Search Results (20,721)

Replicating the authentic masticatory properties of conventional animal meat remains a primary technical bottleneck for sustainable plant-based analogues. To address critical textural deficiencies like structural fragmentation, this study systematically optimized plant-based patty formulations. The independent and interactive effects of textured fibrous soy protein (TFSP), water, and konjac glucomannan (KGM) were quantified using single-factor experiments and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Single-factor experiments revealed that springiness peaked at 60 g TFSP, 15 g water, and 10 g KGM, respectively, with excessive additions of each component resulting in structural network disruption. Designating springiness as the core metric, a reliable quadratic regression model identified the optimal matrix: 63.36 g TFSP, 14.39 g water, and 8.57 g KGM. Empirical validation achieved a maximum springiness of 1.56 mm and hardness of 5.51 N, with a negligible relative error (1.27%) from theoretical predictions. Mechanistically, KGM functioned as an active polymeric filler, interacting synergistically with hydrated protein fibers via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic associations to reinforce the structural network. Comparative Texture Profile Analysis demonstrated that the optimized PBP exhibited a tender masticatory profile with hardness and springiness approximating conventional beef patties, while presenting lower chewiness and higher adhesiveness attributable to the water-binding capacity of KGM. Ultimately, this research provides mathematically validated engineering parameters and theoretical insights into protein–polysaccharide phase behaviors to facilitate the industrial manufacturing of premium plant-based meats. Full article

Wear remains a dominant cause of performance loss and premature failure in mechanical components, motivating the development of environmentally benign surface-engineering solutions. Among thermal spray systems, high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF)-sprayed WC-Co coatings are widely applied under severe wear conditions. The development of nanophase coatings offers the potential for enhanced mechanical performance. However, retaining the nanostructure and limiting decarburization during deposition remain key challenges. In this study, nanophase WC-12Co feedstocks with two particle size ranges, together with Al-modified nanophase powders, were used to deposit coatings under optimized HVOF spraying conditions (spray distance 200 mm, reduced O₂/fuel ratio, and high particle velocity) and were benchmarked against a conventional WC-12Co (12 wt.% Co) coating. The coatings were characterized in terms of microstructure and phase constitution (OM, SEM/EDS, XRD) as well as thickness, porosity (0.5–3.6%), adhesion strength (up to 65 MPa), and microhardness (~1040–1210 HV). Tribological behavior was assessed by ASTM G99 pin-on-disk testing and counterbody wear was quantified via geometric volume loss estimations. The use of larger nanophase particles enabled effective nanostructure retention with limited decarburization, whereas reducing particle size intensified decarburization, promoting increased W₂C formation, and markedly reduced coating cohesion, despite lower porosity and higher hardness. Aluminum additions enhanced coating microhardness and suppressed Co₃W₃C formation, indicating improved phase stability with minimal additional decarburization. Although coating wear remained negligible for all systems, Al-containing coatings exhibited increased friction (up to 35%) and significantly higher counterbody wear (up to sevenfold) compared to the Al-free nanophase coating, which was found to correlate with coating microhardness. Overall, the results demonstrate that optimizing nanophase WC-Co coatings requires balancing competing mechanisms between microstructural stability, cohesive integrity, and tribological response, highlighting the critical role of feedstock design in tailoring coating performance. Full article

This study presents an application-oriented CFD–FEM integrated workflow for analyzing chamber-side field non-uniformity and kelp-side thermal response during infrared drying. A three-dimensional steady-state CFD model was first established to reconstruct the chamber temperature, airflow, and incident radiation fields under certain operating conditions. Numerical consistency was checked through residual convergence; monitored variables; and global mass balance, for which the net mass imbalance was 0.004077 kg s⁻¹. The reconstructed mid-plane fields were then processed in MATLAB to extract the mean values, extrema, and coefficients of variation, and a composite objective function was used to screen the tested operating conditions in terms of field uniformity, temperature band compliance, and overheating risk. The thermal loads obtained via CFD were subsequently mapped onto a kelp finite element model to simulate the transient surface temperature evolution. Among the tested cases, case01 yielded the lowest composite objective value (J = 0.4535); its mapped kelp response showed a mean surface temperature of 62.23 °C and a maximum temperature of 63.57 °C at the exported time step. The proposed framework is therefore suitable for thermal response assessment and operating condition screening, although determining the full drying behavior still requires coupling of moisture transfer and improved experimental validation. Full article

This study investigates sodium polyacrylate (NaPA) as a rheology modifier and selective depressant in the flotation of Cu²⁺-activated kaolin–chalcopyrite under industrial water (IW) and seawater (SW) conditions. The work addresses a critical gap in saline systems: how an anionic polymer simultaneously influences clay activation, sulfide floatability, aggregate dispersion, and pulp rheology by varying the medium’s ionic composition. Microflotation, zeta potential, adsorption, yield strength, and Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) assays were used to establish structure–property–response relationships. In IW, Cu²⁺ strongly promoted NaPA adsorption onto both minerals, shifting them toward more negative potentials and significantly reducing selectivity: kaolin recovery decreased from 86.5% to 40.0% at 50 ppm NaPA. In comparison, chalcopyrite recovery fell below 30% at 100 ppm NaPA. In SW, NaPA maintained its depressant effect on kaolin without affecting chalcopyrite flotation, which remained above 90%. This behavior is consistent with reduced polymer adsorption at high ionic strength, where ionic shielding and coiling limit its interaction with chalcopyrite but allow sufficient adsorption onto kaolin to inhibit the collector’s action. Rheological and FBRM results support this interpretation, showing a decrease in yield strength and aggregate size after NaPA addition, with a more pronounced effect in IW than in SW. Full article

Impact-damaged reinforced concrete (RC) columns often experience significant reductions in load-carrying capacity and ductility when subjected to subsequent axial loading. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets have been widely used to strengthen such damaged columns; however, the underlying strengthening mechanism remains insufficiently understood, largely due to the difficulty of experimentally capturing the evolution of internal damage. To address this issue, a three-dimensional (3D) meso-scale finite element (FE) model has been developed to investigate the mechanical behavior of CFRP-strengthened impact-damaged RC columns. The proposed model captures the evolution of micro-damage within concrete and provides a more realistic representation of impact-induced damage compared with conventional homogeneous models. The model was first validated against available experimental results, showing good agreement in both failure modes and responses. Based on the validated model, three typical strengthening schemes, including the longitudinally applied CFRP, U-shaped CFRP, and fully wrapped CFRP, are systematically examined in terms of failure patterns, load-carrying capacity, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation. The results indicate that the fully wrapped CFRP configuration most effectively mitigated damage in the impact-affected zone and increased the load-carrying capacity by up to 86%. Furthermore, a quantitative evaluation framework based on strengthening indices for axial capacity and energy dissipation is proposed, indicating that strengthening with two CFRP layers can lead to a desirable ductile failure mode within the scope of this numerical investigation. These findings provide useful mechanistic insights into the strengthening process and offer preliminary guidance for the rehabilitation of impact-damaged RC columns, though further validation is required before practical implementation. Full article

Fact-checking appeared as one of the responses to disinformation, establishing itself inside the journalism profession as another of its ethos. However, its social relevance relies on public perception and engagement. Despite growing evidence of approval, low familiarity and limited active use of fact-checking news remain common patterns, particularly among younger audiences. This study examines familiarity, contact, and attitudes toward fact-checking in a convenience sample of Portuguese university students, exploring associations with news consumption habits, political interest, skepticism, and ideological orientation through an online survey, with 356 university students, across different scientific areas. Results indicate that students show favorable attitudes toward fact-checking (M = 3.70) and recognize its social value but report moderate-to-low familiarity with its practices (M = 2.85), infrequent access (M = 2.37), and minimal sharing behavior (M = 1.82). Interest in reading fact-checking content emerged as the strongest predictor of positive attitudes (β = 0.506), outperforming familiarity and access frequency. Lower skepticism was associated with more favorable attitudes and showed no significant relationship with political orientation. Those more conservative displayed slightly less favorable attitudes. Our findings suggest that the primary challenge for fact-checking is not normative acceptance, but motivational engagement since favorable dispositions do not automatically translate into active consumption or sharing within everyday routines. Full article

Peripheral nerve injuries involving critical-sized gaps remain a major clinical challenge. Although autologous nerve grafting is considered the gold standard for peripheral nerve repair, its clinical application is limited by the availability of donor nerve tissue and the risk of donor-site morbidity, including sensory deficits and functional impairment. Therefore, nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) have emerged as a promising alternative when combined with bioactive modulation strategies. In this study, we evaluated bisvinyl sulfonemethyl (BVSM)-crosslinked gelatin conduits integrated with electrical stimulation (ES) at different frequencies (0, 2, 20, and 200 Hz) in a rat sciatic nerve defect model over a 4-week recovery period (n = 10 per group). Structural regeneration was assessed by morphometric analysis, electrophysiology, macrophage infiltration, CGRP immunoreactivity, retrograde Fluorogold tracing, quantitative PCR of growth factors and inflammatory cytokines, and behavioral testing. Among all stimulation paradigms, low-frequency ES at 2 Hz produced the most pronounced regenerative effects. The 2 Hz group demonstrated significantly greater axon number, axonal density, and regenerated nerve area compared with control and high-frequency groups (p < 0.05). Electrophysiological assessments revealed improved nerve conduction velocity, higher MAP amplitudes, and shorter latencies. Enhanced macrophage recruitment and elevated CGRP expression were observed, suggesting coordinated neuroimmune and neurochemical activation. Gene expression analysis indicated upregulation of neurotrophic factors and balanced inflammatory cytokine responses under low-frequency stimulation. In contrast, high-frequency stimulation (200 Hz) failed to enhance overall regeneration and showed reduced axonal metrics, suggesting possible overstimulation-associated suppression. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that BVSM-crosslinked conduits provide a stable and biocompatible regenerative scaffold, and that appropriately tuned low-frequency electrical stimulation (2 Hz) optimally enhances structural, molecular, and functional recovery. The integration of material engineering with bioelectrical modulation represents a promising strategy for next-generation bioelectronic interfaces in peripheral nerve repair. Full article

The digital preservation and dissemination of historical and cultural heritage is a pivotal area at the intersection of digital humanities and geographic information science. To address the challenges of multi-source heterogeneity, limited dimensionality, and inadequate public engagement, this study designed and implemented an interactive visualization platform using modern Web technologies. Taking the Leshan Confucian Temple (religious heritage) and the former site of Wuhan University (educational heritage) as case studies, the platform integrates four types of heterogeneous data (geospatial coordinates, architectural attributes, visitor behavioral records, and multimedia imagery) into a unified spatiotemporal information model. Core technical implementations are built upon a lightweight front-end stack including the Gaode Map JavaScript API for geographic visualization, ECharts for dynamic statistical charting, and the Tailwind CSS framework for a fully responsive front-end interface. Key interactive features encompass linked map markers with contextual information windows, user-driven chart filtering, and paginated loading of cultural relic cards. Evaluation results demonstrate that the platform achieves cross-device response delay ≤3 s, supports spatially grounded, dynamic, and presentation of cultural heritage information, and attains a System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 82.5. This work offers a lightweight, scalable technical solution for advancing digital recording and public communication of historical and cultural heritage, while contributing to the theoretical discourse on spatial narrative and multi-source data integration in digital humanities. Full article

Crude glycerin (CG) is an energy-dense ingredient capable of partially or fully replacing corn in high-concentrate diets for ruminants. Its rapid ruminal absorption, favorable fermentative profile, and absence of lactic acid production may support safer adaptation to intensive feeding systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn with CG (300 g/kg DM) on growth performance, feeding behavior, rumen morphometry, and proteomic responses of ruminal papillae in feedlot lambs. Sixty-five Santa Inês × Dorper lambs were assigned to either a control diet or a diet containing CG and were evaluated during pre-adaptation, adaptation, and finishing phases. Replacing corn with CG slightly reduced average daily gain (p = 0.02), without affecting final body weight, dry matter intake, or carcass yield (p > 0.05). Lambs fed CG exhibited lower subcutaneous fat thickness (p = 0.04) and reduced neutral detergent fiber intake during feeding behavior assessments (p < 0.05). Rumen papillae showed higher mitotic index and greater epithelial activity throughout the feedlot period, regardless of treatment. Proteomic analysis revealed upregulation of proteins involved in epithelial integrity (Claudin-1, Occludin) and mitochondrial energy metabolism (ATP synthase β, glycerol kinase) in CG-fed lambs, alongside downregulation of proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation (HSP70, Annexin A1, SOD1, Peroxiredoxin-6). These findings demonstrate that CG promotes beneficial molecular adaptations in the ruminal epithelium without compromising carcass traits, supporting its use as a safe, functional, and sustainable alternative to corn in lamb finishing systems. Full article

Since chemical anti-allergic compounds have adverse effects, many investigators pay attention to relatively safe natural products. Twenty-four newly crossbred rosebuds were extracted with 80% ethanol and analyzed for polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, and pyrogallol (1,2,3-benzenetriol). The extracts’ antioxidative, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Among candidates, Lover Shy, Pretty Velvet, Ice Wing, Red Perfume, Onnuri, Jaemina Red, and Hanggina were found to possess high concentrations of antioxidant components and antioxidative activity. By comparison, Pretty Velvet, Red Perfume, Jaemina Red, Hanggina, Onnuri, and Ice Wing were highly effective in anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, in parallel with their concentrations of pyrogallol. Their anti-allergic effects were confirmed in mice: The six extracts protected against Compound 48/80-induced mortality and scratching behaviors in a dose-dependent manner. The allergen-induced increases in serum IgE and histamine, as well as inflammatory cytokines, tumor-necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β, were remarkably attenuated following treatment with the rosebud extracts. These findings suggest that the extracts and active ingredients from cross-bred rosebuds exert anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities through their high levels of pyrogallol and antioxidants, and that they could be promising candidates to overcome allergic responses such as atopic dermatitis. Full article

To address the technical challenge of large-area roof hanging and induced strong strata behaviors in deep mines with hard roof strata, a study on pressure relief using hydraulic fracturing technology was conducted, taking the 1012006 working face in the Yuanzigou Coal Mine as the engineering background. Through geological survey and key stratum theory analysis, a low-position key stratum located 23 m above the roadway roof was identified as the target layer for fracturing. True triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments coupled with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring revealed a synchronous response characterized by a sudden drop in injection pressure and a rapid increase in AE counts. This established a quantitative correlation between rock mass fracturing and AE characteristics, providing a theoretical basis for field microseismic monitoring. Based on the “dual-borehole synergy” borehole layout principle, a fracturing network comprising 6 drilling fields and 12 directional long boreholes was designed, with a total drilling length of 5727 m and 120 planned fracturing stages. Specialized equipment was selected for implementation. Field monitoring results demonstrated: a maximum fracturing influence radius of 27.8 m; that the average daily frequency and total energy of microseismic events decreased by 50.65% and 27.73%, respectively; and that the stress in the deep part of the roadway decreased by 17.69%. These results confirm the effective improvement of the roof stress environment and the successful achievement of the expected pressure relief and rockburst prevention effect. Full article

While there has been a recent focus on reforming kindergarten curricula to emphasize a play-based learning (PBL) approach, a lingering dichotomy remains between play-based learning and pedagogical instruction aimed at academic preparation. Early music education is a critical component of the current policy emphasis on arts education and PBL, yet there is scarce research on play-based pedagogy in music education, particularly regarding children’s engagement and the applied instructional models. This study investigates how instructional practices affect children’s behavioral and emotional engagement in musical play. Data were collected at two Hong Kong kindergartens (K1–K3) using classroom observations and the Engagement Check II (ECII) tool. Thematic content analysis revealed three instructional approaches: teacher-directed routines with minimal aspects of play, guided play within structured musical contexts, and open-ended, child-initiated musical play. Analysis of the ECII data revealed high levels of behavioral engagement, with guided-play contexts yielding higher levels of behavioral and emotional engagement compared to highly teacher-directed instructional approaches. Differences in engagement levels during musical play were revealed to be correlated with age. This study highlights the need for culturally responsive music teacher training, supportive school culture, and aligned curriculum and policy implementation. Full article

This research systematically investigates the shape memory properties of re-entrant hexagonal negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) honeycomb structures fabricated via 4D printing, using polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and polylactic acid (PLA) as comparative materials. Periodic honeycomb models with varied wall thicknesses and structural unit angles were designed, and their effects on shape recovery time and recovery rate were examined. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Box–Behnken design was employed to optimize key process parameters, including the wall thickness, structural unit angle, and mold pressing angle. The results demonstrate that PETG exhibits significantly superior shape memory performance compared to PLA, characterized by a shorter recovery time and higher recovery rate under thermal stimulation. Through RSM optimization, the optimal parameter combination was identified as a wall thickness of 0.5 mm, a structural unit angle of 65°, and a mold pressing angle of 135°, which was subsequently validated experimentally, demonstrating a high degree of consistency between predicted and actual outcomes. This study not only clarifies the influence of the structural parameters on the shape memory behavior of NPR honeycomb systems but also provides parameter guidance and a practical experimental basis for the application of PETG in 4D-printed intelligent structures, with potential implications for soft robotics, aerospace, and biomedical devices. Full article

Butterflies locate host sites using plant volatiles, while larval frass cues induce avoidance. This study investigated the olfactory responses of adult Papilio polytes to nine shared plant and frass volatiles across 1 × 10³ to 1 × 10⁶ ng load doses using electroantennography (EAG) and Y-tube olfactometer assays. EAG responses were significantly influenced by chemical composition, dose, and sex, as well as all their interactions. In contrast, behavioral choices were significantly driven only by chemical composition and its interaction with dose. Although females exhibited higher peripheral sensitivity than males, this physiological sexual dimorphism did not result in significant behavioral differences. Linalool, citronellal, and geraniol were identified as the most potent elicitors. While their single forms and binary blends elicited attraction or neutrality, the ternary mixture significantly repelled both sexes. These results demonstrate that VOC blend composition determines the direction of behavioral responses, with linalool playing a pivotal role in the transition from attraction to avoidance. These findings highlight the importance of shared plant–frass VOCs in host selection by oligophagous insects and provide a foundation for manipulating P. polytes behavior. Full article

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is widely utilized in bone tissue engineering due to its excellent biocompatibility and processability; however, its inherent bioinertness and hydrophobicity significantly restrict its clinical osteogenic efficacy. To overcome these limitations, we incorporated sol–gel synthesized silicate-based bioactive glass (BG) into a PCL matrix and fabricated a series of composite scaffolds with varying BG contents via direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing. Rheological characterization confirmed that all ink formulations exhibited shear-thinning behavior, with viscosity increasing monotonically with BG content. DSC analysis revealed that BG incorporation progressively reduced the crystallinity of PCL from 51.47% to 36.23%. We systematically evaluated the physicochemical properties, mechanical resilience, and in vitro degradation behavior of these scaffolds. The results indicated that BG incorporation significantly improved the surface hydrophilicity, with the contact angle decreasing from 104.8 ± 2.81° to 69.8 ± 2.91°. Furthermore, as the BG content increased, the porosity and mechanical strength exhibited an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease, yet all values remained within the range of human cancellous bone. Notably, cellular assays revealed that the introduction of 58SBG enhanced cell–matrix interactions; the PCL/BG scaffolds promoted superior cell attachment and more extensive morphological spreading compared to pure PCL. Among all groups, the PCL/30BG composite scaffold demonstrated the most optimal balance of mechanical integrity and biological response. Consequently, the PCL/30BG scaffold developed in this study exhibits immense potential as a bone graft substitute, providing a promising approach for clinical bone defect repair strategies. Full article