Search Results (27,937)

Research on food-related behaviors has increasingly focused on orthorexia nervosa, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, especially with the rise of new types of healthy foods. This study examines the associations between orthorexic tendencies, as measured by the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory and ORTO-R, and scores on the Food Neophobias Scale, attitudes toward novel foods, body shape concerns, as assessed by the Body Shape Questionnaire, and drive for muscularity, training adherence, and anabolic steroid use, as measured by the Drive for Muscularity Scale. A total of 306 participants (68.3% female; Mage = 35.4 years, SD = 13.7), who were at least 18 old and fluent in Italian, took part in an online, anonymous data collection. The results revealed mixed associations between ON and the perceived attractiveness or intention to consume novel foods. In contrast, no relationship was found between orthorexia and food neophobia. Additionally, orthorexic dimensions were correlated with greater body shape dissatisfaction (r-scores ranging from 0.44 to 0.52, p < 0.001) and a drive for muscularity (r-scores ranging from 0.43 to 0.57, p < 0.001). Notably, orthorexic scores showed significant positive correlations with thoughts about anabolic steroid use (r-scores ranging from 0.26 to 0.60, p < 0.001) and training adherence (r-scores ranging from 0.39 to 0.53, p < 0.001) in a subsample of people who regularly exercise. Of examined the predictors, body shape concerns and thoughts about anabolic steroid use (ß ranging from 0.21 to 0.55, and R² ranging from 0.43 to 0.57, p < 0.001) were the most robust predictors of orthorexic tendencies. Overall, the findings highlight the complex relationships between orthorexic tendencies, perceptions, and attitudes, as well as body-related concerns, while also providing new insights into their connection to novel foods. Full article

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising strategy in the field of regenerative medicine due to their multipotent differentiation capacity and immunomodulatory properties. The interaction of these cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and biomaterials, notably graphene oxide (GO), has proven decisive in modulating cell behavior, with the potential to optimize tissue regeneration processes. This review was conducted using the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, covering studies published between 2018 and 2025, from which seven studies met the inclusion criteria, with an emphasis on in vitro and in vivo investigations regarding the association between GO and MSCs. The main findings demonstrate that GO, particularly when conjugated with polymers such as poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), enhances cell adhesion, stimulates proliferation, and promotes the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, in addition to positively modulating intracellular signaling pathways. However, significant gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms and safety of GO’s therapeutic use in association with MSCs. Therefore, this review reinforces the need for further studies to deepen the characterization of the bioactive properties of GO-MSCs, aiming to enable safer and more effective clinical applications. Full article

In high-altitude corrosive environments, weathering steel is widely applied due to its excellent corrosion resistance. However, the welded joint regions, where the chemical composition and microstructure undergo changes, are susceptible to the corrosion-induced degradation of mechanical properties. This study investigates the corrosion–mechanical synergistic degradation behavior of a 16 mm thick Q500 qENH base metal and its V-type and Y-type welded joint specimens. Periodic immersion corrosion tests were conducted to simulate plateau atmospheric conditions, followed by mechanical performance evaluations. Corrosion metrics—including corrosion rate, cross-sectional loss, penetration depth, and corrosion progression speed—were analyzed in relation to mechanical indicators such as the fracture location, yield load, ultimate load, yield strength, and tensile strength at varying exposure durations. The results indicate that the corrosion process exhibits distinct layering, with a two-stage characteristic of rapid initial corrosion followed by slower progression. Welded joints consistently exhibit higher corrosion rates than the base metal, with the rate difference evolving nonlinearly in an “increase–decrease–stabilization” trend. After corrosion, the mechanical performance degradation of welded joint specimens is more severe than that of base metal specimens. Full article

The rock strata traversed by frozen shafts in coal mines located in western regions are predominantly composed of weakly cemented, water-rich sandstones of the Cretaceous system. Investigating the rheological damage behavior of saturated sandstone under frozen conditions is essential for evaluating the safety and stability of these frozen shafts. To explore the damage evolution and creep characteristics of Cretaceous sandstone under the coupled influence of low temperature and in situ stress, a series of triaxial creep tests were conducted at a constant temperature of −10 °C, under varying confining pressures (0, 2, 4, and 6 MPa). Simultaneously, acoustic emission (AE) energy monitoring was employed to characterize the damage behavior of saturated frozen sandstone under stepwise loading conditions. Based on the experimental findings, a fractional-order creep constitutive model incorporating damage evolution was developed to capture the time-dependent deformation behavior. The sensitivity of model parameters to temperature and confining pressure was also analyzed. The main findings are as follows: (1) Creep deformation progressively increases with higher confining pressure, and nonlinear accelerated creep is observed during the final loading stage. (2) A fractional-order nonlinear creep model accounting for the coupled effects of low temperature, stress, and damage was successfully established based on the test data. (3) Model parameters were identified using the least squares fitting method across different temperature and pressure conditions. The predicted curves closely match the experimental results, validating the accuracy and applicability of the proposed model. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for understanding deformation mechanisms and ensuring the structural integrity of frozen shafts in Cretaceous sandstone formations of western coal mines. Full article

The rational design of functional and sustainable polymers is central to addressing global environmental challenges. In this context, unmodified lignin derived from Sarkanda grass (Tripidium bengalense), an abundant agro-industrial lignocellulosic byproduct, was systematically investigated as a natural polymeric adsorbent for the remediation of aqueous media contaminated with heavy metals. The study evaluates lignin’s behavior toward nine metal(loid) ions: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, lead, and zinc. Adsorption performance was systematically investigated under static batch conditions, optimizing key parameters, with equilibrium and kinetic data modeled using established isotherms and rate equations. Surface characterization and seed germination bioassays provided supporting evidence. Unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin demonstrated effective adsorption, exhibiting a clear preference for Cu(II) followed by other divalent cations, with lower capacities for As(III) and Cr(VI). Adsorption kinetics consistently followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Thermodynamic studies revealed spontaneous and endothermic processes. Bioassays confirmed significant reduction in aqueous toxicity and strong metal sequestration. This work positions unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin as a bio-based, low-cost polymer platform for emerging water treatment technologies, contributing to circular bioeconomy goals and highlighting the potential of natural polymers in sustainable materials design.  Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive dynamical analysis of a nonlinear oscillator subjected to both deterministic and stochastic excitations. Utilizing a diverse suite of analytical tools—including phase portraits, Poincaré sections, Lyapunov exponents, recurrence plots, Fokker–Planck equations, and sensitivity diagnostics—we investigate the transitions between quasi-periodicity, chaos, and stochastic disorder. The study reveals that quasi-periodic attractors exhibit robust topological structure under moderate noise but progressively disintegrate as stochastic intensity increases, leading to high-dimensional chaotic-like behavior. Recurrence quantification and Lyapunov spectra validate the transition from coherent dynamics to noise-dominated regimes. Poincaré maps and sensitivity analysis expose multistability and intricate basin geometries, while the Fokker–Planck formalism uncovers non-equilibrium steady states characterized by circulating probability currents. Together, these results provide a unified framework for understanding the geometry, statistics, and stability of noisy nonlinear systems. The findings have broad implications for systems ranging from mechanical oscillators to biological rhythms and offer a roadmap for future investigations into fractional dynamics, topological analysis, and data-driven modeling. Full article

Polypropylene fiber, as a micro-scale reinforcement material, has been widely recognized for its ability to effectively inhibit crack propagation during the service life of concrete, thereby enhancing both its crack resistance and durability. This study presents an experimental investigation of the mechanical properties of polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete specimens. The primary objective of this study was to assess the influence of varying fiber lengths and volumetric fiber contents on the load-bearing behavior of concrete. Seven sets of concrete specimens with different polypropylene fiber parameters (dosage and length) were prepared and subjected to a series of tests, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and axial compressive stress–strain behavior. Specifically, coarse polypropylene fibers with two lengths (30 mm and 50 mm) and three dosages (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) were investigated. Experimental results facilitated the identification of the optimal fiber dosage and length at which the mechanical properties of the concrete specimens were maximized. Subsequently, a constitutive model for polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete was established. The analysis elucidated the relationships between the parameters within the constitutive model, axial compressive strength of the concrete, and characteristic fiber parameters. The derived formulations provide a theoretical foundation for subsequent finite element analyses of polypropylene-fiber-reinforced concrete. Full article

Buildings represent approximately 40% of the total energy consumption. Net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) have lower energy demands than conventional buildings due to improved thermal insulation combined with other passive design strategies. Thermal mortars, used in insulating plasters, help improve buildings’ energy efficiency in a cost-effective manner, with minimal added thickness, even on irregular surfaces. Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) accounts for 85% of the total by-products of the brewing industry. It is a cellulosic wood material, with a composition rich in protein (20%) and fiber (70%). Considering these properties, it has potential for use as a natural aggregate in mortars and as a sustainable material for buildings aligned with circular economy principles. This work aims to characterize BSG as a natural by-product for use in thermal mortars and identify different incorporation percentages. First, BSG was characterized in terms of its water content, particle size and volume mass. Then, mortars with BSG and fine sand, with different water contents, were produced and compared to a reference mortar and two commercially available thermal mortars. The performance of the mixtures was evaluated in terms of water absorption, mechanical behavior (namely, compressive and flexural strength) and thermal behavior. BSG mortars with a 0.25 w/c ratio presented a water absorption coefficient similar to that of the reference mortar. Overall, BSG mortars presented a mechanical strength profile similar to that of conventional thermal mortars. In the thermal test, the best BSG mortar (BSG75-w/c-0.25) achieved a stationary temperature difference between surfaces that was 8% lower than that of a commercial thermal mortar and 110% higher than that of the reference mortar. In sum, the best BSG mortars had a lower w/c ratio. Full article

Exhibition design in museum environments serves as a vital mechanism for enhancing cultural engagement, enriching visitor experience, and promoting heritage preservation. Despite the growing number of museums, improvements in exhibition quality remain limited. In this context, understanding exhibition visual content becomes fundamental to shaping visitor experiences in cultural heritage settings, as it directly influences how individuals perceive, interpret, and engage with displayed information. However, due to individual differences in cognitive processing, standardized visualization strategies may not effectively support all users, potentially resulting in unequal levels of knowledge acquisition and engagement. This study presents a quasi-experimental eye-tracking investigation examining how visualizer–verbalizer (V–V) cognitive styles influence content comprehension in a historical museum context. Participants were classified as visualizers or verbalizers via standardized questionnaires and explored six artifacts displayed through varying information modalities while their eye movements—including fixation durations and transition patterns—were recorded to assess visual processing behavior. The results revealed that participants’ comprehension performance was strongly associated with their visual attention patterns, which differed systematically between visualizers and verbalizers. These differences reflect distinct visual exploration strategies, with cognitive style influencing how individuals allocate attention and process multimodal exhibition content. Eye movement data indicated that visualizers engaged in broader cross-modal integration, whereas verbalizers exhibited more linear, text-oriented strategies. The findings provide empirical evidence for the role of cognitive style in shaping visual behavior and interpretive outcomes in museum environments, underscoring the need for cognitively adaptive exhibition design. Full article

Nylon filament is a widely used thermoplastic material in extrusion-based 3D printing, favored for its strength, durability, and excellent printability. It enables the fabrication of parts with complex geometries, high design flexibility, and cost-effective production, making it ideal for both prototyping and functional components. However, one significant drawback of nylon is its hygroscopic nature—it readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, often at a rapid rate. This moisture uptake can negatively impact the filament’s performance during printing, leading to poor surface finish, reduced mechanical strength, and altered thermal behavior in the final printed parts. To better understand the effects of moisture absorption, this study investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of nylon parts printed using filaments with varying levels of moisture content. The nylon filament was conditioned in a controlled humidity chamber for different durations to simulate moisture exposure over time. Specimens were then printed using these conditioned filaments, and a series of tests were performed to assess their mechanical integrity and thermal stability. By analyzing the test results, the study aims to establish a correlation between filament moisture content and part quality, offering valuable insights into the degradation mechanisms and guiding best practices for filament handling and storage in nylon 3D printing applications. Full article

Current-carrying friction and wear in contact components are key issues in modern electromechanical systems such as slip rings, electrical connectors, motors, and pantographs, directly influencing their efficiency, reliability, and lifespan. Due to the limitations of experimental methods under some extreme conditions, computational simulations have become essential for studying current-carrying friction and wear in such scenarios. This paper presents a comprehensive review of theoretical modeling and numerical simulation methods for current-carrying friction and wear. It begins with discussions of approaches to solve the electrical contact resistance (ECR), a critical parameter that governs current-carrying friction and wear behaviors. Then, it delves into various modeling strategies for current-carrying friction, with an emphasis on the coupled effects of thermal, mechanical, electrical, and magnetic fields. Finally, the review addresses modeling techniques for current-carrying wear, encompassing mechanical wear and arc erosion. By summarizing existing research, this paper identifies key advancements, highlights existing challenges, and outlines future directions, advocating for the development of efficient, universal, and industry-oriented tools that can seamlessly bridge the gap between theoretical modeling and practical applications. Full article

Quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) structures can provide a near constant force output in a certain range of displacement without force sensors and controllers. Therefore, they can be used in overload protection, vibration isolation, and biomedical application. In this paper, we propose a novel QZS structure based on cosine-curve compliant beams, which have a large QZS stoke and compact layout. The proposed QZS structure is composed of two half-period cosine-curve compliant beams with negative stiffness and two one-period cosine-curve compliant beams with positive stiffness. Then, we conducted the modeling of the force-displacement relationship of the compliant beams and analyzed the influence of the parameters on the mechanical performance. Based on the influence analysis, we propose the optimization processes to achieve QZS and obtain a QZS structure with the required force-displacement behavior. Finally, the mechanical performance of the QZS structure is verified through compression experiments on the prototype. Full article

To improve chip removal efficiency and drilling performance in oxygen-free copper, a multi-objective optimization of gun drilling process parameters was conducted using a response surface methodology and a genetic algorithm. The Box–Behnken Design (BBD) response surface analysis method was employed to evaluate the effects of feed rate, cutting speed, and cutting fluid pressure on the chip evacuation coefficient and chip volume ratio. Experimental results indicate that among the three factors, the feed rate has the most significant influence, followed by the cutting speed and the cutting fluid pressure. Additionally, the interaction between the cutting speed and the cutting fluid pressure notably impacts both chip evacuation and chip volume ratio. Using response surface modeling, a three-dimensional predictive model was developed. Based on this fitted model, optimal gun drilling parameters were identified through genetic algorithm optimization, minimizing the chip evacuation coefficient and chip volume ratio to achieve an optimized machining configuration. The optimal drilling parameters were identified as a feed rate of 0.019 mm/r, a spindle speed of 47.1 m/min, and a cutting fluid pressure of 2.4 MPa. Under these conditions, a chip evacuation coefficient of 3.2951 and a chip volume ratio of 3.3345 were achieved. The resulting chips predominantly exhibited a C-shaped morphology, accompanied by smooth and efficient evacuation. Full article

Background: In recent years, complexity analysis has attracted considerable attention in the field of neural mechanism exploration due to its nonlinear characteristics, providing a new perspective for revealing the complex information processing mechanisms of the brain. In precision sports such as shooting, complexity analysis can quantify the complexity of activity in different areas of the brain and dynamic changes. Methods: This study extracted multiple complexity indicators based on microstate and traceability analysis and examined brain complexity during the shooting preparation stage and the brain’s reaction mechanisms under audiovisual limitations. Results: Microstate Lempel-Ziv complexity and microstate fluctuation complexity in low-light environment were significantly higher than those in normal environment. The complexity of the brain increases and then decreases during shooting. In low-light conditions, nine brain regions—insula R’, posterior cingulate R’, entorhinal, superior frontal L’, caudal anterior cingulate L’, rostral anterior cingulate L’, posterior cingulate R’, medial orbitofrontal L’ and rostral middle frontal R’—exhibited differential results. SSV-R_PHC-COG and SSV-R_LOF-SCORE showed strong negative correlations with behavioral indicators. Conclusions: First, during shooting, the processing of visual information mainly relies on the secondary cortex and visual connection functions, rather than the primary cortex. Furthermore, there are automated processes based on experience in shooting sports. Second, noise has little effect on shooting, but low light has a multifaceted impact on shooting. This is mainly reflected in difficulties in integrating sensorimotor information, excessive memory retrieval, reduced movement stability, triggering of negative emotions, and changes in shooting strategies. Full article

This work employed laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology to prepare pure tungsten (W) metal components and investigated their internal defects, microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties within the horizontal and vertical planes to evaluate their anisotropic behavior. The steep temperature gradient and extremely rapid cooling rate during the LPBF process caused the as-deposited W grains to grow in a columnar crystal structure along the vertical height direction, with cracks propagating along the high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs). Although the near-equiaxed W grains within the horizontal plane were finer than the epitaxial grains within the vertical plane, the increased number of cracks within the horizontal plane weakened the fine-grained strengthening effect, resulting in lower hardness and wear resistance within the horizontal plane than within the vertical plane. The wear behavior transformed from a comprehensive wear mechanism involving delamination wear and abrasive wear within the vertical plane to an abrasive wear mechanism with slight adhesive wear within the horizontal plane. The reported results demonstrate that the anisotropic behavior of hardness and wear resistance within the different deposition planes was mainly attributed to the differences in microstructure and crack distribution between the horizontal and vertical planes of LPBF-fabricated W parts. Full article