Found 611 results
Open Access
Review
22 August 2025The Recyclability of Wind Turbine Blade Material, Manufacturing Process, and Recycling Technology
As wind energy continues to be deployed at a significantly increasing rate, the number of decommissioned wind turbines is expected to increase accordingly. To improve material efficiency, a large amount of waste requires appropriate identification and recycling, particularly the composite materials used in wind turbine blades (WTB). This study focuses on two life cycle stages, manufacturing and the decommissioning stage, which contribute most to the waste generation of WTB. This study investigates the material efficiency factors in WTB and organises fragmental information in manufacturing waste management, focusing on the recycling factor and quantifying the recyclability of wind turbine blade material regarding the different recycling technologies. This study fills the gap in existing research by evaluating recycling methods for specified carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) and glass fibre-reinforced polymers (GFRPs) using a revised recyclability index. Additionally, innovative sustainable materials and recent composite recycling studies have also been incorporated into the quantification and evaluation to update the current progress. The current source of WTB post-production waste, the corresponding disposal method, and opportunities were also reviewed and identified. The findings quantified recyclability and revealed that the recyclability of WTB materials varies significantly depending on the specific composite type and the recycling method employed. Furthermore, the calculated recyclability, combined with other factors such as global warming potential (GWP), cost, and technology readiness level (TRL), is discussed, along with the potential for improving material efficiency by selecting future material recycling technology and effective manufacturing waste management.
Open Access
Opinion
22 August 2025Are Probiotics a Panacea for All Diseases? A Scientific Opinion
Probiotics have gained widespread attention for their potential health benefits, particularly in promoting gut health and modulating the immune system. This article critically examines whether probiotics can be a universal remedy for all diseases, as often claimed in scientific literature and popular media. The objective is to evaluate the current scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of probiotics in preventing and treating various medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic syndromes, allergies, and mental health issues. While some studies suggest promising outcomes in specific contexts, the evidence remains inconsistent and often limited to specific strains and conditions. Importantly, this review highlights that probiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution and their effects can vary widely depending on individual physiology, dosage, and microbial composition. The article also addresses safety concerns, regulatory challenges, and the need for more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials. By analyzing existing data and expert opinions, this work aims to separate fact from hype and provide a balanced perspective on probiotics’ true potential and limitations in modern medicine.
Open Access
Case Report
22 August 2025Root Cause Identification of Vibration and Wear Due to Strainer Obstruction in Hydrocarbon Processing Compressors
This study examines the root causes of vibration and wear in centrifugal compressors, particularly emphasising strainer obstruction in hydrocarbon processing environments. Strainer fouling is primarily driven by deposits from inlet gas compositions and deviations in operating conditions, which restrict flow, increase vibration, and accelerate component degradation. A combined methodology was applied to investigate these issues, including baroscopic inspection of compressor internals, chemical analysis of deposited materials, and evaluation of operational records against design specifications. Maintenance histories and strainer cleaning frequencies were also reviewed to establish links between performance decline and operating practices. The findings show that chemical cleaning is the most effective and cost-efficient solution, outperforming high-pressure water jet cleaning and full compressor overhauls by minimising downtime, restoring flow dynamics, and improving mechanical stability. Successful implementation across multiple compressors confirmed its scalability and reliability. This research validates chemical cleaning as a preferred maintenance strategy, delivering significant operational and economic benefits while extending compressor service life.
Open Access
Review
20 August 2025On the Utility of Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Detecting the Effects of Fibrinaloid Microclots in Diseases Involving Blood Stasis
A variety of chronic, inflammatory vascular and autoimmune diseases are accompanied by fibrinaloid microclots. Such diseases reflect endothelial dysfunction and may be detected using a ‘structural’ assay in the form of the fluorescence microscopic or flow ‘clotometry’ analysis of suitably stained platelet-poor plasma. Their amyloid nature and the presence of anti-fibrinolytic molecules therein make the fibrinaloid microclots comparatively resistant to the normal processes of clot degradation. By inhibiting the free flow of blood, the many effects of fibrinaloid microclots include those causing hypoxia, oxidative stress, and ‘blood stasis’ in the microcirculation. Nailfold capillaroscopy is an established observational technique (with both ‘structural’ and ‘functional’ elements) for assessing the microcirculation, and it is thus of interest to establish whether it too demonstrates changes when these syndromes are diagnosed. All diseases in which both methods have been applied show both the presence of fibrinaloid microclots and changes in capillary properties, indicating the complementary value of the structural and functional assays. This also suggests the potential value of nailfold capillaroscopy in a variety of other diseases involving coagulopathies or a deficient microcirculation, which has been little studied to date.
Open Access
Article
20 August 2025Mitochondrial Lon Peptidase 1 Controls Diaphragm and Lung Development in a Context-Dependent Manner
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a rare neonatal disorder causing diaphragmatic defects and cardiopulmonary hypoplasia, traditionally attributed to mechanical compression from organ herniation. However, emerging evidence suggests genetic mutations may independently impair lung development, prompting debate over CDH etiology. Here, we investigated the requirement of mitochondrial function guarded by LON peptidase 1 (Lonp1), a CDH risk gene, in either diaphragm or lung development. Lonp1 loss in skeletal muscles of the diaphragm led to its thinning and membranization, recapitulating the pathology of sac-type CDH. On the other hand, lung-specific inactivation caused severe hypoplasia with defective branching morphogenesis, independent of diaphragm anomalies. Molecularly, Lonp1 disruption dysregulated key transcription factors and signaling pathways known to be critical for early lung development. Our findings here revealed that mitochondrial defects contribute to the pathogenesis of CDH in an organ and cell type specific manner, opening new avenues for drug and therapeutic development.
Open Access
Article
19 August 2025Inventory of Ant Fauna in the Influence Area of a Small Hydropower Plant in the State of Paraná, Brazil
The construction of hydroelectric dams for power generation causes environmental alterations and ecosystem restructuring in directly and indirectly affected areas. This study aimed to survey the ant fauna in the indirect area of influence of a small hydroelectric plant located in Mangueirinha, Paraná State, Brazil. Seven sampling campaigns were conducted, two before and five during the project’s implementation, using pitfall traps as the sampling method. A total of 72 ant species were recorded, belonging to 26 genera and six subfamilies. Species richness and abundance did not differ significantly between the pre-implementation and implementation phases. The Chao1 estimator indicated that actual species richness may be approximately 7.6% higher than observed. These findings contribute to understanding ant biodiversity in areas subject to land-use change in Paraná State. The results highlight the value of using insect species richness and abundance, particularly of bioindicator groups such as ants, for environmental impact monitoring.
Open Access
Article
18 August 2025From Police Academy Training to Criminal Investigation: Strengthening Forensic Science in Policing
Forensic science is a critical element of policing. In the past three decades, it has become one of the most important investigative tools in criminal investigations. The importance of forensic science is operationalized by linking suspects to crime scenes, exoneration of the wrongly convicted, novel forensic technologies in cold case clearances, and many other aspects. Although modern policing is equipped with forensic resources, it faces some challenges, including investigative flaws that are heavily impacted by the neglect and misuse of forensic science. With the development of forensic science, it is necessary to take advantage of technology in investigations to the maximum extent. From police academy training to criminal investigation, there are many procedures in the process that require forensic and related professionalism. In this respect, the need to strengthen forensic education, training, and practice to improve policing is urgent. This article addresses the current situation and problems of forensic science in general procedures and proposes strategies for improving forensic science in policing.
Open Access
Article
18 August 2025Generational Shifts in Fertility Behaviour: Evidences from an Ethnographic Study from Howrah District of West Bengal, India
This ethnographic study examines generational shifts in fertility behaviour among ever-married women in Howrah district, West Bengal, India—a region characterised by the convergence of agrarian rural and rapid urbanisation. Utilising a cross-sectional sample of 665 women across three generational cohorts, the analysis applies a negative binomial regression framework to assess the impact of socio-demographic, economic, and cultural determinants on fertility outcomes. One-way ANOVA result reveals a significant generational decline in mean number of children (p = 0.004); with participants of Generation I (1.89) showing the highest mean number of children than the participants of Generation III (1.38). Negative binomial regression results showed that women from Generation II (IRR = 0.99; CI: 0.72–1.37; p < 0.001) and Generation III (IRR = 0.95; CI: 0.60–1.49; p = 0.001) exhibiting significantly lower fertility compared to those from Generation I. Key predictors of reduced fertility include higher educational attainment among women (IRR = 0.95; CI: 0.72–1.26; p < 0.01) and their spouses (IRR = 0.99; CI: 0.85–1.25; p < 0.05), engagement in white-collar occupations (IRR = 0.93; CI: 0.72–1.22; p < 0.01), prioritisationof leisure time (IRR = 0.51; CI: 0.85–1.18; p < 0.05), fewer siblings (1–2) of the husband (IRR = 0.99; CI: 0.81–1.28; p < 0.05), higher household crowding (HCI) (IRR = 0.99; CI: 0.85–1.14; p < 0.05), and greater economic status within the upper expenditure quintile (IRR = 0.95; CI: 0.79–1.15; p < 0.01). Fertility preferences increasingly reflect modern aspirations related to lifestyle enhancement and personal autonomy. However, traditional influences—such as perceived necessity of children for life fulfilment and old-age dependency—continue to exert a reduced but noticeable effect. Significantly, higher fertility rates among Muslim participants (IRR = 1.04; CI: 0.81–1.14; p < 0.01) highlight the enduring impact of religious and economic disparities. IDIs observed a clear generational shift; older generations follow traditional childbearing norms, while younger ones lean toward modern views. The study concludes that fertility transition in the Howrah district is shaped by a dynamic interplay between persisting traditional norms and evolving individualistic values, positioning generational change as a crucial lens for interpreting India’s ongoing demographic transformation.
Open Access
Article
18 August 2025Ethanothermal Synthesis of Dual Emissive Supramolecular Carbon Dots from Naphthalenediol and Quinones with Aggregate Tuned Fluorescence
Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted considerable interest due to their unique photoluminescence and broad potential in sensing, bioimaging, and optoelectronics. However, precise control of their emission properties through molecular design and understanding of supramolecular aggregation remain challenging. Here, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (H-CDs) with green fluorescence are synthesized via an ethanol-mediated solvothermal method using 1,3-dihydroxynaphthalene as a rigid π-conjugated carbon source and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ) as both oxidant and nitrogen donor. The synthesis involves complex molecular transformations yielding amorphous supramolecular carbon dots stabilized mainly by noncovalent interactions. Characterization confirmed abundant oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups and an amorphous structure devoid of crystalline residues. Hierarchical H-type aggregation driven by π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding governs the photophysical behavior of the H-CDs, inducing a concentration-dependent evolution from blue-emitting monomers to green-emitting supra-CDs, accompanied by particle growth, red-shifts in the emission spectrum, and a pronounced elongation of the fluorescence lifetime. Temperature- and salt-dependent studies reveal that emission intensity increases with rising temperature and low ionic strength, due to distorted H′-aggregates with weak excitonic coupling and electrostatic screening of surface charges. These insights deepen the understanding of structure-property relationships in carbon dots and offer guidance for tailoring their photophysical properties for advanced optoelectronic applications.
Open Access
Article
15 August 2025Integrating DNA and Chemical Profiling to Trace Illicit Drug Manufacture and Distribution
Illicit drug materials represent a valuable but underutilized source of forensic intelligence. While chemical profiling is routinely used to trace drug composition and origin, the recovery of trace DNA offers the potential to link these substances directly to individuals involved in their manufacture and distribution. This study evaluates the forensic utility of integrating DNA profiling with chemical analysis to improve source attribution across different drug formulations. Pharmaceutical-grade simulants in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders were handled by volunteers under controlled deposition scenarios. DNA was recovered using moistened cotton swabs, extracted via automated silica-based workflows, and analyzed using STR profiling. In parallel, chemical fingerprints were generated through GC-MS and LC-MS, with sample classification based on retention time and mass spectral data. Capsules yielded the highest DNA recovery (median: 310 pg), followed by tablets (230 pg) and powders (18 pg), with single-source STR profiles obtained in over 85% of capsule and tablet cases. Chemical profiling achieved 85% accuracy for capsules, 78% for tablets, and 65% for powders. When integrated, the combined approach significantly outperformed individual methods, achieving classification accuracies of 97% for capsules, 85% for tablets, and 72% for powders (p < 0.01). These findings demonstrate the enhanced evidentiary value of dual profiling, particularly in cases involving degraded or limited DNA. The proposed framework supports a more comprehensive forensic strategy, enabling biological and chemical linkage of drug materials to persons of interest and manufacturing sources. This integrative approach offers critical advantages for law enforcement and prosecution in disrupting drug trafficking networks.
