446494 research outputs found
Sort by
Image-based robotic-assisted conversion from partial to total knee arthroplasty under functional alignment: Comparable outcomes to primary total knee arthroplasty
No full textIntroduction: Image-based robotic systems in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) allow for precise implant positioning and soft tissue balance through patient-specific preoperative planning. Functional alignment (FA) leverages the native soft tissue envelope to guide implant placement. However, its application in partial TKA conversion remains limited. This study evaluates the outcomes of image-based robotic-assisted partial-to-TKA conversion under FA principles, comparing them to a cohort of primary robotic TKAs. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed eight partial-to-TKA conversions performed using the image-based robotic system, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Demographics, implant constraints, intraoperative positioning, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. The mean age of the revision cohort was 73.3 ± 9.0 years, with a mean follow-up of 39.0 ± 11.5 months. A control group of 50 primary robotic TKAs was used for comparison. Results: Osteoarthritis progression (75%) and aseptic loosening (25%) were the primary reasons for revision. No stems were used, and only one patient (12.5%) required a tibial augment. Postoperative coronal alignment was 1.1° ± 1.9°, and functional outcomes (Knee Society Score-Knee: 84.5 ± 6.7, Knee Society Score-Function: 83.0 ± 7.1, Forgotten Joint Score: 72.8 ± 8.2) were comparable to the primary TKA cohort. No complications or revisions were recorded. Conclusion: FA-based robotic-assisted partial-to-TKA conversion yields functional and implant positioning outcomes comparable to primary robotic TKA while minimizing the need for stems, augments, or constrained implants. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm these findings. Level of evidence: III
Valorization of Oil Palm Waste into Bioenergy and Value-Added Products: A Review and Future Research Directions
No full textThe palm oil industry generates substantial amounts of lignocellulosic and liquid residues, including empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm kernel shells, mesocarp fibers, and palm oil mill effluent (POME). If not managed sustainably, these residues pose significant environmental challenges. However, they also represent a promising feedstock for renewable bioenergy and bio-based products, supporting circular economy goals and low-carbon transitions. This review systematically explores various conversion technologies applied to these residues, including thermochemical (e.g., pyrolysis, gasification), biochemical (e.g., anaerobic digestion, fermentation), and physicochemical approaches. In addition to energy generation, the potential to produce value-added products such as biochar, bioplastics, organic fertilizers, biocomposites, and liquid smoke is examined. The review also draws on the author's prior research experience, including the conversion of POME into biogas and biodiesel, as well as the utilization of EFB to produce biochar and organic fertilizer. Key technological barriers, regulatory gaps, and sustainability challenges are identified. Finally, the paper outlines future research directions, emphasizing the development of integrated biorefinery systems, process optimization, life cycle sustainability assessment, and scale-up feasibility. This review is intended to provide strategic insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in leveraging palm oil waste for a more sustainable bioeconomy
Assessment of Falcata as Biomass Feedstock: A Thermochemical and MCDA-based Evaluation
No full textThis study presents an assessment of Paraserianthes falcataria (Falcata) as a biomass feedstock for decentralized energy systems in Mindanao, Philippines. A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework was employed to evaluate five candidate species using availability (40%), cost (30%), and energy content (30%) as decision criteria. Falcata emerged as the top-ranked feedstock, driven by its dominant regional availability (449,515.02 m³), moderate cost range (PHP 2,600–4,300/m³), and competitive heating value (17.92 MJ/kg). Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a peak decomposition temperature of 348 °C and a total mass loss of 84.43%, indicating high thermal reactivity. Proximate and ultimate analyses confirmed favorable characteristics, including low ash content, high volatile matter, and desirable elemental composition. These results establish Falcata as a technically viable and regionally abundant feedstock for small- to medium-scale thermal energy applications, supporting waste valorization and rural energy self-sufficiency in Mindanao
Homogeneous Catalysis and Enzyme Mimics Catecholase, Phenoxazine Synthase and Tyrosinase Pathways
No full textBiomimetic catalysis is a paradigmatic approach to overcoming the gulf between nature’s enzymic efficiency and synthetically obtained diversity. Synthetic catalysts now achieve high selectivity in significant chemical transformations from organic synthesis to medicinal chemistry by exactly imitating enzyme active site structure and mechanism-dependent properties. Remarkably, catecholase and tyrosinase analogs have enabled green oxidation routes that are more efficient than conventional high-energy-sucking processes. Advances in porous materials—particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs)—extend catalytic recyclability and mild-condition reactivity further, typically employing ambient oxygen and water solvents to minimize the environmental impact. Beyond chemical synthesis, biomimetic nanozymes are revolutionizing biomedicine. These systems offer stable, tunable alternatives to natural enzymes in diagnostic analysis, oxidative stress relief, and targeted drug delivery, which address age-old therapeutics specificity challenges. However, critical issues remain, including deactivation of catalysts under working conditions and scalability issues. Recent advances combine computational modeling, ligand engineering, and hybrid bio-inorganic architectures to optimize stability and activity. This review synthesizes state-of-the-art developments in homogeneous and enzyme-mimetic catalysts, emphasizing their mechanistic diversity and applications. We critically evaluate outstanding limitations—reaction selectivity and industrial compatibility—while outlining future directions. The integration of biomimetic principles can redefine sustainable chemistry, from industrial processes to future medicines, and emphasize its pivotal position in addressing global scientific and environmental issues
Diversity of Medicinal Botanicals Used by Local Inhabitants in the Northeastern Driouch District, Rif Region, Morocco
No full textNorthern Morocco’s community has long relied on aromatic and medicinal plants in traditional folk medicine to treat various illnesses. However, this local knowledge has only recently been well documented. Ethnobotanical investigations into the medicinal benefits of these plants play a crucial role in advancing drug development and treatment modalities, as well as in safeguarding plant species. The purpose of this study was to present the results of an ethnobotanical survey conducted in the region to collect information on the therapeutic uses of medicinal plants practiced by the local people. Thus, the data was collected through field visits using semi-structured ethnobotanical interviews with 130 native informants from the four communes (13 locations) in the study area. The study enabled us to identify 50 species across 30 different families, mainly represented by Lamiaceae (21.54%), plant leaves accounted for the highest usage (32%) among plant parts, with decoction being the most prevalent method for traditional drug preparation (34%). Furthermore, most of the prepared recipes are orally prescribed (72.31%). Regarding diseases treated digestive tract disorders rank first (30.6%). The results obtained will be a database for future phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies
Energy Evaluation of an Innovative Passive Building Using a Red Clay, Limestone, and Lime Composite for Mediterranean Regions
No full textMediterranean housing is increasingly shifting from a heating- to a cooling- dominated regime, making thermal comfort and energy efficiency central design challenges. This study assesses a passive multi-story envelope based on a red clay–limestone–lime composite. Thermophysical properties (ρ = 1800 kg/m³, c = 950 J·kg–1·K–1, and λ ≈ 0.70 W·m–1·K–1) were implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 to run 1-D transient heat-transfer simulations of a layered wall over representative 72 h summer and winter temperature sequences. Relative to a cement-based reference wall, the composite halves daily indoor temperature swings (peaks reduced from about ±3 °C to around ±1.5 °C), increases phase shift, and reduces HVAC energy required to maintain setpoints (25 °C in summer and 20 °C in winter). For a 0.20 m core, cooling energy over 72 h decreases by 54.9% (32.136 to 14.506 kWh) and heating energy by 48.0% (52.496 to 27.289 kWh); increasing thickness to 0.30 m yields reductions of up to 58.8% (cooling) and 47.0% (heating). A conductivity sweep indicates best performance for λ ≈ 0.60–0.70 W·m–1·K–1.
These results demonstrate the potential of locally sourced mineral composites to support passive-building strategies and Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) objectives in Mediterranean climates. By combining traditional resources (red clay, limestone, and lime) with modern passive design principles, the proposed wall system offers a practical pathway to improved thermal stability, reduced peak loads, and enhanced indoor comfort
Ammonia Production Processes in the Context of Hydrogen Pathway Evolution and Industrial Decarbonization
No full textAmmonia production is a cornerstone of the global chemical industry and plays a critical role in ensuring global food security; however, it is also associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions due to its strong reliance on fossil based hydrogen [1, 12, 19]. This review examines ammonia production processes in light of the evolving pathways of hydrogen production. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of conventional and emerging hydrogen technologies, including gray, blue, and green hydrogen, and assesses their implications for ammonia synthesis. Particular attention is given to the environmental performance, technological maturity, and economic constraints associated with each pathway. The review highlights that while gray hydrogen remains dominant, its carbon footprint poses major sustainability challenges. Blue hydrogen may offer a transitional solution through carbon capture technologies, although uncertainties persist regarding its long term viability. Green hydrogen represents a key pathway for decarbonizing ammonia production, although high costs and infrastructure limitations currently hinder its large scale deployment. [7, 10, 12, 16]. This work discusses the potential and challenges of low carbon hydrogen pathways in supporting the sustainable transformation of ammonia production
A comprehensive review of AI-powered campus surveillance
No full textAs education institutions face new security challenges, the integration of Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision with surveillance systems for real time monitoring and threat detection is becoming mainstream. The inefficiency of a traditional CCTV system, which rely on human monitoring, makes them susceptible to costly mistakes. This literature survey examines deep learning methodologies focused on Convolutional Neural Networks, YOLO based object detection, Haar Cascade classification, and Local Binary Pattern Histogram for campus surveillance and recognition systems used in the 46 works collected between 2020 and 2025. The survey tracks the advancements made towards systems that autonomously monitor and recognize faces, track vehicles, analyse crowds, and even detect behaviours, as AI systems attain the ability to automate processes. Although the systems in question boost recognition accuracy exceeding 95%, real time system flexibility, varying lighting conditions, occlusions, privacy, and system scalability remind touchy problems. The survey suggests that the AI powered systems of the future should work towards smart frameworks that integrate disparate surveillance systems and automated alert systems
Pharmacokinetic Evaluation and Exploration of Antifungal Activity of Synthesized Pyrazole-Based Compounds
No full textThe synthesized pyrazole-based compounds were evaluated for their pharmacokinetic properties and antifungal activity. The pharmacokinetic results, obtained through the pKCSM server, showed favorable solubility, human intestinal absorption (HIA) greater than 70%, and good permeability to the central nervous system (CNS) for certain compounds, with low inhibition of CYP450 enzymes and predicted toxicity within safe limits. Regarding antifungal activity, the compounds demonstrated effective inhibition of the growth of two pathogenic fungi, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 2 to 16 µg/mL. These results suggest that these compounds possess an optimal pharmacokinetic profile and promising antifungal activity, making them attractive candidates for clinical development. Thus, this study identifies compounds with high therapeutic potential for the treatment of fungal infections while ensuring a good safety profile for future development
