Browse Articles

Enhancing educational environments: A sustainable approach through creative design and upcycling applications

Abstract The standard of the learning environment has direct and indirect effects on the cognitive performance of the learners and is one of the major elements in the visual identity provided by learning institutions. This study focuses on the development of new designs related to the acoustic, visual, environmental, or infrastructural characteristics of learning spaces that stimulate a positive learning atmosphere among learners, hence contribute towards improved performance. In accordance with the sustainability objectives imposed by the local and international communities, the concept of recycling and or the reuse of waste is incorporated in the learning environment. The proposed solution was applied in the Faculty of Technology and Education by Beni Suef University, through providing an overall intervention based on four principles, including (1) classroom rehabilitation, (2) lobby and administrative rehabilitation, (3) back facade rehabilitation, and (4) front facade rehabilitation. The intervention project was conducted through collaboration between researchers from the fields of architecture, electrical engineering, and art education. Based on the findings, a substantial portion of the recycled materials consisted of solid waste such as cork panels, paper, metals, plastic, and wood. Recycling these materials contributed to reducing environmental impact by avoiding additional carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, user survey feedback reflected positive perceptions, with participants reporting noticeable improvements in the quality of the learning space, a stronger sense of professionalism, and increased awareness of sustainability. Future work will examine scalability across campuses. Universities are encouraged to adopt continuous upcycling programs, standardized waste-management guidelines, and replicable design frameworks that combine aesthetic, environmental, and educational benefits.

Minimum Integrated Functional Concentration (MIFC), unifying photocatalytic and antimicrobial modes in a GRAS-compliant LDPE/ZnO nanocomposite for active food packaging

Performance and ammonium migration in a three-chamber microbial desalination cell under high ammonium loading

A novel hybrid SEPIC–Landsman bidirectional converter for renewable-energy-based EV charging

Adaptive confidence ensemble reranking for reliable knowledge-intensive question answering

Optoelectronic performance of diphenylamine-helicene derivatives as hole transport materials in perovskite solar cells: a DFT/TD-DFT study

Modulation of intestinal bile acids influences colonic mucosal responses

Abstract Background: Elevated levels of secondary bile acids produced by the gut microbiome, in particular deoxycholic acid (DCA), influence epithelial cell proliferation and accelerate the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) under adverse dietary conditions, such as long-term, high fat intake. However, their effects on the intestinal epithelium have not been studied in detail. Aim: To determine gut epithelial responses to bile acid modulation in vivo and in situ . Methods: We performed targeted colonization of gnotobiotic mice followed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) of colonic epithelial cells combined with immunostaining of human biopsies from: (i) an observational patient cohort with hyperproliferative polyps or cancer; (ii) an interventional study with bile acid-scavenging drugs. Results: Colonization of mice with a defined bacterial community including the 7α-dehydroxylating species Extibacter muris resulted in DCA production. ScRNA-Seq of colonic epithelial cells revealed increased cell density of bile acid-sensitive enterocytes but fewer stem cells, goblet cells, and transit amplifying cells in mice exposed to DCA. This was associated with increased expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase ( Pdk4 ) and decreased expression of mucin ( Muc2 ). PDK expression was also increased in human hyperplastic polyps and adenomas, whilst MUC2 expression was reduced in adenomas and carcinomas compared to normal mucosa. In addition, treatment of ileostomy patients with chologenic diarrhea using bile acid sequestrants was associated with enhanced epithelial proliferation in colorectal biopsies. Conclusion: This study provides insight into intestinal epithelial cell responses to bile acids and their potential clinical relevance.

How ecocentric leadership drives environmental performance through green culture and work engagement in Egyptian hospitality and tourism

Association between a composite metabolic index and mortality in critically ill patients with pulmonary hypertension: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous condition with variable prognosis across World Health Organization (WHO) subtypes. The fasting blood glucose to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (FBG/HDL-C) ratio has been suggested as a metabolic predictor of adverse outcomes in critically ill patients, but its prognostic value in PH remains unclear. This retrospective cohort included 281 ICU patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) from MIMIC-IV (2008–2022). Patients were divided into tertiles based on ln(1 + FBG/HDL-C). The primary endpoint was 90-day all-cause mortality, which was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression, with exploratory subgroup analyses by WHO PH groups. In fully adjusted models, patients in the highest tertile of ln(1 + FBG/HDL-C) had higher 90-day mortality than those in the lowest tertile (HR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.82, 5.97; p  < 0.001). Elevated risk was observed across WHO PH Groups 1, 2, and 5, with the most statistically robust and clinically interpretable association in Group 2 (HR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.40, 5.05; p  = 0.003). Elevated FBG/HDL-C ratio was independently associated with 90-day mortality, with the association in Group 2 being the most statistically stable and clinically interpretable.

Multi-criteria based stable clustering technique for vehicular ad-hoc networks

Correction: Haptic perception of 2.5D surface feature height

Threading dislocation reduction in heteroepitaxial GaSb based superlattices grown on silicon

Abstract Direct epitaxial growth of gallium antimonide (GaSb) on silicon (Si) holds the potential for creating new applications in mid-infrared (MIR) silicon photonics. However, this is challenging due to the significant physical dissimilarities between the two materials creating various crystal imperfections and defects. The main challenge is the generation of threading dislocations arising from the high lattice mismatch. To successfully implement GaSb-based devices on silicon a major engineering breakthrough is required to significantly reduce the dislocation density. This work presents a study of high quality GaSb epilayers on Si with defect density of 6 × 10 6 cm -2 grown using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). This was achieved using a novel growth procedure consisting of an efficient AlSb interfacial misfit array, a two-step GaSb growth temperature procedure and strained dislocation filter superlattices (DFSLs). The superlattice (SL) layers were carefully engineered and positioned to prevent the generation of new defects while blocking the vertical propagation of pre-existing ones. The successful reduction of the threading dislocations and excellent crystalline quality was identified through a significant increase of the photoluminescence intensity.

Honey from Afyonkarahisar (Türkiye) exhibits low toxic-element burdens and distinct spatial elemental patterns

Abstract Honey integrates environmental inputs over the foraging range of honeybees, making it both a food and a natural sampler of local elemental exposure. Across 40 honey samples from 19 apiaries, Afyonkarahisar honeys displayed distinct multi-element compositions shaped by both regional background and localized enrichment. The mineral fraction was dominated by potassium, while iron and zinc were the most abundant trace elements. Toxic elements were consistently low: lead averaged 0.0051 mg kg⁻¹ (maximum 0.0346 mg kg⁻¹; below the commonly cited 0.10 mg kg⁻¹ level for honey), with similarly low concentrations of cadmium, mercury and arsenic. Multivariate analyses resolved two main compositional groups and four sub-groups with distinct elemental signatures, reflecting a gradient from low overall mineralization to localized multi-element enrichment. At typical honey consumption levels (30 g day⁻¹ for adults; 20 g day⁻¹ for children), all target hazard quotients were < 1 and the combined hazard index remained low (HI 0.0366 for adults; 0.0853 for children). Lifetime cancer risk estimates for Cr, Ni, As and Cd were 7.15 × 10⁻⁵ (adults) and 1.67 × 10⁻⁴ (children), within or close to commonly used tolerability ranges. Overall, Afyonkarahisar honeys appear safe for consumers and provide element fingerprints capable of resolving fine‑scale spatial variability in environmental elemental signatures.

Low spatial frequency surface feature formation during femtosecond laser deep engraving: origins and mechanisms

Abstract In this study, we explore the formation of high-amplitude, low-spatial-frequency surface features - also commonly referred to as waviness - during laser deep engraving of dielectric materials. This unique phenomenon significantly increases surface roughness and undermines the ability to control it during deep engraving, limiting the technique’s applicability. Here we establish the experimental conditions under which these features are formed and demonstrate how they depend on various processing conditions. Furthermore, we develop a numerical model that considers acoustic wave propagation in a confined cavity. Combining a numerical model with experimental results we demonstrate that the formation of low-spatial-frequency features is governed by the interaction between incident laser pulses and the residual effects of preceding pulses. Finally, building on this insight, we developed strategies to suppress the formation of such surface features, reducing the final surface roughness by a factor of ten.

Nutritional profiling, bioactive phytochemicals, and functional food components of wild edible fruits from the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot

Kinematics of different vault techniques in elite male gymnasts

Laser surface texturing of glass with high-power picosecond laser for the control of optical properties

Multi-scale elastic rock physics template for deep carbonate reservoir parameter prediction: a case study of the Shunbei Oilfield

Association between body weight and hip dysplasia screening results in young adult dogs of different breeds in Sweden

Abstract Canine hip dysplasia (HD) is a common developmental orthopaedic disorder with substantial impact on health and life expectancy. Body weight has been considered an important factor for the development, but prior studies evaluating this association on a large data set, strictly collected and without preselection of screening results, are lacking. The objectives of the study were to investigate a potential association between body weight and radiographic HD screening grade in young adult dogs of different breeds, and to study potential breed differences in selected breeds of different sizes. A cross-sectional study using hip screening results and body weight data from the Swedish Kennel Club, collected during 2007–2016 from 114,568 young adult dogs of 72 different breeds in Sweden, was performed. An association between HD screening grade and body weight was found; higher body weight within breed was associated with a more severe HD grade. The association was breed-dependent and significant in 13 of the 21 breeds included in the analysis on breed differences. In conclusion, higher body weight within breed was significantly associated with a more severe HD screening grade, and the association was breed dependent. This indicates that lower body weight might be a protective factor for developing HD.

Phase 3 Trial of Secukinumab in Polymyalgia Rheumatica