Scientific Advances Research Articles

Microstructural evolution and deformation mechanisms of superplastic aluminium alloys: A review

Aluminium alloy is one of the earliest and most widely used superplastic materials. The objective of this work is to review the scientific advances in superplastic Al alloys. Particularly, the emphasis is placed on the microstructural evolution and deformation mechanisms of Al alloys during superplastic deformation. The evolution of grain structure, texture, secondary phase, and cavities during superplastic flow in typical superplastic Al alloys is discussed in detail. The quantitative evaluation of different deformation mechanisms based on the focus ion beam (FIB)-assisted surface study provides new insights into the superplasticity of Al alloys. The main features, such as grain boundary sliding, intragranular dislocation slip, and diffusion creep can be observed intuitively and analyzed quantitatively. This study provides some reference for the research of superplastic deformation mechanism and the development of superplastic Al alloys.

Female landscapes

The aim of this article is to reflect on the presence of colonized women in photographs and other representations, such as drawings, posters, postcards, exhibition catalogues, newspapers and magazines, which were disseminated in the context of the Portuguese colonial expositions, and in exhibition spaces conceived by the Portuguese with a colonial component. Generally speaking, the exhibitions sought to put forward the progress, taking into account land, rail and sea transport, but also roads, communications, trade, industry, arts, architecture, culture, and the most recent advances in science and medicine. The exhibitions were also places where the logic of colonial models was staged, showing a clear relationship between colonial domination and gender representation. The research includes several materials produced throughout the 1930s (a fertile period regarding the Portuguese participation in this kind of international events) intended to publicize these exhibitions or serve as a complement to them. These materials may include art works or merely propagandistic works, or works that combine both components. The analysis will include materials associated with several exhibitions between 1931 and 1940, such as the International Colonial Exhibition of Paris (1931), the Lisbon Industrial Exhibition (1932), the Portuguese Colonial Exhibition in Porto (1934), the Exhibition of the Portuguese World in Lisbon (1940), and the Portugal of the Little Ones (Portugal dos Pequenitos) in Coimbra (1940). The contexts in which women appear and the way they are represented — as active beings (performing tasks), as contemplative beings (as in natural landscapes) or as objects of sexual desire, revealing the context of power (legislative, administrative, male and colonial) in which the images and the representations were produced — will be analyzed.

Enhancing teaching competence of prospective physical education teachers with integrated learning model

Learning continuously evolves, propelled by advancements in science and technology as well as the shifting needs and preferences of students. A critical question arises: Are prospective teachers adequately prepared to adapt to these evolving demands with the necessary competencies? This study addresses this question by investigating the effectiveness of an Integrated Learning Model (ILM) in enhancing key teaching competencies. The research focuses on teaching skills, analytical thinking abilities, academic integrity, and transformational leadership qualities among prospective teachers. The study employs an experimental research design, utilizing a one-group pre-test-post-test methodology to assess the impact of the ILM on 35 students selected through cluster sampling. Data collection instruments included the TPOG for evaluating teaching skills, the ATSI for assessing analytical thinking, the PAAIS-24 for measuring academic integrity, and the GTLS for gauging transformational leadership abilities. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics, paired samples t-tests, and N-gain score analysis. The results indicate a significant positive effect of the ILM on all measured competencies: teaching skills, analytical thinking skills, academic integrity, and transformational leadership. These findings underscore the ILM's potential as a robust framework for developing the competencies necessary for prospective teachers to meet the challenges of modern education. The study suggests that future research should explore the application of ILM in various social contexts, examine its effectiveness in fostering additional relevant competencies, and compare its outcomes with those of other instructional models. Such investigations will contribute to a deeper understanding of ILM's role in preparing teachers for the demands of 21st-century education.

Research on Mechanisms for University Connotation Construction and High-Quality Employment in the Context of New Quality Productivity

The introduction of the concept of new quality productivity has attracted a great deal of attention in the educational community. However, there is an urgent need to align it with policy orientation and advancements in science and technology moving forward. Colleges and universities themselves should be the leaders of advanced thinking and scientific and technological development, and play their due roles in line with the development of the times to provide quality and urgent talents and intellectual support. For this reason, this paper proposes that universities should consciously establish a set of regular operation mechanisms, namely, the linkage mechanism between “social demand” and “connotation construction,” and operate regularly under the guarantee of the system. This enables universities to lead or grasp the pulse of scientific and technological development, constantly improve the level of connotation construction, promote high-quality employment, and provide high-quality services for modernization and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

A Comprehensive Theological and Scientific Study of Gestational Surrogacy

With advancements in science and in response to the desire of childless individuals, surrogacy has emerged as a contemporary method of treating infertility. Intriguingly, due to its novelty, this topic has sparked considerable legal and jurisprudential debate. In essence, this medical procedure involves fertilizing a woman's egg with a man's sperm outside the womb. Subsequently, due to the woman's inability to carry the pregnancy, the embryo is implanted into another woman's uterus. Surrogacy, in fact, is a means for infertile couples to have a child. Through assisted reproductive technologies, an embryo created via in vitro fertilization is transferred to a gestational carrier, who carries the pregnancy to term and then relinquishes the child to the intended parents. In Iran, assisted reproductive technologies are employed when couples, or either partner, experience infertility. In these procedures, the sperm and egg of the legal and marital couple are fertilized in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is donated to another legal and marital couple. A crucial issue in this context is the determination of the child's parentage, especially maternal lineage. Due to the silence of the law, this matter must be resolved by examining the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran and relevant jurisprudential opinions, as well as the perspectives of legal experts. In this regard, determining the maternal lineage, which involves the biological mother and the gestational carrier, presents a challenge and requires further exploration. The conclusion of this paper is that, based on Quranic verses, hadiths, the principle of freedom of will, the intentions of the parties involved, the best interests of the child, customary practices, and legal principles, the gestational carrier is considered the legal mother of the child.

Training on Preparation of Simple Financial Statements and Marketing Strategies for Cendol "Men Tablen"

Business in the cendol sector opens up economic opportunities for many housewives to increase their family income. With relatively small capital and flexible working hours, many mothers can get involved in the cendol business as a way to support their family's financial needs. Through community service activities, cendol MSMEs receive education and training that helps them understand and apply modern marketing strategies, so that they can increase their competitiveness and business growth. The first obstacle is limited capital so that the production process is still limited. Second, this group has never made a financial report so that the development of the business or performance of this group cannot be known. Third, the distribution and marketing of products are still carried out conventionally. Partners do not yet have a qualified marketing strategy, resulting in the coverage of the product market share being very minimal. The advancement of digital technology in the era of globalization without being balanced by the ability to utilize advances in science and technology has hampered business development. The conclusion of the implementation of this community service is 1) Cendol Men Tablen UMKM does not yet have adequate financial transaction records, as well as the desire to expand market share, 2) Socialization related to marketing strategies based on Marketing Mix is considered appropriate to the needs of partners, and 3) Cendol Men Tablen UMKM experiences difficulties in meeting the needs of production support facilities due to limited capital.

Selection Process Based on Advancing the Development of a Science and Technology Law System with Chinese Features

The significance of advancing socialist S&T legal system building with Chinese features is examined in this paper, along with the extensive effects it has on S&T innovation and economic growth. Against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive global scientific and technology landscape, China’s ability to innovate and achieve sustainable growth hinges on the establishment of an ideal science and technology legislative framework. This essay first examines the primary obstacles to China’s development of a science, technology, and innovation (S&T) legal system, including inadequate protection for intellectual property rights, a flawed process for transforming scientific and technological advancements, and an insufficient system for encouraging enterprise innovation. Then, this research presents a quantitative analysis model to optimize the path of science and technology legal building by applying the improved particle swarm optimization method (PSO). The model takes into account a wide range of variables, including the degree of intellectual property protection, the strength of legal backing, the pace at which scientific and technological advancements are transformed, etc. Through the analysis of simulation data, the model also confirms the promotion effect of the legal system construction on the quantity of patent applications, the success rate of innovation projects, the enterprise R&D expenditure, and the expansion of the local economy. The study’s findings demonstrate that bolstering the science and technology legal system can effectively encourage businesses to boost R&D investment and foster regional economic development in addition to greatly raising the quantity of patent applications and the success rate of innovation projects. The rigorous intellectual property protection laws and ideal legal framework for the conversion of accomplishments greatly boost the regional innovation vitality and economic efficiency, particularly in the case study of Zhongguancun in Beijing and East China. Moreover, adaptive weighting is used to enhance the PSO algorithm and optimize the development of science and technology legal system’s comprehensive performance index, thereby confirming the model’s viability and efficacy. The study’s findings offer theoretical justification and helpful advice for China’s development of a science and technology legal framework, which is crucial for fostering innovation in these fields and boosting the country’s competitiveness.

Peer Review: A Pillar of Academic Integrity and Scientific Advancement

Peer Review: A Pillar of Academic Integrity and Scientific Advancement

Ethical Dilemma and Technology Misuse in Medical Fiction of Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The rapid advancement of medical technology has introduced new ethical quandaries that are increasingly explored within medical fiction. To explore these ethical misconducts and implications of technology misuse, the study selects the medical novel Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. This study uses the Neutralization Theory of Sykes and Matza to examine the moral arguments and ethical conundrums raised in Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. In that, the novel investigates how authors use the medium of fiction to not only highlight the profound ethical questions surrounding the development and application of new technologies but also to expose the fragility of the systems and individuals tasked with wielding such power. This selected medical narrative serves as cautionary tales that force readers to confront the moral and philosophical implications of technological progress in the medical field, calling doctors to consider the delicate balance between scientific advancement and preserving human dignity, autonomy, and the sanctity of life.

ABOUT THE PROTOTYPOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE DWELLING

Throughout human history, housing has been crucial for human existence, serving as shelter, a symbol of social status, economic prosperity, and cultural identity. Studying archaeological data from different times and peoples has enabled the analysis of the main stages of the development of one of the fundamental values of human material culture - housing. Housing stands as concrete evidence supporting hypotheses and scientific discoveries, offering insights into the life, culture, and traditions of specific epochs. Its extensive evolutionary journey has been shaped significantly by advancements aimed at optimizing living conditions, influenced by societal norms, domestic practices, and scientific advancements. This ongoing evolution has defined housing's architectural characteristics, including differentiation of family, household, functional planning, work, and communal spaces, alongside spatial and expressive architectural elements. It encompasses the development of individual housing units within broader building and settlement frameworks, encompassing diverse housing types and their typological classifications, as well as applying construction and technical methods. This study examines the distinctive typological groups of housing, characterized by their structural underpinnings. These groups are delineated by key factors influencing the inception of formative architectural techniques, such as the early development of functional-planning solutions rooted in familial and regional contexts, and cultural traditions. Additionally, the article explores the architectural evolution of housing, analyzing how prototype components have shaped the phased development of residential functional-planning structures over time. This research contributes to a broader series of investigations into typological evolution of housing, aiming to deepen our understanding of its transformative journey across different historical periods.

Educational aspect in the legal regulation of scientific research in the constituent instruments of UN Specialized Agencies

The aim of the article is to explore how the integration of educational aspects into the legal regulation of scientific research is addressed within the constituent instruments of UN specialized agencies. It seeks to show how education serves as a bridge between scientific advancements and their practical applications, making research more accessible to society. The article identifies a gap in systematic scholarly inquiry into international legal cooperation on scientific research, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive analysis. The methodology employed includes comparative and systematic analysis of relevant international legal documents, focusing on how scientific activity is reflected in the statutory frameworks of various UN organizations. The article applies methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as structural, formal-legal, and hermeneutic approaches, utilizing both deduction and induction. The most relevant results indicate that scientific activity is consistently regulated within key treaties, especially in the UNESCO Constitution and IAEA Statute. The article also identifies references to science and scientific activity in the statutes of other organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization, WHO, FAO, and the International Maritime Organization, showing the wide regulatory framework governing scientific research across different sectors.

Innovative approaches to soil remediation

In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the issue of soil contamination and pollution stands as a significant threat to our planet’s health. This article delves into the critical topic of soil remediation and explores a spectrum of innovative methods aimed at rejuvenating our soil’s vitality. Capitalizing on the latest advancements in environmental science and technology, these approaches offer a promising path toward healing the Earth. This article sheds light on the diverse toolbox available for the restoration of contaminated soils. As we navigate the intricate web of ecological concerns, understanding and harnessing these innovative remediation strategies is crucial for a greener, more sustainable future.

Bioanalysis of antisense oligonucleotides: Techniques, challenges, regulatory considerations, and future perspectives

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a powerful class of therapeutics designed to target RNA sequences and regulate gene expression, offering promising treatment avenues for various genetic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and viral infections. The bioanalysis of ASOs presents unique challenges due to their distinct chemical and biological characteristics, requiring specialized analytical methods and regulatory oversight. This review explores the latest methodologies in ASO bioanalysis, assesses the current regulatory environment, and considers future directions, particularly in the context of critical and emerging technologies (CETs) relevant to national security strategies. ASOs, classified under biotechnology, play a crucial role in gene expression modulation and protein regulation. By integrating insights from CETs, this review emphasizes the strategic significance of ASO bioanalysis in driving advancements in medical science and contributing to national security.

Training and Developing Physician-Scientist Careers to Enhance Medical Research in Ghana

Summary A physician-scientist is a medical doctor who combines clinical practice with research. They often work in academic medical centers, research institutions, or hospitals, where they split their time between treating patients and conducting research to advance medical knowledge, develop new treatments, and improve public health. Their work is well recognized as they are reported to constitute 37% of Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine, and several prize winners in Chemistry. However, regardless of how inherently fulfilling this may be, in Ghana and many other regions of the world, increasingly fewer doctors aspire to become physician-scientists. Currently, there is a lack of clarity regarding the path to becoming a physician-scientist in Ghana and other African nations. So, for the young doctor of today who wishes to embark on a research career, there are more questions than answers. The authors emphasize the need for structured programs, early commitment, and resource allocation to nurture the next generation of physician-scientists. They also examine the potential of integrating research-focused training into existing medical programs and the role of various stakeholders, such as universities and the Ministry of Health, in supporting these initiatives. The authors call for innovative approaches and strategic planning to enhance the capacity of Ghanaian doctors to pursue careers in medical research, ultimately contributing to global scientific advancement and improving healthcare in low and middle-income countries. They conclude that more needs to be done to develop more physician scientists.

A Systematic Investigation Based on BCI and EEG Implemented using Machine Learning Algorithms

BCI is a strong tool that improves human-system communication. It improves the brain's ability to interact with its surroundings. Recent decades have seen substantial advances in neuroscience and computer science. This has made BCI a leader in computational neuroscience and intelligence research. Recent technological advances including wearable sensing devices, real-time data streaming, machine learning, and deep learning have raised the need for electroencephalographic (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) in clinical and translational applications. EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) detect cognitive state variations throughout laborious tasks, making them advantageous for individuals. To fill in the gaps in the wide overview of the past five years (2019-2024), we surveyed the newest research on EEG signal detection and computational intelligence in brain-computer interfaces. To provide a more accurate account, we will begin by reviewing Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology and its main challenges. Modern signal detection and enhancement techniques for EEG signal collection and refinement follow. We also provide advanced computational intelligence methods for tracking, maintaining, and monitoring human cognitive and operational performance in everyday applications. Combinations, interpretable fuzzy models, transfer learning, and deep learning are used. We conclude with a sample of cutting-edge BCI-driven healthcare applications and explore future EEG-based BCI research.

Lignin-carbohydrate complex-based polyurethane elastomer with outstanding mechanical strength, photothermal efficiency, and enhanced recyclability

Addressing plastic pollution and reducing reliance on petroleum reserves necessitates the development of bio-based materials from renewable resources. Lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCC) extracted from lignocellulose, abundant in aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups, offer a promising alternative to conventional polyols in polyurethane synthesis. Historically, the limited solubility of LCC in polyols has posed significant challenges in fabricating high-performance biomass-based polyurethanes. This study presents an innovative LCC-based polyurethane elastomer, synthesized from LCC, polyols, and isocyanate building blocks. By replacing traditional polyols with hydroxyl-rich LCC, the resulting polyurethane elastomer (PUC) exhibits exceptional mechanical properties and photothermal conversion efficiency. The material boasts a maximum tensile strength of 20.94 MPa, a fracture strain of 1167.39 %, an elastic recovery rate of 91.4 %, and a peak photothermal conversion temperature of 125 °C. These outstanding attributes are ascribed to a robust network of dynamic covalent and hydrogen bonds. Moreover, the incorporation of LCC notably enhances the recyclability of the polyurethane elastomer and provides effective UV-blocking properties. This research not only broadens the spectrum of raw materials available for polyurethane production but also introduces innovative methodologies for the practical utilization of LCC, representing a notable advancement in sustainable materials science.

Evolution and Innovations in Bone Marrow Cellular Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Tracing the Historical Trajectory and Contemporary Advances.

Bone marrow cellular therapy has undergone a remarkable evolution, significantly impacting the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. This review traces the historical trajectory from early mythological references to contemporary scientific advancements. The groundbreaking work of Friedenstein in 1968, identifying fibroblast colony-forming cells in bone marrow, laid the foundation for future studies. Caplan's subsequent identification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in 1991 highlighted their differentiation potential and immunomodulatory properties, establishing them as key players in regenerative medicine. Contemporary research has focused on refining techniques for isolating and applying bone marrow-derived MSCs. These cells have shown promise in treating conditions like osteonecrosis, osteoarthritis, and tendon injuries thanks to their ability to promote tissue repair, modulate immune responses, and enhance angiogenesis. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvements in pain relief, functional recovery, and tissue regeneration. Innovations such as the ACH classification system and advancements in bone marrow aspiration methods have standardized practices, improving the consistency and efficacy of these therapies. Recent clinical trials have validated the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived products, highlighting their advantages in both surgical and non-surgical applications. Studies have shown that MSCs can reduce inflammation, support bone healing, and enhance cartilage repair. However, challenges remain, including the need for rigorous characterization of cell populations and standardized reporting in clinical trials. Addressing these issues is crucial for advancing the field and ensuring the reliable application of these therapies. Looking ahead, future research should focus on integrating bone marrow-derived products with other regenerative techniques and exploring non-surgical interventions. The continued innovation and refinement of these therapies hold promise for revolutionizing the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering improved patient outcomes, and advancing the boundaries of medical science.

An Up-to-Date Review of Materials Science Advances in Bone Grafting for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

Bone grafting in oral and maxillofacial surgery has evolved significantly due to developments in materials science, offering innovative alternatives for the repair of bone defects. A few grafts are currently used in clinical settings, including autografts, xenografts, and allografts. However, despite their benefits, they have some challenges, such as limited availability, the possibility of disease transmission, and lack of personalization for the defect. Synthetic bone grafts have gained attention since they have the potential to overcome these limitations. Moreover, new technologies like nanotechnology, 3D printing, and 3D bioprinting have allowed the incorporation of molecules or substances within grafts to aid in bone repair. The addition of different moieties, such as growth factors, stem cells, and nanomaterials, has been reported to help mimic the natural bone healing process more closely, promoting faster and more complete regeneration. In this regard, this review explores the currently available bone grafts, the possibility of incorporating substances and molecules into their composition to accelerate and improve bone regeneration, and advanced graft manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, the presented current clinical applications and success stories for novel bone grafts emphasize the future potential of synthetic grafts and biomaterial innovations in improving patient outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Solar Hydrogen Production and Storage in Solid Form: Prospects for Materials and Methods.

Climatic changes are reaching alarming levels globally, seriously impacting the environment. To address this environmental crisis and achieve carbon neutrality, transitioning to hydrogen energy is crucial. Hydrogen is a clean energy source that produces no carbon emissions, making it essential in the technological era for meeting energy needs while reducing environmental pollution. Abundant in nature as water and hydrocarbons, hydrogen must be converted into a usable form for practical applications. Various techniques are employed to generate hydrogen from water, with solar hydrogen production-using solar light to split water-standing out as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy is challenged by transportation and storage issues, as it requires compressed and liquefied gas storage tanks. Solid hydrogen storage offers a promising solution, providing an effective and low-cost method for storing and releasing hydrogen. Solar hydrogen generation by water splitting is more efficient than other methods, as it uses self-generated power. Similarly, solid storage of hydrogen is also attractive in many ways, including efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This can be achieved through chemical adsorption in materials such as hydrides and other forms. These methods seem to be costly initially, but once the materials and methods are established, they will become more attractive considering rising fuel prices, depletion of fossil fuel resources, and advancements in science and technology. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are highly efficient for converting hydrogen into electrical energy, producing clean electricity with no emissions. If proper materials and methods are established for solar hydrogen generation and solid hydrogen storage under ambient conditions, solar light used for hydrogen generation and utilization via solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) will be an efficient, safe, and cost-effective technique. With the ongoing development in materials for solar hydrogen generation and solid storage techniques, this method is expected to soon become more feasible and cost-effective. This review comprehensively consolidates research on solar hydrogen generation and solid hydrogen storage, focusing on global standards such as 6.5 wt% gravimetric capacity at temperatures between -40 and 60 °C. It summarizes various materials used for efficient hydrogen generation through water splitting and solid storage, and discusses current challenges in hydrogen generation and storage. This includes material selection, and the structural and chemical modifications needed for optimal performance and potential applications.

Transition-Metal Free Amination and Hydrodefluorination of Aryl Fluorides Promoted by Solvated Electrons.

Cross-coupling reactions for constructing C-N bonds represent a pivotal advancement in chemical science. Traditional methodologies, including nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) and transition metal-catalyzed cross-couplings, have limitations concerning aryl scope, reliance on toxic and costly transition-metal catalysts, and issues related to atom economy and waste generation from ligands and additives. In this work, we introduce a novel method for aminating neutral, electron-rich, and electron-deficient aryl halides, eliminating the need for transition metals. Our approach involves the activation of aryl halides using solvated electrons generated from granulated lithium and sonication. This serves as a sustainable source of reducing power, facilitating the efficient formation of C-N bonds under near ambient conditions. Competitive selectivity studies between halide and ester functionalities were explored. Reaction scope and conducted mechanistic studies which supported the proposed radical-nucleophilic substitution (SRN1) mechanism for the reaction. Notably, the developed reaction has a highly competitive reductive dehalogenation pathway during the C-N coupling reaction, and this mechanistic divergency was thoroughly explored. This work not only broadens the scope of C-N coupling reactions which typically employs aryl bromides and iodides and rarely aryl fluorides which is also equally abundant, but also introduces a new way to do C-N coupling reactions using solvated electrons.