Search Results (4,833)

This article presents the results of the tribological performance of 20MnCr5 (1.7147) tool steel countersamples produced by Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), as a potential material for inserts or working layers of sheet metal forming tools. Tribological tests were performed using a roller-block tribotester. The samples were sheet metals made of materials with significantly different properties: Inconel 625, titanium-stabilised stainless steel 321, EN AW-6061 T0 aluminium alloy, and pure copper. The samples and countersamples were analysed in terms of their wear resistance, coefficient of friction (COF), changes in friction force during testing, and surface morphology after tribological contact under dry friction conditions. The tests were performed on DMLSed countersamples in the as-received state. The largest gain of countersample mass was observed for the 20MnCr5/EN AW-6061 T0 friction pair. The sample mass loss in this combination was also the largest, amounting to 19.96% of the initial mass. On the other hand, in the 20MnCr5/Inconel 625 friction pair, no significant changes in the mass of materials were recorded. For the Inconel 625 sample, a mass loss of 0.04% was observed. The basic wear mechanism of the samples was identified as abrasive wear. The highest friction forces were observed in the 20MnCr5/Cu friction pair (COF = 0.913) and 20MnCr5/EN AW-6061 T0 friction pair (COF = 1.234). The other two samples (Inconel 625, 321 steel) showed a very stable value of the friction force during the roller-block test resulting in a COF between 0.194 and 0.213. Based on the changes in friction force, COFs, and mass changes in friction pair components during wear tests, it can be concluded that potential tools in the form of inserts or working layers manufactured using 3D printing technology, the DMLS method, without additional surface treatment can be successfully used for forming sheets of 321 steel and Inconel 625. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of different storage conditions, varying in light exposure, relative humidity (RH), and packaging materials, on the physicochemical stability of Lobosphaera sp. biomass, the retention of bioactive compounds, and the bioactivity of its extracts. Under light and 75% RH, the biomass absorbed moisture over time, reaching 0.779 ± 0.003 g/g dry weight (DW) after three months. This was accompanied by a decline in luminosity, chroma, and hue values. In contrast, samples stored under other conditions showed minimal changes, indicating that high humidity, combined with light exposure, compromises biomass stability. Packaging in metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PETmet/PE) effectively preserved the water content, color, and carotenoid levels during a two-month storage period. Bioactive compounds extracted via hydroethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction yielded 15.48 ± 1.35% DW. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts declined over time in both PETmet/PE and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packaging, though the decrease was less pronounced in PETmet/PE. Antioxidant activity, assessed via the ABTS assay, remained stable, regardless of storage duration or packaging. Antimicrobial activity of the extract decreased over time but remained more effective against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes), with PETmet/PE packaging better preserving antimicrobial efficacy than LDPE. These findings underscore the importance of optimized storage conditions and packaging for maintaining the quality and bioactivity of Lobosphaera sp. biomass and its extracts. Full article

Objectives: Topical lubricants are the fundamental treatment for dry eye disease (DED). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their efficacy remain unknown. Here, the protective effects of Thealoz^® Duo with 3% trehalose and 0.15% hyaluronic acid are investigated in DED patients by a longitudinal clinical study and subsequent elucidation of the tear proteome and cell signaling changes. Methods: Participants were classified as moderate to severe DED (DRY, n = 35) and healthy (CTRL, n = 23) groups. Specific DED subgroups comprising evaporative (DRYlip) and aqueous-deficient with DRYlip (DRYaqlip) were also classified. Only DED patients received Thealoz^® Duo. All participants were clinically examined before (day 0, T1) and after the application of Thealoz^® Duo at day 28 (T2) and day 56 (T3). Next, 174 individual tear samples from all groups at three time-points were subjected to proteomics analysis. Results: Clinically, Thealoz^® Duo significantly improved the ocular surface disease index at T2 vs. T1 (DRY, p = 1.4 × 10⁻²; DRYlip, p = 9.2 × 10⁻³) and T3 vs. T1 (DRY, p = 2.1 × 10⁻⁵; DRYlip, p = 1.2 × 10⁻⁴), and the tear break-up time at T3 vs. T1 (DRY, p = 3.8 × 10⁻²; DRYlip, p = 1.4 × 10⁻²). Thealoz^® Duo significantly ameliorated expression of inflammatory response proteins (p < 0.05) at T3, which was observed at T1 (DRY, p = 3.4 × 10⁻⁴; DRYlip, p = 7.1 × 10⁻³; DRYaqlip, p = 2.7 × 10⁻⁸). Protein S100-A8 (S100A8), Alpha-1-antitrypsin (SERPINA1), Annexin A1 (ANXA1), and Apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1) were found to be significantly reduced in all the DED subgroups. The application of Thealoz^® Duo showed the therapeutic characteristic of the anti-inflammatory mechanism by promoting the expression of (Metalloproteinase inhibitor 1) TIMP1 in all the DED subgroups. Conclusions: Thealoz^® Duo substantially improved the DED symptoms and restored the functionality of the tear lipid layer to near normal in DRYlip and DRY patients by ameliorating inflammation. Notably, this study unravels the novel mechanistic alterations underpinning the healing effects of Thealoz^® Duo in DED subgroups in a time-dependent manner, which supports the improvement in corresponding clinical attributes. Full article

The chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a key legume crop in Mediterranean agriculture, valued for its nutritional profile and adaptability. However, its productivity is severely impacted by drought stress. To identify microbial solutions that enhance drought resilience, we isolated seven Mesorhizobium strains from chickpea nodules collected in southern Spain and evaluated their cultivar-specific symbiotic performance. Two commercial cultivars (Pedrosillano and Blanco Lechoso) and twenty chickpea germplasms were tested under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions, both with and without drought stress. Initial screening in a sterile substrate using nodulation assays, shoot/root dry weight measurements, and acetylene reduction assays identified three elite strains (ISC11, ISC15, and ISC25) with superior symbiotic performance and nitrogenase activity. Greenhouse trials under reduced irrigation demonstrated that several strain–cultivar combinations significantly mitigated drought effects on plant biomass, with specific interactions (e.g., ISC25 with RR-98 or BT6-19) preserving over 70% of shoot biomass relative to controls. Whole-genome sequencing of the elite strains revealed diverse taxonomic affiliations—ISC11 as Mesorhizobium ciceri, ISC15 as Mesorhizobium mediterraneum, and ISC25 likely representing a novel species. Genome mining identified plant growth-promoting traits including ACC deaminase genes (in ISC11 and ISC25) and genes coding for auxin biosynthesis-related enzymes. Our findings highlight the potential of targeted rhizobial inoculants tailored to chickpea cultivars to improve crop performance under water-limiting conditions. Full article

Rapid pavement repair demands materials that combine accelerated strength gains, dimensional stability, long-term durability, and sustainability. However, finding materials or formulations that offer these balances remains a critical challenge. This study systematically evaluates two polymer-modified belitic calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) concretes—CSAP (powdered polymer) and CSA-LLP (liquid polymer admixture)—against a traditional Type III Portland cement (OPC) control under both laboratory and realistic outdoor conditions. Laboratory specimens were tested for fresh properties, early-age and later-age compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths, as well as drying shrinkage according to ASTM standards. Outdoor 5 × 4 × 12-inch slabs mimicking typical jointed plain concrete panels (JPCPs), instrumented with vibrating wire strain gauges and thermocouples, recorded the strain and temperature at 5 min intervals over 16 weeks, with 24 h wet-burlap curing to replicate field practices. Laboratory findings show that CSA mixes exceeded 3200 psi of compressive strength at 4 h, but cold outdoor casting (~48 °F) delayed the early-age strength development. The CSA-LLP exhibited the lowest drying shrinkage (0.036% at 16 weeks), and outdoor CSA slabs captured the initial ettringite-driven expansion, resulting in a net expansion (+200 µε) rather than contraction. Approximately 80% of the total strain evolved within the first 48 h, driven by autogenous and plastic effects. CSA mixes generated lower peak internal temperatures and reduced thermal strain amplitudes compared to the OPC, improving dimensional stability and mitigating restraint-induced cracking. These results underscore the necessity of field validation for shrinkage compensation mechanisms and highlight the critical roles of the polymer type and curing protocol in optimizing CSA-based repairs for durable, low-carbon pavement rehabilitation. Full article

To address the critical challenge of synergistically enhancing both high-temperature mechanical properties and thermal conductivity in neutron-absorbing materials for dry storage of spent nuclear fuel, this study proposes an innovative strategy. This approach involves the controlled distribution, size, and crystalline states of nano-Al₂O₃ within an aluminum matrix. By combining plastic deformation and heat treatment, we aim to achieve a structurally integrated functional design. A systematic investigation was conducted on the microstructural evolution of Al₂O₃/10 wt.% B₄C/Al composites in their forged, extruded, and heat-treated states. We also examined how these states affect high-temperature mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. The results indicate that applying hot extrusion deformation along with optimized heat treatment parameters (500 °C for 24 h) allows for a lamellar dispersion of nano-Al₂O₃ and a crystallographic transition from amorphous to γ-phase. As a result, the composite demonstrates a tensile strength of 144 MPa and an enhanced thermal conductivity of 181 W/(m·K) at 350 °C. These findings provide theoretical insights and technical support for ensuring the high density and long-term safety of spent fuel storage materials. Full article

Bioinspired soft adhesive systems capable of stable and intelligent object manipulation are critical for next-generation robotics. In this study, a soft gripper combining an octopus-inspired suction mechanism with a frog-inspired hexagonal friction pattern was developed to enhance adhesion performance under diverse surface conditions and orientations. The hexagonal pattern, inspired by frog toe pads, contributed to improved stability against tilting and shear forces. The integrated strain gauge enabled real-time monitoring of gripping states and facilitated the detection of contact location and changes in load distribution during manipulation. The system demonstrated robust adhesion under both dry and wet conditions, with adaptability to various object geometries and inclinations. These results suggest broad potential for bioinspired gripping platforms in fields such as collaborative robotics, medical tools, and underwater systems. Full article

Perennial wall rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.—DC.) exhibits genotype-dependent responses to biostimulant applications, which have not yet been deeply investigated. A two-year greenhouse factorial experiment was carried out to assess the interactions between five cultivars (Mars, Naples, Tricia, Venice, and Olivetta), three biostimulant formulations (Cystoseira tamariscifolia L. extract; a commercial legume-derived protein hydrolysate, “Dynamic”; and Spirulina platensis extract) plus an untreated control, and three crop cycles (autumn, autumn–winter, and winter) on leaf yield and dry matter, organic acids, colorimetric parameters, hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities, nitrate concentration, nitrogen use efficiency, and mineral composition, using a split plot design with three replicates. Protein hydrolysate significantly enhanced yield and nitrogen use efficiency in Mars (+26%), Naples (+25.6%), Tricia (+25%), and Olivetta (+26%) compared to the control, while Spirulina platensis increased the mentioned parameters only in Venice (+36.2%). Nitrate accumulation was reduced by biostimulant application just in Venice, indicating genotype-dependent nitrogen metabolism responses. The findings of the present research demonstrate that the biostimulant efficacy in perennial wall rocket is mainly ruled by genotypic factors, and the appropriate combinations between the two mentioned experimental factors allow for optimization of leaf yield and quality while maintaining nitrate concentration under the regulation thresholds. Full article

Drought and water scarcity are some of the most important challenges facing agricultural producers in dry environments. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of algae extract and zeolite in terms of their biostimulant action on water stress tolerance to obtain better growth and production of tomato Lycopersicum esculentum L. grown in an open field under suboptimum and deficient soil moisture content. Large plots had a suboptimum soil moisture content (SSMC) of 25% ± 2 [28% below field capacity (FC)] and deficient soil moisture content (DSMC) of 20% ± 2 [11% above permanent wilting point (PWP)]; both soil moisture ranges were based on field capacity FC (32%) and PWP (18%). Small plots had four treatments: algae extract (AE) 50 L ha⁻¹ and zeolite (Z) 20 t ha⁻¹, a combination of both products (AE + Z) 25 L ha⁻¹ and 10 t h⁻¹, and a control (without application of either product). By applying AE, Z, and AE + Z, plant height, plant vigor, and chlorophyll index were significantly higher compared to the control by 20.3%, 10.5%, and 22.3%, respectively. The effect on relative water content was moderate—only 2.6% higher than the control applying AE, while the best treatment for the photosynthesis variable was applying Z, with a value of 20.9 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹, which was 18% higher than the control. Consequently, tomato yield was also higher compared to the control by 333% and 425% when applying AE and Z, respectively, with suboptimum soil moisture content. The application of the biostimulants did not show any mitigating effect on water stress under soil water deficit conditions close to permanent wilting. These findings are relevant to water-scarce agricultural areas, where more efficient irrigation water use is imperative. Plant biostimulation through organic and inorganic extracts plays an important role in mitigating environmental stresses such as those caused by water shortages, leading to improved production in vulnerable agricultural areas with extreme climates. Full article

Rural roads are critical for connecting isolated communities to essential services such as education and health and administrative services, as well as production and market opportunities in low-income countries. More than 70% of movements of people and goods in Sub-Saharan Africa are heavily reliant on rural transport systems, using both motorised but mainly alternative means of transport. However, rural roads often suffer from poor construction due to the use of low-strength, in situ soils and limited financial resources, leading to premature failures and subsequent traffic disruptions with significant economic losses. This study investigates the use of rice husk ash (RHA), a waste byproduct from rice production, as a sustainable supplement to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) for soil stabilisation in order to increase durability and sustainability of rural roads, hence limit recurrent maintenance needs and associated transport costs and challenges. To conduct this study, soil samples collected from Mulungushi, Zambia, were treated with combinations of 6–10% OPC and 10–15% RHA by weight. Laboratory tests measured maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values; the main parameters assessed to ensure the quality of road construction soils. Results showed that while the MDD did not change significantly and varied between 1505 kg/m³ and 1519 kg/m³, the OMC increased hugely from 19.6% to as high as 26.2% after treatment with RHA. The CBR value improved significantly, with the 8% OPC + 10% RHA mixture achieving the highest resistance to deformation. These results suggest that RHA can enhance the durability and sustainability of rural roads and hence improve transport systems and subsequently improve socioeconomic factors in rural areas. Full article

Infection control and bleeding management in deep wounds remain urgent and unmet clinical challenges that demand innovative, multifunctional, and sustainable solutions. Unlike previously reported sodium alginate and silk fibroin-based gel formulations, the present work introduces a dual-functional system combining antimicrobial and haemostatic activity in the form of conformable aerogel beads. This dual-functional formulation is designed to absorb exudate, promote clotting, and provide localized antimicrobial action, all essential for accelerating wound repair in high-risk scenarios within a single biocompatible system. Aerogel beads were obtained by supercritical drying of a silk fibroin–sodium alginate blend, resulting in highly porous, spherical structures measuring 3–4 mm in diameter. The formulations demonstrated efficient ciprofloxacin encapsulation (42.75–49.05%) and sustained drug release for up to 12 h. Fluid absorption reached up to four times their weight in simulated wound fluid and was accompanied by significantly enhanced blood clotting, outperforming a commercial haemostatic dressing. These findings highlight the potential of silk-based aerogel beads as a multifunctional wound healing platform that combines localized antimicrobial delivery, efficient fluid and exudate management, biodegradability, and superior haemostatic performance in a single formulation. This work also shows for the first time how the prilling encapsulation technique with supercritical drying is able to successfully produce silk fibroin and sodium alginate composite aerogel beads. Full article

Water scarcity and spatial variability in soil fertility are key constraints to stable grain production in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. However, the interaction mechanisms between regulated deficit irrigation and soil fertility influencing yield formation and water-nitrogen use efficiency in winter wheat remain unclear. In this study, a two-year field experiment (2022–2024) was conducted to investigate the effects of two irrigation regimes—regulated deficit irrigation during the heading to grain filling stage (D) and full irrigation (W)—under four soil fertility levels: F1 (N: P: K = 201.84: 97.65: 199.05 kg ha⁻¹), F2 (278.52: 135: 275.4 kg ha⁻¹), F3 (348.15: 168.75: 344.25 kg ha⁻¹), and CK (no fertilization). The results show that aboveground dry matter accumulation, total nitrogen content, pre-anthesis dry matter and nitrogen translocation, and post-anthesis accumulation significantly increased with fertility level (p < 0.05). Regulated deficit irrigation promoted the contribution of post-anthesis dry matter to grain yield under the CK and F1 treatments, but suppressed it under the F2 and F3 treatments. However, it consistently enhanced the contribution of post-anthesis nitrogen to grain yield (p < 0.05) across all fertility levels. Higher fertility levels prolonged the grain filling duration by 18.04% but reduced the mean grain filling rate by 15.05%, whereas regulated deficit irrigation shortened the grain filling duration by 3.28% and increased the mean grain filling rate by 12.83% (p < 0.05). Grain yield significantly increased with improved fertility level (p < 0.05), reaching a maximum of 9361.98 kg·ha⁻¹ under the F3 treatment. Regulated deficit irrigation increased yield under the CK and F1 treatments but reduced it under the F2 and F3 treatments. Additionally, water use efficiency exhibited a parabolic response to fertility level and was significantly enhanced by regulated deficit irrigation. Nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP) declined with increasing fertility level (p < 0.05); Regulated deficit irrigation improved NPFP under the F1 treatment but reduced it under the F2 and F3 treatments. The highest NPFP (41.63 kg·kg⁻¹) was achieved under the DF1 treatment, which was 54.81% higher than that under the F3 treatment. TOPSIS analysis showed that regulated deficit irrigation combined with the F1 fertility level provided the optimal balance among yield, WUE, and NPFP. Therefore, implementing regulated deficit irrigation during the heading–grain filling stage under moderate fertility (F1) is recommended as the most effective strategy for achieving high yield and efficient resource utilization in winter wheat production in this region. Full article

Soil salinization and selenium (Se) deficiency threaten global food security. This study developed a composite bioinoculant combining ACC deaminase-producing Serratia liquefaciens and biogenically synthesized nano-selenium (SeNPs) to alleviate saline–alkali stress and enhance Se nutrition in rice (Oryza sativa L.). A strain of S. liquefaciens with high ACC deaminase activity was isolated and used to biosynthesize SeNPs with stable physicochemical properties. Pot experiments showed that application of the composite inoculant (S3: S. liquefaciens + 40 mmol/L SeNPs) significantly improved seedling biomass (fresh weight +53.8%, dry weight +60.6%), plant height (+31.6%), and root activity under saline–alkali conditions. S3 treatment also enhanced panicle weight, seed-setting rate, and grain Se content (234.13 μg/kg), meeting national Se-enriched rice standards. Moreover, it increased rhizosphere soil N, P, and K availability and improved microbial α-diversity. This is the first comprehensive demonstration that a synergistic bioformulation of ACC deaminase PGPR and biogenic SeNPs effectively mitigates saline–alkali stress, enhances soil fertility, and enables safe Se biofortification in rice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early gut colonization by bifidobacteria, occurring more favorably in vaginally born infants than in those delivered via C-section, is crucial for maintaining overall health. The study investigated the health-promoting properties of Limosilactobacillus vaginalis BC17 both as viable cells and as postbiotics (i.e., cell-free supernatant and heat-killed cells), with the purpose of developing oral formulations to support intestinal health. Methods: The safety, effects on the adhesion of bifidobacteria and enteropathogens to intestinal cells, and anti-inflammatory properties of L. vaginalis BC17 viable cells and postbiotics were evaluated. Fast-disintegrating tablets were formulated by freeze-drying cell-free supernatant in combination with heat-killed or viable cells alongside maltodextrins. Results: The formulations were shown to be non-genotoxic and compatible with intestinal cell lines (Caco-2 and HT-29). BC17 viable cells survived in co-culture with intestinal cells up to 48 h and exhibited moderate adhesion to the cell lines. Notably, both BC17 viable cells and postbiotics enhanced the adhesion of beneficial bifidobacteria to Caco-2 cells by up to 250%, while reducing enteropathogens adhesion by 40–70%. Moreover, they exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing nitric oxide production in macrophages by 40–50% and protecting intestinal cells from SDS-induced damage. The formulations allowed administration of at least 10⁹ BC17 cells in infants and adults through easy and rapid dispersion in milk or water, or directly in the oral cavity without chewing, and preserved their functional properties for up to 3 months of storage. Conclusions: L. vaginalis BC17 viable cells and postbiotics, as well as fast-disintegrating tablets, showed promising functional and safety profiles. Although further in vivo validation is needed, this approach represents a compelling strategy for promoting gut health. Full article

Kefiran, the extracellular polysaccharide produced from the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) bacteria in kefir grains, with its well-documented functional and health-promoting properties, constitutes a promising biopolymer with a variety of possible uses. Its compatibility with other biopolymers, such as milk proteins, and its ability to form standalone cryogels allow it to be utilized for the fabrication of films with improved properties for applications in the food and biomedical–pharmaceutical industries. In the present work, the properties of kefiran films were investigated in the presence of milk proteins (sodium caseinate, native and heat-treated whey proteins, and their mixtures), alongside glycerol (as a plasticizer) and cryo-treatment of the film-forming solution prior to drying. A total of 24 kefiran films were fabricated and studied for their physical (thickness, moisture content, water solubility, color parameters and vapor adsorption), mechanical (tensile strength and elongation at break), and optical properties. Milk proteins increased film thickness, solubility and tensile strength and reduced water vapor adsorption. The hygroscopic effect of glycerol was mitigated in the presence of milk proteins and/or the application of cryo-treatment. Glycerol was the most effective at reducing the films’ opacity. Heat treatment of whey proteins proved to be the most effective in increasing film tensile strength, reducing, at the same time, the elongation at break, while sodium caseinates in combination with cryo-treatment resulted in films with high tensile strength and the highest elongation at break. Cryo-treatment, carried out in the present study through freezing followed by gradual thawing of the film-forming solution, proved to be the most effective factor in decreasing film roughness. Based on our results, proper selection of the film-forming solution composition and its treatment prior to drying can result in kefiran–glycerol films with favorable properties for particular applications. Full article