Search Results (5,775)

Background/Objectives: Understanding the interactions between nanoparticles and mucosal tissues is crucial for the development of advanced drug delivery systems, as the diffusion behavior of nanoparticles through mucus is strongly influenced by their size and surface properties, and the viscoelastic nature of the hydrogel matrix. In this study, we investigated the impact of nanoparticle size, surface charge, and hydrogel crosslinking density on nanoparticle diffusion in a mucus model in vitro. Method: Citrate-stabilized and PEGylated 30 and 100 nm gold nanoparticles were used as a model of nanoparticle and their diffusion through mucus-mimicking mucin-based hydrogels of two different crosslinking densities was assessed. Results: Citrate-stabilized 30 nm nanoparticles demonstrated greater diffusion in hydrogels mimicking native mucus compared to more densely crosslinked ones, reaching approximately 50.3 ± 0.2% diffusion within the first 5 min of the assay. This size-dependent effect was not observed for the 100 nm citrate-stabilized nanoparticles, which showed limited diffusion in both hydrogel types. To confer different surface charge, gold nanoparticles were functionalized by the conjugation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives of identical molecular weight with different terminal moieties (neutral, and positively and negatively charged) to modulate the surface charge and assess their interaction with the negatively charged mucin matrix. PEGylated particles exhibited significantly greater mobility than their citrate-stabilized counterparts, regardless of size or hydrogel density owing to the muco-penetration effect of PEG. Among PEGylated particles, the neutral and negatively charged 30 nm variants demonstrated higher diffusion than the positively charged ones due to weaker interactions with the negatively charged mucin hydrogel. For the 100 nm particles, the neutral PEGylated nanoparticles exhibited greater diffusion than their positively charged counterparts. Conclusions: Overall findings could provide valuable insights into the more rational design of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems targeting mucosal tissues. Full article

Microplastics (MPs), as an emerging persistent contaminant, pose a potential threat to ecosystems and human health. The adsorptive removal of MPs from aqueous environments using magnetic nanoparticles has become a particularly promising remediation technology. Nevertheless, there remain significant knowledge gaps regarding its adsorption mechanism, especially how the key physical properties of magnetic nanoparticles regulate their adsorption behavior towards MPs. This study first investigated the relationship between the particle size of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and their adsorption efficacy for MPs. The results demonstrated a non-monotonic, size-dependent adsorption of MPs by Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, with the adsorption efficiency and capacity following the order: 300 nm > 15 nm > 100 nm. This non-linear relationship suggested that factors other than specific surface area (which would favor smaller particles) are significantly influencing the adsorption process. Isotherm analysis indicated that the adsorption is not an ideal monolayer coverage process. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process could be better described by the pseudo-second-order model, while intra-particle diffusion played a critical role throughout the adsorption process. Furthermore, the effect of pH on adsorption efficiency was examined, revealing that the optimal performance occurs under neutral to weak acidic conditions, which is consistent with measurements of surface charges of nanoparticles. These findings suggest that the adsorption is not determined by specific surface area but is dominated by electrostatic interactions. The size-dependent adsorption of MPs by Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles provides new insights for the modification of magnetic adsorbents and offers a novel perspective for the sustainable and efficient remediation of environmental MPs pollution. Full article

The growing demand for dermocosmetics with ingredients of natural origin reflects the pivotal role of cutaneous health and appearance in consumer self-esteem. Under this context, clays have attracted attention for their potential applications in dermatological care. Our research work aimed to increase knowledge on the short-term impact of cosmetic formulations containing a blend of red, green, and black clays, assessing their effects on sebum regulation and in cutaneous biomechanical behavior (firmness/elasticity). Unlike daily skincare products, clay masks are used infrequently and for short durations; thus, an in vivo assessment was conducted after a 2-h application to reflect typical consumer use. The mineralogical and physicochemical properties of the different clays were characterized. Mineralogical analysis revealed distinct compositions among the clays: black clay exhibited a simpler mineral profile, lower density, and smaller particle size; green clay contained expandable smectite and was the densest; and red clay displayed the largest average particle size and highest iron content. Thermal analysis identified two major transitions: dehydration and kaolinite dehydroxylation. In vivo studies conducted in participants showed a significant reduction in skin oiliness across all clay-based formulations compared to baseline, control, and placebo following a 2-h application, and the rebound sebum production was dependent on clay concentration. Cutometry measurements did not reveal statistically significant improvements in skin firmness or elasticity compared to the control and placebo. The findings suggested that while clay-based formulations effectively reduced skin oiliness in the short term, their impact on sebum regulation and on skin biomechanical properties was limited after such a short product application period. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the distinct effects of each clay, assess their behavior in different formulation bases, and evaluate their efficacy after repeated use. Full article

At non-professional levels of rugby league, run-based tests are commonly performed on outdoor turfed fields and on indoor multipurpose sport surfaces, and results are monitored to gauge player performance and progression. However, test–retest reliability has not been conducted on indoor surfaces in adolescent rugby league players, and no research has examined if results obtained on outdoor and indoor surfaces are comparable for practitioners. Adolescent, male, rugby league players (N = 15; age = 17.1 ± 0.7 years) completed a 20 m linear sprint test (10- and 20 m splits), 505-Agility Test, and Multistage Fitness Test (MSFT) weekly for three consecutive weeks. Absolute (coefficient of variation (CV)) and relative (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)) reliability of each run-based test performed on the indoor surface was quantified. Dependent t-tests, Hedges g, and 95% confidence intervals were used to examine if differences in performance occurred between indoor and outdoor surfaces. Effect size magnitudes were determined as Trivial: <0.20, Small: 0.20–0.49, Medium: 0.50–0.79, and Large: ≥0.80. All tests were considered reliable on the indoor surface (CV < 5.0%; ICCs = moderate-good) except for the 505-Agility Test (CV = 4.6–5.1%; ICCs = poor). Non-significant (p > 0.05), trivial differences were revealed between surface types for 10 (g = 0.15, 95% CI = −0.41 to 0.70) and 20 m (g = 0.06, 95% CI = −0.49 to 0.61) sprint tests, the 505-Agility Test (Right: g = −0.53, 95% CI = −1.12 to 0.06; Left: g = −0.40, 95% CI = −0.97 to 0.17), and the MSFT (g = 0.25, 95% CI = −0.31 to 0.81). The 10 and 20 m linear sprint test and MSFT have acceptable test–retest reliability on an indoor multipurpose sport surface, and practitioners may compare results of run-based tests obtained on an outdoor and indoor surface. Full article

People with disabilities often face challenges like moving around independently and depending on personal caregivers for daily life activities. Traditional assistive devices are universally accepted by these communities, but they are designed with one-size-fits-all approaches that cannot adjust to individual human sizes, are not easily customized, and are made from rigid materials that do not adapt as a person’s condition changes over time. This systematic review examines the integration of smart materials, sensors, actuators, and 3D/4D printing technologies in advancing assistive devices, with a particular emphasis on mobility aids. In this work, the authors conducted a comparative analysis of traditional devices with commercially available innovative prototypes and research stage assistive devices by focusing on smart adaptable materials and sustainable additive manufacturing techniques. The results demonstrate how artificial intelligence drives smart assistive devices in hospital decentralized additive manufacturing, and policy frameworks agree with the Sustainable Development Goals, representing the future direction for adaptive assistive technology. Also, by combining 3D/4D printing and AI, it is possible to produce adaptive, affordable, and patient centered rehabilitation with feedback and can also provide predictive and preventive healthcare strategies. The successful commercialization of adaptive assistive devices relies on cost effective manufacturing techniques clinically aligned development supported by cross disciplinary collaboration to ensure scalable, sustainable, and universally accessible smart solutions. Ultimately, it paves the way for smart, sustainable, and clinically viable assistive devices that outperform conventional solutions and promote equitable access for all users. Full article

Nanoparticles (NPs) of noble metals such as gold have garnered significant attention due to their novel optical and catalytic properties, their theranostic properties, as they are biocompatible, and they attract considerable interest in a range of applications including targeted drug delivery. In this study, a fractional factorial design (FFD) is applied to systematically investigate the influence of key synthesis parameters (independent variables) at a low level (−1) and a high level (+1), including the reducing agent type (chitosan or trisodium citrate), concentration of reducing agent (10 to 40 mg), pH (3.5 to 8.5), temperature (60 to 100 °C), agitation time (5 to 15 min), and agitation speed (400 to 1200 rpm), on the dependent parameters—particle size and polydispersity index of gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The goal of this study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between these parameters and their interaction effect on the characteristics of gold nanoparticles. A fractional factorial design allowed for efficient screening of the parameter space while minimizing the number of experiments required. The results demonstrated that pH, reducing agent, reducing agent–concentration, reducing agent–concentration of reducing agent–pH, and reducing agent–temperature interactions played significant roles in determining the particle size of the synthesized GNPs. Moreover, pH and reducing agent–concentration were identified as the major factors influencing the dispersity of the NPs. This study sheds light on the complex relationships between synthesis parameters and NP characteristics, offering an insight into the capacity for optimizing the synthesis process in order to tailor the desired properties of GNPs. The findings contribute to the growing field of NP synthesis and advance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing the formation of GNPs with specific size and dispersity characteristics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Academic burnout is an emerging problem among nursing students, characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced academic efficacy. Sports interventions have been shown to have a positive effect on nurses as a preventive strategy against burnout. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a nature sports program on the levels of academic burnout in nursing students. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed. The intervention was a 12-week nature exercise program with two sessions each week. The main dependent variables were burnout (measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Student Survey), stress (measured using the Perceived Stress Scale), and anxiety and depression (measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). The post-intervention sample size was n = 58 in the control group and n = 48 in the intervention group. Results: After the intervention, significant differences were found in respect of emotional exhaustion (p < 0.001; Cohen’s D: 0.483), stress (p < 0.05; Cohen’s D: 0.456), and mean steps per day (p < 0.001; Cohen’s D: −1.09), with the mean values being reduced in the intervention group by around three points in emotional exhaustion and stress; the intervention group also achieved a higher mean number of daily steps compared to the control group. Conclusions: A nature sports program could help to reduce emotional exhaustion and stress, and increase the number of steps per day. Full article

The goal of this paper is to assess the evolution of the autogenous strains as well as the thermal strains (thanks to the assessment of the coefficient of thermal expansion) of alkali-activated slag-based materials at early age. The effect of the sand and the coarse aggregates on the paste and mortar scale to upscale to mortar and concrete, respectively, has been investigated as a function of the age of the material. The restraint imposed by the sand on the paste seemed more significant than that of the coarse aggregate on the mortar. In addition, the long-term autogenous strains have been monitored on the mortar scale. These results revealed a separation into groups based on the solution concentration. Different testing methods were also compared. Thermal and autogenous strains were monitored with a customized testing device where the thermal variations are controlled. These devices were the horizontal corrugated tubes method (for tests on paste and mortar scales) and the vertical corrugated tubes method (for tests on mortar and concrete scales). Depending on the compositions (lower concentration), good correlations can be obtained between the two testing methods. Moreover, the autogenous strain of two different specimen sizes was also assessed manually (initially for the long-term), but early-age comparison showed good correlation for lower solution-to-binder ratios. On the concrete scale, a correlation based on the modified equations from the standards was established between the compressive strength and the tensile strength, obtained from the splitting tensile test. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plant-derived bioactive compounds like syringic acid, a phenolic acid from the shikimic acid pathway, have shown potential against chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and cerebral ischemia. However, its poor water solubility and rapid systemic elimination result in low oral bioavailability, limiting therapeutic potential. This study aimed to enhance its oral bioavailability using MIL-100(Fe), a metal–organic framework (MOF) known for high surface area and drug-loading capacity. Methods: MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized using an optimized method and loaded with syringic acid through impregnation at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Characterization included PXRD, FTIR, BET, SEM, and DLS. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated following OECD 423 guidelines, and bioavailability was assessed in Sprague Dawley rats. Results: The 1:2 MIL-100(Fe) to syringic acid ratio achieved the highest drug loading at 64.42 ± 0.03% (12 h). PXRD and FTIR confirmed successful loading (notably at 1239.2 cm⁻¹), and TGA indicated thermal stability at ~350 °C. SEM revealed octahedral particles with an average size of 270.67 ± 2.60 nm. BET showed reduced surface area post-loading. In vitro drug release exhibited media-dependent profiles. Toxicity tests indicated no adverse effects at 2000 mg/kg. Oral administration of SYA@MIL-100(Fe) resulted in a 10.997-fold increase in relative bioavailability versus oral syringic acid and a 12.82-fold increase compared to intraperitoneal administration. Conclusions: MIL-100(Fe) is a safe and effective oral carrier for syringic acid, significantly enhancing its bioavailability. This platform shows strong potential for delivering phenolic compounds in pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Currently, Japan’s fishing industry is facing a severe decline in its workforce. As a response, fishing mechanization using small underwater robots is promoted. These robots offer advantages due to their compact size, although their operating time is limited. A major source of this limited operating time is posture stabilization, which requires continuous thruster use and rapidly drains the battery. To reduce power consumption, anchoring the robot to the seabed with anchors is proposed. However, due to neutral buoyancy, the available thrust is limited, making penetration into the seabed difficult and reducing stability. To address this, we focus on composite-shaped anchors and vibration. The anchors combine a conical tip and a cylindrical shaft to achieve both penetrability and holding force. However, a trade-off exists between these functions depending on the tip angle; anchors with larger angles provide better holding capacity but lower penetrability. To overcome this limitation, vibration is applied to reduce soil resistance and facilitate anchor penetration. While vibration is known to aid penetration in saturated soft soils, the effect of tip angle under such conditions remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the optimal tip angle for achieving sufficient penetration and holding performance under vibratory conditions. Experiments in underwater saturated soft soil showed that vibration improves both penetration and holding. This effect was strong in anchors with tip angles optimized for holding force. These findings support the development of energy-efficient anchoring systems for autonomous underwater operations in soft seabed environments. Full article

Microplastic (MPL) and nanoplastic (NPL) contamination in soils is widespread, impacting soil invertebrates, microbial communities, and soil–plant systems. Here, we compiled the information from 100 research articles from 2018 onwards to enhance and synthesize the status quo of MPLs’ and NPLs’ impacts on such groups. The effects of these pollutants depend on multiple factors, including polymer composition, size, shape, concentration, and aging processes. Research on soil invertebrates has focused on earthworms and some studies on nematodes and collembolans, but studies are still limited to other groups, such as mites, millipedes, and insect larvae. Beyond soil invertebrates, plastics are also altering microbial communities at the soil–plastic interface, fostering the development of specialized microbial assemblages and shifting microbial functions in ways that remain poorly understood. Research has largely centered on bacterial interactions with MPLs, leaving understudied fungi, protists, and other soil microorganisms. Furthermore, MPLs and NPLs also interact with terrestrial plants, and their harmful effects, such as adsorption, uptake, translocation, and pathogen vectors, raise public awareness. Given the complexity of these interactions, well-replicated experiments and community- and ecosystem-level studies employing objective-driven technologies can provide insights into how MPLs and NPLs influence microbial and faunal diversity, functional traits, and soil ecosystem stability. Full article

Against a global backdrop of industrialization and urbanization, precise measurement of multifactor flows and systematic identification of barriers and drivers are critical for optimizing resource allocation in smart regional development. This study develops an integrated geospatial analytic framework that incorporates mobile signaling data and POI data to quantify the intensity, barriers, and driving mechanisms of urban–rural factor flows in Huzhou City at the township scale. Key findings reveal the following. (1) Urban–rural factor flows exhibit significant spatial polarization, with less than 20% of connections accounting for the majority of flow intensity. The structure shows clear core–periphery differentiation, further shaped by inner heterogeneity and metropolitan spillovers. (2) Barriers demonstrate complex and uneven spatial distributions, with 45.37% of the integrated flow intervals experiencing impediments. Critically, some nodes act as both facilitators and obstacles, depending on the flow type and direction, revealing a metamodern tension between promotion and impairment. (3) Economic vitality plays a crucial role in driving urban–rural factor flow, with different factors having complex, often synergistic or nonlinear effects on both single and integrated flows. The study advances the theoretical understanding of heterogeneous spatial structures in urban–rural systems and provides a replicable analytical framework for diagnosing factor flows in small and medium-sized cities. These insights form a critical basis for designing targeted and adaptive regional governance strategies. Full article

Ice accretion (icing) on aircraft surfaces is a significant safety risk through airfoil shape modification and reduction in aerodynamic efficiency. This process occurs when an aircraft flies through clouds of supercooled water droplets that freeze upon impact on exposed surfaces. To counter this hazard, electro-thermal de-icing systems integrate heaters in critical regions to melt ice and reduce performance losses. In this study, a multiphysics computational model is used to simulate ice accretion and electro-thermal de-icing on a NACA-0012 airfoil, accounting for factors such as airflow, droplet impingement, phase changes, and heat conduction. The model’s predictions are validated against experimental data, confirming its accuracy. A cyclic electro-thermal ice protection system (ETIPS) is then tested under both standard and severe supercooled large droplet (SLD) conditions, examining how droplet size and angle of attack affect de-icing performance. Simulations without an active de-icing system show severe aerodynamic degradation, including an 11.1% loss of lift and a 48.2% increase in drag at a ${12}^{\circ }$ angle of attack. For large droplets (median 200 $\mathsf{\mu }$m), the drag coefficient increases by 36.5%. Under harsh icing conditions, the effectiveness of the de-icing system is found to depend on droplet size, angle of attack, and heater placement. Even with continuous heater operation, ice continues to accumulate on the leading edge at higher angles of attack. While the ETIPS performs effectively against large droplets in heated zones, unheated regions experience significant ice buildup (especially with 200 $\mathsf{\mu }$m droplets). This indicates that additional or extended heaters may be necessary to ensure complete protection in extreme conditions. Full article

The preservation of bridge infrastructure has become increasingly critical as aging assets face accelerated deterioration due to climate change, environmental loading, and operational stressors. This issue is particularly pronounced in regions with limited maintenance budgets, where delayed interventions compound structural vulnerabilities. Although traditional bridge inspections generate detailed condition ratings, these are often viewed as isolated snapshots rather than part of a continuous structural health timeline, limiting their predictive value. To overcome this, recent studies have employed various Artificial Intelligence (AI) models. However, these models are often restricted by fixed input sizes and specific report formats, making them less adaptable to the variability of real-world data. Thus, this study introduces a Transformer architecture inspired by Natural Language Processing (NLP), treating condition ratings, and other features as tokens within temporally ordered inspection “sentences” spanning 1993–2024. Due to the self-attention mechanism, the model effectively captures long-range dependencies in patterns, enhancing forecasting accuracy. Empirical results demonstrate 96.88% accuracy for short-term prediction and 86.97% across seven years, surpassing the performance of comparable time-series models such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs). Ultimately, this approach enables a data-driven paradigm for structural health monitoring, enabling bridges to “speak” through inspection data and empowering engineers to “listen” with enhanced precision. Full article

The increasing environmental presence of metal oxide nanoparticles (NMOPs) raises concerns regarding their influence on biological wastewater treatment. This study comparatively evaluates the structural and biological effects of zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂-NPs) nanoparticles on activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant. Experimental exposure covered nanoparticle concentrations of 0.05–0.3 g/L and contact times up to 180 min, with analysis of enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase activity, TTC-SA method), sludge settleability, and particle size distribution. Inhibition of microbial metabolic activity was observed in a clear dose- and time-dependent manner, with ZnO-NPs showing stronger toxicity than TiO₂-NPs. At the highest dose (0.3 g/L), enzymatic activity nearly disappeared after 90 min (0.04 µg TPF/mg MLSS). Both nanoparticles caused floc fragmentation, decreased sludge volume index (SVI), and increased the proportion of ultrafine particles (<0.3 µm). ZnO-NPs induced more severe destabilization, while TiO₂-NPs showed partial re-aggregation of suspended particles at higher concentrations. Additionally, particle size distribution in the supernatant was analyzed, revealing distinct aggregation and fragmentation patterns for ZnO- and TiO₂-NPs. These structural and functional alterations suggest potential risks for treatment efficiency, including reduced nutrient removal and impaired sludge settleability. The study provides a comparative contribution to understanding toxicity mechanisms of ZnO- and TiO₂-NPs and emphasizes the need to monitor NMOPs in wastewater and to develop mitigation strategies to ensure stable plant operation Full article