Search Results (3,233)

New dual-curing resin cements are constantly launched into the market to improve the bond strength between dentine and indirect restorations when light irradiation is limited by the restoration material. The present study evaluated the microshear bond strength (μSBS) of two dual-cured resin cements, Estecem II Plus (EP) and Variolink Esthetic DC (VAR), when resin composite or dentine substrates were conditioned with their corresponding universal adhesives, Tokuyama Universal Bond II (TUB) and Adhese Universal DC (ADH). The experimental groups (n = 20) were (1) TUB/EP light-cured, (2) TUB/EP self-cured, (3) ADH/VAR light-cured, and (4) ADH/VAR self-cured. A μSBS test was performed after 24 h (T0) or after thermocycling (TC), and failure modes were assessed. Data analysis was performed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). In composite, TUB/EP self-cured demonstrated the highest μSBS at T0 and TC. After TC, TUB/EP self-cured and ADH/VAR light-cured remained stable (p > 0.05). In dentine, TUB/EP light-cured was statistically superior to TUB/EP self-cured and ADH/VAR self-cured at T0. Thermocycling decreased the μSBS of light-curing groups. TUB/EP achieved optimal μSBS when the manufacturer’s instructions were followed and the adhesive was self-cured, irrespective of the bonding substrate. However, ADH/VAR was more dependent on the type of bonding substrate than on the curing mode of the resin cement. Full article

Traces of potential contact from a perpetrator for evidence are one of the most frequently secured groups of evidence during the examination of the crime scene and during the examination of material in forensic laboratories. By far the most common way to secure the above-mentioned traces is the use of swabs. The literature reports indicate promising results from the use of adhesive materials for securing contact marks. The products currently on the market are not dedicated to forensic genetics or cause problems with the recovery of protected DNA at the stage of DNA isolation in the laboratory. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of conditions from an accelerated aging process carried out under simulated laboratory conditions (with aging factors as follows: UV radiation, temperature, and humidity level) on the physico-mechanical properties and chemical resistance of adhesive films made of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). As part of the research, the influence of storage conditions on the physico-mechanical properties and chemical resistance of developed foil materials used to secure forensic traces was developed and verified. The research was carried out in conditions similar to the real ones, conducting tests of accelerated aging with the following factors: temperature, humidity, and UV radiation. Full article

The recent fast advances in consumer electronics, especially in cell phones and displays, have led to the development of ultra-thin, hence flexible, glasses. Once available, such flexible glasses have proven to be of great interest and usefulness in other fields, too. Flexible photonics, for instance, has quickly taken advantage of this new material. At first sight, “flexible glass” appears to be an oxymoron. Glass is, by definition, fragile and highly breakable; its structure has puzzled scientists for decades, but it is evident that in most conditions it is a rigid material, so how can it bend? This possibility, however, has aroused the interest of artists and craftsmen since ancient times; thus, in Roman times the myth of flexible glass was born. Furthermore, the myth appeared again in the Middle Age, connected to a religious miracle. Today, however, flexible glass is no more a myth but a reality due to the fact that current technology permits us to produce micron-thick glass sheets, and any ultra-thin material can be bent. Flexibility is coming from the present capability to manufacture glass sheets at a tens of microns thickness coupled with the development of strengthening methods; it is also worth highlighting that, on the micrometric and nanometric scales, silicate glass presents plastic behavior. The most significant application area of flexible glass is consumer electronics, for the displays of smartphones and tablets, and for wearables, where flexibility and durability are crucial. Automotive and medical sectors are also gaining importance. A very relevant field, both for the market and the technological progress, is solar photovoltaics; mechanical flexibility and lightweight have allowed solar cells to evolve toward devices that possess the advantages of conformability, bendability, wearability, and moldability. The mature roll-to-roll manufacturing technology also allows for high-performance devices at a low cost. Here, a brief overview of the history of flexible glass and some examples of its application in solar photovoltaics are presented. Full article

Seafood is a valuable commodity with increasing demand, traded for billions of USD each year. The volatility in supply chains and fluctuating prices contribute to the susceptibility of the seafood market to food fraud. Analytical methods are required to identify seafood in processed foods to ensure food authenticity and compliance with European laws. To address this need, we developed and validated a DNA metabarcoding method for the authentication of crustaceans and cephalopods in processed food samples, as both are prone to food fraud, especially in mixed products. A ~200 bp barcode of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA was selected as the marker for identification and sequenced on Illumina platforms. The DNA metabarcoding method utilizes two primer systems, one for the amplification of crustacean DNA and another for cephalopods. The crustacean primer system comprises two forward and two reverse primers, while the cephalopod primer system includes three forward and one reverse primer. DNA extracts from reference materials, model foods, processed foodstuffs, and DNA extract mixtures were investigated. Even species with a close phylogenetic relationship were successfully identified and differentiated in commercial samples, while single species were detected at amounts as low as 0.003% in model foods. However, false-negative results were obtained for certain species in DNA extract mixtures, which are most likely due to degraded or low-quality DNA and can best be prevented by optimized DNA extraction procedures. Our DNA metabarcoding method demonstrates strong potential as a qualitative screening tool in combination with other in-house DNA metabarcoding methods for food authentication in routine analysis. Full article

Food fraud and adulteration have been persistent issues affecting food supply chains throughout history. They intensify in parallel with the continuous growth in the global food market. Plant-based proteins, which are recognized as sustainable alternatives, face increased food fraud risks because of disparities in the cost of raw materials and complex processing methods. Despite these challenges, most efforts toward preventing food fraud and developing detection technologies have largely focused on animal-based products, with limited attention given to plant-based proteins. This comprehensive review systematically examines the characteristics of major plant protein sources and explores documented instances of food fraud (e.g., ingredient substitution, adulteration with lower-cost alternatives, and mislabeling) within this sector. Furthermore, we discuss key analytical techniques in detecting food fraud, including chromatography, DNA analysis, spectroscopy, and imaging-based approaches, examining their applications and effectiveness. A systematic literature review was conducted using structured search strategies across Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, covering publications from 2010 to 2025 and incorporating keywords related to plant-based proteins, food fraud, adulteration, and authentication, thereby ensuring methodological rigor and comprehensive coverage. This study provides a foundational framework to strengthen food fraud prevention strategies and uphold the integrity of the expanding plant-based protein market. Full article

Although earlier studies had connected material scarcity and price fluctuation to cost overruns and delays in Qatar’s building projects, the root causes of this volatility had not been investigated. To close this crucial gap, this study looked into these drivers. The research analyzed the factors affecting construction material prices by addressing three key objectives. First, it identified and categorized factors based on a comprehensive literature review. Second, it examined the influence of these factors and categories on material prices using Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA). Third, it proposed strategies for mitigating price volatility within the Qatari construction sector. Fourteen factors were identified and grouped into three constructs: Economic and Regulatory, Logistics, and Market. Data were collected through an online survey, producing 195 responses. The GSCA method was applied to assess the model, which met the goodness-of-fit, reliability, and validity criteria for component-based structural equation modeling. The findings showed that all three constructs positively affected material prices. The Economic and Regulatory construct exerted the most significant influence, with a t-value of 5.987, followed by the Logistics construct with a t-value of 2.292. The Market construct had the lowest impact, with a t-value of 0.099. The model’s R-square value of 0.41 indicated that the three constructs accounted for 41% of the variation in construction material prices in Qatar. Full article

Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis is a common chronic condition after menopause that increases the risk of fractures. In South Korea, the prevalence of osteoporosis among adults aged 50 and older is 22.4%, with 94.4% of treated patients being women, highlighting its significant impact on postmenopausal health. In this study, we examine the sales trends of osteoporosis medications in Korea from 2018 to 2023 to understand current usage patterns and market dynamics. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis based on pre-recorded sales data from Intercontinental Marketing Services (IMS). Data covering a five-year period (2018–2023) were analyzed to examine the sales trends of osteoporosis medications, including bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), parathyroid hormone analogs, denosumab, romosozumab, and others. Romosozumab, approved in November 2019, was included in the analysis. Given the nature of this study, no direct patient data or clinical interventions were involved. Results: The total market size for osteoporosis medications in South Korea reached USD 285.42 million in 2023, reflecting a 15.3% increase from 2022. Bisphosphonates, previously the dominant therapy, experienced an 11% decline in market share over five years. Meanwhile, denosumab, a receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand inhibitor, showed a remarkable growth rate of 957.6% from 2018 to 2023, surpassing bisphosphonates in their market share. Romosozumab, a newly introduced anabolic agent, accounted for 7.4% of the market, with sales increasing by 59% in 2023. Conclusions: This analysis revealed major shifts in treatment preferences, with newer drugs like denosumab and romosozumab gaining prominence over traditional bisphosphonates. These trends highlight the increasing clinical adoption of anabolic agents for high-risk patients and the impact of expanded reimbursement policies on osteoporosis management. Given the increasing use of advanced therapies, it is essential to monitor treatment access, patient adherence, and long-term clinical outcomes. Understanding these sales trends can aid healthcare professionals and policymakers in optimizing osteoporosis treatment strategies and ensuring better patient care. Full article

One of the ingredients that make up concrete is coarse aggregate. The coarse aggregate used is generally in a non-uniform shape (a mixture of cubic, oval or flat, or neither oval nor flat). This research uses coarse aggregate in the form of cubes only and in the form of a mixture, with the aim of determining the compressive strength of concrete using the Indian standard mixture design method and the ACI method. The materials used are cement obtained on the market with various types of PPC, OPC and PCC, fine aggregate (from Muntilan, Yogya, Indonesia) and local coarse aggregate (from Jumantono, Karanganyar, Indonesia), specifically coarse aggregate in the form of cubes and mixtures. The shape of the test objects is cylindrical, and the testing age of the test objects is 7 and 14 days with a design concrete compressive strength of 35 MPa. The highest compressive strength results were obtained for the following type of cement variation: PPC = 14.21 MPa (7 days) and 16.62 MPa (14 days). The lowest compressive strength results for the PCC cement variation were 7.45 MPa (7 days) and 8.75 MPa (14 days). Meanwhile, the compressive strength value of concrete using the ACI method obtained the highest compressive strength results for the PPC cement variation of 20.11 MPa (7 days) and 33.74 (14 days), and the lowest concrete compressive strength for the PCC cement variation was 11.96 MPa (7 days) and 15.26 MPa (14 days). Also, from the research results, the highest packing density value obtained in the CA and FA mixture aggregate test was 0.751 g/cm³, in the proportion CA3/8″:CA3/16″:FA = 12%:28%:60%. It is known that the use of PPC cement can produce the highest compressive strength values compared to using PCC and OPC cement, which shows that even when the same form of coarse aggregate and the same design concrete quality are used, variations in cement can affect the high compressive strength of the concrete. The use of coarse aggregate in the form of cubes produces higher aggregate packing density and compressive strength of concrete compared to using coarse aggregate in mixed forms (cubes, flat and oval). Full article

Antibacterial filter materials have been effectively utilized for controlling biological contaminants and purifying indoor air, with the market for such materials experiencing continuous expansion. Currently, textile antibacterial testing standards are widely adopted to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of filter materials, yet no dedicated assessment protocols specifically tailored for filtration media have been established. This study aims to investigate the applicability of textile antibacterial testing methods to high-efficiency glass fiber filter materials (filtration efficiency > 99.9%), as well as to explore the factors that affect the rate of bacterial elution from high-efficiency glass fiber filter materials. By referencing the textile antibacterial testing standard (absorption method), significant discrepancies in bacterial recovery counts were observed between the high-efficiency glass fiber materials and the various textile control samples, with the former exhibiting a markedly lower recovery rate (approximately 10%). Pore structure and wettability analyses revealed the underlying causes of these differences. To ensure the accuracy of the antibacterial evaluation results, the effects of oscillation elution parameters (time and intensity) and material incubation conditions (duration, sealing and humidity) on bacterial recovery rates in glass fiber filter materials were systematically investigated to optimize the elution methodology. The results indicate that specimen type, size, elution method, incubation duration (4 h or 24 h), sealing conditions, and environmental humidity (10% or 30%, 60% and 95% RH) collectively influence bacterial recovery efficiency. The highest recovery efficiency (55%) was achieved when the filter materials were incubated in a sealed environment with humidity maintained at ≥60% RH. These findings emphasize the critical need to establish clear and specialized antibacterial performance testing standards for filter materials. The study provides essential guidance for developing material-specific evaluation protocols to ensure a reliable and standardized assessment of antimicrobial efficacy in high-efficiency filtration systems. Full article

Methylparaben (MP) is an important member of the paraben family of aromatic compounds, which is under great demand in the industrial market as an antibacterial agent, preservative, and feed additive, and also has potential application value in the preparation of bio-based polyetherester materials. However, the current chemical production method of MP has various problems, such as serious environmental pollution, its dependence on petrochemical resources, and the generation of different types of waste. It is of great significance to develop an environmentally friendly MP synthesis method via synthetic biology. In this work, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as the host to construct the biosynthetic pathway of MP and various metabolic engineering strategies were applied to break the bottlenecks in the synthesis process, including the regulation of the rate-limiting steps in the endogenous shikimate pathway, the enhancement of central carbon flux via knocking out competitive pathways and promoting precursors synthesis, and the improvement of the exogenous enzyme expression using promoter engineering. The final engineered S. cerevisiae could produce 68.59 mg/L MP in shake flasks, which was the highest titer of MP synthesized by S. cerevisiae so far. It was indicated that the strategies applied in our work were effective in promoting the synthesis of MP, which not only laid an important foundation for the industrial production of MP, but also provided a platform for the synthesis of other aromatic compounds. Full article

This paper attempts to find alternative ways in which heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems can be made more energy efficient and sustainable at a global level. Eight technologies or solutions that either passively or supplementarily reduce the heating or cooling load required by a structure are detailed. These technologies or solutions were then presented to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry professionals in New Zealand to determine their viability and further establish market readiness towards integrating new, innovative, and sustainable solutions in New Zealand. A literature review was conducted to establish the performance of the selected solutions and understand their operational principles and the efficiency they provided. Qualitative research and data collected via semi-structured interviews provided the data for assessing the viability of the selected technologies in the New Zealand market. Following a thematic and hybrid-thematic analysis of the data, the technologies were ranked, and suggestions were made to help improve innovation and energy efficiency in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry in New Zealand. Of the technologies selected, airtightness, heat recovery ventilation retrofits, materials and design principles, and photovoltaic hot water heating were identified as the most viable. The New Zealand market was deemed not to be in a good position to adopt new or alternative solutions. The main issues affecting New Zealand’s market readiness to assimilate innovative and energy-efficient solutions are a lack of new technologies, poor standards of education throughout the industry, a lack of regulation, and a lack of government incentives. Full article

Citrus black spot (CBS), caused by the fungus Phyllosticta citricarpa, significantly affects citrus fruit marketability and can lead to premature fruit drop. Accurate and reliable detection of this quarantine pathogen is crucial, particularly for asymptomatic plant material. This study evaluated two qPCR assays, the EPPO recommended assay PC and assay Pc-TEF1, based on TEF region, for detecting P. citricarpa through a collaborative test performance study (TPS). DNA from the isolates of Phyllosticta spp. and other fungi was spiked into citrus fruit peel extracts (lemon, orange, and pomelo) and distributed among 13 laboratories. Sample and qPCR assay stability under typical transport conditions was confirmed, although prolonged storage affected Pc-TEF1 assay performance. The assays were assessed based on sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and repeatability. Both assays demonstrated high performance, with repeatability and reproducibility exceeding 95%. The PC assay, as expected, detected different related Phyllosticta species, while Pc-TEF1 showed higher specificity for P. citricarpa included in the TPS alone. Additionally, inhibitory effects were observed specifically in the pomelo peel samples, suggesting matrix-dependent variability. This TPS confirms that both PC and Pc-TEF1 qPCR assays are robust. Further evaluation of the qPCR assays would support the selection of the most reliable assays for the detection of P. citricarpa, contributing to the effective management of CBS disease in citrus production and trade. Full article

The support of external organizational forces is essential for the promotion of agricultural ecological efficiency to improve agricultural green development and boost China’s prosperity in agriculture. To identify the different impact of different organizational support on improving farmers’ agricultural ecological efficiency and investigate the mechanism by which organizational support affects agricultural ecological efficiency, this study explores the internal logic of farmers’ promotion of agricultural ecological efficiency and empirically examines the impact of organizational support and knowledge distance on agricultural ecological efficiency using 1011 household-level survey data from Henan province in China. The study shows the following: (1) Enhancing organizational support can significantly promote agricultural ecological efficiency, and the effect of organizational support in descending order is agricultural material distributors, peasant cooperatives, village committees, agricultural technology service centers, and agricultural associations. (2) Knowledge distance partially mediates the influence of organizational support on agricultural ecological efficiency. The mediating mechanism of spatial distance is the most significant, followed by content distance and cognitive distance. (3) Market-oriented organizations play a stronger role in incremental support, and government organizations play a stronger role in radical support. This study adds considerable value to the empirical literature and provides precise guidance for improving agricultural ecological efficiency. Full article

Concrete is amongst the most wasted materials on earth, mainly due to building demolitions. Currently, after a building’s end of life, concrete is crushed to be used as replacement gravel in new concrete mixes or for backfilling. Aiming to increase the circularity of the construction industry, this article presents design explorations and a design-to-construction process for building single-leaf masonry walls from large flat demolition concrete rubble, thus avoiding the need for further crushing after initial demolition. The proposed process augments the capabilities of conventional construction machinery with new digital control and sensing devices that are widely available on the market and at low cost. The design-to-construction process is implemented through methods of physical prototyping and load testing of a full-scale demonstrator to benchmark the construction precision and the structural, environmental, and productivity performances. The results highlight the viability and scalability of the approach, calling for a more systematic reuse of concrete rubble as it allows for the construction of low-carbon masonry structures while diverging part of concrete waste from downcycling and landfilling. Full article

Material selection is a crucial aspect of product design, often determining the success or failure of a product in the market. It involves an exploration of the main criteria for the application of the product, according to the properties required by the component to be designed. The present study aims to evaluate the material selection of a brake disc in light SUV-type vehicles. The material selection is based on multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods. Five different MCDM methods were used to select the best material alternatives and the ENTROPY method was used for weighting the criteria. In addition, a simulation is carried out to validate the results of the MCDM analysis and to show that the selected material can be used due to its strength and temperature conditions. Due to its low density, high yield strength, and good compressive strength, the best alternative is ASTM A536 material for three MCDM methods and the second option is ASTM A48 according to two methods. Full article