Search Results (65)

Molds readily grow on wet books, documents, and other library materials where they ruin them chemically, mechanically, and aesthetically. Poor maintenance of libraries, failures of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, roof leaks, and storm damage leading to flooding can all result in accelerated fungal growth. Moreover, when fungal spores are present at high concentrations in the air, they can be linked to severe respiratory conditions and possibly to other adverse health effects in humans. Climate change and the accompanying storms and floods are making the dual potential of fungi to biodegrade library holdings and harm human health more common. This essay is intended for microbiologists without much background in mycology who are called in to help librarians who are dealing with mold outbreaks in libraries. Our goal is to demystify aspects of fungal taxonomy, morphology, and nomenclature while also recommending guidelines for minimizing mold contamination in library collections. Full article

Background: The processing of harvested fat for transplantation is critical to fat graft performance. In breast reconstruction, larger volumes of fat are being grafted and, in some clinical cases, are being implanted within radiated tissue. This preclinical animal study evaluated the effects of radiation on retention volume and fat graft quality after processing by decantation or REVOLVE™ technology (Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company), a filtration-based device that can process lipoaspirates and remove unwanted contaminants prior to grafting. Methods: Lipoaspirate was collected from human donors (n = 6), processed using either REVOLVE™ technology or decantation, and implanted (0.5 cc) into 60 athymic mice for 4 weeks with or without a single 35-Gy radiation dose 12 weeks prior. Volume composition, MRI, and weight-based volumetric assessment of grafted fat were performed and compared between radiated and non-radiated mice. Results: Volume composition analysis demonstrated significantly higher fat content and lower aqueous fluid with REVOLVE™ technology than with decantation, with minimal cellular debris and free oil. MRI-based and weight-based volume analysis demonstrated a significantly higher percent retention with REVOLVE™ technology than decantation in nonirradiated and irradiated sites, respectively. Pathology scoring showed a significant decrease in fibrosis within grafts processed with REVOLVE™ technology in nonirradiated sites. Conclusions: Results suggest that fat processed using REVOLVE™ technology provides better early volume retention and quality of fat grafts compared to decantation, both in healthy and radiation-treated surgical sites. Full article

The use of plastics is ingrained in modern lifestyles, yet plastic waste contaminates ecosystems and harms human health. Single-use bottled water is a substantial contributor to global plastic use despite many sustainable alternatives. The purpose of this study was to examine if knowledge, cognitive beliefs, affective beliefs, attitudes, and perceived access to clean water affected consumers’ intention to purchase single-use bottled water. Data were collected from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama residents using non-probability opt-in sampling. A hypothesized model was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural modeling in MPlus. Knowledge, cognitive beliefs, and affective beliefs accounted for 34.5% of the variance in attitudes. Additionally, these three constructs, along with the perceived access to clean water and attitudes, accounted for 31.9% of the variance in the intention to purchase single-use bottled water. All direct and indirect paths in the model were significant, indicating that communication targeting knowledge, cognitive beliefs, affective beliefs, attitudes, and the perceived access to clean water may shift the public sentiment. Key findings revealed that increasing consumers’ knowledge and decreasing beliefs about single-use bottled water decreased purchase intentions. The study results highlight the need for communication strategies that challenge emotional attachments and the perceived knowledge of single-use bottled water while emphasizing credible knowledge about the associated environmental and health impacts. Environmental communicators should explore generational differences related to affective beliefs regarding single-use bottled water to target messaging based on aesthetics. Full article

The discharge of wastewater into bodies of water and subsoil poses a serious pollution problem. In many neighborhoods or districts, there are often no wastewater treatment systems due to the high costs involved, which may compromise human health. Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer an ecological solution to improve water quality and enable its reuse. They promote the removal of contaminants through physical, chemical, and biological processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate Canna hybrids, Zingiber spectabile, and Alpinia purpurata—ornamental plants not typical of wetlands—regarding their function as phytoremediators and their growth under such conditions. Utilizing CWs with ornamental plants for water treatment in neighborhoods could improve the adoption of this ecotechnology. To this end, eight cells were built: two were controls (without plants), two contained Canna hybrids, two had Zingiber spectabile, and two included Alpinia purpurata, all designed for a hydraulic retention time of three days. Inlet and outlet water samples were collected biweekly for six months. The results showed that the cells with Canna hybrids and Zingiber spectabile removed from 40 to 70% of total nitrogen and phosphorus. In terms of organic matter, measured as COD and TSS, the removals ranged from 55 to 90%. In contrast, cells with Alpinia purpurata demonstrated removal rates of only 30 to 50%, which were statistically lower (p ≤ 0.05), indicating a slower adaptation to wetland conditions. This slower adaptability is directly related to the growth of the species, as Alpinia purpurata also exhibited the lowest growth rates. The study concluded that using CWs with the studied ornamental plants is a viable alternative for treating wastewater and, at the same time, they may add a commercial value to the vegetation. Additionally, they can enhance the aesthetic landscape with colorful flowers that attract birds and insects and the treated water could be utilized to irrigate sports areas or urban planters. Full article

In recent years, the increasing construction of high-rise buildings has led to the widespread use of glass curtain walls. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain their aesthetic appeal and functionality. However, manual cleaning methods pose significant safety risks, necessitating the development of façade-cleaning robots. This paper presents a 3-Degree-of-Freedom Modular High-Rise Façade-Cleaning Robot (3-DOF-MHRFCR), consisting of a lifting module, an XYZ motion module, and a cleaning module. The robot employs a synchronous belt lifting mechanism for vertical movement, ensuring high positioning accuracy and safety. The XYZ motion module enables precise cleaning and obstacle traversal, while the cleaning module combines high-pressure water jets, rotating brushes, and squeegees for effective contaminant removal. Experimental results demonstrate a maximum glass transmittance enhancement of 72.4% and a 21.8% reduction in water consumption compared to manual cleaning, validating the robot’s efficiency and stability. Full article

Wood-based panels (WBPs) have versatile structural applications and are a suitable alternative to plastic panels and metallic materials. They have appropriate strength parameters that provide the required stiffness and strength for furniture products and construction applications. WBPs are usually processed by cutting, milling and drilling. Especially in the furniture industry, the accuracy of processing is crucial for aesthetic reasons. Ensuring the WBP surface’s high quality in the production cycle is associated with the appropriate selection of processing parameters and tools adapted to the specificity of the processed material (properties of wood, glue, type of resin and possible contamination). Therefore, expert assessment of the durability of WBPs is difficult. The interest in the automatic monitoring of cutting tools in sustainable production, according to the concept of Industry 4.0, is constantly growing. The use of flexible automation in the machining of WBPs is related to the provision of tools monitoring the state of tool wear and surface quality. Drilling is the most common machining process that prepares panels for assembly operations and directly affects the surface quality of holes and the aesthetic appearance of products. This paper aimed to synthesize research findings across Medium-Density Fiberboards (MDFs), particleboards and oriented strand boards (OSBs), highlighting the impact of processing parameters and identifying areas for future investigation. This article presents the research trend in the adoption of the new general methodological assumptions that allow one to define both the drill condition and delamination monitoring in the drilling of the most commonly used wood-based boards, i.e., particleboards, MDFs and OSBs. Full article

Pillar-to-pillar dashboards have become common in modern electric vehicles. These dashboards are made of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), of which backlight units (BLUs) are an integral part. Particulate contamination inside BLUs can lead to either an aesthetic or functional failure and is in consequence a part of quality control. Automatic optical inspection (AOI) was used to detect particulate matter to enable a process chain analysis to be carried out. The investigation showed that a high percentage of all contaminants originated from the assembly of the edge/side lightguide. The implementation of an additional cleaning process was the favored countermeasure to reduce the contaminants. The objective (cleanliness requirement) was to remove all contaminants larger than 100 µm from the lightguide with contactless (non-destructive) cleaning methods. The preferred cleaning methods of choice were compressed air and CO₂ snow jet cleaning. This work investigates the cleaning efficacy of both cleaning methods under consideration of the following impact factors: distance, orientation (inclination) and speed. The central question of this paper was as follows: would cleaning with compressed air be sufficient to meet the cleanliness requirements? In order to answer this question, a cleaning validation was carried out, based on a Box–Behnken design of experiments (DoE). To do so, representative test contaminants had to be selected in step one, followed by the selection of an appropriate measurement technology to be able to count the contaminants on the lightguide. In the third step, a test rig had to be designed and built to finally carry out the experiments. The data revealed that CO₂ was able to achieve a cleaning efficacy of 100% in five of the experiments, while the best cleaning efficacy of compressed air was 89.87%. The cleaning efficacy of compressed air could be improved by a parameter optimization to 94.19%. In contrast, a 100% cleaning efficacy is achievable with CO₂ after parameter optimization, which is what is needed to meet the cleanliness requirements. Full article

Dental implants are recognized as one of the most effective long-term solutions for the replacement of one or multiple missing teeth, addressing both aesthetics and functionality. However, one of the leading causes of implant failure is peri-implant diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of air polishing with sodium bicarbonate compared to erythritol in reducing the bacterial concentration on dental implant surfaces in vitro. A sample of twenty-four implants (12 JD Evolution and 12 Straumann) was utilized and divided as follows: 10 implants contaminated with biofilm treated with sodium bicarbonate air polishing (1 min); 10 implants contaminated with biofilm treated with erythritol aeropolishing (1 min); two implants contaminated with biofilm (negative control); and two sterile implants (positive control). The entire experiment was performed in triplicate. The bacterial culture included P. gingivalis, S. gordonii, and F. nucleatum. Optical density (OD) at 600 nm was measured before and after the decontamination protocol to analyze the results. The JD Evolution implant demonstrated a slightly greater reduction in bacterial concentration, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Similarly, no differences were observed between erythritol and sodium bicarbonate in the Straumann implants. An increase in surface roughness is observed in the JD Evolution implant treated with erythritol, whereas the one treated with bicarbonate exhibits a smoother surface compared to the untreated implant. The findings suggest that air polishing with erythritol is as effective as sodium bicarbonate in reducing the bacterial concentration on dental implants in vitro. This could suggest the use of erythritol during air polishing due to its antimicrobial capacity and its increase in surface roughness on implant surfaces compared to bicarbonate. Full article

The Oued Zénati, a vital waterway in Algeria, faces severe pollution from urban discharges, hospital wastewater, and agricultural activities, threatening both the ecosystem and public health. This pollution is characterized by high nutrient levels, suspended solids, and fecal contamination indicators, jeopardizing biodiversity and human well-being. To explore natural restoration solutions, this study assessed the purification potential of reeds (Phragmites australis) found in the Oued Zénati riverbed. Water quality was analyzed at three sites: a non-polluted control site (S1), a wastewater discharge area (S2), and a reed-dense area (S3). Results revealed a significant deterioration in water quality at site S2, with high concentrations of nutrients, suspended solids (SS), and fecal contamination indicators. However, a notable improvement in water quality was observed at site S3, downstream of the reed-dense area, with reductions in fecal coliforms (68.5%), fecal streptococci (92.3%), and phosphates (40.3%), and increased levels of dissolved oxygen (DO). These findings suggest that phytoremediation using P. australis could offer a cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution for restoring the Oued Zénati. This study recommends establishing phragmifiltration stations, developing artificial wetlands, and enhancing sanitation systems, including hospital wastewater treatment. Public awareness campaigns promoting water and environmental protection are crucial for long-term success. This phytoremediation approach offers economic, ecological, and aesthetic advantages over conventional wastewater treatment techniques. Full article

Properly disposal of industrial waste is a recurring issue due to its large volume and environmental impact. In turn, civil construction has shown itself to be a potential consumer of waste and can contribute to expanding the circular economy. Clay matrix materials have been a focus of interest for absorbing waste, with the possibility of varying their aesthetics, depending on the waste, as an exposed clay brick. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the research and technological trends on the topic to truly meet the demands of the market and society, in an innovative and sustainable way. To this end, a bibliometric review was carried out considering articles published in journals and an analysis of patent trends was carried out. The use of industrial waste was considerably influential in the growth of research on clay bricks. However, while the scientific community focuses on understanding the impact of industrial waste on clay brick properties, inventors focus on processes and methods for synthesizing clay particles associated with contaminants. The existence of gaps to be explored was identified, such as the aesthetic evaluation of clay bricks. The need to further study the properties of bricks made with waste, optimizing production processes and evaluating the life cycle of these materials are some of the challenges for future research. Full article

Natural water resources often contain fluorides and chlorides due to wastewater discharge; however, excessive exposure to fluorides can pose health risks to humans. Elevated chloride levels can negatively affect aquatic fauna and disrupt the reproductive rates of plants. This study assessed constructed wetlands (CWs) featuring monocultures (including Canna hybrid, Alpinia purpurata, and Hedychium coronarium) and polycultures (combinations of species from the monoculture systems) of ornamental plants (OPs) to evaluate their efficiency in removing fluorides and chlorides. The results revealed that the ornamental plants flourished in the CW conditions without sustaining any physical damage. C. hybrid demonstrated the longest roots and the highest volume, as well as greater height compared to other species. However, this did not affect the ion removal efficiency. In polyculture systems, 42.2 ± 8.8% of fluoride was removed, a result that was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the removal rates observed in monocultures of C. hybrid (42.5 ± 7.5%), H. coronarium (36.8 ± 7.0%), or A. purpurata (30.7 ± 7.9%). For chloride, a similar pattern emerged, with 32.4 ± 4.8% removed in constructed wetlands (CWs) using a polyculture of ornamental plants, a figure that was also not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the removal percentages in monocultures of C. hybrid (29.1 ± 5.3%), H. coronarium (28.1 ± 5.0%), or A. purpurata (32.0 ± 5.7%). Our results indicate that CWs with polyculture species contribute to pollutant removal at levels comparable to those found in monoculture systems. However, polyculture systems offer enhanced aesthetic appeal and biodiversity, incorporating various ornamental flowering plants. The use of this eco-technology for removing fluoride and chloride pollutants helps prevent river contamination and associated health issues. Full article

The presence of plastics in the automotive industry is increasingly significant due to their lightweight nature, which contributes to reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions while improving versatility and mechanical properties. Polypropylene (PP) and other polyolefins are among the most commonly used materials, especially for components such as bumpers. The use of composite materials, i.e., a combination of different polymers, improves the properties through synergistic effects, thereby also improving the performance of the final product. In the automotive industry, PP reinforced with 20% talc or CaCO₃ is commonly used. The mechanical recycling of polypropylene bumpers is the most common type of recycling. However, challenges arise during this process, such as the presence of impurities like paint, chemical contaminants from previous use, and polymeric impurities from different polymers mixed into the polymer matrix, among others. Paint affects both the aesthetic quality and the mechanical and intrinsic properties of the recycled material. This review aims to analyze the main methods reported in the literature, focusing on those with low environmental impact. Furthermore, these methods are classified according to their capacity, effectiveness, substrate damage, environmental hazards, and economic feasibility. It also aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the mechanical recycling of plastic waste in the automotive industry. Full article

The fundamental existence of any living organism necessitates the availability of pure and safe water. The ever-increasing population has led to extensive industrialization and urbanization, which have subsequently escalated micropollutants and water contamination. The environmental impact on various life forms poses a dire need for research in effective environmental management. Versatile technologies involving multiple approaches, including physiochemical and biological bioremediation strategies, draw insights from environmental biology. Metabolic annihilation mediated by microbes shows significant potential in the bioconversion of toxic micropollutants to tolerable limits. Environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable strategies are envisaged for efficient environmental protection. Phytoremediation technology, especially floating wetland treatments, facilitates micropollutant elimination, landscape management, ecosystem conservation, and aesthetic enhancement in diverse environments. The incorporation of nanomaterials in the bioremediation of toxic micropollutants augments novel and innovative strategies for water pollution abatement. This paper offers a novel strategy that combines nanomaterials to improve micropollutant degradation with bioremediation techniques, particularly the creative application of phytoremediation technologies like floating wetlands. Combining these techniques offers a novel viewpoint on long-term, affordable approaches to reducing water pollution. Additionally, the review proposes a forward-looking strategic framework that addresses the accumulation and refractory nature of micropollutants, which has not been thoroughly explored in previous literature. Full article

Given progressive population ageing and the increase in the number of patients with comorbidities, the management of chronic and/or hard-to-heal wounds (HHWs) nowadays represents a common problem in many clinical settings. In these cases, standard strategies may not be sufficient. Autologous grafting represent the gold standard for permanent wound closure, but is almost never realized when the skin loss is extensive/the patient is young. The grafting of homologous skin/dermal tissue procured from cadaver donors (i.e., allografting) represents the best alternative, especially when the dermal component is lost. This request supports the activities of skin bank establishments (including donor screening, skin procurement, processing, storage, and distribution) that are regulated by specific guidelines and need to continuously meet quality standard requirements. The aim of this work is to both give specific insights of all the procedures implied in allograft preparation as well as an overview of their practical application in the treatment of different HHWs. The particular characteristics of each skin/dermal allograft released by Siena Skin Bank (cryopreserved/glycerol-preserved skin/de-epidermized dermis, acellular lyophilized de-epidermized dermis/reticular dermis) are also discussed. The exemplificative series of HHWs managed in the Dermatology Department of Siena were classified according their etiology into post-traumatic, vascular (arterial/venous/mixed/lymphatic), inflammatory, surgical, and heat/chemical burns. Globally, the clinical advantages obtained include: acceleration of healing process, pain sparing, resistance to bacterial contamination, dermal regeneration (instead of scarring), and better aesthetic–functional outcome. Full article

The biomedical applications of silicones are countless due to their outstanding properties. In dentistry, silicone for maxillofacial and plastic surgery has become indispensable, from both physiological and aesthetic points of view. In this mini-review, silicone materials for dentistry and facial prostheses are discussed, focusing on their properties and alterations when exposed for long periods to different environments. A significant number of studies reported in the literature have been conducted in vitro, mimicking some of the main degradative factors which have been identified as triggers for discoloration and deterioration of the mechanical properties. Among these, in artificial aging and accelerated natural aging studies, UV radiation is considered the most important. Other weathering factors, biological contamination, and disinfection agents may have dramatic effects as well. Several general properties of silicones are described at the beginning, with a focus on biocompatibility, cross-linking mechanisms, and applications in dentistry and maxillofacial prosthetics. We discuss the ongoing cross-linking and/or possible exudation after manufacturing, which also affects the stability of the prosthesis over time, and possibly the patient. Next, the main environmental factors that affect the prostheses in service are presented, including the role of cigarettes smoke, which has been discussed very little so far. A few aspects, such as biofilm formation, its negative effects, and proposed solutions to overcome this phenomenon regarding silicones, are also described. We conclude by proposing a set of topics for future research and development based on the gaps that have been identified in the literature. Although silicones are probably irreplaceable in maxillofacial prosthetics, improvements in terms of base materials, additives, surface treatments, and maintenance are possible and necessary for long-lasting and safer prostheses. Full article