8251 research outputs found
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Preparation and characterization of triglycine-containing 3D-printed PBAT/PLA specimens
No full text© 2025 The Authors. Published by ACS. 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/10.1021/acsomega.5c03205This study explores a novel additive─0.2 wt % monodisperzed H-Gly-Gly-Gly-OH (triglycine)─to poly(1,4-butylene adipate-co-1,4-butylene terephthalate)/polylactide (PBAT/PLA) blend. The triglycine-containing PBAT/PLA was extruded into uniform filaments with a diameter of 1.74 ± 0.02 mm by using a single-screw extruder, which was subsequently employed to fabricate specimens via material extrusion (MEX) technology at nozzle temperatures (T) of 155 and 190 °C. In the present study, the fabrication of triglycine-containing specimens was investigated with a focus on elucidating their thermal behavior and mechanical properties. The influence of print temperature on these properties was also evaluated to establish correlations between processing conditions and material performance. Results indicated that all specimens could be printed smoothly at 155 and 190 °C, regardless of triglycine presence. The addition of triglycine did not significantly affect the melting temperature of the specimens, but it did reduce the difference in glass transition temperature between PLA and PBAT. SEM analysis did not display any significant differences between the specimens across all nozzle temperatures. Specimens without triglycine displayed consistent mechanical properties across temperatures, achieving a high tensile modulus (E) of 261.5 MPa for specimens printed at T = 190 °C. Conversely, triglycine-containing specimens printed at the same temperature exhibited a significantly lower tensile modulus (E = 159.5 MPa). However, the triglycine inclusion enhanced the ultimate tensile strength at lower print temperatures, with values of 15.03 ± 0.11 MPa for specimens printed at T = 155 °C compared to 10.16 ± 1.65 MPa for specimens printed at T = 190 °C.The authors acknowledge support for this work by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 872152, project GREEN-MAP, an international project cofinanced by the program of the Minister of Science and Higher Education entitled “PMW” in the years 2020–2024, contract no. 5092/H2020/2020/2.Published onlin
The health-related benefits of practicing dance and tai-chi among non-clinical adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Springer Nature in Ageing International, available online: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12126-025-09623-x.
The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.
For re-use please see Springer's terms and conditions.Objectives: Dance and Tai Chi have become increasingly used as health promotion interventions. This review and meta-analysis examines their efficacy in improving physical and mental health in non-clinical populations.
Research questions: Do dance and Tai Chi practices benefit physical health and psychological wellbeing?
Method: This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022309436) and followed PRISMA (2020) guidelines. A comprehensive search was undertaken across eight databases.
Results: The primary search identified 9228 studies. Following title, abstract, and full-text screening, 38 studies met the inclusion criteria; 26 were Tai Chi-focused and 12 were dance-focused. The Kmet quality assessment tool produced a mean total score of 20±3.87 and mean summary score of 0.77±0.14 (range 0.46-1.0). Nineteen (50%) studies scored inadequate on its replicability, due to poor methodological details. Twenty-seven (71%) studies purposefully recruited participants over the age of 60. Participants in the included studies were predominantly female, with the proportion in each study from 65% to 95.1%. Meta-analysis indicates significant balance and mental health benefits from dance and Tai Chi interventions (p<0.01), one set of Tai Chi data reported a negative effect on balance (p=0.01).
Discussion: Dance and Tai Chi produced multiple benefits for physical and mental health among non-clinical populations. Their lack of intervention details, however, prevents future studies from replicating. The included studies highlighted a focus on fall prevention focusing mainly on an elderly female population. We recommend that future research assesses independent variables beyond balance and fall-related issues, and is conducted with young participants as well as male participants
Effect of poly-γ-glutamic acid molecular weight on the properties of whey protein isolate hydrogels
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 on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121605Whey protein isolate (WPI) hydrogel is a promising candidate as a biomaterial for tissue engineering. Previously, WPI hydrogels containing poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) with a molecular weight (MW) of 440 kDa demonstrated potential as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Here, the study compares different γ-PGA preparations of differing MW. WPI-γ-PGA hydrogels containing 40% WPI and 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% γ-PGA were synthesised. Three γ-PGA MWs were compared, namely 10 kDa, 700 kDa, and 1100 kDa. Evidence of successful γ-PGA incorporation was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Increasing γ-PGA concentration significantly improved the swelling potential of the hydrogels, as demonstrated by ratio mass increases of between 85 and 90% for each 10% variable group. Results suggested that γ-PGA delayed enzymatic proteolysis, potentially decreasing the rate of degradation. The addition of γ-PGA significantly decreased the Young’s modulus and compressive strength of hydrogels. Dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells proliferated on all hydrogels. The highest cellular growth was observed for the WPI-700 kDa γ-PGA group. Additionally, superior cell attachment was observed on all WPI hydrogels containing γ-PGA compared to the WPI control. These results further suggest the potential of WPI hydrogels containing γ-PGA as biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.The Faculty of Science and Technology, Lancaster University, United Kingdom, is thanked for financial support to D.K.B. The research work was supported by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) under the “First Call for H.F.R.I. Research Projects to support Faculty members and Researchers and the procurement of high-cost research equipment grant” Project Number: HFRI-FM17-1999 to M.C., V.P., and N.N.T. This study was supported by the programme “Excellence Initiative—Research University” for the AGH University of Krakow: Z.P.-L. This work was also partially supported by the University of Wolverhampton Research Investment Found (RIF4).Published onlin
Relics of the past and symbols of modernity: the cultural practices of coal mining communities in post-war Britain
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis on [date tbc], available online: [link tbc].
The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.This article challenges popular representations of post-war British coal mining communities. Such localities are often imagined as displaying cultural practices belonging to a previous age that were subsequently fragmented by the economic and social changes of the 1980s. Such images and tropes have been further reinforced by the somewhat heroic construction of miners as archetypal proletarians in the strike of 1984/5, and through films such as Brassed Off (1996) Billy Elliot (2000) and Pride (2014). Through a focus on cultural activities in miners’ welfare clubs, geographical mobility and holidays/vacations, youth subcultures and music creation and consumption at a number of different colliery sites, it is argued that as well as being bearers of a mythologized industrial past, mining communities were also symbolic of affluence and modernity in the changing cultural landscape of Britain from the 1950s through to the 1990s. The research draws substantially on a material from the archives of the National Coal Board (NCB) and National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and an oral history project that conducted interviews with 96 former miners. It complements recent interventions on the history of mining communities that have sought to unpick the complexities of the rise and fall of British coal.The research for this article was supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, grant number AH/P007244/1
A maturity assessment model for metal additive manufacturing: additive manufacturing readiness levels
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis on 25/10/2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2025.2571203
The accepted mansucript may differ from the final published version.Despite many promises, metal additive manufacturing (MAM) adoption is still limited within the industry. To effectively and successfully implement MAM, companies need to assess their maturity status quo, combined with the MAM technology maturity, at both organisational and operational levels. However, existing maturity models (MMs) are either only dedicated to just one of these levels or are not adapted to MAM. Thus, this paper proposes an original and tailored MM: the Additive Manufacturing Readiness Levels (AMRL), a multicriteria MM to evaluate the maturity of a MAM technology coupled with a use case, offering a context-aware approach that bridges technological capability and operational applicability. The model features 8 dimensions, divided into 22 sub-items to be assessed, referring to Industry 5.0 pillars, including environmental and social considerations. To develop and validate the proposal, an iterative methodology is followed where the AMRL is applied to compare the maturity of three Directed Energy Deposition technologies coupled with nine use cases in the context of a French Technology Transfer Centre. Direct interviews with experts and measures of agreement granted validation. AMRL aims to contribute to the adoption of MAM by assisting decision makers. Future research could investigate its use in different industry sectors and decision configurations.This research was conducted with support from ESTIA, France, the University of Wolverhampton, UK. This research project was undertaken with the assistance of resources and services from the ADDIMADOUR platform, Additive Manufacturing Solutions.Published onlin
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