Search Results (133,197)

Background/Objectives: Studies have reported that female athletes often exhibit low levels of nutritional knowledge and inadequate dietary intake to meet their nutritional needs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a nutritional education intervention on nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, and body composition in female handball players (n = 45; age, 17.6 ± 2.1 years). Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention design was implemented, consisting of a 3-week educational program delivered through six in-person sessions led by a registered dietitian. Nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and anthropometric and body composition measurements were assessed. Results: Nutrition knowledge levels were significantly higher both immediately post-intervention and three months later compared to baseline (p < 0.05, ES > 0.8). A total of 36 participants completed a 3-day dietary record at baseline and at follow-up. Initial assessments revealed insufficient energy (31 kcal/kg/day) and carbohydrate intake (3.0 g/kg/day) and a high intake of total fats (1.4 g/kg/day). During follow-up, a significant decrease in the consumption of foods rich in sugar was observed (p = 0.0272). A total of 82.2% of the players needed to improve their adherence to the Mediterranean diet. No significant changes were found in Mediterranean diet adherence or body composition following the intervention. Conclusions: The nutritional education intervention significantly improved athletes’ nutritional knowledge and significantly decreased their consumption of sugary foods; however, further studies are needed to evaluate its impact on dietary intake and body composition, considering the study’s limitations. Full article

The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an endemic perennial plant of the Mediterranean area commonly consumed as food. It is known since ancient times for its beneficial properties for human health, among which its antioxidant activity due to polyphenolics stands out. In the frame of our ongoing studies aiming to highlight the biodiversity and the chemodiversity of natural resources, we investigated the phenolic and saponin content of the cultivar “Carciofo di Procida” collected at Procida, an island of the Gulf of Naples (Italy). Along with the edible part of the immature flower, we included in our analyses the stem and the external bracts, generally discarded for food consuming or industrial preparations. The LCMS quali-quantitative profiling of polyphenols (including anthocyanins) and cynarasaponins of this cultivar is reported for the first time. In addition to antioxidant properties, we observed a significant cytotoxic activity due to extracts from external bracts against human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines with 43% of cell viability, after 24 h from the treatment (50 μg/mL), and less potent but appreciable effects also against human colorectal adenocarcinoma CaCo-2 cells. This suggests that the different metabolite composition may be responsible for the bioactivity of extracts obtained from specific parts of artichoke and foresees a possible exploitation of the discarded material as a source of beneficial compounds. Full article

The growing need to improve the management of end-of-life vehicle (ELV) waste and mitigate its environmental impact is a global concern. One promising approach to enhancing the recyclability of these vehicles is leveraging synergies between the automotive and construction industries as part of a circular economy strategy. In this context, ELV waste emerges as a valuable source of secondary raw materials, enabling the development of sustainable innovations that capitalize on its physical and mechanical properties. This paper aims to develop and evaluate construction industry composites incorporating waste from ELV carpets, with a focus on maintaining or enhancing performance compared to conventional materials. To achieve this, an experimental program was designed to assess cementitious composites, specifically subfloor mortars, incorporating automotive carpet waste (ACW). The results demonstrate that, beyond the physical and mechanical properties of the developed composites, the dynamic stiffness significantly improved across all tested waste incorporation levels. This finding highlights the potential of these composites as an alternative material for impact noise insulation in flooring systems. From an academic perspective, this research advances knowledge on the application of ACW in cement-based composites for construction. In terms of managerial contributions, two key market opportunities emerge: (1) the commercial exploitation of composites produced with ELV carpet waste and (2) the development of a network of environmental service providers to ensure a stable waste supply chain for innovative and sustainable products. Both strategies contribute to reducing landfill disposal and mitigating the environmental impact of ELV waste, reinforcing the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Urban rail transit networks’ rapid expansions have led to increasing intersections between existing and new lines, particularly in dense urban areas where new stations must underpass existing infrastructure at zero distance. Deformation controls during construction are critical for maintaining the operational safety of existing stations, especially in soft soil conditions where construction-induced settlement poses significant risks to structural integrity. This study systematically investigates the influence mechanisms of different construction schemes on base plate deformation when an open-top UBIT (underground bundle composite pipe integrated by transverse pre-stressing) underpasses existing stations. Through precise numerical simulation using PLAXIS 3D, the research comparatively analyzed the effects of 12 pipe jacking sequences, 3 pre-stress levels (1116 MPa, 1395 MPa, 1674 MPa), and 3 soil chamber excavation schemes, revealing the mechanisms between the deformation evolution and soil unloading effects. The continuous jacking strategy of adjacent pipes forms an efficient support structure, limiting maximum settlement to 5.2 mm. Medium pre-stress level (1395 MPa) produces a balanced deformation pattern that optimizes structural performance, while excavating side chambers before the central chamber effectively utilizes soil unloading effects, achieving controlled settlement distribution with maximum values of −7.2 mm. The optimal construction combination demonstrates effective deformation control, ensuring the operational safety of existing station structures. These findings enable safer and more efficient urban underpassing construction. Full article

Direct copper-plated ceramic (DPC) substrates have emerged as a favored solution for power device packaging due to their unique technical advantages. AuSn, characterized by its high hermeticity and environmental adaptability, represents the optimal sealing technology for DPC substrates. Through the application of vacuum sintering techniques and adjustment of peak temperatures (325 °C, 340 °C, and 355 °C), the morphology and composition of interfacial compounds were systematically investigated, along with an analysis of their formation mechanisms. A gradient aging experiment was designed (125 °C/150 °C/175 °C × oxygen/argon dual atmosphere × 600 h) to elucidate the synergistic effects of environmental temperature and atmosphere on the growth of intermetallic compounds (IMCs). The results indicate that the primary reaction in the sealing weld seam involves Ni interacting with Au-Sn to form (Ni, Au)₃Sn₂ and Au₅Sn. However, upon completion of the sealing process, this reaction remains incomplete, leading to a coexistence state of (Ni, Au)₃Sn₂, Au₅Sn, and AuSn. Additionally, Ni diffuses into the weld seam center via dendritic fracture and locally forms secondary phases such as δ(Ni) and ζ’(Ni). These findings suggest that the weld seam interface exhibits a complex, irregular, and asymmetric microstructure comprising multiple coexisting compounds. It was determined that Tpeak = 325 °C to 340 °C represents the ideal welding temperature range, where the weld seam morphology, width, and Ni diffusion degree achieve optimal states, ensuring excellent device hermeticity. Aging studies further demonstrate that IMC growth remains within controllable limits. These findings address critical gaps in the understanding of the microstructural evolution and interface characteristics of asymmetric welded joints formed by multi-material systems. Full article

A method for selecting mechanical properties and geometry of reinforcing overlays to increase the strength of composite structural elements with holes has been developed. The method is based on the developed algorithm for calculating stress concentration near holes reinforced with inserted rings or glued composite reinforcing overlays. The determination of stresses near holes and overlays is reduced to solving a system of singular integral equations. The kernels of these equations are constructed using Green’s solution, which allows a reduction in the number of equations to four. It is shown that the stress concentration near holes can be significantly reduced by optimizing the thickness, elastic properties, and shape of the overlays. The stress calculations performed based on the three-dimensional theory of elasticity confirmed the reliability of the results obtained within the framework of the plane problem of an anisotropic body. The results obtained, in accordance with the concept of sustainable development, enable the develop simple methods for increasing reliability, reducing material consumption, and reducing the manufacturing and operating costs of composite structures in the aerospace and mechanical engineering industries. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the aetiology of IBD remains largely unknown, several studies suggest that an individual’s genetic susceptibility, external environmental factors, intestinal microbial flora, and immune responses are all factors involved in and functionally linked to the pathogenesis of IBD. Beyond the gastrointestinal manifestations, IBD patients frequently suffer from psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression and anxiety. It remains unclear whether these disorders arise solely from reduced quality of life or whether they share overlapping biological mechanisms with IBD. This review aims to explore the bidirectional relationship between IBD and depressive disorders (DDs), with a focus on four key shared mechanisms: immune dysregulation, genetic susceptibility, alterations in gut microbiota composition, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. By examining recent literature, we highlight how these interconnected systems may contribute to both intestinal inflammation and mood disturbances. Furthermore, we discuss the reciprocal pharmacologic interactions between IBD and DDs: treatments for IBD, such as TNF-alpha and integrin inhibitors, have demonstrated effects on mood and anxiety symptoms, while certain antidepressants appear to exert independent anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk or severity of IBD. Overall, this review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of IBD patients, integrating psychological and gastroenterological assessment. A better understanding of the shared pathophysiology may help refine therapeutic strategies and support the development of personalized, gut–brain-targeted interventions. Full article

Nanotechnologies bring a rapid paradigm shift in hard and soft bone tissue regeneration (BTR) through unprecedented control over the nanoscale structures and chemistry of biocompatible materials to regenerate the intricate architecture and functional adaptability of bone. This review focuses on the transformative analyses and prospects of current and next-generation nanomaterials in designing bioactive bone scaffolds, emphasizing hierarchical architecture, mechanical resilience, and regenerative precision. Mainly, this review elucidated the innovative findings, new capabilities, unmet challenges, and possible future opportunities associated with biocompatible inorganic ceramics (e.g., phosphates, metallic oxides) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved synthetic polymers, including their nanoscale structures. Furthermore, this review demonstrates the newly available approaches for achieving customized standard porosity, mechanical strengths, and accelerated bioactivity to construct an optimized nanomaterial-oriented scaffold. Numerous strategies including three-dimensional bioprinting, electro-spinning techniques and meticulous nanomaterials (NMs) fabrication are well established to achieve radical scientific precision in BTR engineering. The contemporary research is unceasingly decoding the pathways for spatial and temporal release of osteoinductive agents to enhance targeted therapy and prompt healing processes. Additionally, successful material design and integration of an osteoinductive and osteoconductive agents with the blend of contemporary technologies will bring radical success in this field. Furthermore, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) can further decode the current complexities of material design for BTR, notwithstanding the fact that these methods call for an in-depth understanding of bone composition, relationships and impacts on biochemical processes, distribution of stem cells on the matrix, and functionalization strategies of NMs for better scaffold development. Overall, this review integrated important technological progress with ethical considerations, aiming for a future where nanotechnology-facilitated bone regeneration is boosted by enhanced functionality, safety, inclusivity, and long-term environmental responsibility. Therefore, the assimilation of a specialized research design, while upholding ethical standards, will elucidate the challenge and questions we are presently encountering. Full article

To enhance the bearing capacity of cable–pylon anchorage zones in cable-stayed bridges, this paper proposes the integral steel wall plate (IWP) structure and investigates the structural performance of its application in anchorage zones with a steel anchor beam and with a steel anchor box. The proposed structure contains an end plate, a surface plate, and several perforated side plates, forming steel cabins that encase the concrete pylon wall, where the steel and concrete are connected by perfobond connectors on side plates. A half-scaled experiment and a finite element analysis were first conducted on the IWP with the steel anchor beam to study the deformation at the steel–concrete interface, as well as the stress distribution in steel plates and rebars. The results were compared with experimental data of a conventional type of anchorage zone. Then, finite element models of anchorages with steel anchor boxes were established based on the geometries of an as-built bridge, and the performance of the IWP structure was compared with conventional details. Finally, the effects of plate thickness and connector arrangement were investigated. Results show that the proposed IWP structure offers excellent performance when applied with an anchor beam or anchor box, and it can effectively reduce principal tensile stress on the concrete pylon wall compared with conventional anchorage details. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different additives on the microbial composition, fermentation quality, and bacterial community structure of big-bale Leymus chinensis silage. An experiment was set up with four treatment groups: a control (C) group, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L) group, molasses (M) group, and L. rhamnosus + molasses (LM) group, with three replications per group, and L. chinensis silages were fermented for 20 and 40 days. The lactic acid, acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol, and propionic acid contents increased, and pH, butyric acid, 1-propanol, and ethanol contents decreased in the L, M, and LM groups compared to the C group. In the LM group, the number of lactic acid bacteria was the highest, while the pH was the lowest. Enterobacter and Paucibacter were the main dominant genera in the C group. The addition of L. rhamnosus and molasses increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Weissella, and Enterococcus. Lactobacillus abundance correlated positively (p < 0.01) with Lactococcus, Enterococcus, and Weissella and correlated negatively with Enterobacter and Paucibacter. Conversely, Enterobacter and Paucibacter showed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.01, R = 0.55) during fermentation. Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Weissella were positively associated (p < 0.01) with acetic and lactic acid levels, while Enterobacter abundance was correlated positively (p < 0.05, R = 0.43) with 1,2-propanediol content. In summary, the addition of both L. rhamnosus and molasses improved the fermentation quality and bacterial community structure of big-bale L. chinensis silage. In addition to inhibiting harmful microorganisms, this combination improved the fermentation products of big-bale L. chinensis silage through microbial regulation. Full article

This study aimed to develop an innovative resin composite with anti-biofouling properties, tailored to prosthesis fabrication in dentistry using a digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printing technique. The resin composite was formulated using a blend of dental monomers, with the integration of 2-methacryloyloxylethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) with anti-biofouling behavior and γ-MPS-treated silica-zirconia powder for simultaneous mechanical reinforcement. The overall characterization of the resin composite was carried out using various contents of MPC incorporated into the resin (0–7 wt%) for examining the rheological behavior, photopolymerization, flexural strength/modulus, microstructure and anti-biofouling efficiency. The resin composite demonstrated a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion (97.4% for E. coli and 86.5% for S. aureus) and protein adsorption (reduced OD value from 1.3 ± 0.4 to 0.8 ± 0.2) with 7 wt% of MPC incorporation, without interfering with photopolymerization to demonstrate potential suitability for 3D printing without issues (p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). The incorporation and optimization of γ-MPS-treated silica-zirconia powder (10–40 vol%) enhanced mechanical properties, leading to a reasonable flexural strength (103.4 ± 6.1 MPa) and a flexural modulus (4.3 ± 0.4 GPa) at 30 vol% (n = 6). However, a further increase to 40 vol% resulted in a reduction in flexural strength and modulus; nevertheless, the results were above ISO 10477 standards for dental materials. Full article

Long-range underwater gliders (LRUGs) have emerged as essential platforms for sustained and autonomous observation in deep and remote marine environments. This paper provides a comprehensive review of their developmental status, performance characteristics, and application progress. Emphasis is placed on two critical enabling technologies that fundamentally determine endurance: lightweight, pressure-resistant hull structures and high-efficiency buoyancy-driven propulsion systems. First, the role of carbon fiber composite pressure hulls in enhancing energy capacity and structural integrity is examined, with attention to material selection, fabrication methods, compressibility compatibility, and antifouling resistance. Second, the evolution of buoyancy control systems is analyzed, covering the transition to hybrid active–passive architectures, rapid-response actuators based on smart materials, thermohaline energy harvesting, and energy recovery mechanisms. Based on this analysis, the paper identifies four key technical challenges and proposes strategic research directions, including the development of ultralight, high-strength structural materials; integrated multi-mechanism antifouling technologies; energy-optimized coordinated buoyancy systems; and thermally adaptive glider platforms. Achieving a system architecture with ultra-long endurance, enhanced energy efficiency, and robust environmental adaptability is anticipated to be a foundational enabler for future long-duration missions and globally distributed underwater glider networks. Full article

Climate change has a significant negative impact on agriculture and food production. This trend requires technological development and the adaptation of new technologies in both the grapevine production and winemaking sectors. High temperatures and heat accumulation during the growing season result in faster ripening and a higher sugar content, leading to a higher alcohol content during fermentation. The negative consequences are an imbalanced wine character and consumer reluctance, as lower alcoholic beverages are now in high demand. Over the last decade, several methods have been developed to handle this impact and reduce the alcohol content of wines. In this study, we used the MASTERMIND^® REMOVE membrane-based dealcoholization system to reduce the alcohol concentration in of Pinot gris wines from 12.02% v/v to 10.69% v/v and to investigate the effect on analytical parameters in three steps (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% reductions) along the treatment. To evaluate the impact of the partial alcohol reduction and identify correlations between the wine chemical parameters, data were analyzed with ANOVA, PCA, multivariate linear regression and cluster analysis. The results showed that except for the extract, sugar content and proline content, the treatment had a significant effect on the chemical parameters. Both free and total SO₂ levels were significantly reduced as well as volatile acid, glycerol and succinic acid levels. It must be highlighted that some parameters were not differing significantly between the untreated and the final wine, while the change was statistically verified in the intermediate steps of the partial alcohol reduction. This was the case for example for n-Propanol, i-Amylalcohol, Acetaldehyde, and Ethyl acetate. The multivariate linear regression model explained 18.84% of the total variance, indicating a modest but meaningful relationship between the alcohol content and the investigated analytical parameters. Our results showed that even if the applied instrument significantly modified some of the wine chemical parameters, those changes would not influence significantly the wine sensory attributes. Full article

Background. Physicomechanical properties and clinical service of bulk-fill composites depend on their adequate polymerization and depth of cure. Some manufacturers claim that these composites can be adequately cured when used in bulks exceeding 4 mm. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare Vickers microhardness (VMH) and depth of cure (DOC) of six contemporary bulk-fill resin composites at depths of 4 mm and 6 mm. Material and methods. Six bulk-fill composites were evaluated in this study: 1. Tetric EvoCeram Bulk (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), (TEC); 2. Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA), (FBF); 3. Filtek One Bulk Fill (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA, (FOB); 4. SonicFill 2 (Kerr, Orange, CA, USA), (SF2); 5. Admira Fusion X-tra (Voco, GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), (AFX); 6. GrandioSO X-tra (Voco, GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), (GSX). The 18 specimens (3 of each composite) were prepared in split Teflon moulds of 4 mm diameter and 6 mm thickness. All composites were cured in standard mode for 20 s using LED LCU (D-Light Duo, RF-Pharmaceuticals Sarl, Geneva, Switzerland; 1200–1300 mW/cm). The VMH was measured using a digital Micro Hardness Tester Shimadzu (HMV-2T E, Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan). A 50 g (0.5 N) load force was applied for 30 s. Each specimen was measured at five places selected by chance at each level (N = 15). The hardness ratio or DOC was calculated for all samples as the ratio of bottom and surface microhardness at levels of 4 and 6 mm. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results. Significant reduction in VMH was observed for all tested materials when comparing top surface and bottom (p < 0.01). The highest VMH was obtained for GSX and AFX, and the lowest for TEC. The results show that the degree of polymerization was adequate for all tested materials at a depth of 6 mm, since the hardness ratio exceeded 0.80 in all cases. The hardness ratio at 4 mm was high for all tested composites ranging from 0.91 for TEC to 0.98 for GSX. All composites showed adequate DOC at the bottom of the 6 mm bulk samples. However, the hardness ratio was the highest for Admira Fusion X-tra (0.96) and GrandioSO X-tra (0.97). Conclusions. All tested materials showed a significant decrease in microhardness from the top surface to the bottom. The DOC was adequate for all bulk-fill composites at a depth of 6 mm cured under standard mode for 20 s. All bulk-fill resin composites evaluated in this study can be used in bulk, up to 6 mm. Full article

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) taxa, glomalin protein, and hyphal density are potential indicators of soil functionality of temperate grasslands in marginal environments subject to grazing over the years. This study evaluated how the AMF community composition, glomalin protein, and hyphal density vary in response to grazing intensity (low or high) and seasonality (spring and autumn) in sodic soils of Argentinian temperate grasslands. The AMF community was dominated by Glomeraceae species. Funneliformis geosporus and Glomus brohultii were the most abundant in both seasons and all grasslands. No AMF species were associated with a particular grazing intensity. However, Entrophospora etunicata, Glomus fuegianum, Septoglomus constrictum, and Acaulospora sp. occurred only in spring, and no species were exclusive to autumn. Hyphal density was highest in grasslands with low grazing intensity and can be considered an indicator of soil functionality. Glomalin protein was the highest in spring in all grasslands. The lower grazing intensity in grasslands with poor livestock control showed no changes in AMF diversity. The AMF community showed high adaptation to soil conditions, indicating high resilience. We concluded that longer periods of controlled grazing management are needed to improve soil conditions and, consequently, change the AMF species composition. Full article