Search Results (1,403)

The development of more sustainable asphalt materials requires modified bitumen binders that combine thermal resistance, adhesion, and deformation capacity. In this study, soft paving-grade bitumen was modified with styrene–butadiene–styrene polymer, oil refinery sludge, titanium slag, and lead-furnace cyclone dust. Binders with bitumen-to-modifying-system ratios from 90:10 to 60:40 were characterized by FTIR, TGA/DSC, XRD, and portable XRF analyses and evaluated using penetration-type consistency, softening-point, qualitative adhesion, and tensile deformation tests. The modifying-system content produced non-monotonic changes in binder properties. Among the investigated formulations, the 75:25 composition provided the most balanced response, with a penetration depth of 8.6 mm, a softening point of 65.0 °C, a maximum elongation of 355.66 mm, and high qualitative film retention on mineral aggregate. In contrast, the 60:40 binder showed increased penetration and the lowest elongation, indicating that excessive modifier loading was unfavorable. The 75:25 binder was subsequently used in small-scale asphalt concrete sections and showed acceptable preliminary behavior during mixture preparation, placement, and compaction. The results demonstrate composition-dependent relationships in the investigated multicomponent system and support further evaluation of selected industrial by-products in modified bitumen binders. Full article

Owing to their high nutritional value, functional proteins, and low environmental impact, legume proteins have emerged as sustainable alternatives to animal proteins. However, their broader utilization is constrained by antinutritional factors (ANFs), which can adversely affect protein digestibility, mineral bioavailability, and techno-functional features. Fermentation has appeared as a promising approach to overcoming these limitations. Through microbial and enzymatic activities, fermentation can reduce ANFs, modify protein structures, and promote proteolysis, generating peptides and free amino acids that may improve digestibility, bioavailability, and functional properties. This review critically explores the effects of fermentation on legume proteins, concentrating on ANF reduction, protein degradation and structural modification, proteolysis, and their consequences for nutritional and techno-functional properties. Particular attention is given to protein hydrolysis and peptide generation, as well as the limitations and potential trade-offs of fermentation, including extreme proteolysis, loss of desirable functional properties, unwanted sensory changes, variability among strains and substrates, and prolonged processing. The review also discusses the incorporation of fermented legume proteins into relevant food systems, with emphasis on their functional performance and application potential. Finally, current knowledge gaps and future research priorities are highlighted to support the development of controlled fermentation strategies for nutritionally improved, functionally tailored, and industrially feasible legume protein ingredients. Full article

Accurate determination of mixing and compaction temperatures is essential for producing durable asphalt pavements while minimizing energy consumption and binder aging. Conventional temperature selection is based on asphalt binder viscosity, which does not adequately represent the workability of modern asphalt mixtures containing polymer modifiers or alternative mineral fillers. This study proposes a torque-based criterion as a performance-oriented alternative for estimating the required production temperatures of conventional and polymer-modified asphalt mixtures. A high-capacity laboratory workability device was developed to measure the mixing torque of 15 kg asphalt mixtures at temperatures ranging from 120 to 160 °C. The experimental program included surface, binder, and base mixtures incorporating hydrated lime, limestone, and cement fillers, as well as asphalt modified with 4% styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and 5% polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Based on the experimental results, torque criteria were established for conventional hot mix asphalt, and regression models were developed to estimate the production temperatures of polymer-modified mixtures. The proposed torque-based approach predicted mixing temperatures of 163–192 °C and compaction temperatures of 147–176 °C for SBS-modified asphalt, while the corresponding ranges for PVC-modified asphalt were 131–170 °C and 110–149 °C, respectively. The lower PVC compaction prediction of 110 °C represents an extrapolated model value outside the experimentally investigated temperature range and requires experimental verification before practical application. Compared with the conventional viscosity-based method, the torque criterion reduced the required mixing and compaction temperatures by 13–57 °C (6–30%) and 17–65 °C (9–37%), respectively. Validation using a Superpave gyratory compactor demonstrated nearly identical volumetric properties for the two methods, with %Gmm at Ndesign of 95.90% and 95.88%, and air voids of 4.10% and 4.12%, despite approximately 40 °C lower processing temperatures using the torque-based method. These findings indicate that torque-based workability can provide a practical basis for estimating asphalt production temperatures, while its potential for reducing energy demand, limiting binder aging, and supporting more sustainable pavement construction requires further validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Modifiable lifestyle behaviors may be relevant to osteoporotic fracture risk, but their cumulative association across different levels of skeletal health remains unclear. This study investigated the association between a cumulative lifestyle score and osteoporotic fracture risk according to baseline bone mineral density (BMD) category in older women. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using Korean National Health Insurance Service data from 541,770 women aged 66 years who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry through the national life-transition health screening program between 2010 and 2016. A cumulative lifestyle score ranging from 0 to 3 was constructed by assigning one point each for regular exercise, non- or ex-smoking status, and non-drinking status. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate associations with any, vertebral, hip, and other osteoporotic fractures across normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups. Results: Higher lifestyle scores were generally associated with lower osteoporotic fracture hazards across BMD categories. For any fracture, the adjusted hazard ratios for lifestyle score 3 versus 0 were 0.746 (95% CI, 0.564–0.987) in the normal BMD group, 0.747 (95% CI, 0.630–0.885) in the osteopenia group, and 0.786 (95% CI, 0.668–0.924) in the osteoporosis group. No statistical evidence of interaction between lifestyle score and BMD category was observed. The incidence-rate differences between scores 0 and 3 for any fracture were 4.49, 6.03, and 5.99 per 1000 person-years in the normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups, respectively. Conclusions: A more favorable cumulative lifestyle profile was associated with lower osteoporotic fracture risk across BMD categories in older women. Although there was no statistical evidence that the relative associations differed by BMD category, larger incidence-rate differences were observed among women with lower BMD. These observational findings support the potential value of integrated lifestyle assessment as a complementary component of fracture-risk assessment and counseling. Full article

Lepidolite, as a lithium-rich mineral, plays a crucial role in the recovery of lithium resources. This study presents the use of alkali corrosion as a surface pretreatment technique for lepidolite to improve its flotation recovery, and investigates its mechanism on the lepidolite surface. The flotation results demonstrate that, using NaOl as the collector and with the synergistic activation of alkali corrosion and Ca²⁺, the maximum recovery of lepidolite can reach 92.61%. Contact angle measurements, high-speed cameras, scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to observe changes in surface wettability, flocculation, morphology, and reagent adsorption. The findings indicated that alkali corrosion pretreatment, in conjunction with Ca²⁺ activation, modifies the lepidolite surface and enhances the adsorption of the collector on its surface. Full article

Agricultural residues represent an abundant lignocellulosic resource for the production of renewable fuels and value-added products through thermochemical conversion. In this study, the influence of bran and peat as organic and mineral-rich binder components on the pyrolysis behaviour and product distribution of biomass pellets was investigated. Wheat straw, barley straw, and oat husks were pelletized using barley bran or peat as binders and analysed by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR). The thermal degradation behaviour, product yields, evolution profiles of non-condensable gases, and composition of condensable products were evaluated during pyrolysis at 700 °C. The results indicated that pelletization modified the thermal degradation pathways and product distribution through interactions between biomass and binder components. Bran-bonded pellets promoted the formation of bio-oil and oxygen-containing condensable compounds, with bio-oil yields reaching up to 45.2%, whereas peat-bonded pellets showed increased formation of non-condensable gases and solid residue. CO₂ and CO were the dominant gaseous products, while CH₄ formation mainly occurred at elevated temperatures in the passive pyrolysis region. The results indicate that binder composition plays an important role in controlling pyrolysis pathways and product distribution, providing opportunities for the optimization of agricultural residue-based pellets for bioenergy and circular bioeconomy applications. Full article

The continuous release of pharmaceutical contaminants such as naproxen (NPX) into aquatic environments poses substantial ecological risks. In this study, a series of visible-light-responsive bismuth oxychloride-iodide (BiOCl_xI_1−x) solid solutions were synthesized via a simple one-step solvothermal method. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a tetragonal matlockite-type solid solution, while SEM and TEM observations revealed three-dimensional flower-like hierarchical microspheres assembled from ultrathin nanosheets. Among the prepared samples, BiOCl_0.3I_0.7 exhibited the highest visible-light photocatalytic activity toward NPX degradation, achieving a removal efficiency of 87% within 60 min. Its apparent pseudo-first-order rate constant was 0.0740 min⁻¹, the highest among the investigated compositions. Experimental measurements showed composition-dependent band-gap narrowing, while representative DFT calculations indicated that I-for-Cl substitution modifies the valence-band electronic states, providing a qualitative electronic-structure explanation for the enhanced visible-light response. Evaluation of operational parameters showed that NPX degradation was favored at lower initial NPX concentrations and under acidic conditions, whereas humic acid and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) inhibited the process. TOC analysis further confirmed partial mineralization of NPX during photocatalysis. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and reactive-species trapping experiments indicated that photogenerated holes (h⁺), singlet oxygen (¹O₂), and superoxide radicals (O₂^•−) were the dominant reactive species involved in NPX degradation. These findings demonstrate the potential of band-gap-engineered bismuth-based solid solutions for environmental remediation. Full article

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a progressive condition driven by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and the osteogenic reprogramming of valvular interstitial cells, leading to hydroxyapatite crystallization. Because tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) drives phosphate-mediated mineralization, this study evaluated the efficacy of novel TNAP inhibitors as a disease-modifying strategy. Using a vitamin D3-induced CAVD mouse model presenting human-like annular thickening and valvular calcification, we analyzed the therapeutic impact of these inhibitors. TNAP expression was highly elevated in diseased valves; however, inhibitor treatment significantly lowered TNAP levels and attenuated valvular calcification. Notably, the inhibitors suppressed lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant capacity, significantly regulating GSH, SOD, and CAT levels while decreasing lipid oxidation markers (MDA, 4-HNE, MPO). Furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and apoptotic markers (cleaved Cas-3, cleaved PARP) were markedly decreased, accompanied by diminished fibrotic and osteogenic remodeling, while maintaining normal bone homeostasis. In conclusion, TNAP inhibition effectively reduces pathological valve calcification by suppressing interconnected oxidative, inflammatory, fibrotic, and osteogenic pathways, positioning it as a promising and safe therapeutic approach for CAVD. Full article

Injectable fillers that combine immediate volume restoration with a sustained biological response remain of considerable interest in minimally invasive aesthetic medicine. In this study, a hydroxyapatite-loaded methacrylated recombinant type III collagen microgel (HAp@rhCol III-MA) was prepared by in situ coprecipitation and photocrosslinking. Recombinant type III collagen (rhCol III) was functionalized with methacryloyl groups to obtain rhCol III-MA, after which a calcium phosphate phase was mineralized in the presence of the modified collagen and the collagen phase was crosslinked under ultraviolet irradiation. More than 80% of the microgel particles prepared at 900 rpm were 20–80 μm in diameter. Spectroscopic, elemental, thermal, and diffraction analyses supported the incorporation of a poorly crystalline, HAp-compatible calcium phosphate phase, while rheological measurements showed higher storage and loss moduli than those of rhCol III-MA gel. HAp@rhCol III-MA did not reduce NIH-3T3 cell viability at the tested concentrations and enhanced HUVEC scratch closure and tube-network formation in vitro. Following subcutaneous implantation in rats, the microgel retained more volume than rhCol III-MA during the early and intermediate observation periods, with residual volumes of 56.58 ± 3.03 mm³ for HAp@rhCol III-MA and 52.80 ± 1.79 mm³ for rhCol III-MA at day 59; the commercial type I collagen comparator retained 123.23 ± 2.80 mm³. The composite caused no evident tissue injury and was associated with progressive collagen deposition and a low, declining CD68-positive response. These findings support further investigation of HAp@rhCol III-MA as an injectable dermal-filling material, while long-term persistence and clinical injection performance remain to be established. Full article

With rapid development of 5G/6G communication and high-power electronic devices, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding textiles are urgently required to mitigate electromagnetic pollution. Traditional metallic shielding suffered from heavy weight, poor corrosion resistance, and secondary electromagnetic reflection, while continuous basalt fibers (CBFs) exhibit excellent mechanical strength, lightweightness, thermal/chemical resistance, and electrical insulation, which makes CBFs ideal substrates for EMI devices. Herein, a multifunctional waterborne polyurethane (WPU) sizing agent (coating emulsion) integrated with Mn-Zn spinel ferrite was developed for in situ lubrication on the as-spun CBFs. The composite sizing agents consisted of a WPU matrix, water-soluble epoxy, mineral oil lubricant, CTAB surfactant, KH-570 coupling agent, and micro-sized Mn-Zn ferrites. Characterizations including particle size distribution, thermogravimetric analysis, water contact angle (WCA), water absorption, FTIR, XRD, and SEM were conducted to verify uniform anchoring of ferrites on the CBF surfaces. Increasing ferrite dosages induced slight particle aggregation, elevated surface hydrophobicity (WCA = 42.4° → 99.43°), and reduced water absorption (65% → 35%), which greatly improved the moisture resistance of the CBFs. The X-band EMI shielding tests revealed that the total shielding effectiveness (SET) of modified CBF fabrics increased from 0.11 dB (pristine fiber without ferrite) to 58.57 dB at a loading of 8.0 g/L ferrite. The absorption loss (SEA) dominated the shielding performance over reflection loss (SER). The low-to-moderate contents (1.5–3.0 g/L) of ferrite achieved ultra-high absorption, while higher ferrite loading (5.0–8.0 g/L) intensified the impedance mismatch and enhanced surface reflection. This work establishes a scalable fabrication of absorption-prioritized lightweight CBF shielding, which provides a feasible pathway for flexible EMI shielding textiles. Full article

Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley is an important emerald-producing region in Asia. In this study, emeralds from Kamar Safid in Southeastern Panjshir were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy, and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). These Kamar Safid emeralds are generally small, light-green-to-green crystals. Microscopic observations revealed abundant acicular and tubular three- or two-phase fluid inclusions, with transparent feldspar-group mineral inclusions. Solid phases in the fluid inclusions commonly consist of carbonate crystals or several transparent halite daughter crystals. FTIR spectra of samples indicated that the absorption of type II H₂O was higher than type I H₂O in the emeralds from Kamar Safid. The UV-Vis-NIR spectra are characterized by Cr- and V-related absorption bands, which are stronger than Fe-related absorptions. LA-ICP-MS results indicate slightly higher V contents and lower Cr contents than emeralds from other Panjshir mining areas. The relatively low total Cr and V contents of Kamar Safid emeralds account for the overall lighter color, suggesting that Cr and V are the principal chromophores, whereas Fe secondarily modifies hue. Rb, Cs, and Sc contents are 6.2–24.3 ppm, 11.9–141.6 ppm, and 92–1461 ppm, with total alkali contents of 4903.10–14,257.18 ppm. Cs-Rb, Cs-Sc, Li-Cs, and Li-Sc binary logarithmic diagrams indicate enrichment in Sc and Rb and depletion in Li and Cs. Full article

This in vitro study evaluated the shear bond strength (SBS), morphology, and chemistry of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) ceramics and composites bonded to Er:YAG-irradiated dentin using universal adhesive strategies. A total of 102 human dentin discs were randomly allocated to etched control (E), laser-irradiated (I; 10 Hz, 150 mJ, 5 s), or irradiated-and-etched (IE) conditions. Ninety specimens were bonded to a Cerasmart composite (CSM) or leucite-reinforced ceramic (LRF), while 12 were used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). EDX showed marked mineral depletion after etching, with the Ca/P ratio decreasing from 1.58 in control dentin to 1.28 in E and IE specimens. LRF showed higher SBS than CSM (14.12 ± 5.14 vs. 10.94 ± 3.76 MPa); E-LRF had the highest SBS (15.48 ± 3.75 MPa) and I-CSM the lowest (9.57 ± 4.05 MPa), with Tukey significance only seen between these groups (p = 0.009). A two-way ANOVA showed a significant material effect on SBS (p = 0.002), whereas dentin pretreatment (p = 0.185) and material × pretreatment interaction (p = 0.719) were not significant. In conclusion, although Er:YAG irradiation modified dentin morphology and surface chemistry, dentin pretreatment had no statistically significant effect on SBS. Phosphoric acid etching nonetheless remained the most consistent conditioning approach in descriptive terms, as irradiated-and-etched dentin achieved SBS values comparable to etched-only dentin, whereas irradiation alone yielded the lowest descriptive values. This observation should be confirmed by studies incorporating thermocycling, long-term storage, and fatigue loading. Full article

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–bentonite composite coatings combine a hydrophilic polymer with a naturally abundant clay mineral, offering potential advantages for modifying the physicochemical and film-forming characteristics of polymer–clay coatings. However, the combined influence of PVA–bentonite composition and total solids content on drying behavior and film evolution remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the particle size, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface morphology, rheology, thixotropy, zeta potential, drying behavior, solvent transport, and film evolution of PVA–bentonite coatings prepared at total solids contents of 5 and 10 wt.% with different PVA to bentonite ratios. The drying profiles exhibited an initial relatively rapid solvent-removal stage followed by a slower stage associated with progressively restricted solvent transport during film consolidation. A lower total solids content (5 wt.%) generally accelerated drying but was associated with greater microcracking, whereas a higher total solids content (10 wt.%) produced more consolidated and comparatively uniform films with reduced solvent mobility. The combined physicochemical, rheological, drying, and morphological results demonstrate that both PVA–bentonite composition and total solids content substantially influence the structural organization and drying behavior of the coatings. Pure PVA formed a relatively uniform film but exhibited prolonged drying, while pure bentonite required the longest drying time (1083 min). Among the investigated formulations, the 50:50 PVA–bentonite coating demonstrated the shortest drying time, reaching equilibrium in approximately 480 min, while also exhibiting comparatively good film uniformity. During drying, its thickness decreased from approximately 1745 to 440 µm, corresponding to a reduction of about 1305 µm. Overall, under the investigated laboratory conditions, the 50:50 PVA–bentonite formulation provided the most favorable balance of drying behavior, film formation, and rheological characteristics among the compositions studied. These findings provide composition–structure–drying relationships that can guide further development of PVA–bentonite coating systems. At the same time, additional evaluation of mechanical, adhesion, barrier, durability, and economic performance is required to establish broader practical applicability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aluminium is a widespread environmental element and food contaminant to which the general population is continuously exposed, primarily through diet and drinking water. Although gastrointestinal absorption is generally low, bioavailability varies according to chemical form, food matrix, and interactions with dietary components. Prolonged exposure can nevertheless result in gradual tissue accumulation. This review summarises current evidence on dietary aluminium exposure, factors influencing its bioavailability, toxicokinetics, biological effects, gut microbiota interactions, and population-level health risk. Methods: A comprehensive narrative literature review was conducted using publications retrieved from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Original research articles, review papers, and reports issued by international organisations were critically evaluated with particular emphasis on dietary sources, drinking water, food additives, food contact materials, gastrointestinal absorption, toxicokinetics, biological mechanisms, gut microbiota, and health risk assessment. Results: Food represents the principal source of aluminium exposure in the general population, while drinking water usually contributes a smaller but continuous fraction of total oral intake. Dietary exposure varies substantially between populations and is influenced by food composition, processing practices, the use of aluminium-containing additives, and migration from food contact materials. Aluminium bioavailability is modified by chemical speciation and dietary constituents, including citrate, phosphates, silicates, phytates, polyphenols, and essential minerals. Despite limited absorption, prolonged exposure can lead to gradual aluminium accumulation, particularly in bone tissue and the central nervous system. Proposed biological mechanisms include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of mineral homeostasis, and inflammatory signalling. Emerging evidence also indicates that aluminium may alter the gut microbiota, impair intestinal barrier integrity, and influence the gut–brain axis. Population exposure assessments show considerable regional variation, with some groups approaching or exceeding established tolerable weekly intake values. Conclusions: Dietary aluminium exposure represents a relevant issue in nutritional toxicology and food safety. Although current evidence does not establish that typical dietary exposure directly causes chronic disease, long-term exposure, differences in bioavailability, and the possibility of elevated intake in selected population groups justify continued monitoring and further prospective human studies. Future research should integrate dietary intake, aluminium speciation, nutritional status, biomarkers of internal exposure, and long-term health outcomes to improve risk assessment and support effective exposure-reduction strategies. Full article

This study evaluated the potential use of waste mineral wool recovered from heating pipe insulation as a functional additive in cement concrete. The research aimed to determine the effect of this fibrous recycled material on the mechanical, physical, durability, thermal, and microstructural properties of concrete. One reference mix and three modified mixes were prepared, incorporating waste mineral wool at 12%, 16%, and 20% by cement mass. All mixes were prepared using CEM I 32.5R cement, 0/2 mm basalt aggregate, 2/8 mm granite aggregate, and a superplasticizer. After 28 days of sample curing, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, density, water absorption, frost resistance, and thermal parameters were determined. Microstructural observations were also performed on concrete fracture surfaces. The results showed that the addition of mineral wool reduced the compressive strength from 84.9 MPa for the reference concrete to 63.8–53.3 MPa for the modified concretes. At the same time, moderate dosing improved the splitting tensile strength, reaching a maximum of 3.93 MPa with a 16% addition. The most favorable thermal effect was achieved with a 12% addition, for which the thermal conductivity coefficient decreased from 1.3461 to 1.1988 W/(m·K). The results indicate that waste mineral wool can be used in concretes with limited structural function; however, its dosage requires optimization due to increased water absorption and decreased compressive strength. Full article