absorption and average load-bearing capacity. Moreover, a moderate branching length ratio enables a favorable balance between yield stiffness, ultimate strength, and energy dissipation. These findings highlight the synergistic optimization between energy absorption characteristics and fractal geometry, offering both theoretical insights and bioinspired strategies for the design of impact-resistant structures. Full article

To address the issues of link mismatch and channel impairment in wireless optical communication across atmospheric-oceanic media, this paper proposes a two-hop relay transmission architecture based on the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)-enhanced multi-level hybrid multiplexing. The system implements decode-and-forward operations via maritime buoy/ship relays, achieving physical layer isolation between atmospheric and oceanic channels. The transmitter employs coherent orthogonal frequency division multiplexing technology with quadrature amplitude modulation to achieve frequency division multiplexing of baseband signals, combines with orthogonal polarization modulation to generate polarization-multiplexed signal beams, and finally realizes multi-dimensional signal transmission through MIMO spatial diversity. To cope with cross-medium environmental interference, a composite channel model is established, which includes atmospheric turbulence (Gamma–Gamma model), rain attenuation, and oceanic chlorophyll absorption and scattering effects. Simulation results show that the multi-level hybrid multiplexing method can significantly improve the data transmission rate of the system. Since the system adopts three channels of polarization-state data, the data transmission rate is increased by 200%; the two-hop relay method can effectively improve the communication performance of cross-medium optical communication and fundamentally solve the problem of light transmission in cross-medium planes; the use of MIMO technology has a compensating effect on the impacts of both atmospheric and marine environments, and as the number of light beams increases, the system performance can be further improved. This research provides technical implementation schemes and reference data for the design of high-capacity optical communication systems across air-sea media. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using the mussel as a bioindicator for the rapid detection of heavy metal (such as Cd, Pb, Hg, Ni, Cr, Cu, As, and Zn) fluctuations in aquatic environments and the sensitivity of the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in muscle tissues over time. The seasonal bioaccumulation patterns of heavy metals within Asian green mussels (Perna viridis), from Vietnamese coastal waters of Hai Phong were investigated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Additionally, the health risks from the consumption of P. viridis by local people were assessed. Mussels of varying sizes were sampled on a monthly basis between March (dry season) and July 2024 (wet season). The results revealed that the hepatopancreas had substantially higher concentrations of metals at all times relative to their corresponding muscle tissues, confirming its appropriateness as a bioindicator organ. The concentrations of heavy metals in mussels were recorded as significantly lower than the guideline levels, except for arsenic (As). Zinc (Zn) showed the highest concentrations, while mercury (Hg) had the lowest concentrations. There were strong seasonal and monthly differences, with peak levels of Pb, Cr, and As during the dry season, and high levels of Cs and Cu during the rainy season. It was found that the condition index, physiological factors, and shell size all had major impacts on the absorption of specific heavy metals. It was indicated that Pb, Cr, As, Cs, and Cu bioaccumulation are both biologically and environmentally responsive and can be used as proxies for environmental contamination, while the accumulation of these metals correlated with biological traits (shell length, weight, and CI), which is useful in modeling efforts. Health risk assessments using target hazard quotients (THQs) and the total hazard index (THI) identified Pb in the hepatopancreas as a primary contributor to the non-carcinogenic risk (THQ > 1), particularly during the dry season. The findings revealed the suitability of P. viridis, particularly hepatopancreatic tissue, as a short-term biomonitoring tool for detecting spikes and rapid fluctuations of certain heavy metals and assessing related human health risks in coastal aquatic systems. Full article

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and drug discovery is accelerating the pace of therapeutic target identification, refining of drug candidates, and streamlining processes from laboratory research to clinical applications. Despite these promising advances, the inherent opacity of AI-driven models, especially deep-learning (DL) models, poses a significant “black-box" problem, limiting interpretability and acceptance within the pharmaceutical researchers. Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) has emerged as a crucial solution for enhancing transparency, trust, and reliability by clarifying the decision-making mechanisms that underpin AI predictions. This review systematically investigates the principles and methodologies underpinning XAI, highlighting various XAI tools, models, and frameworks explicitly designed for drug-discovery tasks. XAI applications in healthcare are explored with an in-depth discussion on the potential role in accelerating the drug-discovery processes, such as molecular modeling, therapeutic target identification, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) prediction, clinical trial design, personalized medicine, and molecular property prediction. Furthermore, this article critically examines how XAI approaches effectively address the black-box nature of AI models, bridging the gap between computational predictions and practical pharmaceutical applications. Finally, we discuss the challenges in deploying XAI methodologies, focusing on critical research directions to improve transparency and interpretability in AI-driven drug discovery. This review emphasizes the importance of researchers staying current on evolving XAI technologies to realize their transformative potential in fully improving the efficiency, reliability, and clinical impact of drug-discovery pipelines. Full article

A sustainable strategy is proposed for the valorization of solid waste from the Tequila industry through the development of bio-packaging for Tequila bottles using mycelium from Ganoderma lucidum. The fungus was isolated from Bosque de la Primavera (Jalisco, Mexico) and cultivated on lignocellulosic substrates: agave bagasse and corn stover. These agricultural residues were dried, ground, and pasteurized to optimize their performance as growth media. Their structural integration before and after fermentation was evaluated using optical microscopy. The high cellulose and hemicellulose content of both substrates supported robust mycelial development, enabling the formation of moldable materials through solid-state fermentation. After growth, the mycelium colonized the substrate, forming a functional mold adapted to the geometry of a Tequila bottle prototype. The molded parts were dried to halt fungal activity, prevent fruiting, and stabilize the structure. Physical and mechanical characterization showed competitive performance with regard to bulk density (0.11 ± 0.1 g cm⁻³), water absorption (78.1 ± 4.2%), and high impact resistance (evaluated via Solidworks simulation). A life cycle assessment revealed that mycelium packaging has a significantly lower environmental impact than expanded polystyrene. The material supports circular economy principles within the Tequila production chain. Full article

This study investigates the influence of particle morphology on two-dimensional (2D) single rock particle breakage using the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) coupled with fractal dimension analysis. Three key shape descriptors (elongation index EI, roundness index Rd, and roughness index Rg) were systematically varied to generate realistic particle geometries using the Fourier transform and inverse Monte Carlo. Numerical uniaxial compression tests revealed distinct morphological influences: EI showed negligible impact on crushing strength or fragmentation, and Rd significantly increased crushing strength and fragmentation due to improved energy absorption and stress distribution. While Rg reduced strength through stress concentration at asperities, suppressing fragmentation and elastic energy storage. Fractal dimension analysis demonstrated an inverse linear correlation with crushing strength, confirming its predictive value for mechanical performance. The validated FDEM framework provides critical insights for optimizing granular materials in engineering applications requiring morphology-controlled fracture behavior. Full article

Technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and societal changes drive the cosmetics industry to evolve continuously. The cosmetics industry is experiencing a renaissance, with new ingredients that are more environmentally friendly, natural, and transparent in terms of sourcing and manufacturing and, last but not least, which are also multifunctional. The use of technology in cosmetics has been rising, including AI (artificial intelligence) and AR (augmented reality) for virtual try-ons, skin analysis tools, and smart beauty devices that provide at-home skincare treatments. Meanwhile, fermented cosmetic ingredients are becoming increasingly popular in the beauty industry due to their improved efficacy and skin benefits. The benefits include enhanced absorption, improved stability (due to the self-produced preservatives), microbiome-friendliness (supporting the skin’s microbiome), and anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. The most common cosmetic ingredients produced by microorganisms are fermented rice, soy, green tea, fruits, and vegetables. Our laboratory investigates a mineral rock called alginite, which has shown many benefits in other fields, such as agriculture and cosmetics (e.g., as a facemask). It has been proven that alginite combined with LAB (lactic acid-producing bacteria) probiotics is beneficial for health and can increase biomass production. However, cell lysates with alginite have never been investigated for cosmetic purposes. This study aimed to investigate the potential of alginite, a mineral rock, in enhancing the cosmetic properties of LAB lysates, specifically focusing on antioxidant effects, skin-whitening properties, and, in preliminary tests, skin-moisturising effects. LAB strains were cultured with and without alginite, and the resulting cell lysates were analysed for these cosmetic applications. The preliminary results suggested that alginite may boost the hydrating effect of LAB lysate, increasing it tenfold compared to LAB lysate alone. The antioxidant effect was enhanced fivefold in the case of Lactobacillus acidophilus when cultured with alginite. However, no significant effect was observed on mushroom tyrosinase inhibition, suggesting no impact on pigment formation. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to explore potential applications in cosmetic formulations. Limitations of this study include the focus on specific LAB strains and the need for in vivo studies to confirm the observed effects on human skin. Full article

Against the backdrop of green and sustainable development, green innovation has become a central issue of concern for both society and academia. Based on regional innovation system and network theories, this study conceptualizes the urban knowledge base as a network structure rather than a simple collection of isolated knowledge elements. Using green patent licensing data, a multi-layer network is constructed, and the Exponential Random Graph Model (ERGM) is employed to examine the impact of urban knowledge network structures on city-level innovation diffusion. The study finds that in the green ICT field, cities’ deep embedding in knowledge networks weakens their ability to absorb external innovations, while broad embedding facilitates the introduction of external innovations. In the green transportation field, deep embedding in knowledge networks enhances the absorption of external innovations, whereas broad embedding has no significant effect. In both fields, knowledge combination potential and knowledge uniqueness promote the outward diffusion of local innovations but weaken the inflow of external innovations. This study not only offers theoretical insights into innovation diffusion at the city level but also provides guidance for policymakers in developing targeted urban sustainable development strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid used as a treatment for acne vulgaris. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the dermal pharmacokinetics of adapalene utilizing experimental and in silico tools. Methods: We utilized three over the counter (OTC) adapalene gels to evaluate local dermal pharmacokinetics. A data-driven, robust, mechanistic dermal physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed by integrating the physicochemical properties of adapalene, the formulation attributes of the gels, and the biophysical aspects of dermal absorption. The dermal PBPK model was validated against experimental data using in vitro release studies and in vitro permeation studies with human cadaver skin. A clinical study was performed to evaluate the effects of adapalene from the three gel formulations. The impact of adapalene delivery from three gels on the stratum corneum (SC) thickness, pilosebaceous unit area, keratinocyte number, and epidermal thickness was captured using a non-invasive technique, line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC–OCT). These responses were evaluated using an Emax model. Results: The dermal PBPK model has successfully predicted adapalene penetration profiles across different gel formulations. The model accuracy, in predicting drug release and permeation characteristics, was confirmed using the experimental data. Clinical evaluation revealed formulation-dependent differences in adapalene’s effects on measured skin parameters, with distinct pharmacodynamic profiles observed for each gel formulation. Conclusions: The overall study gave us a detailed insight into potential effects of formulation on the dermal pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of adapalene using three marketed gels. Full article