Search Results (4,318)

We present a vacuum-assisted Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) impregnation process for cotton textiles, coupled with a physics-aware bidirectional artificial neural network (ANN) framework, to both predict and tune the natural fiber composite response from a compliant and flexible to a stiff and strong behavior. Cotton fabric samples were impregnated with acetone-borne PMMA baths, ranging from 0 to 5 wt.%. After drying, the PMMA formed conformal fiber coatings and inter-fiber bridges, with optimal load transfer observed at approximately 0.5–1.0 wt.%. Mechanical properties, including the elastic modulus, tensile strength, ductility, and toughness, were measured alongside Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Glass Transition Temperature (T_g), Change in heat capacity at constant pressure (ΔCp), gravimetry, and morphology tests. Rule-of-mixtures, porosity, and thermal constraints were embedded as regularization within the ANN loss functions to improve the physical consistency of the training. The forward and inverse models achieved sub-percent prediction errors with narrow bootstrap confidence intervals. It was found that removing physics regularization notably increases forward model error (by fivefold), as well as the inverse model error by one order of magnitude. Full article

Germicidal UV (GUV) technology, which utilizes light in the UV-C portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, has become a viable alternative to traditional chemical disinfectants to sanitize surfaces in the built environment. However, the degradation of polymers that have been exposed to UV-C light is a concern due to the potential change in structural integrity and visual appearance. The resistance to UV-C degradation is often tabulated in relative qualitative terms, making it rather difficult for designers to understand the implications of the choice of a material of construction. This study was initiated to develop a systematic, standardized method of exposing polymeric materials to UV-C light to ensure that the subsequent property measurements can be compared quantitatively. The exposure method is based on an apparatus that can be readily duplicated using commercially available materials and equipment. To demonstrate the proposed exposure framework, samples of six formulated polymer resins were exposed to three UV-C light sources with different peak wavelengths (KrCl excimer lamp [222 nm], low-pressure mercury lamp [254 nm], and LED lamp [280 nm]). Exposures were conducted at five independent laboratories, and subsequent property testing was performed at multiple facilities using established materials-characterization methods. This coordinated approach enables comparative evaluation of material responses across UV-C source types, wavelengths, and dose levels, providing a practical foundation for developing standardized exposure methodologies and informing future formulation development efforts. Post-exposure testing included quantifying changes in optical, mechanical, and physical properties, including color, gloss, reflectivity, spectral transmittance (haze), flammability, tensile strength, and elastic modulus. These measurements were conducted using established laboratory methods commonly employed throughout the polymer and materials industries. Together, these results provide a comparative dataset illustrating how polymer properties respond to coordinated UV-C exposure conditions, supporting the development of standardized approaches for evaluating material durability in germicidal UV applications. Full article

Wood strength, renewability and appearance make it one of the most preferred and widely used natural materials in structural and cultural applications. The gradual degradation of wood from abiotic and biotic factors has an adverse impact on its structural durability and service life. This study investigates the effect of surface treatment of wood of the invasive tree species of tree-of-heaven, through short-term immersion in an acrylic polymer (Paraloid-B72) containing silica dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles at low concentrations (0–4% w/v) to impart hydrophobic behavior and weathering resistance. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of the acrylic polymer and silica nanoparticles within the wood structure without altering the chemical integrity of the substrate. For both treated and untreated wood specimens, the physical properties (density, equilibrium moisture content, surface roughness, color-parameters), hygroscopic properties (swelling/absorption, contact angle) and weathering resistance tests were conducted using xenon-arc combined with wetting–drying cycles. The findings revealed that treated wood has significantly improved hydrophobic performance and dimensional stability, reducing moisture uptake. Treatment significantly increased the samples’ resistance to artificial weathering, with the effectiveness dependent on nanoparticle concentration. Although moderate surface color changes were observed in treated samples (compared to untreated ones), during their exposure to weathering, reduced lightness and slight increases in red and yellow chromatic coordinates were observed, with treated specimens exhibiting higher color stability during aging. Nevertheless, surface roughness increased significantly by the treatment, slightly restricting the method when a highly smooth surface touch is required. The proposed modification method appears promising to prolong the wooden structures’ service-life, meanwhile inspiring modern strategies for conserving historical timber structures that cannot be moved and should be protected by applying less invasive protective methods. Full article

Larixyl acetate, a primary component of Larch turpentine, is a naturally occurring compound with a broad spectrum of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. It is a potent and selective inhibitor of TRPC6, a widely expressed Ca²⁺ channel that is involved in many respiratory diseases. Despite its demonstrated efficacy, it lacks a well-defined preclinical and phenotypic safety profile, which limits its therapeutic potential and implementation. In this study, female BALB/c mice were used to assess the toxicity of intranasally administered Larixyl acetate through a subacute model based on OECD Test Guideline 412, followed by a detailed analysis of physical, blood, biochemical, and tissue changes at the administration sites and beyond. Within the study’s 30-day timeframe, our results show no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in any of the examined toxicity parameters between the controls or three treatment groups (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg). While no pharmacokinetic data were obtained to confirm local or systemic exposure of Larixyl acetate, these findings are crucial for establishing a solid foundation for future therapeutic endeavors, especially in the context of TRPC6-driven respiratory diseases. Full article

This study explores the real-time aging of a 15-year-old uncalcined kaolinite-based geopolymer (UKG). The significance of this research lies in the fact that uncalcined kaolinite-based geopolymer is a relatively new material tailored for diverse applications, including construction, water treatment, and waste stabilization. While some studies have investigated its durability through accelerated tests, observing its aging over 15 years is essential for its commercial use and field deployment. The specimens were prepared from kaolinite, silica sand, sodium hydroxide, and water. The mixture was molded, compacted, and cured at 80 °C for 24 h to produce a stable geopolymer. Some samples were stored under ambient conditions, while others were immersed; both groups were left for 15 years. After this period, tests evaluated their mechanical, physical, and microstructural properties using XRD, EDS, and SEM. The samples stored under ambient conditions exhibited properties comparable to those of the unaged specimens. In contrast, the immersed samples were unstable, experienced mass loss, showed a sharp decline in strength, and displayed significant microstructural and phase changes. This study suggests adding an extra curing step, such as steaming (hydrothermal) or immersion in alkaline solutions, to enhance the long-term stability of geopolymer binder under immersion conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing emergence of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius has limited the effectiveness of conventional therapies for canine pyoderma, highlighting the need for alternative topical strategies. This study aimed to develop hydrogels incorporating essential oils (EOs) from Peumo (Cryptocarya alba) and Tepa (Laureliopsis philippiana) as potential topical treatments against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius skin infections in veterinary medicine. Methods: EOs were obtained by steam distillation, chemically characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and evaluated for antibacterial activity against S. pseudintermedius strains. Carbopol^®-based hydrogels incorporating the EOs of C. alba (HCA), L. philippiana (HLP), and a control vehicle (HVE) were formulated and characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, microbiological safety, and stability under accelerated and refrigerated conditions. Preclinical dermal safety was evaluated in BALB/c mice by repeated topical administration for five days. The analysis included clinical observation, skin irritation scoring, and histological analysis. Additionally, a preliminary microbiological evaluation was conducted in client-owned dogs with superficial pyoderma to assess the performance of the formulations in the target species. Skin lesion swabs were collected at baseline and after 21 days of treatment, followed by bacterial culture and automated identification using the VITEK^® system. Bacterial detection and bacterial load were evaluated to determine changes in microbiological status over the treatment period. Results: GC–MS analysis identified sabinene and eucalyptol as the main compounds in CA-EO, and linalool, eucalyptol, and safrole in L. philippiana EO. Both EOs exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against S. pseudintermedius (inhibition zones 4.9–10.8 mm; MIC ≥ 2.048 mg mL⁻¹). The hydrogels were microbiologically safe. Among formulations, HLP demonstrated superior physical stability and comparable rheological properties to the vehicle. In vivo safety evaluation demonstrated no signs of systemic toxicity, behavioral alterations, or skin irritation, and histological analysis confirmed preserved skin architecture without evidence of inflammation or tissue damage. In the preliminary microbiological evaluation in dogs, all animals were positive for Staphylococcus spp. at baseline. On Day 21, bacterial elimination was observed in the active treatment groups, but not in the HVE group, with elimination rates of 50.0% for Inveclor^® and 25.0% for both HCA and HLP. In parallel, HLP showed the highest proportion of dogs reaching minimal bacterial load levels (75%), followed by Inveclor^® (50.0%) and HCA (37.5%), whereas no dogs in the vehicle group reached this category. Conclusions: EOs from C. alba and L. philippiana presented antibacterial activity and were successfully incorporated into microbiologically safe hydrogel formulations. Notably, HLP demonstrated superior stability and a favorable preclinical safety profile, supporting its potential. In the preliminary microbiological evaluation in dogs, numerical differences in bacterial elimination and bacterial load categories were observed among groups; however, these differences were not statistically significant and should be interpreted as exploratory. Full article

Salt stress remains a major global stress factor among abiotic stresses limiting crop production. Salt stress is a major nutritional challenge, with poor agricultural production characterized by high soil sodium (Na⁺) levels in soil and plants. Soil salinity negatively affects plants through both osmotic effects and ionic toxicity. Hence, one of the main aims of agricultural scientists is to develop eco-friendly, sustainable solutions to alleviate soil salinity. Over the past decades, several studies have recommended biochar as a vital sustainable soil amendment to alleviate the negative consequences of soil salinity. Thus, this review builds on the literature on biochar-mediated alleviation of salt stress. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from biomass and feedstock via pyrolysis under little or no oxygen conditions. Due to its unique characteristics, such as high carbon, high surface area with porous and aromatic structure, high pH, high stability, cation exchange capacity, and water and nutrient retention capacity, it is considered an alternative for salt stress alleviation. Moreover, biochar facilitates sodium ion (Na⁺) adsorption, reduces Na⁺ uptake, and increases potassium ion (K⁺) uptake, enhancing nutrient cycling, helping plants maintain ionic balance and osmotic regulation. This, in turn, significantly increased the activity and diversity of soil microorganisms, enhanced their adhesion, and promoted their growth, thereby strengthening the plant’s salt resistance. Moreover, biochar-mediated improvements in microbial community dynamics and changes in the physical and biological properties of soil contribute to overall plant and soil health under salt stress. Hence, the present review aims to decipher the holistic patterns of biochar on soil and plant health, changes in physiological and defense mechanisms, plant hormones and signaling mechanisms, and the status of modified biochar under salt stress. Thus, the present review will pave the way for the production of salt-resilient crops with enhanced salinity tolerance. In conclusion, the use of biochar-based fertilizers and modified biochar enhanced microbial community dynamics in soil health homeostasis and soil fertility for agricultural production and food security. Full article

Planting green manure between rows is an excellent green orchard cultivation practice. However, there is a lack of research on the application of such measures in vineyards. In this study, the ‘Beibinghong’ grape was used as experimental material, and clear tillage was used as a control. The effects of intercropping rape and pea between rows for two consecutive years on soil microecology and grape and wine quality were studied. The main results were as follows: intercropping green manure increased the berry pH. Intercropping green manure differentially modulated phenolic profiles in grape berries: pea intercropping significantly increased total phenolic and tannin contents relative to clean tillage across both years, whereas rapeseed intercropping showed variable effects depending on phenolic class and vintage. Green manure treatments also altered the accumulation of aldehydes, alcohols, and terpenoids. The intercropping of green manure could effectively reduce soil temperature and maintain soil moisture in the surface soil layer, reduce soil pH and electrical conductivity, and increase soil microbial biomass, aggregate amount, enzyme activity and soil fertility. Intercropping green manure changed soil microbial diversity and community structure. At the phylum level, the relative abundances of Chloroflexi (bacteria) and Mortierellomycota (fungi) were significantly increased. At the genus level, the genera Plectosphaerella and Alternaria—both dominant saprotrophic fungi—were also significantly enriched. The results of a comprehensive evaluation of principal component and membership function and sensory evaluation showed that intercropping peas was the best strategy. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, nitrate content, LAP activity, and the phyla Acidobacteriota, Chloroflexi, and Mortierellomycota were significantly correlated with the acid content of wine, while soil enzyme activity was significantly correlated with the phenolic content of wine. These results indicated that intercropping green manure could drive the quality of grapefruits and wine by regulating soil nutrients, enzyme activities, basic physical and chemical properties, and microbial communities. Full article

By studying and analysing a great number of textile metal threads from different time periods in Croatia, from archaeological sites to preserved specimens from various museum collections, change can be seen through the centuries. Metal threads decorate textiles not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to display wealth, assert authority, and command respect. Primarily, such decorated clothing was worn for liturgical purposes, ceremonial folk customs, or to mark high military ranks. Through the characteristics of these threads, one can see the change in the customs and lives of the people who used them in different ways and for different purposes. The shine and luxury that the first gold metal threads have can be achieved with lower quality threads like silver, copper, and their alloys. As the quality of metal textile threads decreased, they became cheaper and more applicable in everyday life. The use of metal textile threads on clothing increased, and through the century, they became a clothing part for all people, not just the privileged. Analyses of metal threads were performed with scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray detector (SEM-EDX) due to its sensitivity and suitability for the observation of metal threads from various textiles. The type of textile cores from the combined textile metal threads was determined through a laboratory optical microscope. Differences have been observed between archaeological and historical textile metal threads in terms of physical properties, as well as textile and metal composition. Archaeological samples are combined textile metal threads that have a metal component of gilded silver and a textile component of silk. While more recent historical samples have different types of metal threads, from individual threads of lamellae and wires to combined textile metal threads. Most samples have cotton as a textile component, while copper, alone or in alloys, predominates in the metal threads. Full article

In oil-rich countries, petroleum contamination of soils frequently occurs during refining, transportation, and exploitation. Such contamination significantly alters soil behavior and properties from a geotechnical perspective. Given that some fine-grained soils exhibit insufficient bearing capacity or excessive settlement, soil improvement is often necessary. The selective use of nanoparticles offers a promising novel approach in this regard. This study investigates the effects of diesel contamination and nanosilica modification on the physical and mechanical properties of clayey sand and aims to interpret the variations in the mechanical properties and the permeability of the treated soil based on microstructural observations. Diesel (0–10% in 2% increments) and nanosilica (0%, 1%, 2%) were added to the soil, preparing a total of 18 mixtures for testing. The microstructural changes directly alter the physical parameters such as specific gravity, optimum moisture content (OMC), and maximum dry unit weight, consequently affecting the permeability and the mechanical behavior. The microstructural analysis via scanning electron microscopy revealed diesel-induced clay flocculation and increasing macroporosity, while the nanosilica at 1% improved the soil fabric through pore filling and interparticle bonding, whereas 2% nanosilica led to partial dispersion and agglomeration. The findings demonstrate that soil behavior is controlled by the interplay between diesel (lubrication, pore blocking, hydrophobicity) and nanosilica (surface activation, micro-bonding, agglomeration). Increasing the diesel content consistently reduces the specific gravity across all the mixtures, due to the replacement of heavier mineral particles by lighter hydrocarbon, diesel adsorption onto the soil grains, the formation of low-density organic films, and increased micro-voids. Diesel addition reduces the OMC but increases the maximum dry unit weight due to its lubrication effect. Mechanically, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) peaked at approximately 4% diesel contamination, with the addition of 1% nanosilica yielding the highest strength overall. Conversely, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) increased continuously with diesel due to improved packing and frictional resistance and was further improved by nanosilica. The results show that permeability decreases with increasing diesel content due to hydrophobic diesel molecules coating soil particles, filling micro-voids, and blocking pore channels, while the consolidation parameters exhibit non-monotonic trends, peaking at moderate contamination levels. An optimal nanosilica content effectively mitigated some of the adverse effects of diesel and enhanced the mechanical performance, providing valuable insights for managing hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. Full article

In the present research, a new type of biomimetic material loaded with chlorophyll derivatives (CpDs) for photodynamic therapy based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) was fabricated by the electrospinning method. Such matrices showed great potential for the advanced delivery of photodynamic therapeutic reagents to targeted regions and options for prolonged local application. The key morphological characteristics of fibrous materials were investigated. It was found that incorporation of CpDs leads to a change in the average fiber diameter from 3.5 µm to 2.1 µm, increasing porosity from 80% to 90% and accompanied by an over 3-fold increased proportion of open pores. Moreover, the CpD application facilitated fine hydrophilicity tuning, allowing an increase of this parameter up to 10% under different conditions, neutralizing the hydrophobic nature of the matrix polymer and photosensitizer. Moreover, changes in physical properties, supramolecular structure, photosensitizing effect, and singlet oxygen generation were investigated. The data obtained show that the proposed materials are great examples of convenient and reliable carriers for advanced PDT. The results obtained demonstrate high antimicrobial activity in the presence of irradiation as well as noticeable efficacy against carcinoma, both light and dark. Full article

Developing a Pueraria lobata compound beverage is of great significance for enhancing the utilization value of Pueraria lobata resources. However, its flavor balance, physical stability, and quality changes during storage require further investigation. This study aimed to develop a high-quality Pueraria lobata compound beverage and establish a reliable shelf-life prediction model. The optimal formulation was determined using orthogonal design and multi-index evaluation, including extract stock solution, mogroside, citric acid, and a composite stabilizer consisting of xanthan gum (XG) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na). GC-MS analysis identified multiple volatile compounds collectively forming the characteristic flavor profile. During storage, physicochemical properties, sensory quality, and active component contents changed to varying extents, with deterioration significantly accelerated at higher temperatures. Among the quality indicators, Zeta potential was selected as the most suitable predictor because it showed a strong correlation with sensory scores and fitted the first-order kinetic model well. Based on the established Arrhenius-based prediction model, the predicted shelf-lives of the Pueraria lobata compound beverage at 4 °C, 27 °C, and 37 °C were 193, 104, and 82 days, respectively. These findings provide a solid theoretical basis for formulation design, stability improvement, and shelf-life evaluation of functional Pueraria lobata beverages. Full article

Structural and functional soil degradation under conventional tillage has reached a critical point, requiring a shift towards conservation practices to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. This study evaluated the multi-year effects (2021–2024) of conventional tillage (CT), conservation deep tillage (CD), and conservation shallow tillage (CS) on soil physical properties (density, air capacity, and water content), water distribution, infiltration rate, and maize yield in a silty Gleysol. Soil water content (SWC), i.e., distribution, was monitored using PR2 profile probes at depths of 10, 20, 30, and 40 cm. CT treatment resulted in impaired soil physical properties, characterized by a significant increase in air capacity (+233.9%) and with a significant decrease in volumetric water content (qw, ≈40%). In contrast to CT (47.91 cm h⁻¹), the CS treatment resulted in more favorable hydraulic properties, i.e., and infiltration rate of 102.29 cm h⁻¹, by 2024. Statistical analysis (R², RMSE) confirmed that CS provides the most reliable and consistent environment for monitoring SWC. While maize yields were significantly higher in CT during the initial year (2021; 9.5 t ha⁻¹ vs. 8.4 t ha⁻¹ in CS), no significant differences were observed by 2024, and all tillage systems reached yields of ≈13.0 t ha⁻¹. The results suggest that after the four-year study period, CS tillage stabilized soil hydraulic properties and pore continuity, thereby resulting in maize yields equivalent to those of CT. Therefore, CS has proven to be a more resilient and effective strategy for sustainable water management in silty Gleysols. Full article

The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant microorganisms has prompted research into novel antimicrobial compounds, with 2-thiophene carboxylic acid thiourea derivatives showing promise for future therapeutic applications. However, the poor water solubility of these compounds limits their practical use. This study investigates the formation and characterization of inclusion complexes between 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and 2-thiophene carboxylic acid-halogenated (chlorine-, bromine-, and iodine-) thiourea derivatives, seeking to improve their physicochemical properties. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements and UV-Vis spectroscopy provided information related to thiourea–HPβCD aggregates and stoichiometry. Solid-state inclusion compounds and physical mixtures were prepared in two different molar ratios (thioureas:HPβCD = 1:1 and 1:2), and the morphology of the resulting powders was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (TG-DSC) coupled analysis were used to analyze thermal profiles in the temperature range of 25 °C to 600 °C, while the spectral data obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided the characteristic vibrational bands of the pure guest molecules and data corresponding to the structural and chemical changes in the host–guest systems. The structural and thermal analyses revealed significant interactions between the host and thioureas molecules, with evidence of possible interactions involving two cyclodextrin molecules. The results demonstrate the presence of intermediate stoichiometry in the inclusion compounds, with possible enhancement of the therapeutic potential of these thiourea derivatives. Full article

The development of high-performance adsorbents for treating dye-laden wastewater necessitates a deep understanding of structure–property relationships. This study presents a systematic investigation into the role of carbon material dimensionality (0D biochar, BC; 1D carbon nanotubes, CNT; 2D graphene oxide, GO) in modulating the properties of a dual physically crosslinked sodium alginate/polyacrylamide (SA/PAM) hydrogel for methylene blue (MB) adsorption. A series of composite hydrogels was fabricated via a sequential physical crosslinking strategy. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the successful incorporation and dispersion of carbon materials within the dual network. The three hydrogels showed good mechanical properties. Under the conditions of 25 °C, an initial MB concentration of 100 mg/L, and pH 10–11, the incorporation of carbon materials enhanced the adsorption capacity, with maximum adsorption capacities of 411.5, 410.6, and 422.8 mg/g for BC-H, GO-H, and CNT-H, respectively. Coexisting constituents in real water samples reduce adsorption capacity via competitive adsorption and interfacial interference. After five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles, the adsorption capacities of BC-H, GO-H, and CNT-H decreased to 57.7%, 67.2%, and 61.7% of their initial values, respectively. Adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies revealed that the process followed the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicative of monolayer chemisorption. Mechanistic analysis identified synergistic contributions from electrostatic attraction, π-π stacking, and physical entrapment. Physical structural changes and chemical site occupation are the main reasons for the decrease in the adsorption performance of hydrogels during cyclic use. This work provides a rational design strategy for advanced adsorbents and a theoretical foundation for efficient dye wastewater remediation. Full article