Search Results (2,272)

Historic masonry churches are highly vulnerable to structural degradation and seismic hazards due to their geometric complexity, material ageing, and lack of detailed construction records. The Church of Santos Juanes in Valencia, a monument of exceptional historical and architectural value, presents these challenges, intensified by centuries of transformations and partial loss of documentation. In this study, we develop a comprehensive methodology that integrates historical research, non-destructive testing (3D laser scanning with Leica Geosystems Cyclone v9.1.1; infrared thermography, commercial software; ground-penetrating radar with gprMax 2016 and GPR-SLICE v7.MT), and advanced finite element modelling (Angle v1). The integrated survey data enabled the creation of an accurate 3D geometric model, the detection of hidden construction elements, and the characterisation of subsoil stratigraphy. Structural simulations under static and seismic loading—considering soil–structure interaction—revealed the high global stiffness of the complex, the influence of the Baroque vault on load distribution, and localised vulnerabilities, particularly in the San Juan ‘O’ façade, which coincide with existing cracks confirmed by thermography. This methodological framework not only advances the diagnosis and conservation of Santos Juanes but also provides a replicable model for assessing and safeguarding other heritage buildings with similar typological and structural challenges. Full article

In this article, the binding interactions of lysozyme with hexacyanoferrate(III)/(II), i.e., [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ and [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ ions, have been characterised using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy (SF), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and molecular-dynamics-based computational approaches. Studies have shown that under experimental conditions (10 mM cacodylate buffer, pH 7, 298.15 K), complexes with a 1:1 stoichiometry are formed. Four distinct regions on the lysozyme surface patches with the potential to bind hexacyanoferrate(III)/(II) were identified and described. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the interactions are predominantly governed by electrostatic and van der Waals forces. These interactions enhance the electron transfer kinetics of the [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− system. The secondary structure of the protein is not affected by these interactions. Enzyme activity studies demonstrated that the affinity of lysozyme for the substrate remained unchanged regardless of whether free lysozyme or the lysozyme-[Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− complex was present in the test sample. Finally, biological tests performed on both Gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) bacteria confirmed the results of the biochemical analysis, indicating that [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− ions do not block the active site of the enzyme and do not interfere with its activity. Full article

Collagen hydrogels serve as biomimetic scaffolds that closely resemble the natural extracellular matrix, thus providing an ideal 3D biocompatible environment for cells. However, based on our previous experience, not all collagen isolates are capable of gelling, which appears to depend on the type, origin, species, age and sex of the source animal and the collagen isolation method applied. We therefore decided to evaluate porcine collagen-rich materials isolated from two different porcine genotypes applying two different specific isolation methods, and to analyse other main components, i.e., lipids and glycosaminoglycans, as well as amino acid composition and structural and morphological properties. While all the collagen isolates obtained were subjected to the gelling process, only one of them successfully gelled. In addition, the gelling ability of this isolate was confirmed repeatedly on collagens that were isolated from other pigs of the same porcine genotype. The results revealed that the gelling process proceeds via cooperation between the composition and the structure of the collagen isolate. With respect to the composition, one of the most important factors in terms of the success of the gelation process of collagen isolates concerns elevated glycosaminoglycan contents. The structural factors that characterise collagen isolates, i.e., cross-links (immature and mature) and their mutual ratio, as well as the presence of telopeptides, strongly impact the progress of the gelling process and the resulting character of the hydrogel structure. All these factors are influenced by the isolation procedure. Full article

Port maintenance causes large quantities of dredged sediment throughout the world. The disposal of this material in authorised landfills is economically disadvantageous, as well as being at odds with a circular economy model with a reduced impact on the environment. The application of stabilization/solidification treatment to dredged marine sediments allows an improvement of their physical and mechanical properties, together with the production of cement-based materials that can be used for road construction, as well as for making blocks and bricks. In this study, an experimental laboratory investigation is carried out on two samples of sandy sediments collected from the Mola di Bari harbour (Southern Italy), to identify sustainable management options for recovering materials that will be dredged. To assess the influence on mortars made from sediments with variable organic matter content and seawater, these were characterised from a chemical–physical point of view before and after washing treatment and oxidative processes. The products of the Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) treatment were evaluated in terms of workability, flexural and compressive strengths, and, furthermore, a microstructural study was conducted using SEM-EDX and optical microscopy to analyse the internal structure of the materials. The mechanical performance evaluation clearly demonstrated organic matter’s negative impact on strength development, resulting in a 16% reduction. Pre-treatments, such as sediment washing, effectively improved the performance of treated sediments (e.g., 24% increase in compressive strength). This study aims to demonstrate the benefits of recycling marine sediments in cement-based materials, highlighting how this process can enhance circularity and sustainability while reducing the environmental impact of dredging activities. Full article

Lubricating oils are utilised in equipment and machinery to reduce friction and enhance material utilisation. The utilisation of oil leads to an increase in its thickness and density over time. Current methods for assessing oil life are slow, expensive, and complex, and often only applicable in laboratory settings and unsuitable for real-time or field use. This leads to unexpected equipment failures, unnecessary oil changes, and economic and environmental losses. A comprehensive review of the extant literature revealed no studies and no national or international patents on neural network algorithm-based oil life modelling and classification using green sensors. In order to address this research gap, this study, for the first time in the literature, provides a green conductivity sensor with high-accuracy prediction of oil life by integrating real-time field measurements and artificial neural networks. This design is based on analysing resistance change using a relatively low-cost, three-dimensional, eco-friendly sensor. The sensor is characterised by its simplicity, speed, precision, instantaneous measurement capability, and user-friendliness. The MLP and LVQ algorithms took as input the resistance values measured in two different oil types (diesel, bench oil) after 5–30 h of use. Depending on their degradation levels, they classified the oils as ‘diesel’ or ‘bench oil’ with 99.77% and 100% accuracy. This study encompasses a sensing system with a sensitivity of 50 µS/cm, demonstrating the proposed methodologies’ efficacy. A next-generation decision support system that will perform oil life determination in real time and with excellent efficiency has been introduced into the literature. The components of the sensor structure under scrutiny in this study are conducive to the creation of zero waste, in addition to being environmentally friendly and biocompatible. The developed three-dimensional green sensor simultaneously detects physical (resistance change) and chemical (oxidation-induced polar group formation) degradation by measuring oil conductivity and resistance changes. Measurements were conducted on simulated contaminated samples in a laboratory environment and on real diesel, gasoline, and industrial oil samples. Thanks to its simplicity, rapid applicability, and low cost, the proposed method enables real-time data collection and decision-making in industrial maintenance processes, contributing to the development of predictive maintenance strategies. It also supports environmental sustainability by preventing unnecessary oil changes and reducing waste. Full article

Against the backdrop of rapid new urbanisation and the ongoing integration of urban and rural areas, the evolving spatial dynamics between public service facilities and population distribution have increasingly garnered scholarly interest. The present study employs a grid-based spatial unit and a coupling coordination model as a foundation. This model integrates POI data, Baidu heat maps, and other sources of spatial and temporal information. The objective is to explore the dynamic matching pattern of public service facilities and population distribution. The study’s findings are as follows: The population within the core urban area displays a strong propensity for agglomeration during the morning and evening peak hours, thereby forming a highly coordinated public service network characterised by high-density and piecemeal distribution of public service facilities. The population residing within the transition zone between urban and rural areas is commuting in a substantial number, and the relationship between the supply of and demand for facilities demonstrates cyclical fluctuations. Local areas are subject to time-periodic pressure on the supply of and demand for facilities. In rural areas, due to the continuous population outflow and dispersed residence, the layout of service facilities is fragmented, exhibiting the island effect. The study reveals a structural contradiction between traditional homogeneous planning and the gradient difference between urban and rural areas, providing a scientific basis for Shandong Province to promote new urbanisation and rural revitalisation strategies in an integrated manner. Full article

Glycolipids are structurally diverse amphiphilic molecules with potential as non-petrochemical-derived bioproducts, including surfactants, emulsifiers, and antioxidants. The different bioactivities associated with this range of glycolipid structures also present opportunities for dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Marine glycolipids are underexplored due to challenges with purification and structural characterisation. Analytical approaches enabling efficient sample purification, isolation, and identification of target glycolipids are crucial to determining the bioactivity and functions of organisms such as shellfish and seaweed. This review summarises advances in analytical methods applicable to marine glycolipids, including extraction and enrichment methods tailored to specific subclasses. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-based rapid detection techniques developed for specific subclasses in complex biological samples are discussed, alongside structure identification methods based on liquid chromatography (LC)–electrospray ionisation (ESI)–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled with MS detection are reviewed for their application to glycolipids. The application of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) and advanced MS-based approaches that facilitate both the rapid resolution and comprehensive characterisation of molecular species are also reviewed. Full article

The negative consequences of climate change—such as heatwaves, storms, and floods—together with emerging threats including war, radiation, and pandemics, are increasingly affecting human health, ecosystems, economic stability, and the overall living environment. Consequently, enhancing preparedness has become a key task in shaping the spatial structure of cities. However, despite the growing negative impact and increasing frequency of climate change consequences, along with the prevailing risk of other threats, Lithuania is still not adequately prepared. The article examines the urban environment of Lithuanian cities and its local climatic assessment, aiming to develop proposals to enhance the sustainability and resilience of this environment in addressing the negative consequences of these threats. Three main climatic regions of the country were selected for the research, represented by cities: Klaipėda, Kaunas, and Vilnius. Urban and local climatic research was carried out in the selected cities to assess their spatial structure and environment and identify for microclimatic research the unified morphostructure types commonly used in the country. Accordingly, to selected morphotypes, correlations of the relationship between development density, building height, and the area of impervious surfaces with air and surface temperatures were carried. The most favourable microclimatic conditions were identified in morphotypes characterised by lower development density, more abundant green spaces, and a more open development pattern. Such characteristics of urban morphostructures, considering additional factors of land use such as land saving and the efficient functioning of the city, form the basis for developing the spatial structure of sustainable urban residential areas. Full article

Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan (UPF), a sulphated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, has attracted scientific and clinical interest for its wide-ranging anti-inflammatory and neurodegenerative properties. A growing body of research shows that UPF inhibits NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), decreases ROS production, and suppresses iNOS and COX-2 activity, thereby mitigating oxidative and inflammatory damage in vitro. In vivo studies confirm these actions, demonstrating reduced systemic inflammation, promoted antioxidant defence, modulated gut microbiota composition, and improved production of beneficial microbial metabolites. In parallel, emerging evidence highlights UPF’s neuroprotective potential, characterised by protection against neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, the attenuation of amyloid-beta deposition, and improvement in neuronal function. Importantly, low- to medium-molecular-weight and highly sulphated UPF fractions consistently exhibit stronger bioactivities, suggesting a structural basis for its therapeutic potential. This review integrates mechanistic evidence from cellular, preclinical, and emerging clinical studies, highlighting UPF as a versatile marine-derived agent with therapeutic relevance for inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, and outlines future research directions toward clinical translation. Full article

Zinc-based alloys have been extensively studied for their potential applications in biodegradable materials, yet their corrosion behaviour necessitates the development of effective surface treatments. In this study, a ZnMg alloy was developed by casting in an inert medium and subsequently treating it with Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO). The corrosion behaviour was characterised in a 0.9% NaCl solution through Tafel polarisation, cyclic polarisation, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Additionally, the surface morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX analysis. The structure and phases of the oxide layer and of the corrosion products were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical results demonstrated a substantial decrease in the corrosion current density and an increase in the polarisation resistance for the treated samples. Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) modelling revealed the formation of a layer exhibiting distinct capacitive behaviour, comprising two distinct regions. XRD analysis confirmed evidence of corrosion compounds characteristic of chlorinated media on the surface. The findings indicated that PEO treatment enhanced the corrosion resistance of the ZnMg alloy, suggesting its suitability for biomedical applications or exposure to marine environments characterised by high levels of corrosion. Full article

The problem of end-of-life (EoL) fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind turbine blades (WTBs) poses a growing challenge due to the absence of an integrated circular value chain currently available on the market. A key barrier is the information gap between the EoL condition of WTB components and their second-life application requirements. This study addresses this question by focusing on the spar cap, which is an internal structural component with high repurposing potential. A framework has been developed to determine the as-received mechanical properties of spar caps from different EoL WTB models, targeting repurpose in the construction sector. The experimental programme encompasses fibre architecture assessment, calcination processes and mechanical tests in both longitudinal and transverse directions of three different WTB models. Results suggest that the spar caps appear to retain their strength and stiffness, with no evidence of degradation from previous service life. However, notable variation in properties is observed. To account for this, a prediction tool is proposed to estimate the as-received mechanical properties based on practically accessible parameters, thereby supporting decision-making. The results of this study contribute to enabling the repurposing of EoL spar cap beams from the wind energy sector for applications in the construction sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chiari 1 malformation (CM-1) is a structural abnormality characterised by cerebellar tonsillar descent of 5 mm or more through the foramen magnum. Despite improved imaging, surgical criteria remain inconsistent. This study evaluates the correlation between classical symptoms, imaging findings, and need for surgical intervention, as well as introducing a novel Chiari 1 scoring system aimed at refining the criteria for management options. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on adult patients who were evaluated for CM-1 at a tertiary neurosurgical department with a specialised Chiari and Syringomyelia service over 12 months. Data included demographics, symptoms, imaging characteristics, and surgical intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 30. Results: Sixty-nine (69) patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age, 36.26 years; male-to-female ratio, 1:3.1). Thirty patients (43.5%) had classic symptoms, of whom 26 had a tonsillar descent of >10 mm. A significant association was noted between surgery and classic symptoms (p < 0.01), tonsillar descent of >10 mm (p < 0.01), and syrinx presence (p = 0.02). Our novel scoring system had an AUC of 0.974 (95% CI 0.94–1.00; p < 0.001), with an optimum cut of the value of ≥3 points leading to a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 89.5%, positive predictive value of 66.7% and negative predictive value of 100%. Conclusions: Surgical intervention remains an effective option for symptomatic patients. Our novel scoring system could provide a simplified, practical, and more accurate method for identifying patients who may benefit from surgical intervention. Full article

Occupational burnout is ubiquitous yet still debated as a disease entity. Previous reviews surveyed multiple biomarkers but left their neural substrate unclear. We therefore asked: What, if any, reproducible magnetic-resonance signature characterises burnout? Following PRISMA principles adapted for mechanistic synthesis, two reviewers searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and Cochrane from January 2000 to May 2025 using “MRI/fMRI” AND “burnout”. After duplicate removal and multi-stage screening, 17 clinical studies met predefined inclusion criteria (English language, MRI outcomes, validated burnout diagnosis). In total, ≈1365 participants were scanned, 880 with clinically significant burnout and 470 controls. Uniform Maslach Burnout Inventory thresholds defined cases; most studies matched age and sex, and all excluded primary neurological disease. Structural morphometry (8/17 studies) revealed consistent amygdala enlargement—predominantly in women—and grey-matter loss in dorsolateral/ventromedial prefrontal cortex and striatal caudate–putamen, while hippocampal volume remained unaffected, distinguishing burnout from PTSD or depression. Resting-state and task fMRI (9/17 studies) showed fronto-cortical hyper-activation, weakened amygdala–ACC coupling, and progressive fragmentation of rich-club networks, collectively indicating compensatory executive overdrive and global inefficiency. Two longitudinal cohorts and several intervention sub-studies demonstrated partial reversal of cortical thinning and limbic hyper-reactivity after mindfulness, exercise, cognitive-behavioural therapy, neurofeedback, or rTMS, underscoring plasticity. Across heterogeneous paradigms and populations, MRI converges on a coherent, sex-modulated but reversible brain-networkopathy that satisfies objective disease criteria. These findings justify early neuro-imaging-based triage, circuit-targeted therapy, and formal nosological recognition of burnout as a mental disorder, with policy ramifications for occupational health and insurance parity. Full article

Physical hazards are the most common source of health effects among waste recyclers, frequently leading to worker injuries. South Africa’s formal buy-back centres (BBCs) have emerged as key nodes in the recycling chain, yet the burden of non-fatal workplace injuries among BBC recyclers is not characterised. We conducted a cross-sectional study at ten BBCs in Johannesburg, enrolling 160 waste recyclers (median age 32 years; 55.6% female). A structured, interviewer-led questionnaire captured workers’ characteristics and self-reported injuries in the past six months. Robust Poisson regression was fitted to determine associations with frequent workplace injury. Overall, 69.4% of participants reported at least one injury. Cuts and lacerations (67.6%) and sprains or muscle strains (39.6%) predominated. Each additional year of age raised the risk of frequent workplace injury by 1% (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.02), each extra hour worked per day by 22% (aRR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04–1.42), and presence of hearing or vision problems by 45% (aRR 1.45; 95% CI 1.14–1.83). Targeted interventions—such as work hour regulation, sensory-friendly accommodations, and comprehensive, fit-focused PPE programs—are needed to reduce injury risk in this vulnerable workforce. Full article

Gold mineralisation at Ity (Ivory Coast) is spatially associated with skarns formed at contacts between carbonate-rich Birimian volcano-sedimentary rocks and felsic intrusions, whereas at Dahapleu, a nearby skarn-free prospect, gold occurs in structurally controlled shear zones. Gold occurs as native gold in pyrite or as a Bi–Te–Au–Ag telluride assemblage. Fluid inclusion data indicate that Ity formed through a hybrid model: a mesothermal orogenic gold system dominated by CO₂–CH₄ fluids at >350 °C, superimposed on earlier skarn mineralisation characterised by saline fluids. At Dahapleu, no skarn fluids were identified, but volatile-rich inclusions with more variable signatures (CO₂, CO₂–CH₄, CO₂–N₂) indicate metamorphic fluids circulating in convective, fault-related systems and recording distinct fluid–rock interactions. The Ity–Dahapleu mineralising system thus displays fluid inclusion characteristics typical of mesothermal orogenic gold systems, likely at higher temperatures than most West African Birimian deposits. Overall, the Ity system reflects a long-lived thermal anomaly driving fluid circulation and metal deposition, with successive favourable events: rapid exhumation of hot lithospheric crust, granite intrusion, and skarn formation, followed by shear deformation and hydrothermal activity. Full article