Search Results (22,077)

Conventional particleboards often exhibit limited mechanical strength, which restricts their use in load-bearing and high-performance applications; reinforcing these boards with carbon fibers offers a potential solution to overcome these limitations. This study investigated the effect of carbon fiber (CF) content on the mechanical performance of single-layer particleboards bonded with polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI) adhesive. Carbon fibers were examined as a reinforcement to improve the mechanical properties of particleboards. Experimental boards were produced with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% CF (based on the oven-dry mass of wood particles). The analysis included density profile distribution, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and screw withdrawal resistance (SWR). The results showed that mechanical performance improved only at lower CF contents. The most pronounced effect was observed at 10% CF, where MOR increased from 15.2 MPa (control) to 19.2 MPa, and MOE increased from 2.45 GPa to 2.91 GPa. Higher CF additions (≥20%) did not yield further improvements, and at elevated levels (≥30%), bending performance decreased (MOR dropped to 14.1–13.5 MPa) due to poor fiber dispersion and weakened interfacial bonding between fibers and wood particles. Screw withdrawal resistance increased gradually with CF content, from 156 N in the control boards to 182 N at 50% CF, although the improvement was limited by adhesion quality and mat heterogeneity. Overall, the study demonstrates that small CF additions can enhance selected mechanical properties of particleboards, whereas higher loadings negatively affect performance due to microstructural incompatibilities. Full article

Central segregation, a typical internal defect in continuous casting slabs, significantly deteriorates the mechanical properties of steel products. However, traditional manual defect evaluation methods rely heavily on experience, are highly subjective and inefficient, making it difficult to meet the quality assessment requirements of today’s high-end steel materials. In this study, an approach which combines an unsupervised image enhancement algorithm and Otsu algorithm analysis was proposed to achieve automatic recognition and quantitative features extracting of central segregation in continuous casting slabs. The challenges posed by insufficient brightness and low contrast in central segregation images were addressed using unsupervised image enhancement algorithms. Following this enhancement, batch objective quantification of the segregation images was conducted through Otsu processing. Comparative experimental results showed that the enhanced images yielded an average Dice Similarity Coefficient of 0.965 for segregation recognition, representing a 38% improvement over unprocessed images, with consistent accuracy gains across complex segregation scenarios. This intelligent detection method eliminates the need for manually labeling a training set, substantially improves the consistency of segregation quantification and reduces the time cost significantly. Consequently, multiple parameters can be employed to quantify segregation characteristics, offering a more comprehensive and precise approach than current simplified rating methods. This advancement holds promise for enhancing quality control in steel processing and advancing Artificial Intelligence-driven technological progress within the metallurgical sector. Full article

The research employed Caenorhabditis elegans to compare the anti-infection and lifespan-extending properties of Bifidobacterium. The results demonstrated that BL-99 and YLGB-1496 intervention improved the nematodes’ resistance to Staphylococcus aureus infection, resulting in lifespan extensions of 5.90% and 14.38%, respectively, accompanied by the alleviation in the decline of pharyngeal pumping rate and locomotor capacity. Furthermore, both probiotic strains significantly extended the mean lifespan of nematodes by 10.96% and 12.14%, and significantly alleviated pharyngeal pumping and locomotion. Importantly, BL-99 and YLGB-1496 have different underlying mechanisms of action. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that the BL-99 strain enhanced nematode resistance to Gram-positive pathogens through the upregulation of lysozyme, saposin-like antimicrobial peptides, and c-type lectin family genes. Conversely, YLGB-1496 improved the epidermal permeability barrier by upregulating genes involved in collagen synthesis and assembly. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the species-specific effects of Bifidobacteria on pathogen resistance and lifespan extension. Full article

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites, particularly carbon fiber and glass fiber reinforced composites, are widely used in cutting-edge industries due to their excellent properties, such as light weight and high strength. This review systematically compares and summarizes recent research advances in flame retardancy for carbon fiber-reinforced polymers and glass fiber-reinforced polymers. Focusing on various polymer matrices, including epoxy, polyamide, and polyetheretherketone, the mechanisms and synergistic effects of different flame-retardant modification strategies—such as additive flame retardants, nanocomposites, coating techniques, intrinsically flame-retardant polymers, and advanced manufacturing processes—are analyzed with emphasis on improving flame retardancy and suppressing the “wick effect.” The review critically examines the challenges in balancing flame retardancy, mechanical performance, and environmental friendliness in current approaches, highlighting the key role of interface engineering in mitigating the “wick effect.” Based on this analysis, four future research directions are proposed: implementing green design principles throughout the material life cycle; promoting the use of natural fibers, bio-based resins, and bio-derived flame retardants; developing intelligent responsive flame-retardant systems based on materials such as metal–organic frameworks; advancing interface engineering through biomimetic design and advanced characterization to fundamentally suppress the fiber “wick effect”; and incorporating materials genome and high-throughput preparation technologies to accelerate the development of high-performance flame-retardant composites. This review aims to provide systematic theoretical insights and clear technical pathways for developing the next generation of high-performance, safe, and sustainable fiber-reinforced composites. Full article

This paper examined the effect of marble powder (MP) on air-cured cement-based materials when subjected to sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) attack. Four MP replacement levels were tested: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of cement. The prepared samples were cured for 90 days prior to being exposed to H₂SO₄. Macroscopic tests for apparent density and compressive strength along with microstructural characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to determine the effect of MP on the properties of the materials. The Rietveld method was used to analyze the amounts of different crystalline phases and amorphous calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). The obtained results indicate that 5% MP in air-cured cement -based materials exhibited the best behavior with acceptable resistance to acid attacks. This level of MP replacement was found to optimize the filler effect, improve the hydration process, and enhance the matrix density, which in turn reduces the permeability of the material and increases acid resistance. This is attributed to the balanced contribution of MP to phase formation, particularly calcite, which helps to counteract acid-induced dissolution, while also preserving the stability of C-S-H phases. This study provides a new perspective of the role of MP in influencing phase content (crystalline and amorphous phases) and their possible impacts on macroscopic properties such as apparent density and compressive strength. MP behaved as a filler, to improve hydration and resistance to acid attacks. Additionally, using MP as a replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) offers a sustainable alternative by reducing waste and promoting the recycling of marble industry by-products, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. It is recommended that, 5% MP is the optimal replacement content to enhance durability and mechanical properties in air-cured cement-based materials in aggressive environments, as it is both practical and achievable for infrastructure to be subjected to the aggressive environment. Full article

Material Extrusion (ME) is a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing technique that has gained prominence due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, design freedom, and adaptability to a wide range of thermoplastic materials. However, the mechanical performance of ME-printed parts often remains suboptimal, primarily due to complex thermal phenomena that govern microstructural development during the printing process, which are key determinants of mechanical strength. As a result, optimizing thermodynamic printing parameters has become essential for improving the overall quality of the printed parts. Extensive research articles and reviews have been published to explore the effect of many ME printing parameter settings on the resultant product characteristics. Despite this focus, the effect of cooling rate, a critical thermodynamic parameter of the process, has been largely overlooked in current research when they are critically reviewed. Cooling rate plays a central role in determining the thermal history of printed material, which in turn influences polymer chain mobility and microstructural features of the extruded material, all of which are crucial to the mechanical integrity of the printed part. Thus, it has been concluded by this review that analytical and empirical investigations into the influence of cooling rate on the microstructural properties of ME parts represent a valuable and novel contribution to the academic field. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are significant global health challenges, fueling the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Natural polyphenolic compounds, such as green tea catechins, exhibit promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, making them potential adjuncts to rheumatic disease therapy. This review examines the effects of catechins, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), on key pathophysiological processes associated with RA and OA, such as pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress, cartilage degradation, angiogenesis, and immune cell activation and proliferation. This study contains experimental data contained in full-text articles published in open-access indexed journals published only in English. The most important conclusions drawn from the in vitro and in vivo studies available so far, as well as studies on patients, show that green tea catechins modulate pro-inflammatory pathways, reduce the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve the condition of the intercellular matrix in joint tissues, limiting the destruction of joint tissues in animals and patients and reducing pain. Although these studies suggest potential benefits, such as reduced inflammation and improved clinical parameters, the number and scale of studies are insufficient to confirm the clinical efficacy in a broad patient population. Therefore, claims of adjunctive therapy to conventional therapies should be interpreted with caution, and further well-designed and more powerful clinical trials are needed to verify the translation of the promising molecular mechanisms of green tea catechins into clinical practice. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer among men and a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite an initial favorable response to hormone-based therapies, many patients ultimately develop an advanced and lethal form of the disease, referred to as castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). CRPC is associated with poor prognosis and a lack of effective curative treatments. As a result, new alternatives or improved therapeutic strategies to combat this life-threatening condition are urgently needed. Chalcones, also referred to as 1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-ones, have attracted significant attention because of their potent antitumor properties. Owing to their distinctive chemical structure and diverse biological activities, these compounds are promising candidates for treating various cancers, including PCa. Both naturally occurring and synthetically derived chalcones have demonstrated anticancer potential by modulating key cellular processes, including apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, cell migration, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, as well as major signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, androgen signaling, and NF-κB. This review aims to outline the recent advances in the therapeutic potential of chalcone derivatives in prostate cancer, with a focus on their molecular targets, mechanisms of action, and translational relevance. Full article

Silicone is widely used in medical devices due to its mechanical properties and biocompatibility; however, microbial contamination of silicone surfaces, which can lead to nosocomial infections, remains a significant concern. This can be countered by surface modification using techniques commonly involving oxidative plasma activation or ozone treatments, followed by treatment with silanization agents. Here, we report an alternative surface modification procedure involving treatment with non-toxic organic hydroxyl amines or diamine dissolved in eco-friendly solvents, thus avoiding using reactive and potentially harmful compounds and not requiring specialized equipment. Our findings demonstrate that ethanolamine in isopropanol effectively activates silicone without compromising its tensile strength, making it ideal for further modification. The activated surfaces showed stable amino group areal concentrations over a 10-day period, confirmed by fluorescence imaging and ninhydrin assays. Subsequent treatments with glutaraldehyde and chitosan enhanced the antibacterial properties of the silicone. Chitosan-coated silicone significantly reduced Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria colony-forming units (CFUs), with Enterococcus faecalis CFUs decreasing from 7.1 to 3.7 Log₁₀ CFU/mL. This study introduces a sustainable activation technique for silicone surfaces, resulting in medical devices with improved resistance to microbial colonization while maintaining their mechanical integrity. Full article

Overhead transmission lines have long relied on cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation. The production of XLPE insulation requires silane cross-linking, which generates by-products, consumes high energy, and results in poor recyclability-retired XLPE insulation can only be disposed of through incineration or landfilling. Additionally, its high density leads to increased cable weight and sag, reducing the service life of the cables. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop recyclable and lightweight insulation materials. In this study, recyclable polypropylene (PP) was used as a substitute for XLPE. Hollow glass microspheres (HGM) were incorporated to reduce weight, and hydrogenated styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) was added for toughening, thereby constructing a PP/HGM/SEBS ternary composite system. The results show that the introduction of HGM into the PP matrix effectively reduces the material density, decreasing from 0.890 g/cm³ (pure PP) to 0.757 g/cm³—a reduction of 15%. With the addition of SEBS, the mechanical properties of the composite are significantly improved: the tensile strength increases from 14.94 MPa (PP/HGM) to 32.40 MPa, and the elongation at break jumps sharply from 72.02% to 671.22%, achieving the synergistic optimization of “weight reduction” and “strengthening-toughening”. Electrical performance tests indicate that the PP/HGM/SEBS composite exhibits a volume resistivity of 1.66 × 10¹² Ω·m, a characteristic breakdown strength of 108.6 kV/mm, a low dielectric loss tangent of 2.76 × 10⁻⁴, and a dielectric constant of 2.24. It achieves density reduction while maintaining low dielectric loss and high insulation strength, verifying its feasibility for application in lightweight insulation scenarios of overhead transmission lines. Full article

This work aimed to investigate the properties of cross-linked elastomeric blends based on natural rubber (NR) and chloroprene rubber (CR), incorporating plant-derived fillers as environmentally friendly additives. The selected eco-friendly biofillers included ginseng, lemongrass, turmeric, or wood flour. In situ surface modification with n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane was carried out to enhance the compatibility between the fillers and the elastomeric matrix. The results showed that both unmodified and silane-modified plant-based fillers can be effectively used in NR/CR composites, yielding vulcanizates with favorable performance characteristics. The ginseng-filled composite exhibited the highest degree of cross-linking and superior mechanical strength among the tested materials. Turmeric, in both its unmodified and silane-treated forms, contributed to the greatest resistance against aging factors. Notably, the silane-modified wood flour filler significantly improved tear resistance, nearly doubling that of the unfilled rubber. Overall, these novel rubber composites demonstrate not only promising functional properties but also considerable ecological and economic advantages. Full article

Natural products are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with established roles in oncology. Their structural diversity and ability to target multiple cancer-related pathways make them promising candidates for anticancer drug development. Increasing preclinical and clinical data highlight their potential not only to exert direct antitumor effects but also to enhance patient tolerance to conventional therapies by reducing side effects and improving treatment adherence. The Mediterranean region, known for its biodiversity and traditional dietary habits, provides a rich array of natural compounds with documented health benefits. Key Mediterranean natural plant products (MNPPs), including bioactives from olive oil, onion, citrus fruits, chili pepper and grapes, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of selected MNPPs, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, organosulfur and furanocoumarin compounds, which modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and tumor progression. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies supports their role in cancer prevention and as adjuvants in therapy. While further clinical research is needed, these findings suggest that incorporating MNPPs into therapeutic regimens could offer low-toxicity, multi-targeted support in oncology, improving both outcomes and quality of life in cancer patients. Full article

Low-viscosity epoxy-containing diluents are used to reduce the initial viscosity of highly filled, wear-resistant epoxy systems and to improve filler wetting and dispersion. This study determined physical parameters by an atomic-increment approach and electronic descriptors using the Parametric Method 3 (PM3) semi-empirical method. Clear relationships were established between the effective molar cohesion energy and the solubility parameter with van der Waals volume. Linear dependencies were also obtained between the diluent surface tension and spreading coefficients on model high-hardness fillers, including silicon carbide, boron carbide, and normal corundum. The activity of epoxy diluents depends on the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy. These diluents influence processing and the final physical and mechanical properties of composites, making their selection critical for strength, hardness, and wear resistance. Computational analysis enables prediction of diluent behavior, reducing experimental time and cost. Integrating physical and quantum-chemical data into epoxy diluent design accelerates the search for optimal components and improves production of durable, high-performance epoxy composites. Full article

Wind turbines play an important role for renewable energy generation related to sustainable development. Selection of a suitable blade shape is a key factor in wind turbine design, especially in low wind speed conditions such as urban areas. In addition, two airfoil models of the S-series, S4110 and S1012, are often selected based on their suitable aerodynamic properties with low Reynolds numbers, high applicability, and stable performance. However, there is no research design for wind turbine blades based on S4110 and S1012 under low wind conditions in countries around the world. The angle of attack was adjusted to observe variations in the key aerodynamic parameters while applying appropriate boundary conditions for different regions. The study results show that the overall performance of the optimized S4110 is better than that of the optimized S1012, particularly at larger angles of attack. The performance of the airfoil S4110 shows a strong improvement after optimization, with the aerodynamic performance from 17.35 at 3 m/s to 50.78 at 5 m/s. This paper proposed the airfoil combination usage of S4110 at the blade tip and S1012 at the blade root to form an optimal hybrid airfoil configuration for wind turbine blade, which can both take advantage of high aerodynamic efficiency in low wind conditions and ensure the necessary mechanical strength and stability for the entire wind turbine blade. The performance of the proposed small wind turbine blade model based on the optimal S4110 and S1012 airfoils was analyzed using the Qblade program. Its purpose is to create a new blade model for small wind turbines that moves beyond conventional applications to explore novel and integrated solutions for a sustainable energy future. Full article

In this study, a triisopropanolamine (TIPA)-modified polycarboxylate cement grinding aid was synthesized via a free radical polymerization reaction, and its effects on cement properties were investigated. The synthesized grinding aid was evaluated through cement grinding experiments, by comparing cement samples with and without the additive. The influences on particle size distribution, specific surface area, residue content, setting behavior, flowability, and mechanical strength were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrated that the modified polycarboxylate cement grinding aid significantly refined size distribution of particles, enlarged the specific surface area to 4900 cm²/g (27.9% increase), decreased 45 μm residue content to 0.8%, accelerated setting, and improved the flowability of the cement paste. Strength tests of cement mortar indicated that the additive improved both early and late compressive strength, with 3d and 28d strengths increasing by 6.5 MPa and 5.7 MPa, respectively, compared to the blank sample, providing strong theoretical support for its potential use in industrial cement production. Full article