Abstract: Bleeding and bacterial infection remain major challenges in surgical procedures. Thus, hemostatic biomaterials capable of controlling bleeding rapidly while preventing microbial contamination are highly desirable. This study developed and evaluated photocrosslinkable composite hydrogels made of methacrylated chitosan (ChiMA) and methacrylated oxidized cellulose nanofibers (OCNFMA) for antibacterial hemostatic applications. Chitosan (Chi) was methacrylated using methacrylic anhydride, cellulose nanofibers were oxidized with sodium periodate, and 2-aminoethyl methacrylate (AEMA) was added to introduce photocrosslinkable groups. For the preparation of composite hydrogel networks, the precursor solutions were mixed and photocrosslinked under UV irradiation (365 nm) in the presence of lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP). A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and rheological analysis were utilized to characterize the materials. Hydrogels were evaluated for swelling behavior, degradation profile, and blood clotting ability. Furthermore, antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) was evaluated, and cytocompatibility was evaluated using NIH3T3 fibroblasts and MC3T3 preosteoblasts. Incorporating OCNFMA with low degrees of functionalization (L) or high degrees of functionalization (H) at different ratios into the ChiMA network significantly influenced the physicochemical and structural properties of the hydrogels. The composite hydrogels exhibited interconnected porous structures, improved mechanical stability, and tunable swelling and degradation behavior. Furthermore, some formulations demonstrated measurable antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains. Moreover, cytocompatibility studies revealed that the composite hydrogels supported higher cell viability than ChiMA alone. The developed ChiMA–OCNFMA composite hydrogels exhibit promising physicochemical, antibacterial, and biological properties. The findings suggest that the materials may be useful as multifunctional hydrogels for wound management, as well as candidates for broader biomedical applications.

Abstract: In recent years, rare earth (RE) ion-doped vanadate materials have garnered signifi-cant attention due to their promising applications in everyday technologies. Vanadate-based compounds, typically containing V⁵⁺ ions within oxide structures, form VO₄ tet-rahedra that enable broad ultraviolet absorption and wide-range visible light emission. These materials serve as versatile hosts for RE ions, namely, the 15 lanthanides (lan-thanum (La) to lutetium (Lu)) plus scandium (Sc), and yttrium (Y), which act as lumi-nescent centers when incorporated into the matrix. The unique electronic configura-tion of RE ions, particularly their unpaired 4f electrons, makes them ideal for diverse applications in luminescence, magnetism, electronic and magnetic relaxation, and ca-talysis. While RE ions exhibit sharp and intense emission peaks in the visible and near-infrared regions, vanadate hosts contribute broad-band spectra through charge trans-fer transitions within the VO₄ units. These complementary luminescent properties are critical for the advancement of optoelectronic devices. To enhance performance and broaden the applicability of RE-doped vanadate materials, ongoing research focuses on developing innovative synthesis techniques and structural designs. This paper pre-sents a comprehensive review of recent progress in synthesis strategies, luminescent behavior, and sensing applications of RE ion-doped vanadate materials.

Abstract:

Marine exopolysaccharides (EPS) are emerging as sustainable bioactive polymers for biomedical hydrogels. Here, we report hydrogels from sulfated EPS produced by Porphyridium cruentum and ionically crosslinked with Ca²⁺, Ce³⁺, or Cu²⁺ to generate tunable networks for wound-healing applications. Rheological analysis showed that viscoelastic behavior was primarily governed by cation nature and accessible binding-site density, with diminishing gains above 2.5 wt% EPS and limited benefit beyond 10 wt% crosslinker. Ce³⁺ produced the most solid-like gel, Ca²⁺ yielded more thixotropic networks, and Cu²⁺ promoted rapid, heterogeneous crosslinking consistent with fast surface complexation. These network signatures translated into distinct in vitro performances. Cation selection tuned antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with Cu²⁺ achieving rapid bactericidal effects and Ce³⁺ enabling an 8-log reduction after 24 h. Antioxidant capacity was assay-dependent (ABTS vs DPPH), reflecting combined EPS radical-quenching and metal-associated redox contributions. Conditioned-media assays using human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes indicated the most favorable cytocompatibility balance for Ce³⁺-crosslinked gels, whereas Cu²⁺ gels were limited by cytotoxicity. Macrophage cytokine readouts (TNF-α, IL-6) further supported formulation-dependent immunobiological activity. This work establishes microalgal EPS as a versatile polymer platform and links ionic crosslinking chemistry to rheological control and multifunctional biomedical performance.

Abstract: This study investigates the corrosion behavior of a WC-6Co cemented carbide (94 wt% WC, 6 wt% Co) in acidic (pH 2) and alkaline (pH 13) aqueous environments, with em-phasis on implications for reconditioning processes. Both electrolytes, characterized by their high electrical conductivity, are used in industrial electrochemical stripping of PVD coatings. While acidic electrolytes are already established for stripping coatings from hard metal substrates, the influence of the alkaline electrolytes on substrate integrity remains insufficiently explored, especially considering the implication of reconditioning. Elec-trochemical characterization was performed using potentiodynamic polarization method, followed by surface analysis via SEM, EDX, and laser confocal microscopy. Two distinct corrosion mechanisms were identified, corresponding to the respective pH conditions and consistent with predictions from Pourbaix diagrams. In acidic media, cobalt dissolution occurred alongside strong passivation of tungsten through the formation of WO₃. In contrast, under alkaline conditions, tungsten formed soluble tungstate ions (WO₄²⁻), leading to progressive leaching of WC grains, while cobalt exhibited passivation via a Co(OH)₂ layer, mitigating binder degradation. Within the scope of this work, electrolytes used for electrochemical stripping were examined. The investigation focused on their corrosive impact on uncoated hard-metal substrates under electrochemical stripping conditions, as these become exposed to both the electrolyte and applied potential once the coating is removed. Coating removal itself was not addressed. A key finding is that oxide or hydroxide passivation on cemented carbides does not inherently guarantee protection. Its effectiveness depends strongly on the nature of the formed layer. In the acidic elec-trolyte, pseudo-passivation by formation of WO₃ layer initially inhibits corrosion but leads to significant material loss upon its breakdown. These findings provide valuable guidance for the application of cemented carbides in electrochemical stripping processes used for PVD coating removal.

Abstract: Resistance spot welding of dissimilar steels is a key Linkage process in the manufacturing of rail passenger car bodies. However, there are problems such as core deviation caused by material physical property differences in the welding of dissimilar steels (stainless steel/low-carbon steel). This study improves the weldability of stainless steel and low-carbon steel by adding a nickel intermediate layer between them. The results show that adding a nickel intermediate layer can Valid compensate for heat Loss, suppress the deviation of the weld nucleus, optimize the size of the weld nucleus, and improve the Stability of the welding quality.

Abstract: This study presents a distribution-optimized mesostructure estimation method for modeling near-surface aggregate size distributions in concrete by optimizing the spatial arrangement of polydisperse spherical aggregates with respect to formwork boundaries. The approach is based on minimizing the deviation between a generated cumulative aggregate volume function and an idealized linear target function corresponding to a constant area fraction along the specimen depth. To enable efficient computation for systems containing a large number of aggregates, grain size classes derived from the grading curve are represented using symmetric Beta distributions, allowing each group to be described by a single shape parameter. The resulting optimization problem is solved using a derivative-free Powell algorithm. The method inherently captures wall effects, leading to a migration of smaller aggregates toward the specimen boundaries to compensate for geometric constraints of bigger aggregates. Experimental validation was performed by determining the depth-dependent mean bulk density of a concrete cube using incremental surface grinding combined with high-resolution 3D laser scanning. The optimized mesostructure shows strong agreement with measured density profiles, significantly improving over a non-optimized distribution. Furthermore, increasing aggregate volume fractions intensify near-surface accumulation of fine particles. The proposed method provides a computationally efficient framework for incorporating wall effects into mesoscale concrete models.

Abstract: Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) are typically constructed for homogeneous crystalline systems that exhibit only minimal local deviations from equilibrium configurations. However, substitutional alloying elements in multicomponent engineering alloys are often distributed in a locally heterogeneous form. To address this, we develop a fine tuned MLIP based on the MACE foundation model, specifically tailored for Mo based dilute alloys containing one or two out of 20 substitutional elements: Cr, Fe, Mn, Nb, Re, Ta, Ti, V, W, Y, Zr, Al, Zn, Cu, Ag, Au, Hg, Co, Ni, and Hf. The model is trained on more than 7,000 non equilibrium structures derived from first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The optimized large scale fine tuned model attains state of the art accuracy, with mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.27 meV/atom and 3.79 meV/atom for energy predictions, and 13.83 meV/Å and 24.26 meV/Å for force predictions, respectively. Systematic evaluation of model transferability to unseen alloying elements under different data splitting protocols demonstrates that incorporating even a modest set of new element DFT data during refinement reduces the energy MAE below ~20 meV/atom. The fine tuned models reduce the MAE by approximately 7–10 times compared to models trained from scratch, and by 10–20 times relative to zero shot foundation models. This performance gain remains consistent across varying dataset sizes (equilibrium vs. non equilibrium structures) and model scales. Our work illustrates the efficacy of transfer learning from globally homogeneous systems to locally heterogeneous multi element alloy environments, delivering a robust MLIP tool for the accelerated design of multicomponent alloys.

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a escalating global neuropharmacological crisis, with prevalence in high-growth demographic regions such as India projected to exceed 14 million by 2040. This study addresses the urgent need for high-potency, dual-site acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors through an integrated computational pipeline. Background: We address the failure of mono-target paradigms by designing scaffolds capable of simultaneously anchoring the Catalytic Active Site (CAS) and the Peripheral Anionic Site (PAS). Methods: A robust GA-MLR QSAR model was developed from 115 quinoline analogues using 11,135 descriptors. Lead candidates were prioritized via blind molecular docking (7XN1) and 100-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results: The five-descriptor model (R2 = 0.7569, QLOO2 = 0.7244) was validated by an external set of 8 experimental compounds (Rext2 = 0.8620). Lead Compound 19 emerged as a superior candidate (ΔG = -11.1 kcal/mol), exhibiting a stable MD trajectory (PL-RMSD ≈ 2.4 Å) and preserving essential Gly121-His447 catalytic anti-correlations. Conclusions: This study provides a statistically validated scaffold and mechanistic foundation for future biomimetic chromatography validation, advancing the high-throughput screening of neuroprotective agents on a global scale.

Abstract: This study presents an innovative approach for the selective extraction of Co(II) and its separation from Ni(II) using ethyl ester glycine-betaine derivatives, specifically tri(n-pentyl)[2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl]ammonium dicyanamide, as extractants in combi-nation with continuous-mode liquid–liquid contact. Semi-pilot-scale implementation requires non-equilibrium conditions, characterized by short contact times between ef-fluent and extractant phases. To address this, we propose dissolving analog of gly-cine-betaine ionic liquid (AGB-IL) in low-viscosity MIBK solvents to enhance mass transfer while reducing dependence on fossil-based solvents. Liquid–liquid extraction and continuous-flow stripping experiments were designed based on prior batch results and conducted in a saline environment, employing a chaotropic electrolyte for extrac-tion and a kosmotropic electrolyte for stripping. Both open and closed systems were tested to compare extractive performance with batch conditions and with scenarios representative of industrial operations. Results indicate that continuous-flow systems achieve performance comparable to batch systems in terms of extraction efficiency, Co/Ni separation coefficients, and recyclability. These findings provide proof of con-cept for the development of semi-pilot and pilot-scale processes for efficient cobalt re-covery.

Abstract: The rapid accumulation of plastic waste has become a major environmental concern, while at the same time it is necessary to create opportunities to rethink how these materials can be reintegrated into productive use, particularly within the construction sector. This study provides a sustainability-oriented review of the reuse of plastic waste, both fossil-based plastics and bioplastics, as building materials, with a specific emphasis on structured decision-support approaches. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify and analyze peer-reviewed studies examining the incorporation of plastic waste into construction applications, including composites, panels, insulation systems, and structural or non-structural components. Particular attention is given to research applying Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and SWOT analysis as tools for evaluating sustainability performance across environmental, economic, technical, and social dimensions. The findings indicate that recycled plastic and bioplastic-based construction materials can deliver significant advantages, such as diverting waste from disposal pathways, reducing reliance on virgin resources, and, in certain cases, enhancing durability. However, these materials also face important challenges, including limitations in recyclability, concerns related to fire performance, regulatory acceptance, and uncertainties in end-of-life management. MCDA-based studies underscore the critical role of criteria selection and weighting, especially regarding environmental impact reduction and cost competitiveness, in shaping final rankings and decision outcomes. SWOT analyses, in turn, offer complementary strategic insights by highlighting issues related to market readiness, regulatory frameworks, and implementation barriers. By integrating these decision-oriented evaluation approaches, this review contributes to more transparent and evidence-based material selection processes and supports policy development aimed.

Abstract: cycloaddition of isatin ketonitrone 1,3-dipoles, generated from the condensation of various substituted isatins and arylhydroxylamines, with coumarins. The pentacyclic products bearing four consecutive stereocenters, including two quaternary carbon stereocenters fused in one ring structure, were smoothly acquired in moderate to high yields (22-98%) with high regio- (α and exo type) and diastereoselectivities (>20:1 dr). The synthesized compounds (>45 examples) were well characterized through different spectroscopic techniques, such as single crystal XRD, FTIR, NMR, and mass spectral analysis.

Abstract: Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing polymer nanofibers with high ratios of surface area to volume and tunable porosity. Conventional approach to the optimization of processing parameters such as voltage and flow rate frequently encounters limitations in reproducibility and scalability. This review proposes a comprehensive framework that integrates macromolecular design principles with established electrohydrodynamic theories. We analyze how intrinsic molecular traits, specifically, chain entanglement density, molecular weight distribution (MWD), topological architecture, and polymer-solvent thermodynamic interactions define the boundaries of jet stability and solidification. Key findings highlight that while molecular weight establishes a baseline for spinnability, the MWD dictates the dynamic response under extreme deformation. Notably, high-molecular-weight fractions act as elastic load-bearers that suppress capillary breakup. Furthermore, we discuss here how molecular architecture and solvent-mediated segmental mobility determine whether molecular orientation is kinetically trapped or relaxed during the nanosecond timescales of jet flight. By establishing a hierarchical design logic prioritizing molecular and formulation variables over processing parameters, this framework provides a robust strategy to overcome challenges in scalability and reproducibility, positioning electrospinning as a sensitive probe for macromolecular dynamics under extreme elongation.

Abstract:

This study evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities of methanolic leaf extracts of Ximenia caffra (sour plum), a medicinal plant widely used in traditional healthcare systems across tropical Africa. Medicinal plants remain an important source of bioactive phytochemicals, and growing interest in phytopharmaceuticals has intensified the search for natural compounds with therapeutic potential. The present investigation aimed to scientifically validate the ethnomedicinal use of X. caffra leaves by assessing their enzyme inhibitory and anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh leaves of X. caffra were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using methanol through maceration. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined using protein denaturation inhibition and membrane stabilization assays, while antidiabetic potential was evaluated through α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assays. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent biological activities across all experimental models. Anti-inflammatory evaluation showed significant inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization, with IC₅₀ values of 129.83 µg/mL and 288.11 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, the extract demonstrated appreciable antidiabetic activity, inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with IC₅₀ values of 227.01 µg/mL and 179.35 µg/mL, respectively, indicating stronger inhibition of α-glucosidase. These findings suggest that X. caffra leaves contain bioactive compounds capable of modulating inflammatory responses and carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, thereby supporting their traditional medicinal use. The study highlights the potential of X. caffra as a promising natural source for the development of plant-based anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic therapeutic agents.

Abstract: This study successfully developed a novel tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs)-targeting nanoplatform-sialic acid-disulfide bond-camptothecin (SA-SS-CPT) nanowires. This system significantly improved the solubility and bioavailability of camptothecin (CPT) and achieved active targeted drug delivery by utilizing sialic acid as a targeting ligand to specifically recognize the highly expressed Siglec-E receptor on TAMs. Upon internalization into TAMs, the disulfide bond in the SA-SS-CPT nanowires was cleaved in response to intracellular glutathione (GSH), leading to the controlled re-lease of CPT. SA-SS-CPT induced DNA damage in TAMs, thereby activating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, promoting the polarization of TAMs toward the M1 phenotype, enhancing pro-inflammatory and anti-tumor immune responses, and effec-tively inhibiting tumor immune escape. Furthermore, the SA-SS-CPT nanowires syner-gistically enhanced the efficacy of PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy, collectively remod-eling the tumor immune microenvironment and ultimately facilitating significant tumor clearance.

Abstract: This paper serves as a practical guide to help the readers select electrochemical instruments with a focus on potentiostats / galvanostats. It is dedicated to professionals in industry, students and researchers from various fields. We provide an overview of the main potentiostats / galvanostats and related electrochemical instruments currently available on the market and the main suppliers worldwide. For each device, we summarize its technical specifications including current and potential ranges as well as the methods the instrument is able to support. We also discuss the limitations of each instrument in order to provide the readers with a clear and comprehensive understanding. Finally, the paper aims to help the readers in selecting the most suitable instrument for their needs while considering performance and budget.

Abstract: Today, interest in natural remedies for biocontrol of crop pests is paramount. Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) is studied worldwide to obtain interesting bioactive compounds. Its anti-parasitic activity is associated with the presence of alkaloids in its roots. In this work, we explored the possibility of obtaining from P. granatum roots pelletierine-like alkaloids, which were extracted, characterized, isolated and used for the biocontrol of pests such as Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi and Meloidogyne javanica. Two different extracts were obtained, characterised and quantified by GC-MS and LC-ESI-HRMS. In vitro assays of nematicidal activity were performed comparing the extracts with isopelletierine and pseudopelletierine as pure molecules. The results of these assays showed a difference in activity between iso- and pseudopelletierine, especially in terms of the nematocidal effect against M. javanica with isopelletierine being more active than pseudopelletierine. This leads us to conclude that only extracts from P. granatum roots with a high concentration of isopelletierine alkaloid can be used in effective pest control products.

Abstract: This paper investigates the formation mechanism and key influencing factors of freckle defects that arise during the directional solidification of a novel third-generation nickel-based single crystal superalloy turbine blade. A combined experimental and multi-physics numerical simulation approach was adopted. The results reveal that freckle formation primarily results from the coupling effect of solute segregation and thermo-solutal convection during solidification, leading to dendrite fragmentation and subsequent aggregation of equiaxed grains. The resultant density inversion drives upward interdendritic flow, which plays a dual role: it promotes remelting and fragmentation of secondary dendrite arms, while simultaneously opening solute-enriched preferential flow channels that eventually develop into freckle defects. The severity of freckling is closely dependent on both the casting's position within the furnace and its local geometric characteristics. Castings located in regions with poorer heating conditions experience lower temperature gradients and slower solidification rates, significantly increasing their susceptibility to freckle formation. Similarly, on a given casting, the side subjected to less favorable heating is more prone to freckle initiation. This work provides a crucial theoretical foundation for understanding freckle formation in nickel-based single crystal superalloys and offers practical guidance for optimizing blade manufacturing processes, reducing solidification defects, and enhancing blade quality and service performance.

Abstract: In this study we show that on the basis of simple crystallographic rules applied to the sphere-in-contact model/theorem that we can predict that under ambient conditions of pressure and temperature that the most dense and stable form of lithium in GICs is LiC6 and that two distinct form of LiC8 are possible. We find that other empirical formulas such as MC2, MC3 and M3C8 are possible based on crystallography, but not stable based on intercalate repulsions. The results are based on the unit cell description of GICs with the sphere-in-contact model/theorem that is used to model the intercalation of an arbitrary atom within the AαAα stacking1 of two graphene layers in GICs. We calculate the density and the packing fraction of these materials. This approach offers a simple description of the structure of GICs in which the unit cell can be defined and the diffusion of ions can be estimated on the basis of the void space in these materials. We anticipate that this simple description of GIC will be useful for the rational design of new graphite-based materials that can find use in various energy storage applications such as ion-based batteries but also as an educational tool in which university level education in materials and surface chemistry is directly connected to basic laws in chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Abstract: The growing worldwide need for sustainable, high-quality protein sources has intensified interest in single-cell protein (SCP) production, particularly mycoproteins derived from filamentous fungi. Concurrently, the agricultural sector generates vast quantities of starch-rich by-products, such as broken rice, cassava peels, potato waste and cereal processing residues, that remain largely underutilized despite their high carbohydrate content. This literature review examines the potential of starch-based agricultural by-products as low-cost, renewable feedstocks for mycoprotein production. Key topics include the chemical characteristics of starch residues, pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis strategies for efficient saccharification and the metabolic suitability of fungal strains such as Neurospora and Fusarium spp. for biomass and protein synthesis. In addition, the review evaluates optimization of fermentation processes, including maximizing biomass yield and improving overall feedstock valorization to enhance process efficiency. Furthermore, considerations related to process design, environmental benefits and techno-economic feasibility are evaluated in the context of converting starch residues into fungal protein. In summary, the evidence suggests that valorizing starch by-products for mycoprotein fermentation, used as a protein alternative and as an ingredient, represents a promising strategy to reduce waste, lower production costs and support global food sustainability.

Abstract: Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5) is a key enzyme implicated in several inflammatory disorders, including asthma and allergic rhinitis. Despite its therapeutic importance, only one compound is currently approved as an ALOX5 inhibitor in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for new drug candidates. Progress in this area is often hindered by conventional bioassays, which can be labor-intensive, costly, and unsuitable for complex mixtures. To overcome these challenges, we developed a simple thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautographic assay for the rapid detection of ALOX5 inhibitors in natural extracts, a rich source of pharmacologically active compounds. The method exploits the oxidative coupling of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH) with 3-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid (DMAB) during the ALOX5-catalyzed conversion of arachidonic acid, producing a colored indamine dye. Experimental parameters influencing chromogenic reaction were investigated and optimized to minimize reagent consumption while ensuring accuracy and sensitivity of the method. The assay was then applied to a panel of natural products and to crude mushroom extracts, enabling the rapid identification of several active compounds within complex extracts, including the dual COX2/ALOX5 inhibitor 3α-acetylpolyporenic acid A. Easy to implement, cost-efficient, and well suited for screening and bioguided fractionation, this TLC bioassay provides a powerful tool to accelerate the discovery of novel anti-inflammatory compounds.