Fabrication and characterization of ZnO/HA scaffolds via spark plasma sintering at different temperatures for bone repair.

This study characterizes the mechanical behavior of Ti‐6Al‐4V lattice structures manufactured using laser powder bed fusion (PBF‐LB/M) for application in endoprostheses. Additive manufacturing enables creating customized orthopedic implants with complex geometries that combine mechanical stability with biological integration. The choice of biocompatible Ti‐6Al‐4V, together with the incorporation of lattice structures, offers improved mechanical performance, corrosion resistance, and bone ingrowth. A critical step toward the clinical adoption of such additively manufactured lattice structures is their thorough mechanical characterization, the central focus of this work. To this end, three test methods are employed to assess macroscopic mechanical response and damage tolerance: uniaxial compression, fourpoint bending and crack propagation tests. The results show that the mechanical properties depend on the lattice topology and surface finish. In particular, TPMS‐based architectures (Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces) exhibit superior fatigue crack propagation behavior, which is attributed to a more homogeneous stress distribution. In static testing, the SplitP TPMS (SPP) and Honeycomb (HCG) structures achieve the best balance of high stiffness (up to 27 GPa) and compressive strength (up to 249 MPa). These experimentally validated data form a crucial basis for subsequent artificial intelligence (AI)‐based structural optimization to maximize the long‐term mechanical reliability of implants under physiological loads.

Background Prefrailty represents a critical transitional phase in age-related functional decline among older adults, characterized by reduced muscle strength and impaired balance. While exercise interventions are recognized as effective in ameliorating these symptoms, the comparative efficacy of different exercise modalities remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the effects of different exercise interventions on muscle strength and balance function in older adults with prefrailty. Design This is a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to March 2025. Seventeen RCTs involving older adults (age ≥ 60 years) with prefrailty were included, evaluating 10 exercise interventions (e.g., multicomponent training, elastic band exercise, progressive exercise combined with a Tai-chi snacking program, etc.). Primary outcomes included handgrip strength, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test performance. A Bayesian framework was employed for the network meta-analysis to assess model convergence and perform consistency tests. The mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used as indicators of effect size. Pairwise comparisons of different exercise interventions were conducted to demonstrate the relative effect differences between therapies intuitively. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to rank the interventions. Results Seventeen RCTs involving 1,107 pre-frail older adults were included, of which 8 reported handgrip strength (671 patients), 9 reported SPPB score (693 patients), and 6 reported TUG time (263 patients). Elastic band exercise demonstrated the greatest effect on improving handgrip strength (SUCRA = 87.51%), while progressive exercise combined with the Tai-chi snacking program was most effective in enhancing the SPPB score (SUCRA = 90.03%) and shortening TUG time (SUCRA = 79.27%). Multicomponent training and Exergames training also demonstrated significant benefits in certain indicators. Conclusions Exercise interventions can effectively improve muscle strength and balance function in pre-frail older adults, with elastic band exercise and progressive exercise combined with the Tai-chi snacking program being potential optimal choices. Future studies should focus on the effects of long-term interventions and their synergistic effects with other health strategies (e.g., nutritional interventions). Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251005061 , identifier: PROSPERO (CRD420251005061).

ABSTRACT Silicone rubber exhibits greater elasticity but poorer thermal stability than silicone resins, owing to its lower crosslinking density. Thus, this study introduces phenyltrimethoxysilane (PhTMS) into hydroxyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (OH‐PDMS) through a sol–gel co‐hydrolysis and condensation approach, yielding elastic silicone resins (ESR) that combine the elasticity of silicone rubber with the thermal stability of silicone resins. The effects of PhTMS content and OH‐PDMS chain length on overall performance were systematically studied. The optimized ESR (5–300‐ESR‐v) showed a markedly higher T d5 (5% weight loss temperature) (389°C in air, 452°C in N 2 ) than OH‐PDMS‐v (350°C in air, 400°C in N 2 ), alongside superior mechanical performance and adhesive strength. Compared with traditional silicone resins, the resulting ESR are solvent‐free, low‐viscosity, and curable at room temperature, achieving an optimal balance of thermal stability, strength, and toughness. This makes them promising candidates for heat‐resistant materials.

BackgroundThe Supine-to-Stand Test (SST) evaluates muscle strength, flexibility, and dynamic balance. It may serve as a global measure of functional movement ability in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS).ObjectiveTo investigate the validity and reliability of the SST in pwMS.MethodsThirty-four pwMS (mean EDSS score: 4.80 ± 1.13) participated in this cross-sectional observational study. Ankle plantar and dorsiflexor muscle strength was measured using a digital hand dynamometer. Manual dexterity, balance, endurance, and functional mobility were assessed using the 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), respectively. The Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale was used to identify fear of falling. Quality of life was evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54). Test-retest reliability was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsThe SST demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.984, 95% CI 0.801-0.995). SST performance was moderately correlated with BBS (r = -0.547, p = 0.001), TUG (r = 0.619, p < 0.001), and 6MWT (r = -0.642, p < 0.001). A moderate correlation was found between plantar flexor strength on the dominant side and SST (r = 0.349, p = 0.043), whereas no significant correlation was observed for the non-dominant side or dorsiflexor strength bilaterally (p > 0.05). SST was not correlated with 9HPT bilaterally or MSQOL-54 (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe SST is a reliable and valid tool for assessing functional movement ability in pwMS. Its significant correlations with established balance and mobility measures suggest that it may contribute to clinical decision-making, particularly in evaluating fall risk and predicting walking independence in patients with moderate disability (EDSS scores 4-6).

Abstract Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses metaphor extensively in its exercises with clients ( Hayes et al., 2012 ). This paper analyzes a corpus of ACT defusion exercises to identify the patterns of construal they typically evoke. Findings show frequent use of the Divided-Person metaphor ( Lakoff, 1996 ), with the two aspects of the mind (the Self and Subject) operating within an actual or potential force dynamic (FD) configuration ( Talmy, 2000 ). Two main types of configurations emerge. Deliteralization exercises show shifts in the balance of strength between the Subject and Self. Observation exercises draw a contrast between a steady-state FD configuration involving a coerced Agonist and a secondary steady-state FD pattern in which a potentially coercing force was no longer impinging on the Agonist. The results demonstrate how FD and the Divided-Person metaphor systematically combine to construe mental phenomenology and dispositions. The analysis thus sheds light on the conceptual structures underlying therapeutic discourse in ACT.

Background/Objectives: Falls are a major cause of injury in older adults, closely related to declines in muscle strength, balance control, and sensory integration. Although exercise-based fall prevention programs are well supported, evidence on combining such programs with cerebellar transcranial direct-current stimulation (c-tDCS) remains limited. This study investigated the effects of c-tDCS applied before a modified Otago Exercise Program (OEP) on lower-extremity strength, balance, and fall efficacy in older adults. Methods: In this randomized controlled study, twenty-six community-dwelling older adults (median age [IQR]: experimental, 74.00 [10] years; control, 71.00 [10] years) were randomly assigned to either a c-tDCS + exercise group (n = 13) or a sham + exercise group (n = 13). The intervention was administered twice weekly for four weeks. The experimental group received 15 min of c-tDCS followed by 30 min of OEP-based exercise; the control group received sham stimulation under identical conditions. The outcome measures included the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Balancia-based static balance (velocity average), and Falls Efficacy Scale-Korea (FES-K). Assessments were performed pre- and post-intervention. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the control group (p < 0.05) in the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (r = 0.44) and Timed Up and Go test (r = 0.56). No significant changes were observed in static balance or fall efficacy in either group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The combined use of c-tDCS and an OEP-based fall prevention exercise program effectively improved lower-extremity strength and dynamic balance in older adults. However, short-term intervention did not influence static balance or fall efficacy. Further studies using longer intervention periods and larger samples are warranted to verify these findings and clarify the mechanisms underlying c-tDCS-enhanced motor performance.

A novel fluorinated diamine monomer, 4,4′-((bicyclo[2.2.1]hept- 5-ene-2,3-diylbis (methylene)) bis(oxy))bis(3- (trifluoromethyl) aniline) (NFDA), featuring a tailored alicyclic norbornane core, flexible ether linkages, and pendant trifluoromethyl groups, was successfully synthesized. This monomer was polymerized with six commercial dianhydrides to produce a series of poly(amic acid) precursors, which were subsequently converted into high-performance polyimide (PI) films via a thermal imidization process. The strategic integration of the alicyclic, ether, and fluorinated motifs within the polymer backbone resulted in materials with an exceptional combination of properties. These PI films display outstanding solubility in a wide range of organic solvents, including low-boiling options like chloroform and tetrahydrofuran, highlighting their superior solution processability. The films are amorphous and exhibit remarkable hydrophobicity, evidenced by high water contact angles (up to 109.4°) and minimal water absorption (as low as 0.26%). Furthermore, they possess excellent optical transparency, with a maximum transmittance of 86.7% in the visible region. The materials also maintain robust thermal stability, with 5% mass loss temperatures exceeding 416 °C, and offer a desirable balance of mechanical strength and flexibility. This unique set of attributes, stemming from a rational molecular design, positions these polyimides as highly promising candidates for next-generation flexible electronics and advanced photovoltaics.

SummaryDesigning soft conductive polymeric materials with mechanical resilience and low filler loading remains a challenge in wearable electronics. This work presents a strategy based on sustainable precursors for fabricating flexible, conductive films from polylactide (PLA)-based polyurethane (PU) and delaminated MXene (Ti3C2Tx) through emulsion-assisted processing. Using virgin PLA as a controlled model feedstock, the polymer was depolymerized into hydroxyl-terminated oligomers via microwave-assisted alcohol-acidolysis and employed as polyol precursors for PU synthesis. Emulsification of PLA-PU and MXene with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a compatibilizer yielded hybrid films with superior MXene dispersion and lower percolation thresholds (≤10 wt %) compared to solution-cast films (≥40 wt %). The 6:4 and 7:3 PLA-PU/MXene/PVA films offered an optimal balance of tensile strength and flexibility. The films exhibited sensitive, reproducible responses to macro- (finger bending) and micro-strains (vocal/laryngeal vibrations). The study advances PLA upcycling into high-performance electronic materials derived from biocompatible precursors for next-generation health monitoring and bio-integrated systems.

This study develops a novel eco-friendly cementitious grout by incorporating waste-derived materials to enhance sustainability in structural repairs. Crushed master board (MB) was used as a partial cement replacement at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight, alongside 1% steel fibers (SF) sourced from electrical wire waste. An extensive experimental program was conducted to evaluate the impact of these waste materials on the grout’s density, flowability, compressive strength, and flexural strength. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of 1% SF enhanced the density at both 7 and 28 days, while MB alone slightly reduced its relative to the control mix. Flowability decreased with the addition of SF and increasing MB content, with a maximum reduction of 35.3%, indicating higher mixture cohesion. A significant improvement in compressive strength was observed with 1% SF (up to 14.8%), which was further elevated to a 31.7% gain compared to the reference mix when combined with 10% MB. Flexural strength followed a similar trend, confirming the structural integrity of the modified blends. Statistical analysis via ANOVA and predictive modeling using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) validated the experimental results, showing a strong correlation between predicted and observed values. The study concludes that an optimum mix containing 1% SF and 10% MB offers the best balance of strength and workability. This combination contributes to a denser microstructure, as evidenced by microscopic analysis, which revealed increased formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel.

The increasing global demand for paper and the rising volume of fabric waste have become critical environmental concerns due to unsustainable production and disposal practices. Conventional paper production, heavily reliant on wood pulp, contributes to deforestation and resource depletion, while fabric waste exacerbates landfill overflows. This study investigates the potential of producing paper from recycled calico fabric waste blended with box paper pulp in specific ratios ranging from 20% to 80% to evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of the resulting paper. Fabric waste and box paper were processed into pulp, combined in precise ratios, and shaped into sheets using a mold-based paper-making technique. The produced paper was tested for tearing resistance, thickness, weight, and absorbency properties. Results demonstrated that higher calico fabric content enhanced absorbency and flexibility but reduced tearing resistance. The optimal composition, determined by balancing tearing resistance, flexibility, and absorbency, was found at a 50% calico fabric and 50% box paper ratio, contributing to greater rigidity and mechanical strength. This composition was selected as optimal due to its balance of high mechanical strength, adequate absorbency, and flexibility, making it suitable for practical applications. The final composition balanced these properties, providing an eco-friendly alternative for applications such as sustainable packaging and artistic materials. This study highlights an environmentally friendly approach to paper production, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional methods and integrating circular economy principles by repurposing calico fabric and box paper waste.

Exploring how exercise frequency impacts muscle strength and balance in institutionalized older adults: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have emerged as one of the most promising classes of advanced engineering materials due to their superior mechanical, thermal, and tribological characteristics when compared with conventional monolithic metals. Among various metal matrices, Aluminium 6061 (Al6061) has gained significant attention because of its excellent balance of mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, weldability, and relatively low density. These features make Al6061 a potential candidate for lightweight structural applications. However, its monolithic version lacks the required properties in structural applications involving high wear resistance, stiffness, and thermal stability. In such scenarios, the incorporation of reinforcement through ceramics has become one of the most evaluated approaches in materials engineering. TiB₂ and SiC are among the most efficient reinforcements used to develop advanced performance-based aluminum hybrid composites. TiB₂ has very high hardness and a high melting point, along with excellent thermal stability, which significantly improves the wear resistance and dimensional stability of the composites at elevated temperatures.

ABSTRACT Functionally graded materials (FGMs) have attracted significant interest due to their ability to tailor properties throughout the volume. However, achieving cross-scale structural regulation of FGMs, from macro to micro, is difficult using traditional fabrication methods. This study employed a novel arc additive manufacturing process involving wire and powder co-deposition in order to fabricate aluminum matrix composite (AMC) components reinforced by alternating graded TiC and B4C particles along the build direction. The particle-melt coupling behaviour and the FGM microstructure evolution were investigated. A dual-gradient structure of particle content and microstructure was created through precise process control. The variation in mechanical and wear properties across the different layers of the FGM component was analyzed. Meanwhile, the strengthening and wear mechanisms are discussed. Overall, the FGM structure exhibits a gradient of performance characteristics: good plasticity in the lower part, high strength (especially at high temperatures) in the middle part and strong wear resistance in the upper part. Therefore, this FGM structure demonstrates a good balance of strength, ductility and abrasion resistance, and is expected to be used in advanced composite components that require multiple performance integrations.

Abstract The increasing demand for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) highlights the critical importance of electrolyte design in ensuring both electrochemical performance and safety. Limitations associated with conventional liquid electrolytes have driven the development of solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) as a promising alternative to enhance operational safety and extend battery lifespan. This study focuses on the development and optimization of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on PEO/PVdF/LiBOB systems, with varying PEO:PVdF weight ratios (10:0, 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4) and succinonitrile (SN) concentrations (0–25%). Results show that a PEO:PVdF ratio of 7:3 achieves the best balance of mechanical strength, flexibility, and electrochemical performance. Increasing SN content reduces PEO crystallinity, leading to enhanced ionic conductivity—from 1.83 × 10 −5 to 7.23 × 10 −5 S/cm at 25 °C and from 1.09 × 10 −4 to 1.79 × 10 −4 S/cm at 60 °C—while maintaining high oxidative stability. When employed in Li||LFP cells, SPEs with 15 and 20% SN demonstrate stable cycling at 0.1C, achieving coulombic efficiencies above 99% and capacity retentions of 85.4% (165.3 mAh/g) and 90.8% (170.1 mAh/g) after 100 cycles, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of the developed SPEs for next‐generation LIB applications.

An IN738 alloy with a high Al and Ti contents induces a significant cracking tendency during laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processing, leading to a mismatch between printability and mechanical properties. Modification of alloy compositions is an effective strategy to enhance the printability and mechanical properties of nickel-based superalloys via LPBF. In this study, the effects of adding 5 wt.%Co on the printability and mechanical properties of LPBF-fabricated IN738 were investigated by using three-dimensional high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and quasi-static room-temperature tensile tests. The results show that adding 5 wt.%Co can significantly reduce the defect rate and defect size of the LPBF-fabricated IN738 alloy, remarkably improve alloy densification, and optimize printability. Meanwhile, compared with the LPBF-fabricated IN738 alloy, the 5 wt.%Co-IN738 alloy exhibits an excellent balance of strength and ductility in horizontal and vertical directions, both LPBF-fabricated and heat-treated. These results are anticipated to offer valuable guidance for the development of LPBF-fabricated Ni-based superalloys that achieve a favorable balance between printability and mechanical properties.

The structural integrity of circuit breakers in electrical systems is directly related to their resistance to high electromechanical forces generated during short circuits. In this study, the performance of alternative body materials for a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) with a nominal current of 100A and a breaking capacity of 10 kA was evaluated using finite element analysis. Among the materials compared based on total deformation and von-Mises stress criteria, PPF GF (glass fiber- reinforced polypropylene) demonstrated the closest performance to BMC (9.40 mm, 604.82 MPa), with deformation values of 10.92 mm and stress values of 582.87 MPa. Among the other candidates, PA66 30GF (35% higher deformation) and PEEK/PEK (126% and 77% higher deformation, respectively) were found to be insufficient compared to BMC. Given that deformation is inevitable under short-circuit conditions, PPF GF is recommended as the most suitable alternative to BMC, thanks to its balance of mechanical strength and deformation resistance.

ABSTRACT The growing demand for lightweight, high‐performance composites in rail transit applications has driven the development of hybrid fiber‐reinforced materials with tunable flexural properties. This study investigated the synergistic effects of hybrid ratio and ply stacking sequence on the flexural performance of additively manufactured carbon/glass fiber‐reinforced polyamide‐6 composites. Eight laminate configurations were fabricated via multi‐material fused deposition modeling (FDM), with carbon fiber volume fractions ranging from 0 to 100 vol% and stacking architectures classified as symmetric, sandwich, or alternating. Quasi‐static three‐point bending tests were performed in accordance with ASTM D7264, with deformation fields captured by digital image correlation (DIC) and fracture mechanisms analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The results indicated that flexural strength and modulus exhibited a nonlinear decline with decreasing carbon fiber content, identifying a critical threshold at approximately 25 vol%, below which both properties deteriorated sharply (up to a 56.6% reduction in modulus), whereas increasing glass fiber content enhanced failure strain. At a 1:1 carbon/glass fiber ratio, carbon‐outer configurations (e.g., C4G8C4) achieved superior strength (233.40 MPa) and modulus (19.96 GPa), whereas glass‐outer designs (e.g., G4C8G4) enhanced failure strain by 87.5% (4.05%) through ductile damage. Alternating sequences (G2C2) achieved a balance of strength (182.08 MPa) and damage tolerance via progressive failure. These findings demonstrate that hybrid ratio governs strength‐toughness trade‐offs, while stacking sequence dictates failure modes, providing a framework for optimizing additively manufactured hybrid composites for structural applications.

Tai Chi’s intricate, balance-intensive techniques, such as the Jumping Lotus Kick (JL Kick), demand both core stability and flexibility. Despite their importance, direct empirical comparisons of these training effects on Tai Chi performance remain limited. This study aimed to compare the impacts of an eight-week core stability regimen versus flexibility training on JL Kick proficiency and related physical attributes in Tai Chi athletes. In this randomized controlled trial, thirty-nine male athletes (ages 17–21) were allocated into core stability (n = 13), flexibility (n = 13), and control groups (n = 13). Performance metrics were assessed at baseline, midpoint, post-intervention, and at 12-week follow-up to capture both immediate and sustained effects. Core stability training yielded notable improvements in JL Kick rotation (ES = 1.2), core strength (Hanging Leg Raises, ES = 1.39), and dynamic balance (Y Balance Left, ES = 1.32), surpassing flexibility training, which primarily enhanced range of motion (Sit and Reach, ES = 1.44) without significant impact on JL Kick performance. Positive correlations between core strength, dynamic balance, and JL Kick performance (r = 0.45–0.68, p < 0.01) highlight core stability’s essential role in Tai Chi proficiency. These findings support core stability training as a superior approach to flexibility training for advancing complex Tai Chi movements, with direct implications for optimizing athletic conditioning in Tai Chi and similar martial arts disciplines. These findings advocate for the inclusion of core stability-focused regimens to enhance performance outcomes in dynamic, balance-dependent techniques.

Tai Chi's intricate, balance-intensive techniques, such as the Jumping Lotus Kick (JL Kick), demand both core stability and flexibility. Despite their importance, direct empirical comparisons of these training effects on Tai Chi performance remain limited. This study aimed to compare the impacts of an eight-week core stability regimen versus flexibility training on JL Kick proficiency and related physical attributes in Tai Chi athletes. In this randomized controlled trial, thirty-nine male athletes (ages 17-21) were allocated into core stability (n = 13), flexibility (n = 13), and control groups (n = 13). Performance metrics were assessed at baseline, midpoint, post-intervention, and at 12-week follow-up to capture both immediate and sustained effects. Core stability training yielded notable improvements in JL Kick rotation (ES = 1.2), core strength (Hanging Leg Raises, ES = 1.39), and dynamic balance (Y Balance Left, ES = 1.32), surpassing flexibility training, which primarily enhanced range of motion (Sit and Reach, ES = 1.44) without significant impact on JL Kick performance. Positive correlations between core strength, dynamic balance, and JL Kick performance (r = 0.45-0.68, p < 0.01) highlight core stability's essential role in Tai Chi proficiency. These findings support core stability training as a superior approach to flexibility training for advancing complex Tai Chi movements, with direct implications for optimizing athletic conditioning in Tai Chi and similar martial arts disciplines. These findings advocate for the inclusion of core stability-focused regimens to enhance performance outcomes in dynamic, balance-dependent techniques.