Search Results (79)

Background: BDE-47, a pervasive environmental pollutant detected in >90% of human serum samples, is increasingly linked to metabolic disorders. This study investigates the specific impact of BDE-47 exposure on the gut microbiota in prediabetic mice and evaluates the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in mitigating these effects. Objectives: To determine whether BDE-47 exposure induces diabetogenic dysbiosis in prediabetic mice and to assess whether dietary interventions, such as grape exosomes and an antioxidant cocktail, can restore a healthy microbiota composition and mitigate diabetes risk. Methods: In this study, a prediabetic mouse model was established in 54 male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice through a combination of high-sugar and high-fat diet feeding with streptozotocin injection. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were conducted on day 7 and day 21 post-modeling to assess the establishment of the model. The criteria for successful model induction were defined as fasting blood glucose levels below 7.8 mmol/L and 2 h postprandial glucose levels between 7.8 and 11.1 mmol/L. Following confirmation of model success, a 3 × 3 factorial design was applied to allocate the experimental animals into groups based on two independent factors: BDE-47 exposure and exosome intervention. The BDE-47 exposure factor consisted of three dose levels—none, high-dose, and medium-dose—while the exosome intervention factor included three modalities—none, Antioxidant Nutrients Intervention, and Grape Exosomes Intervention. Fresh fecal samples were collected from mice two days prior to sacrifice. Cecal contents and segments of the small intestine were collected and transferred into 1.5 mL cryotubes. All sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on defined similarity thresholds. To compare means across multiple groups, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed. The significance level was predefined at α = 0.05, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Bar charts and line graphs were generated using GraphPad Prism version 9.0 software, while statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: The results of 16S rDNA sequencing analysis of the microbiome showed that there was no difference in the α diversity of the intestinal microbiota in each group of mice (p > 0.05), but there was a difference in the Beta diversity (p < 0.05). At the gate level, the abundances of Proteobacteria, Campylobacterota, Desulfobacterota, and Fusobacteriota in the medium-dose BDE-7 group were higher than those in the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Patellar bacteria was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundances of Proteobacteria and Campylobacterota in the high-dose BDE-7 group were higher than those in the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Planctomycetota and Patescibacteria was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Campylobacterota in the grape exosome group was higher than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Patescibacteria was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Firmicutes and Fusobacteriota in the antioxidant nutrient group was higher than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). However, the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota and Patescibacteria was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundances of Bacteroides and unclassified Lachnospiraceae in the high-dose BDE-7 group were higher than those in the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136_group and Lactobacillus was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Veillonella and Helicobacter in the medium-dose BDE-7 group was higher than that in the model control group (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Lactobacillus was lower (p < 0.05). The abundance of genera such as Lentilactobacillus and Faecalibacterium in the grape exosome group was higher than that in the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Alloprevotella and Bacteroides was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). In the antioxidant nutrient group, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Hydrogenophaga was higher than that in the model control group (p < 0.05). However, the abundance of Akkermansia and Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002 was significantly lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: BDE-47 induces diabetogenic dysbiosis in prediabetic mice, which is reversible by dietary interventions. These findings suggest that microbiota-targeted strategies may effectively mitigate the diabetes risk associated with environmental pollutant exposure. Future studies should further explore the mechanisms underlying these microbiota changes and the long-term health benefits of such interventions. Full article

This study aimed to assess the use of selected raw materials, such as whole-grain oat flakes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds, to obtain bars using baking and drying methods. Modifying the bars’ composition involved selecting the fibre preparation, replacing water with NFC juice, and using fresh apple juice and apple pomace. The Psyllium fibre preparation, also in the form of a mixture with apple fibre, was the most useful in dough cohesion and the quality of the bars. Baked bars were characterised by higher sensory quality than those obtained by drying. Microwave–convection drying was a good alternative to baking, primarily due to the lower temperature resulting in a lower acrylamide content and comparable product quality. The basic grain ingredients and fibre preparations mainly shaped the nutritional and energy value and the sensory and microbiological quality. Modifying the recipe using NFC or fresh juice and apple pomace allowed the bars to develop new properties and quality characteristics. The use of NFC juices resulted in a reduction in the pH of the bars, which is associated with a higher microbiological quality of the bars. All bars had low acrylamide content, significantly lower than the permissible level. Using fresh pomace or fibre preparations made from by-products is a possibility to increase the fibre content in the bars and a method of managing by-products. Full article

Mechanical–biological treatment plants face challenges in effectively separating organic fractions from residual municipal solid waste for biological treatment. This study investigates the optimization measures carried out at the Erbenschwang MBT facility, which transitioned from solely aerobic treatment to integrated anaerobic digestion using a screw press. This study focused on evaluating the efficiency of each mechanical pretreatment step by investigating the composition of the residual waste, organic fraction recovery rate, and screw press performance in recovering organic material and biogas to press water. The results showed that 92% of the organic material from the residual waste was recovered into fine fractions after shredding and trommel screening. The pressing experiments produced high-quality press water with less than 3% inert material (0.063–4 mm size). Mass balance analysis revealed that 47% of the input fresh mass was separated into press water, corresponding to 24% of the volatile solids recovered. Biogas yield tests showed that the press water had a biogas potential of 416 m³/ton VS, recovering 38% of the total biogas potential. In simple terms, the screw press produced 32 m³ of biogas per ton of mechanically separated fine fractions and 20 m³ per ton of input residual waste. This low-pressure, single-step screw press efficiently and cost-effectively prepares anaerobic digestion feedstock, making it a promising optimization for both existing and new facilities. The operational configuration of the screw press remains an underexplored area in current research. Therefore, further studies are needed to systematically evaluate key parameters such as screw press pressure (bar), liquid-to-waste (L/ton), and feed rate (ton/h). Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven the exploration of alternatives to traditional cement-based concrete. In this context, this study investigates a cement-less material, specifically an alkali-activated or geopolymer concrete (GPC), which presents potential environmental benefits. The material has been characterized with respect to both its fresh and hardened properties, providing groundwork for future structural applications. A key focus of the research is the bond behavior between GPC and reinforcing bars, including both steel and non-metallic fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars. The use of non-metallic bars is particularly relevant as they offer the potential to enhance the durability of structures by mitigating issues such as corrosion. Current research lacks comprehensive studies on factors affecting stress transfer at the GPC-reinforcing bar interface, such as bar diameter, bond length, and surface finish. This study aims to expand knowledge on the bond between GPC and steel/FRP rebars through experimental and analytical approaches. The tests, which included different bar types and bond lengths, showed that GPC exhibited similar bond behavior with steel and ribbed glass FRP bars in terms of bond strength and stress-slip curves. The results indicate that GPC exhibits comparable bond strength and stress-slip behavior when reinforced with either steel or ribbed glass FRP bars. Full article

The extension of shelf-life and enhancement of the safety and quality of fresh-cut ready-to-eat vegetables is an ongoing public health concern. The present study investigated the efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment for the decontamination of fresh-cut carrots inoculated with Escherichia coli. An atmospheric plasma jet system operating at 1 kVA was utilized for treatment with varying plasma jet nozzle to sample distances (10–40 mm), exposure times (10–60 s) and either argon or dry air at 3 bar as working gases. It was demonstrated that both working gases achieved more than 4 log reductions in E. coli within 60 s of treatment while maintaining carrot surface temperatures below 50 °C. During 3-week storage at 4 °C, the immediate effects of plasma treatment on quality parameters were found to be minimal, with no significant changes observed in color (ΔE < 3.0) parameters, β-carotene content, ascorbic acid levels, total phenolic content (TPC), or total antioxidant activity (TAA) following either treatment. Additionally, plasma-treated carrots retained their firmness, showing no significant texture loss, whereas untreated controls experienced a firmness decline of approximately 9% by the end of storage. Notably, TPC increased by up to 41%, and TAA increased significantly (p < 0.05) in plasma-treated samples during storage, especially in dry air plasma-treated carrots. These results demonstrated that CAP treatment can be successfully applied for rapid inactivation of E. coli on fresh-cut carrot surfaces while preserving original quality characteristics during refrigerated storage, offering potential as non-thermal preservation technology for fresh produce. Full article

The research presented in this article seeks to identify the possible causes of reinforcement shadows (RS) on the surface of concrete test specimen produced under laboratory conditions. Different hypotheses about RS were selected based on factory practices and simulated in the study. The test specimens were cast horizontally in contact with steel form-facing surfaces coated with a water-soluble release agent. In addition, two scenarios were analysed during specimen production: reinforcing mesh was fixed using plastic spacers or tie wire. The analysis of the reinforcement shadows was based on visual inspection, taking photos, surface moisture content measurements, and colour variation analysis using the Natural Colour System. It was concluded that RS, which are typically characterized by darker lines, can be defined by the percentage of black colour present in the shadowed area compared to the percentage of black colour in the surrounding area. This percentage can be quickly assessed on a factory scale using digital colour readers that provide timely information. The reduced concrete cover thickness from 35 mm to 10 mm revealed light horizontal dark lines on the exposed surface. It was hypothesised that the gap of less than 10 mm between the reinforcing bars and the steel form-facing plate, along with the sieving effect of the fresh concrete, can retard the cement paste hydration process, resulting in unhydrated ferrite phases that contribute to the dark colour of the unhydrated cement. The release agent sprayed on the steel form-facing surface straight through the reinforcing mesh created a RS effect of the reinforcement on the exposed concrete surface. The absence of a release agent under steel rebars decreased the wettability at the interface between the formwork and fresh concrete, resulting in dark lines during the curing process. It is important to avoid such cases when manufacturing precast reinforced concrete elements. Quantitatively assessing RS and proposing a standardized method for calculation and categorization could be a new research direction in the future. Full article

The aim of this experimental study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a new strengthening system for reinforced concrete slabs employing external jackets consisting of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced-concrete (UHPFRC) and mechanical anchor systems. The issue of debonding between old and fresh concrete layers, as well as the efficiency of utilizing CFRP rods, is the primary challenge of applying the UHPFRC jackets with embedded CFRP rods. In this study, we propose a novel retrofitting technique for implementing a mechanical anchor system to improve the binding of fresh UHPFRC jackets with old RC slabs. An experimental test was conducted by subjecting three slabs to cyclic loads by utilizing a dynamic actuator: a reference slab, a retrofitted slab with an external UHPFRC layer, and a retrofitted slab with an external UHPFRC layer incorporating CFRP bars. Furthermore, finite element models (FEMs) were utilized to investigate the responses of the retrofitted slabs and compare the novel method with traditional strengthening techniques, including near-surface-mounted (NSM) CFRP rods, externally bonded CFRP strips, and epoxy-bonded UHPFRC jackets, as well as two models that were the same as the experimental strengthened slab specimens except for the fact that they did not have a mechanical anchor system. Additionally, analytical mechanistic models were employed to determine the flexural moment capacity of the RC slabs. The experimental findings demonstrated that the proposed strengthening strategy considerably prevented premature debonding and enhanced the maximum load of retrofitted RC slabs by over 82%. Also, the FEM and analytical results are significantly consistent with the experimental outcomes. In conclusion, the newly suggested strengthening technique is a reliable system for enhancing the efficacy of slabs, effectively preventing early debonding between existing and new components. Full article

Global fish consumption has steadily increased; however, fishery products are difficult to preserve. Active packaging has emerged as an alternative to improve its conservation. In this work, fresh hake fillets were packaged in commercial polylactic acid films impregnated with olive leaf extract using supercritical CO₂. The impregnation was performed at 35 °C and 400 bar for 1 h. The ABTS assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity, and migration tests were performed using food simulants A and D2 for 10 days at 5 °C. The fresh fillets were packaged in impregnated and control films and stored for 12 days at 4 °C. The microbiological, physical (drip loss, a_w, pH, and color) and chemical parameters (total volatile base and trimethylamine) were analyzed. The impregnated films presented a 706 μg extract mg⁻¹ polymer, showing a 2-fold extract release using food simulant D2 than simulant A. After hake storage using impregnated films, reduced microbial count, and drip loss, maintaining the pH stability was obtained. The color turned yellowish and no detectable olfactory presence of the extract was noted. The chemical parameters were similar in both types of films. The proposed biodegradable packaging with olive by-products preserves moisture and controls microbial growth, representing an eco-friendly alternative. Full article

With the growing use of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for underwater exploration, efficient wireless charging solutions like inductive power transfer (IPT) are crucial for addressing power limitations. This paper presents a novel IPT system for USVs and introduces a systematic design approach for optimizing magnetic couplers. The proposed design addresses three critical challenges: misalignment tolerance, lightweight construction, and thermal safety, which are intricately linked through a magnetic field. In terms of misalignment, this paper demonstrates that the coil length is a key factor in determining misalignment tolerance. For a lightweight design, replacing the ferrite plate with ferrite bars can significantly reduce the weight of the coupler without causing core saturation. The design is further validated through a two-way coupled electromagnetic–thermal simulation. The results reveal that, with proper thermal management, the system avoids thermal risks in underwater environments compared to air. Finally, a 3 kW prototype is constructed and tested in fresh water, achieving 55 V and 50 A wireless charging at an 85.7% full-load dc-to-dc efficiency, thus confirming the practicality and performance of the design. Full article

Colombian goldenberries that do not reach sufficient quality for export are exposed to waste, so the search for processes that provide added value while guaranteeing the conservation of this fruit is paramount. Thus, snacks by vacuum frying from goldenberries (Physalis peruviana L.) with low export quality were made. Goldenberry slices previously subjected to ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration were used for this purpose. Response surface methodology with different levels of temperature (110 °C and 130 °C), vacuum pressure (0.3 bar and 0.5 bar), and time (2 min and 6 min) was used to optimize the process. At optimal vacuum frying conditions (i.e., 108 °C, 0.5 bar, and 5.5 min), snacks with lower (p ≤ 0.05) oil content were produced, compared to atmospheric frying chips. The optimized snacks had 9% oil, 7% moisture, ΔE of 13 (with respect to fresh fruit), a_w of 0.3, and hardness of 14 N. The kinetics and modeling of moisture loss and oil uptake were performed under optimal conditions, obtaining the best fit with the Page (R² = 99%) and the first-order (R² = 96%) models, respectively. There was a clear correlation between oil uptake and moisture loss, as the highest oil retention in the product took place when the product had lost the greatest amount of water; therefore, the low initial moisture in the product due to pretreatment resulted in lower oil uptake in it. The obtained goldenberry snack showed adequate physicochemical properties, and the pretreatment yielded a product with much healthier characteristics (i.e., lower oil content, and therefore, a lower caloric intake); so, the proposed process could represent an alternative to the processing of low-export quality Colombian goldenberries. Full article

Using a pilot-scale chamber with an interior capacity of 340 L, European aspen (Populus tremula) wood boards were thermally modified (TM) under pressure in nitrogen at a maximum temperature of 160–170 °C, for 60–180 min, and with an initial nitrogen pressure of 4–5 bar. After the TM process, aspen wood was characterised by dimensional changes, mass loss (ML), equilibrium moisture content (EMC), antiswelling efficiency (ASE), cell wall total water capacity (CWTWC), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and Brinell hardness (BH). This work offers fresh insights into the characteristics of aspen wood following a closed TM process in pressurised nitrogen. TM caused ML of 5.4–14.5% and shrinkage in all anatomic directions. The ASE ranged from 22 to 70%, while the CWTWC was reduced from 35% to 11–27%. After treatment, EMC and volumetric swelling (VS) were more than twice as low as in untreated wood. Although MOE values increased and the average MOR reduced following TM, the changes were not important. The TM aspen wood tangential surface’s BH dropped and was noticeably lower than the radial surface’s BH. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the most common global diseases, with an ever-growing need for prevention and treatment solutions. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) offers a good source of fiber, minerals, bioavailable calcium, unsaturated fatty acids, prebiotic carbohydrates, vitamins, health-promoting secondary plant metabolites, as well as higher amounts of proteins and essential amino acids compared to other vegetables. The objective of this study was to investigate whether daily intake of freeze-dried kale powder can provide health benefits for T2D patients vs. placebo. Methods: This study was designed as a 12-week, blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Thirty T2D patients were randomly assigned to either a placebo bar (control) or a kale bar (intervention). Participants in the intervention group were instructed to consume three bars/day, each containing 26.25 g of freeze-dried kale (corresponding to approx. 341 g fresh kale/day). At baseline and 12 weeks, all participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), 24 h blood pressure measurements, DEXA scans, and fasted blood samples were taken. Results: A significant reduction in HbA1c, insulin resistance, body weight, and calorie intake was observed in the intervention group compared to control. Positive trends were detected in fasted blood glucose and LDL-cholesterol for those in the kale intervention group. No significant differences were found in total body fat mass and area under the curve glucose 240 min OGTT. Conclusions: Given the positive effects of high daily kale intake observed in this study, further research with a larger sample size is needed to better understand the health benefits of kale bars. This could potentially lead to new dietary recommendations for patients with T2D. Full article

This paper investigates the impact of element size on the microstructure of the steel–concrete interface in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Experiments were conducted on two types of test elements: a deep beam measuring 1440 × 640 × 160 mm and a wall element measuring 2240 × 1600 × 160 mm. The SCC mix was consistently pumped from the top, using a single casting point located near the formwork’s edge. Horizontal steel ribbed rebars with a diameter of 16 mm were embedded in these elements. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was employed to provide three-dimensional insights into the microstructure of the rebar-to-concrete interface. An analysis of X-ray CT images from core samples revealed that the microstructure of this interface is influenced by the distance of the specimen from the mix casting point and its vertical position within the element. The combined effects of bleeding, air-pore entrapment, and plastic settlement within the SCI were observed under the top rebars. Their extent was independent of the type of element analyzed, suggesting that the deterioration of the SCI is related to the distance from the top surface of the element. These results elucidate phenomena occurring during the fresh state of concrete near reinforcing bars and their implications for bond properties. To date, some of the standards differentiate between bond conditions according to the depth of concrete beneath the rebar. In the view of the studies, this approach may be unduly rigorous. The findings offer valuable guidance for reinforced concrete execution and design. Full article

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is widely used in large-scale bridges, and its durability in coastal areas has become a significant concern. Straw fibers have been evidenced to improve the mechanical properties of concrete, while research on their influence on the chloride corrosion resistance of RPC is deficient. Therefore, it is essential to establish the relationships between the quantities and parameters of straw fibers and the properties of the resulting concrete. In this study, the mass loss rates (MLRs), the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME), the electrical resistance (R), the AC impedance spectrum (ACIS), and the corrosion rates of steel-bar-reinforced RPC mixed with 0%–4% straw fibers by volume of RPC were investigated. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the corrosion of steel bars. The reinforced RPC specimens were exposed to a 3% NaCl dry-wet alternations (D-As) and 3% NaCl freeze-thaw cycles (F-Cs) environment. The results show that, after adding 1%–4% straw fibers, the setting time and slump flow of fresh RPC were reduced by up to 16.92% and 12.89%. The MLRs were −0.44%–0.43% and −0.38%–0.42%, respectively, during the D-As and F-Cs. The relationship between the RDME and the fiber volume ratio was the quadratic function, and it was improved by 9.34%–13.94% and 3.01%–5.26% after 10 D-As and 100 F-Cs, respectively. Incorporating 4% straw fibers reduced the R values of the reinforced RPC specimens by up to 22.90% and decreased the corrosion rates after 10 D-As and 100 F-Cs by 26.08% and 82.29%, respectively. The impedance value was also increased. Moreover, a dense, ultra-fine iron layer and α-FeO(OH) were observed in the rust of rebars by SEM and XRD, as the corrosion resistance of rebars was enhanced. The results indicate that straw fibers improved the corrosion resistance of RPC, which can serve as a protective material to inhibit concrete cracking and thereby prevent rebar oxidation. This study provides theoretical support for the investigation of surface phenomena in reinforced RPC with straw fibers. Full article

The application of low-pressure nanofiltration (NF) was investigated for three different applications: water reuse from acid mine drainage (AMD), surface water containing natural organic matter (NOM) and agricultural reuse of microfiltered biologically treated sewage effluent (MF-BTSE). AMD contains many valuable rare earth elements (REEs) and copper (Cu) that can be recovered with fresh water. The NF90 membrane was investigated for recovery of fresh water from synthetic AMD. A steady permeate flux of 15.5 ± 0.2 L/m²h was achieved for pretreated AMD with over 98% solute rejection. NF90 achieved a high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) rejection of 95% from surface water containing NOM where 80% of the organic fraction was hydrophilic, mainly humics. The NF process maintained a high permeate flux of 52 LMH at 4 bars. The MF-BTSE was treated by NTR-729HF for agricultural reuse. NTR-729HF membranes were capable of rejecting DOC and inorganics such as sulfates and divalent ions (SO₄²⁻, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) from MF-BTSE, with less than 20% rejection of monovalent (Na⁺ and Cl⁻) ions. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was significantly reduced from 39 to 14 after treatment through NTR-729HF at 4 bar. The resulting water was found to be suitable to irrigate salt-sensitive crops. Full article