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In the high temperature industry, controlling the external surface temperature of the kiln shell is crucial for reducing heat loss, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. While aerogels are esteemed for their superior thermal insulation properties and considered as optimal materials in the thermal insulation layer of energy saving lining for burning zone of cement rotary kiln, their structural integrity at elevated temperatures confines their applications to medium and low temperature settings. To overcome this limitation, the fiber-reinforced aerogel composites have been developed to bolster the high-temperature endurance of aerogel products. Notably, composites containing ZrO 2 -enhanced fibers exhibit significantly higher resistance to thermal degradation from local overheating, such as flame impingement, compared to their counterparts without ZrO 2. However, the mechanisms of performance degradation and the reinforcing role of ZrO 2 in fiber reinforced aerogel composites at high temperatures especially above 1000 °C, remain unclear. This study specifically focuses on the thermal conductive properties of commercial aerogel felts, both with and without the inclusion of ZrO 2 across a range of temperatures, and examines the subsequent phase transitions and microstructural evolutions upon thermal treatment. Critical analyses of heat flow, mass change, density, linear shrinkage, and pore size distribution during the calcination process were conducted. After 6 h of heat treatment, composites with ZrO 2 -enhanced fibers retained an 81.44 % porosity, unlike composites without ZrO 2 which sintered and became denser. The experimental findings demonstrate that the performance of fiber reinforced aerogel composites mainly depends on the fiber's framework microstructure and fiber-aerogel reactions, which provides the references for developing excellent aerogel composites and evaluating of the usability in high temperature zone of kiln. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research looked at how the properties of an epoxy-based biocomposite changed when a cellulose-free veldt grape (Cissus quadrangularis) fiber (VGF) and Ziziphus jujuba seed (ZJS) micro powder were added. The primary goal of this study was to reveal how cellulose-free plant fiber influences on the load-bearing and time-dependent behavior of a polymer matrix composite. The fiber was treated with 0.5, 1, and 2 N NaOH solution as three stands and subsequently treated using aminosilane. The composites were made using a hand layup process and tested. It is noted that the subsequent alkali treatment on fiber and silane treatment improved the mechanical properties by up to 59%. A highest tensile strength of 148 MPa was noted for composite with "A3" designation. Similarly, the fatigue life counts also improved from 974 to 36,471 counts when 30 vol.% of VGF addition with 1 vol.% of particle. Similar findings were found in SEM pictures of fractured composites, which showed strongly reacted phases of fiber. However, the addition of cellulose-free fiber slightly increased the water uptake behavior, but is acceptable in range. The results of this characterization study showed that epoxy with surface-modified VGF and ZJS composites might be employed in a variety of industrial applications to reduce weight and high-performance activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the influence of the interface properties between fiber/cement matrix on the performance of fiber‐modified cement‐based composite. Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) are brought in the cement‐based materials to prepare mortar and Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) samples. The mortar's mechanical, and ECC's tensile capacity, four‐point bending and porosity were tested to verify the interface's influence on samples' performance. Furthermore, the water contact angle was used to analyze the wettability of the fiber, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the fiber/matrix interface on the microscopic scale. Molecular dynamics simulation was performed to calculate the interfacial paraments from an atomic scale. The results shows that fiber increases the toughness of the mortar and improved its flexural strength. Through SEM, it was found that PVA fiber can form tight adsorption with the hydration matrix. While there are many apparent cracks and pores at the PE/matrix interface, the poor bonding destroys the matrix's structure and reduces its compressive strength. By analyzing the performance of ECC samples, it was known that PVA‐ECC's strain rate can reach 5.73%, while PE‐ECC is 4.20%. PE fiber has higher mechanical strength and can bear more loads, it helps PE‐ECC to obtain a greater modulus of rapture. Nuclear magnetic resonance results showed that the porosity of PVA‐ECC is lower than PE‐ECC. The ability of PE‐ECC to resist external interference is weak, and the interface of PE/matrix is easily damaged. Molecule dynamics simulation results indicated the adsorption energy between PVA/CSH is 6.17 times that of PE/CSH. The PVA/C‐S‐H interface tends to form CaO and H‐bonds to strengthen the bonding, the bonding has limited the movement of atoms and making the PVA chains tightly adsorbed on the CSH surface. While the adsorption between PE and CSH is weak, the PE will detach from the CSH surface and form aggregates. Moreover, PVA and water molecules form a stable hydrogen bond network to promote the hydration production grows on the surface of PVA fiber. However, PE fiber is complex enough to adsorb water molecules and hardly encourage the development of pores at the interface. By analyzing the properties of the interface between different fibers and cement matrix can provide insights for strengthening the interface properties of fiber cement matrix, and then improve the properties of fiber cement‐based composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights To enhance the flame retardant property of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites without adding more flame retardants, we prepared film stacking composites by maintaining a total flame retardant content of 20% and applying a gradient flame retardant strategy. The gradient composites have been designated as 3113FRPLA/F and 1331FRPLA/F, respectively. 3113FRPLA/F is characterized by an augmented concentration of fire‐resistant additives in the surface layer, while 1331FRPLA/F features a reduced content. 20%FRPLA/F is prepared with a homogeneously distributed flame retardant composition. Results derived from LOI test and cone calorimeter test unequivocally demonstrate that 3113FRPLA/F outperforms both 1331FRPLA/F and 20%FRPLA/F in improving flame retardancy. The LOI value of 3113FRPLA/F is 36.1%, exceeding that of 20%FRPLA/F and there is also a reduction in the pk‐HRR compared with 20%FRPLA/F. It is of interest to note that 3113FRPLA/F exhibits the most effective heat insulation properties while 20%FRPLA/F has the worst, which is reflected by the infrared thermal imaging results. It bears mention that the impact strength and tensile strength of 3113FRPLA/F surpasses that of 20%FRPLA/F. In summary, 3113FRPLA/F, characterized by its increased surface concentration of flame retardants, demonstrates the most superior overall performance. The characteristics of PLA/fiber composites using a gradient strategy were compared. The LOI value of 3113FRPLA/F is 36.1%, exceeding that of 20%FRPLA/F. 3113FRPLA/F has the best heat insulation effect while 20%FRPLA/F has the worst. The impact strength and tensile strength of 3113FRPLA/F surpasses 20%FRPLA/F. Improving the surface flame retardant concentration increases the overall property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Key Results Conclusions & Inferences Supplementation with the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety fructans is a feasible treatment option for functional constipation (FC). However, its effects on colonic function have not yet been studied. This study assessed whole gut transit time (WGTT) and regional transit time using a wireless motility capsule (WMC) before and after supplementation with different fiber treatments in patients with FC.A secondary analysis was performed on data collected from a randomized, double‐blind clinical trial comparing agave fructans with psyllium plantago. WGTT, regional transit time, contractility, and pH were measured using WMC before and after fiber supplementation. Comparisons were performed using nonparametric tests.Twenty patients with FC were evaluated, with a median age of 39 (25–54 years), and 18 (90%) were women. Five patients were included in each intervention group. There were no changes in WGTT or regional transit times between the groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no differences in the changes experienced by regional or general contractility among the groups (p > 0.05). The cecal pH profile did not differ between the groups before and after fiber supplementation (p > 0.05). The percentages of clinical responses and consistency of bowel movements between the groups were similar.FC presents a clinical response to a fiber challenge, regardless of the administered intervention. However, this response was not associated with improvement in contractility or regional transit time. We speculate that there are other mechanisms by which fiber consumption may improve FC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw is an important renewable resource. Under the circumstance of global resource shortage and energy shortage, it is of great significance to vigorously develop comprehensive utilization of straw. It is not only an important way to realize agricultural circular economy and low-carbon economy, but also involves sustainable development issues such as soil fertility, environmental security and efficient utilization of renewable resources in the entire agricultural ecosystem. Straw fiber ecological blanket has a good function of air permeability and water permeability, and has a significant positive effect on the ecological protection of soil surface microenvironment. Mechanical kneading is the key technology for the dismantling and optimization of agricultural waste straw fiber. In this study, the optimal process input is the spindle speed, hammer tooth clearance and material water content, and the output is the straw silk rate and calibrated unit productivity. An intelligent model was developed using Box-Behnken response surface method (RSM) to determine the functional relationship between input and output parameters. The three evaluation index models all have high reliability, and the determination coefficients are R 2 > 0.95 and R 2 > 0.94, respectively. The variance analysis of RSM regression model clarified that the influence of various factors on straw silk ratio was in the order of spindle speed > water content > hammer tooth clearance, and the linear relationship between spindle speed and straw silk ratio was increasing. The significant influence on the calibrated unit power productivity of the kneading machine is in the order of hammer tooth clearance > spindle speed > moisture content. When the hammer tooth clearance is constant, it decreases first and then increases with the spindle speed and straw moisture content. The results of factor interaction analysis showed that when the water content of straw was 40%, the spindle speed was 2 500 r/min, and the hammer tooth clearance was 13 mm, the silk ratio of rice straw was 96.75%. When the straw moisture content is 60%, the spindle speed is 2 300 r/min, and the hammer tooth clearance is 11.08 mm, the maximum calibrated unit power productivity is 29.96 kg/(kW·h). Mathematical model process parameters optimization: straw moisture content is 41.2%, spindle speed is 2 498 r/min, hammer tooth clearance is 12.84 mm. Under the combination of these parameters, the rice straw silk ratio is 96.93%, and the calibrated unit power productivity is 29.33 kg/(kW·h). Under optimized conditions, the proportion of fibers with length of 40～70 mm and > 70 mm showed an increasing trend, especially the fiber with length of > 70 mm increased by 120.55%. The proportion of fiber length-to-width ratio > 50～80 and > 80 increased from 17.39% and 6.52% to 38.64% and 16.01%, respectively. Ultra depth of field microscopy showed that the self-interweaving formability of kneaded straw fiber was significantly improved. The optimized mechanical kneading cost of straw fiber can be reduced by 27.50 yuan/t. The mechanical kneading technology strategy of the RSM model developed in this paper is effective for improving the decomposition rate of biomass straw and reducing the consumption of biomass straw, and can be widely used in the production of high-value agricultural products based on large fiber bundles of straw. The mechanical kneading technique strategy of the RSM model developed in this paper is effective for improving the decomposing silk rate and reducing the consumption of biomass straw, and can be widely used in the production of large-size fiber bundle straw based high-value agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of the Chinese Ceramic Society is the property of Bulletin of the Chinese Ceramic Society Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

As Kazakhstan expands its oilseed cultivation, particularly with flax, it is essential to understand how different flax varieties and growth conditions impact the quality of oil and fiber. Despite a recent slight decrease in flax sown area, its dualpurpose value remains significant. Therefore, this study was conducted in the growing seasons of 2022 and 2023 to determine the fatty acid composition of the oil and the quality of the fiber of various varieties of oil flax cultivated in the conditions of the Akmola region, northern Kazakhstan. Different varieties of Chinese selection - UF1, UF2, UF3, UF4, UF5, UF6, and zoned flax cultivar - Kostanay Yantar, Leader and Iceberg were examined in this study. A randomized complete block design with three replications was performed in the experiments. There were eight varieties and samples in total, with the standard being the zoned flax variety Kostanay Yantar. Germination of seeds of oil flax ranged from 66.2 to 84.8 percent. Among Chinese selection varieties, the best germination rate was obtained for the UF0 2 in the value of 92.4%. The specified variety in terms of field germination exceeds other varieties of foreign selection by 9.9%. Under regional conditions. The significance level of the results attained indicated that they were not statistically significant (y=14.256ln (x)+29.509), which was explained by the small sample size. It should be noticed that the achieved correlation results were positive, that was, when the values of one parameter increased, the compared parameter also increased significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate nutrient intake, coupled with increased oxidative stress, leads to an imbalance responsible for the current major diseases. Many foods have traditionally been used as traditional medicine, including native berries from southern Chile. Both Maqui and Calafate possess high antioxidant activity, which grants them medicinal power and makes them an excellent alternative for improving health. The aim of this study is to create a functional food with therapeutic properties capable of counteracting oxidative stress and thereby contributing to improving people's health. To achieve this, a muffin with inulin, Maqui, and Calafate has been developed. The results show that the incorporation of inulin alone increases the fiber content and antioxidant capacity of the muffins; however, Maqui and Calafate contribute significantly more. Furthermore, contents of phenolic compounds are elevated, and an increase in the folic acid content is observed in the samples compared to the control. We can conclude that producing products with inulin, Maqui, and Calafate can be used to enhance the nutritional value and increase the antioxidant activity of bakery products, providing nutrients while also delivering unique characteristics in color, aroma, and flavor, making them appealing to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marginal lands have been proposed to produce non-food crop biomass for energy or green materials. For this purpose, the selection, implementation, and growth optimization of plant species on such lands are key elements to investigate to achieve relevant plant yields. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous perennial that grows spontaneously on contaminated lands and was described as suitable to produce fibers for material applications. Two mercury-contaminated soils from industrial wastelands with different properties (grassland soil and sediment landfill) were used in this study to assess the potential growth of stinging nettle in a greenhouse mesocosm experiment. Two organic amendments were studied for their impact on nettle growth. The solid digestate from organic food wastes significantly doubled plant biomass whereas the compost from green wastes had a lower impact. The highest doses of organic amendments significantly increased the number of fibers, which doubled following digestate application, while reducing leaf Hg concentration. Both amendments significantly improved soil respiration and enzymatic activities linked to the microbial biomass in the soil from the sediment landfill by the end of the experiment. In the context of a phytomanagement scenario, solid digestate would be a preferred amendment resource to improve nettle production on industrial wastelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylepis (Queñua) is a dominant woody plant genus in Andean Puna forests that occurs in a wide range of montane habitats and is ecologically diverse in endemism, which may be particularly threatened by climate change. Wood anatomical traits are essential for understanding how plants adjust their ecophysiological requirements and maximize their resilience, resistance, and recovery to extreme climates. Although the effects of extreme climatic conditions in high altitude ecosystems have been studied extensively, our knowledge is relatively limited to quantitative differences in the main xylem tissues. To address this gap, we assessed the acclimation of wood anatomical traits in six Peruvian Andean Polylepis species with different water availability (semi-dry with high moisture and semiarid with dry winters). We selected hydraulic diameter, vessel density, vessel grouping index, solitary vessel index, vulnerability index, mesomorphy index, vessel element length, fiber length, fiber wall thickness, fiber lumen diameter, and total fiber diameter that can provide relevant eco-wood anatomical acclimation to hydric stress. We performed multivariate analysis to determine the leading dimensions of covariation among Polylepis species and climatic factors. Specific wood anatomical traits (vessel grouping index, vulnerability index, and fiber wall thickness) were dissimilar between xeric- and mesic-Polyelpis species. This study demonstrates that wood anatomical traits in Peruvian Andean Polylepis species provides high-resolution and long-term eco-wood anatomical signals on how climate oscillations drive the acclimation processes of fiber and vessel traits. Our findings underscore the significance of xylem hydraulic adjustment to various hydrological environments in Andean puna forests. By evaluating the effects of drought on wood anatomical characteristics and ecological function, we demonstrate the capacity of tree species to adapt and endure climate-related changes, thereby emphasizing their resilience and adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the Taguchi experimental plan and the gray relational method are used to make new biochar additive enhanced areca-toughened polyester resin composite rebar material for various construction applications. Three different fiber length, thickness, and biochar volume percentage were used to make the rebar along with constant biochar size. A total 9 sets of composite rebars were made according to Taguchi experimental plan, and the most prominent process input is identified. According to the results, the experimental pattern A2B3C1 is the most likely to lead to better results generally. This set of experiments led to a GRG of 0.741 with a tensile strength of 49.54 MPa and a water absorption % of 1.3. Based on the min–max difference level, it is found that the most important process variable was the length of areca fiber, followed by their diameter and biochar content. Also, the confirmation test showed that the newly optimized set of process variables A3B1C1 gave a refinement in GRG of 0.756 with an improvement of 2.01%, which is the same as an increase in tensile strength of 50.57 MPa and a decrease in water absorption of 1.27%, respectively. These biochar–areca fiber-dispersed polyester composite rebar made from domestically discarded vegetable wastes could be used in modern building applications with less impact on the environment. These materials could be used in the development of RCC pre-casted slabs, manhole covers, hand rails, roof fencing, and stairs of inner and outer portion of living area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looked at the mechanical, electrical, and thermal surface conductivity of a polyester composite reinforced with flax fiber and thermally reduced carbon quantum dots. The primary objective of this work was to ascertain how incorporating carbon dots from thermally reduced biomass sugarcane bagasse enhanced the qualities of the polyester composite and resulted in its development as a sustainable material for cutting-edge applications. By pyrolyzing sugarcane bagasse, carbon dots were produced, and then hand layup was used to create the composites. After that, the effects of the addition of carbon dots were evaluated by testing the composite material in accordance with the American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) criteria. The findings demonstrated that increasing the amount of carbon dots in a polyester composite by up to 5 vol.% increased its tensile, flexural, and impact strength. However, the properties changed when the carbon dots content was raised to 7 vol.%. The highest hardness of the 7 vol.% carbon dots distributed composite, in contrast, was 82 shore-D, and its specific wear rate was reduced at 0.005 mm3/Nm. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss are both at their maximum values in the 7 vol.% carbon dots dispersed composite, at 4.1 and 0.15, respectively. This polyester composite also exhibits excellent thermal conductivity (0.394 W/mK), demonstrating effective heat transfer bridge development. Thus, these polyester composites with better surface conductivity (electrical, thermal, and hydrophobicity) and mechanical properties could be employed as a functional material for electrical and thermal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic absorption consists basically of the transformation of mechanical energy into thermal energy, carried out through the interaction of the fibers with the sound wave through the breaking of such waves and their meeting with the surface of the fibers. Among the various materials that may be employed to this end, the use of non-woven fabrics has stood out. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the number of carded non-woven web layers on the mechanical and sound absorption capacity. For this purpose, three groups of non-woven fabrics were produced with different numbers of web layers (24, 40, and 58 layers) of equal thickness and density, composed of a mixture of polyester fibers. Standard test procedures were used to measure the physical properties of the non-woven fabrics, the linear density of the fibers used as raw material, the tensile strength, and air permeability and to assess the sound absorption capacity. In addition, to identify a balance point between sound absorption and equipment productivity, the relationship between the acoustic performance of the non-woven fabrics produced and their production speed was evaluated. The greater the number of web layers is, the higher the absorption coefficient of the non-woven. However, the variation was not significant when the various sound absorption frequencies were observed. In this regard, developing a non-woven fabric with fewer layers was more productive and cost-effective without losing technical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yeast and fibrolytic enzymes serve as additives incorporated into the nutrition of ruminants to regulate rumen fermentation and increase the digestibility of fiber, thereby enhancing the efficiency of rumen fermentation. Two experiments were conducted to assess the impact of five diets: a control diet without additives, diets with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE), and diets with a blend of 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE or 0.7EFE + 0.3Yeast (based on recommended levels in g/kg of total DM). In the first experiment, 40 five-month-old Santa Ines lambs (mean weight 25.0 ± 1.3 kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design (5 treatments and 8 lambs) for 81 days to evaluate performance, ingestive behaviour, and serum metabolites. In the second experiment, 25 Santa Ines male lambs weighing 25.7 ± 4.1 kg were housed in metabolic cages, in a randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 lambs, evaluating digestibility, nitrogen balance, and rumen pH. EFE supplementation increased intakes of dry matter (DM), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and apNDF (mean of 38.1, 5.26, and 27%, respectively) compared to yeast or the 0.7yeast-0.3EFE blend. Feed conversion was most efficient (mean of 27.1%) in lambs fed Yeast, 0.7EFE + 0.3yeast, and the control diet. Lambs fed 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE spent less time eating (mean of 16.5%) and more time idling (mean of 10.75%), whereas EFE-fed lambs spent more time eating (mean of 19.73%), and 0.7EFE + 0.3yeast-fed lambs spent more time ruminating (mean of 20.14%). Control group lambs chewed and ruminated less (means of 24.64 and 17.21%, respectively) compared to other treatments. Lambs on the 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE blend had higher eating and rumination efficiency rates for DM and apNDF (mean of 19.11 and 17.95%, respectively) compared to other additive treatments or individual additives. They also exhibited lower (means 7.59 g/d) urinary N excretion, with improved N retention (mean 3185 g/d) compared to the control group. There were significant effects on serum albumin and cholesterol concentrations, with the 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE blend showing higher albumin (mean 4.08 g/dL) levels, while diets without additives and yeast-EFE blends had higher cholesterol (mean of 62.51 g/dL) concentrations. Including Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast along with 0.7 yeast + 0.3 EFE blend is recommended when feeding similar lamb diets to those used herein because it improves the efficiency of intake, rumination of DM and NDF, and nitrogen utilization without affecting the lamb performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Romanian Journal of Civil Engineering / Revista Română de Inginerie Civilă is the property of Matrix Rom and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The association between macronutrient consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains equivocal. Here, we investigated whether the quantity and quality of macronutrient intake are associated with T2D incidence in a West Asian population. Methods: T2D-free adults (n = 2457, mean age 38.5 ± 13.6 years, 54.2% women) who participated in the third examination cycle (2005–2008) of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study were followed for a median of 8.6 years. We estimated the macronutrient quality index (MQI), its individual sub-indices (carbohydrate quality index (CQI), fat quality index (FQI), and healthy plate protein quality index (HPPQI)), as well as the macronutrient quantity. The risk of T2D in relation to macronutrient quantity, quality, and their combined effects was examined using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for known risk factors for T2D. Results: During the study follow-up, 257 incident cases of T2D were documented. Individuals in the highest tertiles of MQI and CQI had a 27% (HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54, 0.98) and 29% (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51–0.99) lower T2D risk than those in the lowest tertiles. The T2D incidence was 35% lower in the middle HPPQI tertile than in the lowest (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.47, 0.89). The multivariable adjusted model showed that individuals in the middle and highest tertiles of carbohydrate intake had 32% (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49–0.95) and 26% (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55–1.00) lower risks of T2D than individuals in the lowest tertile. A high-quantity, high-quality carbohydrate diet (≥ 58.5% of energy from carbohydrate with a CQI ≥ 13) and a low-glycemic index (GI), high-fiber diet (GI < 55 and fiber ≥ 25 g/d) were related to a reduced risk of T2D by 34% (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47, 0.93) and 42% (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.90), respectively. Conclusion: A diet with a higher carbohydrate quality may be associated with a lower T2D incidence, particularly when the carbohydrate quantity is also high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiberboard (FB) is extensively utilized in heat‐insulating refractory materials owing to its lightweight nature and excellent resistance to high temperatures. Nevertheless, the inadequate mechanical properties and limited dimensional stability of FB hinder its further application. The vacuum filtration was utilized in this study to manufacture inorganically modified insulation FB, incorporating plus fiber/1260 fiber and silica sol as the primary constituents and sepiolite powder (HS) as the modifier. The experimental results show that the fabricated samples exhibited extremely high porosity (75.3%–90.2%) and low thermal conductivity (.063–.15 W m−1 K−1, 200–800°C). The fibers were arranged in a three‐dimensional structure, overlapping with each other, and the silica sol adhered to the fibers, forming a spatial mesh structure through cross‐linking. Importantly, the incorporation of HS was effective in controlling the agglomeration of the silica sol, leading to a more uniform distribution within the fibers. Additionally, the study found that the mechanical properties (high hardness (64–72 HA)) and high‐temperature durability of the FBs were enhanced due to the flocculant modification. This study highlights promising prospects for industrial applications and offers a cost‐effective admixture for modifying and preparing high‐performance FBs, which is expected to see broad adoption in thermal insulation and energy conservation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The valorization of plant wastes for developing environmentally friendly composites has garnered increasing attention over the past two decades. The management of a significant quantity of Nile rose plant waste presents a mounting challenge, particularly in light of escalating water demand. This study delves into the impact of Nile rose fiber (RF) loading and utilizing Vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) as a coupling agent on the characteristics of a composite comprising RF and natural rubber (NR). The verification of the fiber structure treated with silane (TF) was accomplished via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The crosslinking between the NR matrix and the fibers is promoted by the formation of siloxane (SiOSi) linkages in 1050–1100 cm−1. An extensive evaluation of the impact of RF on the characteristics of NR composite was conducted, encompassing morphological properties, mechanical characteristics, and water absorption resistance. The results of the morphological analysis revealed that the modification of RF with silane enhanced the interfacial adhesion between RF and NR. Furthermore, the tensile strength (TS) of NR increases to values of 7.31 and 8.5 MPa by an improvement of 61% and 88% when 10 and 15 phr of TF are added, respectively. Moreover, rubber composites with silane exhibited superior water resistance to those without it across various filler loadings. Specifically, the composite with 20 phr TF absorbed 7% water, whereas the counterpart with untreated fiber (RF) absorbed 12.5% water. The analysis of swelling validated that the interaction between the RF and NR is significantly impacted by the modification of fiber and its incorporation into the composite, as evidenced by the decreased swelling index values from 367% to 298% observing in composites incorporating TF as opposed to those containing RF. Silane treatment improves the interaction between RF and NR. The TF and NR matrix interacted more and developed an interfacial bonding. The rate of vulcanization is accelerated in the presence of treated RF. TF/NR composites have fewer voids and microcracks, inhibiting water diffusion. 15% TF content optimal for good physical and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Cotton fiber (Gossypium hirsutum) serves as an ideal model for investigating the molecular mechanisms of plant cell elongation at the single‐cell level. Brassinosteroids (BRs) play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development. However, the mechanism by which BR influences cotton fiber elongation remains incompletely understood. In this study, we identified EXORDIUM‐like (GhEXL3) through transcriptome analysis of fibers from BR‐deficient cotton mutant pagoda 1 (pag1) and BRI1‐EMS‐SUPPRESSOR 1 (GhBES1.4, encoding a central transcription factor of BR signaling) overexpression cotton lines. Knockout of GhEXL3 using CRISPR/Cas9 was found to impede cotton fiber elongation, while its overexpression promoted fiber elongation, suggesting a positive regulatory function for GhEXL3 in fiber elongation. Furthermore, in vitro ovule culture experiments revealed that the overexpression of GhEXL3 partially counteracted the inhibitory effects of brassinazole (BRZ) on cotton fiber elongation, providing additional evidence of GhEXL3 involvement in BR signaling pathways. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that GhBES1.4 directly binds to the E‐box (CACGTG) motif in the GhEXL3 promoter region and enhances its transcription. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that overexpression of GhEXL3 upregulated the expression of EXPs, XTHs, and other genes associated with fiber cell elongation. Overall, our study contributes to understanding the mechanism by which BR regulates the elongation of cotton fibers through the direct modulation of GhEXL3 expression by GhBES1.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminated metal‐composite structures, known as fiber metal laminates (FMLs), are modern lightweight materials extensively utilized in diverse industries such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing. These materials offer enhanced impact and fatigue resistance, making them invaluable for various applications. However, machining FMLs poses a challenge due to the occurrence of delamination and heterogenous in nature during conventional methods. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the quality characteristics such as kerf width, surface roughness and kerf taper of Magnesium based FMLs processed with an unconventional machining process namely abrasive water jet cutting (AWJC). These FMLs comprise alternately stacked kevlar/carbon fibers adhesively bonded with epoxy resin matrix filled with varying wt% of reduced graphene oxide (r‐GO), combined with AZ31B alloy sheet as the skin material. AWJC experiments were performed by varying the process parameters including waterjet pressure (275–325 MPa), stand‐off distance (2.5–3.5 mm), and cutting speed (600–800 mm/min) based on the box–behnken experimental design. The findings from the statistical analysis underscore the significant influences of stand‐off distance and waterjet pressure on kerf characteristics, while the inclusion of r‐GO is observed to notably affect the surface quality. In pursuit of enhancing cut quality, a multi‐response optimization was conducted employing the Gorilla Troops Optimization (GTO) algorithm. Comparative analysis with established metaheuristics like the gray wolf algorithm, dragonfly algorithm, and harmony search algorithm reveals GTO's superior performance across various metrics, including rapid convergence, diversity, and spacing values. Further, the cutting‐induced damages such as matrix plowing, fiber‐metal debonding and composite delamination were observed through microstructure analysis. Highlights: Magnesium (AZ31B) fiber metal laminate comprising with various wt% of reduced graphene oxide was fabricated.Abrasive waterjet cutting of FMLs were performed based on box–behnken design experimental approach.Statistical analysis and influence of process parameters on the kerf width, surface roughness and kerf taper were investigated.Multi‐response optimization was carried out using metaheuristic‐based gorilla troops algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-reinforced composites are commonly exposed to environments associated with moisture and solution, resulting in uptake, which causes changes in the bulk resin, the fiber–matrix interface, and even the fiber itself. Knowledge about uptake behavior and diffusion mechanisms and characteristics are critical to better understanding the response of these materials to environmental exposure faced through service to developing better materials through selection of constituents and to the prediction of long-term durability. This paper reviews aspects of uptake mechanisms and subsequent response, as well as models that describe the sorption process, with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of moisture-uptake-related phenomena and characteristics such as uptake rate, diffusion and relaxation/deterioration constants, transitions in regimes, and overall response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical, fatigue, dynamic mechanical and creep properties of vinyl based composites reinforced using Amaranthus viridis root hair cellulose and pineapple fibe. The cellulose was produced via thermo-chemical route and the composites were manufactured using pineapple fibe mat. The composites were prepared via hand layup method and tested using ASTM standards. Results revealed that among various composite designations, the composite contains fibe and 2 vol% of cellulose showcasing a tensile strength of 175 MPa, flexural strength of 205 MPa, compression strength of 188 MPa, interlaminar shear strength of 24.7 MPa and Izod impact strength of 6.03 J. Moreover, the composite demonstrated exceptional fatigue resistance, with fatigue life counts of 39,749, 34,411 and 28,260 cycles for 25%, 50%, and 75% of ultimate tensile strength. Nevertheless, an increase in the volume percentage of cellulose up to 4 vol% resulted in a decline in both mechanical and fatigue life counts. However the dynamic mechanical analysis of composite contains 4 vol% of cellulose revealed an improved storage modulus of 5.61 GPa with a loss factor of 0.37. Additionally, the composite demonstrated diminished creep strain values of 0.0007, 0.0022, and 0.0057 for time durations of 5000 s, 10000 s, and 15000 s, respectively. Finally, the scanning electron microscopy images revealed highly reached phases of cellulose within the matrix and effective reinforcement effect. Thus it is clear that the addition of cellulose along with natural fibe improved the load bearing properties and overall structural integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe rising consumption of plant protein foods and the emergence of meat alternatives have prompted interest in the health benefits of such products, which contain fiber in addition to protein. This review investigates the effect of fiber on plant-based protein metabolism and evaluates its contribution to gut-derived health impacts. Plant proteins, which often come with added fiber, can have varying health outcomes. Factors such as processing and the presence of fiber and starch influence the digestibility of plant proteins, potentially leading to increased proteolytic fermentation in the gut and the production of harmful metabolites. However, fermentable fiber can counteract this effect by serving as a primary substrate for gut microbes, decreasing proteolytic activity. The increased amount of fiber, rather than the protein source itself, plays a significant role in the observed health benefits of plant-based diets in human studies. Differences between extrinsic and intrinsic fiber in the food matrix further impact protein fermentation and digestibility. Thus, in novel protein products without naturally occurring fiber, the health impact may differ from conventional plant protein sources. The influence of various fibers on plant-based protein metabolism throughout the gastrointestinal tract is not fully understood, necessitating further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the mechanical, thermal conductivity, and water absorption characteristics of epoxy-based composite rebar material reinforced with biosilica derived from proso millet husks and palm kernel fiber. The main objective of this research study is to investigate the effect of biosilica addition into the natural fiber reinforced epoxy resin rebar and its load bearing characteristics. The biosilica is synthesized from waste proso millet husks via thermo-chemical method and the composites were made using mold in the name of PP, PP1, PP2, PP3, and PP4. Series of tests including tensile, flexural, compression, hardness, water absorption, and thermal conductivity were performed on the composite rebar and analyzed rigorously. Results indicate that PP3 exhibits superior tensile strength (114 MPa), flexural strength (156 MPa), and compression strength (132 MPa) compared to other samples. This improvement is attributed to the optimized dispersion of biosilica filler within the resin matrix, leading to enhanced interfacial bonding and stress transfer mechanisms. Conversely, PP4 displays enhanced hardness of Shore-D 82, increased water absorption of 0.044%, and reduced thermal conductivity of 0.196 W/mK. Microstructural analysis using SEM reveals enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion and reinforcement in PP3 and PP4. According to ANOVA, the results are significant with P value of 3.386e−14. Overall, these findings suggest that incorporating biosilica filler enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites, with PP3 and PP4 demonstrating promising attributes for a variety of engineering applications such as structural, pre-casted walls, hand rails, and readymade wall portions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study discusses the effects of adding moringa gum powder to Cissus quadrangularis fiber–reinforced polyester resin composites on their mechanical, wear, and drop load impact properties. The moringa gum powder was synthesized from the moringa tree, whereas the Cissus quadrangularis fiber was as-received. The composite laminates were manufactured by hand layup process using 40 vol.% of fiber along with 0.5, 1, and 2 vol.% of moringa gum powder. The results revealed that the load bearing properties such as tensile, flexural strength and tensile, flexural modulus were better for composites containing 1 vol.% of moringa gum particle with 40 vol.% of fiber. The Izod impact test reveals that composite designation (moringa gum particles of 1 vol.%) PE3 has the highest impact-absorbing capacity up to 3.75 J. The maximum microhardness value for composite designation PE4 (moringa gum particles of 2 vol.%) is about 84 Shore-D. It is observed that moringa gum toughening with an increase in particles vol.% improves wear characteristics. As well as drop load impact toughness increased by 96% for 1 vol.% of particles. However, further increment up to 2 vol.% of particle decreases the drop load impact toughness. According to SEM (scanning electron microscopy) fractography, and overall performances of composites, adding 1.0 vol.% of moringa gum particle is the better inclusion for producing highly performing composites. These enhanced features of composites, which contain 40 vol.% of fiber and 1 vol.% of particle named as PE3, could be utilized in the automotive and industrial sectors, and they may even be utilized for home decoration purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the inter-ply alternatively stacked kevlar/sisal fiber's mechanical, wear, fracture toughness, drop load impact, and hydrophobicity behavior along with cellulose addition. This study also gives an insight to how effectively a biomass-derived fiber is used as potential replacement for synthetic man-made hazardous fibers. The composite laminates were made by room temperature hand layup process and hot cured at 120 °C for 2 h. The laminated composites are then subjected to testing in accordance to respective ASTM standards. The result finding reveals that the composite designation "C3" possessed highest improvement in mechanical properties. Similarly, in wear, the composite designation "C4" records a lowest sp. wear rate and COF of 0.011 mm3/Nm and 0.34. Moreover, in fracture toughness, the composite designation "C3" scored a maximum fracture toughness of 24.74 (K1c) MPa. m and energy release rate of 0.55 (G1c) MJ/m2. This is about 339.43% and 223.52% of improvement compared to the plain resin. Similarly, in drop load impact toughness, the addition of cellulose and fiber stacking order influenced higher penetration resistance. Moreover, there is a strong matrix-fiber adhesion which causes finely fragmented fibers, which are visible through SEM fractography. Finally, the water-absorption behavior proves that composite materials' hydrophobicity has been maintained not less than 70° despite the addition of cellulose and fiber. These composites, with improved load bearing effect with novel stacking order, could be benefited in manufacturing of building materials, automotive parts, aircraft bodies, and defense gadgets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was based on an epoxy hybrid biocomposite made of silane-treated goat tanned leather that had been toughened with treated chitosan carbohydrate polymer (CCP) and areca fiber that had been treated with silane. The objective was to examine how silane-treated CCP and a hybrid type of fiber and leather enhance the epoxy biocomposite's mechanical and impact toughness. Aqueous solution silane treatment was used to treat the fiber and tanned leather, and the hand layup method was used to create the composites. The mechanical characteristics of the composite material Areca/Leather/Areca (ALA2) with addition 1.0 vol.% of CCP results in improvements to the maximum tensile, flexural, strength and modulus, Izod impact toughness, and hardness test values of 172 MPa, 4.98 GPa, 208 MPa, 5.30 GPa, 7.0 J, and 87 Shore D. The hybrid form of fiber and leather increased the low-velocity impact maximum up to 10.5 J and 11.3 J for reinforcements that were as-received and those had been surface treated as well as introduced with 1.0 vol.% of CCP, respectively. The addition by 1.0 vol.% of CCP for the ALA staking sequence resulted in a maximum fatigue life count of 32847. The composite designation ALA2 is therefore advised for further application, and it is suggested that Areca/Leather/Areca hybrid layup sequences with silane-treated 1.0 vol.% CCP produce the best results. In both surface-treated and as-received conditions, the ALA layup sequences outperformed other composite designations. When a high impact toughening effect is required, such composite materials with higher impact toughness and toughness may be used in the defense, automobile, drone, and structural industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the behavior of layered aloe vera and silk woven fiber in an epoxy composite filled with copper slag powder at sub (3–4 GHz)- and hyper (8–20 GHz)-frequency bands. The main goal of this work was to explore how the stacking order of fabrics affected the EMI shielding and to create an efficient EMI shielding material for protecting electronic devices from EMI attack. The ASTM standards were used to characterize the composite laminates, which were created utilizing the hand layup method. According to the findings, the fiber with the staking sequence silk/aloe vera/silk/aloe vera demonstrates increased dielectric values of 5%, 14%, 25%, and 66% at sub- and hyper-frequency bands. The composite designation RA2 has a higher dielectric constant than the other composite designations, which are respectively 5.6, 3.1, 1.80, and 0.70. The use of silk fiber further improves the EMI shielding qualities. At sub- and hyper-frequency bands, the composite designation RA2 records up to 6.4, 15.4, 34.1, and 48.3dB. It should be emphasized that the composites also have better mechanical properties. The material RA2 exhibited the highest mechanical qualities, including tensile strength, flexural strength, Izod impact, and hardness of up to 164 MPa, 216 MPa, 6.22 J, and 91 shore-D. These composite materials, which have good mechanical, dielectric, and shielding capabilities, could be used in the satellite, aerospace, defense, industrial, instrumentation and electronic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistant starch (RS) is a fraction of starch not digested and absorbed in the small intestine, and it is fermented by the intestinal microbiota in the colon, thereby influencing many health benefits. Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas are rich in fermentable dietary fiber, and RS can be included in this fiber group. These legumes are not considered a "typical" source of starch and have not been extensively studied as a source of RS. There are still insufficient data on modern non-thermal methods like high-pressure processing (HPP) and combining this method with refrigerated storage. The study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of HPP and HPP combined with refrigerated storage on the RS content of legumes, particularly white beans, green lentils, and chickpeas. Different pressure levels and processing times were used to evaluate changes in RS content and to assess the total fiber content and fiber fraction of the tested legumes. Our study showed that the increase in pressure and pressurization time affected changes in the RS content of the examined legumes. Furthermore, the cooling process of previously pressurized samples resulted in a significant increase in RS content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific evidence shows that dietary patterns are a key environmental determinant of mental health. Dietary constituents can modify epigenetic patterns and thus the gene expression of relevant genetic variants in various mental health conditions. In the present work, we describe some nutrigenomic effects of dietary fiber, phenolic compounds (plant secondary metabolites), and fatty acids on mental health outcomes, with emphasis on their possible interactions with genetic and epigenetic aspects. Prebiotics, through their effects on the gut microbiota, have been associated with modulation in the neuroendocrine response to stress and the facilitation of the processing of positive emotions. Some of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms include the serotonin neurotransmitter system (TPH1 gene) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (inhibition of histone deacetylases). The consumption of phenolic compounds exerts a positive role in neurocognitive domains. The evidence showing the involvement of genetic and epigenetic factors comes mainly from animal models, highlighting the role of epigenetic mechanisms through miRNAs and methyltransferases as well as the effect on the expression of apoptotic-related genes. Long-chain n-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have been mainly related to psychotic and mood disorders, but the genetic and epigenetic evidence is scarce. Studies on the genetic and epigenetic basis of these interactions need to be promoted to move towards a precision and personalized approach to medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is one of the most commercialized tropical fruits worldwide. Its high processing and consumption generate huge quantities of organic waste and severe economic and environmental issues. Embracing the circular bioeconomy concept, this fruit waste can be applied as a bioresource (raw material) for the obtention of a wide range of high-valued biocompounds by applying innovative and ecofriendly technologies. In this paper, we critically describe pineapple-derived waste, from their chemical composition to their functional and biological properties, as well as the latest advances on valorization technologies, particular solid and submerged fermentations. Notably, this article highlights the possibility of using pineapple waste to obtain bioactive compounds such as bromelain, phenolic compounds, and dietary fiber, which have important biological properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and prebiotic capacities. Indeed, pineapple wastes can become valued materials by using green and biotechnological technologies that allow us to maximize their potential and might avoid wastage and environmental issues. Nevertheless, it is necessary to further investigate the biomolecules present in the waste derived from different pineapple varieties and their health beneficial effects as well as emerging technologies in order to obtain a full spectrum of natural value-added compounds that industries and society demand today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the mammalian gut microbiota metabolize diverse complex carbohydrates that are not digested by the host, which are collectively labeled "dietary fiber." While the enzymes and transporters that each strain uses to establish a nutrient niche in the gut are often exquisitely specific, the relationship between carbohydrate structure and microbial ecology is imperfectly understood. The present study takes advantage of recent advances in complex carbohydrate structure determination to test the effects of fiber monosaccharide composition on microbial fermentation. Fifty-five fibers with varied monosaccharide composition were fermented by a pooled feline fecal inoculum in a modified MiniBioReactor array system over a period of 72 hours. The content of the monosaccharides glucose and xylose was significantly associated with the reduction of pH during fermentation, which was also predictable from the concentrations of the short-chain fatty acids lactic acid, propionic acid, and the signaling molecule indole-3-acetic acid. Microbiome diversity and composition were also predictable from monosaccharide content and SCFA concentration. In particular, the concentrations of lactic acid and propionic acid correlated with final alpha diversity and were significant ly associated with the relative abundance of several of the genera, including Lactobacillus and Dubosiella. Our results suggest that monosaccharide composition offers a generalizable method to compare any dietary fiber of interest and uncover links between diet, gut microbiota, and metabolite production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To date, no adequate treatment for irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation complaints (IBS-C) is available. Fibers with prebiotic properties and probiotic compounds have shown promise in relieving IBS-C-related complaints. We aimed to determine the effects of a 4-week intervention with either an Acacia fiber (AF) with prebiotic properties or a probiotic Bifidobacterium Lactis (BLa80) supplement, compared to a control supplement, on stool pattern, IBS symptoms and Quality of Life (QoL), in IBS-C individuals. Methods: A parallel, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 180 subjects meeting the ROME IV criteria for IBS-C was conducted. Following a 4-week observation period, subjects received either AF (10 g), Probiotic BLa80 (4 g; 2 × 1011 CFU/g) or a maltodextrin placebo (10 g) daily for 4 weeks. Subjects reported daily information on stool pattern and gastrointestinal complaints. Before and after each 4-week period, questionnaires on symptom severity, constipation symptoms, anxiety and depression and QoL were completed. Stool mass was measured for 5-days before and after the intervention. Results: Stool frequency significantly improved in the AF and Probiotic BLa80 groups compared to placebo (P < 0.001, P = 0.02, respectively). Probiotic BLa80 showed a significant reduction in IBS symptom severity (P = 0.03), for AF a trend towards decreased constipation symptoms (PAC-SYM, P = 0.10) was observed. No significant changes in stool consistency, stool mass or QoL measures were observed between the AF and Probiotic BLa80 compared to placebo. Conclusion: Daily dietary supplementation with Acacia fiber and probiotic supplements might help IBS-C patients by relieving IBS-related complaints compared to a placebo supplement. Registration number of clinical trial: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04798417: Study Details | Nutrition to Relieve IBS Constipation | ClinicalTrials.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a thin-film optical amplifier integrated on a fiber facet based on polymer-coated distributed feedback (DFB) microcavities, which are fabricated on a planar substrate and then transferred onto fiber tips by means of a flexible transfer technique. The amplified light directly couples into the fiber and is detected when coupled out at the other end after propagating along the fiber for about 20 cm. A prominently amplification factor of about 4.33 at 578.57 nm is achieved by sending supercontinuum pulses into the hundreds of micrometers' DFB microcavities along the normal direction, which is also the axis direction of the fiber. The random distortions of grating lines generated during the transfer process result in a larger amplification spectral range and a less strict polarization dependence for injected light. Benefitting from the device size of hundreds of micrometers and the ease of integration, polymer amplifiers based on DFB microcavities demonstrate significant application potentials in optical communication systems and miniaturized optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote improved trial design in upcoming randomized clinical trials in childhood chronic kidney disease (CKD), insight in the within- and inter-patient variability of uremic toxins with its nutritional, treatment- and patient-related confounding factors is of utmost importance. In this study, the within- and inter-patient variability of a selection of uremic toxins in a longitudinal cohort of children diagnosed with CKD was assessed, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the within-patient coefficient of variation (CV). Subsequently, the contribution of anthropometry, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), dietary fiber and protein, and use of (prophylactic) antibiotics to uremic toxin variability was evaluated. Based on 403 observations from 62 children (median seven visits per patient; 9.4 ± 5.3 years; 68% males; eGFR 38.5 [23.1; 64.0] mL/min/1.73 m2) collected over a maximum of 2 years, we found that the within-patient variability is high for especially protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) (ICC < 0.7; within-patient CV 37–67%). Moreover, eGFR was identified as a predominant contributor to the within- and inter-patient variability for the majority of solutes, while the impact of the child's anthropometry, fiber and protein intake, and antibiotics on the variability of uremic toxin concentrations was limited. Based on these findings, we would recommend future intervention studies that attempt to decrease uremic toxin levels to select a (non-dialysis) CKD study population with a narrow eGFR range. As the expected effect of the selected intervention should exceed the inter-patient variability of the selected uremic toxins, a narrow eGFR range might aid in improving the trial design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural residue is an important biomass resource in China. Utilization of agricultural residue for production of high-quality fuel oil is an attractive and challenging topic towards the goals of “Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality”. Biomass hydropyrolysis integrated with volatile catalytic hydrogenation is a new process that can efficiently improve the yield and quality of bio-oil. This work is purposed to explore this new biomass conversion technology by laboratory experiments using a tandem pressurized fixed bed reactor. A bimetallic molecular sieve catalyst (NiMo-HZSM-5) was prepared by an impregnation method and used for catalytic hydrogenation. Biomass was hydropyrolyzed under a condition of 5 MPa H2 pressure, 15℃/min heating rate and 700℃ final temperature to generate volatile matter, which was online hydrogenated through the NiMo-HZSM-5 catalyst bed under a condition of 5 MPa H2 pressure, 320℃ reaction temperature and 26 s residence time (corresponding to space velocity of 112.5 h−1 ). The paper firstly presents the oil production results of three types of agricultural residue, corn stalk, cotton stalk and peanut straw by the catalytic hydrogenetion. The paper is then devoted to further clarifying the conversion characteristics of different biomass fiber constituents by means of the water washing and acid washing pretreatments of three agricultural residues as well as by adopting cellulose and lignin as model compounds. Results showed that in the case of non-catalytic hydrogenation, all of the bio-oils obtained from three agricultural residues contained oxygenates and aromatic hydrocarbons as two main classes of compounds, and that from peanut straw also contained a high proportion of nitrogenous compounds. In contrast, all of the bio-oils derived from three agricultural residues by the catalytic hydrogenation (CH bio-oils) contained almost neither oxygenates nor nitrogenous compounds. The yields of CH bio-oils reached 10.3%–15.9% for three agricultural residues. The CH-bio-oils were composed of 73.0–84.8% saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons (mainly cyclopentanes, cyclohexanes, and perhydro- naphthalenes), 6.1%–13.1% partially hydrogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (mainly di-, tetra-hydronaphthalenes) and a small amount of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The result highlights that the two-stage process of hydrogenation pyrolysis integrated with NiMo-HZSM-5 catalytic hydrogenation can effectively convert agricultural residue into a kind of high-quality bio-oil composed mainly of alicyclic hydrocarbons. The water washing could remove about half of neutral extractives from each of three agricultural resides. After the water washing, three agricultural residues showed increases in the yields of CH bio-oil to 18.1%–18.5%, suggesting that neutral extractives are less conducive to the production of CH bio-oil compared to other fiber components. The acid washing enabled cellulose and lignin to be left in the agricultural residues as main components. Via this pretreatment, the yields of CH bio-oil increased to 18.2%–22.5% for three agricultural residues, with cotton stalk having the highest yield. The yields of typical aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds (methyl-cyclopentane, methyl-cyclohexane and decahydro-naphthalene) from all three agricultural residues were increased by the acid washing. The study using model compounds revealed that cellulose is a fiber for not only achieving a high yield of CH bio-oil but also selectively producing aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds such as cyclopentane, cyclohexane, and decahydro-naphthalene. Meanwhile, lignin has a lower yield of bio-oil, and it tends to produce monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Lignin can also generate cyclohexane compounds and partially hydrogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, but it has a low propensity to the formation of cyclopentane compounds. This study has provided a new technical route to utilizing agricultural residues for high-efficient production of fuel oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a new type of hybrid-structured Photonic Crystal Fiber (H-PCF) that includes a sectored core-cladding configuration. It's composed of a cladding with a regular circular sectored lattice structure and a core with a hexagonal sectored lattice structure. To extensively design, analyze, and calculate the fiber's properties, the finite element method has been used. The results provide validation for the superior performance of this novel fiber design. It simultaneously achieves extremely low effective material loss and confinement loss equal to 0.0145 cm⁻1 and 1 × 10⁻14 cm⁻1, respectively, at the 1 THz frequency. Furthermore, the fiber demonstrates nearly zero flattened dispersion (− 0.45 ± 0.55 ps/THz/cm) across the 0.9–1.3 THz frequency range, along with important attributes such as a large core power fraction (50%) and an effective area of 5 × 105 µm2. The suggested PCF design is practical for manufacturing utilizing currently available technologies. Moreover, the proposed PCF design, employing common structured regions in the circular and hexagonal patterns for the sectored cladding and core regions, respectively, is feasible for fabrication using existing technologies. Overall, this H-PCF shows significant potential for various THz applications, especially in THz wave guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of achieving efficient coupling between an optical fiber and a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide in an ideal optical system was theoretically analyzed using a finite element simulator. Divergence of single-mode polarization-maintaining fiber and lensed fiber in space was simulated. Direct end-face coupling simulations were conducted for a PPLN ridge waveguide with a cross-sectional size of 10 μm x 10 μm and a length of 20 mm, involving two different types of fibers. It is found that despite the lensed fiber achieving a coupling efficiency of up to 95%, its fundamental mode contribution is less than 5%. Given that PPLN frequency-doubling devices primarily rely on the laser's fundamental mode for operation, this renders the coupling efficiency of the lensed fiber relatively low in practical applications. In contrast, ordinary single-mode fiber exhibits a significantly higher fundamental mode contribution of 93. 8%, demonstrating its superior performance. Therefore, this study selects ordinary single-mode fiber for encapsulation testing with PPLN ridge waveguides. The experimental results show that when the maximum pump power output from the fiber amplifier reaches 1. 6 W, the calculated input pump power, after deducting the coupling losses between the input fiber and the waveguide, stands at 1. 2 W. The fiber-to-waveguide coupling efficiency is 75%, slightly exceeding the currently known advanced value of 72%. At a temperature of 24. 8 °C, with an input power of 1. 2 W at the fundamental wavelength of 1 560 nm, the maximum output of frequency-doubled light is 653 mW. The optical-to-optical conversion efficiency reaches 54. 4%, with a normalized conversion efficiency of 20. 2% / (W·cm²). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Because inferior mechanical strength of granite polymer composite (GPC) has become the main drawback limiting its application and popularization, Mo fibers were added into (GPC) to improve its mechanical strength. Mechanical properties of matrix materials with different mass ratio of resin and stabilizer (MRRS) were investigated systematically. The influences of MRRS on interface bonding strength of Mo fiber-matrix, wettability and mechanical strength of GPC were discussed, respectively, and the theoretical calculation result of MRRS k was obtained, with the optimal value of k=4. When k=4, tensile strength, tensile strain and fracture stress of the cured resin achieve the maximum values. But for k=7, the corresponding values reach the minimum. With the increase of MRRS k, surface free energy of the cured resin first increases and then decreases, while contact angles between Mo sample and matrix have displayed the opposite trend. Wettability of resin to Mo fiber is the best at k=4. Pulling load of Mo fiber and interface bonding strength appear the maximum at k=4, followed by k=5, k=3 the third, and k=7 the minimum. When k=4, mechanical properties of Mo fiber-reinforced GPC are optimal, which is consistent with the result of theoretical calculation. This study is of great significance to get better component formulas of Mo fiber reinforced GPC and to improve its application in machine tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the trend of denim yarn and the deficiencies of the current dyeing, characteristics of denim colored yarn were simulated and a multi-colored yarn by vortex spinning was developed. Traditional ring spinning and air-jet vortex core-spun technology were combined. Short staple fibers were taken as core yarn instead of filament to achieve the color of core yarn, the thickness and twist direction could be adjusted. The twisting stress of the fibers was counteracted by combining the core yarn with the opposite twist direction of the outer layer fibers and selecting the corresponding twist coefficients during the spinning process. The use of uneven wrapping effect of the air-jet vortex spinning could highlight the unique exposed core effect, inner and outer layers could be used in different colors and ratios. The multi-colored yarn by vortex spinning coud be used for knitting and weaving, the rich color variation of multi-colored yarn by vortex spinning was suitable for the production of dye-free denim production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main functions and application effects of USTER Quality Expert System were described. The composition and operation mechanism of USTER Quality Expert System were introduced. Five modules of USTER Quality Expert System, such as alarm center, factory analysis, yarn prediction, ring spinning optimization and total foreign fiber control, were described in detail. Practical application effects were illustrated by examples. Practice proved that USTER Quality Expert System could quickly and effectively collect all online and offline quality data for accurate and efficient quality management. It is considered that the USTER quality expert system, combined with online equipment and laboratory testing instruments, has greatly changed the way of quality management, which is conducive to reducing labor cost while improving product quality, and provides a new intelligent solution for the spinning mill to realize the total quality management from fiber to fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-fiber-reinforced polymer composites offer advantages, like flexibility in complex geometries and cost-effectiveness, but typically exhibit lower mechanical properties because of the random orientation of short fibers. In this work, a novel process utilizing shear force to create 3D scaffold with customized fiber alignment for the manufacturing of short carbon fibers (SCF)-reinforced thermoset composites has been presented. The Computed tomography test confirmed the alignment of the SCF along printing directions. The results demonstrate that the aligned SCF-reinforced epoxy composites exhibited a 190% improvement in tensile strength and 388% improvement in tensile modulus compared to neat epoxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A light beam carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) is characterized by a helical phase‐front that winds around the center of the beam. These beams have unique properties that have found numerous applications. In the field of data transmission, they represent a degree of freedom that could potentially increase capacity. While an efficient method for (de)composing beams based on their OAM exists for free‐space optics, a device capable of performing this (de)composition in an integrated, compact fiber application without the use of external active optical elements and for multiple OAM modes and multiple wavelengths simultaneously has not been reported. In this study, two mechanisms are combined in a waveguide structure to demonstrate as a proof of principle that this can serve as a broadband fiber OAM (de)multiplexer. The structure design is based on the adiabatic principle used in photonic lanterns for highly efficient conversion of spatially separated single modes into eigenmodes of a few‐mode fiber. In addition, an artificial magnetic field is introduced by twisting the structure, which removes the degeneracy between modes having the same absolute OAM. This structure could simplify, stabilize, and miniaturize the creation or decomposition of OAM beams, making them useful for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study proposes an innovative transdermal drug delivery system using ferrocene-incorporated fibers to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate. Using electrospinning technology, the authors created ferrocene polymer fibers capable of highly efficient drug encapsulation and controlled release in response to reactive oxygen species commonly found in wound sites. The approach improves upon previous methods significantly by offering higher drug loading capacities and sustained release, directly targeting diseased cells. The results confirm the potential of ferrocene fibers for localized drug delivery, potentially reducing side effects and increasing patient convenience. The method could facilitate the application of bioactive compounds in medical textiles and targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D materials are solid microscopic flakes with a‐few‐Angstrom thickness possessing some of the largest surface‐to‐volume ratios known. Altering their conformation state from a flat flake to a scroll or fiber offers a synergistic association of properties arising from 2D and 1D nanomaterials. However, a combination of the long‐range electrostatic and short‐range solvation forces produces an interlayer repulsion that has to be overcome, making scrolling 2D materials without disrupting the pristine structure a challenging task. Herein, a facile method is presented to alter the 2D materials' inter‐layer interactions by confining organic salts onto their basal area, forming 2D‐confined electrolytes. The confined electrolytes produce local charge inhomogeneities, which can conjugate across the interlayer gap, binding the two surfaces. This allows the 2D‐confined electrolytes to behave as polyelectrolytes within a higher dimensional order (2D → 1D) and form robust nanofibers with distinct electronic properties. The method is not material‐specific and the resulting fibers are tightly bound even though the crystal structure of the basal plane remains unaltered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the growing demand for algae in Western countries is due to their richness in nutrients and bioactive compounds, and their use as ingredients for foods, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, fertilizers, biofuels,, etc. Evaluation of the qualitative characteristics of algae involves assessing their physicochemical and nutritional components to determine their suitability for specific end uses, but this assessment is generally performed using destructive, expensive, and time-consuming traditional chemical analyses, and requires sample preparation. The hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique has been successfully applied in food quality assessment and control and has the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional biochemical methods. In this study, the nutritional profile (proteins, lipids, and fibers) of seventeen edible macro- and microalgae species widely grown throughout the world were investigated using traditional methods. Moreover, a shortwave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging device and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms were used to develop multi-species models for proteins, lipids, and fibers. The predictive power of the models was characterized by different metrics, which showed very high predictive performances for all nutritional parameters (for example, R2 = 0.9952, 0.9767, 0.9828 for proteins, lipids, and fibers, respectively). Our results demonstrated the ability of SWIR hyperspectral imaging coupled with ANN algorithms in quantifying biomolecules in algal species in a fast and sustainable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]