At the beginning of December 2019, a new type of coronavirus emerged, SARS-CoV-2. This virus causes COVID-19, a highly contagious disease that can initially present asymptomatically and can also lead to death. Our ecological study goal was to evaluate the incidence, mortality, and lethality rates for COVID-19 between the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, with time series analysis using secondary and public databases on COVID-19 from January 2020 to December 2022. Prais–Winsten linear regression was used for trend analyses. In 2020, the rate in Espírito Santo was 2.19 times greater than in Minas Gerais. This trend continued in 2021, with Espírito Santo’s rate being 1.29 times greater. In 2022, Espírito Santo’s rate remained 2.65 times higher than Minas Gerais. Furthermore, Espírito Santo had the highest mortality, with the exception of 2021. In turn, Minas Gerais had the highest fatality rate throughout the analyzed pandemic period. The state of Espírito Santo had a higher incidence of COVID-19, as well as higher mortality when compared to the state of Minas Gerais. Furthermore, both states showed similar trends for mortality, lethality, and incidence in the years 2020 and 2021. Full article

The study aims to investigate the impact of uniform, grooving and non-uniform corrosion degradation on the hot-spot stresses of a T-shaped tubular joint using the finite element method. The through-thickness linearization method is employed to estimate the hot-spot stresses, allowing a more reasonable consideration of the effect of grooving corrosion and non-unform corrosion. The grooving corrosion degradation is modelled assuming that the corrosion rate of the weld metal is 1.4 times that of the base metal. The non-uniform corrosion is modelled by moving the nodes around the weld by a random distance along the direction perpendicular to the surface. The random distances are generated based on the surface roughness parameter Ra. The results indicate that the stress concentration factor (SCF) increases with the uniform corrosion depth. The grooving corroded tubular joint results in a higher SCF than those of the corresponding uniformly corroded tubular joint. The non-uniform corrosion can lead to SCF deviations from the SCF of the uniformly corroded tubular joint. The SCF deviation at the critical region follows the normal distribution, and its standard deviation increases with Ra. Full article

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant global impact, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its spatiotemporal patterns. The objective of this study is to explore the spatial and temporal patterns of COVID-19 infections among five age groups (<1, 1–4, 5–9, 10–14, and 15–19 years) in 72 districts of Slovakia on a quarterly basis from March 2020 to July 2022. Material and Methods: During the study period, a total of 393,429 confirmed PCR cases of COVID-19 or positive antigen tests were recorded across all studied age groups. The analysis examined the spatiotemporal spread of COVID infections per quarter, from September 2021 to May 2022. Additionally, data on hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, pulmonary ventilation (PV), and death cases were analyzed. Results: The highest number of COVID-19 infections occurred between September 2021 and May 2022, particularly in the 10–14-year-old group (68,695 cases), followed by the 15–19-year-old group (62,232 cases), while the lowest incidence was observed in the <1-year-old group (1235 cases). Out of the total confirmed PCR cases, 18,886 individuals required hospitalization, 456 needed ICU admission, 402 received pulmonary ventilation, and only 16 died. The analysis of total daily confirmed PCR cases for all regions showed two major peaks on 12 December 2021 (6114 cases) and 1 February 2022 (3889 cases). Spatial mapping revealed that during December 2021 to February 2022, the highest number of infections in all age groups were concentrated mainly in Bratislava. Moreover, temporal trends of infections within each age group, considering monthly and yearly variations, exhibited distinct spatial patterns, indicating localized outbreaks in specific regions. Conclusions: The spatial and temporal patterns of COVID-19 infections among different age groups in Slovakia showed a higher number of infections in the 10–14-year-old age group, mainly occurring in urban districts. The temporal pattern of the spread of the virus to neighboring urban and rural districts reflected the movement of infected individuals. Hospitalizations, ICU and PV admissions, and deaths were relatively low. The study highlights the need for more proactive measures to contain outbreaks promptly and ensure the resilience of healthcare systems against future pandemics. Full article

Valves are prone to wear under harsh environments, such as high temperatures and reciprocating impacts, which has become one of the most severe factors reducing the service life of engines. As a lightweight ceramic, CrN is considered an excellent protective material with high-temperature strength and resistance to wear. In this study, a CrN coating was applied onto the valve cone surface via double-layer glow plasma surface metallurgy technology. The formation process, microstructure, phase composition, hardness, and adhesion strength were analyzed in detail. Impact wear tests were conducted on the valve using a bench test device. The SEM and EDS results showed that the CrN coating evolved from an island-like form to a dense, cell-shaped surface structure. The thickness of the coating was approximately 46 μm and could be divided into a deposition layer and a diffusion layer, from the outer to the inner sections. The presence of element gradients within the diffusion layer proved that the coating and substrate were metallurgically bonded. The adhesion strength of the CrN coating measured via scratch method was as high as 72 N. The average Vickers hardness of the valve cone surface increased from 377.1 HV_0.5 to 903.1 HV_0.5 following the plasma alloying treatment. After 2 million impacts at 12,000 N and 650 °C, adhesive wear emerged as the primary wear mode of the CrN coating, with an average wear depth of 42.93 μm and a wear amount of 23.49 mg. Meanwhile, the valve substrate exhibited a mixed wear mode of adhesive wear and abrasive wear, with an average wear depth of 118.23 μm and a wear amount of 92.66 mg, being 63.7% and 74.6% higher than those of the coating. Thus, the CrN coating showed excellent impact wear resistance, which contributed to the enhancement of the service life of the valve in harsh environments. Full article

This work reports a simple bubble generator for the high-speed generation of microbubbles with constant cumulative production. To achieve this, a gas–liquid co-flowing microfluidic device with a tiny capillary orifice as small as 5 μm is fabricated to produce monodisperse microbubbles. The diameter of the microbubbles can be adjusted precisely by tuning the input gas pressure and flow rate of the continuous liquid phase. The co-flowing structure ensures the uniformity of the generated microbubbles, and the surfactant in the liquid phase prevents coalescence of the collected microbubbles. The diameter coefficient of variation (CV) of the generated microbubbles can reach a minimum of 1.3%. Additionally, the relationship between microbubble diameter and the gas channel orifice is studied using the low Capillary number (Ca) and Weber number (We) of the liquid phase. Moreover, by maintaining a consistent gas input pressure, the CV of the cumulative microbubble volume can reach 3.6% regardless of the flow rate of the liquid phase. This method not only facilitates the generation of microbubbles with morphologic stability under variable flow conditions, but also ensures that the cumulative microbubble production over a certain period of time remains constant, which is important for the volume-dominated application of chromatographic analysis and the component analysis of natural gas. Full article

Laminar flow over a modified backward-facing step (BFS) was studied experimentally and computationally, with the results compared to a flight test on a Piper Cherokee wing. The BFS was modified with a serrated spanwise variation while maintaining a constant step height, and this modification is termed a serrated BFS (sBFS). A scaling law was proposed and then used to develop the experimental operation conditions. The experiments showed evidence that the transition to turbulence was delayed over the forward part of the serration (termed the valley). The boundary layer growth and characterization were used to validate the computational model, which was then used to examine details not available from the experiment, including the wall shear stress distribution and streamlines as they go over the sBFS. The wall shear stress showed the formation of low-shear diamonds downstream of the sBFS valley that were associated with laminar flow, which confirmed previous assumptions about the low-shear diamonds observed in the flight tests. The length of the low-shear diamonds was scaled with the sBFS geometry. Finally, the streamlines showed that the near-wall flow forward of the sBFS is pumped towards the sBFS peak, where it rapidly transitions to turbulence at that location. Full article

Wetland ecosystems in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau are pivotal for global ecology and regional sustainability. This study investigates the dynamic changes in wetland ecosystems within the Chaidamu Basin and their response to drought, aiming to foster sustainable wetland utilization in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Using Landsat TM/ETM/OLI data on the Google Earth Engine platform, we employed a random forest (RF) method for annual long-term land cover classification. Standardized precipitation evapotranspiration indices (SPEI3, SPEI6, SPEI9, and SPEI12) on different time scales were used to assess meteorological drought conditions. We employed a Pearson correlation analysis to examine the relationship between wetland changes and various SPEI scales. The BFASAT method was used to evaluate the impact of SPEI12 trends on the wetlands, while a cross-wavelet analysis explored teleconnections between SPEI12 and atmospheric circulation factors. Our conclusion is as follows: The wetlands, including lake, glacier, and marsh wetlands, exhibited a noticeable increasing trend. Wetland expansion occurred during specific periods (1990–1997, 1998–2007, and 2008–2020), featuring extensive conversions between wetlands and other types, notably the conversion from other types to wetlands. Spatially, lake and marsh wetlands predominated in the low-latitude basin, while glacier wetlands were situated at higher altitudes. There were significant negative correlations between the SPEI at various scales and the total wetland area and types. SPEI12 displayed a decreasing trend with non-stationarity and distinct breakpoints in 1996, 2002, and 2011, indicating heightened drought severity. Atmospheric circulation indices (ENSO, NAO, PDO, AO, and WP) exhibited varying degrees of resonance with SPEI12, with NAO, PDO, AO, and WP demonstrating longer resonance times and pronounced responses. These findings underscore the significance of comprehending wetland changes and drought dynamics for effective ecological management in the Chaidamu Basin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Full article

HIV disparities continue to persist among Black youth in the South. We conducted quantitative surveys (N = 83) and follow-up qualitative interviews (n = 13) to assess sexual health needs including but not limited to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness. Participants all identified as Black; most survey respondents identified as being assigned female sex at birth and heterosexual. Both qualitatively and quantitatively, knowledge about HIV and PrEP and engagement in sexual health preventive behaviors was low. Participants described a need for more comprehensive sexual health education at younger ages and more routinized HIV testing. The latter was recommended even for people with a low perceived risk of HIV. Future studies should explore how to tailor communication to youth of color specifically and understand nuances of experiences they may have based on their sexual orientation and gender identity to promote engagement in sexual health preventive care, including but not limited to HIV prevention and PrEP uptake. The findings suggest that comprehensive sexual care that provides education on HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention is critical for youth experiencing inequities in a Southern city context. Full article

In the European Union, buildings account for 42% of the energy consumption and 36% of the direct and indirect energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing thermal power for heating purposes is crucial to achieve climate neutrality. The main purpose of this article is to identify the places in the building where it is possible to significantly improve energy efficiency through the use of appropriate construction and material solutions. This article contains a multi-aspect approach to the heat balance of a building. Solutions that have a direct impact on building energy consumption were analysed, taking into account architectural, technological, and material aspects. Particular attention was paid to energy-efficient design and material solutions for non-transparent and transparent external walls and thermal storage walls (Trombe walls). An analysis of heat transfer through building elements was carried out, along with the optimisation of energy-efficient solutions for non-transparent and transparent barriers. Two methods for determining the equivalent heat transfer coefficient U_e for solar active partitions are presented. The analysis presented in the work using the original method of the balanced heat transfer coefficient U_e is a testing ground for identifying unfavourable features of the building structure, as well as the most energy-efficient solutions that can be used in establishing standards for the construction and modernisation of buildings. The value of the U_e coefficient illustrates the actual heat transfer through the partition. Having U_e values for various structural solutions of building envelopes, the designer can easily select the most effective ones. The use of the presented methodology will allow for the optimisation of technical solutions for building elements to improve its energy efficiency. Full article

In the digital age, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and higher education (HE) poses novel ethical considerations, necessitating a comprehensive exploration of this multifaceted relationship. This study aims to quantify and characterize the current research trends and critically assess the discourse on ethical AI applications within HE. Employing a mixed-methods design, we integrated quantitative data from the Web of Science, Scopus, and the Lens databases with qualitative insights from selected studies to perform scientometric and content analyses, yielding a nuanced landscape of AI utilization in HE. Our results identified vital research areas through citation bursts, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic clusters. We provided a conceptual model for ethical AI integration in HE, encapsulating dichotomous perspectives on AI’s role in education. Three thematic clusters were identified: ethical frameworks and policy development, academic integrity and content creation, and student interaction with AI. The study concludes that, while AI offers substantial benefits for educational advancement, it also brings challenges that necessitate vigilant governance to uphold academic integrity and ethical standards. The implications extend to policymakers, educators, and AI developers, highlighting the need for ethical guidelines, AI literacy, and human-centered AI tools. Full article

This study is about a COVID-19 outbreak and ventilation measures taken against COVID-19 transmission through the air occurred at an ice arena in Japan. The ice arena has been known to have a deterioration of indoor air quality affected by CO, NO₂ and so on, and a total of 172 persons were infected with SARS-CoV-2, including the players and the spectators related to an ice hockey game in 2022. Given the suspected transmission through the air as one of infection routes, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the COVID-19 outbreak to verify the ventilation characteristics and aerosol diffusion characteristics. Additionally, the possibility of COVID-19 transmission through the air and the potentially effective ventilation measures in an ice arena are discussed. It was determined that the virus-containing aerosol was released from a player in the ice rink and accumulated in the cold air spot. After that, it was highly possible that it diffused from the player benches to the spectator seats due to the players’ movements under this unique air-conditioning and ventilation system. Judging from the results of genomic analysis, ventilation characteristics, and aerosol diffusion characteristics, the possibility of COVID-19 transmission through the air cannot be ruled out in an ice arena. The results of ventilation measures implemented in response to this problem confirmed that the integration of a lower-level exhaust fan based on cold air characteristics into the existing ventilation system is a relatively straightforward solution with the potential to be highly effective. While there is an option to refrain from using the ice arena in the event of an increased risk of mass infection during a pandemic, the findings of this study will contribute to an option to facilitate the smooth operation of ice arenas while implementing ventilation measures. Full article

In this study, the decomposition of a martensite/austenite (M/A) microconstituent in bainitic steels was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data in conjunction with Kissinger’s and Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov (JMAK)’s formulas. In bainitic steel subjected to austempering heat treatment, the presence of an M/A microstructure adversely affects the mechanical properties. According to the kinetic equations derived, it is observed that after tempering the sample at 600 °C for 4000 s, the generation of each phase reaches its maximum. The SEM images taken before and after tempering reveal extensive decomposition of the M/A constituent in the microstructure. The proportion of the M/A microstructure decreased significantly from about 10% before tempering to less than 1% after. Additionally, the content of residual austenite also reduced nearly to zero. These observations are consistent with the predictions of the kinetic equations. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been intensely investigated since the term was first used over 80 years ago. The prevalence of ASD is constantly rising, and, currently, 1:36 children are diagnosed with this disorder. Despite the intense interest in ASD, the origins of this disorder remain obscure. This article explores motor issues and proprioceptive interoception difficulties as the prodrome of ASD. The importance of early intervention in the prognosis of ASD is common knowledge. Yet, since the communicational and social behaviors typical of ASD are observable only after the age of 18 months, diagnosis and early intervention are delayed. Therefore, the quest into the involvement of sensory–motor difficulties as a source of ASD traits, or at least as a potential early indicator, is warranted, with the intention of enabling early diagnosis and early intervention. This article examines the justification for this new avenue of early diagnosis and intervention and may open up a completely different way of viewing ASD. This new point of view may suggest an original path of assessment and intervention in infancy with this group of clients, possibly leading to improved prognosis for children and their families. Full article

The paper studies a game theory model to ensure fairness and improve the communication efficiency in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication network using Markovian game theory in a federated learning (FL) environment. The UAV and each vehicle in a cluster utilized a strategy-based mechanism to maximize their model completion and transmission probability. We modeled a two-stage zero sum Markovian game with incomplete information to jointly study the utility maximization of the participating vehicles and the UAV in the FL environment. We modeled the aggregating process at the UAV as a mixed strategy game between the UAV and each vehicle. By employing Nash equilibrium, the UAV determined the probability of sufficient updates received from each vehicle. We analyzed and proposed decision-making strategies for several representative interactions involving gross data offloading and federated learning. When multiple vehicles enter a parameter transmission conflict, various strategy combinations are evaluated to decide which vehicles transmit their data to the UAV. The optimal payoff in a transmission window is derived using the Karush–Khun–Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions. We also studied the variation in optimal model parameter transmission probability, average packet delay, UAV transmit power, and the UAV–Vehicle optimal communication probabilities under different conditions. Full article

Cinematic rendering (CR) is a new 3D post-processing technology widely used to produce bone computed tomography (CT) images. This study aimed to evaluate the performance quality of CR in bone CT images using blind quality and noise level evaluations. Bone CT images of the face, shoulder, lumbar spine, and wrist were acquired. Volume rendering (VR), which is widely used in the field of diagnostic medical imaging, was additionally set along with CR. A no-reference-based blind/referenceless image spatial quality evaluator (BRISQUE) and coefficient of variation (COV) were used to evaluate the overall quality of the acquired images. The average BRISQUE values derived from the four areas were 39.87 and 46.44 in CR and VR, respectively. The difference between the two values was approximately 1.16, and the difference between the resulting values increased, particularly in the bone CT image, where metal artifacts were observed. In addition, we confirmed that the COV value improved by 2.20 times on average when using CR compared to VR. This study proved that CR is useful in reconstructing bone CT 3D images and that various applications in the diagnostic medical field will be possible. Full article

This paper examines the emotional balance in children’s worship and the need to move beyond the focus on fun. The author argues that while having fun is important, it should not be the main focus of worship. This paper discusses the myth of the always happy child and the consequences of adults trying to regulate the feelings of children. The author suggests that children need to be given space and opportunity to use their own voice and shape their emotions. This paper concludes that churches should listen carefully to what children want and need in their services and adjust their ministry accordingly. The children should have a say in how their worship is done and their opinions need to be respected. Full article

Cultural resources are often overlooked in climate change and resiliency planning, despite them being integral to community identity and the restoration of a sense of normalcy after significant weather events. This vulnerability assessment demonstrates how cultural resources can be included in planning efforts, and how they can be prioritized based on specific criteria. To complete this assessment, a working group with local land managers and cultural resource professionals was formed, and members employed a sophisticated Geo Tool, ACUNE (Adaptation of Coastal Urban and Natural Ecosystems) for climate adaptation, to predict how cultural resources throughout Collier County, Florida, would be impacted in two specific climate scenarios. The working group selected ten significant sites in the county and used ACUNE to prioritize action at these sites, using a matrix of hazard exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and the environmental, social, and economic consequences of the loss of these sites. Based on the results of our case study vulnerability assessment of cultural resources in Collier County, the next decade (2020 to 2030) has the potential to increase the number of sites at risk of storm flooding from 267 to 318, alerting managers that immediate action is needed for the sites of greatest value. The analysis of 10 case study sites is presented to demonstrate an approach for land managers and other cultural resource professionals to prioritize action at their own sites. Full article

Hazardous debris flows are common in the tectonically active young Himalayas. The present study is focused on the recurrent, almost seasonal, landslides and debris flows initiated from Kalli village in Achham District of Nepal, located in the Lesser Himalayas. Such geological hazards pose a significant threat to the neighboring communities. The field survey reveals vulnerable engineering geological conditions and adverse environmental factors in the study area. It is found that a typical complete debris transport process may consist of two stages depending on the rainfall intensity. In the first stage, debris flows mobilized from a landslide have low mobility and their runout distance is quite modest; in the second stage, with an increase in water content they are able to travel a longer distance. Numerical simulations based on a multi-phase flow model are conducted to analyze the characteristics of the debris flows in motion, including the debris deposition profiles and runout distances in both stages. Overall, the numerical results are reasonably consistent with relevant field observations. Future debris flows may likely occur again in this area due to the presence of large soil blocks separated by tension cracks, rampant in the field; numerical simulations predict that these potential debris flows may exhibit similar characteristics to past events. Full article

In the inner areas of large cities, many residential buildings built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries remain standing. The maintenance and renovation of these buildings have emerged as critical priorities over recent decades. E.g., in Budapest during the socialist era, the majority of these buildings were not renovated, and maintenance was largely neglected. In the subsequent 10–15 years following the end of socialism, financial resources for renovations were scarce due to the extensive transfer of properties from state to private ownership. It is only in the last decade or so that renovations have begun to be systematically addressed. Consequently, a significant portion of the building stock is still pending renovation. Given the current economic conditions, sustainable maintenance and necessary conversion are of paramount importance. Unfortunately, few standardized condition assessment methods are implemented in industrial practice, and the literature on this topic is limited. To address these challenges, we have developed an algorithm and model for condition assessment and decision support, which we refer to as the Complex Building’s Decision Support System based on Fuzzy Signatures (CBDF system). Our model employs a fuzzy signature-based approach to account for uncertainties, errors, and potentially missing data that may arise during the assessment process. The primary aim of this model is to equip professionals involved in building condition assessment with a tool that enables them to make consistent and objective decisions while minimizing errors. This paper provides a brief overview of the CBDF system and presents test results from the assessment of a selected structural component of a building, demonstrating the system’s functionality. Full article

Straw, the primary agricultural waste, constitutes approximately 20% of the total biomass in the EU. Only a small fraction of the material is applied in various products, e.g., animal bedding, mulch, building, and composite materials, while a significantly larger portion is often burned in the field. This practice, while prohibited for several reasons, including the increased risk of fire and the release of carbon dioxide contributing to global warming, is still prevalent. Given the increasingly evident effects of climate change, EU legislation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible. One of the strategies includes applying the cascade principle in the circular economy. This principle aims to use the entire raw material, in this case, cereal crops, such that the products with the highest added value, like cellulose fibers from cereal straw, are extracted first. The vast potential for utilizing lignocellulosic agro-waste sustainably arises from its status as the most abundant organic compound on Earth. Its significant presence, renewability, and biodegradability make it a desirable source for producing materials in numerous industries. This study examines the potential of wheat fibers, isolated from the straw of two distinct cultivars (Srpanjka represents an old variety, and Kraljica represents the new variety) primarily for application in technical textiles. The following testing methods were applied: determination of wheat fibers and residues yield, fibers tensile properties, length, moisture content/regain, density, morphology, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The yield of isolated fibers relies on the wheat variety and the climatic conditions affecting plant growth, resulting in fiber yields from 10.91% to 15.34%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicates reduced peak intensity, which is related to hemicellulose and lignin content, suggesting their improved deposition following the process of chemical maceration. Wheat fiber quality was found to be comparable to cotton fibers regarding its density. However, they showed a significant difference in higher moisture regain (9.72–11.40%). The vast majority of the scientific papers related to wheat fibers did not indicate the length of the individual fibers obtained by chemical maceration nor their strength. Therefore, this paper indicated that both varieties demonstrated sufficient fiber tenacity (greater than 10 cN/tex) and fiber length (2–3 cm), stressing the spinning potential of these fibers into yarns and extending their use to the apparel industry. Moreover, our research underscores the feasibility of adhering to the zero-waste principle. A high percentage of solid waste remaining after fiber extraction (25.3–39.5%) was successfully used for biofuel production, thus closing the loop in the circular economy. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known for their antibacterial properties and their ability to promote wound healing. By incorporating silver nanoparticles into medical gauze, the resulting composite material shows promise as an advanced wound dressing. However, clinical applications are hindered by challenges related to the stability of silver nanoparticle loading on the gauze as nanoparticle leaching can compromise antibacterial efficacy. In this study, silver nanoparticles were immobilized onto polydopamine (PDA) submicron particles, which were then used to modify medical gauze. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was employed to analyze the elemental distribution on the modified gauze, confirming successful surface modification. The antibacterial properties of the modified gauze were assessed using a laser scanning confocal microscope (CLSM). The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the adhesion rates of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by 99.1% and 63%, respectively, on the PDA–Ag-modified gauze. Optical density (OD) measurements at 590 nm indicated that the modified gauze effectively inhibited biofilm formation, underscoring its potent antimicrobial capabilities. Further antibacterial efficacy was evaluated by diluting and plating co-cultured bacterial solutions with the modified dressing, followed by 24 h incubation and colony counting. The gauze exhibited an antibacterial efficiency of 99.99% against E. coli and 99.8% against S. aureus. Additionally, cell compatibility tests, involving the co-culture of PDA–Ag composites with human cells, demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. These findings suggest that PDA–Ag-modified medical gauze holds significant potential for the treatment of infected wounds, offering a promising solution to improve wound care through enhanced antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. Full article

In this work, a chemical grafting polymerization method was employed to synthesize EHPMC-g-PANI self-supporting films. Polyaniline (PANI) was grafted onto hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) modified with epichlorohydrin (EPHMC) to obtain an EHPMC-g-PANI aqueous dispersion, which was subsequently dried to form the self-supporting films. The introduction of HPMC, with its excellent film-forming ability and mechanical strength, successfully addressed the poor film-forming ability and mechanical properties intrinsic to PANI. Compared to in situ polymerized HPMC/PANI, the EHPMC-g-PANI exhibited significantly improved storage stability. Moreover, the fabricated EHPMC-g-PANI films displayed a more uniform and smoother morphology. The conductivity of all the films ranged from 10⁻² to 10⁻¹ S/cm, and their tensile strength reached up to 36.1 MPa. These results demonstrate that the prepared EHPMC-g-PANI holds promising potential for applications in various fields, including conductive paper, sensors, and conductive inks. Full article