Search Results (9,509)

This study explored the dual chemical modification of starch isolated from red lentils (Lens culinaris) to develop a biodegradable polymer with enhanced functionality for multifaceted applications. Native starch was isolated via combined salt–alkali treatment and sequentially modified through epichlorohydrin-mediated crosslinking, followed by cationization using glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride (GTAC). Utilizing a Quality by Design (QbD) strategy through Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the cationization endured fine-tuning to reach an optimal degree of substitution (DS = 0.572) under foremost conditions (GTAC: 2.1 mol, NaOH: 0.09 mol, reaction time: 18 h). Structural and functional characterization using FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and zeta potential analysis confirmed the successful modification, indicating enhanced thermal stability, a transition to a more amorphous structure, and a moderately positive surface charge (+7.24 mV). The dual modified cationic lentil starch (CLS) demonstrated effective flocculation of kaolin suspensions, achieving a transmittance of up to 94%. Additionally, CLS showed significantly improved emulsion stability, maintaining over 70% stability after 24 h, compared to native starch, which dropped below 30%. These results emphasize the promising potential of CLS as an eco-friendly and high-performance alternative to synthetic polymers for water treatment and stabilization of emulsion-based formulations. Full article

Motivated by altitude-induced fluctuations in oxygen partial pressure (pO₂) and their impacts on PCS off-line arc motion and erosion response, this study proposes a comparative experimental approach featuring single-variable control under constant total pressure and coordinated multi-source electrical-signal observation. A reciprocating current-carrying arc-generation rig was established, in which pO₂ was equivalently regulated via a constant-pressure gas substitution and mixing approach. High-speed imaging–based quantitative vision analysis was integrated with synchronized voltage–current measurements to evaluate the net effects of five O₂ volumetric fraction levels (6, 11, 14, 17, and 21 vol%) under a DC supply of 120 V/25 A on arc dynamics, electrochemical processes, and contact pair erosion. Based on repeated-test results, the 14 vol% case exhibited the poorest stability (maximum fluctuation coefficient 20.306%), whereas the 17 vol% case showed the lowest current-carrying efficiency (minimum 56.070%) together with the most severe erosion damage. Moreover, with increasing pO₂, the erosion morphology evolved in a staged manner, transitioning from localized central ablation accompanied by melt-related traces to adhesive wear-induced delamination, and ultimately to electrochemical oxidative wear. Overall, pO₂ imposes a pronounced non-monotonic “window effect” on arc stability and erosion, providing key evidence for PCS structural optimization and risk assessment in open operating environments. Full article

Combining biobutanol and oxyhydrogen in an SI engine can reduce fossil-fuel use and improve power, but oxyhydrogen increases NOx. Without sacrificing combustion stability, this work investigates lean–burn coupled with exhaust gas recirculation for a gasoline port injection + biobutanol direct injection + oxyhydrogen in-cylinder negative pressure indraft engine, across five oxyhydrogen flow levels, four exhaust gas recirculation ratios, and three excess air ratios. Results show that with lean–burn + exhaust gas recirculation, oxyhydrogen more effectively lowers the coefficient of variation of indicated mean effective pressure and increases indicated mean effective pressure, peak cylinder pressure, and peak heat release rate. With 16 L/min oxyhydrogen, the negative effects of 6–12% exhaust gas recirculation on CA 0–10 and CA 10–90 are mitigated for all excess air ratios, and the crank angle corresponding to peak pressure remains optimal under lean conditions when 6% ≤ exhaust gas recirculation ≤ 12%. Oxyhydrogen reduces CO and HC after exhaust gas recirculation, while lean–burn dominates CO reduction. Exhaust gas recirculation suppresses NO more than lean–burn. At 1.1 ≤ excess air ratios ≤ 1.2, the optimal exhaust gas recirculation is 12%, ensuring favorable in-cylinder conditions. Overall, lean–burn + exhaust gas recirculation effectively controls NO and maximizes thermal efficiency and renewable-fuel substitution. The optimal strategy is “oxyhydrogen = 16 L/min, exhaust gas recirculation = 12%, 1.1 ≤ excess air ratios ≤ 1.2”. Full article

The rising demand for sustainable and functional ingredients necessitates the development of novel replacers for traditional food components, such as eggs, which are critical for structure and aeration in baked goods. This study investigated hydrocolloids derived from cassava (Manihot esculenta) as a partial egg substitute in sponge cakes, evaluating their effect on rheological, physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties. The resulting cake batter exhibited characteristic non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic, and viscoelastic fluid behavior. A microstructural analysis confirmed that the stabilized, higher-viscosity doughs successfully facilitated the formation of larger, more stable air bubbles, effectively mimicking the structural role of the egg. Physicochemical assessments demonstrated a high product equivalence; the fat content showed no significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to the control, while pH and carbohydrate levels decreased. Crucially, the optimized formula, CK-S50-H2.5 (50% egg and 2.5% hydrocolloids substitutions), exhibited a minimal color difference (ΔE) consistent with the control, preserving product appearance. Sensory evaluation confirmed that hydrocolloid substitution did not compromise consumer acceptance. Panelists preferred cakes utilizing lower egg substitution levels for their enhanced flavor and texture. These findings establish that cassava hydrocolloids serve as an effective and functional partial egg replacer, yielding a high-quality and well-accepted product and offering a valuable, sustainable solution for the food industry. Full article

The conformational properties and intrinsic reactivity of unsaturated CH₂=C(R)XH systems (R = –H, –CH=CH₂, –C≡CH, –C≡N, –Cl, –phenyl, –cyclopentadienyl, –pyrrole; X = O, S, Se)—namely enols, enethiols, and eneselenols—have been investigated using G4 and CCSD(T) calculations. All compounds exhibit antiperiplanar (ap) and anticlinal (ac)-conformers that are nearly isoenergetic, as their relative stabilities are governed by subtle noncovalent interactions, which are analyzed in detail. Both conformers are therefore expected to coexist in the gas phase, and because the rotational barriers are very low, their interconversion is effectively barrierless under typical conditions. In contrast, the corresponding protonated species display significantly higher barriers, approximately three to five times larger. The keto–enol tautomerization involves activation barriers exceeding 180 kJ·mol⁻¹, confirming that, as in other keto–enol rearrangements, the process is not monomolecular. Protonation generally occurs at the methylene carbon, with the exceptions of the –C≡CH and –C≡N derivatives. Strong linear correlations are found among the proton affinities of the three families studied, which follow the trend: enols > enethiols > eneselenols. All systems behave as strong carbon bases; some are predicted to be 20–21 orders of magnitude more basic than ketene and 3–5 orders of magnitude more basic than vinylimine in terms of equilibrium constants. Deprotonation preferentially occurs at the X–H group in nearly all cases. The only exception is the cyclopentadienyl-substituted enol, for which deprotonation of the cyclopentadienyl moiety is favored due to enhanced aromatic stabilization of the resulting anion. Overall, acidity increases along the series O < S < Se. Full article

In high-power laser systems, extrinsic impurities—particularly Ce introduced during conventional ring polishing—have been identified as critical contributors to the degradation of laser-induced damage resistance in fused silica optical components. This study systematically investigates the effects of cerium substitutional doping on the electronic structure and optical properties of fused silica, integrating first-principles density functional theory calculations with experimental characterizations. The results demonstrate that substitutional incorporation of cerium atoms into the fused silica framework introduces deep-level defect states within the band gap, resulting in band gap narrowing and absorption edge redshift of the material. The energy position of the defect states depends on the Ce doping configuration. Among them, the Ce-4f orbital constitutes the dominant component of the defect state’s electronic structure, while the neighboring atomic orbitals such as O-2p and Si-3s/3p participate in bonding through hybridization, thereby determining the depth and distribution characteristics of the defect levels. The optical absorption edge of cerium-doped fused silica undergoes a significant redshift from the intrinsic value of 222 nm to 468 nm in the dual-Ce adjacent-site doping configuration, thereby endowing the material with substantial optical absorption capability at a wavelength of 355 nm. μ-UVPL spectroscopy combined with μ-XRD and other characterization analyses confirmed that the characteristic emission peak at 450 nm on the surface region of fused silica originated from Ce-related defect centers; this spectral feature was consistent with the defect state electronic structure predicted by the diatomic nearest-neighbor doping model. LIDT tests further indicated that the Ce-contaminated area significantly weakened the material’s laser damage resistance under 355 nm laser irradiation. This study further explained the mechanism by which traditional polishing-induced Ce element doping causes the low laser damage threshold of fused silica optical components, providing a theoretical basis for improving their performance. Full article

This study investigates the long-term durability performance of Portland cement mortars incorporating 5% and 10% Ca-rich fly ash under 24 months of natural marine atmospheric exposure. An integrated experimental methodology was applied, combining gravimetric steel mass loss, half-cell potential monitoring (SCE), water-soluble chloride determination at reinforcement depth, carbonation depth evaluation interpreted through the diffusion-based square-root model (x = k√t), and pore structure characterization by MIP and SEM. After 24 months, cumulative steel mass loss decreased by 26.6% (FA5) and 33.6% (FA10) relative to the reference mortar. The water-soluble chloride concentration at reinforcement depth was reduced from 976 mg/L in CM-REF to 875 mg/L (−10.2%) and 805 mg/L (−17.5%) in CM-FA5 and CM-FA10, respectively. Carbonation depth after 24 months decreased from 5.97 mm in the reference mortar to 4.56 mm (−23.6%) and 2.48 mm (−58.5%) for FA5 and FA10, confirming a transport-controlled mitigation of carbonation progression. Within the investigated replacement range, moderate Ca-rich fly ash incorporation produces measurable reductions in chloride availability, carbonation rate, and cumulative corrosion damage under realistic coastal exposure conditions, demonstrating that limited clinker substitution can yield substantial long-term durability benefits. These findings demonstrate that Ca-rich fly ash incorporation (5%–10%) effectively enhances resistance to chloride ingress, carbonation progression, and reinforcement corrosion under natural marine exposure, supporting its use as a performance-oriented strategy for durable, low-clinker mortar design in coastal infrastructure. Full article

Viscoelastic solutions are developed for the axial dynamic response of single piles in soil profiles that are inhomogeneous both vertically (with depth) and horizontally (with radial distance from the pile). While vertical soil inhomogeneity has been well explored, horizontal inhomogeneity has received limited research attention. In this work, the problem is treated in the realm of linear elastodynamic theory by employing a rigorous finite-element formulation specifically developed by the authors for the problem at hand. The effect of double soil inhomogeneity is investigated with reference to: (1) pile head stiffness; (2) pile-head radiation damping; (3) soil reaction along the pile; and (4) variation of the above with loading frequency. To this end, four different soil profiles are considered in conjunction with different levels of soil inhomogeneity, pile lengths, pile–soil stiffness contrasts, and boundary conditions at the pile tip. It is shown that the effect of inhomogeneity has unique features that cannot be captured by using a substitute homogeneous profile. Modeling an inhomogeneous soil as a homogeneous layer providing equal pile-head stiffness (to be referred in this work to as “stiffness-equivalent soil”) may grossly overestimate wave radiation, leading to dampened estimates of dynamic pile response. Simulations of two field experiments are reported, and implications of radiation damping in design are discussed. Full article

Background and Objectives: Rapid diagnosis is fundamental to acute ischemic stroke management; however, access to neuroradiological expertise remains limited. This scoping review maps the diagnostic accuracy, workflow impact, and cost-effectiveness of leading AI platforms (Brainomix, Aidoc, RapidAI, and Viz.ai), characterizing industry and peer-reviewed metrics. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and HTA repositories for studies (2019–2025). Using a PICO-based framework, 29 studies were included for thematic mapping of the technological landscape. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included. Platforms show high proximal LVO sensitivity (78–97%), while performance for distal/MVO and posterior circulation occlusions was more variable. RapidAI is frequently mapped using historical perfusion trial parameters; however, volumetric discrepancies with platforms like Viz.ai indicate outputs are not interchangeable. Brainomix shows extensive validation for automated NCCT ASPECTS in triage. Aidoc demonstrates operational advantages via worklist prioritization, while. Viz.ai is associated with door-to-puncture time reductions (11–25 min). Economically, cost-effectiveness is driven by improved functional outcomes and expanded access to thrombectomy, rather than labor substitution. Conclusions: AI platforms function as diagnostic safety nets and workflow optimizers. Reported roles, such as perfusion-centric analysis (RapidAI) or workflow coordination (Viz.ai), reflect current research trends rather than definitive technological superiority. Institutional selection should consider these evidence clusters alongside local validation and specific clinical priorities. Full article

Against the backdrop of accelerating global carbon neutrality and the full implementation of China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy, the mining industry, as an energy-intensive sector that guarantees resource supply, plays a critical supporting role in the green transformation of the industry and achieving national carbon emission reduction targets. Based on panel data from 29 provinces in China from 2000 to 2021, this study combines the Tapio decoupling index and the LMDI decomposition method to systematically characterize the evolution of carbon emissions in China’s mining industry, to accurately identify the decoupling state between carbon emissions and economic growth, and to reveal the core driving mechanism, presenting quantifiable and interpretable empirical and technical results. The results show that carbon emissions and raw ore output in China’s mining industry generally followed an evolutionary trend of “first rising, then peaking, and continuously declining”. Carbon emissions peaked in 2013 and decreased steadily afterward, reflecting remarkable achievements in green development. The decoupling relationship has shifted from weak decoupling to stable strong decoupling in 2019 and has been maintained in this state ever since, indicating that the mining industry has entered a high-quality development stage featuring coordinated economic growth and carbon emission reductions. The decomposition results confirm that the output expansion effect is the main driver of the increase in carbon emissions, while the reduction in energy intensity, optimization of the energy structure, and improvement in output efficiency constitute the key forces driving the reduction in carbon emissions, with technological progress, industrial upgrading, and clean energy substitution as the core pathways. In summary, this study empirically verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of low-carbon transformation in China’s mining industry. The realization of a stable strong decoupling state shows that this paradigm can be replicated in the green development of other energy-intensive industries. In the future, precise policy incentives, energy structure upgrades, energy efficiency technological innovation, and standardized construction of green mines can further consolidate the decoupling effects and further encourage the comprehensive transition towards a low-carbon mining industry. The findings of this study can provide a solid theoretical basis and empirical support for the formulation of carbon emission reduction policies and the design of green development pathways in China’s mining industry, with important theoretical and practical value for ensuring national resource security and facilitating the realization of the “Dual Carbon” goals. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible association among texture, oral processing and starch digestive characteristics of hard-cooked (HP) and soft-cooked (SP) potato samples, as well as their acute postprandial glycemic and insulinemic response, when co-ingested with rice in a meal. Methods: HP and SP replaced one-third of rice carbohydrates. Postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses were measured after test meal ingestion. In vitro experiments evaluated sample physicochemical properties. Results: HP retained more resistant starch (RS) and total phenolics than SP. When co-ingested with rice (HP + R), HP elicited more total chews, higher oral sensory exposure time, slower chewing frequency and longer eating duration. HP + R significantly reduced postprandial glucose iAUC, peak glucose and glycemic excursion. SP + R increased glycemic variability despite reduced iAUCglucose. HP + R also lowered iAUCinsulin, peak insulin and insulin resistance index. The hypoglycemic effect did not extend to the second meal, though composite iAUCglucose over 540 min was reduced. Conclusions: Partially substituting rice with hard-cooked potatoes may help stabilize postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses, an effect largely attributable to RS retention. Full article

Passiflora species are recognized for their intense evolutionary dynamics within the chloroplast genome (cp), serving as a primary model for studying structural variations in natural populations. This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships of 47 Passiflora accessions from Boyacá, Colombia, utilizing a multilocus approach with chloroplast genes (trnL), non-coding regions (psbA-trnH), and nuclear markers (ITS). Multiple sequence alignments identified fragment sizes of ~264 bp (trnL), ~333 bp (psbA-trnH), and ~706 bp (ITS), each displaying distinct nucleotide compositions. Evolutionary patterns and substitution rates were evaluated using the Maximum Likelihood approach in IQ-TREE, with best-fit models selected via the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). The analysis revealed that transitional substitution rates consistently exceeded transversions across all markers, with the trnL region exhibiting a notably high G-to-A substitution rate of 22.15. These genomic data resolved robust evolutionary proximity between P. edulis f. edulis and P. edulis f. flavicarpa, while highlighting significant genetic divergence from P. ligularis and P. maliformis. The results demonstrate that while these specific markers effectively clarify lineage relationships, an integrated multi-marker system is essential to provide a precise understanding of the complex evolutionary divergence patterns in Andean Passiflora, offering a foundational genetic background for regional biodiversity conservation. Full article

Background: The management of bone defects in pediatric oncology represents a major challenge in orthopedics, as it requires preserving both joint function and skeletal growth. Traditional reconstructive approaches, such as autografts and allografts, are limited by availability, complications, and incomplete biological integration. In this context, xeno-hybrid bone substitutes have emerged as a promising alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of SmartBone^® ORTHO in the reconstruction of post-oncological bone defects in children. Methods: Twelve pediatric patients treated at the Centro Traumatologico Ortopedico (CTO) and OIRM Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin (Italy), between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Lesions included simple and aneurysmal bone cysts, non-ossifying fibroma, chondroblastoma, and other benign conditions. All patients underwent curettage followed by defect filling with SmartBone^® ORTHO. Results: At clinical and radiological follow-up, nine patients (75%) showed stable graft integration and complete functional recovery. Three patients (25%) developed local recurrence, which was managed with revision surgery and re-implantation of SmartBone^®, with all achieving stable outcomes. Radiographs demonstrated progressive increases in bone density and trabecular thickness, reaching values comparable to those of native bone within 6–12 months. Conclusions: SmartBone^® ORTHO proved to be a safe and effective biomaterial for pediatric post-oncological bone reconstruction, promoting rapid osteointegration and physiological bone remodeling without infection or intolerance. Full article

Amid the dual pressures of ecological conservation and livelihood sustainability on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, investigating the economic effects of herders’ adaptation strategies holds practical relevance. Focusing on grass-based livestock husbandry, this study examines 327 pastoral households in Xinghai County, Qinghai Province, using endogenous switching regression models to empirically analyze the determinants, economic effects, and underlying mechanisms of herders’ production transformation. The main contribution is providing new empirical evidence for understanding herders’ adaptive strategies and informing policy design. The findings reveal that: (1) Transformation decisions are rational choices shaped by household resource endowments. Households with more labor and larger pasture areas are more likely to transform, while non-pastoral employment partially substitutes for such transformation. (2) Production transformation significantly increases herders’ pastoral income. Under the counterfactual framework, the income enhancement effect amounts to 21,509.08 Yuan for the transformed group and 741.30 Yuan for the non-transformed group. Income growth in the transformed group mainly stems from specialized livestock production, whereas the non-transformed group relies more on gradual improvements and policy compensation. (3) Production transformation promotes large-scale breeding without affecting livestock mortality rates. Efficiency gains from transformation are significant only for the transformed group; forcing non-transformers to adopt transformation under current endowments may lead to efficiency losses. These findings suggest that the government should prioritize supporting herders with both the capacity and willingness to transform, address barriers faced by vulnerable groups, and emphasize productivity enhancement and moderate-scale operations to facilitate sustainable income growth. Full article

Corporate governance reforms in emerging and frontier markets frequently assume that strengthening board oversight, audit committees, and ownership monitoring will improve audit quality and enhance firm value. Yet, in weak institutional environments, these mechanisms often function symbolically rather than substantively. This study rethinks the governance–audit–value nexus by integrating Agency Theory, Institutional Theory, and the concept of symbolic governance to explain why governance may appear structurally robust while failing to constrain managerial discretion. Using panel data from Ghanaian listed firms between 2015 and 2023, the analysis shows that audit committee independence and board independence are negatively associated with both audit quality and firm value, indicating that formal independence without expertise, authority, or enforcement capacity does not translate into meaningful oversight. By contrast, institutional and managerial ownership positively influence both outcomes, suggesting that incentive alignment and informed monitoring can substitute for weak formal governance. Foreign ownership improves firm value but does not consistently enhance audit quality, while macroeconomic conditions such as inflation and GDP growth further shape firm performance. The study advances the literature by reconceptualising governance effectiveness in weak institutional environments, demonstrating that governance mechanisms may exist in form without functioning in substance. The findings underscore the need for governance reforms that prioritise enforcement capacity, board expertise, and audit committee competence rather than structural compliance alone. Full article