Search Results (2,867)

This study presents a source-specific experimental evaluation of particle board waste sludge (PBWS), a sludge-type industrial by-product from the wood-based panel industry, as a partial cement replacement in Portland cement paste systems. The hydration-related behavior of cement pastes containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% PBWS at 7, 28, and 90 days was investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetry/Derivative Thermogravimetry (TG/DTG). The results showed that PBWS affected phase development and thermal decomposition behavior depending on replacement level and curing age. In the TG/DTG analysis, mass losses in the 30–230 °C region were generally higher in the PBWS-containing mixtures than in the reference paste, particularly at 28 and 90 days, suggesting differences in dehydration-related phase development. FT-IR and XRD results further showed that PBWS modified the evolution of hydration-related phases in the blended systems. From an environmental perspective, increasing PBWS replacement reduced the calculated energy intensity, CO₂ emissions, and production cost; at 20% replacement, these values decreased from 3300 to 2654 MJ/t, from 830 to 706.77 kg/t, and from 3400 to 2867.16 TL/t, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that PBWS has the potential to improve the environmental profile of cement-based production while influencing hydration-related phase evolution in blended paste systems. Full article

The high-temperature corrosion behavior of A1, T22, and T91 steels was investigated in molten nitrate salts at 400, 500, and 600 °C during 100 h of exposure. The combined influence of temperature and chromium content on corrosion kinetics and oxide-scale stability was evaluated using open-circuit potential (OCP), linear polarization resistance (Rp), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and cross-sectional elemental mapping. OCP measurements showed a progressive shift toward more negative potential with increasing temperature, indicating enhanced oxidation tendency. Electrochemical measurements revealed a systematic decrease in Rp and impedance magnitude as temperature increased, confirming accelerated corrosion kinetics and reduced interfacial resistance. EIS spectra exhibited two characteristic time constants associated with the outer corrosion products and the inner metal/oxide interface. Significant differences in scale growth were observed depending on alloy composition. At 600 °C, oxide thickness reached approximately 700–800 μm for A1, ~100 μm for T22, and ~10 μm for T91. Chromium-containing steels promoted the formation of a compact Cr-rich inner oxide layer that improved scale adhesion and suppressed the exfoliation phenomena observed in A1 steel. Overall, temperature controls corrosion kinetics, whereas chromium content governs oxide-scale compactness and long-term stability in molten nitrate environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poor bone quality is strongly associated with adverse surgical events. Although dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the gold standard for bone mineral density (BMD) assessment, logistical barriers may limit its preoperative application. The Endplate Bone Quality (EBQ) score is an MRI-derived metric quantifying subchondral bone quality at the vertebral endplate with demonstrated predictive value for cage subsidence following lumbar interbody fusion. However, EBQ has been measured exclusively at the operative level in surgical cohorts. This study aimed to assess level-specific EBQ scores across the entire lumbar spine and compare distributions across age, sex and osteoporosis subgroups. Methods: A single-institution retrospective review of T1-weighted lumbar MRI studies from patients evaluated for lower back pain from 2020 to 2025 was performed. EBQ was independently scored by two blinded raters at each disc space from L1–L2 to L5–S1 using 3 mm endplate ROIs normalized to a CSF ROI at L3. Interrater reliability was assessed via ICC, Pearson correlation, and RMSE. Patients were stratified by age (≤60 vs. >60 years), sex, and osteoporosis status, and subgroup comparisons were performed for overall and level-specific EBQ score. Results: A total of 96 patients with an average age of 61.0 ± 9.42 years were included in this study. The majority of patients included were female (87.5%), and 18.8% had been diagnosed with osteoporosis. EBQ scores demonstrated a progressive caudal increase across all subgroups from L2–L3 to L5–S1. Overall interrater reliability was acceptable (ICC = 0.76), with level-specific ICCs ranging from 0.70 to 0.83. No significant differences were observed between age or sex subgroups. Osteoporotic patients demonstrated significantly higher EBQ at L1–L2, L2–L3, and overall (all p < 0.05), with no significant differences at L3–L4 through L5–S1. Conclusions: This study provides normative, level-specific EBQ reference data throughout all levels of the lumbar spine. The increase in EBQ scores seen among caudal levels and reduced osteoporotic discriminatory power support the importance of level-specific context when interpreting EBQ thresholds. These findings may support future studies evaluating threshold development for EBQ. Full article

Egg quality during storage is a critical factor influencing consumer acceptance and food safety. However, the effects of storage methods on eggshell translucency and surface microbiota remain insufficiently understood. In this study, three common packaging methods, paper pulp trays (PPT), expanded polyethylene foam trays (EPE), and transparent plastic boxes (TPB), were evaluated to assess their impact on egg translucency, internal quality, and microbial communities. Egg quality traits were measured, and microstructural and elemental characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy and compositional analysis. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to characterize the eggshell surface microbiota. The packaging method significantly influenced translucency development, with EPE mitigating mottling better than PPT and TPB. Storage duration was the predominant driver of internal quality deterioration, particularly affecting the albumen height and Haugh units. Translucency was not associated with shell thickness or mineral content but was likely associated with moisture dynamics. Distinct microbial communities are shaped by different packaging materials. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying translucency and microbial ecology during egg storage. This highlights the practical implications of optimizing packaging strategies to maintain egg quality, extend the shelf life, and ensure microbial safety. Full article

With the rapid evolution of urbanization and artificial intelligence technology in China, small, intelligent road sweepers have emerged as a highly promising technical solution to address urban cleaning challenges. The development and breakthrough of high-performance dust collection trays (DCT) stand as the core prerequisite for the large-scale practical application of such sweepers. Although blowing–suction integration technology theoretically offers substantial potential for improving dust removal efficiency, it has not received adequate attention in the sweeper field, particularly in the research on its application in unmanned, small-sized models. In this study, a fresh concept of an efficient DCT was proposed, and its numerical method was verified by experiment. Then, the design work for this efficient DCT was efficiently carried out by combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation with response surface methodology (RSM). Finally, the influence mechanisms of three key operational parameters of nozzle airflow velocity, suction negative pressure, and vehicle travel speed on the dust removal effect were numerically investigated. The results indicated that the parameter combination of DCT with an 18° blowing angle, 20° shoulder angle, and 0.2 diameter-to-length ratio was recommended, and its dust removal efficiency could reach a peak level of 98.7% when the nozzle blowing velocity, negative pressure at suction port, and travel speed were respectively 14 m/s, −1800 Pa, and 1.4 m/s. This research provides important theoretical support and a feasible technical pathway for the design of high-performance DCTs. Full article

The correlation between fouling-driven corrosion and magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) in AH36 naval steel was investigated under real Mediterranean seawater conditions over a 12-month immersion period. A custom-designed MBN analyzer was used to monitor four MBN parameters at monthly intervals: RMS amplitude (MBN_RMS), peak amplitude (MBN_peak), peak field position (MBN_{peak pos.}), and full width at half maximum (MBN_FWHM). Complementary characterization included pit morphology analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) of corrosion products, and quantitative biofouling community profiling. Three distinct MBN evolution regimes were identified, corresponding to active pitting (T₀–T₃), transitional oxide formation (T₃–T₆), and mature corrosion equilibrium (T₆–T₁₂). Over the full exposure period, MBN_RMS decreased by 50.4% and MBN_{peak pos.} increased by 83.3%, consistent with domain wall pinning at pit stress concentrations and electromagnetic shielding by paramagnetic corrosion product layers (γ-FeOOH, β-FeOOH, α-FeOOH). Pearson correlation analysis revealed near-unity relationships between MBN_RMS and maximum pit depth (r = −0.982, p < 0.01), supporting its potential use as a quantitative non-destructive indicator of corrosion severity under comparable exposure conditions. Biofouling, particularly sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)-dominated communities and biogenic iron sulfides (mackinawite, greigite), was identified as a statistically significant secondary correlate of MBN signal intensity (r = −0.944 vs. SRB fraction). A composite diagnostic threshold of (MBN_RMS × MBN_peak)/MBN_FWHM ≈ 0.015 effectively discriminated active pitting from passive rusting. These findings provide a physically grounded framework for multiparametric MBN analysis as a non-destructive condition monitoring tool, with the caveat that the reported correlations are descriptive and require independent validation before deployment in regulatory inspection protocols. Full article

In order to conduct a systematic study on the influence of the copper element on the soft magnetic properties of alloys, a series of alloy ribbons with compositions of Fe_90.70−xGd_2.32B_6.98Cu_x (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5) were fabricated via the single-roller melt-spinning method. The microstructure and magnetic properties of these ribbons were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The research findings indicate that the introduction of the copper element significantly enhances the soft magnetic properties of the alloys. For the alloy ribbon with the optimized composition of Fe_89.95Gd_3.32B_6.98Cu_0.75, the saturation magnetization (B_s) attains 1.74 T. The improvement in performance is primarily attributed to the precipitation of the nanocrystalline α-Fe phase. This phase features fine grain sizes and relatively wide magnetic domain structures, which contribute to an increase in the saturation magnetization and a reduction in the coercivity, thus comprehensively optimizing the soft magnetic properties of the alloys. Full article

Cotinus coggygria (Scop) is a medicinally valuable species naturally distributed in the Artvin region of Turkiye. However, information on its seed traits, germination behavior, and seedling morphology in relation to seed size and provenance remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seed size and provenance on the seed characteristics, germination, and seedling morphological traits of C. coggygria. Seeds were collected from four provenances (Seyitler, Tepekoy, Eskikale, and Tortum) and classified into large and small size groups using a 2 mm sieve. The seed traits of length, diameter, thickness, sphericity, volume, and thousand-seed weight were considered. To break seed dormancy, the seeds were subjected to sulfuric acid scarification and cold stratification treatments. Germination trials were conducted under nursery conditions using 45-cell trays in a randomized block design with four replicates. The mean germination time was significantly affected by provenance, whereas seed size and pretreatment combinations had no significant effects. Seed size did not significantly influence seedling morphology, whereas provenance caused significant differences. Seedlings originating from Eskikale exhibited greater height and root collar diameter, with root mass fractions ranging from 80.25% to 82.78%. These results indicate that provenance is a key factor influencing germination and seedling morphology rather than seed size. Full article

Recurrent acidic exposure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) accelerates the degradation of provisional restorative materials, whereas approaches to enhance the acid resistance of 3D-printed restorations remain inadequately characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of graphene oxide (GO) incorporation on the surface properties and acid resistance of 3D-printed provisional restorative materials under simulated gastroesophageal reflux conditions. GO was synthesized using the Hummers’ method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. XRD analysis demonstrated a pronounced shift in the characteristic peak (2θ) from 26° to 12°, consistent with an expansion of interlayer spacing after oxidation. FTIR confirmed the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, and epoxy), while Raman spectroscopy identified the characteristic D and G bands, confirming successful GO synthesis. Temporary Crown & Bridge resin (TC100) was modified with GO at six concentrations (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt %) using a planetary ball milling technique. Standardized 3D-printed specimens (n = 24 per group) were fabricated. Surface roughness and Vickers microhardness were measured before and after 45 h of immersion in simulated gastric acid (pH 2). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-tests (α = 0.05). After acid exposure, the control group (0 wt % GO) exhibited significant surface deterioration, showing the highest surface roughness and a marked reduction in hardness (p < 0.05). Conversely, GO-modified groups demonstrated a concentration-dependent improvement in resistance to acid-induced degradation. The 0.5 wt % GO group showed the most favorable performance, maintaining both surface roughness and hardness with no significant difference from baseline values (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that GO incorporation enhances the surface integrity and acid resistance of 3D-printed provisional resins, with 0.5 wt % identified as the optimal concentration for minimizing acid-induced surface deterioration. Full article

Purpose: The objective of this study was to engineer and optimize a mucoadhesive, positively charged stearylamine-enriched liposomal platform, termed Aminosomes, to circumvent the biophysical barriers limiting the ocular bioavailability of Brimonidine Tartrate (BT), an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist for glaucoma management. Methods: Aminosomes were synthesized using a tailored ethanol injection technique and optimized via a 3² × 2¹ full factorial design. Molecular integrity and crystallinity were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mucoadhesive potential was validated through a mucin interaction assay based on zeta potential shifts. In vitro release kinetics were evaluated using the dialysis membrane diffusion technique, while the therapeutic potential and ocular safety were validated through in vivo pharmacodynamic profiling of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, alongside comprehensive biocompatibility assessments via Draize irritancy protocol and histopathological examination. Results: The optimized Aminosomes exhibited nanometric dimensions, monodisperse size distribution, robust positive surface charge, and superior drug loading. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the chemical compatibility of the formulation components, as well as the successful encapsulation of BT and its transition to an amorphous state within the lipidic matrix. The mucoadhesion test demonstrated a high binding affinity for mucin. The in vitro release profile demonstrated a sustained-release pattern (78.8% over 12 h). Non-compartmental pharmacodynamic analysis of IOP-reduction data revealed a 2.8-fold increase in AUC_0–24h, 3.5-fold extension in t_1/2, and 5.2-fold prolongation in mean residence time (MRT) relative to the standard solution. Conclusions: The optimized Aminosomes demonstrated superior mucoadhesive anchoring, enhanced and sustained therapeutic flux without inducing ocular toxicity, offering a robust strategy for enhancing the pharmacodynamics of BT. Full article

Spatially fractionated radiotherapy with X-ray minibeams (x-MBRT) aims to increase normal-tissue tolerance by delivering alternating high- and low-dose regions. We provide a Monte Carlo-based framework to design and optimize multi-slit collimators, quantifying how geometry and material govern peak–valley modulation. A validated digital twin of the SmART X-RAD225Cx irradiator was implemented in TOPAS/Geant4. Various x-MBRT collimators were simulated with parallel or divergent slits. The parameter space covered a slit width w (0.1–0.9 mm), center-to-center spacing CTC (1–3 mm), thickness T (1–5 mm), and acceptance angle θ. Dose was scored in a 2 × 2 × 2 cm³ water phantom at a 1 cm depth. For fixed w/CTC, peak-valley dose ratio PVDR increases with larger CTC via an increase in peak dose, with the valley dose nearly constant. Peak transmission saturated at θ ≈ 3°, indicating minimal benefit from larger acceptance. Divergent slits yielded flatter lateral profiles but higher valley doses than parallel slits, reducing PVDR around the central axis. This Monte Carlo study provides insights for optimizing collimator geometries in x-MBRT using small-animal irradiators, informing the design of more effective collimation systems to enhance treatment precision and normal-tissue sparing. Full article

Distinguishing Active from Inactive Tuberculosis (TB) on Chest X-rays presents a clinical challenge due to overlapping radiological signs. This study introduces Vision Mamba CGSM, a deep learning framework integrating a State Space Model (SSM) backbone with a Context-Guided Slot Mixing (CGSM) module. The SSM captures global anatomical context, while the CGSM module isolates subtle pathological features by applying localized spatial attention. We validated the model using a hierarchical diagnostic scheme covering Normal, Pneumonia, Active TB, and Inactive TB. Experimental evaluations demonstrate an accuracy of 92.96% and a Youden Index of 79.55% on the independent test set. In the specific binary classification of Active vs. Inactive TB, the model recorded a specificity of 97.04%, outperforming standard baseline architectures including ResNet152 and ViT-B. Additional validations on external datasets confirm the consistent generalization of the proposed feature extraction mechanism. Full article

The structural characterization of GG-rich DNA sequences in presence of metal ions provides essential insight into quadruplex stability and ion-dependent conformational specifics. We report the crystal structure of the GG-quadruplex formed by the sequence GGGGTTTTGGGG in the presence of Zn²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺. It was deposited in the RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession code 9FTA. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at a resolution of 2.49 Å in the space group P2₁2₁2₁. It reveals a parallel-stranded, two-G-tetrad stabilized by K⁺ ions within the central channel, while Na⁺ and Zn²⁺ occupy peripheral and groove-associated sites. Zn²⁺ ions are engaged in noncanonical coordination interactions with phosphate oxygens and structured water molecules, contributing to lattice stabilization and subtle adjustments in groove dimensions. The T4 loop forms a compact, ordered motif that contributes to crystal packing rather than intramolecular G4 stabilization. The presence of mixed cations produces a sole lattice architecture mediated by ions that provides structural insight into how bivalent and monovalent metals mutually modulate G-quadruplex topology. These results suggest a basis for understanding the specific ion effects on G4 structures and may direct the design of metal open DNA architectures. Full article

Background: Several factors influence reasons for cannabis use in the U.S. This study examines reasons for cannabis use (recreational only, medical only, both) and their frequency of use in association with demographic variables, health-risk behaviors, legal status, and chronic disease. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 466,355 adults (aged ≥18) in the 2018–2021 BRFSS surveys in areas that administered the cannabis module. The primary outcome variables were whether cannabis was used in the past 30 days and, if so, reasons for its use and the number of days of use. Regression techniques were used to assess these outcome measures according to selected variables. Results: Approximately 11.5% (SE = 0.1%) used cannabis in the past 30 days. The reasons for use were 36.7% (SE = 0.5%) recreation only, 36.4% (SE = 0.5%) medical and recreation, and 26.9% (SE = 0.4%) medical only. Cannabis use was significantly greater in areas where it was legal for medical and recreational use, but among those who used it, reasons for its use were not significantly associated with legal status. Among those who used cannabis in the past 30 days, using it for recreation only versus medical reasons only was significantly greater in the youngest age group, men, NH Blacks, never married, employed, students, college/technical school graduates, binge drinkers, never smokers, and non-obese and in the years 2020–2021 (vs. 2018–2021). Using it for both medical and recreational reasons versus medical reasons only tended to show similar results. Among those who used cannabis in the past 30 days, the mean number of days of cannabis use was 6.8 (SE = 0.3) days greater for those who used it for medical and recreational reasons vs. recreation only and 5.7 (SE = 0.3) days greater for those who used it for medical reasons only vs. recreation only, after adjusting for several potential confounders. Mean number of days of cannabis use varied significantly across the levels of several variables, including chronic disease status, in the adjusted model. Of those who used cannabis in the past 30 days and had arthritis, asthma, CHD, COPD, depression, diabetes, a heart attack, kidney disease, or cancer, less than half used it for medical purposes only. Conclusions: Cannabis use is more common in areas where it is legal for medical and recreational use, but legal status is not significantly associated with reasons for use. Those who use cannabis for medical purposes use it more often than those who use it for recreation only. Reasons for cannabis use vary by the levels of several variables, including chronic disease status. Less than half of those with a chronic disease use it solely for medical purposes. Full article

Molten Metal Jetting (MMJ) is an emerging metal additive manufacturing process that produces components via on-demand jetting of discrete droplets. This paper reports properties of T6 heat-treated AlSi7Mg alloy produced in different build orientations via MMJ. A Xerox ElemX machine was used to print AlSi7Mg coupons in horizontal, tilted, and vertical orientations. The aluminum feedstock was melted at 825 °C and was printed onto a 475 °C heated print bed using a jetting frequency of 400 Hz and a drop spacing of 500 μm. Coupons were heat treated to a T6 temper. The average yield strengths of heat-treated coupons in vertical and horizontal orientations were 240.4 ± 7.3 MPa and 244.6 ± 7.1 MPa respectively. This indicates that the vertical build orientation had minimal adverse effect on strength. However, average strain (11.5% ± 1.2% versus 14.6% ± 3.5%) values for the vertical and horizontal orientations, respectively, showed more pronounced effects. X-ray CT analysis of vertically oriented coupons revealed increases in porosity in material deposited above heights of ~90 mm. Above this build height, the measured surface temperature dropped below ~455 °C. External heating methods are therefore advised in order to maintain a surface temperature ≥ 455 ° and avoid excess porosity. Full article