Search Results (3,507)

This study investigates the fabrication of a Cu-Mn-Al alloy coating on 27SiMn steel using Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) technology with an innovative Ar-B(OCH₃)₃ mixed shielding gas, focusing on the effect of the gas flow rate (5–20 L/min). The addition of B(OCH₃)₃ was found to significantly enhance process stability by improving molten pool wettability, resulting in a wider cladding layer (6.565 mm) and smaller wetting angles compared to pure Ar. Macro-morphology analysis identified 10 L/min as the optimal flow rate for achieving a uniform and defect-free coating, while deviations led to oxidation (at low flow) or spatter and turbulence (at high flow). Microstructural characterization revealed that the flow rate critically governs phase evolution, with the primary κI phase transforming from dendritic/granular to petal-like/rod-like morphologies. At higher flow rates (≥15 L/min), increased stirring promoted Fe dilution from the substrate, leading to the formation of Fe-rich intermetallic compounds and distinct spherical Fe phases. Consequently, the cladding layer obtained at 10 L/min exhibited balanced and superior properties, achieving a maximum shear strength of 303.22 MPa and optimal corrosion resistance with a minimum corrosion rate of 0.02935 mm/y. All shear fractures occurred within the cladding layer, demonstrating superior interfacial bonding strength and ductile fracture characteristics. This work provides a systematic guideline for optimizing shielding gas parameters in the CMT cladding of high-performance Cu-Mn-Al alloy coatings. Full article

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy of the biliary tract with rising global incidence and limited treatment options. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic mutations, epigenetic dysregulation, inflammatory signaling, and environmental influences. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of the gut–liver axis and microbiota dysbiosis in shaping biliary homeostasis and disease progression. Alterations in microbial composition disrupt apoptosis and autophagy, two key processes regulating cell survival and death, thereby contributing to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Specific taxa, including Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus, demonstrate strain-dependent effects, acting either as tumor promoters through genotoxic metabolites and immune evasion or as potential tumor suppressors by inducing apoptosis and immune activation. These findings underscore the context-dependent roles of microbiota in CCA biology. Importantly, microbiota modulation offers novel therapeutic opportunities. Dietary interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and nutritional strategies, alongside innovative microbiome-targeted therapies, hold promise for restoring microbial balance, enhancing antitumor immunity, and improving patient outcomes. This review integrates current molecular and microbiological evidence to propose the gut microbiota as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target in CCA, opening avenues for precision medicine approaches in hepatobiliary oncology. Full article

As an emerging type of non-volatile memory, magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) stands out for its exceptional reliability and rapid read–write speeds, thereby garnering considerable attention within the industry. The memory cell architecture of MRAM is centered around the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), which, however, is prone to interference from external magnetic fields—a limitation that restricts its application in demanding environments. To address this challenge, we propose an innovative open magnetic shielding structure. This design demonstrates remarkable shielding efficacy against both in-plane and perpendicular magnetic fields, effectively catering to the magnetic shielding demands of both spin-transfer torque (STT) and spin–orbit torque (SOT) MRAM. Finite element magnetic simulations reveal that when subjected to an in-plane magnetic field of 40 mT, the magnetic field intensity at the chip level is reduced to nearly 1‰ of its original value. Similarly, under a perpendicular magnetic field of 40 mT, the magnetic field at the chip is reduced to 2‰ of its initial strength. Such reductions significantly enhance the anti-magnetic capabilities of MRAM. Moreover, the magnetic shielding performance remains unaffected by the height of the packaging structure, ensuring compatibility with various chip stack packaging requirements across different layers. The research presented in this paper holds immense significance for the realization of highly reliable magnetic shielding packaging solutions for MRAM. Full article

This work presents an innovative approach to enhancing the performance of concrete with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles. Traditional limestone coarse aggregates were partially replaced with 30% and 50% RAP aggregates; a subset of mixtures containing RAP aggregates was treated with TiO₂ nanoparticles. The rheological, mechanical, and long-term properties of concrete, along with changes in its chemical composition following the addition of RAP and TiO₂, were evaluated. Results revealed that using 30% and 50% RAP in concrete mixtures reduced their compressive strength by 18% and 27%, respectively. However, using TiO₂ in those mixtures enhanced their compressive strength by 8.7% and 6.3%. Moreover, concrete with 50% RAP exhibited an 85% increase in water absorption (the highest among all mixtures) compared to the control. TiO₂ treatment was most beneficial in the 30% RAP mixture, reducing its water absorption by 32.5% compared to its untreated counterpart. Additionally, the 30% RAP mixture treated with TiO₂ showed the highest resistance to sulfates among modified mixtures, as its compressive strength decreased by 10.4% compared to a decrease of 23% in the strength of the untreated 30% RAP mixture. Statistical analysis using single-factor ANOVA showed that integrating RAP aggregates with or without the presence of TiO₂ particles would significantly affect the concrete properties in terms of their population means. The t-test analysis, on the other hand, proved sufficient evidence that the mean values of the 30% RAP mixture treated with TiO₂ would not differ significantly from the control in terms of its slump and water absorption properties. The chemical structure analysis revealed an increase in the Si-O-Si and Si-O functional groups when using TiO₂ in RAP mixtures, suggesting improved hydration activity and accelerated C-S-H formation in the treated RAP mixtures. Moreover, distinct C-H peaks were witnessed in concrete with untreated RAP aggregates, resulting from the aged asphalt coating on the RAP, which weakened the bond between the RAP and the cementitious matrix. Full article

High-speed laser cladding technology is an innovative process that reduces costs and enhances coating quality. In this study, CoCrMo wear-resistant coatings were fabricated on a 40Cr steel substrate using high-speed laser cladding technology and compared to CoCrMo coatings produced by traditional methods. The effects of both processes on the microstructure, nanoindentation characteristics, and wear behavior of CoCrMo coatings were examined. The results show that the phase compositions of both coatings include γ-Co solid solution and ε-Co solid solution. The high cooling rate of high-speed laser cladding significantly suppressed Mo precipitation, enhancing Mo solid solution strengthening. Additionally, the fine-grain strengthening effect induced by the high cooling rate contributed significantly to the coatings’ mechanical properties. The nano-hardness of the HS-CoCrMo coatings reached approximately 5.18 ± 0.23 GPa, 1.2 times higher than that of the N-CoCrMo coatings. Furthermore, the generalized hardness, H/E ratio, and H³/E² ratio of HS-CoCrMo coatings were improved. This increase in nano-hardness significantly boosted the wear resistance of HS-CoCrMo coatings, yielding an average friction coefficient of approximately 0.466, with wear volume and specific wear rate values of 6.55 × 10⁶ μm³ and 0.87 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/N·m, respectively, outperforming the N-CoCrMo coatings. The main wear mechanisms for the HS-CoCrMo coatings were abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and oxidative wear. In conclusion, high-speed laser cladding technology produces high-performance, wear-resistant coatings with high productivity, offering broader application prospects for the metallurgical and power industries, while effectively reducing production cycles and usage costs. Full article

Cancer treatment remains challenging due to the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, which promotes tumor heterogeneity and contributes to the development of multidrug resistance, ultimately hindering drug delivery and reducing therapeutic efficacy. In recent years, biomimetic nanocarriers have emerged as promising tools to address these challenges. Among them, cancer cell membrane (CCM)-coated nanoparticles (CCM-NPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their unique advantages, including homologous targeting, prolonged circulation mediated by self-recognition, and enhanced tumor penetration. Moreover, CCM-NPs can serve as versatile platforms for tumor vaccines by leveraging their inherent tumor-associated antigens and immunomodulatory potential. By leveraging CCMs to functionalize NPs, researchers have developed innovative approaches to improve drug delivery, enhance tumor immunotherapy, and optimize cancer vaccine efficacy. Despite these advancements, a comprehensive review summarizing the latest progress in CCM-based biomimetic nanocarriers for tumor treatment is lacking. This review integrates recent advances in CCM-NPs for targeted drug delivery and cancer vaccination, and discusses their fabrication, characterization, mechanisms and applications across multiple cancer types, which provides timely insights to guide their future development in precision tumor therapy. Full article

This study examines the intention of Greek tourists who visit national touristic destinations to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots in the tourism sector. Using the UTAUT2 model as a framework, data were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire and analyzed with correlation and regression methods to identify the main drivers and barriers to this adoption. Results show that specific factors such as performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and perceived innovativeness significantly and positively influence chatbot usage, emphasizing the role of usefulness, enjoyment, and innovation in shaping user acceptance. Conversely, factors such as inconvenience, habit, and difficulty of use negatively affect adoption, indicating the importance of overcoming usability challenges and resistance to change. These findings highlight the need for the development of accessible and engaging chatbot systems and underscore the value of continuous technological improvements. The study concludes that adopting AI-driven solutions can help tourism providers personalize services, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction, fostering sustainable competitiveness in the sector. Full article

The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies beyond traditional antibiotic development. Drug repurposing offers a rapid, cost-effective approach by identifying new antibacterial applications for existing non-antibiotic drugs with established safety profiles. Emerging evidence indicates that diverse classes of non-antibiotic drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), statins, antipsychotics, calcium channel blockers and antidepressants, exhibit intrinsic antibacterial activity, or potentiate antibiotic efficacy. This review critically explores the mechanisms by which drugs that are not recognised as antibiotics exert antibacterial effects, including efflux pump inhibition, membrane disruption, biofilm inhibition, and quorum sensing interference. We discuss specific examples that demonstrate reductions in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics when combined with these drugs, underscoring their potential as antibiotic adjuvants. Furthermore, we examine pharmacokinetic considerations, toxicity challenges, and clinical feasibility for repurposing these agents as standalone antibacterials or in combination therapies. Finally, we highlight future directions, including the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to prioritise drug candidates for repurposing, and the development of targeted delivery systems to enhance bacterial selectivity while minimising host toxicity. By exploring the overlooked potential of non-antibiotic drugs, this review seeks to stimulate translational research aimed at leveraging these agents in combating resistant bacterial infections. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that such drugs may also pose unintended risks, including gut microbiota disruption and facilitation of resistance development. Hence, future research should pursue these opportunities with equal emphasis on efficacy, safety, and resistance mitigation. Full article

Valorisation of crab by-products by enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) is proving to be a promising strategy to promote sustainable aquaculture and support a circular economy for crustaceans. Crab processing generates significant amounts of by-products that, if not properly managed, pose an environmental and economic challenge. These by-products are rich in chitin, proteins, and bioactive compounds and offer significant untapped potential for the development of functional feed. This review focuses on the application of enzymatically hydrolysed crab by-products as functional feed additives in aquaculture and their effects on fish growth, health management, and, consequently, human health. Recent studies have shown that EH effectively recovers chitin and bioactive peptides and improves the digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients in aquaculture. The inclusion of crude chitin, along with residual proteins and calcium carbonate, in the diet of farmed fish has been associated with increased growth, improved immune responses, and greater disease resistance, emphasising their critical role in fish health management. In addition, these functional additives contribute to the development of innovative aquafeeds with high added value and improved nutritional quality, while reducing environmental waste. Overall, the utilisation of crustacean by-products through enzymatic hydrolysis represents a valuable tool for the sustainable development of crustacean aquaculture, promotes the circular economy, and supports the development of innovative functional feeds while improving the growth and health of farmed fish, which has a positive impact on human health through their consumption. Full article

The increased consumption of apparel has resulted in a corresponding increase in the volume of waste textiles, with polyester–cotton blended textiles accounting for as much as 80% of the total. However, extant recycling methodologies are beset by challenges, including high cost and difficulty in separation. Mycelium has been shown to possess the ability to degrade complex components in culture substrates. The present study explores the feasibility of using polyester–cotton yarn as a substrate for mycelium composite materials, thus offering an innovative approach to the treatment of waste blended textiles. Five mycelium composite materials with varying polyester–cotton ratios were prepared and tested for mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and biodegradability. ANOVA analysis confirmed that all properties of the mycelium composites were significantly influenced by the polyester–cotton matrix ratio, with effect sizes exceeding 84% across all properties. The most significant effect was observed in compressive strength (effect size > 99%). Experiments identified a 65:35 polyester–cotton ratio as yielding optimal comprehensive properties: namely, a compressive strength of 0.221 MPa and flexural strength of 0.791 MPa, coupled with excellent moisture resistance and biodegradability. This provides data support for the development of textile-based mycelium composite products. In light of the aforementioned performance studies and material characteristics, the development of three series of experiential home products was undertaken. Design evaluations were conducted to explore the potential application of mycelium composites, which could have significant implications for promoting sustainable development in the textile and apparel industry and advancing innovative designs for mycelium composite materials. Full article

Cancer remains a major global health burden, representing one of the leading causes of mortality among noncommunicable diseases worldwide. Although conventional treatment modalities, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapeutic interventions, have demonstrated clinical benefits, their therapeutic efficacy is often constrained by inherent limitations such as low specificity, systemic toxicity, or tumor heterogeneity. These challenges underscore the imperative for developing innovative treatment strategies. Emerging evidence has implicated ion channels as critical players in oncogenesis and cancer progression. These proteins modulate diverse oncogenic phenotypes, including uncontrolled proliferation, metastatic dissemination, and apoptotic resistance. Their frequent dysregulation in malignancies correlates with disease aggressiveness and clinical outcomes, positioning them as promising targets for precision oncology. Notably, pharmacological modulation of ion channels exerts multifaceted antitumor effects, with several channel-targeting agents advancing through clinical trials. This review explores recent advances in ion channel-targeted therapies, emphasizing their mechanisms, clinical applications, and challenges. Furthermore, we examine the pathophysiological contributions of ion channels to tumor biology and evaluate their emerging utility as predictive biomarkers, providing perspectives on addressing critical gaps in current oncologic management. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat, exacerbated by the adaptive mechanisms of Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens, which include biofilm formation and outer membrane vesicle (OMV) production. Biofilms create robust protective barriers that shield bacterial communities from immune responses and antibiotic treatments, while OMVs contribute to both defense and offense by carrying antibiotic-degrading enzymes and delivering virulence factors to host cells. These mechanisms not only enhance bacterial survival but also increase the virulence and persistence of infections, making them a significant concern in clinical settings. This review explores the molecular processes that drive biofilm and OMV formation, emphasizing their critical roles in the development of AMR. By understanding these mechanisms, new therapeutic strategies can be developed to disrupt these defenses, potentially improving the efficacy of existing antibiotics and slowing the spread of resistance. Additionally, the use of OMVs in vaccine development and drug delivery offers promising avenues for future research. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, combining advanced research with innovative therapies to combat the escalating threat of AMR and improve patient outcomes. Full article

This study introduces an innovative approach to addressing the plastic shrinkage of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) using an azodicarbonamide (ADC) expansive agent. The influence of ADC on the workability, mechanical properties, and plastic shrinkage of UHPC were systematically investigated. The findings reveal that the addition of ADC generates a substantial number of bubbles within the UHPC slurry, thereby reducing internal frictional resistance and cohesion of the mixture. Consequently, the fluidity and setting time of UHPC were enhanced to varying degrees with increasing ADC content. However, the introduction of these bubbles also reduced the density, leading to a noticeable decline in both compressive and flexural strength, particularly at later stages. Notably, ADC effectively mitigated early shrinkage and increased the vertical expansion rate within the first 24 h. When the ADC dosage ranged from 0.04% to 0.1%, the UHPC remained in an expanded state within 24 h, with a notable difference in expansion rate exceeding 0.02% from 3 to 24 h. Microstructural and pore structure analysis revealed that the ADC generated considerable gas during the mixing process, forming numerous micropores within the UHPC matrix. These dispersed pores contributed to reduced compactness of the UHPC hydrates, resulting in increased pore area, porosity, and average pore diameter. Full article

Background: Amlodipine besylate (AML) is recognized as a calcium channel blocker curative for hypertension. However, the drug emerged recently as an antibacterial cure that competently prevails over resistant strains. Methods: Incorporating amlodipine into zein nanoparticles was employed to innovate a suitable carrier for loading and targeting deep corneal infection. The Box–Behnken design was adopted to produce various formulations of amlodipine-loaded zein nanoparticles (AML-ZNs) with diversity in composition concentration (% w/v), comprising zein, Labrafac, and poloxamer 407. Results: Relying on the optimization criterion, the chosen preference formulation concentration (% w/v) consists of 2.068 for zein, 0.75 for Labrafac, and 1.0 for Poloxamer. Morphological micrography of AML-ZNs showed regular spherical particles in the nanometric scale, and physicochemical characterization procedures confirmed system suitability. While tracking eyedrop optimum features, sodium alginate was selected for coating nanoparticles to improve stability and system viscosity. Both pH and sterility were also considered and maintained. Comparative studies were conducted pre- and post-coating, and the assessed features for the final selected formulation were 349.9 ± 5.8 nm, 0.2186 ± 0.0271, −55.45 ± 1.84 mV, 81.293 ± 0.9%, and 19.3 ± 0.19 cp for size, PDI, surface charge, entrapment, and viscosity, respectively. The AML-ZNs-Alg formulation demonstrates a more controlled pattern of release of roughly 40% of the drug released after 48 h, while the permeation profile shows 37 ± 3.52% permeated after 24 h, confirmed visually. In vitro microbial assay alongside the corneal in vivo microbial and histological pathology evaluation proved the efficacy of amlodipine as an antibacterial agent. Conclusions: These findings highlighted that the prepared AML-ZNs-Alg eyedrop can be a promising system as an antibacterial therapy. Full article

Local communities in many parts of the West Bank, Palestine have very limited water resources available for irrigation. In addition, since these communities are traditionally agricultural communities, water shortage and the lack of innovation in the agricultural sector led to loss of jobs in this sector. This in turn led young people to start looking for jobs in different sectors and even increased migration to urban centers. The reuse of treated wastewater can provide a viable solution to irrigation water shortage. It can help in creating jobs in the marginalized communities in the West Bank, especially in areas under full Israeli control (Area C according to the Oslo Accord). Furthermore, it is important to select crops that can resist the effects of climate change and create revenue for the farmers at the same time. In this research, we studied the impact of irrigating marigold (Tagetes erecta), which is a flower plant commonly used in the Palestinian market, with treated wastewater from the Nablus West Wastewater Treatment Plant (NWWTP). The quality of the treated wastewater, as indicated by parameters such as COD, BOD5, pH, EC, and TSS, shows its suitability for agricultural reuse. With low levels of organic matter, a near-neutral pH, and minimal suspended solids, the water poses minimal environmental risks and is ideal for irrigation, though monitoring for salinity buildup is necessary. Twenty-six marigold plants were planted, half of them were irrigated with the treated wastewater and the other half with tap water. Observations of length, number of roses, rose size, days to flower, and flowering days were recorded for both cases. The statistical analysis of the results shows that there is no significant difference between marigolds irrigated with treated wastewater and those treated with tap water, in terms of Plant Height, Rose Number and Rose Diameter. Full article