Search Results (677)

Composite materials are extensively used in the aeronautical and aerospace industries for their high strength-to-weight ratios but are vulnerable to barely visible impact damage (BVID), which can severely compromise structural integrity. Digital shearography (DS) provides a non-contact, full-field solution for subsurface inspection; however, low signal-to-noise ratios in raw phase maps often hinder precise damage identification. This study explores a post-processing methodology utilizing a band-pass filtering algorithm and temporal summation to isolate damage-related spatial frequencies. An in-house digital shearography system was used to inspect a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plate subjected to 13.5 J and 26.2 J impacts. Twelve phase maps, acquired during the thermal cooling stage, were processed using a multi-pass filters to systematically analyze different frequency ranges. Results demonstrate that summing multiple filtered phase maps significantly enhances the contrast of damage signatures compared to single phase maps or traditional unwrapping techniques. Furthermore, quantitative assessment using image quality metrics, such as the generalized contrast-to-noise ratio (gCNR), confirmed that optimal frequency selection is essential for an accurate damage delineation. This approach provides a robust framework for improving the reliability and sensitivity of non-destructive testing in composite structures. Full article

This systematic review analyzes how the introduction and progressive deployment of 5G networks have influenced the evolution of telemedicine between 2014 and 2024, focusing on their impact on performance, accessibility, and the feasibility of advanced clinical applications across the pre-COVID-19, COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 periods. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and included publications retrieved from SCOPUS, PubMed, and Web of Science using a PICO-based search strategy. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and extracted data included clinical parameters, network characteristics such as bandwidth and latency, geographic setting, and type of telemedicine service. A total of 45 studies met the inclusion criteria, with most published between 2020 and 2024. The most frequently reported applications were telediagnosis, particularly robotic ultrasound, followed by telesurgery and teleconsultation. The low latency enabled by 5G networks supported complex telesurgical procedures over distances exceeding 5000 km, while in ultra-remote areas, hybrid solutions combining 5G and fiber-optic networks were often adopted to ensure stable connections. The integration of robotic platforms and AI-based tools further enhanced the precision and reliability of remote procedures. Overall, 5G technology has significantly advanced telemedicine by enabling real-time, high-quality care over long distances, improving access to specialist services and supporting more equitable and efficient digital healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved regions. Full article

Cultivation substrate critically affects the quality of Tremella fuciformis. Five substrates, including cottonseed hulls (MZKs), Machilus pauhoi Kanehira sawdust (BNM), lotus seed hulls (LZKs), Corethrodendron scoparium sawdust (HB), and palm fiber (ZL), were evaluated for their effects on agronomic traits, nutritional composition, texture, and taste characteristics. Untargeted metabolomics was applied to elucidate substrate-associated metabolic variations, and polysaccharide monosaccharide composition was quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that the BNM group exhibited the highest fresh weight, whereas the LZK group presented the highest dry weight and crude polysaccharide content. The ZL group displayed the greatest ear piece thickness and fruiting body elevation. Higher protein contents were observed in the ZL and LZK groups, with no differences in crude fiber content. Texture analysis indicated that hardness was highest in the LZK group, whereas the MZK group showed better springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness. Regarding taste characteristics, the MZK group exhibited the strongest sweetness, the LZK group showed a markedly higher bitterness, and umami levels were comparable across all groups. Metabolomic analysis revealed that substrate-induced variations in amino acids, saccharides, and taste-related metabolites were significantly associated with nutritional quality and taste attributes of T. fuciformis. Polysaccharides of fruiting bodies cultivated on the five substrates consisted of six monosaccharides, with composition ratios similar to those of spore extracellular polysaccharides; among them, differences in glucuronic acid (GlcA) proportion represented a key indicator distinguishing fruiting body polysaccharides from spore polysaccharides. This study revealed the metabolic basis and polysaccharide composition underlying substrate-dependent quality of T. fuciformis, supporting substrate optimization for high-quality production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Among cotton species, Gossypium barbadense produces the strongest fibers. Examining cytoskeletal dynamics in single epidermal cells of G. barbadense ovules offers a direct approach to investigating fiber quality. Microtubules are major cytoskeletal components whose organization and dynamics are precisely regulated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). However, information on the TPX2 family remains limited, and characterizing its features in G. barbadense is critical to clarifying the role of TPX2 family members in fiber strength formation. Methods: Using the Arabidopsis thaliana TPX2 sequence as a reference, 40, 49, 26, and 26 TPX2 family members were identified in the genomes of G. barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, and Gossypium raimondii, respectively. We further analyzed the expression pattern of GbTPX2-35 and validated its function via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Results: In G. barbadense, GbTPX2-35 (Gbar_D11G59825.1) was significantly upregulated in fiber samples of the parental lines at 25 days post-anthesis, and this expression pattern was further validated in G. barbadense lines with extreme fiber strength phenotypes. Next, VIGS-mediated silencing of GbTPX2-35 downregulated the transcript levels of cellulose synthase and microtubule-related protein genes, a finding further validated by mature fiber strength phenotypic data. Conclusions: This study preliminarily validated a pathway in which GbTPX2-35 regulates fiber strength by coordinating cellulose biosynthesis with microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics, providing valuable candidate genes and theoretical support for molecular breeding of high-strength cotton fibers. Full article

Background: Genetic diversity and genetic differentiation between Gossypium hirsutum-Gossypium barbadense introgression lines (ILs) and early-maturing upland cotton lines are critical for resolving the core breeding contradiction in Xinjiang cotton region: narrow genetic basis of early-maturing cultivars and late maturity of ILs with superior fiber quality. Xinjiang is one of the major cotton-producing regions in China, and breeding high-quality early-maturing upland cotton adapted to local ecological conditions is essential for improving cotton yield and quality. However, the genetic relationship and differentiation between the two types of cotton germplasm remain unclear, which hinders the efficient utilization of germplasm resources in breeding. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the genetic diversity and differentiation between the two germplasm types and identify key candidate loci related to early maturity and fiber quality, providing support for cotton breeding. Results: Here, we used a 40K Single Nucleotide Polymorphism chip to genotype core cotton germplasm in northern Xinjiang, and analyzed their population structure, genetic diversity and functional SNP loci associated with early maturity and fiber quality. The tested materials were clearly divided into two subgroups (ILs and early-maturing lines). Genetic diversity analysis revealed a significantly narrow genetic basis in the early-maturing subgroup, while the IL subgroup had higher genetic diversity. Specifically, the early-maturing subgroup showed lower nucleotide diversity and polymorphism information content compared with the IL subgroup, indicating that the genetic variation of early-maturing cotton germplasm in northern Xinjiang is relatively limited. A total of 25 non-synonymous SNPs were identified, among which the c.A613G:p.T205A mutation in GH_D09G1484 (mRNA-decapping enzyme 1, DCP1) was a characteristic variation of early-maturing cotton, and a possible non-synonymous mutation in GH_A09G2400 (Heat shock transcription factor A6b, HSFA6B) was associated with fiber development. These two candidate genes were annotated to be involved in plant growth and development, further supporting their potential roles in regulating cotton early maturity and fiber quality. Conclusions: This study clarified the genetic differentiation between the two types of germplasms and identified key candidate loci for early maturity and fiber quality, providing precise molecular markers and theoretical support for breeding high-quality early-maturing upland cotton adapted to Xinjiang’s ecological conditions. The results also highlight the value of Gossypium hirsutum–Gossypium barbadense introgression lines in enriching the genetic basis of early-maturing cotton, which can be further utilized to solve the core breeding contradiction in the Xinjiang cotton region. Full article

Continuous unidirectional (UD) thermoplastic composite tapes are increasingly used in aerospace, automotive, and energy applications because of their high specific strength, low weight, recyclability, and compatibility with automated manufacturing. Since final component performance strongly depends on tape quality, reliable defect characterization and detection are essential. In this study, manufacturing-induced defects in polypropylene-based UD tapes reinforced with carbon and glass fibers were investigated using real images acquired directly from laboratory-scale production without synthetic data. Defects related to interfacial integrity, matrix distribution, fiber architecture, and surface irregularities were systematically analyzed, and a practical four-class defect taxonomy was established. To enable automated inspection under limited-data conditions, lightweight YOLOv8, YOLOv11, and the new YOLO26 models were comparatively evaluated using a UD tape-specific augmentation strategy combining physically constrained Albumentations and on-the-fly augmentation. Among the tested models, YOLO26-s achieved the best overall performance, reaching a mean mAP@0.5 of 0.87 ± 0.03, outperforming YOLOv11 (0.83) and YOLOv8 (0.78), with 0.90 precision and 0.85 recall. Interfacial (0.92 mAP) and matrix-related (0.90 mAP) defects were detected most reliably, whereas fiber-related (0.89 mAP) and surface defects (0.79 mAP) remained more challenging, particularly in glass-fiber-reinforced tapes due to transparency-masking effects. The results demonstrate the potential of compact deep learning models for computationally efficient and manufacturing-relevant in-line quality monitoring of UD tape production. Full article

Background: Hospital nutrition is an essential component of patient care; however, the nutritional quality of meals in Polish hospitals has raised concerns for many years. In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Health implemented a nationwide pilot program, “Good Meal in the Hospital,” to improve nutritional quality by developing and implementing a model tailored to patients’ needs. This study aimed to assess the compliance of hospital-standard diets with the program’s assumptions. Methods: Ten-day menus from ten hospitals across different regions of Poland (a total of 100 menus) were analyzed. A quantitative assessment of energy and nutritional values was conducted by calculating the average daily intake of energy and selected nutrients (protein, carbohydrates including sugars (mono- and disaccharides), fat, saturated fatty acids, fiber, and salt) and comparing these with national recommendations for hospital diets for adults. In parallel, a qualitative assessment of ten menu structure criteria was performed using a binary scoring system (0/1). Results: None of the analyzed hospitals met all quantitative and qualitative criteria simultaneously. All hospitals complied with recommendations for protein and carbohydrate content, whereas the most frequent deviations concerned excessive intake of fat, saturated fatty acids, and salt. Qualitative scores ranged from 6 to 10 points, with the most significant shortcomings related to the frequency of legumes and fish. A particularly noteworthy finding was the discrepancy between qualitative and quantitative compliance of the menus. Conclusions: The fact that none of the analyzed hospitals met all program criteria simultaneously indicates the limited effectiveness of its implementation in its current form. Full article

With the increasing emphasis and protection on forest resources worldwide, the development of non-wood plant fiber raw materials has become a key path to promote the green and sustainable development of China’s pulp and paper industry. In this study, Super-Arundo donax, a new non-wood fiber raw material, was systematically investigated for its applicability in the bleaching process. Firstly, by adjusting key bleaching technical variables such as alkali dosage, time, oxygen pressure and temperature, the oxygen delignification process of the Super-Arundo donax kraft pulp was optimized. The data revealed that under the experimental conditions of 3.0% alkali dosage, 60 min bleaching time, 100 °C bleaching temperature, 0.6 MPa oxygen pressure and 0.6% MgSO₄ dosage, the bleached pulp yield reached 91.58%, the brightness was 42.04% ISO, and its tensile index was 60.92 N·m/g, bursting index was 4.16 kPa·m²/g, and tear index was 5.45 mN·m²/g, respectively. To further enhance the bleaching effect, the study introduced the H₂O₂ enhanced oxygen delignification process. The alkali dosage, bleaching temperature and H₂O₂ dosage were selected as the process parameters, with the pulp yield and brightness as the response indicators. A central composite design was adopted to construct a response surface model, and the interaction effects among various factors were analyzed. The optimized optimal process conditions are as follows: pulp concentration 10%, alkali dosage 2.84%, bleaching temperature 105 °C, H₂O₂ dosage 4.85%, bleaching time 60 min, MgSO₄ dosage 0.6%. Under these conditions, the pulp yield was 89.76% and the brightness reached 53.85% ISO. Therefore, Super-Arundo donax possesses excellent pulp-making and papermaking properties, and is expected to serve as a high-quality non-wood fiber raw material to alleviate the pressure on traditional papermaking raw materials and contribute to the green, sustainable and low-carbon transformation of the pulp and paper industry. Full article

Percentage depth–dose (PDD) distributions are fundamental to characterizing radiation beams in radiotherapy. This review provides an overview of both methods and sensor technologies for measuring PDD in photon, electron, proton, and carbon-ion beams. We summarize conventional dosimetry techniques, including water-phantom scanning with ionization chambers (cylindrical and parallel-plate) and radiochromic film, and discuss their strengths (established accuracy, calibration traceability) and limitations (volume averaging, delayed readout). We then examine emerging sensor technologies designed to improve spatial resolution, speed, and radiation hardness: multi-layer ionization chambers and Faraday cups for one-shot PDD acquisition; scintillator-based detectors (liquid, plastic, and fiber-optic) enabling real-time and high-resolution depth–dose measurements; advanced semiconductor detectors including silicon carbide diodes; as well as novel approaches such as ionoacoustic range sensing for proton beams. For each modality and detector type, we emphasize clinical relevance, measurement accuracy, spatial resolution, radiation durability, and suitability for high dose-per-pulse environments (e.g., FLASH radiotherapy). Current challenges, such as detector response in regions of steep dose gradient, saturation or recombination at ultra-high dose rates, and energy-dependent sensitivity in mixed radiation fields, are analyzed in detail. We also highlight the limitations of each technique and discuss ongoing improvements and prospects for clinical implementation. In summary, no single detector technology fully satisfies all requirements for fast, high-accuracy, high-resolution, radiation-hard PDD measurement, but the integration of emerging sensor innovations into clinical dosimetry promises to enhance the precision and efficiency of radiotherapy quality assurance. Full article

Three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) has emerged as an innovative construction technology for extreme environments, offering advantages in thermal insulation, reduced labor requirements, and rapid construction. However, this layer-by-layer deposition process brings interlayer effects that affect mechanical anisotropy, permeability, and thermal performance, posing challenges for structural reliability. This review systematically examines current methods for characterizing and mitigating interlayer effects in 3DPC. Material-related factors—including admixtures, aggregates, recycled materials, fibers, and geopolymer incorporation—alongside process parameters such as printing speed, nozzle geometry, layer height, interlayer time, and environmental conditions, are analyzed for their influence on interlayer quality. State-of-the-art techniques for evaluating interlayer voids, mechanical behavior, and thermal performance are summarized. Moreover, results from micro-imaging, mechanical testing, and heat transfer assessments are also introduced. Ultimately, strategies for optimizing material composition and printing parameters to improve interlayer bonding and overall performance are highlighted. Overall, this paper provides a methodological framework to guide the design, testing, and practical implementation of 3DPC in demanding engineering applications. Full article

Sandwich materials are increasingly used due to the possibility of improving their combined properties. However, some manufacturing operations become more complex, such as drilling, where it is more difficult to determine the optimal cutting conditions that provide the appropriate hole quality. In this context, the quality of the drilled holes of the carbon fiber plates with a foamed polyvinyl chloride core, a material used in marine environments at very low temperatures, among others, is analyzed. Due to the importance of surface quality in operations prior to the assembly of plates and the influence of delamination on the in-service behavior of materials, the objective is to determine the diameter deviation (∆D), circularity (CIR), and delamination (FD) at the entrance and exit of the hole after drilling plates of this material. This sandwich material has been drilled at low temperatures (−15, 0, and 15 °C) using compressed air as cooler. Different cutting conditions have been used regarding rotation speed and feed. An experimental and statistical study, including a response surface optimization for FD, and multiple response surface optimization for ∆D and CIR were used. Several ranges of suitable cutting conditions can be identified for each temperature. Full article

Background: Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade systemic inflammation that contributes to metabolic dysfunction. Diet is a modifiable factor that can help reduce this inflammation. Nuts such as almonds are rich in unsaturated fats, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory micronutrients, which may work synergistically to attenuate obesity-related inflammation. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate whether daily almond consumption improves systemic inflammatory and immune markers in adults with obesity. Methods: In this randomized controlled parallel-arm trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05530499), 69 adults (age 30–45 years) with obesity (BMI 30–45 kg/m²) were assigned to consume either 57 g/day of almonds (n = 38) or an isocaloric snack (cookie; n = 31) for six weeks. Fasting serum inflammatory cytokines, innate immune cell counts, body weight, serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and alpha-tocopherol were measured at baseline and week six. Dietary intake, compliance, palatability, acceptance, and appetite ratings were also assessed. Primary outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed models and baseline-adjusted linear models. Results: Subjective compliance was high in both groups, with greater acceptance of almonds (p < 0.05); however, serum alpha-tocopherol did not change. Almond consumption significantly decreased serum IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ over 6 weeks compared with the cookie group (p < 0.05). No significant group differences were observed for innate immune cell counts, body weight, appetite ratings, blood pressure, or serum fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (C), LDL-C, and triglycerides over six weeks. The almond group also increased intakes of monounsaturated fat, fiber, alpha-tocopherol, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, and improved diet quality indices relative to the cookie group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Daily almond consumption for six weeks improved inflammatory cytokine profiles in adults with obesity, without changes in body weight under free-living conditions. These findings support recommending almonds as part of healthy dietary patterns to help attenuate obesity-related inflammation. Full article

In this study, 10 popular commercial oat milk samples were analyzed for sensory quality and flavor chemistry using the Ideal Profile Method (IPM), electronic nose (E-nose), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Based on consumer cognitive mapping of ideal products, samples were classified into “Ideal-like” and “Ideal-exceeding” categories. Ideal-like products exhibited light white appearance, pronounced oatiness, moderate sweetness and burntness, and low graininess, presenting a balanced flavor profile, whereas Ideal-exceeding samples surpassed consumer expectations in sweetness or graininess intensity, delivering stronger sensory stimulation. Furthermore, sensory differentiation among categories primarily stemmed from synergistic effects of lipid oxidation levels (e.g., 3,5-octadien-2-one) and physical stability (fiber and protein content affecting particle size distribution). This classification framework reveals that ideal sensory quality can be achieved through diverse physicochemical pathways in commercial oat milk, providing theoretical guidance for product formulation optimization and quality standardization. Full article

The growing demand for functional and value-added foods has prompted interest in integrating nutrient-rich ingredients and novel encapsulated systems into traditional pasta products. This study aimed to develop and optimize a ravioli dough formulated with elephant foot yam flour (EFYF), wheat flour (WF) and amaranth flour (AF) using mixture design in response surface methodology and to create an innovative filling using encapsulated edible pearls produced from okra mucilage and moringa leaf powder through ionotropic gelation. The pearls and ravioli dough were analyzed for physicochemical, textural, color and nutritional characteristics. Cooked ravioli was investigated for cooking quality and sensory attributes. The optimized dough formulation (46.67 g EFYF, 43.32 g WF, 10 g AF) exhibited desirable hardness (4.64 ± 0.28 N), chewiness (0.40 ± 0.02 N), nutritional, physicochemical and color attributes. The edible pearls demonstrated moderate moisture content (21.18 ± 0.26%), high protein (26.25 ± 0.02%), crude fiber (2.60 ± 0.01%), dietary fiber (8.60 ± 0.52%), high ash content (14 ± 0.62%) and soft gel-like texture. The cooked ravioli showed a cooking time of 8 ± 1 min, high water absorption capacity (209.9 ± 0.34%), minimal solid loss (1.30 ± 0.21%) and favorable sensory scores across appearance, taste, texture and overall acceptability. The study concludes that incorporating encapsulated pearls and nutrient-dense flours can produce a functional, nutritionally enriched ravioli with good technological performance and consumer appeal. Full article

Freeze–thaw cycles on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau inhibit microbial activity and challenge silage preservation. This paper aimed to elucidate how an indigenous, freeze–thaw-resistant Lactobacillus plantarum strain (LP160) improves oat silage quality under such stress. Oats were ensiled for 60 days under constant 20 °C (t) or freeze–thaw cycles (12 h at 20 °C/−5 °C; s) with or without LP160 inoculation. Samples after ensiling and 5-day aerobic exposure were analyzed for fermentation parameters, nutrients, microbiome, and non-targeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). LP160 inoculation improved silage quality, as shown by the lower pH, ammoniacal nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber contents as well as the greater amount of lactic acid. Key findings demonstrated that LP160 inoculation significantly enhanced Lactobacillus dominance, effectively curbed the growth of detrimental bacteria like Mucor, and regulated the microbial structure. During the aerobic exposure phase, the microbial community structures and successions varied under different temperature treatments. When inoculated under freeze–thaw conditions, the genus Bacillus increased, while Paenibacillus was not impeded. A total of 943 metabolites were identified, predominantly comprising amino acids, fatty acids, and the like. The expressions of metabolites with antioxidant and antibacterial properties were upregulated with LP160 inoculation. This led to the inhibition of protein hydrolysis and a reduction in ammonia–nitrogen production. The results of correlation analysis indicated that inoculating LP160 suppressed the proliferation of Mucor and enhanced the abundance of Torulaspora; meanwhile, the expression of L-palmitoylcarnitine involved in the fatty acid degradation pathway and fatty acid metabolism pathway was inhibited along with the generation of ammonia–nitrogen. Consequently, the degradation of fatty acids and proteins was restrained. The results of this paper provided new insights into the silage under freeze–thaw conditions. Full article