Search Results (9,475)

Variations in the particle size of cereal flour could influence its techno-functional properties and affect the quality of the end products. In this study, common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) seeds were milled and then sieved into five fractions (≥200, 150–200, 100–150, 80–100, and 60–80 mesh). Proximate analysis showed that the protein and ash contents of buckwheat flour decreased with decreased particle size, whereas the starch content increased. Reducing the particle size did not change the A-type crystalline structure and the short-range ordered structure of buckwheat starch, whereas the buckwheat batter flowability, foaming properties and foam stability of the batter supernatant increased. The steamed buckwheat cakes made from ≥100-mesh flour showed a desirable appearance, cross-sectional structure, color, flavor, and texture. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the starch content and relative crystallinity of buckwheat flour were significantly positively correlated with its pasting parameters and the textural properties (springiness, cohesiveness, resilience) and overall acceptability of steamed buckwheat cake, whereas the protein, lipid, and β-sheet content of buckwheat flour showed the opposite trend. This study demonstrated that differential sieving caused a difference in particle size and chemical composition, which were key variables governing the processing performance of buckwheat flour and important to the quality of its end products. Full article

Hybrid CNC and additive manufacturing platforms often rely on host-assisted or otherwise overdimensioned control architectures to achieve deterministic multi-axis motion, increasing system cost and complexity. This paper presents a fully microcontroller-based timer–DMA motion execution architecture that eliminates the need for external processors or FPGA-based execution, enabling deterministic multi-axis synchronization under the tested conditions in a simpler, more cost-effective way. The proposed framework integrates motion planning, precise step-time computation, and hardware-assisted pulse generation within a unified embedded control architecture. The main novelty lies in the systematic use of timer and DMA peripherals to offload time-critical pulse execution from the microcontroller core, allowing it to focus on motion planning and precise step-time computation. Unlike segmentation-based approaches, the duration of each individual step is calculated directly without fixed-interval segmentation, enabling high motion resolution while avoiding per-step interrupts that introduce jitter at high motion speeds. The architecture was validated on a hybrid platform capable of both milling and material extrusion. Experimental results confirmed real-time feasibility within practical on-chip memory limits and demonstrated very small interpolation errors caused mainly by timer quantization, comparable to those observed in host-processor-based motion systems. Machining and additive-manufacturing experiments further confirmed stable execution and accurate trajectory tracking under real operating conditions. Full article

We study the SU(N) symmetric model, which describes interaction of gravity with three field multiplets: first, the multiplet of pseudoscalar fields, which is at present associated with the multi-component cosmic dark matter; second, the multiplet of vector fields, which represents the so-called color aether, now known as dynamic aether; third, the multiplet of Yang–Mills fields, which provides the SU(N) invariance of the model as a whole. It was previously known that the decay of the color aether in the early Universe could have given rise to emergence of an axionic singlet according to the Peccei–Quinn mechanism; we proposed an extended scheme, according to which the color aether activates an additional internal tool for generating not only a simple axionic singlet, but an entire SU(N) symmetric multiplet of pseudoscalar fields. Late-time evolution of the considered field configuration is analyzed in the framework of the Bianchi-I cosmological model, and a hypothesis is proposed that the aforementioned pseudoscalar multiplet can be associated with the multi-component cosmic dark matter. Full article

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) (LFP) has emerged as the most popular cathode material in the current lithium battery market because of its stable charge–discharge cycle performance, low cost, and high safety. Moreover, this material does not require scarce resources such as nickel and cobalt, which alleviates supply chain conflicts and reduces the environmental and health impacts associated with Ni and Co. In this study, a cost-effective preparation method is implemented to synthesize a series of all-element integrated LiFePO₄ precursors using precursor solutions with varying concentrations of oxalic acid. The final LFP materials are subsequently obtained through a one-step heat treatment. To evaluate the advantages of this method, we compare the structural and electrochemical properties of the obtained LFP materials with those synthesized via the traditional solid-phase method. The experimental results reveal that the LFP material synthesized using an oxalic acid solution with a concentration of 0.125 mol L⁻¹ exhibits optimal performance. This material has a grain size in the range of 300–500 nm, which is smaller and more uniform than those of the other samples. This initial specific discharge capacity of the designed LFP is 150.3 mAh·g⁻¹, with an initial coulombic efficiency of 88%. Notably, the material maintains a high capacity of 98 mAh·g⁻¹ even at −20 °C and achieves a discharge capacity of 98.7 mAh·g⁻¹ at a high discharge rate of 5 C. The lithium-ion diffusion coefficient was determined to be 7.1 × 10⁻¹² cm² s⁻¹, which is approximately 2.5 times greater than that of the material synthesized via the solid-phase ball-milling method. These results highlight the significant improvements in both the structural and electrochemical properties of LFP materials synthesized through this novel liquid-phase method. Full article

Flat glass waste from building demolition is an underused resource with potential to reduce the climate impact of construction materials. This study compares two recycling pathways for flat glass waste: the first is closed-loop recycling into new glass, and the second is the use of glass in concrete as a replacement for cement. The comparison is based on life cycle, circularity assessment and experimental evaluation of concrete performance. Recycling flat glass into new glass can reduce emissions by 945 kg CO₂eq per ton of recycled glass when the production mix contains 65 percent recycled content. However, only between 1 and 3% percent of demolition flat glass is suitable for this process because of contamination and quality limitations. As a result, the practical climate benefit of demolition glass in new glass production is limited to about 38 kg CO₂eq per ton of demolition glass. Concrete offers a much larger waste sink. Replacing 20% of cement with milled glass powder results in emission savings of 776 kg CO₂eq per ton of glass. A concrete mix containing 33% glass shows the same compressive strength as a reference mix. Full article

Fibre properties significantly influence paper quality. This study investigates fibre property development along an industrial pulp production line, analysing morphological distributions and rheological behaviour to enhance refining performance indicators. Understanding these developments is critical for optimising resource efficiency and increasing industrial sustainability. Softwood thermomechanical pulp (TMP), from high-consistency (HC) and low-consistency (LC) refining, and bleached hardwood kraft pulp (BHKP) were examined. Fibre morphological properties were characterised using an optical fibre analyser, while suspension rheology was assessed using a pulp viscometer, supported by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) simulations. Results demonstrate that fibre property distributions provide deeper insights into refining effects compared to average values alone. Systematic trends showed that HC-refined TMP from the first and second refining stage required significantly greater torque to break the fibrous network and fluidise the pulp compared to pulp that was also LC refined. This indicates that alterations in fibre properties, especially shortened fibre length resulting from different refining processes, govern fibre interactions in the three-dimensional network of the pulp suspensions and, therefore, their flow behaviour. In conclusion, combining morphological distribution analysis with specialised rheological measurements offers a robust tool for better understanding and monitoring mill-scale refining processes, enabling improved process optimisation in pulping and papermaking. Full article

This study investigates how key milling parameters influence both cutting noise and surface quality during the machining of laminated bamboo lumber. Using a multifactorial optimal response surface methodology, the effects of fibre orientation (0–135°), spindle speed (7000–10,000 r/min), feed rate (0.5–2.0 m/min) and milling depth (0.5–2.0 mm) were quantified through 25 experimental runs. Cutting noise, measured as peak sound pressure level (SPL), ranged from 86.8 to 95.2 dB, increasing markedly with fibre angle, feed rate, and milling depth, but exhibiting a non-linear response to spindle speed. Surface roughness (S_a) varied from 2.6 to 11.7 µm and was most strongly governed by milling depth, followed by fibre orientation and feed rate, with a significant interaction between fibre orientation and spindle speed. Quadratic regression models demonstrated strong predictive performance (R² = 0.97 for SPL; R² = 0.85 for S_a). Based on the response surfaces, optimal low-noise, high-quality machining was achieved at moderate spindle speeds, low feed rates, and shallow milling depths. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for understanding noise–roughness coupling in bamboo machining and offer practical guidance for computer numerical control processing, tool selection, and industrial noise reduction strategies in bamboo manufacturing. Full article

This research focuses on the synthesis of a novel baking powder enriched with bioactive molecules recovered from olive pomace via ultrasound-assisted extraction using a hydro-ethanolic mixture. The functional ingredient was engineered by anchoring the extracted phytocompounds onto a starch backbone through a sustainable grafting technique. Biscuits formulated with the innovative ingredient showed an increased concentration of phenolic compounds (2.162 mg GAE/g), encompassing both phenolic acids (0.372 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (0.360 mg CTE/g). Enhanced antioxidant efficacy was recorded, mostly in aqueous media (IC₅₀ = 0.554 mg mL⁻¹ against ABTS radical) compared to organic environments (IC₅₀ = 0.132 mg mL⁻¹ against DPPH radical). Furthermore, Oxitest and oxidation stability reactor analyses revealed exceptional antioxidant capacity (induction period = 37 ± 2 h). By an accelerated shelf-life test, a marked instrumental color difference was observed with the fortified sample showing a darker, redder/brown color (ΔE > 16), as also confirmed by trained panelists. On the contrary, similar scores were achieved for the olfactory, textural and tasting attributes of the two samples, as well as values of the friability index (<1 mm⁻¹) evaluated by instrumental techniques. This approach represents a sustainable strategy, transforming a high-polluting agri-food by-product into a source of bioactive compounds for nutritional and technological improvement of baked foods. Full article

This study comparatively evaluated the influence of processing routes on the optical stability of three dental resin composites: a light-cured direct composite—G-ænial A’CHORD (LCC), a CAD-CAM milled composite—BreCAM.HIPC (MC), and a 3D-printed composite—Saremco Print Crowntec (PC). Specimens were analyzed before (T0) and after hydrothermal aging for 5000 (T1), 10,000 (T2), and 30,000 cycles (T3). Optical stability was assessed through the change in color (ΔE₀₀) and translucency parameter (TP) after aging and immersion in beverages. Surface topography was evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), while Raman spectroscopy was employed to detect aging-induced molecular changes. After aging and staining, all composites exceeded the acceptability threshold for color change. ΔE₀₀ values of 6.8 ± 1.1 (PC), 4.6 ± 0.9 (MC), and 2.1 ± 0.9 (LCC), obtained after initial aging, further increased following prolonged immersion in coffee. After 1 day of immersion in Coca-Cola, MC exhibited the highest ΔE₀₀ values, which slightly exceeded the clinically acceptable threshold. Prolonged immersion (7 days) significantly increased staining for all materials. TP values significantly differed among materials, with the highest values detected for LCC (20.6 ± 3.6) and PC (19.1 ± 1.5) and the lowest values detected for MC (4.9 ± 0.8). Overall, the results demonstrated that ΔE₀₀ was strongly influenced by the processing route and surface topography, whereas changes in translucency parameter (TP) were predominantly governed by the intrinsic properties of the resin composites. Full article

A photogrammetry-based error compensation solution, comprising calibration, positioning compensation and accuracy validation methodologies, is presented to the aerospace sector, able to assist industrial robots in manufacturing new composite materials, offering versatility and reconfigurability at a lower cost than that resulting from the currently used milling machines. Against a ground truth measured by a laser tracker, it has boosted, in real time, the accuracy level from ±0.685 to ±0.203 mm, on average, and from ±1.621 to ±0.498 mm at peak, following the ISO 9283 standard, and from ±0.534 to ±0.080 mm, on average, and from ±1.804 to ±0.456 mm at peak, with a real part in a large volume under industrial operating conditions, taking into account occlusions and showing robustness against the impact of the payload, the waviness, and the backlash. Full article

This study investigated the improvement of the pozzolanic activity of pumice, perlite, and farin through mechanochemical activation (MCA). The properties of the materials were determined by performing XRF, XRD, and particle size and specific surface area analyses. The MCA of three different materials sourced from Türkiye was performed using a planetary ball mill, and their pozzolanic reactivity was systematically investigated. R³ test (bound water measurement) and strength activity index (SAI) test were used to evaluate pozzolanic activity. Based on the results, following MCA, the crystal structure was significantly disrupted, particularly in perlite and pumice, and the amount of amorphous phase increased more compared to farin, as confirmed by the decrease in XRD peak intensities. The amount of bound water tended to increase by increasing grinding time and grinding speed. The highest amount of bound water (7.5%) was obtained by grinding the pumice sample at 500 rpm, with ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) of 10 for 60 min. For the same material, the highest activity index (106%) was determined at 500 rpm, with a BPR of 15 and a grinding time of 60 min. In the perlite sample, the highest amount of bound water (7.07%) and the highest strength activity index (98%) were measured in the sample ground at 500 rpm for 60 min with a BPR of 15. In the farin sample, the highest amount of bound water (3.40%) was obtained at 500 rpm for 40 min with a BPR of 15, while the highest strength activity index (71.05%) was observed at 500 rpm for 40 min with a BPR of 10. The results show that the applied MCA process increases the activity of the materials. Full article

We report on tool wear and surface roughness for hybrid additive manufacturing of Inconel 718 components. The hybrid additive manufacturing comprises laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) and an in situ high-speed milling process, i.e., milling is performed within the powderbed, which deteriorates the surface quality by additionally occurring wear mechanisms. Therefore, in this comparative study milling path suction is used to improve tool wear characteristics and thus enhance surface quality. As a result, we quantify the improvement of the maximum tool life according to the flank wear, which is granted by the milling path suction. Additionally, the dominant wear mechanisms are investigated, revealing adherence and abrasion as the main contributing factors to wear. Furthermore, surface analysis shows an improvement of surface quality by the use of the milling path suction. Specifically, a reduction in surface roughness of hybrid manufactured Inconel 718 components down to a minimum of $Ra$ = 0.55 μm is highlighted. Full article

In this note, we study the Hopf-algebra-based (HAB) formula of Yang–Mills-Scalar (YMS) amplitudes, which expands a YMS amplitude with massive scalars as a combination of propagator matrices that mix massless scalars corresponding to gluons with the original massive scalars. We propose a recursive formula that conveniently expresses the HAB formula. In this formula, gluons are converted into massless scalars. Thus it expresses a YMS amplitude with massive scalars by amplitudes with fewer gluons, massive scalars and massless scalars. We verify this formula by using the soft behavior of amplitudes. We further show the equivalence between the massless limit of the HAB formula and an earlier proposed recursive expansion formula through explicit calculations on amplitudes with one and two gluons. Full article

Brazil, as one of the world’s leading fruit producers, faces increasing challenges arising from climate change, particularly in avocado cultivation, where excessive solar radiation and high temperatures impair plant metabolism, yield, and fruit quality. This study evaluated the use of a calcium and magnesium hydroxide-based sunscreen in mitigating heat stress in eight-year-old ‘Hass’ avocado trees. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in a 4 × 8 factorial arrangement, with five replicates. Sunscreen applications were performed at full bloom and at the initial fruit development stage (18 mm). Leaf temperature, fruit drop rate, yield-related traits, fruit classification, and the percentage of fruit lesions were evaluated. Applications of the calcium and magnesium hydroxide-based sunscreen at concentrations of 3.0% and 4.5% (w/v) reduced leaf temperature and improved fruit biometric attributes compared to the control, although the maximum fruit diameter was achieved at the 2.6% concentration. The 4.5% sunscreen concentration reduced leaf temperature and fruit drop in ‘Hass’ avocado trees by 1.5 °C and 24.5%, respectively, compared with the control and decreased the percentage of small and damaged fruits. The application of sunscreen improved fruit weight and the percentage of fruits with higher market value, while the fruit diameter presented higher values at intermediate concentrations. Full article

Background and aim: The influence of fabrication techniques, cement type, and cyclic loading on the marginal adaptation of lithium disilicate crowns remains a clinical concern that may affect their long-term performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cyclic loading and cement type on the marginal fit of milled and pressed lithium disilicate crowns. Methods: Twenty lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated and divided into two groups based on the manufacturing technique: milled and pressed (n = 10 each). Each group was further subdivided according to the cement type: resin or resin-modified glass ionomer (n = 5 per group). Crowns were cemented on standardized epoxy resin dies, and the marginal gap was measured using a stereomicroscope before and after cyclic loading. Cyclic loading was performed at 50 N for 37,000 cycles. Data were statistically analyzed using a three-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results: Milled crowns showed marginal gaps ranging from 52 to 57 µm, whereas the pressed crowns exhibited smaller gaps ranging from 39 to 47 µm. Neither the cement type nor the cyclic loading produced a significant difference in the marginal gap values (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Pressed lithium disilicate crowns exhibited superior marginal adaptation compared with the milled crowns. Neither the type of cement nor the cyclic loading had a significant effect on the marginal gap. Both fabrication techniques yielded clinically acceptable fits (<100 µm). Full article