Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) possess a distinctive combination of physicochemical properties—including chemical and biological inertness, high and linear gas solubility, efficient gas extraction, and simultaneous hydrophobicity and lipophobicity—that makes them attractive artificial oxygen carriers. However, these intrinsic properties alone do not yield clinically viable products. Translation of PFC-based oxygen carriers has been limited by formulation complexity, interfacial and colloidal instability, inadequate definition of critical quality attributes, and difficulties in reproducible scale-up and manufacturing. This review presents a roadmap for engineering PFC-based artificial oxygen carriers from formulation design through scalable manufacturing and clinical translation. We examine the molecular and physicochemical characteristics of PFCs that govern oxygen loading and release, biological persistence and excretion, and colloidal behavior. Major PFC-based colloidal systems—including emulsions, microbubbles, and nanodroplets—are evaluated together with the formulation components and interfacial design strategies that determine particle size, stability, circulation behavior, and oxygen-delivery performance. Particular emphasis is placed on mechanisms of physical destabilization, the relationship between formulation attributes and biological or clinical outcomes, and persistent deficiencies in the analytical characterization and quality assessment of PFC-based products. Manufacturing constraints, scale-up challenges, and the absence of standardized quality criteria are considered in the context of clinical and regulatory development. Finally, we propose the application of Quality by Design (QbD) principles to define critical material attributes, critical process parameters, and clinically relevant product-quality specifications. Integration of colloidal science, process engineering, and systematic quality control is essential to transform PFC-based oxygen carriers from promising experimental formulations into reproducible, scalable, and clinically translatable products.
The burgeoning discourse surrounding digital twins (DTs) has reached a critical point that requires the careful examination of the disparity between their conceptual idealisation and empirical reality. While the literature frequently presents the DT as a transformative force for Industry 4.0 and 5.0, analysis of current implementations reveals that a mere 16% of analysed systems achieve the closed-loop, bidirectional capabilities required of a true digital twin, with the majority remaining confined to the status of unidirectional 'digital shadows'. Consequently, future research must shift from definitional debates toward the development of rigorous empirical assessment frameworks that utilise measurable indicators—such as feedback closure, real-time reciprocity, and post-adjustment monitoring—to differentiate functionally autonomous systems from their descriptive counterparts.
Intergenerational living emphasizes socialization and cooperation across generations. This mixed methods study describes a novel intergenerational community in a personal care home that situates graduate health science students as neighbors to older adult residents. The study aims to assess student attitudes about aging and the impact on quality of life from both student and older adult resident perspectives. Quantitative student outcomes were assessed at the start/end of the academic year using the Relating to Older People Evaluation and the Geriatric Attitudes Scale. Qualitative reporting included interviews with student residents at the start/end and older adult residents at the end of that academic year. Quantitative results demonstrated no significant changes over time. Qualitative results include the value of intergenerational living, impacts on mental health through relationships, and learning from wisdom. Intergenerational living communities could possibly improve the quality of life of both students and older adults.
This methodological paper adds to the growing empirical research on pl & aacute;tica as methodology and method through a critical lens when researching with Latine populations, thus cultivating equitable educational and research systems for the 21st century. Using our dissertation studies as examples, which focus on AfroLatine/a/o activists and queer and trans-Latine students, we demonstrate how using pl & aacute;tica methodology and methods enables transformative ways to center and research Latine experiences.
The CLAS12 RICH detector installed in the Hall B of the Jefferson Laboratory has been designated to provide clean kaon identification in the momentum range from 3 to 8 GeV/c. The detector adopted a novel hybrid design, with aerogel radiator, a system of planar and spherical mirrors and a highly segmented readout system based on multi-anode photomultipliers. We present here the status of the detector and its performance after a few years of operation.
