Search Results (1,642)

Microwave pretreatment of native soybeans in the preparation of yuba remains underexplored, and the impact of this treatment on the resulting yuba quality is still unclear. In this study, soybeans were subjected to microwave pretreatment for 30–120 s before conventional soaking. CLSM revealed soybean microstructural changes, including cell-wall degradation and improved dispersion of proteins and lipids. FTIR and SDS-PAGE results of yuba indicated that hydrogen bond cleavage and the formation of new cross-links reduced protein coiling and polar group exposure, while stabilizing aliphatic chains, ultimately yielding a stronger and more compact yuba network structure. Mechanical and rehydration results further indicated that microwave treatment positively affected yuba quality. The 90 s pretreatment was identified as the optimal condition, exhibiting the highest elongation at break (126.36% increase) and rehydration capacity, along with improved color attributes, including higher lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values. These changes are likely attributable to disulfide-mediated protein reorganization, which creates greater spatial availability and thereby facilitates lipid incorporation. This study elucidates how microwave pretreatment drives the reorganization of soybean protein and lipid components, thereby influencing their distribution during film formation and providing a foundation for the tailored design of yuba with targeted mechanical properties. Full article

Azo dyes represent the largest and most extensively used class of synthetic dyes in industries such as textiles, leather, paper, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Due to their complex aromatic structures and the presence of azo (–N=N–) bonds, these dyes exhibit high chemical stability and resistance to degradation, leading to their persistent discharge into the environment through industrial wastewater. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, sources, environmental fate, and toxicological impacts of azo dyes, with a particular focus on microbial remediation strategies. The roles of bacteria, fungi, algae, and microbial consortia, along with their enzymatic mechanisms and influencing factors, are critically discussed. The presence of azo dyes in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems causes severe environmental problems, including reduced light penetration, disruption of photosynthetic activity, and deterioration of water quality. Moreover, the reductive cleavage of azo dyes can result in the formation of toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic aromatic amines, posing significant risks to ecological and human health. Conventional physicochemical treatment methods, although effective in decolorization, suffer from limitations such as high cost, energy demand, sludge generation, and incomplete mineralization. This review identifies key strategies for achieving scalable and eco-friendly solutions for industrial wastewater management. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) has rapidly evolved from a prototyping tool into an effective method for producing end-use components, thanks to its ability to produce complex, lightweight and customised parts. However, this technique requires a thorough understanding of the long-term behaviour and degradation mechanisms of components, especially when polymers are involved in the printing process. Unlike polymer components manufactured using traditional methods, polymers produced through AM exhibit unique microstructures, anisotropies, and interfacial characteristics due to the layer-by-layer fabrication process. These features can affect how these materials respond to thermal, mechanical and environmental stresses over time. Furthermore, technology-specific processing parameters directly govern porosity distribution, crystallinity evolution, interlayer bonding quality, and residual stress development, all of which are key factors for ensuring long-term performance. This review aims to support researchers in the development of durable additively manufactured polymer components by systematically analysing polymer degradation mechanisms, accelerated ageing and lifetime prediction methodologies. Following a PRISMA-based screening process, approximately 160 international standards relevant to polymer durability in additive manufacturing were selected from an initial corpus of about 620 documents for in-depth analysis. Processing–structure–property relationships specific to the AM processing of polymers, including the commonly used FFF (fused filament fabrication), SLA (stereolithography) and SLS (selective laser sintering), are examined in relation to crucial aspects for long-term structural integrity and degradation behaviour. Finally, limitations within the current normative framework are identified, emphasising the absence of process-aware durability assessment protocols and the need for dedicated standards tailored to additively manufactured polymer components. 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

To establish a biorefinery within kraft-pulp mills, the extraction of fermentable sugars must be balanced with the preservation of fiber quality for papermaking. This study investigates this trade-off by applying partial enzymatic hydrolysis to unbleached high-kappa eucalyptus kraft pulp to co-produce bioethanol and packaging-grade materials. Although the mass-transfer limitations inherent to the high-consistency strategy (15% solids or 150 g L⁻¹) restrict extensive saccharification (keeping glucose conversion below 5% at 1.5 h), it naturally directs the process toward a low-severity regime essential for fiber conservation. Structural analysis (X-ray diffraction and microscopy) revealed that enzymes preferentially targeted amorphous regions, increasing crystallinity (from ≈74% to ≈82%) but reducing intrinsic fiber strength (tear) over time (dropping from ~5.6 to ~2.3 mN·m²·g⁻¹ within 30 min). However, a strategic window for valorization has been identified. Instead of direct papermaking, hydrolyzed residue is highly effective as a strength-enhancing additive. When blended (20% w w⁻¹) with commercial pulp, the modified fibers improved interfiber bonding, restored the tensile strength, and significantly increased the Burst Index (up to ~1.7 kPa·m²·g⁻¹). These results demonstrate a viable industrial approach using partial hydrolysis to recover hemicellulose-based sugars for biofuels, while transforming the solid fraction into a high-performance reinforcement agent for paper packaging. This approach effectively converts a potential trade-off into a synergistic dual-product stream. Full article

Background/Objectives: Deep subgingival proximal carious lesions present significant restorative and periodontal challenges, especially when approaching the supracrestal attachment (SA). This study compared two established deep margin elevation (DME) tecniques—the modified matrix technique (MMT) and the matrix-free “R2 technique” (R2T)—with respect to surface roughness, marginal adaptation, surface integrity, voids and excess adhesive material. Methods: Forty extracted human mandibular molars were prepared with standardized proximal cavities 2–3 mm below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 20 each). Group 1 received DME with the modified matrix technique; Group 2 was treated with the R2T. In both groups, a flowable bulk-fill composite was applied. Surface characteristics and marginal adaptation were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser profilometry. Qualitative scoring and quantitative measurements were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism (version 10.02.0). Results: The modified matrix technique resulted in significantly smoother composite surfaces (p < 0.001), whereas the R2T showed significantly fewer voids, better marginal adaptation, and less excess bonding material (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in surface integrity between the groups. Conclusions: While the MMT produced smoother surfaces, the R2T resulted in superior marginal quality with fewer voids and less excess adhesive material. The findings suggest technique-specific advantages rather than overall superiority, indicating that both approaches appear feasible. Clinical decision-making should be guided by anatomical and operator-related factors. Full article

Zirconium hydride is susceptible to dehydrogenation at elevated temperatures. In this study, zirconium hydride was oxidized by in situ oxidation in a CO₂ atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 550 to 700 °C for 10 h. The morphology, elemental distribution, phase structure, and hydrogen barrier performance of the resulting oxide films were systematically characterized using SEM, EDS, XRD, film adhesion and microhardness tests, and dehydrogenation experiments. At 550–600 °C, the formed oxide films are thin and non-uniform, containing numerous micropores and cracks, which results in limited hydrogen barrier performance. When the oxidation temperature is increased to 650 °C, a better balance between the oxidation reaction and diffusion processes is achieved. This leads to the formation of a dense, continuous, and uniform ZrO₂ film with strong adhesion to the substrate. As a result, the initial dehydrogenation temperature increases to 660 °C, while both the dehydrogenation rate and cumulative hydrogen release are significantly reduced, indicating the best overall hydrogen resistance. However, further increasing the oxidation temperature to 700 °C causes an excessively high oxidation rate, which introduces large growth and thermal stresses. These stresses promote the formation of microcracks in the oxide film, weaken the interfacial bonding strength, and consequently reduce the hydrogen barrier performance. The results demonstrate that the hydrogen permeation resistance of the oxide film is mainly governed by film compactness, defect evolution, and interfacial integrity. Based on these findings, 650 °C is identified as the optimal processing temperature for producing a high-quality hydrogen-resistant ZrO₂ film on zirconium hydride under a CO₂ atmosphere. Full article

Research suggests that the quality of mother–infant bonding (MIB) is a critical factor for long-term infant development. This study aimed to culturally adapt and psychometrically validate the Mother–to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) for use among Greek mothers. Methods: A total of 750 mothers (Mage = 33.6 ± 4.6) with infants aged 0–12 months completed the MIBS and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The sample was randomly split to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA). Results: Analyses supported a unidimensional structure after removal of the ‘protective’ item. The MIBS demonstrated good reliability and convergent validity against the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Discussion: MIBS is a reliable and valid tool to assess bonding in a general population of Greek mothers up to one year postpartum. Future studies should examine the structure of MIBS in different timepoints during the postpartum period. The MIBS appears to be a reliable screening instrument for early identification of bonding difficulties. Full article

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are an effective means of providing thermal insulation and protecting the hot-section components of gas turbine engines. Their quality and performance characteristics largely depend on the microstructural features and the bond strength between the bonding layer and the substrate. The present study aims to determine the optimal plasma spraying parameters that ensure the formation of NiCrAlY coatings with superior microstructural integrity and adhesion strength. The objective of the study is a thermally sprayed nickel–chromium–aluminum–yttrium (NiCrAlY) bond coat deposited onto an Inconel 718 nickel-based superalloy, which is widely used in aircraft gas turbine engines due to its high strength and excellent oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. It was found that the coating produced under the optimized conditions exhibited a significantly higher adhesion strength compared with the samples obtained under other spraying regimes. The results confirm that a precise adjustment of the atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) process parameters, taking into account the equipment configuration, allows for a substantial improvement in coating quality and performance. Full article

Multi-material structures based on titanium alloys represent a promising approach for the fabrication of functionally graded orthopedic implants capable of combining high mechanical strength with reduced stiffness to minimize the stress-shielding effect. In the present work, multi-material Ti15Ta/Ti6Al4V specimens were fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) for the first time, and the processing parameters of the transition zone were systematically optimized. Three regimes were investigated: baseline (93 J/mm³), double scanning (186 J/mm³), and reduced speed (116 J/mm³). The microstructure and elemental distribution were examined by SEM and EDS; mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile testing and microhardness measurements; biocompatibility was assessed using osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts. The double scanning regime provided the highest density of the transition zone (99.49%). Tensile failure of the specimens occurred in the Ti15Ta region, confirming the quality of the metallurgical bond. The ultimate tensile strength ranged from 534 to 543 MPa with an elongation at break of 15.7–16.4%. Heat treatment at 875 °C led to the formation of an equilibrium lamellar microstructure and smoothing of the interface. Cell viability on both alloys exceeded 88% as confirmed by flow cytometry and remained above the 70% non-cytotoxicity threshold defined by ISO 10993-5. The obtained results demonstrate the technological feasibility of fabricating multi-material Ti15Ta/Ti6Al4V structures and achieving high-quality metallurgical bonding, which constitutes a necessary first step toward the development of functionally graded orthopedic implants. Full article

Cenchrus fungigraminus is a high-yielding forage material, but due to its relatively high lignin content and low carbohydrate content, its current feed utilization primarily relies on silage methods. However, current research on C. fungigraminus silage faces challenges such as unclear fermentation strains and low fiber degradation efficiency of traditional commercial starters, which prevent them from meeting the requirements for C. fungigraminus silage production. So, this study aimed to evaluate the fiber degradation effects of Bacillus velezensis JC2 (isolated from C. fungigraminus), the commercial cellulose-degrading bacterium Bacillus velezensis (CBV), and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (CTL) on C. fungigraminus. The degradation performance of JC2 was assessed based on the lignocellulose content of silage samples, scanning electron microscopy observations, crystallinity, and changes in chemical bonds and functional groups. Furthermore, the three strains exhibiting the highest activities of CMCase, FPase, and β-glucosidase during the screening process were combined with enzyme preparations to develop a specialized silage additive suitable for C. fungigraminus. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to commercial cellulose-degrading strains, after 14 days of fermentation with JC2 treatment, the lignin in C. fungigraminus was effectively degraded. (2) The silage feed of C. fungigraminus treated with a mixture of JC2, JC3, and JC28 showed significant improvements in sensory evaluation, lactic acid content, and cellulose degradation rate. The pH value decreased rapidly (<4.2), while the LA content and the LA/AA ratio increased, and the NDF content decreased by 4.2% DM, effectively enhancing the quality of the silage feed. In summary, the Bacillus velezensis JC2 selected in this experiment effectively degraded the fiber structure of C. fungigraminus, improved the quality of the silage, and enhanced its nutritional value, demonstrating significant potential as a specialized silage additive for C. fungigraminus. Full article

To address force uniformity and corrosion issues in slope reinforcement, this paper presents a field implementation of pressure-uniformly-dispersed Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) anchor cables integrated with Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensing technology. A tensioning trial was conducted on a dangerous rock project on Guangyang Island, Chongqing, utilizing a distributed FBG array (0.5 m spacing) for full-length strain monitoring. The results confirm that, under the specific conditions of this project, the anchorage segment exhibits the characteristic two-stage behavior of “delayed activation–uniform bearing” previously documented in bonded anchor systems, with a critical transition observed at approximately 120 kN. Beyond this threshold, the anchorage efficiency reached approximately 85%, validating the three-stage uniformly dispersed design for this specific geological context. While the load transfer mechanism aligns with established bonded anchor mechanics, this study demonstrates the practical feasibility of high-resolution distributed sensing in CFRP anchor systems, providing benchmark data for construction quality control and long-term health monitoring of similar slope reinforcement projects. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the phycocyanin–rosmarinic acid (PC-Ra) emulsion on the gel quality of surimi. PC-Ra conjugates were synthesized firstly via laccase-catalyzed oxidation at different Ra concentrations, and their physicochemical properties—including grafting degree, sulfhydryl group content, free amino group content, and surface hydrophobicity—were characterized. The results demonstrated that Ra addition effectively reduced free amino groups, achieving optimal grafting at 30 μmol/L along with peak disulfide bond content and surface hydrophobicity in the PC-Ra conjugate. This was thus attributed to covalent bond formation, as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The PC-Ra emulsion was then incorporated into surimi gels and compared with gels containing directly added corn oil. The results indicated that the PC-Ra emulsion significantly improved the textural properties of surimi gels. Furthermore, it enhanced water-holding capacity, reduced cooking loss, and delayed lipid oxidation. Among all formulations, the PC-Ra 30 emulsion exhibited the most pronounced effects and shows potential as a fat replacer in surimi gel preparation, yielding products with superior quality. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for developing novel surimi gel products. Full article

Public green spaces play a critical role in fostering social cohesion in rapidly industrializing cities. However, empirical research on how urban residents in non-Western contexts perceive, evaluate and use these spaces remains limited, particularly in Islamic industrial cities with distinct cultural practices and urban development patterns. This study examines determinants of visitor satisfaction in Coastal Park, Asaluyeh, a rapidly industrializing Persian Gulf city. The city’s industrial character, marked by acute green space scarcity and demographic imbalances due to workforce migration, provides a distinctive context for examining urban park dynamics in Iran’s petrochemical industrial zones. Using structured questionnaires and systematic field observations, we assess factors influencing park satisfaction and the role of the park in facilitating community bonds. Results reveal that vegetation quality shows the strongest association with visitor satisfaction (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), surpassing demographic characteristics in explanatory power. The park predominantly serves group-based activities, with family gatherings representing the dominant form of social interaction, reflecting cultural preferences for communal recreation. Significant disparities emerge across men and women in satisfaction levels and usage patterns. Temporal concentration during weekend evenings is driven by extreme daytime heat, while transportation barriers limit equitable access. Statistical analyses indicate weak correlations between demographic variables and satisfaction, underscoring the primacy of experiential factors in shaping visitor perceptions. The findings provide evidence-based recommendations for culturally sensitive park design in industrial Islamic cities, emphasizing the need for infrastructure, amenities, and improved public transport connectivity to ensure equitable access across diverse demographic groups. Full article

Welding copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) is highly demanded for lightweight and cost-effective manufacturing. However, it faces significant challenges. First, substantial differences in physical properties may lead to high residual stresses and distortion. Second, brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs) readily form at the interface, severely compromising the joint’s mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. Third, the native oxide film on Al impedes effective wetting and bonding. Therefore, effective control over the interfacial microstructure of the welded joint is essential. This review provides a critical analysis and comparison of several typical welding techniques, including laser welding (LW), friction stir welding (FSW), ultrasonic welding (UW), brazing and soldering, and welding–brazing. These analyses focus on their process characteristics, joint microstructures, and corresponding formation mechanisms. Furthermore, this review synthesizes key strategies for enhancing joint quality, including process parameter optimization, introduction of functional interlayers, and external assistance, aimed at optimizing joint microstructure and minimizing defects. Based on the analysis, this work provides comparative insights into process selection and microstructure control, and highlights future directions: advancing novel methods such as magnetic pulse welding and transient liquid phase bonding; developing intelligent real-time process control to suppress brittle IMCs and associated defects; promoting sustainable practices and establishing standardized performance evaluation; and systematically investigating long-term reliability to support the industrial application of robust Cu/Al joints. Full article