Search

This meta-analysis review undertakes a comprehensive examination of various approaches for identifying myopathic fillets and meticulously evaluates the effects of bird age, deboning time, and different cooking and storage conditions on woody breast (WB) myopathic conditions in broiler deboned fillets. The data, meticulously collected from 20 articles based on predefined inclusion criteria sourced from various databases and online resources, reveal significant insights. For instance, the analysis uncovers that deboning time significantly affects Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (MORS), Blunt Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (BMORS), and descriptive analysis values (p < 0.001). Instrumentation techniques, such as compression force and shear force, along with different cooking conditions, strongly impact BMORS shear force values (R2 = 86.80%), with significance levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.001. Deboning time also substantially impacts MORS shear force values (R = 64.03%). In contrast, the effects of deboning time, bird age, and cooking conditions on descriptive sensory evaluation are minimal when compared to woody breast fillets (age of birds: R2 = 26.53%; cooking conditions: R2 = 32.57%; deboning time: R2 = 10.06%). The overall effect of bird age on chicken breast meat quality shows significant differences for the evaluated parameters (Hedges' g [95% CI] = −0.72 [0.17, 1.26], I2 = 93%, p < 0.01). The sous vide cooking method significantly affects shear force energies and sensory descriptive evaluation for woody breast fillets (Hedges' g [95% CI] = 5.30 [−50.30, 83.40], I2 = 98%, p < 0.01). These findings, with their significant implications, provide valuable insights for optimizing processing conditions in the poultry industry to reduce woody breast occurrences and enhance meat quality, instilling confidence in the robustness of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been unequivocally established that kynurenic acid has a number of actions in a variety of cells and tissues, raising, in principle, the possibility of targeting its generation, metabolism or sites of action to manipulate those effects to a beneficial therapeutic end. However, many basic aspects of the biology of kynurenic acid remain unclear, potentially leading to some confusion and misinterpretations of data. They include questions of the source, generation, targets, enzyme expression, endogenous concentrations and sites of action. This essay is intended to raise and discuss many of these aspects as a source of reference for more balanced discussion. Those issues are followed by examples of situations in which modulating and correcting kynurenic acid production or activity could bring significant therapeutic benefit, including neurological and psychiatric conditions, inflammatory diseases and cell protection. More information is required to obtain a clear overall view of the pharmacological environment relevant to kynurenic acid, especially with respect to the active concentrations of kynurenine metabolites in vivo and changed levels in disease. The data and ideas presented here should permit a greater confidence in appreciating the sites of action and interaction of kynurenic acid under different local conditions and pathologies, enhancing our understanding of kynurenic acid itself and the many clinical conditions in which manipulating its pharmacology could be of clinical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical investigations have highlighted disruptions in bone metabolic processes and abnormal fluctuations in serum indicator levels during the onset of leg disease (LD) in broilers. However, the presence of a genetic causal relationship for this association remains undetermined. Therefore, the aim of this study is to discern the risk factors underlying LD development using 1235 sequenced white-feathered broilers. We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the associations of bone strength (BS), bone mineral density (BMD), tibial bone weight (TBW), tibial bone length (TBL), tibial bone diameter (TBD), bone ash (BA), ash calcium (Ash Ca), ash phosphorus (Ash P), serum calcium (Ca), serum phosphorus (P), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) with the incidence of LD. Compelling evidence underscores a causal link between the risk of developing LD and decreased BMD (odds ratio (OR) = 0.998; 95% CI: 0.983, 0.993; P < 0.001) and narrower TBD (OR = 0.985, 95% CI: 0.975, 0.994, P = 0.002). Additionally, serum OPG concentrations (OR: 0.995, 95% CI: 0.992, 0.999, P = 0.008) were associated with BMD (OR = 0.0078, 95% CI = 0.0043 to 0.0140, P < 0.001), indicating a robust genetic relationship between ALP concentrations (OR: 0.988, 95% CI: 0.984, 0.993, P < 0.001) and TBD (OR = 0.0046, 95% CI = 0.0026, 0.0083, P < 0.001). Moreover, elevated serum Ca (OR: 0.564, 95% CI: 0.487, 0.655, P < 0.001) and P (OR: 0.614, 95% CI: 0.539, 0.699, P < 0.001) levels were associated with a narrower TBD. Elevated serum levels of Ca, P, ALP, and OPG contribute to disturbances in bone metabolism, while decreased BMD and narrower TBD are associated with a greater risk of developing LD in broilers. This discovery elucidates the metabolic risk factors for LD in broilers and could provide information on LDs, such as osteoporosis, in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have received considerable attention in the field of mental health, in particular regarding the treatment of depression. This review presents an overview of current research on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders. The existing body of evidence demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have antidepressant effects that can be attributed to their modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter function, and neuroplasticity. Nevertheless, clinical trials of omega-3 supplementation have yielded inconsistent results. Some studies have demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms following omega-3 treatment, whereas others have shown minimal to no beneficial impact. A range of factors, encompassing dosage, the ratio of EPA to DHA, and baseline nutritional status, have been identified as having a potential impact on the noted results. Furthermore, it has been suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may act as an adjunctive treatment for those undergoing antidepressant treatment. Notwithstanding these encouraging findings, discrepancies in study designs and variability in individual responses underscore the necessity of further research in order to establish uniform, standardized guidelines for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of depressive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated the linear, radial, and annular ripple formation on the surface of GaAs. The formation of linear ripples was optimized by the number of shots and the fluence of 30 ps, 532 nm pulses. The radial and annular nanoripples were produced under the ablation using doughnut-like beams possessing azimuthal and radial polarizations, respectively. We compare the ripples and grooves formed by a linearly polarized Gaussian beam relative to an annular vector beam. The joint overlap of sub-wavelength grooves with ripples formed by azimuthally and radially polarized beams was reported. The conditions under which the shape of radial and ring-like nano- or micro-relief on the GaAs surface can be modified by modulating the polarization of laser pulse were determined. The resultant surface processing of GaAs using a laser beam with different polarization modes is useful for exploring valuable insights and benefits in different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are concerned with the process of experimental information gain. Building on previous work, we show that this is a discontinuous process in which the initiating quantum-mechanical matter–instrument interactions are being turned into macroscopically observable events (EOs). In the course of time, such EOs evolve into spatio-temporal patterns of EOs, which allow conceivable alternatives of physical explanation to be distinguished. Focusing on the specific case of photon detection, we show that during their lifetimes, EOs proceed through the four phases of initiation, detection, erasure and reset. Once generated, the observational value of EOs can be measured in units of the Planck quantum of physical action h = 4.136 × 10 − 15 e V s . Once terminated, each unit of entropy of size k B = 8.617 × 10 − 5 e V / K , which had been created in the instrument during the observational phase, needs to be removed from the instrument to ready it for a new round of photon detection. This withdrawal of entropy takes place at an energetic cost of at least two units of the Landauer minimum energy bound of E L a = ln ⁡ 2 k B T D for each unit of entropy of size k B . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many historic buildings and monuments on the Salento Peninsula (Apulia, southern Italy) were built from locally quarried Miocene calcarenites belonging to the Pietra Leccese Formation (Late Burdigalian–early Messinian). The main facies consists of a homogeneous and porous biomicrite, pale yellow in colour and fine- to medium-grained, very rich in planktonic Foraminifera and massive or thick-bedded in outcrop. Additionally, there are other facies, among which Piromafo stands out for its aesthetic appearance, enhanced by its greenish-brown or greenish-grey colours. Piromafo occurs in the upper part of the Pietra Leccese Fm. and is represented by a fine- to medium-grained glauconitic and phosphatic biomicrite with macrofossils, especially Bivalves and Gastropods. Despite its important historical use as a building and ornamental material, especially in Roman and Baroque architecture, a research gap exists in the scientific literature describing the properties of the stone and their correlation. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a wide range of properties useful in explaining the in situ behaviour and damage susceptibility of the stone in monuments and buildings, but also to assist in selecting preservation treatments and strategies. An overall assessment of the main petrophysical and mechanical properties, especially for restoration/conservation purposes, was performed using both standard and unconventional techniques. Starting with rock fabric inspection, particular attention was given to the relationship between the pore size distribution and the hydraulic and thermal properties of the material. Unconfined compressive strength, flexural strength, and indirect tensile strength were also estimated. The findings reveal a significant correlation between the pore size distribution and the hydraulic and thermal properties of Piromafo, impacting its durability and suitability for use in conservation. Specifically, the thermal properties, influenced by the mineral composition and fabric, indicate the potential for using Piromafo as an effective refractory and insulation material, which justifies the origin of its name and confirms what is already stated in the specific literature. Additionally, correlations were proposed among the various mechanical parameters evaluated, including the Schmidt hammer rebound values with compressive strength and tangent modulus. The mechanical analysis shows that the material possesses adequate properties for structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building sector is figuring out how to lower its embodied CO2 in a sustainable way. The technology, known as Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), offers a possible remedy for this issue. Accelerated carbonation is one method of sequestering CO2 in concrete. In this study, an M25 grade of concrete is made using Ordinary Portland Cement with 0–30% replacements of Class F fly ash. The specimens were exposed to accelerated carbonation curing for 6 h, 24 h, and 72 h, and then the specimens were tested for their compressive strength, carbonation depth, and pH. The CO2 uptake was measured by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the occurrence of carbonation was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results of the study indicate a significant improvement in the compressive strength with a percentage increase of 70.46%, 111.28%, 30.36%, and 36.69%, respectively, for 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% fly ash contents in concrete samples subjected to 72 h of accelerated carbonation curing without affecting its alkalinity. The study reiterated that accelerated carbon curing is an advisable method for countries like India that are undergoing rapid economic developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand mining tailing (ST) is a byproduct of the sand extraction of submerged pits, a process which is carried out to obtain aggregates for civil construction. This tailing consists of fine particles from the pulp washing process, usually disposed of in decantation ponds. The present study proposes ST as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) for Portland cement concrete, thereby reintegrating this tailing into the production chain. In this sense, ST was characterized, and concretes containing 2% to 14% of cement replacement (%vol) by ST were produced and evaluated. STs showed natural fineness, particles with angular morphology, a significant amount of kaolinite, and 36% amorphous content. ST concretes exhibited a compressive strength of up to 57.9 MPa at 28 days under 7.0% of cement replacement, 38.8% higher than the reference. Consequently, only 5.6 kg/m3 of Portland cement was required to attain 1.0 MPa, representing a 33.6% reduction compared to the reference. The ultrasonic pulse velocities measured in ST concrete with 2.0%, 4.0%, 7.0%, and 14.0% cement replacement were 3.0%, 6.1%, 9.3%, and 6.6% higher than the reference, respectively. These results indicate enhanced mechanical properties, improved matrix uniformity, and superior environmental performance across all SCM levels compared to the reference, with optimal efficiency observed at 7.0% ST content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, comprehensive investigation of the shrinkage compensation mechanisms of calcium-based expansive agents (CEAs), their effects on the properties of (ultra) high-strength concrete (HSC/UHSC), and the existing problems in applying this methodology was conducted. Analyses showed that the rational use of CEAs under certain conditions could greatly or completely inhibit the development of autogenous shrinkage of HSC/UHSC and significantly reduce the risk of associated cracking. However, it was found that the hydration of the CEAs affected the hydration process of other binders, thereby altering the microstructure of concrete. This, in turn, led to a reduction in mechanical properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus, with the rate of reduction increasing as the amount of CEA used increased. Moreover, when attempting to improve the shrinkage compensation effects, increasing the amount of CEA presented a risk of delayed expansion cracking of the HSC/UHSC. Neither the expansion mechanism, expansion conditions, nor the inhibition methods have yet been fully clarified in the current stage. Lastly, newly proposed Ca–Mg composite EAs were outlined, and the research prospects of Ca–Mg composite EAs in HSC/UHSC were explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important hydration phases of Portland cement is ettringite, a calcium sulfo-aluminate mineral ( C a 6 A l 2 (O H) 12 (SO 4) 3 · 26 H 2 O ) showing a great capacity of adsorbing radionuclides and other contaminant cationic and anionic species, or incorporating them into its crystal structure. In this work, the X-ray diffraction pattern and infrared spectra of a synthetized ettringite sample are recorded and simulated, employing theoretical methods based on Density Functional Theory. Despite the complexity of this phase, the calculated structure, X-ray diffraction pattern and infrared spectrum are in excellent agreement with their experimental counterparts. Since the calculated and experimental spectra are consistent, the main infrared bands are assigned using a normal coordinate analysis, some of them being completely reassigned with respect to other experimental works. The good agreement found provides strong support for the computational methods employed towards their use for studying the surface adsorption properties and the incorporation of contaminations in its structure. The density of reactive groups at the surfaces of ettringite is reported, and the surface adsorption of water molecules is studied. These surfaces appear to be highly hydrophilic, in agreement with the experimental finding that the ettringite structure may include more water molecules, at least up to 27, one more than in its standard formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaponics, defined as a sustainable technology combining aquaculture and hydroponics, integrates plant and fish production into one system. Aquaponics technology offers several major advantages over conventional methods of raising fish and/or plants. In this system, plants act as a natural biological filter, purifying the water so that the same amount can be used repeatedly. Fish, on the other hand, are a natural source of nutrients. This contributes to the aquaponics system's substantial economic potential, thanks to its use of virtually free nutrients, dramatically reduced water consumption, and the elimination of filter systems, making this system innovative and sustainable. On the other hand, the use of medicinal plants for the needs of the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries is often associated with a decrease in their natural reserves. Utilizing aquaponics for the production of medicinal plants could reduce the pressure on these natural reserves. As a result, aquaponics has emerged as one of the most environmentally friendly methods of cultivating plant species. The concept of aquaponics, which evolved from traditional hydroponic systems, has gained worldwide recognition through the effective use of symbiosis. It refers to the coexistence and interaction of different organisms, facilitating their growth and life cycle processes. Unlike hydroponics, which requires the purification of nutrient solutions due to plant waste, aquaponics takes advantage of the natural cycle of waste and nutrient exchange between plants and fish. Fish waste serves as organic fertilizer for the plants, while the plants help purify the water for the fish. This symbiotic relationship not only reduces the environmental impact associated with aquaculture wastewater but also provides a sustainable method of food production. The integrated system reduces infrastructure costs, conserves water, and minimizes the potential for environmental pollution. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for increased profitability from both crop and fish production. Cultivation of medicinal plants within aquaponic systems can be carried out year-round, offering a continuous supply of valuable pharmacological resources. This review examines suitable medicinal plants for aquaponic cultivation and evaluates their pharmacological benefits to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds plays a major role in the nutritional value of foods, but there is a lack of systematic studies assessing the effect of the food matrix on bioaccessibility. Curcuminoids are phytochemicals extracted from Curcuma longa that have captured public attention due to claimed health benefits. The aim of this study is to develop a mathematical model to predict curcuminoid's bioaccessibility in biscuits and custard based on different fibre type formulations. Bioaccessibilities for curcumin-enriched custards and biscuits were obtained through in vitro digestion, and physicochemical food properties were characterised. A strong correlation between macronutrient concentration and bioaccessibility was observed (p = 0.89) and chosen as a main explanatory variable in a Bayesian hierarchical linear regression model. Additionally, the patterns of food matrix effects on bioaccessibility were not the same in custards as in biscuits; for example, the hemicellulose content had a moderately strong positive correlation to bioaccessibility in biscuits (p = 0.66) which was non-significant in custards (p = 0.12). Using a Bayesian hierarchical approach to model these interactions resulted in an optimisation performance of r2 = 0.97 and a leave-one-out cross-validation score (LOOCV) of r2 = 0.93. This decision-support system could assist the food industry in optimising the formulation of novel food products and enable consumers to make more informed choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytochrome P450 2D (CYP2D) is important in psychopharmacology as it is engaged in the metabolism of drugs, neurosteroids and neurotransmitters. An unbalanced maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation can cause neurodevelopmental abnormalities and increases the offspring's predisposition to neuropsychiatric diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of maternal modified types of diet: a high-fat diet (HFD) and high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) during pregnancy and lactation on CYP2D in the liver and brain of male offspring at 28 (adolescent) or 63 postnatal days (young adult). The CYP2D activity and protein level were measured in the liver microsomes and the levels of mRNAs of CYP2D1, 2D2 and 2D4 were investigated both in the liver and brain. In the liver, both HFD and HCD increased the mRNA levels of all the three investigated CYP2D genes in adolescents, but an opposite effect was observed in young adults. The CYP2D protein level increased in adolescents but not in young adults. In contrast, young adults showed significantly decreased CYP2D activity. Similar effect of HFD on the CYP2D mRNAs was observed in the prefrontal cortex, while the effect of HCD was largely different than in the liver (the CYP2D2 expression was not affected, the CYP2D4 expression was decreased in young adults). In conclusion, modified maternal diets influence the expression of individual CYP2D1, CYP2D2 and CYP2D4 genes in the liver and brain of male offspring, which may affect the metabolism of CYP2D endogenous substrates and drugs and alter susceptibility to brain diseases and pharmacotherapy outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle is a complex organ essential for locomotion, posture, and metabolic health. This review explores our current knowledge of Mustn1, particularly in the development and function of skeletal muscle. Mustn1 expression originates from Pax7-positive satellite cells in skeletal muscle, peaks during around the third postnatal month, and is crucial for muscle fiber differentiation, fusion, growth, and regeneration. Clinically, Mustn1 expression is potentially linked to muscle-wasting conditions such as muscular dystrophies. Studies have illustrated that Mustn1 responds dynamically to injury and exercise. Notably, ablation of Mustn1 in skeletal muscle affects a broad spectrum of physiological aspects, including glucose metabolism, grip strength, gait, peak contractile strength, and myofiber composition. This review summarizes our current knowledge of Mustn1's role in skeletal muscle and proposes future research directions, with a goal of elucidating the molecular function of this regulatory gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peculiar behavior of arsenoplatin-1, ([Pt(µ-NHC(CH3)O)2ClAs(OH)2], AP-1), in aqueous solution and the progressive appearance of a characteristic and intense blue color led us to carry out a more extensive investigation to determine the nature of this elusive chemical species, which we named "AsPt blue". A multi-technique approach was therefore implemented to describe the processes involved in the formation of AsPt blue, and some characteristic features of this intriguing species were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the difficulties in applying the compressive creep test method for normal concrete to UHPC and to verify the validity of the recently proposed ASTM C 1856 standard test method, this study performed compressive creep tests on UHPC with the variables of specimen size, sustained load intensity, fiber length, and strain measuring method. The experimental results show that the strain meter method using the standard rod had limitations due to the error in the verification process using the standard rod and the observation error of the measurer, and a sustained load intensity of 15% to 40% of the actual compressive strength is preferable. It was found that it is possible to perform a compressive creep test for UHPC using a specimen with a size of ϕ75 mm or more, and the fiber length did not affect the creep behavior of the UHPC up to 19.5 mm. As a result of comparing the UHPC creep test results with the creep prediction model, the B3 model was found to most accurately predict the UHPC creep behavior. The creep coefficient pattern of the B3 model was very similar to the measured results and well reflects the effects of the mixing ratio and compressive strength of UHPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of limestone content on the mechanical performance and the heat of hydration of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was investigated. Changes in the phase assemblage were analyzed through XRD and thermodynamic modeling. The purpose of the study was to identify the optimal limestone content in OPC. As a result of the experiment, all samples were found to have equal fluidity. Increasing the limestone content accelerated the hydration of the cement before approximately 13 h and shortened the setting time due to the acceleration of the initial hydration reaction. The compressive strength of the cement mortar showed a dilution effect, with lower compressive strength compared to the reference sample at an early age, but it gradually recovered at a later age. This is because, as shown in the XRD and thermodynamic modeling results, the carboaluminate phases formed due to the chemical effect of limestone contributed to the development of compressive strength. As a result, within the scope of this study, it is believed that maintaining the limestone content in OPC within 10% is optimal to minimize quality degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and environmental toxins are risk factors for breast cancer; however, there is limited knowledge on how these risk factors interact to promote breast cancer. Acrylamide, a probable carcinogen and obesogen, is a by-product in foods prevalent in the obesity-inducing Western diet. Acrylamide is metabolized by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) to the genotoxic epoxide, glycidamide, and is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. To investigate how acrylamide and obesity interact to increase breast cancer risk, female mice were fed a low-fat (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) and control water or water supplemented with acrylamide at levels similar to the average daily exposure in humans. While HFD significantly enhanced weight gain in mice, the addition of acrylamide did not significantly alter body weights compared to respective controls. Mammary epithelial cells from obese, acrylamide-treated mice had increased DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage compared to all other groups. In vitro, glycidamide-treated COMMA-D cells showed significantly increased DNA strand breaks, while acrylamide-treated cells demonstrated significantly higher levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The knockdown of CYP2E1 rescued the acrylamide-induced oxidative stress. These studies suggest that long-term acrylamide exposure through foods common in the Western diet may enhance DNA damage and the CYP2E1-induced generation of oxidative stress in mammary epithelial cells, potentially enhancing obesity-induced breast cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the potential of using combined relaxation (CRelax) spectra within time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) measurements to predict meat quality. Broiler fillets affected by different severities of the wooden breast (WB) conditions were used as case-study samples because of the broader ranges of meat-quality variations. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were established to predict water-holding capacity (WHC) and meat texture, demonstrating superior CRelax capabilities for predicting meat quality. Additionally, a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model was developed to predict WB severity based on CRelax spectra. The models exhibited high accuracy in distinguishing normal fillets from those affected by the WB condition and demonstrated competitive performance in classifying WB severity. This research contributes innovative insights into advanced spectroscopic techniques for comprehensive meat-quality evaluation, with implications for enhancing precision in meat applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers often cite cognitive improvements as reasons for making dietary changes or using dietary supplements, a motivation that if leveraged could greatly enhance public health. However, rarely is it considered whether standardized cognitive tests that are used in nutrition research are aligned to outcomes of interest to the consumer. This knowledge gap presents a challenge to the scientific substantiation of nutrition-based cognitive health benefits. Here we combined focus group transcript review using reflexive thematic analysis and a multidisciplinary expert panel exercise to evaluate the applicability of cognitive performance tools/tasks for substantiating the specific cognitive benefits articulated by consumers with the objectives to (1) understand how consumers comprehend the potential benefits of nutrition for brain health, and (2) determine the alignment between consumers desired brain benefits and validated tests and tools. We derived a 'Consumer Taxonomy of Cognitive and Affective Health in Nutrition Research' which describes the cognitive and affective structure from the consumers perspective. Experts agreed that validated tests exist for some consumer benefits including focused attention, sustained attention, episodic memory, energy levels, and anxiety. Prospective memory, flow, and presence represented novel benefits that require the development and validation of new tests and tools. Closing the gap between science and consumers and fostering co-creative approaches to nutrition research are critical to the development of products and dietary recommendations that support realizable cognitive benefits that benefit public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression represents a widespread and devastating psychiatric public health challenge globally. It is particularly prevalent among young adults in Korea. Certain foods may have medicinal properties that alleviate depressive symptoms. This study aimed to examine the association between specific foods and depressive symptoms among young adults, exploring their bioactive effects and possible mechanisms. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 1000 Korean young adults aged 18–39 years. Food frequency questionnaires were used to assess diets and their associations with depressive symptoms. Results from multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated associations between several specific foods and their effects: milk (odds ratio = 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.36–0.94), eggs (0.55, 0.35–0.87), bananas (0.58, 0.36–0.94), oranges (0.62, 0.40–0.96), sweet potatoes (0.60, 0.37–0.97), mushrooms (0.53, 0.31–0.92, females only), and kimchi (0.40, 0.17–0.95, males only). Furthermore, molecular docking indicated that hesperidin had the highest docking score of 5.86 in oranges. Several bioactive compounds identified as potentially beneficial in combatting depression include calcium, casein, alpha-lactalbumin, tryptophan (TRP), vitamin B6 and B12, magnesium, flavonoids (especially hesperidin), carotenoids, ergothioneine, fiber, and probiotics. To recommend these foods in the management of depression among young adults, further clinical intervention studies are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the increase in the production and use of nanomaterials (NM) in food/feed and food contact materials, novel strategies for efficient and sustainable hazard characterization, especially in the early stages of NM development, have been proposed. Some of these strategies encompass the utilization of in vitro simulated digestion prior to cytotoxic and genotoxic assessment. This entails exposing NM to fluids that replicate the three successive phases of digestion: oral, gastric, and intestinal. Subsequently, the resulting digestion products are added to models of intestinal cells to conduct toxicological assays, analyzing multiple endpoints. Nonetheless, exposure of intestinal cells to the digested products may induce cytotoxicity effects, thereby posing a challenge to this strategy. The aim of this work was to describe the challenges encountered with the in vitro digestion INFOGEST 2.0 protocol when using the digestion product in toxicological studies of NM, and the adjustments implemented to enable its use in subsequent in vitro biological assays with intestinal cell models. The adaptation of the digestion fluids, in particular the reduction of the final bile concentration, resulted in a reduced toxic impact of digestion products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of ovarian dysfunction is often due to the imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ineffectiveness of the antioxidative defense mechanisms. Primary sources of ROS are respiratory electron transfer and the activity of NADPH oxidases (NOX) while superoxide dismutases (SOD) are the main key regulators that control the levels of ROS and reactive nitrogen species intra- and extracellularly. Because of their central role SODs are the subject of research on human ovarian dysfunction but sample acquisition is low. The high degree of cellular and molecular similarity between Drosophila melanogaster ovaries and human ovaries provides this model organism with the best conditions for analyzing the role of ROS during ovarian function. In this study we clarify the localization of the ROS-producing enzyme dNox within the ovaries of Drosophila melanogaster and by a tissue-specific knockdown we show that dNox-derived ROS are involved in the chorion hardening process. Furthermore, we analyze the dSod3 localization and show that reduced activity of dSod3 impacts egg-laying behavior but not the chorion hardening process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on the utilization of recently investigated aluminosilicate industrial wastes as precursors to produce non-structural precast alkali-activated concrete pavement blocks. For this purpose, conventional blocks (200 mm × 100 mm × 80 mm) were produced using electric arc furnace slag and municipal solid waste incineration bottom ashes as the sole binders. Portland cement and fly ash blocks were produced as references. The blocks underwent a curing regimen comprising thermal, dry, and carbonation curing stages. Control uncarbonated specimens were subjected to dry curing instead of CO2-based curing to evaluate the influence of carbonation on the blocks' strength development. The specimens were subsequently examined following EN 1338, which is the European standard for assessing and ensuring the conformity of conventional concrete pavement blocks. The carbonated blocks revealed improved mechanical and physical properties in relation to the uncarbonated ones. All blocks met standard dimensions, showed minimal skid potential (most indicating extremely low potential for slip for reporting unpolished slip resistance values exceeding 75), and had enhanced abrasion resistance due to carbonation, showing 30% and 11% less volume loss due to abrasion for fly ash and bottom ash, respectively. Carbonated blocks performed better than non-carbonated ones, displaying lower water absorption (0.58% and 0.23% less water absorption for bottom ash and slag, respectively) and higher thermal conductivity (20%, 13%, and 8% increase in values for fly ash, slag, and bottom ash, respectively). These results confirm the effectiveness of the accelerated carbonation curing technique in improving the block's performance. Despite the promising outcomes, further optimization of the alkaline solution and carbonation curing conditions is recommended for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacement of cement with electric arc furnace (EAF) slag at higher volumes causes volumetric expansion; therefore, such blends are not recommended in concrete production. In this study, the effect of this slag on the performance and microstructure of mortar samples based on wollastonite (CaSiO3) was examined. The samples were cured in a CO2-rich environment, resulting in the formation of non-expansive products, including aragonite, calcite, and traces of tobermorite in the microstructure. The addition of slag above 20% affected the workability and strength developments. However, the formation of pores above 100 nm reduced with increasing slag content to 60%, highlighting the beneficial effect of slag when used in higher volumes. EAF slag contains a higher amount of Fe2O3 which limits its disposal at landfills, but its increased use in the production of CO2 gas-cured wollastonite concrete can reduce the environmental burdens caused by the Portland cement and steel manufacturing industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing use of steel-fiber-reinforced-concrete (SFRC) beams in environmentally friendly and rapid construction, it is essential to assess their impact performance. These beams may encounter unexpected impact loadings from accidents or terrorist attacks during service life. This study explored the impact of steel fiber content and drop hammer height on the impact load testing of corrosion-treated SFRC beams. Experiments were conducted with varying steel fiber contents (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%), and drop hammer height (1 m, 2 m, and 3 m). The corrosion test demonstrates that SFRC beams supplemented with steel fibers showcase a diminished surface rust spot area in comparison to those lacking fibers. This improvement is ascribed to the bonding between fibers and the concrete matrix, along with their current-sharing properties. SFRC beams, subjected to impact testing, exhibit concrete crushing at the top without spalling, showcasing improved impact resistance due to increased fiber content, which reduces crack formation. Additionally, different fiber contents yield varied responses to impact loads, with higher fiber content notably enhancing overall beam performance and energy dissipation capacity. Energy dissipation analysis shows a moderate increase with higher fiber contents, and impulse impact force generally rises with fiber content, indicating improved impact resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PbS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have the advantages of adjustable band gap, large exciton Bohr radius, controllable size, easy synthesis, and potential multi-exciton effect, making them attractive for photodetectors and solar cells. However, the long ligand chain wrapped on PbS CQDs limits carrier transport, and defect states of as-synthesized CQDs increase non-radiative recombination, negatively affecting photovoltaic performance. Surface properties determine the characteristics of CQDs, so ligand exchange processes are crucial. Because solution phase ligand exchange reduces labor and time requirements, it is more advantageous than solid phase ligand exchange. This review discusses the solution phase ligand exchange process of PbS CQDs, emphasizing the impact of surface ligands on conformation and conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to bridge a research gap by exploring the utilization of super-sulphated cement (SSC) in engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) as a sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based mixtures. The SSC was designed with slag, gypsum, and a small amount of OPC. The primary objective was to investigate the effects of incorporating SSC, both with and without fly ash (FA), at various FA/SSC ratios between 0 and 1.5. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the performance of the ECC-SSC mixtures, including the compressive and flexural strengths, ductility, ultrasonic pulse velocity, rapid chloride permeability, and drying shrinkage. Additionally, advanced microstructural evaluation techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were employed to analyze the reaction products in selected mixtures. The results showed that the ECC mixture produced with SSC exhibited comparable strength to the ECC-OPC. In general, all the SSC-based ECCs fulfilled the criteria for various engineering applications, especially when the fly ash to SSC ratios were 0 and 0.8. In addition, ECCs with FA/SSC ratios of 1.2 and 1.5 showed ultra-ductile performance higher than the control ECC. Interestingly, all the FA-based ECC-SSC presented lower shrinkage characteristics than the control OPC-based ECC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Producers of poultry meat are confronted with significant challenges, including wooden breast meat (WBM) quality improvement. The study aims to improve the quality of WBM via the use of newly developed marinades based on selected strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in combination with the by-products of the dairy and fruit/berry industries. These marinades would then be used for WBM quality enhancement. Six groups of marinades were prepared: Mp + Lc; Mp + Lc + ApBp; Mp + Lc + BcBp; Mp + Lu; Mp + Lu + ApBp; and Mp + Lu + BcBp. Further marinades were applied for broilers' WBM pre-treatment. Non-treated WBM samples were analyzed as control. The results showed that, after 48 h of marination, enterobacteria and molds/yeasts in WBM were absent. Marinated (24 and 48 h) WBM showed lower dry-matter (DM) and protein content, as well as lower water holding capacity, and exhibited higher drip loss (on average, by 8.76%) and cooking loss (on average, by 12.3%), in comparison with controls. After WBM treatment, biogenic amines decreased; besides, the absence of spermidine and phenylethylamine was observed in meat marinated for 48 h with a marinade prepared with Lu. Overall, this research highlights the potential advantages of the developed sustainable marinades in enhancing the safety and quality attributes of the WBM. The study aims to improve the quality of wooden breast meat (WBM) via the use of newly developed marinades based on selected strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in combination with the by-products of the dairy and fruit/berry industries. Six distinct marinades were produced based on milk permeate (MP) fermented with Lacticaseibacillus casei (Lc) and Liquorilactobacillus uvarum (Lu) with the addition of apple (ApBp) and blackcurrant (BcBp) processing by-products. The microbiological and acidity parameters of the fermented marinades were evaluated. The effects of marinades on the microbiological, technical, and physicochemical properties of meat were assessed following 24 and 48 h of WBM treatment. It was established that LAB viable counts in marinades were higher than 7.00 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and, after 48 h of marination, enterobacteria and molds/yeasts in WBM were absent. Marinated (24 and 48 h) WBM showed lower dry-matter and protein content, as well as water holding capacity, and exhibited higher drip loss (by 8.76%) and cooking loss (by 12.3%) in comparison with controls. After WBM treatment, biogenic amines decreased; besides, the absence of spermidine and phenylethylamine was observed in meat marinated for 48 h with a marinade prepared with Lu. Overall, this study highlights the potential advantages of the developed sustainable marinades in enhancing the safety and quality attributes of WBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a promising semiconductor material as well as a challenging material to machine, owing to its unique characteristics including high hardness, superior thermal conductivity, and chemical inertness. The ultrafast nature of femtosecond lasers enables precise and controlled material removal and modification, making them ideal for SiC processing. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the process properties, progress, and applications by discussing the various methodologies involved in femtosecond laser processing of SiC. These methodologies encompass direct processing, composite processing, modification of the processing environment, beam shaping, etc. In addition, we have explored the myriad applications that arise from applying femtosecond laser processing to SiC. Furthermore, we highlight recent advancements, challenges, and future prospects in the field. This review provides as an important direction for exploring the progress of femtosecond laser micro/nano processing, in order to discuss the diversity of processes used for manufacturing SiC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators doped with fluorescent materials find impressive applications in biological sensing. They do not require special conditions for the excitation of WGM inside that provide the basis for in vivo sensing. Currently, the problem of materials for in vivo WGM sensors are substantial since their fluorescence should have stable optical properties as well as they should be biocompatible. To address this we present WGM microresonators of 5–7 μ m, where the dopant is made of carbon quantum dots (CDs). CDs are biocompatible since they are produced from carbon and demonstrate bright optical emission, which shows different bands depending on the excitation wavelength. The WGM sensors developed here were tested as label-free biosensors by detecting bovine serum albumin molecules. The results showed WGM frequency shifting, with the limit of detection down to 10 − 16 M level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry is one of the largest users of natural resources and can, thus, lead to significant environmental issues. Therefore, there is elevated interest worldwide in developing sustainable construction materials and techniques that can reduce these associated environmental impacts. In this context, one substantial area of focus is the incorporation of textile waste in construction materials, such as concrete. Textile waste is generated in large quantities from the production stage through to the consumption and end-of-life disposal periods. Hence, it is prudent to devise effective ways of recycling this waste, which can, in turn, reduce the environmental implications of textile production and cut down the quantity of waste sent to landfills. Furthermore, fibers obtained from recycled textile waste can be used to reinforce concrete, thus replacing the need for synthetic fibers. This review focuses on the use and effects of incorporating polymer fibers from recycled textile waste in concrete and the use of textile polymer fiber in the construction of various structures, and challenges in the use of recycled fibers in concrete and the parameters affecting the resultant strength of concrete structures, such as stress transfer, crack control, bond strength, and spalling, etc., are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone is commonly used in cement concrete due to its unique nature and type. It has physical effects (nucleation effect and dilution effect) and chemical effects on the hydration process of cement. This paper reviews the effects of three representative limestone materials on the hydration process, hydration products, and hydration kinetics. In the hydration process, the reaction was delayed by limestone powder with a particle size larger than 20 μm and calcium carbonate whiskers due to their dilutive effect. On the other hand, limestone powder with a particle size smaller than 20 m and calcium carbonate nanoparticles facilitated the reaction through nucleation and chemical effects. Limestone has a similar effect on hydration products, promoting the production of C-S-H through nucleation. The mechanism of action for this nucleation effect depends on the differences in crystalline form and particle size of the three types of micro- and nano-calcium. Chemical effects impact the amount of AFt produced, with the generation of new products being the main reaction influenced by the limestone admixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyberbullying victimization is becoming more prevalent and adversely affects mental health. This research explores the relationship between the two variables and the underlying mechanism, especially for children, as the impact of mental health in childhood might last a lifetime. Primary school students (N = 344; Mage = 9.90; 43.90% girls) completed self-report questionnaires regarding cyberbullying victimization, self-perceived social competence, optimism, and depression at school. Gender and grade were controlled as covariates. Depression was positively predicted by cyberbullying victimization, while self-perceived social competence played a partially mediating role. In addition, optimism directly and indirectly moderated the effects of cyberbullying victimization on depression. Specifically, the effects were stronger for children with low levels of optimism. Therefore, efforts to enhance children's self-perceived social competence and optimism may reduce their depression resulting from cyberbullying victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breakfast cereals play a crucial role in children's diets, providing essential nutrients that are vital for their growth and development. Children are known to be more susceptible than adults to the harmful effects of food contaminants, with mycotoxins being a common concern in cereals. This study specifically investigated aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), enniatin B (ENNB), and sterigmatocystin (STG), three well-characterized mycotoxins found in cereals. The research aimed to address existing knowledge gaps by comprehensively evaluating the bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of these three mycotoxins, both individually and in combination, when consumed with breakfast cereals and milk. The in vitro gastrointestinal method revealed patterns in the bioaccessibility of AFB1, ENNB, and STG. Overall, bioaccessibility increased as the food progressed from the stomach to the intestinal compartment, with the exception of ENNB, whose behavior differed depending on the type of milk. The ranking of overall bioaccessibility in different matrices was as follows: digested cereal > cereal with semi-skimmed milk > cereal with lactose-free milk > cereal with soy beverage. Bioaccessibility percentages varied considerably, ranging from 3.1% to 86.2% for AFB1, 1.5% to 59.3% for STG, and 0.6% to 98.2% for ENNB. Overall, the inclusion of milk in the ingested mixture had a greater impact on bioaccessibility compared to consuming the mycotoxins as a single compound or in combination. During intestinal transport, ENNB and STG exhibited the highest absorption rates when ingested together. This study highlights the importance of investigating the combined ingestion and transport of these mycotoxins to comprehensively assess their absorption and potential toxicity in humans, considering their frequent co-occurrence and the possibility of simultaneous exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a ubiquitous emerging persistent organic pollutant detected in the environment and foodstuffs. Despite the dietary intake of PCP being performed using surveillance data, the assessment does not consider the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of PCP. Pork, beef, pork liver, chicken and freshwater fish Ctenopharyngodon Idella-fortified by three levels of PCP were processed by RIVM and the Caco-2 cell model after steaming, boiling and pan-frying, and PCP in foods and digestive juices were detected using isotope dilution–UPLC-MS/MS. The culinary treatment and food matrix were significantly influenced (p < 0.05) in terms of the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of PCP. Pan-frying was a significant factor (p < 0.05) influencing the digestion and absorption of PCP in foods, with the following bioaccessibility: pork (81.37–90.36%), beef (72.09–83.63%), pork liver (69.11–78.07%), chicken (63.43–75.52%) and freshwater fish (60.27–72.14%). The bioavailability was as follows: pork (49.39–63.41%), beef (40.32–53.43%), pork liver (33.63–47.11%), chicken (30.63–40.83%) and freshwater fish (17.14–27.09%). Pork and beef with higher fat content were a key factor in facilitating the notable PCP bioaccessibility and bioavailability (p < 0.05). Further, the exposure of PCP to the population was significantly reduced by 42.70–98.46% after the consideration of bioaccessibility and bioavailability, with no potential health risk. It can improve the accuracy of risk assessment for PCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The presented research results can be used to improve the thermal processing methods of goose meat to obtain products with optimal quality characteristics and nutritional value, both in gastronomic practice and in the industrial production of convenient foods. This study was conducted to compare the quality characteristics of White Kołuda goose breast muscle products, heated using the sous vide (SV) and the convection–steam oven (OV) methods. The qualitative analysis included instrumental evaluation of texture and colour parameters and the content of histidine dipeptide anserine. The research material consisted of breast muscles without skin, heated using the sous vide (SV) method at 65 °C for 4 h and 10 h and in a convection–steam oven (OV) in a steam environment at 80 °C and 90 °C (to obtain the final temperature of 65 °C in the geometric centre of meat pieces). Extending the heating time using the SV method and increasing the temperature in OV resulted in increased hardness, cohesiveness and chewiness. The use of heat treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the initial anserine content. A greater anserine reduction was found in SV samples compared to OV. The SV processing time did not significantly differentiate the dipeptide content, nor did the temperature used in OV processing. Pectoral muscles heated using the sous vide method were characterised by higher values of the parameters L* and b* and the hue angle (h) compared to OV processing, in which the value of the a* parameter was higher. The low-temperature processing methods (SV 65 °C/4 h and OV 80 °C) of goose breast meat allowed for obtaining products with similar textural characteristics: hardness, adhesiveness, elasticity and chewiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the preparation and evaluation of a novel humidity-control material, vermiculite/(sodium polyacrylate(AA)–acrylamide(AM)), using inverse suspension polymerization. Acrylic acid and acrylamide were introduced into the interlayer of modified vermiculite during the polymerization process, leading to the formation of a strong association with the modified vermiculite. The addition of vermiculite increased the specific surface area and pore volume of the composites. To investigate the moisture absorption and desorption properties of the composites, an orthogonal experiment and single-factor experiment were conducted to analyze the impacts of vermiculite content, neutralization degree, and the mass ratio of AA to AM. According to the control experiment, the addition of vermiculite was found to enhance the pore structure and surface morphology of the composite material, surpassing both vermiculite and PAA-AM copolymer in terms of humidity control capacity and rate. The optimal preparation conditions were identified as follows: vermiculite mass fraction of 4 wt%, a neutralization degree of 90%, and mAA:mAM = 4:1. The moisture absorption rate and moisture release rate of the composite material prepared under these conditions are 1.285 g/g and 1.172 g/g. The humidity control process of the composite material is governed by pseudo second-order kinetics, which encompasses the complete adsorption process. These results indicate that the vermiculite/PAA-AM composite humidity control material has excellent humidity control performance and is a simple and efficient humidity control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent lung condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The management of COPD classically involves pulmonary rehabilitation, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. An aspect of COPD management that is currently lacking in the literature is nutritional management, despite the prevalence of inadequate nutritional status in patients with COPD. In addition, certain nutritional imbalances have been reported to increase the risk of COPD development. This review summarizes the current literature on the role diet and nutrients may play in the risk and management of COPD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigated the impact of terminal sire (Dorset) use and supplementation with agro-byproducts, specifically corn gluten feed and soy hull, on the carcasses and meat quality of landrace hair sheep (Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix) under rotational grazing. The crossbred lambs had greater carcass weights and more substantial wholesale cuts from the shoulder, rack, loin, and leg than their purebred counterparts. The purebred supplemented lambs showed comparable enhancements in their carcass characteristics to those of the crossbred lambs. Fresh lamb from the purebred animals displayed a more vivid red and yellow hue compared to the crossbred lambs. The meat from the purebred lambs was found to be softer than that from their crossbred counterparts. Supplementation played a more crucial role than crossbreeding in enhancing carcass quality under the conditions of these experiments. The protein content was notably higher in the meat from the crossbred lambs, while the supplemented lambs produced meat with an increased fat content. Pasture-only lambs had elevated levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, displaying a healthier fatty acid profile than those receiving supplementary agro-byproducts. However, they benefited from the improved lipid oxidation stability and texture properties of the meat. The supplement type had no effects on the carcass characteristics, but it affected the meat composition. The effects of breed type (purebred or crossbred) and supplementation of agro-byproducts on the growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of landrace hair (Barbados Blackbelly; BB and St. Croix; SX) lambs was evaluated. Thirty-six 7.5-month-old purebred hair (BB and SX; body weight = 24.1 ± 4.26 kg) and terminal sire (Dorset; DO) crossbred lambs (DO × BB and DO × SX; body weight = 31.4 ± 3.50 kg) rotationally grazed predominantly on Jesup tall fescue pasture during spring with or without agro-byproduct supplementation (soyhull or corn gluten feed at 2% of BW). Following a 77d grazing period, the lambs were harvested, and their carcass characteristics and meat composition were evaluated. Both supplementation and crossbreeding significantly increased their carcass weight and primal cuts, whereas only supplementation increased (p < 0.01) the dressing percentage, and crossbreeding increased the shear force (p < 0.01). Regardless of breed type, supplementing agro-byproducts improved the lipid oxidation stability and texture properties of the fresh lamb, whereas the pasture-only lambs had healthier fatty acid profiles compared with the supplemented lambs. The results indicate that both terminal sire crossbreeding and byproduct supplementation can be used to affect the carcass characteristics and meat composition of landrace hair sheep lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the design and long-term implementation of a feedforward and feedback (FF–FB) mechanism in a control system for cement sulfates applied to all types of cement produced in two mills at a production facility. We compared the results with those of a previous controller (SC) that operated in the same unit. The Shewhart charts of the annual SO3 mean values and the nonparametric Mann–Whitney test demonstrate that, for the FF–FB controller, the mean values more effectively approach the SO3 target than the older controller in two out of the three cement types. The s-charts for the annual standard deviation of all cement types and mills indicate that the ratio of the central lines of FF–FB to SC ranges from 0.39 to 0.59, representing a significant improvement. The application of the error propagation technique validates and explains these improvements. The effectiveness of the installed system is due to two main factors. The feedforward (FF) component tracks the set point of SO3 when the mill begins grinding a different type of cement, while the feedback (FB) component effectively attenuates the fluctuations in the sulfates of the raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali–silica reaction (ASR) occurs when alkali oxides coming from the cement composition in concrete come together with reactive silica and moisture coming from the aggregate. Additional maintenance and repair costs caused by the development of ASR in concrete cause the cost to increase. However, thanks to the measures taken against ASR in the early period, it contributes to the creation of sustainable and durable concrete structures. The article investigated the usability of cherts with eight different chemical compositions as aggregates in ready-mixed concrete plants in Gümüşhane. Cherts have been investigated for alkaline reactivity and are intended to be used largely as a source for concrete plants. ASR length changes of the samples prepared according to ASTM C1260 standard were determined after 3, 7, 14, and 28 days of the curing period. Microstructural examination, ultrasonic P-wave velocity, and bending and compressive strength experiments supporting ASR were carried out. The obtained test results were compared between the reference (limestone) sample and each other, as well as with the values specified in the standards. The compressive and bending strength values of the samples increase depending on their ASR. It was observed that the crack structures and types increased depending on the increase in the crack values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC), an alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), has attracted increasing research interest for its excellent mechanical properties and its green and sustainable attributes. The poor water resistance of MOC limited its usage mainly to indoor applications; nevertheless, recent advances in water-resistant MOC have expanded the material's potential applications from indoor to outdoor. This review aims to showcase recent advances in MOC, including water-resistant MOC and ductile fiber-reinforced MOC (FRMOC), exploring their potential applications including in sustainable construction for future generations. The mechanism under different curing procedures such as normal and CO2 curing and the effect of different inorganic and organic additives on the water resistance of MOC composites are discussed. In particular, the review highlights the recent developments in achieving over 100% strength retention under water at 28 days as well as advancements in FRMOC, where tensile strength has surpassed 10 MPa with a remarkable strain capacity ranging from 4–8%. This paper also sheds light on the potential applications of MOC as a fire-resistant coating material, green-wood-MOC composite building material, and in reducing solid waste industrial byproduct accumulations. Finally, this study suggests future research directions to enhance the practical application of MOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children from vulnerable backgrounds often have insecure attachment or disorganized attachment, which are related to psychological troubles, and such children need interventions to help them heal. The attachment system reorganizes in middle childhood, and other important adults play a considerable role in children's lives. Thus, it is essential to weigh the impact of psychosocial interventions, while the main focus of the intervention is the staff member's direct work with the child through a trusting relationship. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate whether children's attachment security and mental health outcomes change after participating in a trauma-informed, attachment-based, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) provided in a daycare center. It was a case-series study involving twelve children aged 8–11 years. The child attachment interview (CAI), CBCL/6-18, TRF/6-18, and clinical interviews for parents and children were used, measuring the change between the TBRI implementation in the daycare center and after one year. For ten participants, we noticed an improvement in mental health; for seven participants, security scales improved; for two participants, their disorganized attachment changed into insecure–dismissing. We have preliminary evidence that vulnerable children may benefit in terms of attachment security and mental health from the trusting relationship that staff build using the TBRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the relationship between parental coparenting and depression among Chinese young adolescents and potential gender differences via network analysis. Thus, 793 fourth-grade students (girls: 281 (35.40%), Mage = 9.99 years, SD = 0.59 years) were recruited from three primary schools in Northern China. The young adolescents rated their depression and perceived paternal and maternal coparenting. Network analysis was used to detect the central nodes and bridge mechanisms among coparenting and depressive components. The results indicated that paternal and maternal consistency as well as maternal conflict were the most central components in the coparenting–depression network. Paternal consistency, maternal conflict and paternal disparagement in coparenting, as well as somatic complaints and positive affect in adolescents' depression, exhibited high bridge strengths, suggesting those constructs served as vital bridges to connect the two subnetworks. Moreover, paternal consistency showed a higher bridge strength in the boys' network than the girls' one, whereas the edge linking adolescents' positive affect to paternal disparagement and integrity was stronger in the girls' network. This study contributes to the understanding of associations between parental coparenting and young adolescents' depression and offered insights into targeted interventions for early adolescent depression by enhancing parental coparenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nutritional interventions in ruminant livestock management is an essential step to achieving high quality meat and milk products for diversified and competitive global markets. The alterations of fat content, fatty acid profile, and the associated sensory properties of meat and milk have attracted much attention; they are accomplished with the managing of feeding systems and nutrition of ruminant diets. The literature has detailed various feed types and ingredients that facilitate the sustainable use of abundant, novel by-products, secondary products, non-conventional feedstuffs, or minimally processed biological materials within ruminant farming systems. Relevant to major feed ingredients is the knowledge of their macro- and micronutrients, as well as their bioactivity and functionality in meat and milk products. This review examines these and provides an overview of various concentrate feeds and forages that are fed to ruminants, and how they relate to the fat content and fatty acid profile of their meat and milk products. These insights will be valuable to those seeking to understand and adopt nutritional measures for the enhancement of domesticate ruminant meat and milk products. The meat and milk products from domesticated ruminants are important foods within a balanced diet, offering a rich source of energy, protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins. The sensorial properties of meat and milk are mainly linked to their fat content and fatty acid composition, which are influenced by the feeding background or nutrient composition of diets. While several studies have investigated the nutritional effects on the fat content and fatty acid profile of ruminant meat and milk, as well as their relationship with sensorial properties, a comprehensive overview of these effects is lacking. This paper summarises current literature and discusses changes to fatty acid composition (including ω-3 concentrations), fattiness, and associated quality traits of sheep, goat, beef cattle, alpaca, and llama meat that can be achieved by using different forages or feeds in a total mixed ration. Additionally, it presents the shelf life and nutritional value of meat, milk, and cheeses from the milk of dairy cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep as influenced by a ruminant diet. Further advancement in these areas will promote the sustainability of ruminant production and its associated feeding systems in achieving premium quality animal-derived foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compensatory growth (CG) is a physiological response that accelerates growth following a period of nutrient limitation, with the potential to improve growth efficiency and meat quality in cattle. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, 60 Huaxi cattle were divided into one ad libitum feeding (ALF) group and two restricted feeding groups (75% restricted, RF75; 50% restricted, RF50) undergoing a short-term restriction period followed by evaluation of CG. Detailed comparisons of growth performance during the experimental period, as well as carcass and meat quality traits, were conducted, complemented by a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the longissimus dorsi muscle using differential expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). The results showed that irrespective of the restriction degree, the restricted animals exhibited CG, achieving final body weights comparable to the ALF group. Compensating animals showed differences in meat quality traits, such as pH, cooking loss, and fat content, compared to the ALF group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 57 genes and 31 pathways differentially regulated during CG, covering immune response, acid-lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis. Notably, complement–coagulation–fibrinolytic system synergy was identified as potentially responsible for meat quality optimization in RF75. This study provides novel and valuable genetic insights into the regulatory mechanisms of CG in beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]