Abstract
Bioelectronic medicine (or electroceuticals) covers the therapeutic use of electrical stimulation to influence and modify biological functions or pathological responses in the body. Advancements in technology, particularly the areas of MEMS; NEMS and wireless technology, have spawned a next generation of medical devices expanding an array of applications and achieving neural implant sizes several orders of magnitude smaller than what has been previously seen. However, Electroceuticals have evolved beyond devices and implants manipulating neuronal signaling for symptomatic treatment. It has become more precise and disease modulating expanding beyond the nervous system are evolving as well investigation of the influence of direct electrical stimulation of the diseased human body. These advancements promise transformative applications in arthritis, cancer treatment, tissue regeneration, and more. Here we review the latest development on the field of Bioelectronic Medicine as well as promising perspectives especially within the framework of the novel concept of BioMechatronics. Here also living entities such as a single cell or a human being are considered BioMechatronic Systems, quite in contrast to the classical biomechatronic view where the biological systems may be used to improve mechatronic systems without going any further. BioMechatronics is inclusive and further the development of Biomedical Electronics by its concept and outline itself, reaching far beyond devices, implants and interfaces, and with a focus on the human body.
Biography
Professor des. Dr. Per Arvid Löthman obtained his Ph.D. degree from Twente University , The Netherlands in the field of Magnetics and Self-assembly, conducted research in Canada, France and Germany on carbon nanotubes, Graphen and related 2D nanomaterials. His research is interdisciplinary and involve sensors and sensing, 2D advanced materials, BioNanotechnology including DNA, S-layers, Viruses (archaea, bacteriophages), Biomolecular Architecture, Botany and functional surfaces, Mechatronics and BioMechatronics. Dr. Löthman has published over 90 scientifical articles, several book chapters & books and serves as a reviewer and he is on the editorial board for several journals such as Nature, Nature Materials, Journal of Bioanalytical and Analytical Chemistry, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Thin Solid Films, Sensors and Actuators, Microsystems Technologies. Dr. Löthman is Professor des. in BioMechatronics at the European University of Applied Science Hamburg, and researchgroup leader at University of Bayreuth in the field Organ-on-a-Chip and 3D Bioprinting. Furthermore, Dr. Per Arvid Löthman is Senior lecturer in “Nanomedicine, Nanopharmacy” and “Sensors and Sensing in Engineering, Biology and Medicine” (Kaiserslautern University) and Mechatronics Systems and Design (Hamburg University), Germany and Manufacturing Engineering (HTW Berlin) Germany.
Abstract
The ongoing quest for advanced biocompatible materials for dental applications positions Zr2.5Nb as a promising candidate due to its exceptional mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However, its interaction with physiological fluids like saliva under various pH conditions is crucial. This study explores the influence of the pH value of artificial saliva on the corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of Zr2.5Nb alloys. We employed electrochemical testing to assess the corrosion rates at pH values ranging from acidic to basic (4.5 to 9.0), simulating various oral environments. Results indicated that Zr2.5Nb exhibited superior passivity, with minimal pitting or corrosion observed across all pH levels. However, marginally higher corrosion rates were noted in more acidic conditions, suggesting enhanced susceptibility in such environments. The study concludes that while Zr2.5Nb demonstrates excellent resilience in various pH conditions, maintaining a near-neutral pH is critical for optimal biocompatibility and material longevity in dental applications.
Biography
Daniela Laura Buruiana is a passionate environmental engineer and ready for new challenges. She has the ability to manage her time wisely, making every effort to complete her work in a timely yet efficient manner. 2020-present: Head of Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering (DIMM), Faculty of Engineering 2020-present: Head of Interdisciplinary Research Centre in the Field of Eco-Nano Technology and Advance materials CC-ITI, Faculty of Engineering 2014-present: Coordinator of Laborator of Integrated Monitoring of environmental factors 22 published ISI articles, 7 published books, 30 conference entries and 17 awards given at conferences and projects.
Abstract
Solution combustion synthesis (SCS), also known as self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, is a technique which makes use of highly exothermic redox chemical reactions between metals and non-metals to produce a number of technologically useful oxides and non-oxides. Inorganic oxides were obtained by SCS carrying out a reaction involving metallic nitrates acting as oxidizers, and amino compounds as reducing agents. The combustion was accomplished at 500 oC and the powder samples obtained were annealed at 900 oC during 2 h in air, in order to remove residual reagents and improve the crystal structure of the samples. Results on the thermoluminescence (TL), obtained after high doses of exposure, photoluminescence (PL), as well as the structural characterization of different annealed samples of inorganic oxides obtained by SCS will be presented to show the most recent progress proposing these materials for luminescence dosimetry applications at the Universidad de Sonora, making a collaborative effort with the University of South Africa research group.
Biography
Victor R. Orante-Barrón, Ph.D. Associate Professor since february, 2010. Departamento de Investigación en Polímeros y Materiales. Universidad de Sonora. México. Education Ph.D., Materials Science, Universidad de Sonora. México. 2009. M.Sc., Polymers and Materials, Universidad de Sonora. México. 2005. B.Sc., Chemical Sciences, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey (ITESM). México. 1999. Research Fellowships Post-Doctoral Fellowship, in the Radiation Dosimetry Laboratory of Oklahoma State University. From 2009 to 2010. Supervisor: Dr. Eduardo G. Yukihara. Visiting Researcher, in the Department of Physics of University of South Africa (UNISA), from September 4 to December 6, 2015. Awards Member of the National System of Researchers (SNI, in Spanish) of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACyT, in Spanish). Level 1, since January, 2011. Acknowledgement to Desirable Profile from Program for Professional Teacher Development (PRODEP, in Spanish) of the National Secretary of Public Education. Participation in Conferences 98 presentations of scientific contributions in national and international conferences. Publications 24 articles published in international journals. Organizing Committees Member of organizing committees for three international conferences. Teaching Professor of several courses for undergraduate and graduate students. Human Resources Training Advisor of three B.Sc. theses (two concluded, one in process), five M.Sc theses (four concluded, one in process), and one Ph.D. thesis (in process)
Abstract
This talk will describe Materials Science of unique transformational low-cost/multifunctional ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCDTM) film, and applications to new generations industrial/high-tech/medical devices/prostheses. UNCD films developed/patented by Auciello et al. are grown by plasma and hot filament chemical vapor deposition, via patented Ar/CH4 gas flow into vacuum chamber, where C, CHx species, produced by plasma or hot filaments’ surface, induce growth of UNCD films, named for smallest grains (2-3 nm). UNCD properties include: 1) hardest (98 GPa)/highest Young modulus (998 GPa), like diamond gem; 2) lowest friction coefficient (~ 0.02); 3) first electrically conductive diamond coating, via N atoms in grain boundaries, during N-UNCD film growth with added N2 gas; 4) best biocompatibility (because made of C atoms/life’s element in human DNA/cells/molecules); 5) superior scaffolds for embryonic cell growth/differentiation for treatment of biological conditions.
Technological applications include: 1) UNCDTM-coated pump seals/bearings/AFM tips (marketed by Advanced Diamond Technologies (Auciello/co-founder/2003); 2) High-tech/medical devices/prostheses, under development by Original Biomedical Implants (OBI-USA and OBI-México/Auciello-co-founder), namely: a) New generation Li-ion batteries with ≥ 10x longer life/safer, using N-UNCDTM-coated commercial anodes and cathodes (close to marketing); b) New generation prostheses (50 patients received UNCD-coated commercial Ti-alloys DI (2020-present/ready to market), UNCD-coated hips, knees, stents, showing elimination of failure in metal implants via wear/chemical corrosion by body fluids; c) UNCD-coated silicon microchip implantable on eye’s retina, as key component of artificial retina, returning partial vision to people blinded by genetically-induced degeneration of photoreceptors (Argus II device returned partial vision to people blinded by retinitis pigmentosa in USA and EU).
Biography
Auciello graduated with honors: M.S. (1973), Ph.D. (1976) – Physics, Institute “Balseiro”/Universidad Nacional Cuyo-Argentina); EE-Universidad Córdoba-Argentina (1964-1970). Postdoctoral-McMaster University, Canada (1977-1979); Distinguished Research Scientist-University of Toronto-Canada (1979-1984), Associate Professor/North Carolina State University-USA (1984-1988), Distinguished Scientist-Microelectronic Center North Carolina-USA (1988-1996), Distinguished Argonne Fellow (1996-2012)-Argonne National Laboratory-USA. Currently (2012-present), Auciello is Distinguished Endowed Chair Professor-University of Texas-Dallas, Materials Science/Engineering and Bioengineering Departments. Auciello directs basic/applied research on multifunctional oxide [ferroelectric (piezoelectric)/high-K dielectrics films], and nanocarbon films (novel Ultrananocrystalline Diamond (UNCDTM) and graphene films) and applications to industrial, high-tech, and external and implantable medical devices. UNCD film technology is commercialized for industrial products by Advanced Diamond Technologies (Auciello et al.-Founders -2003, profitable-2012, sold to large company for profit-2019), and by Original Biomedical Implants (OBI-USA, 2013) and OBI-México (2016) (Auciello and colleagues /founders), for new generations of superior medical devices/prostheses and other implants. Auciello edited 33 books and published about 500 articles in several fields, holds 23 patents, He was Associate Editor of Applied Physics Letter, and currently of Integrated Ferroelectrics, Functional Diamond, and Coatings. He was President of the Materials Research Society (2013) Auciello is Fellow of AAAS, MRS and IAAM, and has numerous Awards.
Abstract
Recently, functional nanohybrid composites (FNCs) have attracted a tremendous attention to the materials researchers because of their novel properties that make them perfect for a wide range of applications starting from catalysis, food packaging, sensing, energy storage, cell imaging, health care and so on. It is worthy to note that the FNCs describe a group of composite materials of organic-inorganic nanohybrids where at least one of the components is in nano domain. Generally, these are categorized as type I and type II nanohybrids. The later category is most important and valuable for the man kind as all the components in the nanohybrids are held together by strong bonds. Although, there are several synthesis processes available but wet-chemical process including sol-gel processing is considered to be a facile one under bottom-up method. It is to be noted that the most challenging aspect for a materials scientist is to develop a right kind of FNC material for a specific application.
In this scientific gathering, initially this talk will be delivered on the type nanohybrids, global market of nanohybrids, different synthesis processes with a special attention on sol-gel processing as well as the novel applications of the materials.
Then, some of our recent works done on FNCs at our group will be shared in this forum. Lastly, the challenges and future prospective of the nanohybrid composite materials will be discussed briefly.
Biography
Dr. Sunirmal Jana born on 12th July, 1966. He did his Master of Science Degree in Chemistry in the year 1991 from Kalyani University, India and obtained his Ph.D. (Science) degree in 1998 from Jadavpur University, India. He also completed Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.) and “Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) organized “Leadership Development Programme (LDP 0905)” Management Course for middle to senior level leaders” at CSIR HRDC, Gaziabad, India. In December 1997, Dr. Jana joined CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI), Kolkata, India as a Junior Scientist. Presently, he is working at the same Institute (CSIR-CGCRI) as Chief Scientist of CSIR under Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India and Senior Professor of Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR). Dr. Jana is also performing his duties as a Course Co-ordinator and as a Professor for the course, “Structural and Functional Coatings” of AcSIR. He is also worked for 6 years as Guest Teacher for B. Tech. students in Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India on the subjects, “Sol-gel materials, carbon nanotubes, sonochemical synthesis etc.” from 2016 to 2021. Dr Jana is actively involved / coordinated / performed / performing as Principal Investigator (PI) / Co-PI of various National and International Research Projects. His current research activities basically are dielectric / metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) based sol-gel thin functional nanostructured films/coating, superhydrophobic cum antibacterial coatings, carbon based nanomaterials, low thermal expansion nanostructured glass-ceramics etc. for different applications. At present, he has published over 80 SCI/peer reviewed research papers (h-index: 24; i10-Index 51, Citations: ~2000) in internationally reputed different journals, 9 Book Chapters, 8 Conf. Proceeding, 85 conference papers and 5 Indian Patents. He has already guided 6 Ph.D. (Science/Engineering) students and also guiding several Ph.D. students. In addition, he has already supervised 15 M.Tech/M.Sc/B.Tech. students for the projects to fulfill their respective degrees. Under his active leadership, three major facilities (Solar Panel Coating, Drain Coating and Smelter cum Reactor) of national importance have been created indigenously at CSIR-CGCRI. He is the Fellow and Life Member of International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS), Japan and Indian Institute of Ceramics. Dr. Jana is an elected member of the Council of Indian Ceramic Society for the four terms (years 2015 and 2016; 2017 and 2018; 2019 and 2020; 2023 and 2024) and he is working as one of the EC members of Materials Research Society of India (MRSI), Kolkata Chapter, India. He is also the life members of CHD C Division Council, Bureau of Indian Standards, Materials Research Society of India, Indian Ceramic Society, Electron Microscopy Society of India, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science and NCE Bengal & Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India. Dr. Jana is the life-time Fellow of International Society for Development and Sustainability (Japan) and Indian Institute of Ceramics, India. Dr Jana is one of the Senior Members of International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI), Hong Kong. Dr. Jana availed Brain Pool Fellowship from Korean Federation of Science & Technology Societies (KOFST) and worked as a visiting scientist at Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon, South Korea for one year during 2005-2006. He also did his research work as visiting scientists in other prestigious research Institutes in abroad (Slovenia and Portugal). Presently, Dr. Jana is functioning as one of the Editor/Associate Editor/Editorial Board Member including Advances in Nanoparticles (Scientific Research Publishing), General Chemistry (USA), Kenkyu Journal of Nanotechnology and Nanoscience (Kenkyu Group, India), Journal of Advanced Nanomaterials (Isaac Publishing Co. Ltd., Hong Kong), Source Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (USA), Journal of Material Science and Nanoengineering (Neonex International Online Publishing Pvt. Ltd, India). He also delivered 26 Plenary / Keynote / invited talks in India/abroad and also chaired the technical sessions at various national/international conferences / seminars / symposia. Dr. Jana also evaluated / examined several PhD theses / conducted PhD Viva voce Examinations as an external examiner of many Indian Universities (e.g. Karunya University, Sastra University, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univerisity, Alagappa University, Periyar University, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur; Formerly Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur, West Bengal, India, Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), India). He has participated in different events as a speaker, panelist, roundtable moderator / session chairman. He is a regular reviewer of research manuscripts from American Chemical Society (ACS), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Elsevier, Spingers, Taylor & Francis, IOP, SCIRP etc. In addition to winning several poster paper awards, Dr. Jana won prestigious Distinguished Scientist Award of Venus International Research Awards (VIRA-2016) by Venus International Foundation, Chennai, India in the year 2016.
Abstract
The increasing consciousness of sustainability and global warming puts pressure on the need for innovative solutions to reduce the generation of waste and environmental pollution. Among the vast array of waste products, end-of-life tires are one of the most critical problems due to their high disposal rate, with millions of tires ending up in landfills annually. To address this issue, the scientific community has been investigating sustainable alternatives for recycling and reusing such products. Among the solutions under consideration are the utilization of crumb rubber produced from recycled tires as additives to asphalt mixtures for road pavement. The method, apart from preventing wastes from piling up, promises to enhance the mechanical behavior of road infrastructures. There are several reported studies in the literature on the effect of crumb rubber on the mechanical characteristics of asphalt mixtures with contrary results depending on mix design, rubber content, and test conditions. The present extensive research is meant to conduct a systematic examination of the mechanical characteristics of crumb rubber modified asphalt mixtures compared to conventional asphalt ones. Specifically, the study assesses complex modulus, fatigue resistance, and viscous-induced permanent deformation resistance across a wide range of service temperatures. Experimental results indicate that the addition of an optimal rubber powder content improves asphalt mixture performance, particularly at medium-to-high temperatures, with enhanced durability and deformation resistance. These outcomes suggest that crumb rubber modified asphalt is a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for road construction, conducive to the circular economy and the reduction of the environmental footprint of infrastructure development.
Biography
Gianluca Genovese is an accomplished researcher in civil and transport engineering, with a strong focus on risk analysis and hydrogen safety. He earned his master’s degree with honors in Civil Engineering from the University of Salerno in 2019, specializing in transport engineering. His thesis pioneered a quantitative risk assessment of hazardous materials transported through road tunnels, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen. In 2020, he obtained his Ph.D. in Risk and Sustainability in Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Environmental Engineering Systems at the University of Salerno, successfully defending his dissertation in 2024. His doctoral research advanced CFD-based methodologies for assessing the risks associated with liquid hydrogen transport in road tunnels. As part of his academic journey, he conducted a research period at the Technical University of Denmark, where he investigated the consequences of hydrogen releases in confined environments. Since February 2024, he has been a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Salerno, furthering his contributions to the field. He is actively engaged in the scientific community, serving as a reviewer, guest editor, and academic editor for multiple high-impact international journals. His research has been widely recognized, with over 10 peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus and numerous presentations at international conferences. His expertise encompasses risk analysis, computational fluid dynamics modeling, evacuation dynamics, road tunnel resilience, hydrogen safety, traffic simulation, and road materials.
Abstract
Sediments deposition tendency, chemical treatments efficiency, concentration limit, impact on the effectiveness of corrosion protection, Laboratory to Field Research result conversion The Sediments deposition tendency determination dramatically influde on the number of verified complications and its impact at total aging of equipment, and number of types and mechanisms of degradation, identification of complications which influde on other complications and ones which are under influence. The main and secondary complication ranging for each stage of oilfield circles and the limits of treatability of each complication which born in the circle by depressions, water cutting, gas separation, pumping and etc., was determined. Earlier provided concept of studying and specialization of salts and corrosion sediments deposition tendency with partial prediction of this complications by the laboratory and field testing and screening as well as data analysis and predictive determination of the conditions and ions and components participating in sediments formation throw the oilfield circle from Up Stream wells to water injection wells by more deeper study and on site verification of influence of each detected type of sediments and crosscomplication from specific sediments like ferrous hydroxide, mixed carbonate-gypsum-phosphate and halite’s sediments on surface and in flow. . The limitation of application determined by results achieved at well, pipelines ana plant - “in viva” for both onshore and offshore objects and environments and was bordered by concentration limits of sediments forming ions as well as whole ion content in water phase, as the salt sedimentation impact on the effectiveness of corrosion protection and can be shown the "S"-like curve of proportionality of carbonate-sulfate-phosphate sediments protective layer thickness on surface and stability of water ion content.
Biography
Valeriy V. Bykouski (Bykovskiy) completed Master of Science equal degree from Chemistry Department of the Chemistry and Biology Faculty Gomel State University named after F. Scorina, Belarus. He has been working as a Senior Scientist of Radiochemistry Department at Radiobiology Institution of National Academy of Science of Belarus, and as a Senior Scientist of Chemistry, Corrosion Protection, Material specialization and testing, Microbiology and associated researches Department in NOC Belarusneft, LLC LUKOIL and LLC LUKOIL-Engineering for onshore and offshore objects. He has published more than 21 papers and 5 of which in reputed journal.
Abstract
Will be updated soon
Biography
Ratiba Benzerga received her Ph.D. degree in plasma physics and materials from the Université d'Orléans, France, and her HDR (Habilitation à Diriger la Recherche) degree in electronics from the Université de Rennes, France, in 2005 and 2023 respectively. Since 2006, she has been an Assistant Professor at the Université de Rennes, France, and is affiliated with the FunMat Team in the ‘Antennes et Dispositifs Micro-ondes’ Department of the IETR Lab (Institut d'Électronique et des Technologies du numéRique). Her research field focuses on the achievement and use of materials for microwave applications. Her research interests include the synthesis of organic and inorganic materials and metamaterials for absorbing applications, the synthesis and use of dielectric and ferroelectric thin films for miniature and/or reconfigurable antenna applications, 3D ceramic printing for dielectric resonator antennas, surface laser treatment for morphological modification and crystallization of thin films, and also the physical and dielectric characterizations of materials.
Abstract
A novel silver thiocyanate (AgSCN)-based hole transport material (HTM) was specifically designed for application in p-i-n perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The AgSCN was synthesized in the laboratory and characterized using various techniques such as XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, UPS, and TGA. Employing a rapid solvent removal method, thin and highly conformal AgSCN films were successfully produced, enabling efficient carrier extraction and collection. Photoluminescence experiments revealed that the inclusion of AgSCN at the interface significantly enhanced charge transfer between the HTL and perovskite layers compared to PEDOT:PSS. Further analysis of the film's microstructure and morphology showed variations in the polycrystalline perovskite film, suggesting the formation of templated perovskite on the AgSCN surface. By virtue of AgSCN's high work function, it led to an increase in the open-circuit voltage (VOC) by 0.1–1.14 V (compared to 1.04 V for PEDOT:PSS) in comparison to devices using the well-known PEDOT:PSS. Additionally, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs incorporating CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite reached 16.66%, surpassing the efficiency of controlled PEDOT:PSS devices which stood at 15.11%. The use of a straightforward solution-processed inorganic HTL demonstrated its potential for constructing durable and effective flexible p-i-n PSC modules, making them suitable as front cells in hybrid tandem solar cells.
Biography
Ahmed Mourtada Elseman is a highly accomplished scientist with a strong educational background in Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry. He obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from the Faculty of Science at Al-Azhar University in Egypt. His Ph.D. research, completed in February 2017, focused on perovskite solar cells. In addition to his degrees, Ahmed also holds two diplomas from prestigious institutions in China. First, in 2015, he received a diploma from the Inner Mongolia Institute of Scientific and Technological in Hohhot, and second, in 2017, he obtained another diploma from the Institute of New Energy in Wuhan. Currently, Ahmed serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Electronic and Magnetic Materials Department (EMMD) at the Central Metallurgical Research & Development Institute (CMRDI) in Egypt. His exceptional talent and expertise were recognized when he was awarded the Talent Young Scientific (TYSP) Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), in Beijing, China, from 2017 to 2018. Following his postdoctoral fellowship, Ahmed was appointed as a lecturer in the School of Materials and Energy at Southwest University in Chongqing, China, where he served from 2018 to 2020. During this time, his outstanding contributions to the field were acknowledged with the CMRDI prize for excellence in a scientific publication in 2018. From 2020 - 2023, he achieved the remarkable distinction of being ranked 1st in Africa and Egypt for his pioneering work on low-cost perovskite solar cells, as assessed by the SciVal Analyzer website. His current research endeavors revolve around comprehending the mechanisms and fundamental properties of perovskite solar cells while also striving to develop scalable protocols for achieving high efficiency in these devices. Given his expertise, Ahmed actively contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer and a member of the editorial board for several prestigious journals. He has attained an H-index of 27 from Scopus and 30 from Google Scholar citations, further underscoring his significant contributions to the inorganic and analytical chemistry field.
Abstract
The presentation highlights novel approaches to solid-state chemical synthesis, enabling solvent-free preparation of diverse metallic, ionic, and molecular/organic materials with broad-ranging applications. Advances in the field of mechanochemistry are discussed, and proposed mechanisms of mechanochemical transformations are summarized. The use of solid-state NMR to monitor these transformations is highlighted, illustrated by the authors’ experimental results. The synthesis of novel hybrid and complex materials includes the preparation of complex metal hydrides, 3D heterostructures, high-entropy transition metal dichalcogenides, and rare-earth-based metal-organic frameworks. The talk also addresses the role of mechanical processing in advancing Circular Economy objectives and demonstrates the potential for scaling up laboratory protocols to enable the transition from research materials to commercial products.
Biography
Dr. Viktor Balema is an expert in novel electronic and energy materials, as well as non-conventional materials preparation techniques. He earned his BS/MS degrees from L'viv State University, Ukraine, and PhD from the A. Nesmeyanov Institute of the Academy of Sciences in Moscow. Subsequently, he conducted research at the universities of Karlsruhe and Leipzig, Germany as Visiting Scientist, then joined Ames Laboratory of the US Department of Energy. Over two decades, Dr. Balema directed the Hard Materials Segment and Materials Science R&D at Sigma-Aldrich Co. and held Senior Scientist and CTO positions at Ames Laboratory and in the chemical industry. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at Clemson University, SC, USA. Dr. Balema has authored over 100 papers and patents, delivered numerous invited talks, and served as a reviewer for the US DOE, NSF, US CRDF, ACS PRF, and numerous peer-reviewed journals. His research has also been featured in popular scientific magazines, including New Scientist and Scientific American.
Abstract
Nanomedicine, or the use of materials with at least one dimension less than 100 nm, has led to improved disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This talk will cover recent advances in the use of nanomaterials to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, nanomaterials (such as carbon nanotubes) when coupled with stem cells have been shown to reverse stroke damage and return motor function to stroke-induced rats. Moreover, vascular stents with nanotextures have been shown to improve endothelialization to reduce thrombus formation and reclogging of arteries. Further, new cardiac patches with conductive nanomaterials (such as graphene) have been shown to regenerate cardiomyocyte functions (such as growth and contractile function) to regenerate healthy cardiac tissue in the area of heart tissue damage due to heart attacks. In this manner, this talk will highlight how cardiovascular nanomedicine is being used to significantly improve numerous cardiovascular diseases in unprecedented ways.
Biography
Thomas J. Webster’s (H index: 124; Google Scholar) degrees are in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh (B.S., 1995; USA) and in biomedical engineering from RPI (Ph.D., 2000; USA). He has served as a professor at Purdue (2000-2005), Brown (2005-2012), and Northeastern (2012-2021; serving as Chemical Engineering Department Chair from 2012 - 2019) Universities and has formed over a dozen companies who have numerous FDA approved medical products currently improving human health in over 20,000 patients. His technology is also being used in commercial products to improve sustainability and renewable energy. He is currently helping those companies and serves as a professor at Brown University, Saveetha University, Vellore Institute of Technology, UFPI, and others. Dr. Webster has numerous awards including: 2020, World Top 2% Scientist by Citations (PLOS); 2020, SCOPUS Highly Cited Research (Top 1% Materials Science and Mixed Fields); 2021, Clarivate Top 0.1% Most Influential Researchers (Pharmacology and Toxicology); 2022, Best Materials Science Scientist by Citations (Research.com); and is a fellow of over 8 societies. Prof. Webster is a former President of the U.S. Society For Biomaterials and has over 1,350 publications to his credit with over 55,000 citations. He was recently nominated for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Prof. Webster also recently formed a fund to support Nigerian student research opportunities in the U.S.
Abstract
We stabilized high-entropy alloys (HEAs) using high-pressure synthesis of the excellent thermoelectrics PbTe and SnSe, incorporating over 10% Sn, Se, and Sb simultaneously. However, Ge is consistently rejected by the PbTe/GeTe structure. HEAs typically form cubic or hexagonal structures with large unit cells of at least four atoms, none being minority dopants. They hold promise in many fields, especially thermoelectrics [1].
Few HEAs have been successfully stabilized, particularly intermetallic ones, making our PbTe-based HEAs significant. Their simple crystallography but complex stoichiometry makes determining the actual stabilized phase difficult, requiring neutron and x-ray diffraction. Studying disorder evolution upon alloying provides insights into phonon lifetime changes. Anharmonic responses to external parameters like temperature and pressure can renormalize phonon frequencies and/or enhance atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) beyond quasi-harmonic expectations.
A thorough analysis of low-temperature ADPs (Uiso) reveals large static distortions, indicating expected compositional disorder. Temperature-dependent ADP analysis using the Einstein model, compared with phonon density of states from INS, gives insights into local structure and HEA formation. Comparing with inelastic neutron spectroscopy and ab-initio calculations is crucial, as shown for SnSe alloyed with Ge or Sb [2-4].
We studied HEAs of nominal compositions Pb₂.₅SnTe₃Se, Pb₂.₅SnSbTe₃, and Pb₂.₅SnSbTe₃Se, comparing them with PbTe.
We thank the ILL, ESRF, and ALBA for facilities. Electron microscopy observations were carried out at the Centro Nacional de Microscopia Electronica (CNME-UCM). Funding was provided by MCIN/AEI (grant nos. PID2021-122477OB-I00, TED2021-129254B-C21, TED2021-129254B-C22, RYC2021-033518-I) and NextGenerationEU.
Biography
Norbert M. Nemes is an experimental solid state physicist who obtained his PhD in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2002 and after postdoctoral stays in the NIST Center for Neutron Research and also the Materials Science Institute of Madrid, he is now a Full Professor of Applied Physics at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, one of the largest and oldest Spanish universities, and Director of the Magnetometry and High Pressure Synthesis Laboratories. He has published over 130 research papers with an h-index of 30 on topics ranging from materials of reduced dimensions, superconductors, spintronics and magnetic anisotropy, multifunctional materials (magnetoelectric coupling), and in the last decade on thermoelectrics.
Abstract
Having been in the AI-in-Manufacturing (‘Ai4M’) world since 1989 I have seen this industrial sector quietly flourish globally, redefining the economics of most of the companies which have implemented AI4M: These applications run the gambit and include Automotive and computer production, prefabricated housing – as well as chemical and food processing!
From my experience most people seem to think that AI4M is the same as “Automation” and have NO idea how they MIGHT differ. The simple truth is that AI4M is very different
– and offers a very different impact on processing and production applications – and market opportunities - primarily by redefining the operational economics of the overall business.
The intention of my presentation is to “completely” characterize the key benefits of Ai4M compared to conventional, well-known manufacturing automation: To make it clear just
how different they actually are – and what that actually means to the end-user!
Biography
Robert is an experienced and visionary leader in the building materials and bio-materials industries, with over 30 years of expertise in AI in Manufacturing, fiber processing, optimization, and innovation. He is the founder and CEO of Advanced Bio-Material Technologies Corporation (ABMTC), a company that leverages AI and smart factories to create sustainable and local solutions for hemp and other natural fiber products.
Abstract
With increasing environmental concerns regarding microplastic pollution, innovative methods for their reclamation and reuse are essential. This study investigates the integration of waste-type microplastics into hot asphalt mixtures, aiming to enhance the sustainability and performance of asphalt mixtures. Microplastics, primarily polypropylene, were introduced at varying concentrations (0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.6% by weight) into hot mix asphalt. Mechanical and durability tests, including Marshall stability, flow, indirect tensile strength, and moisture susceptibility, were conducted to assess performance. The results demonstrate that adding microplastics improves the rutting resistance and stiffness of asphalt mixtures at optimal concentrations (0.3%). The inclusion of microplastics not only diverts waste from the environment but also potentially lowers production costs and improves the mechanical properties of asphalt pavements. This approach offers a dual benefit of enhancing road infrastructure while addressing environmental challenges associated with microplastic waste.
Biography
Daniela Laura Buruiana is a passionate environmental engineer and ready for new challenges. She has the ability to manage her time wisely, making every effort to complete her work in a timely yet efficient manner. 2020-present: Head of Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering (DIMM), Faculty of Engineering 2020-present: Head of Interdisciplinary Research Centre in the Field of Eco-Nano Technology and Advance materials CC-ITI, Faculty of Engineering 2014-present: Coordinator of Laborator of Integrated Monitoring of environmental factors 22 published ISI articles, 7 published books, 30 conference entries and 17 awards given at conferences and projects.
Abstract
Sheet lamination is one of the earliest additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, involving the fabrication of near-net-shape components through the bonding of stacked thin layers. This
process encompasses several methods, including Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM), Very High Power UAM (VHP UAM), Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM), and Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing (FSAM). These technologies offer significant advantages over other AM methods. They enable the production of complex geometries with internal channels and allow for the embedding of electronics, wiring, and sensors between layers. Additionally, sheet lamination can join dissimilar materials without compromising the mechanical properties of the base metals. It also minimizes solidification-related defects such as porosity, shrinkage cavities, and oxidation, which are common in fusion-based processes like Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED). However, one limitation of sheet lamination is the need for post-processing to achieve the desired surface quality and dimensional accuracy. This paper provides an overview of the various sheet lamination techniques, highlights their unique capabilities and limitations, and outlines current challenges and future research directions aimed at improving process efficiency, material compatibility, and part performance.
Biography
Özgür Uyar, graduated from Middle East Technical University in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering in 2020. He completed his international welding engineering education in the same year. He has been working at GSI SLV-TR since 2019. Özgür Uyar, who focused on the additive manufacturing of lattice structures as her master's thesis, continues her research in this field. In 2023, he gained the title of International Metal Additive Manufacturing Coordinator within the scope of a pilot project carried out by the European Welding Federation (EWF).
Abstract
Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides representing a distinct class of compounds with a significant role in developing modern pharmaceutical formulations. Due to their toroidal structure and ability to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules, they can be used as effective solutions to the challenges in the pharmaceutical domain related to the solubility and stability of many active pharmaceutical ingredients. This study presents the results of a multidisciplinary approach on the interactions between various types of cyclodextrins and active pharmaceutical ingredients with low bioavailability. The physicochemical characterization of the formed inclusion complexes was carried out by advanced analytical methods such as infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and X-ray diffraction, highlighting the partial or total inclusion process, the stability of the formed complexes, and the influence of the molecular structure on the inclusion efficiency. The obtained results demonstrate that the use of cyclodextrins not only improves the biopharmaceutical properties of active compounds but also creates perspectives for obtaining new, more efficient, and better-adapted pharmaceutical products to the therapeutic needs. This work highlighted the importance of integrating physico-chemical and pharmacotechnical knowledge into innovative formulation strategies, contributing to the continuous progress of pharmaceutical sciences.
Biography
Dr. Adina Magdalena Musuc - Senior researcher II, head of Chemical Kinetics Laboratory has expertise in isothermal and non-isothermal heterogeneous kinetics, thermoreactivity and kinetics of explosive reactions in gaseous and condensed systems, thermoreactivity of some classes of mono- and polycoordination compounds, thermoreactivity of polymers (natural and synthetic), oxide materials design/synthesis, cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, fields of thermal analysis but also in green chemistry science, polysaccharide characterization and functionality, materialized in 68ISI ranked articles,having in all contributions in the field of green chemistry science, pharmacy, biomedical, kinetics, polymers chemistry and thermal analysis, 1 book chapter (Publisher: Nova Science Pub Inc; UK), 3 RO patents, coordinator/collaborator in national/international projects, reviewer for several ISI journal (Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, Dalton Transactions, Journal of Material Research, Nanomaterials, etc.).She works as guest editorof ISI journals such as Processes, Fire, and Applied Sciences. Hirsch index (h-index) and the total number of citations, according to Scopus: h-index = 15 and 523 citations. According to Google Scholar h-index = 16 and 630 citations. Her activity and the expertise in the field of thermal analysis has been recognized by the scientific community, being included in the encyclopaedia “Who’s Who in Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 2014”, Eds. ImreMiklósSzilágyi and GyörgyLiptay, Springer, Budapest 2014, ISBN 978-3-319-09485-4 and awarded with “NicolaeTeclu” prize of the Romanian Academy.
Abstract
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has shown significant promise for producing complex, high-value components. However, its large-scale industrial implementation remains limited due to challenges such as inconsistent material properties and a lack of standardization. In Duplex Stainless Steels (DSS), laser-based processes—both in welding and AM (e.g., LPBF/SLM, DED-LB/w)—generate rapid, localized thermal cycles that critically affect microstructural features such as phase balance, porosity, and secondary phases. These microstructural variations directly influence key mechanical properties (e.g., strength, hardness) and corrosion resistance. The strong interdependence between processing parameters, resulting microstructure, and final properties, along with the inherent variability of AM, calls for robust analytical methodologies. This work proposes the application of advanced statistical techniques to model and quantify these complex relationships. By leveraging statistical tools, we aim to optimize process parameters, establish quantitative correlations between microstructural features and performance, and investigate critical issues such as anisotropy. Furthermore, this approach supports the development of reliable databases and predictive models, essential for improving process repeatability and enabling future standardization and certification of DSS components produced by AM. Our findings contribute to bridging the knowledge gap in AM of duplex steels and offer a data-driven framework for advancing their application in demanding environments. The integration of statistical analysis into the process–structure–property paradigm is a key step toward making additive manufacturing a consistent and certifiable manufacturing route for advanced stainless steels.
Biography
José Alberto Bejarano Ulloa is a Mechanical Engineer specialized in welding and materials engineering, with a Master’s degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. He is a certified International Welding Engineer, Certified Welding Inspector, and International Metal Additive Manufacturing Coordinator, with extensive experience in industrial consulting, inspection, and academia across Latin America. His work spans collaborations with key industry players and contributions to international conferences in countries including Colombia, Peru, the Netherlands, and India. His research focuses on the intersection of additive manufacturing and stainless steel applications, emphasizing quality control and advanced alloy design for critical sectors.
Abstract
The control of design-morphologie promotes improved functionnalities in sustainable hybrid polymer materials. To investigate this control, solidification is one of the major issues, i.e. the design-morphologie induced by the kinetics of nucleation and the growth process of crystal in multi-environmental systems in different length scales.
In the present work will be introduced a part of state of the art review based on the developed expertises. We will focuss on thermo-environmental stress systems.
Biography
Severine A.E. Boyer has completed her PhD from Blaise Pascal Clermont-Ferrand University, France, and Assistant-Professor studies from the Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan, and respectively from Mines Paris and IMT Mines Douai, France. She has published more than 50 papers. Her activities aim to conduct combinations of chemo-physics / poly-morpho-genesis / interfaces in hybrids materials to meet the challenges of new materials, new model-experiments and new numerical models.
Abstract
Most transition metal chalcogenides TX2 (T: transition metal; X=S, Se, Te) exhibit layered structure. Pyrite is probably the largest structure family found for these compounds in the VIIIB periodic group. In contrast to the layered materials, this structure is isotropic in its 3 dimensions. Among the semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides, the sulfides and the selenides have widespread importance that ranges from catalysis and geochemistry to solar energy conversion. In this context, iron chalcogenides have been widely investigated for several applications such as, hydrogen evolution, light energy conversion devices, batteries, storage devices,etc Moreover, they are built up by non-toxic and abundant elements. So, we are interested in the fabrication and characterisations of these low cost materials. It is obvious that preparation processes must play an important part in films behaviour. Many techniques of preparation were investigated in order to obtain pyrite thin films [6-8]. In the present book, we will describe an inexpensive, non toxic, and easy to manipulate method to prepare pyrite thin films that consists, in a first step, of spraying FeCl3.6H2O (0.03M)-based aqueous solution onto glass substrates pre-heated at 350°C. The obtained iron oxide films are amorphous. In a second step, they were heat treated under sulphur or selenium atmosphere (10-4 Pa) at different temperatures for six hours in the aim to obtain respectively FeS2 or FeSe2 thin films. Structural properties of the obtained pyrite films were studied by XRD, SEM, microprobe analysis and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Optical analyses of the obtained pyrite films showed high absorption coefficients, but insufficient band gap energy values for the estimated applications. Infact, at a sulfuration temperature of 450°C and duration of 6 hours, single FeS2-phase layers having granular structure, high absorption coefficient (~5.104 cm-1) and direct band gap energy of about 0.98 eV were obtained. Also, single FeSe2-phase films having good crystallinity were obtained at a selenization temperature of 550°C. Optical analyses of the FeSe2 films obtained at 550°C enabled us to deduce a large absorption coefficient (a ~105cm-1, l < 800 nm) and direct band gap energy of about 1.03eV. However, the as obtained band gap energy values are less than the desired value, for the photovoltaic application; which is of 1.5 eV. So, we thought about the improvement of their optical properties using the alloying technique. After a deep study, in the aim of increasing the band gap value of FeS2-pyrite thin films obtained according to the pre-described procedure, we chose the ruthenium for alloying them. The effect of alloying on atomic structure, as well as optical properties of Ru-alloyed FeS2-pyrite films were examined by XRD, optical and MEB characterizations. Our results showed that the band gap value of Fe(1−x)RuxS2 layers increased versus the alloy percentage. An optimum band gap value was obtained of about1.48 eV; which is considered as a very interesting result for the photovoltaic applications of our films. According the same procedure and in the aim of improving the FeSe2 thin films properties (structural, optical, and electrical), the ruthenium was incorporated into their composition by the same technique. Indeed, the aqueous solution of FeCl3.6H2O (0.03 M) was sprayed on pre-heated glass substrates (at 350°C) for 4 min, on which immediately, the aqueous solution of RuCl3.3H2O with different molar ratios such as [RuCl3.3H2O]/[FeCl3.6H2O]= 0.01, 0.0156, 0.10, and 0.25, was sprayed for 1 min. The as obtained amorphous films are heated under selenium atmosphere (~10-4 Pa) in sealed tubes at different temperatures (400°C, 450°C, 500°C, and 550°C) for 3 hours into RTP oven and submitted to X-ray diffraction analysis. For the samples alloyed with the molar ratios of 0.01 and 0.0156 and annealed under selenium atmosphere at 550°C, the optical measurements showed a high absorption coefficient (α > 4×104 cm-1 for wave lengths lower than 800 nanometer) and an amelioration of the corresponding direct band gap value from 1.03 eV (for 0% of ruthenium) to, respectively, 1.50 eV and 1.64 eV, desired values for photovoltaic applications. Electrical properties are determined using the Hall Effect measurements. All the obtained Ru-alloyed films showed N-type conductivity.
The noted improvement of the FeS2 and FeSe2 thin films optical and electrical behaviors, confirms that ruthenium is one of the best candidates for alloying potential photovoltaic materials. Furthermore, all the obtained Ru-alloyed FeX2 (X=S, Se) films are able to be used for several applications, especially in the photovoltaic domain.
Biography
Beya OUERTANI is an Associate Professor at the Higher Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technologies of Borj Cédria, University of Carthage, Tunisia. She obtained her Bachelor's Degrees in physical sciences, her "DEA" in quantum physics, her PhD, and her habilitation, in physics, about thin films for low cost solar cells, at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar. She had been researcher at the Photovoltaic and Semiconductor Materials Laboratory, ENIT, Tunisia. Then, researcher at the Laboratory of Semiconductors, Nanostructures and Advanced Technology (LSNTA). She is being researcher at the Laboratory of Phototovolaîc (LPV) at the Research and Technology Center of Energy (CRTEn), Science and Technology Park of Borj Cedria.
Abstract
By 2040, the number of new cancer cases per year is expected to rise to 29.5 million and the number of cancer-related deaths to 16.4 million. Approximately 50 percent of all cancer patients can benefit from radiotherapy. Currently, we are at the limit of radiotherapy dose given to patients, creating a clear need for novel methods to enhance it to further improve the survival while reducing side effects. Nanotechnology offers a practical solution to many of these challenges. Nanoparticles (NPs) of high atomic number materials, such as GNPs, have shown promising results as radiosensitizing agents in multiple preclinical models of cancer. We have also shown that a unique combination of GNPs with other clinically approved radiosensitizing drugs such as docetaxel can produce synergistic therapeutic effects. In this talk, I will discuss the importance of combined therapeutic strategies to overcome current challenges imposed by the tumour and its microenvironment.
Biography
Prof. Devika Chithrani is the recipient of faculty gold medal and the gold medal for physics when she received her bachelor’s degree in physics. She is a recipient of many fellowships by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada during her graduate and post-doctoral work. Now, she is a full professor at University of Victoria. She is also the director of Nanoscience and technology Development laboratory at University of Victoria. She leverages nanotechnology to create innovations that advance the care of cancer patients. Her work is featured on the cover of journals and her publications have received over 13,000 citations in few years. She is among the world’s top 2% scientists according to the published data by Stanford University. Her passion is to develop smart nanomaterials to improve exiting cancer therapeutics.
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