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Recent advances in carbon-based sensors for food and medical packaging under transit: a focus on humidity, temperature, mechanical, and multifunctional sensing technologies—a systematic review
No full text©2025 The Authors. Published by MDPI. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081862All carbon-based sensors play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of smart packaging while enabling real-time monitoring of parameters such as humidity, temperature, pressure, and strain during transit. This systematic review covers the literature between 2013 and 16 November 2024 in the Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Wiley databases, focusing on carbon-based sensor materials, structural design, and fabrication technologies that contribute to maximizing the sensor performance and scalability with particular emphasis on food and pharmaceutical product packaging applications. After being subjected to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 164 studies were included in this review. The results show that most humidity sensors are made using graphene oxide (GO), though there is some progress toward cellulose and cellulose-based materials. Graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are predominant in temperature and mechanical sensors. The application of composites with structural design (e.g., porous and 3D structures) significantly improves sensitivity, long-term stability, and multifunctionality, whereas manufacturing methods such as spray coating and 3D printing further drive production scalability. The transition from metal to carbon-based electrodes could also reduce the cost. However, the scalability, long-term stability, and real-world validation remain challenges to be addressed. Future research should further enhance the performance and scalability of carbon-based sensors through low-energy fabrication techniques and the development of sustainable advanced materials to provide solutions for practical applications in dynamic transportation environments.This research was funded by the faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Wolverhampton and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange Program of the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 871163.Published onlin
Development and evaluation of an urban data governance reference model based on design science research
No full textThis is an accepted manuscript of an article due to be published by Elsevier in Government Information Quarterly on 31/03/2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2025.102025
The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.In the urban context, data governance has only recently gained attention, though the increased importance of data with the emergence of smart cities is unprecedented. Data governance helps ensure the efficient management, utilization, and protection of data, all essential for enhancing service delivery, refining decision-making processes, and fostering trust in data integrity. This study presents a data governance reference model adapted to urban requirements – the urban data governance reference model – developed following the design science research paradigm. We describe the steps of the reference model development, from establishing a scientific theory base to analysis of the problem environment in 27 EU cities to the development process of the artifact and evaluation through expert interviews in 10 EU cities. The findings reveal that no reference model for urban data governance exists in the scientific literature. In practice, cities face challenges such as data silos, lack of interoperability, and redundancies, as well as a lack of data culture. Support for creating data governance programs is also lacking. The urban data governance reference model harmonizes technology, organization, and culture through four foundation layers and four pillars. Experts’ evaluation of the reference model provides essential insights into its completeness, comprehensibility, applicability, and possible improvement measures for future research. It is highly adaptable and can serve as an orientation aid for cities implementing data governance
Strategies to mitigate flooding issues
No full text© 2025 UK Parliament. Written evidence submitted to the Environmental Audit Committee inquiry on Flood resilience in England. Available online: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/8736/flood-resilience-in-england/publications/written-evidence
Circulating angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) and steatotic liver disease related to metabolic dysfunction: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
No full text© 2025 The Authors. Published by Frontiers Media SA. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence.
The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1574842Background: Steatotic liver disease related to metabolic dysfunction is the most common cause of chronic liver disease globally. The spectrum of this condition includes steatosis and steatohepatitis and was previously referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) but has been renamed as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and more recently as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8), also known as betatrophin or lipasin, regulates triglycerides and has emerged as a potential novel biomarker for steatosis/steatohepatitis. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize the evidence on the possible association of circulating ANGPTL8 concentrations with NAFLD, MAFLD or MASLD.
Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for studies published in English reporting circulating ANGPTL8 concentrations in adults with NAFLD or MAFLD or MASLD and controls. A meta-analysis was performed, reporting the standardized mean difference (SMD) of circulating ANGPTL8 concentrations between these two groups. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the NIH quality assessment tool and RoBANS 2, respectively.
Results: Of the 104 identified publications, eight studies were eligible for this systematic review, whilst seven were also eligible for meta-analysis (543 NAFLD or MAFLD cases vs. 352 controls). Circulating ANGPTL8 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD compared with controls (SMD: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.28-0.97; p<0.001). Considerable heterogeneity was noted among these studies, with six studies having high risk of bias in at least one RoBANS 2 domain.
Conclusion: These findings present up-to-date comprehensive evidence indicating that adults with steatotic liver disease related to metabolic dysfunction exhibit higher circulating ANGPTL8 concentrations compared with controls. Given the need for novel screening/diagnostic biomarkers for steatosis/steatohepatitis, as well for additional drug targets, large and prospective studies are required to confirm this association and explore its temporal direction, particularly under the new MASLD diagnosis/term.The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.Published onlin
Randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin as a modifier in PBAT/PLA-based films: Stability and crystallinity evaluation
No full textThis is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Elsevier in Polymer Degradation and Stability on 07/05/2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111399
The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.The poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate)/polylactide (PBAT/PLA) have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years due to their excellent (bio)degradability. In this study, the PBAT/PLA-based films with and without randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin (RM-β-CD) were prepared using solvent-casting and pressing techniques to evaluate the physiochemical and degradation properties of the obtained films. The characterisation of PBAT/PLA-based films was conducted by using microscopes (optical and AFM), GPC, DSC, and XRD measurements. In addition, degradation tests in water at 37 and 70 °C were conducted under abiotic conditions for 70 days. The research revealed that the addition of RM-β-CD resulted in shifts in the glass transition temperature and greater ordering of PBAT/PLA-based films as well as a slight decrease in cytocompatibility. However, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity studies performed did not reveal any risks for their possible applications. Analysis of the degradation progress showed that at 37°C a slight molar mass loss for solvent-cast films and a slightly higher loss for solvent-cast films with RM-β-CD were noticed. No changes were observed in the more ordered pressed films. Hydrolytic degradation of all PBAT/PLA-based films during incubation at 70°C resulted in a continuous decrease in the molar mass. Solvent-cast films are characterised by poor miscibility and phase separation, resulting in high roughness. However, the higher temperature during degradation and generally the addition of RM-β-CD to the polymer matrix improved their miscibility.This work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 872152, project GREEN-MAP, an international project co-financed by the program of the Minister of Science and Higher Education entitled “PMW” in the years 2020–2024; contract No. 5092/H2020/2020/2, and Joint Polish-Romanian project under the agreement on scientific cooperation between the Polish Academy of Sciences and Romanian Academy of Sciences, “Design of cyclodextrin-polyester-amides for special applications”.Published versio
Enhancing processability and multifunctional properties of polylactic acid–graphene/carbon nanotube composites with cellulose nanocrystals
Get PDF© 2025 The Authors, published by MDPI. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence.The growing accumulation of plastic and electronic waste highlights the urgent need for sustainable and biodegradable polymers. However, developing intrinsically conductive biodegradable polymers remains challenging, particularly for packaging and sensing applications. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is intrinsically non-conductive, and enhancing its functionality without compromising structural integrity is a key research goal. In this study, PLA-based filaments were developed using melt extrusion, incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), individually and in hybrid combinations with total filler contents between 1 and 5 wt%. The inclusion of CNC enhanced the dispersion of GNP and CNT, promoting the formation of interconnected conductive networks within the PLA matrix, allowing the percolation threshold to be reached at a lower fillers concentration. Hybrid formulations showed a balance melt strength and processability suitable for fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing and prototypes successfully made. This study also provides the first systematic evaluation of temperature-dependent thermal conductivity of PLA-based composites at multiple temperatures (25, 5, and −20 °C), relevant to typical food and medical supply chains conditions.This research was funded by the faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Wolverhampton and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange Pro-gramme of the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 871163.Published onlin
Ultrasound elastography in the assessment of rigidity in Parkinson's disease: a scoping review
No full text© 2025 The Authors, published by Elsevier. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence.
The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106680Background
In individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), rigidity is a form of muscle hypertonia which manifests as muscular stiffness, leading to altered mechanical properties of muscle tissue. Ultrasound elastography (UE) is an emerging diagnostic imaging technology that can assess muscle stiffness. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current literature on muscular rigidity in PD as measured by UE, examine existing UE assessment methodologies, and propose future directions when measuring muscular rigidity in PD using UE.
Methods
This scoping review was conducted following specific guidelines and searching these databases: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE and CINAHL Ultimate.
Findings
Ten studies were included after screening, using either strain elastography (SE) or shear wave elastography (SWE) to measure muscular rigidity in PD. Muscular rigidity was typically greater in individuals with PD compared to controls, with minimal bilateral differences within PD patients. UE-derived muscular rigidity was associated with clinical manifestations of PD, and rigidity was influenced by joint angle, medications, and therapeutic interventions. However, the included studies assessed rigidity using a wide range of methodologies (e.g., protocol design, system specification, and acquisition methods), which restricts comparability.
Significance and interpretation
UE demonstrates strong potential as a non-invasive tool for quantifying muscular rigidity in PD, which is increased in these patients. Nevertheless, small sample sizes and inconsistent methodologies undermine definitive conclusions. Future studies should adhere to the methodological recommendations outlined in this review, including the adoption of standardised protocols, larger sample sizes, and robust longitudinal and reliability designs.Published onlin
The changing landscape of traumatic brain injuries at a district general hospital in a trauma network
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis on 22/02/2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/02688697.2025.2468951
The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.Background: Major trauma networks were introduced in 2012 onwards with a major trauma centre (MTC) linked to district general hospitals (DGH). Most traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are managed in DGHs, without on-site neurosurgical services. It is unclear whether the characteristics of TBIs at DGHs have differed since the network was introduced. We compare outcomes of TBI patients pre- (2008–2012) and post-MTC (2013–2021) network implementation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of TBI patients admitted to a 500-bedded DGH, before and after the introduction of a trauma network. We compared the characteristics of patients, including age, mechanism of injury, imaging findings, and length of stay. All statistical analyses were carried out in SPSS v29 (IBM). Results: Overall, 876 patients (males = 56.1%; median age 67 years) were included. Mean yearly cases pre-MTC was 76 compared to 55 in the post-MTC period. Mean age was significantly higher, and patients had more co-morbidities, in the post-MTC period (p < 0.001). Mean GCS at presentation was not significantly different between the pre- and post-MTC periods (13.7 vs 13.8, respectively). Referrals to the regional neurosurgical centre were significantly higher in the post-MTC period. The overall mortality rate was 33.7%. Increasing age (OR = 1.072), higher comorbidities (OR = 1.243) and intracerebral haematoma (OR = 6.269) were associated with a higher risk of death. The post-MTC period was associated with a lower risk of death (OR = 0.501). Conclusions: Fewer patients with less severe mechanisms of injury, and a more elderly population are now being managed at our DGH in the post-MTC period. Mortality was similar to published literature but the introduction of the trauma system was associated with lower risk of death. Although fewer TBIs help to optimise service delivery by maintaining orthopaedic bed capacity, the reduced exposure to these patients may lead to lowered expertise in managing these complex cases.Published versio
Embeddedness in the startup and growth of black women entrepreneurs in the West Midlands (UK)
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.Black women-owned businesses exhibit one of the highest rates of start-up activity, yet they also face the highest rates of failure. Despite this, there is a notable scarcity of research specifically addressing the entrepreneurial activities of black women. Existing literature predominantly focuses on women entrepreneurship and ethnic minority entrepreneurship, often overlooking the unique challenges encountered by black women in establishing and scaling their businesses. It is crucial to examine this demographic to uncover the multifaceted barriers they face throughout their entrepreneurial journey and to explore potential strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
This research aims to investigate the role of embeddedness in accessing essential resources for business growth, while also highlighting the lived experiences of black women entrepreneurs. To achieve this aim, the research employs a mixed methodology, using both secondary data from the Longitudinal Small Business Survey (LSBS) and semi-structured in-depth interviews with 24 black women entrepreneurs operating their businesses in the West Midlands. This study also draws on institutional theory to explore their experiences and mixed embeddedness theory to illustrate the significance of embeddedness in overcoming barriers and accessing growth resources.
The data indicates that factors influencing startup and growth of these businesses are both internal and external. Additionally, black women entrepreneurs continue to face institutional barriers rooted in historical contexts, which impede the growth of their entrepreneurial activities. On the other hand, the data indicates that embeddedness facilitates access to valuable resources, including up-to-date information, free training opportunities, financial support, mentorship programs, increased visibility, cost reduction and expand market share through referrals.
This research advances theory by applying mixed embeddedness frameworks, including a new technological dimension to explain black women’s entrepreneurship. It highlights how structural and cultural factors shape their ventures and reveals internal and external barriers to growth, including limited community support and cultural perceptions within the black community
Investigation and performance optimization of lead-free CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 based perovskite solar cells
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Elsevier on 24/12/2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexres.2025.101215
The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.The recent progress in lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) triggered worries regarding their acceptability for large-scale production and potential detrimental impact on the environment. Concerns about the environmental impact of lead-based PSCs have driven a shift toward lead-free alternatives. This study concentrates on the advancement of environmentally friendly CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3-based perovskite solar cell and presents an optimized design technique that can be replicated on a large scale. Within our research, we look into how different types of hole and electron transport layer parameters affect the performance of CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3-based device. The study used numerical simulations to examine crucial parameters, such as the perovskite layer thickness, ETL/HTL layer thickness, and defect density. We demonstrate an optimized device configuration, FTO/SnO2/CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3/NiO/Au, with an open-circuit voltage of 1.22 V, a short-circuit current density of 28.29 mA/cm2, fill factor of 89.42%, a theoretical power conversion efficiency of 30.81%, and quantum efficiencies of 99% over the visible wavelength range. This study shows that CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 is a promising lead-free perovskite for renewable energy. The findings address concerns about solar cell toxicity and enable ecologically benign and sustainable solar cell manufacture