Search Results (1,001)

The persistence of the synthetic plastic waste problem makes it one of the most pressing environmental challenges. Sustainable material is an alternative approach to reduce petroleum plastics. In this research, our work aims to convert two biomaterials, water hyacinth (WH) and cassava chip (CC), into value-added biopolymer composite sheets (BCS). The raw materials of both WH and CC were prepared and characterized using physical and chemical treatments. Alkali treatments and chemical modifications were applied to remove lignin, protein, lipid, and other inhibiting components. After that, the two main raw materials of the WH and CC components were varied (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40, respectively) to investigate the optimal conditions for mixing, blending, and forming processes. Finally, mechanical properties (tensile strength), physical properties (surface morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), crystalline structure by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and water solubility were also evaluated. The results obtained obviously revealed that the BCS reached an optimal ratio of 80:20 and exhibited outstanding properties. We were successful in exploring the potential use of a combination of two kinds of biopolymers under optimal conditions to produce an effective and environmentally friendly BCS in a manner that promotes a sustainable bio-circular economy and zero-waste concepts. Full article

This study analyzes confessionally conditioned self-image and mutual perception of the Catholic and Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Upper Hungary in the context of the second confessionalization process. Based on comparative research of the contemporary press, including either the printed or handwritten homiletic and catechetical literature, predominantly from the area of Upper Hungary, the study examines which phenomena and processes taking place since the 1830s until the end of the 1850s signaled a renewal in confessional identities in both the Catholic and Evangelical Churches. A particular emphasis has been placed on indicators of the second confessionalization, such as the debate on mixed marriages, a rising number of conversions, or legislative interventions in the freedom of religion. Through discourse analysis, the study explores how the image and self-image of the Catholic and Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession evolved as a result of the expansion of the catechetical literature and apologetic works and identifies the narrative strategies employed in their respective confessional discourses. The Catholic discourse stressed maintaining dogmatic integrity and Church authority in particular, whereas the Evangelicals more frequently accentuated a thorough biblicality and rationality as a counterposition to Catholic piety. Both traditions claimed exclusive access to “true religion” and used apologetic genres to defend and enhance their identity. Polemical texts also served as tools to form confessionally conditioned collective consciousness, as well as a part of contemporary cultural and political debates. Full article

Background/Objectives: As global aging accelerates, there is a pressing and empirically substantiated demand for integrated and sustainable strategies, as evidenced by the rising prevalence rates of chronic conditions, social isolation, and digital exclusion among older adults worldwide. These factors underscore the urgent need for multidimensional interventions that simultaneously target physical, psychological, and social well-being. The HOPE-FIT (Hybrid Outreach Program for Exercise and Follow-up Integrated Training) model and the SAGE (Senior Active Guided Exercise) program were designed to address this need through a hybrid framework. These programs foster inclusive aging by explicitly bridging digitally underserved groups and mobility-restricted populations into mainstream health promotion systems through tailored exercise, psychosocial support, and smart-home technologies, thereby functioning as a scalable meta-model across healthcare, community, and policy domains. Methods: HOPE-FIT was developed through a formative, multi-phase process grounded in the RE-AIM framework and a Hybrid Type II effectiveness–implementation design. The program combines professional health coaching, home-based and digital exercise routines, Acceptance and Commitment Performance Training (ACPT)-based psychological strategies, and smart-home monitoring technologies. Empirical data from pilot studies, large-scale surveys (N = 1000), and in-depth user evaluations were incorporated to strengthen validity and contextual adaptation. Culturally tailored content and participatory feedback from older adults further informed ecological validity and program refinement. Implementation Strategy/Framework: The theoretical foundation integrates implementation science with behavioral and digital health. The RE-AIM framework guided reach, fidelity, and maintenance planning, while the Hybrid E–I design enabled the concurrent evaluation of effectiveness outcomes and contextual implementation strategies. Institutional partnerships with community centers, public health organizations, and welfare agencies further facilitated the translation of the model into real-world aging contexts. Dissemination Plan: The multi-pronged dissemination strategy includes international symposia, interdisciplinary academic networks, policy briefs, localized community deployment, and secure, authenticated data sharing for reproducibility. This design facilitates evidence-informed policy, empowers practitioners, and advances digital health equity. Ultimately, HOPE-FIT constitutes a scalable and inclusive model that concretely addresses health disparities and promotes active, dignified aging across systems and disciplines. Full article

Veneer-based wood composites are widely used for interior applications, yet their high flammability and smoke emission significantly limit their safe use in buildings. In this study, a multifunctional flame-retardant polyethylene adhesive film was developed via melt blending and hot pressing of a mixture of amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP), hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (HDEP), melamine (MEL), and sodium alginate (SA). This film was laminated onto veneers to fabricate flame-retardant decorative plywood. Simultaneously, wood scrimber units for structural applications were prepared by impregnating wood with a flame-retardant system consisting of sodium silicate (Ss) and sodium tetraborate (St). These treated components were integrated to form a flame-retardant wood scrimber/plywood composite (AHM-S), with the wood scrimber as the core layer and the treated plywood as surface layers. Compared to the control, the AHM-S composite showed a 44.1% reduction in the second peak heat release rate (pk-HRR2), a 22.6% decrease in total heat release (THR), and a 12.7% reduction in maximum flame spread distance (MD_300°C). Moreover, the time to reach 275 °C on the unexposed side (T_275°C) was extended by 90.2%. These improvements are attributed to the synergistic flame-retardant effects of the surface film and impregnated core, which jointly suppress flame spread and delay thermal degradation. The composite demonstrates promising fire safety and mechanical performance for engineered wood applications. Full article

In this study, various characterization techniques were utilized to investigate the effects of heat treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-48Al-3Nb-1.5Ta (at. %) alloy prepared by the supreme-speed plasma rotating electrode process and hot isostatic pressing. By comparing the microstructures of the alloy under different heat treatments conditions, it was found that the nearly lamellar structure with a size of about 145 μm is formed by a simple heat treatment (1400 °C/10 min, FC to 1300 °C, AC, 850 °C/3 h/FC). Under this heat treatment condition, the alloy exhibited satisfied mechanical properties, with a tensile fracture strain of 1.2% at room temperature and a tensile fracture strain of 7.5% at 750 °C. No fracture occurred after 225 h when creeping at 750 °C/250 MPa. Ta inhibited the growth of lamellae and the expansion of pores, thereby improving creep performance. In summary, the TiAl alloy with satisfied performance was obtained through a simple heat treatment process, which provides a significant idea for engineering application. Full article

Background: The aim of this experimental pilot study was to evaluate the effect of pore volume and material composition on bone ingrowth into a resorbable poly-L-lactide-CaCO₃/CaP scaffold. Methods: Cylindric scaffolds of 7 mm diameter and 5 mm height and two different degrees of porosity were produced using selective laser sintering of poly-L-lactide-powder containing 24% CaCO₃ spherulites with and without surface modification with 4% CaP. Six minipigs received the four types of macroporous cylindrical scaffolds, inserted press fit into trephine defects of the tibial metaphyses, and left to heal for 4 and 13 weeks in three animals each. The specimens were evaluated using µCT for pore volume fill, and histomorphometry for bone formation and immunohistochemistry for expression of osteocalcin. Results: After 4 weeks, newly formed bone ranged from 2.73 mm² to 5.28 mm² mean total area. Mean pore volume fill varied between 12.25% and 20.35% and the average level of osteocalcin expression ranged from 2.49 mm² to 4.48 mm² mean total area. No significant differences were found between the different scaffolds. After 13 weeks, bone formation and pore fill volume had significantly increased in all scaffold groups up to a mean value of 14.79 mm² and 96.04%, respectively. Again, differences between the groups were not significant. Conclusions: The tested SLS produced scaffolds allowed for bone ingrowth, almost completely filling the pore volume after 13 weeks. Newly formed bone was in direct contact with the scaffold walls. Differences in pore volume did not account for significant differences in bone formation inside the scaffolds. The addition of CaP likewise did not lead to increased bone formation, most likely due to low availability of CaP to the biological environment. Full article

To enhance the grinding performance and service life of rail grinding wheels, a novel brazed–resin composite wheel was developed by embedding brazed CBN (cubic boron nitride) segments into a resin working layer. The brazed CBN segments were fabricated using a Cu–Sn–Ti + WC (tungsten carbide) composite filler via a cold-press forming–vacuum brazing process. Microstructural and phase analyses revealed the formation of Ti–B and Ti–N compounds at the CBN–filler interface, indicating metallurgical bonding, while the incorporation of WC reduced excessive wetting, enabling precise shape retention of the segments. Comparative laboratory and field grinding tests were conducted against conventional resin-bonded wheels. Under all tested pressures, the composite wheel exhibited lower grinding temperatures, generated predominantly strip-shaped chips with lower oxygen content, and produced fewer spherical oxide-rich chips than the resin-bonded wheel, confirming reduced thermal load. Field tests demonstrated that the composite wheel matched the resin-bonded wheel in grinding efficiency, extended service life by approximately 28.8%, and achieved smoother rail surfaces free from burn-induced blue marks. These results indicate that the brazed–resin composite grinding wheel effectively leverages the superior hardness and thermal conductivity of CBN abrasives, offering improved thermal control, wear resistance, and surface quality in rail grinding applications. Full article

A Mode I Interlaminar Fracture Toughness test of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates requires a double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen with a pre-implanted non-adhesive insert at the mid-plane to initiate delamination. However, the insert’s quality and placement within the DCB specimen can be problematic, necessitating non-destructive testing methods. In this study, active thermography is employed to inspect potential defects around the Teflon insert in the DCB specimens. Both uniform and non-uniform heating methods have been applied, and thermal images were analyzed to obtain quantitative information, such as the insert’s location and non-contact area. TSR-enhanced images were obtained using two variations in the classical thermographic signal reconstruction. The analyzed results confirmed the presence of non-contact areas in the DCB structures composed of both 22-layer and 24-layer CFRP prepregs. These areas may be attributed to residual air gaps formed during the hot-press molding of the DCB structures. Full article

In this review, we describe the methods used for the extraction and mass spectrometry proteomics analysis of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), the two primary pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We also provide a comprehensive overview of the mass spectrometry-based studies conducted to analyze these pathological features. AD is the most prevalent form of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. While the current treatments can alleviate early-stage memory and cognitive symptoms, they do not offer a cure. Thus, there is a pressing need to deepen our understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms underlying AD and to develop more effective therapeutics. In-depth mass spectrometry-based proteomics analyses of AD pathology—specifically, extracellular the Aβ plaques found in extracellular spaces and blood vessel walls and intraneuronal NFTs composed of the microtubule-associated protein tau—may offer molecular-level observations that contribute to the understanding of the biological context of plaque and NFT formation and support the discovery of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD. Full article

Improving the efficiency of photocatalysts for hydrogen production while minimizing the amount of noble metals used is a pressing issue in modern green energy. This study examines the effect of ultra-small Pt additives on increasing the efficiency of the CuO_x-dark TiO₂ photocatalyst used in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Initially, Pt was photoreduced from the hydroxonitrate complex (Me₄N)₂[Pt₂(OH)₂(NO₃)₈] onto the surface of nanodispersed CuO_x powder obtained by pulsed laser ablation. Then, the obtained Pt-CuO_x particles were dispersed on the surface of highly defective dark TiO₂, so that the mass content of Pt in the samples varied in the range from 1.25 × 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁴. The prepared samples were examined using HRTEM, XRD, XPS, and UV-Vis DRS methods. It has been established that in the Pt-CuO_x particles, platinum is mainly present in the form of single atoms (SAs), both as Pt²⁺ (predominantly) and Pt⁴⁺ species, which should facilitate electron transfer and contribute to the manifestation of the strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) effect between SA Ptⁿ⁺ and CuO_x. In turn, in the Pt-CuO_x-dark TiO₂ samples, surface defects (O_v) and surface OH groups on dark TiO₂ particles act as “anchors”, promoting the spontaneous dispersion of CuO_x in the form of sub-nanometer clusters with the reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu¹⁺ when localized near such O_v defects. During photocatalytic HER in aqueous glycerol solutions, irradiation was found to initiate a large number of catalytically active Pt⁰-CuO_x-O_v-dark TiO₂ centers, where the SMSI effect causes electron transfer from titania to SA Pt, thus promoting better separation of photogenerated charges. As a result, ultra-small additives of Pt led to up to a 1.34-fold increase in the amount of released hydrogen, while the maximum apparent quantum yield (AQY) reached 65%. Full article

Traditional dairy products remain an essential yet underutilized component of Lebanon’s food system. Amid economic instability, supply chain fragility, and heavy reliance on imported dairy inputs (≈80% of demand), these products offer resilient, low-input alternatives rooted in centuries-old practices. This review analyzes key traditional Lebanese dairy products, including Labneh, Labneh–Anbaris, Akkawi, Shanklish, Halloumi, Karishi, Pressed–Brined Karishi (Lebanese Double-Cream), Qishta, and Kishk, using Codex Alimentarius and Tetra Pak classification frameworks. It examines their compositional attributes, milk-to-product conversion efficiency, preservation methods, and economic characteristics. The findings reveal a continuum from high-yield fresh cheeses to lower-yield preserved forms with extended shelf life, demonstrating diversified strategies for food security and resilience. Unlike prior studies focused mainly on composition or culinary aspects, this review integrates classification systems with cultural geography to map Lebanon’s traditional dairy landscape. It highlights strategies grounded in rural milk availability and artisanal know-how, revealing overlooked food system functions. These practices exemplify circular models that valorize whey, minimize waste, and preserve quality without refrigeration, aligning with sustainability goal SDG-12.3. This review calls for integrating these products into national food strategies, regulatory frameworks, and innovation systems, recognizing traditional Lebanese dairy as both cultural heritage and a strategic resource for a more self-sufficient and resilient food sector. Full article

This study investigates the thermal stability of fine-grained structures achieved through different severe plastic deformation (SPD) and heat treatment paths. Bulk fine-grained Al-0.1Sc-0.1Zr (wt%) alloy was produced via equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) using routes Bc or C, with aging before or after the ECAP. Electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses demonstrate excellent thermal stability of all four specimens. They maintain mean grain sizes below 5 μm after a 10 h thermal test at 450 °C, attributed to the presence of nano Al₃(Sc,Zr) precipitates within the microstructures. Route Bc in the ECAP method forms more stable high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) than route C. Whether aging occurs before or after the ECAP, similar microstructural changes are observed after thermal testing, allowing fine-tuning of the microstructure depending on the application or subsequent processes. Full article

This study presents the development of a novel alumina-based ceramic composite designed for refractory applications in auxiliary components of sintering furnaces. The innovative concept relies on a three-phase microstructural architecture: a fine-grained alumina matrix improves cohesion, coarse particles act as crack propagation barriers, and spherical granules are intentionally introduced to increase porosity while preserving mechanical strength. This design reduces thermal capacity, enhancing the material’s energy efficiency under high-frequency thermal cycling and offering potential for operating cost reduction. A further novelty is the water-free forming process, which eliminates issues related to drying and deformation. The material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical strength testing, and refractoriness under load (RUL) analysis to establish the structure–property relationships of the developed composite. The results demonstrate that the developed spherical alumina-based composite possesses excellent thermal and mechanical properties, making it a promising candidate for high-temperature industrial applications, particularly as auxiliary refractory plates. Full article

The thermal deformation behaviour of a spray-formed 7055 as-forged aluminium alloy was studied using isothermal hot-press tests under different deformation conditions (strain rates of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 s⁻¹, temperatures of 340, 370, 400, 430, and 460 °C). An Arrhenius constitutive model was developed using flow stress data corrected for friction and temperature, yielding a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9877, an average absolute relative error (AARE) of 4.491%, and a deformation activation energy (Q) of 117.853 kJ/mol. Processing maps integrating instability criteria and power dissipation efficiency identified appropriate processing parameters at 400–460 °C/0.08–0.37 s⁻¹. Furthermore, this study investigated how strain rate and temperature influence microstructural evolution. Microstructural characterization revealed that both dynamic recovery (DRV) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occur simultaneously during thermal deformation. At low temperatures (≤400 °C), DRV and continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) dominated; at 430 °C, deformation microstructures and recrystallized grains coexisted, whereas abnormal grain growth prevailed at 460 °C. The prevailing mechanism of dynamic softening was influenced by the applied strain rate. At lower strain rates (≤0.1 s⁻¹), discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) was the primary mechanism, whereas CDRX became dominant at higher strain rates (≥1 s⁻¹), and dislocation density gradients developed within adiabatic shear bands at 10 s⁻¹. Full article

A good way to produce large-sized wood products from small-diameter logs is by using laminated boards. The lamina undergoes an impregnation pretreatment to improve its quality before being formed into laminated boards (LBs). This research was performed to analyze the effects of an impregnation treatment on Jabon lamina with citric acid, boric acid, and polystyrene solutions on the physical and mechanical properties of Jabon LB. The Jabon lamina was first pretreated with citric acid, boric acid, and polystyrene by vacuuming for 30 min and pressing for 30 min at a pressure of 6.6 bar. The laminas were glued using isocyanate adhesive with a spreading rate of 280 g/m², consisting of three layers, which were cold pressed for 24 h. LB’s physical and mechanical properties were affected by the nature of the impregnating agent. Impregnating the lamina with citric acid and boric acid increased the density and moisture content of the laminated board, decreasing its mechanical properties. On the contrary, polystyrene-impregnated LB improved. After soaking in hot water, no LB displayed delamination, indicating high bonding performance. The best impregnating agent for lamina pretreatment was polystyrene, followed by boric acid and citric acid. The chemical compound, functional group, and degree of crystallinity of treated Jabon LB all changed due to the impregnation process. Full article