Search Results (5,939)

The influence of minor components on leaching molecular iodine (I₂) through polypropylene (PP)-based packaging from a povidone iodine-based (PVP-I) formulation, simulating an ophthalmic application, was evaluated. I₂ is a cheap, broad-spectrum, and multi-target antiseptic. Nevertheless, it is volatile, and the prolonged storage of I₂-based formulations is demanding in plastic packaging because of transmission through the material. Therefore, we explored the possibility of moderating the loss of I₂ from an iodophor formulation by introducing small amounts of molecular iodine into the polymer material commonly used in eyedropper caps, i.e., PP. Thus, PP was blended via an extrusion process with a polymeric complex containing iodine (such as PVP-I) or with a second polymeric component able to complex the I₂ released from an iodophor solution. The aim of this work was to introduce I₂ into PP-based polymer matrices without using organic solvents and indirectly, i.e., through the addition of components that could generate molecular iodine or complex it in the solid phase, as I₂ is heat-sensitive. To increase the miscibility between PP and PVP-I, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) or a vinyl pyrrolidone vinyl acetate copolymer 55/45 (Sokalan) were added as compatibilizers. The PP-based binary and ternary blends, in granular or sheet form, were characterized thermally (Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC, and Thermogravimetric analysis, TGA), mechanically (tensile tests), morphologically (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), and chemically (attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR)). Additionally, the variation in wettability induced by the introduction of the hydrophilic minority components was determined by static contact angle measurements (static contact angle (SCA)), and tests were carried out to determine the barrier properties against oxygen (oxygen transmission rate (OTR)) and molecular iodine. The I₂ leaching of the different blends was compared with that of PP by monitoring the I₂ retention in a buffered PVP-I solution via UV-vis spectroscopy. Overall, the experimental data showed the capability of the minority components in the blends to increase thermal stability as well as act as a barrier to oxygen. Additionally, the PP blend with PVP-I induced a reduction in molecular iodine leaching in comparison with PP. Full article

This article analyzes how food functions as a cultural and narrative device in Vicente Blasco Ibáñez’s Around the World of a Novelist (1924), offering insight into early-20th-century global encounters as mediated through diet and gastronomy. Framed within literary analysis and food studies, the study focuses on Blasco Ibáñez’s representations of food across Japan, China, India, and the Americas, identifying how culinary practices serve to construct cultural otherness, negotiate identity, and reflect broader ideological frameworks. The methodology involves close textual reading combined with interpretive tools from cultural anthropology and nutritional science, especially regarding traditional versus industrial food systems. The analysis finds that Japanese foodways are portrayed as ritualized and harmonious, Chinese cuisine as ingenious yet unsettling, Indian diets as spiritually driven but materially scarce, and American food systems as abundant and industrialized. Across these accounts, food emerges not merely as sustenance but as a marker of civilization, modernity, and cultural difference. The article concludes that Blasco Ibáñez’s narrative captures a transitional moment in global food history, documenting both the persistence of traditional culinary systems and the rise of industrialized, globalized nutrition, thereby positioning gastronomy as a key lens for understanding travel literature and cross-cultural representation. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a static, homogeneous magnetic field on the physicochemical properties of magnetic hydrogels based on collagen and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), chemically crosslinked with genipin. The crosslinking process was initiated in the presence of a magnetic field with three different induction values (100, 250 and 500 mT), generated in specially designed experimental systems. It was demonstrated that the applied field did not noticeably affect the crosslinking efficiency, and stable hydrogels with a high gel fraction in the range of 87–94% were obtained. STEM image analysis revealed that in the highest magnetic field, the nanoparticles tended to form larger clusters, while at lower fields and in the material crosslinked at zero field, smaller clusters and chains of nanoparticles were observed mainly. This observation was reflected in the magnetic susceptibility, which showed a weaker response to the magnetic field of the material obtained by crosslinking in the presence of the 500 mT field compared to the material crosslinked without the field—larger clusters of nanoparticles may hinder the alignment of the magnetic moments of their constituent nanoparticles. Studies of the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels obtained indicate that the presence of larger clusters can cause a local decrease in the crosslinking density, resulting in a slight decrease in the storage modulus and increased initial swelling and degradation rates. The results obtained show that the application of a homogeneous magnetic field with moderate induction values during the crosslinking process can be used as a tool for modification of the microstructure of magnetic collagen-based hydrogels. The possibility of such structural modifications may be useful in designing biomaterials with properties tailored to their target application. Full article

Carbyne-containing materials offer significant potential for biosensor applications due to their unique chemical and mechanical properties. In this study, carbyne-enriched carbon coatings deposited on SiO₂/Si chips using ion-assisted pulse-plasma deposition were evaluated for the first time as substrates for optical biosensing. At first, the carbyne-enriched coatings were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and the sessile drop method to assess their composition, structure, and wettability. After that, chips with carbyne-enriched coatings were modified with biomolecules through physical absorption or covalent bonding, and the respective biomolecular interactions were monitored in real-time by White Light Reflectance Spectroscopy (WLRS). In both cases, SiO₂/Si chips modified with an aminosilane were used as reference substrates. Physical adsorption was tested through immobilization of an antibody against C-reactive protein (CRP) to enable its immunochemical detection, whereas covalent bonding was tested through coupling of biotin and monitoring its reaction with streptavidin. It was found that the carbyne-enriched carbon-coated chips retained both their antibody adsorption capability and their covalent bonding ability for over 18 months, while the modified with aminosilane SiO₂/Si chips lost 90% of their antibody adsorption capacity and covalent bonding ability after two months of storage. These findings highlight the strong potential of carbyne-enriched carbon-coated chips as robust biosensing substrates, with applications extending beyond WLRS. Full article

Monitoring the concentration of heavy metals in urban soils is of a paramount importance for several reasons. These inorganic pollutants can pose a significant health risk to living organisms, as they are toxic even at low concentrations and can be present in the soil for a long period of time. This study assesses the spatial distribution, concentration levels, and potential anthropogenic and natural sources of eight typical heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) occurring in urban surface soils across Debrecen, Hungary. A total of 295 topsoil samples were collected; heavy metal concentrations were determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. The results were interpreted using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, hierarchical clustering, factor analysis, ordinary kriging interpolation, and spatial-discriminant analysis. The dual origin of the metal contaminants was revealed: As, Co, Pb, and Zn showed strong anthropogenic signatures associated with traffic, urban waste, and construction materials, whereas Cr and Ni were associated with natural geogenic sources. Cd reflected both lithogenic and point-source urban pollution. The current evaluation incorporated Hungarian and Dutch regulatory benchmarks to identify exceedances of environmental quality thresholds. It was found that only Cd and Cr exceeded the Hungarian target values, on average. Linear discriminant analysis based on pollution maps highlighted contamination hotspots around traffic corridors and newly industrialized zones. The importance of high-resolution soil monitoring in the rapidly urbanizing city is highlighted. Given its anticipated industrial and transportation developments, accumulations of heavy metals are probably going to be further exacerbated; therefore, the results provide a critical baseline for future environmental assessments and long-term monitoring. Full article

Rapid urbanization in semi-arid heritage cities is accelerating land use/land cover (LULC) transitions, with critical implications for local climate regulation, surface energy balance, and environmental sustainability. This study investigates Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur (Rajasthan, India) between 2018 and 2024 to assess the influence of spatio-temporal dynamics of LULC on urban surface metrics. Multi-temporal satellite datasets were used to derive the index-based built-up index (IBI), surface urban heat island intensity (SUHI), Albedo, urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI), and bare soil index (BSI). The results reveal substantial built-up expansion—most pronounced in Udaipur (+26.7%)—coupled with vegetation loss (up to −23.8% in Jaipur) and progressive albedo decline (Sen’s slope ≈ −0.002 yr⁻¹). These transformations highlight suppressed surface reflectivity and enhanced heat absorption. A key and novel finding is the emergence of a counter-intuitive surface urban cool island (SUCI) effect, whereby urban cores exhibited daytime cooling and nighttime warming relative to rural surroundings. This anomaly is attributed to the rapid heating and poor nocturnal heat retention of bare, sparsely vegetated rural soils, contrasted with the thermal inertia and shading of urban surfaces. By documenting negative SUHI patterns and explicitly linking them to LULC trajectories, this study advances the understanding of urban climate dynamics in semi-arid contexts. The findings underscore the need for climate-sensitive planning—strengthening peri-urban green belts, regulating impervious expansion, and adopting albedo-enhancing construction materials—while safeguarding cultural heritage. More broadly, the study contributes empirical evidence from climatically vulnerable yet culturally significant cities, offering insights relevant to global SUHI research and sustainable urban development. Full article

Screen filters are widely used to retain suspended solids. Their performance depends not only on the nominal aperture size but also on the structural characteristics of the filter element, including material properties, weave pattern, and filtration rate. Although manufacturers typically specify filtration grade using mesh size or micron rating, these nominal values sometimes fail to reflect actual retention efficiency under field conditions. This study evaluated how filtration rate influences the retention efficiency of inorganic particles in eleven woven screen filter elements with different materials and configurations. Tests were conducted under two filtration rates and using particles of different size classes to determine the actual filtration threshold. The removal efficiency was determined by measuring total suspended solids (TSS). Eight of the eleven filters achieved more than 85% efficiency for at least one particle class, while three failed to meet this criterion. Higher filtration rates tended to reduce particle retention, particularly in synthetic filters. Nylon and polypropylene elements often exceeded their nominal filtration grades but were more sensitive to flow variations. Stainless steel filters exhibited consistent performance aligned with specifications. The findings emphasize the importance of experimental validation and support more informed filter selection based on particle size and hydraulic operating conditions. Full article

This article presents an analysis of the architectural integration of two new buildings implemented on the Gdańsk University of Technology campus (Poland) as a case study of combining contemporary technologies with cultural continuity. The buildings, designed by the author of the article, who is the main designer, are a conscious response to the historical urban and architectural context of the campus, the development of which started at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of Dutch Neo-Renaissance. The new buildings refer to the architectural heritage of the university through their scale and colors, but their form, details and applied technological solutions clearly reflect modernity. A particularly important element of their modern character is the implementation of advanced pro-ecological systems for obtaining energy from renewable sources (RES), which fits into the current climate challenges and the role of the technical university as a promoter of sustainable development. The article discusses how architecture, materials and modern building systems were used to create a dialogue between tradition and innovation. The analysis is based on design documentation and planning conditions, and its background is a broader discourse on culturally sustainable architecture. Conscious of other, more conservative views, the author puts forward the thesis that cultural continuity does not require stylistic imitation, but conscious, contextual reinterpretation. The results of the article enrich the debate on the development of academic campuses, heritage-responsible design and the role of the architect in shaping a space that connects the future with the past. The main research contribution of the article is the presentation of an original method of designing architectural objects that integrates advanced pro-ecological technologies with a contextual reinterpretation of architectural heritage, which constitutes a new perspective in the discussion on culturally sustainable architecture. Full article

The urban heat island (UHI) effect, intensified by urbanisation and climate change, leads to increased urban temperatures and poses a serious environmental challenge. Understanding its causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies is essential for sustainable urban planning. The aim of this study is to systematically analyse how the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect has been addressed in the scientific literature, to identify key research themes and their temporal evolution, and to critically highlight knowledge gaps in order to provide guidance for future research and urban planning policies. Using BERTopic, an advanced natural language processing (NLP) tool, the study extracts dominant themes from a large corpus of academic literature and tracks their evolution over time. A total of 9061 research articles from the Web of Science database were collected, pre-processed, and analysed. BERTopic clustered semantically related topics and revealed their temporal dynamics, offering insights into emerging and declining research areas. The results show that pavement materials and urban vegetation are among the most studied themes, highlighting the importance of surface materials and green infrastructure in mitigating UHI. In line with this aim, the study identifies a rising interest in urban cooling strategies, particularly reflective surfaces and ventilation corridors. Consistent with its aim, the study provides a comprehensive overview of UHI literature, critically identifies existing gaps, and proposes clear directions for future research. It provides supports for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers in developing data-driven strategies to mitigate UHI impacts and strengthen enhance urban climate resilience. Full article

The study of the material composition, textural, and structural features of skarns and magnetite ores is of great importance for increasing the efficiency of iron ore mining and its subsequent processing and enrichment. In the northwestern Balkhash region of Central Kazakhstan, there is a reserve iron ore region represented by a series of skarn contact-metasomatic deposits: Bapy, Zhuantobe, Karaulken, Akchagyl, Ushtobe, Kiyik, Taitobe, Tomashev, Kyzyl-Sayak, and others. The results of field investigations and laboratory analyses have enabled the characterization of the mineralogical and petrographic composition of the skarns, as well as their material composition and textural–structural features. All these specified characteristics of skarns reflect the stage-by-stage nature of the contact-metasomatic processes of iron ore formation. The skarn formation model at the Zhuantobe deposit developed over several stages: (1) the formation of skarns during granitoid intrusion and the establishment of conditions for contact metamorphism (resulting in iron-poor, barren diopside hornfels and marbles); (2) early skarn stage, during which anhydrous, dark-colored endo- and exoskarns composed of pyroxenes, magnetite, and hematite develop; (3) late fluid–hydrothermal stage, during which hornblende, epidote, calcite, and sulfides (pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena) form; (4) oxidative supergene stage under near-surface conditions, during which limonite and iron hydroxides form. The conducted comprehensive analysis of the material composition and textural–structural features of iron ores of the Zhuantobe deposit made it possible to establish the influence of these parameters on the technological properties of ores. The performed studies make it possible to more accurately identify promising iron ore zones in skarns and predict the technological behavior of ore during processing. Full article

During the working process of the wheel loader, the repeated cycle of the shoveling and unloading process will produce an impact, so the loader is under a cyclic load for a long time, which leads to the frequent failure of its main parts. In this study, a new way of compiling the load spectrum of the loader’s working device and its application in fatigue life prediction is proposed. Through experimental data collection and preprocessing, the force of the cylinder block and hinge contact is corrected by mapping and inertia, which accurately reflects the actual force of the loader. The whole life cycle load spectrum is compiled by using the rainflow counting method and the extrapolation coefficient, and the test efficiency is optimized with the low-amplitude load omission method. By combining finite element analysis with material S-N curves using nCode DesignLife (version 11.1) and ANSYS Workbench frameworks (version 2024 R2), this research accurately predicts the fatigue life of the loader’s working unit and identifies key failure areas. The prediction results are consistent with the actual feedback data, and the accuracy of the method is verified. Full article

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) represent the non-material relationships between people and nature, yet their intangible nature poses challenges for spatial planning and policy integration. This study examines CES in Gauja National Park, Latvia, focusing on symbolic, sacred, educational, and cultural heritage values—types often underrepresented in CES assessments. Using a Participatory Geographic Information Systems (PGIS) approach, a map-based public survey was conducted via ArcGIS Survey123, enabling respondents to mark and describe places of personal significance. While widely applied internationally, PGIS remains rarely used in Latvia, especially in planning and municipal decision-making. This study explores the use of the PGIS method for the assessment of CES, serving as a pilot application to test its suitability and potential for integration into spatial planning. Points of value were successfully georeferenced and reflect diverse associations. While well-known heritage sites were commonly mentioned, respondents also identified personally meaningful locations, sometimes situated outside the park’s formal boundaries. The findings highlight both the strengths and limitations of digital participatory methods, including issues related to response rates, accessibility, and digital literacy. The study demonstrates that mapping CES with PGIS can offer valuable insights for inclusive landscape governance and supports the incorporation of local perspectives into spatial planning. Full article

Background and Objectives: The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), derived from peripheral blood parameters, has emerged as a novel marker reflecting the balance between host immunity and tumor-related inflammatory burden. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of baseline SII on survival outcomes in patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer undergoing perioperative FLOT (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel) chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 168 patients with histologically confirmed gastric or GEJ cancer who received perioperative FLOT therapy were included. SII was calculated using the formula: SII = (Platelets × Neutrophils)/Lymphocytes. ROC curve analysis determined the optimal SII cutoff for predicting mortality. Patients were categorized into low (SII ≤685) and high (SII >685) groups. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared via the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The optimal cutoff value for SII was determined to be 685 (AUC: 0.652, 95% CI: 0.558–0.747, p = 0.003). High SII was significantly shorter OS (17.4 vs. 28.2 months, p = 0.001) Multivariate analysis identified high SII (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.36–2.89, p = 0.039), advanced T stage (HR = 3.693, p < 0.001), poor treatment response (HR = 0.36, p < 0.001), and ECOG-PS ≥1 (HR = 3.297, p < 0.001) as independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Elevated baseline SII is an independent predictor of worse OS and DFS in gastric and GEJ cancer patients receiving perioperative FLOT chemotherapy. SII may serve as a practical and inexpensive biomarker to support risk stratification and personalized treatment decisions. Full article

The Gutaishan Au–Sb deposit is situated in the southern segment of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, a region characterized by a concentration of Au–Sb–W deposits. Previous research has predominantly concentrated on Au mineralization, whereas studies addressing the equally important Sb mineralization are relatively scarce. To investigate key scientific questions regarding the source of ore-forming materials, the physicochemical conditions, and mineralization mechanisms of Sb in the Gutaishan deposit, we conducted systematic analyses of trace elements in hydrothermal quartz and sulfur isotopes in stibnite. Li, Al, Sb, B, Na, K, Ti, Ge, and As are the dominant trace elements in hydrothermal quartz from the Gutaishan deposit. The dominant substitution mechanism is (Al³⁺, Sb³⁺) + (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, H⁺) ↔ Si⁴⁺. The relatively low but variable Al concentrations indicate that quartz precipitated from fluids with fluctuating pH and weakly acidic conditions, while variations in Ti and Ge reflect significant temperature changes. These features suggest that fluid mixing was the primary mineralization mechanism in the Gutaishan deposit. Hydrothermal quartz contains anomalously high B concentrations (14.36–30.64 ppm), far exceeding typical hydrothermal levels, while stibnite displays consistent magmatic sulfur isotope signatures (−3.50‰ to −4.2‰, with an average of −3.99 ± 0.2‰), which are markedly different from the in situ δ³⁴S values of sedimentary sulfides (+7.0‰ to +23.3‰) in the host rocks. This combination of evidence indicates a magmatic–hydrothermal origin for Sb mineralization. Integrating previous geochronological and isotopic constraints with our new observations, we interpret that the Gutaishan deposit represents an intrusion-related Au–Sb deposit formed in a post-collisional extensional setting, where Sb was precipitated after Au mineralization as a result of fluid mixing. Full article

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is one of the most commonly used geophysical methods for imaging the distribution of electrical resistivity in the subsurface. It is often employed to characterise heterogeneity in karst regions and locate cavities and conduits below the surface. The resistivity contrast between the host rock and the cavity depends on the material filling the cavity. Air has a high electrical resistivity and should therefore produce strong reflections and refractions off cavity walls. However, cavities are not always easily detectable. A decrease in resistivity contrast at the interface between rock and air may result from different physical conditions relating to pore saturation, fracturing and stress near the cavity walls. Our first goal is to understand how extensive fracturing and hydrogeological conditions in the first subsurface layers can affect electric current flow in the presence of a karst tunnel. We use the commercial Res2Dmod software 3.0 to simulate an ERT on several ground models. The results, which are based on hydrogeological models, are presented for several conditions of a karst conduit: empty; full of water within a homogeneous background; and below the groundwater level in the presence of extensive fractures in the shallow layer above it. Full article