Search Results (9,171)

Petroglyph motifs from 23 sites and 37 panels in northern Georgia and western North Carolina foothills and mountains are analyzed within their archaeological, ethnographic, and landscape contexts. The Track Rock Tradition comprises 10 chronologically sequenced marking categories: (1) Cupules/Meanders/Open Circles; (2) Soapstone Extraction cars; (3) Vulva Shapes; (4) Figures; (5) Feet/Hands/Tracks; (6) Nested Circles; (7) Cross-in-Circles; (8) Spirals; (9) Straight Lines; and (10) Thin Incised Lines. Dating spans approximately 3800 years. Early cupules and meanders predate 3000 years ago, truncated by Late Archaic soapstone extraction. Woodland period (3000–1050 years ago) motifs include vulva shapes, figures, feet, tracks, and hands. Early Mississippian concentric circles date to 1050–600 years ago, while Middle Mississippian cross-in-circles span 600–350 years ago. Late Mississippian spirals (350–200 years ago) and post-contact metal tool incisions represent the most recent phases. The Track Rock Tradition differs from western Trapp and eastern Hagood Mill traditions. Given the spatial overlap with Iroquoian-speaking Cherokee territory, motifs are interpreted through Cherokee beliefs, supplemented by related Muskogean Creek ethnography. In Cherokee cosmology, the matrilocal Thunderers hierarchy includes the Female Sun/Male Moon, Selu (Corn Mother)/Kanati (Lucky Hunter), Medicine Woman/Judaculla (Master of Game), and Little People families. Ritual practitioners served as intermediaries between physical and spirit realms through purification, fasting, body scratching, and rock pecking. Meanders represent trails, rivers, and lightning. Cupules and lines emphasize the turtle appearance of certain rocks. Vulva shapes relate to fertility, while tracks connect to life-giving abilities. Concentric circles denote townhouses; cross-in-circles and spirals represent central fires. The tradition shows continuity in core beliefs despite shifting emphases from hunting (Woodland) to corn cultivation (Mississippian), with petroglyphs serving as necessary waypoints for spiritual supplicants. Full article

This study investigates the hot deformation behaviour and microstructural evolution of two AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel variants: 0A (basic) and 1C (modified). These variants primarily differ in chemical composition, with 0A containing higher austenite-stabilizing elements (C, N) compared to 1C, which features lower interstitial content and slightly higher Si and Cr. This research aimed to optimize hot rolling conditions for enhanced forming properties. Uniaxial hot compression tests were conducted using a Gleeble thermo-mechanical system between 850 and 990 ${}^{\circ }$C at a strain rate of 3.3 s${}^{-1}$, simulating industrial finishing mill conditions. Analysis of flow curves, coupled with detailed microstructural characterization using electron backscatter diffraction, revealed distinct dynamic restoration mechanisms influencing each material’s response. Thermodynamic simulations confirmed significant austenite formation in both materials within the tested temperature range, notably affecting their deformation behaviour despite their initial ferritic state. Material 0A consistently exhibited a strong tendency towards dynamic recrystallization (DRX) across a wider temperature range, particularly at 850 ${}^{\circ }$C. DRX led to a microstructure with a high concentration of low-angle grain boundaries and sharp deformation textures, actively reorienting grains towards energetically favourable configurations. However, under this condition, DRX did not fully complete the recrystallization process. In contrast, material 1C showed greater activity of both dynamic recovery and DRX, leading to a much more advanced state of grain refinement and recrystallization compared to 0A. This indicates that the composition of 1C helps mitigate the strong influence of the deformation temperature on the crystallographic texture, leading to a weaker texture overall than 0A. Full article

Avocado (Persea americana), originally from Mesoamerica, has emerged as a focus of intense scientific and industrial interest due to its unique combination of nutritional richness, bioactive potential, and technological versatility. Its pulp, widely consumed across the globe, is notably abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which can comprise over two-thirds of its lipid content. In addition, it provides significant levels of dietary fiber, fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols like β-sitosterol. These constituents are consistently associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glycemic regulatory, and cardioprotective effects, supported by a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence. This review offers a comprehensive and critical synthesis of the chemical composition and functional properties of avocado, with particular emphasis on its lipid profile, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. It also explores recent advances in environmentally sustainable extraction techniques, including ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted processes, as well as the application of natural deep eutectic solvents. These technologies have demonstrated improved efficiency in recovering bioactives while aligning with the principles of green chemistry. The use of avocado-derived ingredients in nanostructured delivery systems and their incorporation into functional foods, cosmetics, and health-promoting formulations is discussed in detail. Additionally, the potential of native cultivars and the application of precision nutrition strategies are identified as promising avenues for future innovation. Taken together, the findings underscore the avocado’s relevance as a high-value matrix for sustainable development. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction protocols, clarifying pharmacokinetic behavior, and ensuring long-term safety in diverse applications. Full article

The connection between sugar and ethanol prices is in line with concerns about the connection between oil and food prices. This paper studies the nexus between Colombia’s ethanol and sugar prices and the role that weather shocks play. Data on production and prices from the sugar mills and climate data on precipitation and temperature are used to estimate two ways to capture the relationship between prices and the role of weather shocks. First, a reduced-form estimation is made, where the study finds evidence of the pass-through of the international price to domestic prices and how high precipitation and temperature shocks increase prices. Then, the study addresses potential simultaneity problems between prices and estimates a VEC model with exogenous variables such as weather shocks. Results show that all domestic prices are affected by the international price, and the international price is affected by the white sugar domestic prices. Additionally, sugar prices react to shocks in ethanol prices, but ethanol prices do not react to shocks in sugar prices. Finally, weather shocks affect sugar prices, with daytime temperature shocks being the most damaging. Full article

Cutting beech plywood using abrasive water jet (AWJ) technology represents a significant area of research due to increasing demands for precision, quality, and environmental sustainability in manufacturing processes within the woodworking industry. AWJ technology enables non-contact cutting of materials without causing thermal deformation or mechanical damage, which is crucial for preserving the structural integrity and mechanical properties of the plywood. This article investigates cutting beech plywood using technical methods using an abrasive water jet (AWJ) at 400 MPa pressure, with Australian garnet (80 MESH) as the abrasive material. It examines how abrasive mass flow rate, traverse speed, and material thickness affect AWJ lag, which in turn influences both cutting quality and accuracy. Measurements were conducted with power abrasive mass flow rates of 250, 350, and 450 g/min and traverse speeds of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 m/min. Results show that increasing the abrasive mass flow rate from 250 g/min to 350 g/min slightly decreased the AWJ cut width by 0.05 mm, while further increasing to 450 g/min caused a slight increase of 0.1 mm. Changes in traverse speed significantly influenced cut width; increasing the traverse speed from 0.2 m/min to 0.4 m/min widened the AWJ by 0.21 mm, while increasing it to 0.6 m/min caused a slight increase of 0.18 mm. For practical applications, it is recommended to use an abrasive mass flow rate of around 350 g/min combined with a traverse speed between 0.2 and 0.4 m/min when cutting beech plywood with AWJ. This balance minimizes jet lag and maintains high surface quality comparable to conventional milling. For thicker plywood, reducing the traverse speed closer to 0.2 m/min and slightly increasing the abrasive flow should ensure clean cuts without compromising surface integrity. Full article

The study is motivated by the application of dry finish milling for post-build processing of additive Ti6Al4V blanks, since the use of neither lubricant nor coolants has been attracting increasing attention due to its environmental benefits, non-toxicity, and the elimination of the need for additional cleaning processes. For end mills, wear patterns were investigated upon finish milling of the SLM Ti6Al4V samples under various machining conditions (by varying the values of radial depth of cut and feed values at a constant level of axial depth of cut and cutting speed). When using all the applied milling modes, the identical tool wear mechanism was revealed. Built-up edges mainly developed on the leading surfaces, increasing the surface roughness on the SLM Ti6Al4V samples but protecting the cutting edges. However, abrasive wear was mainly characteristic of the flank surfaces that accelerated peeling of the protective coatings and increased wear of the end mills. The following milling parameters have been established as being close to rational ones: Vc = 60 m/min, Vf = 400 mm/min, a_p = 4 mm, and a_e = 0.4 mm. They affected the surface roughness of the SLM Ti6Al4V samples in the following way: max cutting thickness—8 μm; built-up edge at rake surface—50 ± 3 μm; max wear of flank surface—15 ± 1 μm; maximum adherence of workpiece. Mode III provided the maximum MRR value and negligible wear of the end mill, but its main disadvantage was the high average surface roughness on the SLM Ti6Al4V sample. Mode II was characterized by both the lowest average surface roughness and the lowest wear of the end mill, as well as an insufficient MRR value. Since these two modes differed only in their feed rates, their values should be optimized in the range from 200 to 400 mm/min. Full article

Drought disturbances are becoming more frequent with global warming. Accurately assessing the regulatory effect of drought on vegetation phenology is key to understanding terrestrial ecosystem response mechanisms in the context of climate change. Previous studies on cumulative and lagged effects of drought on vegetation growth have mostly focused on a single vegetation type or the overall vegetation NDVI, overlooking the possible influence of different adaptation strategies of different vegetation types and differences in drought effects on different phenological nodes. This study investigates the cumulative and lagged effects of drought on vegetation phenology across a region of East Asia from 2001 to 2020 using NDVI data and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). We analyzed the start of growing season (SOS) and end of growing season (EOS) responses to drought across four vegetation types: deciduous needleleaf forests (DNFs), deciduous broadleaf forests (DBFs), shrublands, and grasslands. Results reveal contrasting phenological responses: drought delayed SOS in grasslands through a “drought escape” strategy but advanced SOS in forests and shrublands. All vegetation types showed earlier EOS under drought stress. Cumulative drought effects were strongest on DNFs, SOS, and shrubland SOS, while lagged effects dominated DBFs and grassland SOS. Drought impacts varied with moisture conditions: they were stronger in dry regions for SOS but more pronounced in humid areas for EOS. By confirming that drought effects vary by vegetation type and phenology node, these findings enhance our understanding of vegetation adaptation strategies and ecosystem responses to climate stress. Full article

Recently, essential rose oils and rose products have gained increasing importance in both the cosmetic and food industries, as well as in the composition of medicinal products. We investigated the in vitro antiviral activity of essential oil and floral water from Rosa damascena Mill against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in rabbit retinal cells (RRCs). The composition of the main chemical components in the rose essential oil was determined by means of gas chromatographic analysis. The effect on the viral replication cycle was determined using the cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay. The virucidal activity, the effect on the adsorption stage of the virus to the host cell, and the protective effect on healthy cells were evaluated using the endpoint dilution method. The effects were determined as deviation in the viral titer, Δlg, for the treated cells from the one for the untreated viral control. The identified main active components of rose oil are geraniol (28.73%), citronellol (21.50%), nonadecane (13.13%), nerol (5.51%), heneicosane (4.87%), nonadecene (3.93), heptadecane (2.29), farnesol (2.11%), tricosane (1.29%), eicosane (1.01%), and eugenol (0.85%). The results demonstrated that both rose products do not have a significant effect on the virus replication but directly affect the viral particles and reduce the viral titer by Δlg = 3.25 for floral water and by Δlg = 3.0 for essential oil. Significant inhibition of the viral adsorption stage was also observed, leading to a decrease in the viral titers by Δlg = 2.25 for floral water and by Δlg = 2.0 for essential oil. When pretreating healthy cells with rose products, both samples significantly protected them from subsequent infection with HSV-1. This protective effect was more pronounced for the oil (Δlg = 2.5) compared to the one for the floral water (Δlg = 2.0). We used the in silico molecular docking method to gain insight into the mechanism of hindrance of viral adsorption by the main rose oil compounds (geraniol, citronellol, nerol). These components targeted the HSV-1 gD interaction surface with nectin-1 and HVEM (Herpesvirus Entry Mediator) host cell receptors, at N-, C-ends, and N-end, respectively. These findings could provide a structural framework for further development of anti-HSV-1 therapeutics. Full article

In vitro propagation of avocado faces several limitations. To optimize the establishment phase, we evaluated three plant material types: etiolated shoots, 30-day covered field shoots, and uncovered field shoots, collected at two time points. Biochemical and anatomical analyses were conducted to understand material performance during establishment. Across both collection times, etiolated shoots exhibited minimal oxidation, enhanced bud sprouting, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, increased peroxidase (POD) activity, and improved xylem development, consistently outperforming field-derived materials. Using etiolated shoots, we optimized disinfection and in vitro multiplication protocols. Pre-disinfection with 3 mL L⁻¹ Phyton 27^® and 2% sodium hypochlorite yielded the highest survival rates. In multiplication experiments, varying concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and meta-topolin (MT), supplemented with gibberellic acid (GA₃), did not significantly affect growth variation. However, 8.88 µM BAP with 0.29 µM GA₃ resulted in the greatest number of sprouted buds. Full article

Cassiterite polymetallic sulfide ore exhibits a complex mineral composition and significant variations in mineral properties, which frequently lead to issues such as the over-grinding of cassiterite and under-grinding of sulfide minerals during the grinding process. These issues consequently impair liberation performance in subsequent beneficiation stages. Among these factors, the grinding media ratios stand as one of the critical factors influencing grinding efficiency. Based on these, the paper adopts the single-factor test method to systematically study the influence law of factors such as grinding time, mill rotational rate, and mill filling rate on the particle size composition of ore grinding products and the grinding technology efficiency under different media conditions; in addition, it is compared with the influence law of different conditions of media ratios on the grinding efficiency of ore. The results show that the optimal parameters of the grinding operation are obtained at the grinding time of 4 min, the mill rotational rate of 60%, and the filling rate of 35%. The grinding time and mill filling rate have a relatively more significant effect on the product particle size distribution, while the effect of the mill rotational rate is relatively less significant. When the parameters of grinding operations are optimal, the yield of qualified particle size and grinding technical efficiency are used as the evaluation indices, respectively. Overall, the order of the grinding effect of different media conditions was as follows: steel ball combination of Φ20 mm and Φ25 mm > steel balls of three single sizes > steel ball combination of Φ20 mm and Φ30 mm. The optimal grinding media ratios are Φ20 mm and Φ25 mm (the percentage of the Φ20 mm ball is 90%). The reasonable media ratios will effectively coordinate the optimal grinding effect between different media. The research results can provide the necessary basic data for the subsequent grinding optimization of cassiterite polymetallic sulfide ores. Full article

Background: The causation of type 2 diabetes remains under debate, but evidence supports both abdominal lipid and ectopic lipid overspill into tissues including muscle as key. How these depots differentially alter cardiometabolic profile and change during body weight and fat loss is not known. Methods: Women with obesity scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery were assessed at baseline (BL, n = 28) and at 6-month follow-up (6m_FU, n = 26) after weight loss. Fasting plasma (Pla), subcutaneous thigh adipose (STA), subcutaneous abdominal adipose, (SAA), and thigh vastus lateralis muscle (VLM) samples were collected at BL through surgery and at 6m_FU using needle biopsy. An untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry metabolomics platform was used. Pla and tissue-specific lipid and polar metabolite profiles were modelled as changes from BL and 6m_FU. Results: There was significant body weight (−24.5 kg) loss at 6m_FU (p < 0.05). BL vs. 6m_FU tissue metabolomics profiles showed the largest difference in lipid profiles in SAA tissue in response to surgery. Conversely, polar metabolites were more susceptible to change in STA and VLM. In Pla samples, both lipid and polar metabolite profiles showed significant differences between timepoints. Jaccard–Tanimoto coefficient t-tests identified a sub-group of gut microbiome and dietary-derived omega-3-fatty-acid-containing lipid species and core energy metabolism and adipose catabolism-associated polar metabolites that are trafficked between sample types in response to bariatric surgery. Conclusions: In this first report on channelling of lipids and polar metabolites to alternative tissues in bariatric-induced weight loss, adaptive shuttling of small molecules was identified, further promoting adipose processing and highlighting the dynamic and coordinated nature of post-surgical metabolic regulation. Full article

Carbon fiber (CF) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors due to their high strength, stiffness, and low density. However, significant waste is generated during manufacturing and after the use of CFRPs. Traditional disposal methods like landfilling and incineration are unsustainable. CFRP machining processes, such as drilling and milling, produce fine chips and dust that are difficult to recycle due to their heterogeneity and contamination. This study investigates the oxidation behavior of CFRP drilling waste from two types of materials (tube and plate) under oxidative (non-inert) conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed from 200 °C to 800 °C to assess weight loss related to polymer degradation and carbon fiber integrity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze morphological changes and fiber damage. The optimal range for removing the polymer matrix without significant fiber degradation has been identified as 500–600 °C. At temperatures above 700 °C, notable surface and internal fiber damage occurred, along with nanostructure formation, which may pose health and environmental risks. The results show that partial fiber recovery is possible under ambient conditions, and this must be considered regarding the harmful risks to the human body if submicron particles are inhaled. This research supports sustainable CFRP recycling and fire hazard mitigation. Full article

This study investigates the potential of using downgraded chestnuts, which are unsuitable for commercial sale, from five distinct Greek regions to produce chestnut flour and formulate gluten-free biscuits. Chestnuts were dried and milled into flour, which was then used as the sole flour ingredient in the biscuit formulation, in order to assess its nutritional and functional contribution. The moisture, lipid, protein, and ash contents were analyzed in chestnut flour samples, which showed significant regional differences. Chestnut flour biscuits (CFB) were compared to wheat flour biscuits (WFB). CFB exhibited significantly higher ash content (3.01% compared to 0.94% in WFB) and greater antioxidant capacity, with DPPH scavenging activity reaching 70.83%, as opposed to 61.67% in WFB, while maintaining similar moisture and lipid levels. Although CFB showed slightly lower protein content, the elevated mineral and phenolic compound levels contributed to its functional value. These findings indicate that downgraded chestnuts can be upcycled into gluten-free bakery products with improved functional characteristics. Given their antioxidant activity and mineral content, chestnut flour biscuits may serve as a valuable option for gluten-free diets, supporting circular economy principles and reducing food waste. Full article

Barrel tools are increasingly used in high-precision machining of free-form surfaces. However, limited studies evaluate their performance specifically on spherical geometries, where tool–surface contact characteristics differ significantly. Understanding how tool geometry and process parameters influence surface quality and cutting forces in such cases remains underexplored. This study evaluates how barrel cutter radius and varying machining parameters affect cutting forces and surface roughness when milling internal and external spherical surfaces. Machining tests were conducted on structural steel 1.1191 using two barrel cutters with different curvature radii (85 mm and 250 mm) on a 5-axis CNC machine. Feed per tooth and radial depth of cut were systematically varied. Cutting forces were measured using a dynamometer, and surface roughness was assessed using the Rz parameter, which is more sensitive to peak deviations than Ra. Novelty lies in isolating spherical surface shapes (internal vs. external) under identical path trajectories and systematically correlating tool geometry to force and surface metrics. The larger curvature tool (250 mm) consistently generated up to twice the cutting force of the smaller radius tool under equivalent conditions. External surfaces showed higher Rz values than internal ones due to less favorable contact geometry. Radial depth of the cut had a linear influence on force magnitude, while feed rate had a limited effect except at higher depths. Smaller-radius barrel tools and internal geometries are preferable for minimizing cutting forces and achieving better surface quality when machining spherical components. The aim of this paper is to determine the actual force load and surface quality when using specific cutting conditions for internal and external spherical machined surfaces. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health epidemic with rising prevalence within Asian populations, particularly amongst individuals with high visceral adiposity and ectopic organ fat, the so-called Thin-Outside, Fat-Inside phenotype. Metabolomic and microbiome shifts may herald T2D onset, presenting potential biomarkers and mechanistic insight into metabolic dysregulation. However, multi-omics datasets across ethnicities remain limited. Methods: We performed cross-sectional multi-omics analyses on 171 adults (99 Asian Chinese, 72 European Caucasian) from the New Zealand-based TOFI_Asia cohort at 4-years follow-up. Paired plasma and faecal samples were analysed using untargeted metabolomic profiling (polar/lipid fractions) and shotgun metagenomic sequencing, respectively. Sparse multi-block partial least squares regression and discriminant analysis (DIABLO) unveiled signatures associated with ethnicity, glycaemic status, and sex. Results: Ethnicity-based DIABLO modelling achieved a balanced error rate of 0.22, correctly classifying 76.54% of test samples. Polar metabolites had the highest discriminatory power (AUC = 0.96), with trigonelline enriched in European Caucasians and carnitine in Asian Chinese. Lipid profiles highlighted ethnicity-specific signatures: Asian Chinese showed enrichment of polyunsaturated triglycerides (TG.16:0_18:2_22:6, TG.18:1_18:2_22:6) and ether-linked phospholipids, while European Caucasians exhibited higher levels of saturated species (TG.16:0_16:0_14:1, TG.15:0_15:0_17:1). The bacteria Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Erysipelatoclostridium ramosum, and Enterocloster bolteae characterised Asian Chinese participants, while Oscillibacter sp. and Clostridium innocuum characterised European Caucasians. Cross-omic correlations highlighted negative correlations of Phocaeicola vulgatus with amino acids (r = −0.84 to −0.76), while E. ramosum and C. innocuum positively correlated with long-chain triglycerides (r = 0.55–0.62). Conclusions: Ethnicity drove robust multi-omic differentiation, revealing distinctive metabolic and microbial profiles potentially underlying the differential T2D risk between Asian Chinese and European Caucasians. Full article