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Nowadays there are many attempts for sustainable development due to rapid industrialization. In this context, thymol and carvacrol, which are obtained from many plants, are highly promising components in many industries due to their multifunctionalities. However, their water insolubility, instability, and volatility are significant drawbacks that must be addressed. To overcome these issues, they are commonly incorporated into fibrous structures for applications in the food and human health-related industries. With advances in technology, thymol/carvacrol containing fibrous structures have been generated using various techniques, widening their applications in the related fields. While their anti-bacterial properties have been widely exploited in various applications, this review article covers their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-cancer, anti-microbial (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-biofilm, and anti-viral), anti-parasitic (insecticidal, anti-malaria, anti-acaricidal (anti-mite and anti-tick), anti-toxoplasmosis, and anti-leishmaniasis) properties, considering all the broadened applications of thymol/carvacrol containing fibrous structures. Ever-increasing food and human health-related incidences will accelerate the uttermost exploitation of all functionalities of thymol and carvacrol in multifaceted ways. Nanoscale containers and fibrous structures will be the pioneers for finding new and more effective applications of thymol and carvacrol. For example, they could find applications not only in packaging for market shelves but also in entire food chain, including plant protection in agriculture (pre-harvest and post-harvest), transportation, and storage of food/crop. Fibrous structures containing thymol/carvacrol will also enable new and diverse applications in hygiene & preventive care, comfort & well-being in addition to wound healing and tissue engineering in the human health. A detailed future perspective is provided related to all these applications.

Abstract Background Consumption of dietary fiber has been suggested as an important aspect of a healthy diet to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including cardiovascular disease. The role of fiber intake in MetS might differ by individual genetic susceptibility. APOA5 encodes a regulator of plasma triglyceride levels, which impacts the related mechanisms of MetS. This study investigated the association between dietary fiber and the risk of MetS, assessing their associations according to APOA5 genetic variants. Methods A total of 1985 participants aged 30–55 years were included from a cross-sectional study based on the Korean Medicine Daejeon Citizen Cohort study at baseline (2017–2019). Dietary fiber intake was measured using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The APOA5 polymorphisms (rs2266788 A > G, rs662799 A > G, and rs651821 T > C) were genotyped using the Asia Precision Medicine Research Array. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results A higher consumption of dietary fiber was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS (P = 0.025). Among the components of MetS, an inverse association with dietary fiber was observed in increased waist circumference (OR, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.41–0.88, P for trend = 0.009) and elevated triglycerides (OR, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.50–0.96, P for trend = 0.012). Regarding the interaction with APOA5 genetic variants, a stronger association with dietary fiber intake was shown in G allele carriers of rs662799 than in A/A carriers (OR, 95% CI = 2.34, 1.59–3.44, P for interaction = 0.024) and in C allele carriers of rs651821 than in T/T carriers (OR, 95% CI = 2.35, 1.59–3.46, P for interaction = 0.027). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the benefits of dietary fiber on the risk of MetS could be modified by genetic variants of the APOA5 gene, providing a more effective strategy for preventing MetS.

Wearing hats and caps in sunny areas to protect from sunrays is frequent in hot areas or as a requirement for fashion lines, especially in summer and spring times. A number of fabrics were woven, their permeability properties were measured, and the extent to which they protected hair from airborne dust and sunlight, by measuring the porosity of the tested fabrics. The best tested fabrics for permeability and porosity were selected and coated with copolymer to increase protection from the sun's rays by measuring the sun protection factor (UPF) using diffuse transmission spectrophotometer. Cap was designed using Gerber software. The results showed that choosing the appropriate fabrics in the manufacture of hats and caps prevents damage to the hair.

ABSTRAK Kulit buah naga merah mengandung serat, antioksidan, dan antimikroba yang cukuptinggi sehingga apabila digunakanpadapembuatanmi basah dapat memperkaya kandungan nutrisi dan memperpanjang umur simpanmi basah.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaankulit buah naga merah dalam bentuk sari terhadap kadar serat kasar, daya simpan, karakteristik sensoris pada mi basah.Penelitian dirancang menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap terdiri dari 5 ulangan dan 4 perlakuan yakni penggunaan sari dengan konsentrasi 0% (P0); 30% (P1); 60% (P2); dan 90% (P3). Sampel mi basah dengan perlakuan P3memberikan hasilterbaik dengan kadar serat kasar sebesar 2.10%, daya simpan selama 43.2 jam, tekstur kenyal serta berwarna merah muda. Peningkatan konsentrasi sari yang digunakan meningkatkan kandungan kadar serat kasar, daya simpan, dan daya terima panelis terhadap produk mi basah. Kata kunci: Daya simpan, Kulit buah naga merah, Mi basah, Serat ABSTRACT Red dragon fruit peel contains high fiber, antioxidants, and antimicrobials, so when used in making wet noodles, it can enrich the nutritional content and extend the shelf life of wet noodles. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of using red dragon fruit peel in the form of juice on crude fiber content, shelf life, and sensory characteristics of wet noodles. This research was designed using a completely randomized design consisting of 5 replicates and 4 treatments, namely the use of juice with a concentration of 0% (P0); 30% (P1); 60% (P2); and 90% (P3). Samples wet noodles with P3 treatment experienced the best treatment with crude fiber content of 2.10%, shelf life for 43.2 hours, chewy texture and pink color. Increasing the concentration of juice used increases the crude fiber content, shelf life, and panelist acceptance of wet noodles products. Keywords: Shelf life, Fiber, Red dragon fruit peel, Wet noodles

Boron nitride (BN) has garnered significant attention for its potential in developing thermally conductive materials owing to its inherent insulating properties and high thermal conductivity. However, achieving high thermal conductivity in bulk materials or 3D structures constructed by BN sheets has remained challenging. In this study, we present a novel approach to design a high‐quality BN fiber using xanthan gum (XG) as a skeleton, aiming to facilitate heat dissipation in integrated circuits. The resulting thermally conductive film, with orderly and compactly arranged BN sheets in the XG skeleton, exhibits a remarkable in‐plane thermal conductivity of 8.26 Wm−1 K−1 and an out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity of 1.35 Wm−1 K−1. This film efficiently enables fast heat dissipation for LED chips and thermoelectric generators. Finite element simulation further supports the efficient heat transfer capacity of the BN fiber films. Highlights: A high‐quality BN fiber was prepared by a facile approach.The BN fiber film exhibited high thermal conductivity.This film enables fast heat dissipation in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn recent years, the role of microbial tryptophan (Trp) catabolism in host-microbiota crosstalk has become a major area of scientific interest. Microbiota-derived Trp catabolites positively contribute to intestinal and systemic homeostasis by acting as ligands of aryl hydrocarbon receptor and pregnane X receptor, and as signaling molecules in microbial communities. Accumulating evidence suggests that microbial Trp catabolism could be therapeutic targets in treating human diseases. A number of bacteria and metabolic pathways have been identified to be responsible for the conversion of Trp in the intestine. Interestingly, many Trp-degrading bacteria can benefit from the supplementation of specific dietary fibers and polyphenols, which in turn increase the microbial production of beneficial Trp catabolites. Thus, this review aims to highlight the emerging role of diets and food components, i.e., food matrix, fiber, and polyphenol, in modulating the microbial catabolism of Trp and discuss the opportunities for potential therapeutic interventions via specifically designed diets targeting the Trp-microbiome axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates a novel composite material that combines siliceous rock dust and Urtica dioica fiber in vinyl ester matrix for sustainable material applications. This research explores the importance of waste rock dust as potential replacement for commercially used ceramics in composite development. The composites were developed via typical hand layup process and characterized for composite's mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, and hydrophobic properties as per ASTM standards. Mechanically, the composite containing fiber and rock dust of 3 vol% (VNS2) displays exceptional properties, with a tensile strength of 148 MPa, flexural strength of 199 MPa, compression strength of 174 MPa, and a notable impact energy of 5.4 J. However, the composite containing fiber and rock dust of 5 vol% (VNS3) displays, on the other hand, and stands out for its impressive hardness, registering at 82. In fatigue testing, the composite containing fiber and rock dust of 3 vol% (VNS2) exhibits superior performance, enduring 22,199 cycles at 25% UTS, 20,838 cycles at 50% UTS, and 19,935 cycles at 75% UTS, underscoring its exceptional durability. Regarding hydrophobicity, the composite initially displays a contact angle of 98°, indicating water repellency. However, the introduction of Urtica dioica fibers and siliceous rock dust particles marginally increased hydrophilicity, with the composite containing fiber and rock dust of 5 vol% (VNS3) showing a lower contact angle of 82°. Moreover the wear results show that the composite VNS3 gives lowest COF of 0.18 and sp. wear rate of 0.008 mm3/Nm. Similarly the thermogravimetry results revealed that the composite VNS3 gives lowest mass loss of 2.12% with lower DTG. Same way, the addition of rock dust particle into the resin improved the flame retardant properties of composite with V-0 flame rating. These composites promise various applications, including aerospace, construction, marine, and automotive industries where high load bearing, fire proofing, and fire stopping phenomenon are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of musa and silk hybrid composites incorporated with silver slag particles for their electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness. The main objective is to study the angular staking of silk and musa fiber fabric in the composite and its influence on the mechanical, dielectric, and electromagnetic properties. The composites were developed via the hand layup method using two different stacking order series such as EA and EB. The composites underwent forced cutting after the composites naturally cured at room temperature for 24 h. Further, the composites were undergone for property evaluation strictly based on ASTM standards. According to the results, the composite EB2 demonstrated a highest dielectric constant of 4.28 at a frequency of 20 GHz. Furthermore, when operating at a frequency of "20 GHz," the EB2 composite material exhibited the most effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, with a shielding effectiveness of 62.44 dB. Furthermore, the EB structured composites have superior mechanical characteristics compared to the EA designation. The EB2 composite exhibited superior tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness characteristics with − 45°/ + 45° fabric laying angle orientation. The SEM fractographs indicated highly reactive phases of fiber with resin and traces of toughness improvement along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum confirming the silver particle presence. Similarly in flame retardant properties also the composites performed well. Almost all composites show a V-0 flame rating in the vertical and well as horizontal flame test. Consequently, the incorporation of silk fiber to enhance conductivity, musa to provide substantial mechanical strength, and silver slag to enable multi-reflection in the EB configuration resulted in overall enhanced outcomes. These composites, which have enhanced electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties and high load-bearing capacity, can be used in telecommunication, aviation, and gadget works using electromagnetic wave (mobile phones). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study for diverse technical applications, a composite made of epoxy was created in using pearl millet biochar (PMB) and opuntia cladode short fiber (OCF). This study's primary objective was to create a biocomposite from agricultural waste and assess its suitability for usage as a structural material. Both the opuntia cladode and the pearl millet husk are non-edible dry land species that are produced in large quantities as solid waste after harvesting. Thus, they were used as reinforcing material in this research. The hulls of pearl millet were slowly pyrolyzed to create biochar, and the laminates were made using a hand layup procedure. The results showed that for the composite designation, EC (epoxy + cladode short fiber) contains 30 vol.% of OCF; the mechanical parameters such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact toughness, hardness, and adhesion strength were raised by 34.8%, 31.2%, 91.4%, 1.2%, and 5.4%. Similar to this, adding PMB at a rate of 2 vol.% improved the parameters related to load bearing and dielectric. However, the specific wear rate was observed at 0.018 mm3/Nm when composite designation EC contained 30 vol.% of OCF. The lowest COF and sp. wear rate for the composite containing 2.0 vol.% biochar is also observed to be 0.44 and 0.006 mm3/Nm, respectively. The highest dielectric constant and dielectric loss for the ECO4 (epoxy + cladode short fiber + pearl millet) composite were 7.4 and 0.68, respectively. The silane treatment reinforced the fiber-matrix interface and enhanced the interlocking mechanism, as shown by the SEM fractography. Such wear-resistant, enhanced, electrically conductive, and structurally robust composites could be used in a variety of industrial settings, including electrical appliances, spaceflight, vehicle parts, and packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a unique fiber-metal laminate for steam turbine applications was created utilizing natural fiber (Abelmoschus esculentus) and nanosilica particles. This study evaluated how surface treatment affected attributes related to load bearing and impact resistance. Prior to creating the composite, the metal foil was shot-blasted, and fiber and particles were silane-treated. The vacuum bag technique was used to create the composites, and oven drying was used. The results showed that adding biosilica enhanced the thermo-mechanical characteristics. In the silane-treated form of the composite designator EON3, a maximum storage modulus of 7.14 GPa with a loss factor of 0.44 was reported. Similar to this, the composite designation EON3 has the maximum fracture toughness at 29.26 MPa/m and the lowest energy release rate at 0.74 MJ/m2. Last but not the least, the composite designation EON2 at 50% of maximal UTS was determined to have the greatest fatigue life counts of 32,811. The treated metal-fiber interface showed enhanced bonding in the SEM morphological and macroscopic pictures. When both the qualities of metal and fiber are required, steam turbine, aerospace, and energy industries may employ these properties-improved composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: One month after completing an educational cooking class, participants significantly changed their diet-derived inflammation scores, which became more anti-inflammatory, while also significantly improving subjective measures of cognitive function. Diet factors, including changes in calories, may be associated with improved changes in cognition, and cooking classes may be an effective intervention strategy for cancer survivors. (1) Background. Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent among cancer survivors. Inflammation may contribute to impaired cognition, and diet represents a novel strategy to mitigate cognitive decline. The purpose was to (1) assess the impact of an educational cooking class on cancer survivor eating habits and their inflammatory potential and (2) determine the relationship between diet and cognitive function. (2) Methods. This was a non-randomized interventional study of a virtual educational cooking class in post-treatment, adult cancer survivors. Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™) scores and subjective cognitive function were assessed at baseline and 1 month post-intervention. (3) Results. Of 22 subjects, all were female, White, and primarily had breast cancer (64%). There was a significant decrease in E-DII scores, which became more anti-inflammatory, one month after intervention (−2.3 vs. −2.7, p = 0.005). There were significant increases in cognition, including perceived cognitive impairment (COG-PCI, p < 0.001), comments from others (COG-OTH, p < 0.001), and quality of life (COG-QOL, p < 0.001). A change in calories was a significant predictor of a change in perceived cognitive ability (COG-PCA) after adjustment (β = 0.007, p = 0.04; 95% CI (0.000, 0.014)). (4) Conclusions. Educational cooking classes may be an effective way to impact diet-derived inflammation; additional research is needed to assess the long-term effects of dietary changes on cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent progress in creating micro and nano‐scale thermoset polymer fibers through extensional flow reveals remarkable mechanical properties. For instance, epoxy microfibers display a notable increase in stiffness, strength, and toughness as their diameter decreases. This size‐dependent behavior, well‐explored and explained in thermoplastic polymers, is far from being understood in thermoset polymers, as their densely cross‐linked network structure seems to restrain preferential directionality. Our theoretical analysis proposes that, during the pre‐gel curing phase, when the thermoset polymer begins clustering but remains in a liquid state, substantial cluster elongation is induced by the extensional flow. This elongated formation persists to some extent after curing completion, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties along the fiber's primary axis. Concurrently, the high extension reduces fiber diameter, leading to a power‐law diameter dependence of fiber stiffness. The model agrees well with experimental data from tensile tests on epoxy microfibers, highlighting the potential to fine‐tune mechanical properties by controlling the curing process, and laying the groundwork for future improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, polymer‐based glass fiber‐reinforced laminate composites have gained significant popularity in various mass transit applications, including marine, aircraft, and automotive industries. However, it is crucial to consider the degradation and potential failure of these materials, especially in mass transit networks. To address this concern, fractographic analysis has emerged as a valuable approach for investigating fracture surfaces, extracting vital information, and facilitating the development of new materials. Furthermore, it sheds light on the underlying physical mechanisms that contribute to composite failure. This paper primarily focuses on examining flaws, failure modes, and performing fractography analysis on fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) laminate composites subjected to various loading conditions such as tension, compression, flexure, impact, shear, and fracture. Fractography, as an indispensable method, plays a pivotal role in the comprehensive development of composite structures and has become a reliable tool for composite engineers. The outcomes of this study are expected to serve as a foundation for identifying areas that require further investigation in terms of fracture analysis and failure modes specific to FRP composite materials, particularly those used in marine applications. Highlights: Introduction to FRP laminate composites in marine structures.Concise analysis of failure modes in FRP laminate composites.SEM fractography review of FRP laminate composites under varied loading conditions.Comprehensive study on tensile, flexural, impact, compression, shear, and fracture toughness failure modes.Summarization of identified defects in FRP composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐backboned polymers (MBPs), with a unique backbone consisting of bonded metal atoms, are promising for optic, electric, magnetic, and thermoelectric fields. However, the application of MBP remains relatively understudied. Here, we develop a shear‐induced orientation method to construct a flexible nickel‐backboned polymer/carbon nanotube (NBP/CNT) thermoelectric composite fiber. It demonstrated a power factor of 719.48 μW ⋅m−1 K−2, which is ca. 3.5 times as high as the bare CNT fiber. Remarkably, with the regulation of carrier mobility and carrier concentration of NBP, the composite fiber further showed simultaneous increases in electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient in comparison to the bare CNT fiber. The NBP/CNT fiber can be integrated into fabrics to harvest thermal energy of human body to generate an output voltage of 3.09 mV at a temperature difference of 8 K. This research opens a new avenue for the development of MBPs in power supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken nuggets were prepared with 5%, 10%, and 15% steam cooked unripe plantain without peel, and their qualities were evaluated. Linear and significantly (P < 0.01) increased values were observed for emulsion stability, cooking yield, moisture retention, fat retention, moisture, and total ash contents. Conversely significantly (P<0.01) reverse trends were observed for emulsion pH, product pH, protein and fat contents. Fiber content values were significantly increased from0.46 ± 0.03 to 5.71 ± 0.08%. Sensory evaluation done using nine point hedonic scale indicated that 10% cooked unripe plantain without peel resulted in higher scores for appearance, colour, flavor, juiciness, tenderness, texture and overall acceptability among the three treatments. Thus, it can be concluded that, 10% cooked unripe plantain without peel can be successfully used for preparation of fiber enriched functional chicken nuggets of acceptable quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra hessian cloth-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) thermoplastic composites were prepared and characterized with both raw and alkali-treated fibers. The fiber contents were optimized for both the raw Okra thermoplastic composites and the alkali-treated Okra thermoplastic composites, and the optimum value of fiber content was 55 wt%. Samples that were alkali-treated and had 55 wt% fibers were subsequently exposed to gamma radiation at doses of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 kGy. Only the sample subjected to 5 kGy showed improved performance. Treated composites exhibited higher crystallinities than the untreated samples as observed by X-Ray diffraction analysis. The rupture surface micrographs of the composites exposed to 5 kGy gamma radiation revealed more compact than others. By using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of composites, it was found that 5 kGy dose sample showed enhanced cross-linking between Okra fibers and HDPE matrix. The irradiated composite showed less water intake than the alkali-treated samples. Composites subjected to 5 kGy gamma rays showed improved tensile strength and Young's modulus of values 66 MPa and 1925 MPa, respectively. Compared to raw and treated composites, the irradiated composites with a radiation dose of 5 kGy showed improved structural, mechanical, and thermal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite material using coconut fiber to produce reinforced low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composite was produced for evaluating of the effect of varying fiber sizes on the mechanical (tensile, hardness, and impact strength), water absorption, and chemical resistance properties of the developed LPDE. Sample categories were prepared by varying the fiber sizes below 2.36 mm, = 2.36 mm, and = 3.35 mm at a constant 5% volume fraction loading. The water retting process was applied in the extraction and cleaning of the coconut fiber (or coir), while the developed composite material was prepared using the Hand layup Technique (HLT). The tensile and hardness properties were tested using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM) Model BDUM-2.5KN, while the impact properties were tested using the Izod Impact testing machine Model RI-300. The analysis of the water absorptivity showed that the developed composite materials have a low water absorptivity of 2% at fiber size loading below 2.36 mm. However, at higher fiber sizes of =2.36 mm and =3.35 mm loading, the water absorptivity increases significantly to 5.8% and 7.9%, respectively. Test results showed that the composites produced with fiber sizes less than 2.36 mm fiber loading has the most optimum combination of tensile and hardness properties, of 25.20Mpa and 22.96Mpa respectively but have the least impact strengths of 229 joules as compared to other sizes. It is recommended to use the hand layup technique for the production of low density polyethylene composites and this could further be used as an additive for the production of some lightweight polymer materials such as packing tools, furniture designs for tabletop, windows, door frames, cloth pegs, stool top, since its hardness, low strength, non-structural application, and moisture resistance analysis is within the acceptable limit of application for this purpose while eliminating pollution by using the waste sachets and nylon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of cotton fiber plays a pivotal role for both producers and processors, influencing the market value and end-product quality. Certain cotton fiber properties, such as length, strength, micronaire, and uniformity index, are crucial determinants of cotton quality. Despite its prominence as a cotton-producing region, the Aegean region in Türkiye lacks comprehensive studies examining the quality of its cotton fiber across different subregions and seasonal variations. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the variations in cotton fiber quality across different years and subregions within the Aegean. This study involved the evaluation of a total of 368,686 individual fiber quality analyses conducted over seven years across three subregions within the Aegean in Türkiye. The fiber samples collected from Bergama, Söke, and Menemen underwent high-volume instrument (HVI) analysis to evaluate the variations in cotton fiber quality across years and subregions, considering the phenological stages of cotton and climate conditions. The findings highlighted significant variations in the fiber quality traits among subregions, with environmental factors such as temperature and humidity playing crucial roles. Higher average daily temperatures during the flowering stage to boll formation contributed to higher strength values, while limitations on fiber length were observed due to prevalent high temperatures. Additionally, variations in micronaire values were linked to temperature and humidity conditions during boll development stages. This study underscores the importance of comprehensively considering climatic factors to understand their impacts on cotton fiber quality and suggests further research into the cotton plant's phenology and specific climate conditions for a more thorough understanding of environmental effects on fiber quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber electronics with flexible and weavable features can be easily integrated into textiles for wearable applications. However, due to small sizes and curved surfaces of fiber materials, it remains challenging to load robust active layers, thus hindering production of high-sensitivity fiber strain sensors. Herein, functional sensing materials are firmly anchored on the fiber surface in-situ through a hydrolytic condensation process. The anchoring sensing layer with robust interfacial adhesion is ultra-mechanically sensitive, which significantly improves the sensitivity of strain sensors due to the easy generation of microcracks during stretching. The resulting stretchable fiber sensors simultaneously possess an ultra-low strain detection limit of 0.05%, a high stretchability of 100%, and a high gauge factor of 433.6, giving 254-folds enhancement in sensitivity. Additionally, these fiber sensors are soft and lightweight, enabling them to be attached onto skin or woven into clothes for recording physiological signals, e.g. pulse wave velocity has been effectively obtained by them. As a demonstration, a fiber sensor-based wearable smart healthcare system is designed to monitor and transmit health status for timely intervention. This work presents an effective strategy for developing high-performance fiber strain sensors as well as other stretchable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth (Bi)‐doped glass and fiber materials exhibit excellent optical performance and have potential in fields such as fiber communication and tunable lasers. However, the preparation of Bi‐doped glass and fiber with high optical activity is still confronted with huge challenges. This study proposes a germanium oxide hybridization strategy to enhance near‐infrared emission in Bi‐doped glass. In addition, by the systematical optimization of the optical response and processability of the glass system, Bi‐doped glass fibers are successfully constructed. The constructed glass fibers have excellent optical performance, and the enhanced amplified spontaneous emission is realized. They show potentials for applications in broadband fiber amplifiers and tunable lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ladakh, one of the highest inhabited regions globally, hosts the unique Changthangi goat, renowned for producing Pashmina, the world's most luxurious natural fiber. In comparison, the fiber derived from Changthangi sheep is considered next only to Pashmina. This research endeavors to compare the skin transcriptome profiles of Changthangi goats and Changthangi sheep, aiming to discern the molecular determinants behind the recognition of Changthangi goats as the source of Pashmina. Drawing upon previously conducted studies, a collective of 225 genes correlated with fiber characteristics were extracted from the differentially expressed genes noticed between the two species (p-value of ≤ 0.05 and a log2 fold change of ≥ 1.5). These genes were analyzed using DAVID software to understand their biological functions and to identify enriched KEGG and Reactome pathways. The protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape, cytoHubba, and STRING to focus on key genes and infer their biological significance. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed significantly higher expression of genes involved in signaling pathways like Wnt, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, Hedgehog, associated with fiber development and quality in Changthangi goats. These pathways play crucial roles in hair follicle (HF) formation, maintenance of epidermal stem cells, and fiber characteristics. Findings also highlight the enrichment of cell adhesion molecules and ECM-receptor interaction, emphasizing their roles in HF structure, growth, and signaling. This investigation offers an in-depth understanding of the molecular intricacies governing Pashmina production in Changthangi goats, providing valuable insights into their unique genetic makeup and underlying mechanisms influencing the exceptional quality of Pashmina fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of glucose concentration is a fundamental daily care for diabetes patients, and therefore, its detection with accuracy is of prime importance in the field of health care. In this study, the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor for glucose sensing was successfully designed. The electrode material was fabricated using polyaniline and systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The polyaniline nanofiber-modified electrode showed excellent detection ability for glucose with a linear range of 10 μM to 1 mM and a detection limit of 10.6 μM. The stability of the same electrode was tested for 7 days. The electrode shows high sensitivity for glucose detection in the presence of interferences. The polyaniline-modified electrode does not affect the presence of interferences and has a low detection limit. It is also cost-effective and does not require complex sample preparation steps. This makes it a potential tool for glucose detection in pharmacy and medical diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the global human population and the accompanying challenges in meeting nutritional needs amidst climate change are a worldwide concern. Widespread protein and micronutrient deficiencies contribute to a significant number of individuals experiencing malnutrition, leading to severe health repercussions. This issue can be addressed through genomics-assisted breeding, particularly in enhancing the nutritional profile of vital staple crops like chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Chickpea, beyond being a rich source of protein, provides a diverse nutritional spectrum encompassing carbohydrates, fats, and minerals. To explore and improve the genetic basis of nutritional traits in chickpea, a study was conducted using 93 kabuli-type single plant derived lines and five cultivars in 2018, 2022, and 2023. Genotyping by sequencing revealed a total of 165K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within this kabuli chickpea mini-core collection. After filtering for a minor allele frequency greater than 5%, 113,512 SNPs were utilized, distributed across eight chromosomes of the chickpea genome. Marker-trait associations were analyzed using genome wide association study, leading to the identification of 27 significantly associated SNPs from across all eight chromosomes linked to three seed nutritional concentrations and 100-seed weight. To unravel the molecular mechanisms governing seed protein, fiber, fat concentrations, and 100-seed weight, 31 candidate genes were determined within a 30 kb window size. This comprehensive approach holds promise for advancing crop breeding strategies to combat malnutrition and improve global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the fracture strength of teeth restored using fiber-reinforced direct restorative materials after endodontic treatment with a conservative mesio-occlusal access cavity design. Materials and methods: A total of 100 extracted intact mandibular first molars were selected and distributed into a positive control group where teeth left intact and the following four test groups comprised of teeth with conservative mesio-occlusal access cavities that had undergone root canal treatment (n = 20/group): access cavity without restoration (negative control), bulk-fill resin composite with horizontal glass fiber post reinforcement, fiber-reinforced composite with bulk-fill resin and bulk-fill resin composite. Following thermocycling (10,000 cycles), fracture resistance was measured using a universal testing machine. Statistical analyses (one-way analysis of variance and the Tamhane test) were performed, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Groups with minimally invasive access cavities had lower fracture strength than intact teeth, regardless of the restoration material (p < 0.05). Fiber-reinforced composite groups demonstrated higher fracture strength than bulk-fill resin composite alone (p < 0.05). Fracture types varied among groups, with restorable fractures predominant in the fiber-reinforced composite groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that using fiber-reinforced composite materials, especially in combination with bulk-fill resin composites, can effectively enhance the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth with conservative access cavities. However, using only bulk-fill resin composite is not recommended based on the fracture strength results. Clinical significance: When teeth that undergo endodontic treatment are restored using a conservative access cavity design and fiber-reinforced composite materials, especially in combination with bulk-fill resin composites, the fracture strength of the teeth can be effectively increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The trend of decreasing age at menarche to be younger can impact on physical and psychological health. Nutritional factors, including dietary habits, are important and modifiable predictors of menarche age. Objectives: To analyze dietary habits’ effect on the age at menarche among junior high school students in DKI Jakarta by considering nutritional status, level of physical activity, psychological state, and socio-economic conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 female students from 15 junior high schools in DKI Jakarta in May 2023. Dietary habits were measured using the SemiQuantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, while the age at menarche and other factors were obtained through interviews, questionnaires, weight and height measurements. Data were statistically analyzed through the T Test, Mann Whitney Test, Chi-Square Test, as well as Multivariate Logistic Regression Test. Results: The age at menarche ranged from 8.92 to 14.33 years, with an average of 11.74 years. Respondents tend to consume carbohydrates, fat, protein, sugar, and salt ≥100% of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). However, 70.7% of respondents had the habit of consuming dietary fiber <100% of RDA. Low fiber diet (<29 g/day) is significantly related to earlier menarche age based on the T-test (p-value=0.006) and logistic regression test after controlling for dietary habits of fat, protein, and salt (pvalue=0.047) with OR=0.569 (95% CI 0.325-0.993). The analysis also found that nutritional status and socio-economic conditions were associated with menarche age. Conclusions: Low fiber diet has a 1.76 times chance of earlier menarche than high fiber diet. A balanced nutritional intake, including vegetables and fruits as source of fiber, is recommended to support adolescent growth and development, puberty, and general health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, tensile fatigue, fracture toughness, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) properties of silane-modified chitosan particles and Morinda citrifolia fiber (MCF)-reinforced epoxy composites were examined. The main of this research was to reveal how the silane-modified chitosan and novel MCF improve the time-dependent and thermo-mechanical behavior of epoxy-based composites. The MCF was surface-treated using an 3-aminopropyletrimethoxylane (APTMS). The hand-layup process was utilized to fabricate composite laminates and was characterized by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The study's results revealed that the introduction of MCF and chitosan enhanced the tensile fatigue. For composite classification (epoxy + morinda) EM2, 50vol.% of fiber has a higher tensile fatigue life than 30vol.% of fiber. It is further noted that the (epoxy + morinda + chitosan) EMC3 has a fatigue life count of 41,286 with 2vol.% of chitosan. The EM2 composite's fracture toughness and energy release rate increased with MCF content. However, EMC3, which comprises 50vol.% fiber and 2vol.% chitosan, has the highest fracture toughness. Similarly, the DMA findings demonstrated enhanced storage modulus and loss tangent with 2.0 vol.% of chitosan. Moreover, improved results in adhesion phenomenon were also observed for silane-treated reinforcements in fractography analysis. These composites with enhanced thermomechanical and load-bearing characteristics could be employed in industrial applications such as automotive door panels, in aircraft as internal structures, and in household applications such as electrical boards and home appliances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of New Building Materials / Xinxing Jianzhu Cailiao is the property of New Building Materials 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.)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects people's health. Constipation is probably one of the most prominent gastrointestinal symptoms (non-motor symptoms) of PD with devastating consequences. The aim of this research work is to formulate a functional food product, supplemented with inulin, cocoa, and Moringa, which can be an adjuvant in the treatment of constipation. The product was prepared according to a muffin or "Chilean cake" recipe; this basic muffin was prepared with additions of inulin (MI), inulin + cacao (MIC), and inulin + Moringa (MIM). A physical–chemical analysis of the macronutrients and an antioxidant capacity assessment of the samples were conducted, as well as a sensory evaluation performed by a group of people suffering from Parkinson's disease. A statistically significant difference was observed in the soluble (p = 0.0023) and insoluble (p = 0.0015) fiber values between the control samples and all samples. Furthermore, inulin + cacao improved the antioxidant capacity and folate intake compared to the control. Inulin alone has been shown to have antioxidant capacity according to ABTS (262.5728 ± 34.74 μmol TE/g) and DPPH (9.092518 ± 10.43 μmol TE/g) assays. A sensory evaluation showed a preference for the product with inulin and for the product with inulin + cacao, with a 78% purchase intention being reported by the subjects who evaluated the products. The incorporation of inulin and cacao improved the nutritional value of the muffins; the dietary fiber, antioxidant capacity and folate content are some of the features that stood out. A bakery product enriched with inulin, cocoa and Moringa could serve as a nutritional strategy to enhance nutritional value, thus helping in the treatment of constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Informacion Tecnica Economica Agraria is the property of Asociacion Interprofesional para el Desarrollo Agrario (AIDA) 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.)

Copyright of Indonesian Fisheries Processing Journal / Jurnal Pengolahan Hasil Perikanan Indonesia is the property of IPB University 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: Currently available behavioral and dietary weight‐loss programs lack magnitude and sustainability compared with bariatric surgery. A novel dietary weight‐loss program was developed to assist participants in achieving sustainable diet changes by building knowledge and skills in food self‐selection. Although the approach worked, a large variation was observed in outcome among participants. Objective: Determine factors affecting weight‐loss outcomes among participants to further improve the efficacy of the program. Methods: Participants attended 19 dietary educational sessions during a 1‐year intervention which included prescribed homework. Changes in weight, diet, and body composition were assessed. Results: Participants (n = 22) achieved mean body weight loss of −6.49(8.37%, p < 0.001) from baseline at 12 months. Nine participants (41%) achieved weight loss >5% of initial bodyweight; two reached a Body Mass Index 25 kg/m2. A large divergence in weight loss among participants was observed; successful (n = 9) achieved −12.9(9.6)% while unsuccessful achieved −2.03(2.78)%. Dietary protein and fiber density by 24‐h records showed a significant and inverse correlation with weight loss (%) throughout the program. Weight loss at 3 months and 12 months showed a strong correlation (r = 0.84). Participants with self‐reported depression lost significantly less weight than those without depression at 12 months (p < 0.03). Conclusions: Divergence in weight‐loss outcomes among the participants is likely due to a difference in successful dietary implementation. Intra‐cohort analysis indicates early weight‐loss success and early dietary implementation was predictive of long‐term success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental 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.)

Electrochromic (EC) fibers hold significant potential in applications such as smart clothing and adaptive camouflage. However, EC fibers still encounter challenges in practical applications, such as poor electrochemical stability and slow switching speed. The EC electrolyte was modified by SiO2 nanoparticles to address these issues. The optical and electrochemical properties of EC fibers fabricated with the modified electrolyte were investigated and discussed, and the influence of SiO2 nanoparticles on the stability of the color-changing material was analyzed. The results show that the coloration efficiency of SiO2-modified EC fibers reach 53.1 cm²/C, accompanied by a rapid switching speed (22.9/12.6 s). Even after 300 electrochemical cycles, the device maintained excellent coloration stability (optical reflective contrast maintains 58.3% of the initial value). Undoped SiO-modified EC fibers show lower coloring efficiency (20.2 cm²/C) and lower switching speed (34.7/38.4 s). Additionally, the mechanical properties of EC fiber devices are excellent, demonstrating potential application value in wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is a new generation concrete with high strength, used in special structures, and its use is increasing day by day. In this study, instead of using high-strength aggregates typically used in RPC, wastes released in ferrochrome production were used. In addition, the possibility of using fibers obtained from end-of-life automobile tires (ELT), instead of the micro steel fibers typically used in RPC, was investigated. Thus, sustainable green reactive powder concrete (GRPC), the material which is obtained from waste materials except the binder and chemical additive, has been developed. As ferrochrome wastes, olivine, serpentine, rum, slag, and pure waste were used as powder and aggregate in GRPC. Firstly, in GRPC without fiber, the physical and mechanical properties of ferrochrome wastes were examined by using different ratios. Then, the optimum mixture was selected, and different ratios of industrial steel and ELT fiber were added to this mixture. As a result, the compressive strength of GRPC using olivine and pure waste (ferrochrome slag) is close to the reference RPC. However, it is 28% more economical. The flexural strength of the samples with a 4% addition of industrial or ELT fiber increased by 182% and 213%, respectively, compared to the reference sample without fiber. With the use of 4% ELT fiber (by volume) in GRPC, the flexural strength increased by 11% compared to the use of industrial steel fiber. In terms of cost, with the use of ferrochrome waste and ELT fiber, GRPC was 48% more economical. When examined in terms of the flexural and compressive unit strength cost, GRPC was approximately 41% more economical. As a result of this study, high-performance concrete with high mechanical properties that is economical, sustainable, and environmentally friendly has been produced by evaluating the use of waste materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationship between natural fiber filling density (10%, 15%, 25%) and its impact on the bending properties of polymer compounds reinforced with Diss, Sisal and Luffa fibers. Using advanced techniques like fiber analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), the research reveals that a 25% filling density results in the highest stress values (25.61 MPa, 22.21 MPa and 20.88 MPa) for Diss, Sisal and Luffa compounds, respectively, fostering robust bonds in Diss-reinforced polymers. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model demonstrates superior predictive capability with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.99 for stress and displacement, outperforming Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) underscores the impact of sample section parameters and fiber rate on stress, establishing the significance of type parameters and fiber rate on displacement. This integration of ANN and RSM represents a paradigm shift in predicting bending mechanical properties, advancing our understanding of composite materials for innovative applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the ever‐increasing demand for transmission capacity in optical fiber communication systems, there is a growing focus on developing active fibers and devices with an optical response across a wider spectrum. Bismuth (Bi)‐doped photonic glasses have attracted significant interest for their exceptional ultra‐broadband optical response, particularly within telecommunication bands. However, developing advanced Bi‐activated materials with robust optical response, high compatibility with commercial transmission systems, and low processing temperature remains a huge challenge. Herein, an anion hybridization strategy is proposed to overcome the aforementioned limitations. The anion hybridization significantly enhances the broadband optical response (≈10 times) of the Bi center following the introduction of fluorine ions, and reduces the transition temperature of the photonic glass (≈200 °C). Moreover, the near‐infrared optical response bandwidth experiences significant broadening, a result attributed to the larger inhomogeneous broadening. Furthermore, successful fabrication of the anion‐hybridized Bi‐activated glass fiber is achieved, demonstrating excellent compatibility with commercial transmission fibers. Additionally, the fabricated fiber exhibits an amplified spontaneous emission and on‐off gain across a broad waveband, further validating its efficacy. These results indicate that anion hybridization offers an effective strategy to optimize the optical and thermal properties of photonic materials to develop novel advanced photonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim:Materials & Methods:Results:Conclusion:This study aimed to examine the association between Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI) and headache severity, disability and duration among women with migraine.In this cross-sectional study, 266 women (aged 18–45 years) were enrolled using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). CQI was defined by four criteria: fiber intake, dietary glycemic index (DGI), whole grains/total grains ratio and solid carbohydrates/total carbohydrates ratio. Anthropometric measurements, visual analogue scale (VAS), migraine disability assessment (MIDAS), and headache duration were assessed for all participants.Participants with a high adherence to CQI had lower odds of moderate pain (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.21-0.94; P = 0.03) and severe pain (OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.18-0.82; P = 0.01) compared to those with a low adherence to CQI. After controlling for potential confounders, individuals with the greatest adherence to CQI showed a 78% reduced prevalence in severe pains and a 63% decreased occurrence in moderate pains compared to those with the lowest adherence (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.09-0.55; P = 0.01 and OR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.16-0.84; P = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, Subjects with higher adherence to CQI had lower odds of headache duration (OR = 0.54; 95% CI= 0.31-0.96; P = 0.03). The significant association remained (P < 0.05) even after confounding variables (OR = 0.59; 95 % CI = 0.35-1.002; P = 0.05). Despite adjusting for confounding valuables, there was no significant association between the CQI and MIDAS scores (P > 0.05).Higher adherence to CQI was associated with lower severity and duration in patients with migraine. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cells are uniquely characterized by exhibiting cell walls, pigments, and phenolic compounds, which can impede microscopic observations by absorbing and scattering light. The concept of clearing was first proposed in the late nineteenth century to address this issue, aiming to render plant specimens transparent using chloral hydrate. Clearing techniques involve chemical procedures that render biological specimens transparent, enabling deep imaging without physical sectioning. Drawing inspiration from clearing techniques for animal specimens, various protocols have been adapted for plant research. These procedures include (i) hydrophobic methods (e.g., Visikol™), (ii) hydrophilic methods (ScaleP and ClearSee), and (iii) hydrogel-based methods (PEA-CLARITY). Initially, clearing techniques for plants were mainly utilized for deep imaging of seeds and leaves of herbaceous plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. Utilizing cell wall-specific fluorescent dyes for plants and fungi, researchers have documented the post-penetration behavior of plant pathogenic fungi within hosts. State-of-the-art plant clearing techniques, coupled with microbe-specific labeling and high-throughput imaging methods, offer the potential to advance the in planta characterization of plant microbiomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel method to fabricate scalable photovoltaic fibers (PVFs) by leveraging crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cell technology, known for its high‐power conversion efficiency (PCE), stable performance, and low cost. The c‐Si PVF is built on a flexible circuit strip as narrow as 400 µm, and c‐Si cells as small as 0.35 mm2 are surface‐mounted on the strip. The cells are diced from an interdigitated back‐contact c‐Si solar cell (≈153 cm2). A c‐Si PVF including a 1 mm2 cell reaches PCE up to 9.6% and 11.0% under simulated AM 1.5G illumination without and with encapsulation, respectively, the highest reported for c‐Si PVFs, while a 1.5 ft‐long fiber produces ≈37 mW m−1. Additionally, the PVF can tolerate bending fatigue with no sign of performance loss after 8000 bending cycles. To demonstrate practical applicability, the c‐Si PVFs are also woven into textile swatches. They deliver ≈10 mW cm−2 under a halogen lamp and successfully power a light‐emitting‐diode. This PVF technology is scalable with regards to both achieving thin fibers and its compatibility with roll‐to‐roll fabrication processes. The fiber concept presented here can also be extended to any chip‐scale surface mountable devices, enabling cell‐agnostic fiber technologies for multifunctional electronic textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suspended dust plays a critical role in regulating the Martian climate by influencing the atmospheric thermal gradient, altering the amount of infrared and visible energy absorbed and scattered by the atmosphere, and acting as condensation nuclei for CO 2 ice-clouds particles. There are many well demonstrated, dust-related effects on martian climate which depend on dustsize, concentration, chemical and bulk composition. Currently, an accurate estimation of these parameters is lacking as they are derived from indirect measurement of the optical depth acquired from the surface and orbital data. These indirect measurements require a priori assumptions on the grain distribution curve and are hence subject to possible biases. To overcome these limitations, an optical particles counter called MicroMED has been developed under the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) leadership. MicroMED can measure the sizes of individual dust grains in a specific volume of air thus providing the grain size distribution and concentration. MicroMED has been selected to join the Dust Complex payload on board the ExoMars 2022. The Flight Model of the instrument has been developed and optimized starting from two prototype BreadBoard versions. Here we present the sub-systems that constitute MicroMED and their testing and characterization process, performed using the Breadboard models. We discuss the optimizations and improvements introduced on the basis of the prototype results and the overall performances of the final design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thickness of the maximum undistorted chip (agmax) is a crucial component of the machining arguments and significantly affects the quality of the grind. For the purpose of investigating the impact of the agmax on the grinding removal properties of SiO2f/SiO2 composites, grinding experiments of SiO2f/SiO2 composites were conducted. The findings indicate that crack propagation, fiber cracking, matrix breaking, and interface debonding are the primary removal modes of SiO2f/SiO2 composites. Grinding force, surface roughness, and chip size all have a positive correlation with the maximum undeformed chip thickness. Surface brittle fracture brought on by SiO2 fiber microcrack results in little surface roughness. The surface quality degrades when bending fracture and compression fracture take place. Controlling the agmax can enhance the grinding surface quality of SiO2f/SiO2 composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric (TE) fibers are more suitable than films for portable or wearable devices. Herein, 2–3 nm thick poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layer‐coated tellurium nanowires (PC‐Te NWs) are in situ prepared by a hydrothermal method. Then a series of PEDOT: PSS/PC‐Te NWs composite fibers are prepared by wet spinning and post‐treatment. The nanolayer prevents the agglomeration of the Te NWs and makes the NWs and PEDOT:PSS matrix have good compatibility, which results in the PC‐Te NWs content to a high value of 70 wt% and the fibers still with flexibility. The high aspect ratio of the PC‐Te NWs and the stress from the inner wall of the needle during spinning make the NWs ordered align along the composite fiber. Due to the large content and orientational arrangement of the PC‐Te NWs, as well as effective post‐treatment, an optimized composite fiber shows a power factor of 385.4 µW m−1 K−2 at 300 K, which is ≈4.9 times as high as the highest value of previously reported PEDOT:PSS/Te NWs‐based composite fibers. In addition, the composite fiber has good flexibility. The flexible TE generators assembled have excellent output performance. This work provides an effective strategy for the preparation of high‐performance flexible TE composite fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber gel dye‐sensitized solar cells (FGDSCs) are recognized as an effective solution for high‐performance, durable and safe wearable power supply. However, poor and unstable interfaces between fiber electrodes and gel electrolytes are bottleneck problems that have restricted the photovoltaic performances of FGDSCs and their stabilities during deformations. Here, an FGDSC with stable interlaced interfaces is designed by incorporating polymerized gel electrolyte into the aligned channels in fiber electrodes and the gaps between photoanode and counter electrode in situ. The interlaced structure of gel electrolyte in FGDSC improves the interfacial stability and provided stable channels for rapid ion diffusions, offering efficient charge transports at interfaces. The resulting FGDSC thus produced a high power conversion efficiency of 7.95%, and it is further maintained by over 90% after bending for 5000 cycles. These FGDSCs can be integrated with fiber batteries as a self‐charging power system, demonstrating an effective power solution for wearables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying distributed strain sensing (DSS) patterns (or signatures), particularly those arising from different hydraulic fracture geometries, has gained significant attention and research effort. Recent works have generated a catalogue of signatures for planar hydraulic fractures in an elastic rock formation. Yet, in numerous cases (e.g., fault motion and some geothermal reservoir stimulation), the main mode of deformation is a shear on a fracture or a network of natural fractures (particularly during low pressure injection/circulation). However, the specific fiber signatures that result from such shear deformation have not been studied. In this study, we use a three-dimensional poroelastic hydraulic fracture simulator to capture the strain signatures resulting from the shear deformation of fractures in various orientations with respect to the monitoring well. Five key cases are examined: one where the fracture strike is perpendicular to the fiber, another with the strike running parallel to the fiber, a third case where the fracture strike is at 45 degrees to the fiber, a fourth case with a strike slip fault perpendicular to the fiber, and a fifth case where fiber is intersecting the fracture. Theoretically and physically meaningful results were obtained in all five cases, which completely differ from the heart-shaped signature of tensile fracture propagation. It was discovered that the strain pattern changes with the shear deformation direction with respect to the fiber. The model is then used to simulate the response of a fracture network at Utah FORGE to injection to assess whether a signature might be expected in response to the planned injection and circulation rates, and, if so, what strain pattern might be expected. The simulation confirms that a strain response can indeed be observed. More importantly, the fiber response that would be detected in the monitoring well would be a combination of strain signatures from dilation and shear deformation of differently oriented natural fractures. The results in this study provide useful insights on the application of fiber to other stimulation and/or circulation scenarios where shear deformation of a fracture or fracture network plays a major role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of rice flour substitution with hazelnut skin (HS), hazelnut flour (HF), and HS-HF blend (1:1, w/w) at percentages of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% (w/w) on gluten-free cake batters were studied from a rheological standpoint. Replacement with 5% HS increased Power-Law consistency index (K), reduced specific gravity and resulted in the highest cake volume. Increasing levels of HS gradually increased specific gravity, water activity, and reduced tan δ, leading to cakes with lower volume, darker (lower L*) color, harder texture. HF addition increased tanδ (at >5%) and specific gravity, producing cakes with lower volume, but similar color and texture to those of control. HS-HF blend improved cake color and hardness compared to HS added alone. Strong correlations were found between G'(ω ) slope and cake volume (r=0.9939 for added HS, r=- 0.9408 for added HF), the exponent a and cake volume (r=0.9447 for added HS, r=-0.8668 for added HF) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous human adenovirus (AdV) types are endowed with arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) sequences that enable them to recognize vitronectin-binding (αv) integrins. These RGD-binding cell receptors mediate AdV entry into host cells, a crucial early step in virus infection. Integrin interactions with adenoviruses not only initiate receptor-mediated endocytosis but also facilitate AdV capsid disassembly, a prerequisite for membrane penetration by AdV protein VI. This review discusses fundamental aspects of AdV–host interactions mediated by integrins. Recent efforts to re-engineer AdV vectors and non-viral nanoparticles to target αv integrins for bioimaging and the eradication of cancer cells will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen (three doses of N) and magnesium (two doses of Mg) fertilization on the yield and quality of fodder obtained from two old and extensive grass species Festulolium braunii cv. 'Felopa' and Lolium multiflorum cv. 'Tur' in field cultivation under dry conditions. F. braunii was better adapted to cultivation on light, dry soils than L. multiflorum; in such conditions, it produces higher yields of dry matter and protein, characterized by a higher concentration of nutrients. F. braunii fertilized with doses of 120 and 180 kg N∙ha−1 yielded higher than that fertilized with a dose of 60 kg N∙ha−1, and L. multiflorum produced similar yields after applying doses of 60, 120 and 180 kg N∙ha−1. For tested grass pasture, a single N application after the start of vegetation in two forms (fast- and slow-acting) appears to be adequate. Resignation from splitting the nitrogen dose due to variable rainfall distribution that can occur after the first cut during the dry summer is beneficial due to a reduction in the losses of nutrients and environmental burdens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, mantle flour and elderberry kernel were used to increase the nutritional properties and fiber of ice cream. Elderberry mantle and core were separately converted into flour, added to ice cream at levels (2, 1, and 3%) and its physicochemical properties such as: viscosity, aurran, colorimetry were investigated and the best treatment was determined during the sensory evaluation. The physicochemical results of ice cream containing elderberry flour (shell and core) showed: increasing the percentage of elderberry core and mantle caused a decrease in pH. The lowest pH value was related to the sample containing 3% kernel flour and the highest pH value was related to the control sample. The highest amount of viscosity (1327.5 centipoise) was related to the treatment of 3% elderberry mantle flour and the lowest amount was related to the control sample. The highest specific weight (1.15) was related to the treatment of 2% and 3% of elderberry mantle flour and the lowest amount was related to the control sample. Also, the highest coefficient of volume increase was observed in the control sample (38.97%) and the lowest overrun was observed in the sample containing 3% of Sanjad mantle flour. With the sensory evaluation, the treatment containing 2% elderberry kernel flour was more acceptable than other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic principle for the treatment of idiopathic diarrhoea (functional diarrhoea K59.1) is to delay transit through the gut in order to promote the absorption of electrolytes and water. Under mild conditions, bulking agents may suffice. With increasing severity, antidiarrhoeal pharmaceuticals may be added in a stepwise manner. In diarrhoea of unknown aetiology, peripherally-acting opioid receptor agonists, such as loperamide, are first-line treatment and forms the pharmaceutical basis of antidiarrheal treatment. As second-line treatment opium drops have an approved indication for severe diarrhoea when other treatment options fail. Beyond this, various treatment options are built on experience with more advanced treatments using clonidine, octreotide, as well as GLP-1 and GLP-2 analogs which require specialist knowledge the field. Chronic diarrhoea without an established cause is common. There are a small number of clinical trials, often with a limited number of patients or healthy volunteers. Treatment is often carried out on a trial-and-error basis, with considerable variation in the choice of treatment. There is a paucity of guidelines, and there is a gap in knowledge concerning treatment goals, such as the frequency, consistency and form of stool. The stepwise approach to the treatment of chronic idiopathic diarrhoea described in this article is based on clinical knowledge and experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]