Search Results (10,707)

Background: The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and metabolic risk factors among young adults has become a major public health concern. University students are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy lifestyle changes, including sedentary behavior, insufficient physical activity, and academic stress, all of which may be associated with an elevated risk of metabolic disorders. Objective: This study aimed to examine the associations of academic stress, physical activity, and sedentary behavior with diabetes risk among university students. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 264 university students recruited through an online survey. Academic stress was assessed using a six-item Likert-scale instrument, while diabetes risk was evaluated using a composite score derived from indicators adapted from the modified Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (modified FINDRISC). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha reliability testing, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Spearman’s correlation analysis, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The academic stress instrument demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.85). Exploratory factor analysis supported the construct validity of the instrument, with all six items loading substantially on a common academic stress factor. Correlation analysis revealed that academic stress was positively associated with sedentary behavior and diabetes risk, whereas physical activity was negatively associated with diabetes risk. Multivariable logistic regression showed that academic stress was significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.36; p = 0.028). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of diabetes (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60–0.92; p = 0.011), while longer sitting duration was associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Conclusions: Academic stress, sedentary behavior, and physical activity were significantly associated with diabetes risk among university students. These findings highlight the importance of developing university-based health promotion programs that integrate stress management, physical activity promotion, and sedentary behavior reduction to support the prevention of metabolic risk factors in young adults. Full article

The gradual deterioration of interfacial performance in CRTS II (China Railway Track System II) slab ballastless tracks during long-term service can significantly affect structural stability and durability. Existing studies have mainly focused on the fatigue performance of the overall track system and individual structural layers, whereas probabilistic fatigue-life modeling of the interlayer interface remains relatively limited. This study investigates the fatigue life behavior of the track slab-CA (cement-asphalt) mortar interface under cyclic loading. An exponential stress life relationship was combined with a two-parameter Weibull distribution of fatigue life at a specified stress ratio to establish a multi-parameter Weibull-based probabilistic framework that links fatigue life, stress ratio, and failure probability. Push-out and positive tensile fatigue tests were conducted on composite specimens to obtain interface fatigue lives under different stress ratios. Leveraging the multi-parameter Weibull model and experimental data, the L-BFGS-B (Limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno with Box constraints) algorithm was employed to optimize the model parameters and construct a probabilistic fatigue life model. The calibrated model was then used to analyze the fatigue behavior of the slab-CA mortar interface under tangential and vertical loading. The results show that the proposed probabilistic framework provides good agreement with the interface fatigue test data and enables the fatigue-life distribution and failure probability of the interlayer interface to be evaluated under different stress ratios. The findings provide a probabilistic basis for fatigue assessment and durability analysis of CRTS II slab ballastless track interfaces. Full article

Fresh fruits are prone to spoilage due to microbial contamination and moisture loss, highlighting the need for effective packaging materials with strong barrier and antimicrobial functions. In this work, a bilayer composite film with antimicrobial and preservative properties was fabricated using the solution casting method, consisting of an inner chitosan (CS) layer and an outer complex layer of chitosan-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde-Ag(I) (CS-PCA-Ag(I)). Preparation conditions were optimized via single-factor experiments combined with response surface methodology. The resulting composite film showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties, with tensile strength of 38.52 ± 2.07 MPa and elongation at break of 67.32 ± 1.47%, as well as a low water vapor permeability of 2.81 × 10⁻⁷ g·m⁻¹·h⁻¹·Pa⁻¹. It also exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with inhibition zone diameters of 19.8 ± 0.3 mm and 15.6 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. Strawberry preservation tests demonstrated that the CS/CS-PCA-Ag(I) film effectively suppressed microbial growth and reduced fruit weight loss (8.27 ± 0.42% after 5 days), thereby extending the shelf life of strawberries. Cytotoxicity evaluation and silver ion migration analysis further confirmed the film’s good biocompatibility and safety. Collectively, the CS/CS-PCA-Ag(I) composite film holds considerable promise for fresh food preservation applications. Full article

Lupinus is recognized as a nutrient-dense legume rich in protein, raw fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids, contributing significantly to human nutrition and health. In Ecuador, the Andean Crops and Plant Genetic Resources program of INIAP maintains a germplasm bank comprising 257 uncharacterized accessions. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and phytochemical composition of ten promising sweet Lupin genotypes (L. mutabilis) exhibiting good agronomic characteristics, resistance and/or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, superior grain quality and significantly reduced seed alkaloid content in experimental trails. These genotypes were compared with two accessions of L. albus and L. angustifolius used as control genotypes. Except for carbohydrate content, L. mutabilis genotypes exhibited similar or superior nutritional profiles compared to genotype controls with high protein (44.7%), fat (19.91%), and ash (4.16%) contents and reduced alkaloid concentrations, notably, two genotypes LmAnds16 and LmFRs43 with 0.04%. However, it exhibited the highest polyphenol (8.84 mg·g⁻¹) and flavonoid (0.67 mg·g⁻¹) concentrations and antioxidant activity for ABTS (19.94 µmol TE·g⁻¹) and FRAP (300.30 µmol TE·g⁻¹) on a dry weight basis (DW). These results are important for the generation of new varieties of Lupinus focused on its nutritional quality and to produce nutraceutical and functional foods. Full article

The physicochemical composition of honey reflects its botanical origin, environmental conditions, and post-harvest handling; however, studies that combine long-term monitoring data with multivariate and spatial analyses at a metropolitan scale remain limited. This study analyzed acacia, chestnut, flower, and meadow honeys from the Zagreb metropolitan region, Croatia, using a long-term physicochemical quality dataset from the Zzzagimed International Honey Quality Competition collected between 2007 and 2019. From a total database of 351 samples, 82 georeferenced samples from the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County were selected and evaluated for moisture, electrical conductivity, free acidity, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Most samples met general honey quality requirements: only three samples exceeded the moisture threshold of 20%, and no samples exceeded the limits for HMF or free acidity. Electrical conductivity and free acidity provided the clearest differentiation among honey types, ranging from 0.22 to 1.47 mS/cm and from 9.77 to 27.38 meq/kg, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that physicochemical variability was structured primarily by honey type, with the first two principal components explaining 62.8% of the total variance. Spatial analyses revealed weak to moderate spatial structure, with residual autocorrelation retained only for free acidity. Honeys from the Zagreb region showed good physicochemical quality, and their variability was driven mainly by declared botanical origin rather than by broad City–County differences. Full article

Under extreme steady-state temperature gradients, external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICSs) are prone to thermal deformation, which can cause mortar cracking, hollowing, and even delamination and detachment of insulation boards, thus degrading building envelope performance and threatening structural and personal safety. In this study, a combined method of numerical simulation using ANSYS software and experimental testing was adopted to investigate the thermal deformation characteristics of three commonly used insulation materials: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), and Polyurethane (PU). The effects of temperature difference from 10 °C to 30 °C, insulation board thickness from 30 mm to 100 mm, and surface mortar thickness from 5 mm to 10 mm on strain distribution and deformation mechanism were systematically analyzed. Experimental validation showed good agreement with the simulation results, quantified by an estimated relative error of less than 15% across the investigated insulation thicknesses and steady-state temperature conditions. The results indicate that the strains of EPS, XPS, and PU boards all increase significantly as the temperature difference across the board rises. Under outdoor temperatures of 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C with a constant indoor temperature of 20 °C, the thickness-direction strain at the EPS–mortar interface increases by approximately 35% when the temperature difference increases from 10 °C to 30 °C. Increasing both insulation board thickness and mortar protective layer thickness effectively reduces thermal deformation. Specifically, when the EPS board thickness increases from 30 mm to 100 mm, the thickness-direction strain decreases by approximately 73%; and when the mortar thickness increases from 5 mm to 10 mm, the interfacial strain decreases by approximately 32%. Due to differences in linear expansion coefficients, the three insulation materials exhibit distinctly different thermal deformation behaviors, with the thickness-direction strain following the order EPS > XPS > PU. These findings provide a theoretical basis and data support for material selection, structural optimization, and safety design of external wall insulation systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: A major advantage of 3D printing technology is the ability to modify drug release by adjusting formulation composition and printing parameters. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize 3D-printed tablets containing prednisolone acetate and to investigate the effects of formulation composition and printing parameters, namely infill density and pattern, on the drug release profile. Methods: Filaments composed of polyvinyl alcohol, sorbitol, and prednisolone acetate, with sodium alginate incorporated in selected formulations, were prepared using hot melt extrusion. The obtained filaments were characterized and used for the fabrication of tablets via fused deposition modeling. The resulting tablets were evaluated in terms of mass variation, dimensions, hardness, content uniformity and drug release rate. Results: The extrusion of polyvinyl alcohol and prednisolone acetate in the absence of additional excipients resulted in a defective filament, highlighting the need for sorbitol incorporation. In contrast, all other filament formulations (F2-F4) exhibited a uniform structure and homogeneous drug distribution. The 3D-printed tablets complied with pharmacopeial requirements for mass variation and content uniformity and demonstrated good precision and reproducibility in terms of dimensions and hardness. Lower infill density was associated with faster drug release, while the presence of sodium alginate resulted in slower release, particularly at higher infill percentages and with a gyroid infill pattern. Furthermore, formulations with higher sorbitol content demonstrated an increased release rate of prednisolone acetate. Conclusions: Infill density was identified as the dominant factor affecting release kinetics. Among the tested formulations, A100G (gyroid structure with 100% infill density), containing prednisolone acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, sorbitol, and sodium alginate, proved most suitable for achieving sustained drug release. Full article

Background and aim: Motor fitness is a key determinant of functional independence and healthy aging in older adults. The Motor Fitness Scale (MFS) is a simple and widely used instrument for assessing mobility, strength, and balance; however, no validated Arabic version exists. This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic MFS in a Saudi geriatric population. Methods: This cross-sectional validation study was conducted at King Saud University Medical City (2025–2026) among adults aged ≥50 years. Structural validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with a hierarchical three-factor model (mobility, strength, balance). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Discriminative validity was examined using logistic regression and ROC analysis. Results: A total of 140 participants (median age 60 years) were included. CFA supported the second-order three-factor model with good model fit (CFI = 0.986, TLI = 0.983, RMSEA = 0.038). Composite reliability ranged from 0.703 to 0.840 across subscales, and internal consistency was good (α = 0.842). Test–retest reliability was strong (r = 0.797; ICC = 0.831), with no systematic score differences over time. The MFS demonstrated moderate discriminative ability for physical activity status (AUC = 0.671), and higher MFS scores independently predicted physical activity (OR = 1.19, p = 0.007). Conclusions: The Arabic Motor Fitness Scale demonstrates good structural validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability among older adults in Saudi Arabia. The Ar-MFS is a practical and psychometrically sound instrument for assessing motor fitness and functional performance in Arabic-speaking geriatric populations. Full article

Four alloy coatings were deposited via laser cladding on EH40 steel: a Co-based coating (HG), a Ni-based coating (P0), and two Ni-based composite coatings containing 15 wt.% WC (P15) and 30 wt.% WC (P30). Their low-temperature mechanical properties—hardness, tensile strength, shear strength, and impact toughness—were systematically investigated. Hardness increased with WC content, with P30 being the hardest. HG exhibited the highest tensile strength (577 MPa), exceeding the EH40 substrate baseline. Shear tests revealed strong anisotropy: P0 was stronger longitudinally, but WC addition reversed this trend. P30 showed critically low longitudinal shear strength (187.1 MPa), while HG demonstrated high, nearly isotropic shear performance. Impact toughness decreased for all coatings at lower temperatures (−40 °C to −80 °C). P30 maintained good impact energy at −40 °C and −60 °C but suffered severe embrittlement at −80 °C, correlating with its poor longitudinal shear strength. HG offered the best balance of high strength and isotropic properties. P15 provided a reasonable compromise between enhanced hardness and retained toughness. This study highlights the critical trade-off between surface strength and bulk impact toughness for laser claddings on high-strength steel in low-temperature service. Full article

Utilizing appropriate similar materials in physical model testing is critical to ensuring an accurate simulation of the prototype mechanical behavior. For example, the physical modeling of jointed and fractured rock masses requires replicating their nonlinear mechanical characteristics. Therefore, this study develops mix proportions for a rock-like material similar to that encountered in the Xiangjiaba Hydropower Project. Based on similarity ratio analysis and mechanical testing, a jointed and fractured rock mass material was developed using a modified thin-sheet stripping method, and its nonlinear behavior was validated through mechanical experiments, numerical simulations, and distortion energy theory. The testing results of the developed similar material are as follows: (1) In specimens with single-jointed and fractured rock mass, the peak uniaxial compressive strength varies according to the joint orientation in the following order: 90° > 60° > 45° > 0° > 30°. In specimens with intersecting joints, the overall strength is primarily controlled by the orientation of the main joint, while the secondary joint plays a lesser role in further reducing the strength. (2) The analysis of distortion energy for both single-jointed and cross-jointed and fractured rock masses indicates that the crack initiation angle generally decreases with increasing joint inclination. Furthermore, at the onset of failure, the crack initiation angle in the lower part of the specimen is consistently larger than that in the upper part. The experimentally observed crack angles are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. (3) A numerical model of the jointed and fractured rock mass was developed using the PFC2D version 5.0 discrete element software. Comparing the results of the numerical simulations and mechanical tests revealed consistent failure patterns: both exhibit the typical shear-tensile composite failure modes characteristic of jointed and fractured rock masses. These findings confirm that the developed jointed and fractured rock mass similar materials realistically capture the nonlinear mechanical behavior of fractured surrounding rock, providing a reliable material basis for the physical model testing of underground caverns. Full article

Argan tree (Argania spinosa L. Skeels), an endemic Moroccan species, is widely recognized for its traditional medicinal and nutritional uses. It has long been employed to promote skin and cardiovascular health, regulate blood glucose levels, and support overall wellbeing. Traditionally, different parts of the argan tree, including argan oil, leaves, and other plant-derived preparations, have been used to manage various health conditions such as diabetes, gastritis, gastric ulcers, rheumatism, joint and muscle pain, skin disorders including acne, eczema, and inflammation, as well as wound healing and dental problems. This narrative critical review compiles and evaluates current knowledge on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of argan tree to support its evidence-based application. Relevant literature was collected from major English and French scientific databases, focusing on studies addressing the plant and its principal bioactive constituents. Ethnobotanical data indicate the extensive use of argan oil, leaves, and other plant parts in traditional remedies and dietary practices. Phytochemical investigations reveal a rich composition dominated by unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, and polyphenolic compounds. Experimental studies highlight a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and anti-obesity effects, along with emerging applications in nanotechnology. Toxicological findings generally suggest low toxicity and good safety profiles under tested conditions. Overall, A. spinosa exhibits substantial ethnopharmacological relevance and diverse bioactivities, supporting its continued exploration for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. Full article

The growing use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in hot mix asphalt (HMA) is an important practice to achieve more sustainable pavements, as it reduces the consumption and environmental impact of virgin materials. However, aging induces binder stiffening that requires effective rejuvenation to restore overall performance. This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of ten chemically different waste oils—waste engine oil (WEO), waste cooking oil (WCO), yellow grease (YG), waste hydraulic oil (WHO) waste electric transformer oil (WETO), slop oil (SO), sludge-derived bio-oil (SDBO), tire pyrolysis oil (TPO), plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO), and algal residue oil (ARO)—as recycled HMA mixture rejuvenators, linking oil composition to binder regeneration and mixture performance. Binder properties were determined by rotational viscosity (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR), whereas mixture performance was assessed in terms of Superpave mechanical properties, Hamburg wheel-tracking test (HWTT) for rutting resistance and mixture BBR for low-temperature cracking resistance. Performance grade (PG) evaluations showed that WETO and WEO restored the 50% and 75% RAP binders, respectively, to a grade close to PG 64-16 at the lowest dosages. The Superpave volumetric properties of all restored mixtures were similar to those of the control mixture, denoting corrected mixture balance and compaction level. HWTT results indicated that WETO-recycled mixtures revealed the lowest rut depth at 50% RAP, while WEO-recycled mixtures exhibited the lowest rut depth at 75% RAP after 20000 passes. Additional evidence supporting these results can be found in BBR mixture data, which demonstrated that WETO at 50% RAP and WEO/WETO at 75% RAP showed the most reduction in creep stiffness and improvement in creep rate. The correlation, regression, and PI analyses were in good agreement with the experimental results, where WETO and WEO exhibited the best overall performance at 50% and 75% RAP, respectively. In summary, these results indicate that the performance of waste oil rejuvenator in recycled HMA mixtures is highly dependent on RAP content and point to WETO and WEO as feasible, environmentally friendly options for high-RAP recycled HMA. Full article

The development of eco-friendly magnesium (Mg)-based materials that possess acceptable mechanical properties, good biodegradability, and non-toxicity in biomedical applications has become more attractive in recent years, particularly for engineering and biomedical applications. This work investigates the effects of nano-ZnO (2 wt.%) reinforcement and cryogenic treatment (CT) on the microstructural, mechanical, thermal, and corrosion behavior of a non-toxic Mg-1Zn-1Ca alloy. Disintegrated melt deposition (DMD) was the synthesis starting point, while refrigeration at −20 °C (RF20) and liquid-nitrogen exposure at −196 °C (LN) were employed as the CT methods. CT significantly refined the grain size of the alloy and composite materials by more than 31.3%, down to 4.4–4.5 μm in diameter, leading to enhanced mechanical performance through grain boundary strengthening. RF20-treated Mg-1Zn-1Ca alloy exhibited the best damping properties (attenuation coefficient and damping capacity improved by 52.1% and 48.7%, respectively). Compressive response was also improved due to the combined effect of refined grains and reinforcement, with LN-treated Mg-1Zn-1Ca-2ZnO exhibiting the best combination of compression properties, i.e., YS—165 MPa, UCS—634 MPa, ε—43.6%, and W_f—175 MJ/m³. Ignition resistance was also improved with the addition of ZnO reinforcement (3.8% increase in ignition temperature). A significant reduction in corrosion rate was achieved with RF20 treatment, leading to corrosion rate reductions of 62% and 40% in PBS (simulated human body fluid) and salt solution, respectively, primarily due to equiaxed grains and stable microstructure. These results demonstrate the efficacy of ZnO reinforcement and CT conducted at different temperatures in selectively enhancing and tailoring the properties of eco-friendly, biocompatible Mg-alloys and composites for biomedical and strength-based applications. Full article

Titanium alloys are among the most important biomaterials due to their good biocompatibility, high corrosion resistance and favourable mechanical properties. Particular interest is directed towards β-Ti alloys, whose properties can be tailored by adding β-stabilisers such as molybdenum and chromium, with the aim of developing materials suitable for biomedical applications. This paper investigates the influence of chemical composition on the phase composition, microstructure, microhardness and corrosion properties of experimental Ti-Mo-Cr alloys produced by casting. Phase composition was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), while microstructural characteristics were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that increasing the molybdenum and chromium content contributes to the stabilisation of the β-phase and reduces the proportion of α and α″ martensite. Complete stabilisation of the β-phase was achieved in the Ti-10Mo-30Cr alloy, while the Ti-10Mo-10Cr alloy showed a dominant presence of α″ martensite. EDS analysis confirmed the segregation of alloying elements during solidification. Microhardness measurements showed an increase in hardness with increasing total alloying element content, with the highest hardness measured in the Ti-20Mo-20Cr alloy. Corrosion properties were tested using open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel polarisation methods in 0.9% NaCl (sodium chloride) medium. Among the alloys investigated, Ti-20Mo-20Cr showed a favourable overall balance of electrochemical properties, while Ti-10Mo-30Cr exhibited the lowest corrosion rate. The results suggest that a balanced ratio of molybdenum and chromium plays a key role in optimising the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion performance of Ti-Mo-Cr alloys. Full article

Maintaining a conductive network is essential for achieving high energy density and long-term reliability in lithium-ion batteries. However, its stability is often compromised by structural non-uniformity, and under high-voltage operation, by the oxidative degradation of carbon-based conductive additives. To address these issues, we propose a composite cathode design that combines multi-component electrophoretic deposition (EPD) with a chemically stable Ti₄O₇ conductive oxide. The EPD conditions were systematically investigated, and an applied voltage of 100 V was identified as the standard voltage for controlling electrode loading while avoiding cracking and delamination under severe deposition conditions. The electrochemical performance of the EPD-derived electrodes depended strongly on the Ti₄O₇ content in the initial EPD suspension. Ti-0 and Ti-1, prepared from suspensions containing 0 and 1 wt% Ti₄O₇, respectively, maintained stable capacity delivery over a wide loading range, with areal capacities in good agreement with the theoretical values. In contrast, Ti-5, prepared from a suspension containing 5 wt% Ti₄O₇, exhibited significant capacity degradation and failed under high-loading conditions. High-voltage cycling over 50 cycles and impedance analysis further showed that Ti-1 exhibited better cycling behavior than Ti-0, with less pronounced resistance growth, whereas Ti-5 displayed poor cycling performance. These results suggest that multi-component EPD with an appropriate amount of Ti₄O₇ can provide a balanced hybrid conductive network for improving the relative high-voltage cycling behavior of cathodes within the tested condition. Full article