Search Results (167)

During large-scale pavement construction, the preparation of SBS-modified asphalt typically produces large amounts of harmful fumes. The emergence of deodorants can effectively alleviate the problem of smoke emissions during the asphalt manufacturing process. On the basis of ensuring the original road performance, exploring more suitable dosages and types of deodorant is urgently needed. Five commercial deodorants were evaluated using an asphalt smoke collection system, and UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV) was employed to screen the deodorants based on smoke concentration. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to quantitatively analyze changes in harmful smoke components before and after adding two deodorants. Subsequently, the mechanisms of action of the two different types of deodorants were analyzed microscopically using fluorescence microscopy. Finally, the performance of bitumen and asphalt mixtures after adding deodorants was evaluated. The results showed that deodorant A (reactive type) and D (adsorption type) exhibited the best smoke suppression effects, with optimal addition rates of 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Deodorant A reduced benzene homologues by nearly 50% and esters by approximately 40%, while deodorant D reduced benzene homologues by approximately 70% and esters by approximately 60%, without producing new toxic gases. Both deodorants had a minimal impact on the basic properties of bitumen and the road performance of asphalt mixtures, with all indicators meeting technical specifications. This research provides a theoretical basis for the effective application of deodorants in the future, truly enabling a transition from laboratory research to large-scale engineering applications in the construction of environmentally friendly roads. Full article

Background/Objectives: Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has emerged as an innovative approach in dentistry. Recently, manufacturers have developed permanent resins engineered explicitly for the fabrication of definitive prostheses using AM techniques. This systematic review evaluated the mechanical and physical properties of 3D-printed permanent resins in comparison to milled resins and hybrid ceramics for the fabrication of indirect dental restorations. Methods: Three electronic databases—Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed—were searched for English-language articles. Two independent researchers conducted study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and the evaluation of the certainty of evidence. In vitro studies assessing the mechanical and physical properties of the permanent resins were included in this review. Results: A total of 1779 articles were identified through electronic databases. Following full-text screening and eligibility assessment, 13 studies published between 2023 and 2024 were included in this qualitative review. The investigated outcomes included physical properties (surface roughness, color changes, water sorption/solubility) and mechanical properties (flexural strength, elastic modulus, microhardness). Conclusions: Three-dimensionally printed permanent resins show promising potential for fabricating indirect dental restorations. However, the current evidence regarding their mechanical and physical properties remain limited and inconsistent, mainly due to variability in study methodologies. Full article

Biodegradable polymer composites offer promising alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, supporting the principles of a zero waste and circular economy. This study investigates the reinforcing potential of alkali-treated wood flour derived from recycled pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) and poplar (Populus alba L.) waste wooden pallets in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites. Wood flour was initially recovered through grinding and screening during recycling, followed by alkali treatment via a green chemistry approach to enhance interfacial bonding with the PLA matrix. The impact of alkali concentration and two fabrication methods—additive manufacturing (AM) and injection molding (IM)—on the properties of developed biocomposite materials was assessed through mechanical, physical, morphological, and thermal analyses. IM samples outperformed AM counterparts, with the IM PLA containing 30 wt% wood flour (alkali-treated with 10% solution) showing the highest mechanical gains: tensile (+71.35%), flexural (+64.74%), and hardness (+2.62%) compared to untreated samples. Moreover, the AM sample with 10 wt% wood flour and 10% alkali treatment showed a 49.37% decrease in water absorption compared to the untreated sample, indicating improved hydrophobicity. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that alkali treatment reduced void content and enhanced morphological uniformity, while thermal properties remained consistent across fabrication methods. This work introduces a green composite using non-toxic materials and treatments, facilitating eco-friendly production aligned with zero waste and circular economy principles throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. Full article

In the Internet of Things (IoT) era, the demand for cost-effective, flexible, wearable antennas and circuits has been growing. Accordingly, screen-printing techniques are becoming more popular due to their lower costs and high-volume manufacturing. This paper presents and investigates a full-screen-printed 1 × 4 Quasi-Yagi-Uda antenna array on a high-transparency flexible Zeonor thin-film substrate for emerging 26 GHz band (24.25–27.55 GHz) 5G applications. As part of this study, screen-printing implementation rules are developed by properly managing ink layer thickness on a transparent flexible Zeonor thin-film dielectric to achieve a decent antenna array performance. In addition, a screen-printing repeatability study has been carried out through a performance comparison of 24 antenna array samples manufactured by our research partner from CEA-Liten Grenoble. Despite the challenging antenna array screen printing at higher frequencies, the measured results show a good antenna performance as anticipated from the traditional subtractive printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing process using standard substrates. It shows a wide-band matched input impedance from 22–28 GHz (i.e., 23% of relative band-width) and a maximum realized gain of 12.8 dB at 27 GHz. Full article

Neonatal calves possess an immature and naïve immune system and are reliant on the intake of maternal colostrum for the passive transfer of immunoglobulins. Maternal antibodies delivered to the calf via colostrum, are crucial to prevent calfhood diseases and death. Failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) is a condition in which calves do not acquire enough maternal antibodies, mostly in the form of IgG, due to inadequate colostrum quality or delayed colostrum feeding. The diagnosis and risk factors for FTPI have been widely studied in dairy cattle; however, in beef calves, the research interest in the topic is relatively recent, and the most adequate diagnostic and preventative methods are still in development, making it difficult to define recommendations for the assessment and prevention of FTPI in cow–calf operations. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the published literature on best practices for colostrum management and transfer of passive immunity (TPI) in neonatal beef calves. The literature was searched using three electronic databases (CAB Direct, Scopus, and PubMed) for publications from 2003 to 2025. The search process was performed during the period from May to July 2023, and was repeated in January 2025. All screening processes were performed using Covidence systematic review software (Veritas Health Innovation, Melbourne, Australia). A total of 800 studies were initially identified through database searches. After removing duplicates, 346 studies were screened based on their titles and abstracts, leading to the exclusion of 260 studies. The remaining 86 studies underwent full-text screening, and 58 studies were considered eligible for data extraction. Hand-searching the references from published review papers on the subject yielded an additional five studies, bringing the total to 63 included articles. The prevalence of FTPI has been estimated to be between 5.8% and 34.5% in beef calves. Factors studied related to colostrum management include quality and quantity of colostrum intake, the timing and method of colostrum feeding, and the microbial content of the colostrum. Studies on risk factors related to the calf include the topics calf sex, twin status, calf vigor, weight, month of birth, cortisol and epinephrine concentrations, and the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to calves after difficult calving. The dam-related risk factors studied include dam body condition score and udder conformation, breed, parity, genetics, prepartum vaccinations and nutrition, calving area and difficulty, and the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at C-section. Most importantly for beef systems, calves with low vigor and a weak suckling reflex are at high risk for FTPI; therefore, these calves should be given extra attention to ensure an adequate consumption of colostrum. While serum IgG levels of < 8 g/L or < 10 g/L have been suggested as cutoffs for the diagnosis of FTPI, 16 g/L and 24 g/L have emerged as cutoffs for adequate and optimal serum IgG levels in beef calves. Several field-ready diagnostics have been compared in various studies to the reference standards for measuring indicators of TPI in beef calves, where results often differ between models or manufacturers. Therefore, care must be taken when interpreting these results. Full article

Decarbonizing industrial manufacturing is a significant challenge in the effort to limit the impacts of global climate change. Additive manufacturing (AM) is one pathway for reducing the impacts of manufacturing as it creates parts layer-by-layer rather than by removing (i.e., subtracting) material from solid stock as with conventional techniques. This reduces material inputs and generates less waste, which can substantially lower life cycle energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, AM adoption in the manufacturing sector has been slow, partly due to challenges in making a strong business case compared with more traditional and widely available techniques. This paper highlights the need for the development of simple screening analysis tools to speed the adoption of AM in the manufacturing sector by providing decision-makers easy access to important production life cycle emissions, and cost information. Details on the development of two Microsoft Excel software tools are provided: upgrades to an existing tool on the energy and carbon impacts of AM and a new tool for analyzing the major cost components of AM. A case study applies these two tools to the production of a lightweight aerospace bracket, showing how the tools can be used to estimate the environmental benefits and production costs of AM. Full article

The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to an abundance of data streams and real-time dashboards in domains such as smart cities, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. However, many current IoT dashboards emphasize complex visualizations with minimal textual cues, posing significant barriers to users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies. This paper presents AccessiDashboard, a web-based IoT dashboard platform that prioritizes accessible design from the ground up. The system uses semantic HTML5 and WAI-ARIA compliance to ensure that screen readers can accurately interpret and navigate the interface. In addition to standard chart presentations, AccessiDashboard automatically generates long descriptions of graphs and visual elements, offering a text-first alternative interface for non-visual data exploration. The platform supports multi-modal data consumption (visual charts, bullet lists, tables, and narrative descriptions) and leverages Large Language Models (LLMs) to produce context-aware textual representations of sensor data. A privacy-by-design approach is adopted for the AI integration to address ethical and regulatory concerns. Early evaluation suggests that AccessiDashboard reduces cognitive and navigational load for users with vision disabilities, demonstrating its potential as a blueprint for future inclusive IoT monitoring solutions. Full article

Construction 4.0 is propelling the construction sector towards a digital, automated, and sustainable framework. This paper reviews advancements in automation and digitalization within the steel construction industry, framed by the principles of Construction 4.0. An analysis of the existing literature indicates that previous review studies have explored the technologies and concepts associated with Construction 4.0. However, none have consolidated these technologies and concepts (T&C) specifically within the context of the steel construction industry to evaluate their impact on steel manufacturing and assembly processes which was the main criterion for article selection. Therefore, this paper aims to consolidate various Construction 4.0 technologies and concepts to explore their integration into the steel construction industry. Based on data from the Web of Science and Scopus, a thorough screening process identified 56 out of 161 articles for analysis regarding their applicability to the steel construction industry. The evolution of various technologies in the steel construction industry has been examined over the years, starting with the initial references to each technology. In addition to discussing the advancements of these technologies and their influence on contemporary digitalization and automation within the steel sector, the authors seek to identify which T&C are most commonly utilized in manufacturing and assembly processes. The graphical results of this review indicate that each type of T&C can serve as a tool for quality control throughout the manufacturing and assembly processes. However, it is noteworthy that most research remains concentrated on enhancing material tracking and identification during these stages of production. Full article

This study addresses the challenge of optimizing the viscoelastic performance of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) parts manufactured by fused deposition modeling (FDM), where printing parameters strongly influence mechanical properties. The objective was to systematically evaluate the effects of four key factors—infill pattern, build orientation, layer height, and filament color—on storage modulus, damping factor, and glass transition temperature. A combined experimental design approach was employed: Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array efficiently screened parameter effects, while response surface methodology (RSM) enabled detailed analysis of interaction effects and multiresponse optimization. Results revealed that build orientation and layer height had the greatest impact, increasing instantaneous stiffness ($E_u$) by up to 81%, equilibrium modulus ($E_0$) by 128%, and glass transition temperature ($T_g$) by 1.46%, while decreasing the damping factor (tan $\delta$) by 3.4% between optimized and suboptimal conditions. To complement the statistical optimization, the fractional Zener model (FZM) was applied to characterize the viscoelastic response of two representative samples optimized for either high stiffness or high flexibility. The flexible sample exhibited a higher fractional order ($\alpha =0.24$), indicating enhanced elastic mobility, while the stiff sample showed a higher activation energy ($E_a=0.52$ eV), consistent with restricted molecular motion. This integrated approach provides a robust and generalizable framework for improving material performance in polymer additive manufacturing. Full article

The present study undertakes a systematic review of the latest trends in sustainable manufacturing over the past five years, exploring future developments in technologies, methods, and strategies. Utilizing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, adapted to engineering, this research ensures transparency and reproducibility throughout the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion stages of the review process. A review of the extant literature identified several key terms that were frequently incorporated into research inquiries, including Industry 4.0, circular economy, additive manufacturing (AM), and the use of sustainable materials. The study’s main findings highlight the transformative role of digital technologies in fostering closed-loop systems and resource efficiency. For industry professionals, this signifies concrete prospects for enhancing operational efficiency, mitigating waste, and shifting towards more robust production models. Nonetheless, this review discloses persistent challenges, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These challenges encompass elevated implementation costs and the intricacy of advanced digital solutions. The study’s findings indicate that while Industry 4.0 is a predominant catalyst for sustainable practices, its extensive adoption is impeded by substantial implementation costs and skill deficits. The study’s concluding remarks outline strategic directions for future research and policy, advocating for scalable, inclusive solutions to facilitate a global transition toward sustainable industrial systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digital mammography is widely used for breast cancer screening; however, variations in system design and automatic exposure control (AEC) strategies can lead to significant differences in radiation dose, potentially affecting the diagnostic quality and patient safety. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of various mammographic technologies on the in vivo mean glandular doses (MGDs) that are received in clinical settings. Methods: The MGDs and applied acquisition parameters from 194,608 mammograms, acquired employing AEC using different digital mammography systems (GE, Siemens, and two different models of Hologic), were retrospectively collected. The potential variation in MGD resulting from different technologies (system and target/filter combination) was assessed employing the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Dunn’s post hoc. The AEC optimization of acquisition parameters (kVp, mAs) within each system was investigated through a multi-regression analysis as a function of the compressed breast thickness (CBT). The trend line of these parameters in addition to the MGD and source-to-breast distance were also plotted and compared. Results: There were significant variations in delivered doses per CBT based on which technology was used (p < 0.001). The regression analyses revealed system-specific differences in AEC adjustments of mAs and kVp in response to CBT changes. As the CBT increases, the MGD increases with different degrees, rates, and patterns across systems due to differences in AEC strategies. Conclusions: The MGD is affected by the applied technology, which is different between systems. Clinicians need to be aware of these variations and how they affect the MGD. Additionally, manufacturers may need to consider standardizing the implemented technology effects on the MGDs. Full article

The mechanical properties of calcite suspension are predominantly affected by different ions dissolved in solution. In this work, natural and synthetic calcites were employed to investigate the influence of potential-determining ions (PDIs) (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, OH⁻, CO₃²⁻ and SO₄²⁻) on the zeta potential and rheological behavior of calcite paste. Electric double layer (EDL) models were proposed to further interpret the ionic adsorption mode and zeta potential evolution. Experimental results show that moderate addition of the positive PDIs Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ significantly increases the positive charge of calcite and enhances paste flow. Calcite exhibits higher zeta potential in Ca(NO₃)₂ but lower viscosity in Mg(NO₃)₂, which is attributed to the different affinity of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ for the calcite surface. As for the negative PDIs OH⁻, CO₃²⁻ and SO₄²⁻, they make the calcite negatively charged with the order of $\left|{\xi }_{N{a}_{2}C{O}_3}\right|>\left|{\xi }_{N{a}_{2}S{O}_4}\right|>\left|{\xi }_{NaOH}\right|$. The negatively charged calcite paste exhibits much higher viscosity, which is against the conventional DLVO (Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek) theory. Lattice site screening and specific attraction induced by negative PDIs may be the reason for the phenomenon. This work provides a comprehensive understanding on the correlation between ionic adsorption, surface charge and particle interactions. These theories are enlightening for calcite application in many areas such as paper manufacturing, wall coating and heritage conservation. Full article

This paper presents a method to recover the negative threshold voltage shift during high field gate oxide screening of 1.2 kV 4H-SiC MOSFETs with an additional adjustment gate voltage pulse. To reduce field failure rates of the MOSFETs in operation, manufacturers perform a screening treatment to remove devices with extrinsic defects in the oxide. Current gate oxide screening procedures are limited to oxide fields at or below ~9 MV/cm for short durations (<1 s), which is not enough to remove all the devices with extrinsic defects. The results show that by implementing a lower field gate pulse, the threshold voltage shift can be partially recovered, and therefore the maximum screening field and time can be increased. However, both the initial screening pulse and the adjustment pulse require careful calibration to prevent significant degradation of the device threshold voltage, on-resistance, interface state density, or intrinsic lifetime. With a well calibrated set of pulses, higher screening fields can be utilized without significantly damaging the devices. This leads to an improvement in the overall screening efficiency of the process, reducing the number of devices with extrinsic oxide defects entering the field, and improving the reliability of the SiC MOSFETs in operation. Full article

Background: Biosimilars are designed to closely resemble their reference biologics in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy, with only minor variations in clinically inactive components and manufacturing methods. Evaluating the safety of switching between these products is critical for healthcare providers and patients. Concerns may arise when transitioning patients from a reference biologic to a biosimilar or between different biosimilars. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the frequency of adverse events associated with switching from a reference biologic to its biosimilar, using data derived from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE and Cochrane Central databases from their inception to December 2024. Studies included RCTs that reported adverse reactions related to switching between reference-to-reference biologics and reference-to-biosimilar biologics. Record screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Random effects models were applied to pool crude outcome data. Results: The search identified 668 abstracts, with an additional 14 studies found through hand-searching review articles. Of these, 12 trials involving 1326 participants in the reference–reference group and 1176 participants in the reference–biosimilar group met the inclusion criteria. The frequency of adverse events, serious adverse events, and treatment-related adverse events did not differ significantly between the reference–reference and reference–biosimilar groups: relative risk (RR) = 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85–1.08), RR = 1.06 (95% CI, 0.68–1.65), and RR = 1.03 (95% CI, 0.66–1.59), respectively. Heterogeneity was generally low to moderate across outcomes, and subgroup analyses based on disease type and reference product showed no differences. Conclusions: Switching between reference biologics and biosimilars demonstrates a comparable safety profile, suggesting that both options are viable. However, the findings are limited by the small number of trials and the scope of patient populations and products studied. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021267205. Full article

Objective: To conduct a systematic review on the mechanical properties of 3D printed resin-based composites when compared with those of subtractively manufactured resin-based composites. Materials and Methods: In vitro studies comparing the mechanical properties of additively and subtractively manufactured resin-based composites were sought. A systematic search, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), was performed on four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus) for articles published until 23 December 2024. The quality of the studies was assessed with the QUIN tool (risk-of-bias tool for assessing in vitro studies conducted in dentistry) and those assessed with a high risk of bias were excluded. Results: Of the 1058 screened articles, 13 were included in this review. A noticeable heterogeneity emerged in the methodologies employed, mainly regarding samples’ fabrication techniques, materials involved, and parameters analyzed. The most investigated mechanical property was fracture resistance, followed by microhardness, flexural strength, and wear behavior. Among the tested materials, the most used 3D printable resins were VarseoSmile Crown Plus (Bego) and Crowntec (Saremco Dental), whereas for the subtractive groups, the most investigated was Brilliant Crios (Coltène). Conclusions: The mechanical properties of 3D printed resins designed for permanent restorations are still lower than those of their subtractively manufactured counterparts. Moreover, in the long term, the degradation processes that inevitably occur might significantly increase their chances of failure. Full article