Search Results (260)

This paper investigates the cultural, spiritual, and ecological use and value of fish by-products in the material practices of Alaska Native (Indigenous Peoples are the descendants of the populations who inhabited a geographical region at the time of colonisation and who retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural, and political institutions. In this paper, I use the terms “Indigenous” and “Native” interchangeably. In some countries, one of these terms may be favoured over the other.) and Greenlandic Inuit women. It aims to uncover how fish remnants—skins, bones, bladders, vertebrae, and otoliths—were transformed through tanning, dyeing, and sewing into garments, containers, tools, oils, glues, and adornments, reflecting sustainable systems of knowledge production rooted in Arctic Indigenous lifeways. Drawing on interdisciplinary methods combining Indigenist research, ethnographic records, and sustainability studies, the research contextualises these practices within broader environmental, spiritual, and social frameworks. The findings demonstrate that fish-based technologies were not merely utilitarian but also carried symbolic meanings, linking wearers to ancestral spirits, animal kin, and the marine environment. These traditions persisted even after European contact and the introduction of glass trade beads, reflecting continuity and cultural adaptability. The paper contributes to academic discourse on Indigenous innovation and environmental humanities by offering a culturally grounded model of zero-waste practice and reciprocal ecology. It argues that such ancestral technologies are directly relevant to contemporary sustainability debates in fashion and material design. By documenting these underexamined histories, the study provides valuable insight into Indigenous resilience and offers a critical framework for integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into current sustainability practices. Full article

Recently, 3D-printed resins have been introduced as materials for definitive indirect restorations. Herein, a comparative assessment of the bond strengths of 3D-printed resins to a resin cement was performed. Methods: four definitive restorative materials were selected, i.e., a Feldspar ceramic (VITA Mark II, VM), a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (VITA Enamic, VE), a nanohybrid resin composite (Grandio Bloc, GB), and one 3D-printed resin (Crown Permanent, CP). VM and VE were etched and silanized, GB was sandblasted, and CP was glass bead blasted; for one further experimental group, this was followed by sandblasting (CPs). A resin cement (RelyX Unicem) was then used for bonding, and then a notched shear bond strength test (nSBS) was performed. Failure modes were observed and classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed, and SEM representative images were taken. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA, Tukey, and Chi-square tests. Significant differences were detected in nSBS among materials (p < 0.001). The highest nSBS was found in VM (30.3 ± 1.8 MPa) a, followed by CP^b, GB^bc, CP^bc, and VE^c. Failure modes were significantly different (p < 0.001), and with different prevalent failure modes. The bond strength for 3D-printed permanent resin materials was shown to be lower than that of the felspathic ceramic but comparable to that of the resin block and PICN substrates. Full article

Glass microspheres are essential components in horizontal road markings due to their retroreflective properties, enhancing visibility and safety under low-light conditions. Traditionally produced from soda-lime glass made with high-purity silica from sand, their manufacturing raises environmental concerns amid growing global sand scarcity. This study explores the viability of rice husk ash (RHA)—a high-silica byproduct of rice processing—as a sustainable raw material for microsphere fabrication. A glass composition containing 70 wt% SiO₂ was formulated using RHA and melted at 1500 °C. Microspheres were produced through flame spheroidization and characterized following the Brazilian standard NBR 16184:2021 for Type IB beads. The RHA-derived microspheres exhibited high sphericity, appropriate size distribution (63–300 μm), density of 2.42 g/cm³, and the required acid resistance. UV-Vis analysis confirmed their optical transparency, and the refractive index was measured as 1.55 ± 0.03. Retroreflectivity tests under standardized conditions revealed performance comparable to commercial counterparts. These results demonstrate the technical feasibility of replacing conventional silica with RHA in glass microsphere production, aligning with circular economy principles and promoting sustainable infrastructure. Given Brazil’s significant rice production and corresponding RHA availability, this approach offers both environmental and socio-economic benefits for road safety and material innovation. Full article

The continuous deposition of coal fine in the well can lead to complex problems, such as pump blockage and reduced capacity. The traditional critical velocity model applicable to rigid spherical particles, such as sand grains and glass beads, finds it difficult to accurately predict the migration behavior of coal fine in the wellbore. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the sedimentation law of coal fine particles, establish a critical velocity prediction model applicable to pulverized coal, and provide a theoretical basis for effectively preventing pump blockage and capacity decline problems. This paper analyzes the particle characteristics of coal fine in different mining areas and conducts experiments on the static settling of coal fine particles and the critical transport velocity. The experimental results showed that the larger the mesh size of coal fine, the lower the static settling velocity of coal fine particles. The critical velocity of coal fine increased with the particle size and concentration of the coal fine particles, as well as with the increase of the pipe column inclination. A new empirical formula for calculating the critical velocity of coal fine particles was derived by considering the effects of the coal fine concentration and pipe inclination. Full article

Diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputation. Treatment remains clinically challenging with high recurrence rates despite standard antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on novel operative and nonoperative therapies for DFO, focusing on emerging biomaterials, local antibiotic delivery systems, innovative surgical techniques, and adjunctive topical agents. Studies examining bioabsorbable and nonabsorbable antibiotic carriers, such as calcium sulfate beads, collagen sponges, and bioactive glass, demonstrate promising infection resolution rates and a potential to reduce the surgical burden, though most are limited by small cohorts and observational designs. Similarly, alternative surgical approaches (i.e., cancelloplasty, conservative bone excision, and tibial cortex distraction) have shown early success in limb preservation. Nonoperative strategies, including adjunct antimicrobials, antimicrobial peptides, and topical oxygen, offer additional options, particularly for patients unfit for surgery. While initial outcomes are encouraging, the supporting evidence is heterogeneous and primarily limited to case series and small, noncomparative trials. Overall, these novel therapies show potential as adjuncts to established DFO management, but further prospective research is indicated to define their long-term efficacy, safety, and role in clinical practice. Full article

Fused filament fabrication of thermoplastic composites has grown exponentially owing to its efficiency, thereby meeting numerous engineering demands. However, these materials have limitations owing to their structural vulnerability to elevated temperatures. To address this drawback, this study aims to investigate the tensile behavior of 3D-printed composites in a broad thermal domain from ambient temperature to the crystallization point. For this purpose, a commercial high-temperature-resilient polyamide carbon fiber was selected. To assess the optimal bead configuration and application range, the methodology includes tensile testing of five infill orientations across the four principal thermal domains of the polymers. The results highlight different bead arrangements under constant thermal conditions and demonstrate how temperature effects the tensile performance at similar raster angles, as further correlated with fracture mechanism analysis via scanning electron microscopy. The key findings indicate that raster orientation has a minor influence compared to temperature change. In accordance with the literature, a significantly decreased strength and an abrupt increase in plasticity is observed above the glass transition temperature. Nevertheless, the material retains one-third of its ambient tensile strength at 150 °C, demonstrating its potential for high-temperature applications. Full article

Recent archaeological sites dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries have rarely been studied to date. Among the 500 “glassy” beads excavated from Dohouan (Côte d’Ivoire), elemental analyses reveal that fewer than half contain abnormally high alumina contents, associated with a soda–potash–lime flux (three compositional groups). The remaining beads are typical lead-based glass. The Raman spectra of the alumina-rich beads are quite complex due to their glass–ceramic nature, combining features similar to the vitreous phase of porcelain glaze with the presence of various crystalline phases (quartz, wollastonite, calcium phosphate, calcite). Organic residues are also observed. Colors are primarily produced by transition metal ions, although some specific pigments have also been identified. These characteristics suggest that the alumina-rich beads were manufactured by pressing followed by sintering, as described in patents by Richard Prosser (1840, UK) and Jean Félix Bapterosse (1844, France). A comparison is made with beads from scrap piles at the site of the former Bapterosse factory in Briare, France. This process represents one of the earliest examples of replacing traditional glassmaking with a ceramic process to enhance productivity and reduce costs. Full article

Although oily sludge is an industrial waste and difficult to separate, its calorific value can still reach 6000 cal/g, thus possessing significant recycling value. This study compares various types of non-thermal plasma for refining oily sludge. The pre-treatment technology utilized filtration combined with solvent extraction to extract the oil portion from the oily sludge. Subsequently, two types of non-thermal plasma, DC streamer discharge and dielectric plasma discharge, were used to crack and activate the oily sludge under different operating conditions. The fuel compositions and properties of the refined fuel treated by two types of non-thermal plasma were compared. The elemental carbon and oxygen of the oily sludge after treatment in a direct DBD plasma reactor for 8 min were 1.96 wt.% less and 1.38 wt.% higher than those of commercial diesel. The research results indicate that the pre-treatment process can effectively improve the refined fuel properties. After pre-treatment, the calorific value of the primary product from the oily sludge can reach 10,598 cal/g. However, the carbon residue of the oily sludge after pre-treatment remained as high as 5.58 wt.%, which implied that further refining processes are required. The streamer discharge plasma reactor used a tungsten needle tip as a high-voltage electrode, leading to a rather small treated range. Corona discharge and arc formation are prone to being produced during the plasma action. Moreover, the addition of quartz glass beads can form a protruding area on the surface of the oily sludge, generating an increase in the reacting surface of the oily sludge, and hence an enhancement of treatment efficiency, in turn. The direct treatment of DBD plasma can thus have a wider and more uniform operating range of plasma generation and a superior efficiency of plasma reaction. Therefore, a direct DBD type of non-thermal equilibrium plasma reactor is preferable to treat oily sludge among those three types of plasma reactor designs. Additionally, when the plasma voltage is increased, it effectively enhances fuel properties. Full article

Circulating tumor cell enrichment and enumeration are advancing early detection of cancer, monitoring of therapy response, and even next-generation therapies. Efficiently capturing rare cells from complex biological fluids is essential in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. EpCAM-positive tumor cells are specifically captured by utilizing covalently immobilized anti-EpCAM monoclonal antibodies onto the surface of chemically modified glass microbeads. To maximize the capture efficiency, bead geometry, immobilization conditions, flow rate, and anticoagulant dosage were systematically optimized. An in vitro flow-capture system was designed and used to evaluate the capture efficiency of the proposed technology by utilizing HTC116 colon cancer cell-spiked model media. The effect of substrate surface pretreatment was characterized by goniometry, while the capture performance was monitored by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. The specific capture ability of the bioactive microbead substrate reached over 130,000 cells in the laboratory-scale cartridge (V(cartridge) = 2.6 cm³; m(bead) = 4 g). This capture efficiency suggests a promising rare-cell capture utilization of the proposed technology and may be used for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes. In this paper, we reported on the development and feasibility test of a high-performance bioactive glass-microbead cell capture substrate. Due to the relevance and novelty of the reported results, with further development, the versatile platform technology presented could be readily implemented to capture tumor cells from complex biological samples and represent an additional complementary tool to existing cancer diagnostics and therapies. Full article

The aim of the research was to examine the effect of sandblasting the adherent surfaces on the shear strength of aluminium alloy–glass adhesive joints. An EN AW-1050A aluminium alloy and non-hardened soda-lime glass were used as samples. The sandblasting materials in the study were copper slag and glass beads. Due to the brittleness of the glass, an adhesive joint design was created to allow strength testing. The adhesive joints took the form of lap joints, where a glass sample was placed between two aluminium samples. The length of the glass sample corresponded to the length of the adhesive joint overlap. The bonding process of the glass samples was carried out in two stages in order to maintain the dimensions of the joint. The adhesive used in the test was a two-component epoxy adhesive prepared on the basis of bisphenol A and a polyamide curing agent mixed at a ratio of 80 g of curing agent per 100 g of epoxy resin. For each sandblasting agent, adhesive joints consisting of three variations of surface treatments were made: sandblasted aluminium alloy-sandblasted glass, sandblasted aluminium alloy-untreated glass, untreated aluminium alloy-sandblasted glass. The distance between the nozzle and treated surface was 10 ± 1 cm, and the pressure of sandblasting was 0.6 MPa. One sample of each material differing in surface preparation was selected for a topography analysis. The shear strength tests performed showed that sandblasting increased the strength of the adhesive joints of the glass and aluminium alloy. The highest strength was obtained for joints where both materials were prepared using copper slag sandblasting. This was confirmed through statistical analysis. Only for this type of joint, statistical significance relative to the other adhesive bonding variants was obtained. Full article

This study explores the rheological properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites with glass beads (GBs) to replicate the compression-stiffening behavior of biological tissues. The mechanical properties of soft tissues arise from interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and embedded cells. To mimic this, PDMS was used as a polymeric matrix, while rigid GBs acted as non-deformable inclusions facilitating stress redistribution. PDMS composites with 10%, 20%, and 30% GB concentrations were fabricated. Rheological analysis revealed that GBs significantly enhanced the storage modulus (G′), with stiffness increasing linearly under compression. The stiffening rate rose from 300 Pa/% (pure PDMS) to 387 Pa/%, 836 Pa/%, and 2035 Pa/% for 10%, 20%, and 30% GB, respectively, marking a sevenfold increase at the highest concentration. Similarly, the apparent Young’s modulus increased from 150 kPa (pure PDMS) to 200 kPa, 300 kPa, and 380 kPa for composites with 10%, 20%, and 30% GB, respectively. PDMS-GB composites successfully reproduce the compression-stiffening effect observed in biological tissues, which may aid research in mechanobiology and tissue engineering. Full article

Mycenaean glass artifacts, such as beads and relief plaques, are highly susceptible to degradation, which can significantly modify their visual attributes and pose classification challenges. Corrosion on glass and faience artifacts has often led to misinterpretation, since the visual manifestations of degradation can be similar for both materials, impacting research conclusions. This paper presents a segment of a broader study conducted within the Myc-MVP project, utilizing advanced scientific methods to analyze the compositional changes in corroded vitreous artifacts. Through Macro-X-ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF) and LED microscopy, we aim to understand the correlation between compositional alterations and visual degradation manifestations. The use of MA- XRF was particularly crucial for non-destructively mapping the elemental distribution over large surfaces, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of corrosion patterns. The results presented in this study are from a subset of artifacts examined using MA- XRF, highlighting critical insights into the spatial compositional shifts that contribute to visible deterioration. This paper discusses the first real-life contribution of Macro X-ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF) imaging to mapping the spatial compositional changes that occur when Mycenaean vitreous materials undergo degradation, yielding visible deterioration. MA-XRF scanning offers a fully non-invasive and non-destructive method for recording compositional data across the entire surface of an object. The results can be visualized as distribution images, which are more accessible and interpretable for a broader audience compared to the spectra generated by traditional spectrometric techniques. These findings aspire to inform strategies for the accurate classification, effective management, appropriate conservation treatment, and long-term preservation of vitreous artifacts. Full article

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic human pathogen of high relevance due to its ability to acquire antibiotic resistance. This pathogen is included, along with Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp., in the ESKAPE group, which consists of the most important bacterial pathogens resistant to antibiotics in clinical setups. Due to the importance of the rapid identification of infection-causative agents, a novel method for the rapid identification of K. pneumoniae was developed in the present work. This novel method was based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and evaluated in real-time LAMP, as well as in end-point colorimetric LAMP. Additionally, the method was evaluated in two different clinical samples, namely, blood and urine, along with a food sample, namely, milk; four DNA purification protocols were also evaluated (thermal lysis, chelex, magnetic beads, and glass milk). The results revealed differences in the performance of the LAMP assays depending on the specific combination of the matrix–DNA purification protocol. Overall, the protocol reporting the best results in all the matrices was the one based on chelex, with which it was possible to reach an LOD50 below 10 CFU/mL after a short pre-enrichment step of 6 h in TSB. The method demonstrated reliability, sensitivity, and simplicity and could be performed by non-trained personnel thanks to the colorimetric format. Full article

Many underground projects are built in cohesionless soil regions, where soil strength is crucial for stability. Particle size greatly influences the mechanical behavior of cohesionless soil. To investigate the relationship between particle size (as a single internal variable) and the strength behavior of cohesionless soil, this study employed idealized spherical glass beads of varying sizes as an experimental material. A series of consolidated-drained triaxial compression tests, including both conventional and large-scale tests, were conducted on specimens with different particle sizes. The correlation between particle size and stress-strain behavior, as well as strength characteristics, was analyzed. Additionally, the influence of particle size variations on the macroscopic strength characteristics was investigated. Results indicated that for both small-sized (2 mm–6 mm) or large-sized (10 mm–30 mm) granular materials, the peak shear stress and internal friction angle increased with increased particle size. The strength of large-sized granular materials was significantly higher than that of small-sized ones. During the shear process of large-sized particles, the particle breakage rate initially increased and then decreased with increasing particle size. The internal friction angle rose monotonically with particle size, but showed insensitivity in the 4 mm–5 mm and 20 mm–25 mm particle size ranges. This insensitivity reflects a macroscopic effect resulting from the interplay between the number of inter-particle contacts and the micro-area of their surface, which reaches an extremum. These findings provide valuable insights into the micromechanical interactions governing the strength of behavior of cohesionless soils and highlight the importance considering particle size effects in geotechnical analysis. The derived particle-interaction framework provides theoretical underpinnings for optimizing design methodologies in underground infrastructure projects involving granular media. Full article

In engineering, the demand for lightweight yet strong materials has led to the widespread use of polymer matrix composites reinforced with particles. These composites offer superior mechanical properties, making them ideal for applications in areas such as the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. This paper presents a micromechanical model for particle-reinforced polymer matrix composites with interphase layers, enabling the prediction of effective bulk, shear, and Young’s moduli while accounting for damage. Model validation is achieved by comparing the calculated elastic moduli for two composite types. This study highlights that stiffer or smaller particles enhance elasticity, while a robust interphase preserves mechanical properties, despite damage. A statistical criterion describes interphase debonding probability, and the Ramberg–Osgood equation captures the polymer matrix’s elastoplastic behavior. Numerical analyses on polypropylene composites with glass beads demonstrate how particle size, interphase strength, and debonding affect performance, aligning well with experimental data. Full article