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Palm oil processing in the industry produces products and waste; the waste generated from the palm oil processing process will have a negative impact on the environment if it is not processed. Oil palm empty fruit bunches are lignocellulosic solid wastes that contain cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose content, so they have the potential to be raw materials for making bioethanol. In the process of producing bioethanol, delignification is an early stage that aims to reduce the lignin content in lignocellulosic materials with alkaline or alkaline pretreatment solutions such as the use of NaOH can be used to help separate lignin from cellulose fibers. This study aimed to analyze the effect of NaOH concentration and delignification temperature on the lignocellulosic content of oil palm empty fruit bunches. The research method was arranged descriptively with two treatments: the concentration of NaOH consisting of 3%, 4%, and 5%, and the heating temperature consisting of 100 oC, 110 oC, and 120 oC. Lignocellulosic content can be calculated using the Chesson method analysis with the Microsoft Excel 2016 application as a data processor. The results showed that 1 M NaOH concentration with heating temperature had an effect on the observations of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. The best treatment of 1 M NaOH concentration and heating temperature on hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin was produced by the treatment of 5% NaOH concentration with a heating temperature of 120 0C.

The rates of in vivo bioresorption of composite monofilaments based on polylactide (PLA) containing chitin nanofibrils of two types (pure chitin (CN) or chitin modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (CN-PEG)) or silver nanoparticles stabilized with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (Poviargol) were studied. The in vivo bioresorption rate and its dependence on the degree of orientational drawing of the samples (which varied from 1 in non-oriented samples to 4 in oriented samples) were investigated up to 12 months after implantation. Bioresorption of the samples was monitored using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical tests. Using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method, it was shown that there is a gradual decrease in molecular weight due to a decrease in the temperatures of phase transitions and changes in peak shapes. It has also been shown that the addition of fillers containing water-soluble polymers accelerates the bioresorption of composite sutures. A thread made from pure PLA lost half its strength by the 9th month of implantation, whereas for threads with the addition of CNPEG or Poviargol, this happened after 3.5 months. This causes leaching of water-soluble agents and changes in the supramolecular structure of the filament. This study shows the promise of using these composite threads as a suture material.

Abstract In recent years, wearable electrochemical biosensors have received increasing attention, benefiting from the growing demand for continuous monitoring for personalized medicine and point‐of‐care medical assistance. Incorporating electrochemical biosensing and corresponding power supply into everyday textiles could be a promising strategy for next‐generation non‐invasive and comfort interaction mode with healthcare. This review starts with the manufacturing and structural design of electrochemical biosensing textiles and discusses a series of wearable electrochemical biosensing textiles monitoring various biomarkers (e.g., pH, electrolytes, metabolite, and cytokines) at the molecular level. The fiber‐shaped or textile‐based solar cells and aqueous batteries as corresponding energy harvesting and storage devices are further introduced as a complete power supply for electrochemical biosensing textiles. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects relating to sensing textile systems from wearability, durability, washability, sample collection and analysis, and clinical validation.

Gravitropism is an adaptive reaction of plants associated with the ability of various plant organs to be located and to grow in a certain direction relative to the gravity vector, while usually the asymmetric distribution of the phytohormone auxin is a necessary condition for the gravitropical bending of plant organs. Earlier, we described significant morphological changes in phloem fibers with a thickened cell wall located on different sides of the stem in the area of the gravitropic curvature. The present study is the first work devoted to the identification of genes encoding auxin transporters in cells at different stages of development and during gravity response. In this study, the flax genes encoding the AUX1/LAX, PIN-FORMED, PIN-LIKES, and ABCB auxin transporters were identified. A comparative analysis of the expression of these genes in flax phloem fibers at different stages of development revealed increased expression of some of these genes at the stage of intrusive growth (LusLAX2 (A, B), LuxPIN1-D, LusPILS7 (C, D)), at the early stage of tertiary cell wall formation (LusAUX1 (A, D), LusABCB1 (A, B), LusABCB15-A, LusPIN1 (A, B), LusPIN4-A, and LusPIN5-A), and at the late stage of tertiary cell wall development (LusLAX3 (A, B)). It was shown that in the course of gravitropism, the expression of many genes, including those responsible for the influx of auxin in cells (LusAUX1-D), in the studied families increased. Differential expression of auxin transporter genes was revealed during gravity response in fibers located on different sides of the stem (upper (PUL) and lower (OPP)). The difference was observed due to the expression of genes, the products of which are responsible for auxin intracellular transport (LusPILS3, LusPILS7-A) and its efflux (LusABCB15-B, LusABCB19-B). It was noted that the increased expression of PIN genes and ABCB genes was more typical of fibers on the opposite side. The results obtained allow us to make an assumption about the presence of differential auxin content in the fibers of different sides of gravistimulated flax plants, which may be determined by an uneven outflow of auxin. This study gives an idea of auxin carriers in flax and lays the foundation for further studies of their functions in the development of phloem fiber and in gravity response.

A series of experiments was conducted to study the performance and mechanisms of Cemented Ultrafine Tailings Backfill (CUTB). Firstly, the optimum fiber type was selected by single factor multilevel test. Secondly, the effects of cement content, rice husk ash content, fiber content and fiber length on backfill properties were analyzed by orthogonal test and microstructure test, and the influence mechanism of fiber and rice husk ash content was revealed. Finally, fuzzy mathematics theory is used to optimize the ratio parameters. The results show, compared to glass and basalt fiber, polypropylene fiber yields the most substantial enhancement in backfill strength. The increase of cement content, polypropylene fiber content and length can reduce slump, but the change of rice husk ash content has no obvious effect. Increased cement or fiber content effectively restrained the formation of primary fractures in CUTB, thus enhancing its integrity. Adding an optimal dosage range of 0–4 % of rice husk ash boosted the early compressive strength, albeiting at the expense of later compressive strength. Fiber addition with the optimum content range between 0.1 and 0.4 % enhanced the strengthening effect of cement content on compressive strength. Fiber primarily enhances the macroscopic strength of backfill through the dispersion and co-loading of forces, whereas rice husk ash enhances strength by optimizing void structure distribution. The optimal ratio parameters of a cement content of 310 kg/m³, rice husk ash content of 8.0 %, fiber content of 0.4 %, and fiber length of 9 mm were proposed finally.

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the seismic performance of an exterior precast concrete (PC) beam–column joint with ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Currently, 45 MPa non-shrinkage mortar is used as grouting for the connection between PC beams and columns. In this study, PC joint specimens were designed using 45 MPa non-shrinkage mortar and 120 MPa UHPFRC as a grouting agent for connecting PC members. The shear reinforcement effect of UHPFRC was confirmed to reduce shear cracks in the joint core; this trend was similar in the specimens with reduced shear rebars. The maximum moment of the test specimen with the corbel was slightly increased, but there was no significant difference, and the failure pattern also showed similar results to the specimen without the corbel. In the test specimen to which the U-shaped beam was applied, the attachment surface of ultra-high-performance concrete and normal concrete were separated, and a large decrease in strength was observed. Considering workability, U-shaped beam do not seem to have any major merits in general, such as increased strength and difficulty in manufacturing, and it was judged that it was effective to separate the PC beams from the column face through corbels. Shear reinforcement through UHPFRC is effective in relieving congestion by reducing shear reinforcement bars at the joint, and it is judged that it can be used as PC joint grouting due to its excellent fluidity.

In this review, polyoxometalate-based fiber materials, including preparation and application, are introduced, showing promising performances in catalysis and optical property.

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is attributed to the rapid shift in our environment, particularly the modern lifestyle. Recent research has decoded the link between T2D and various chronic conditions with compromised gut health. Enhancing our understanding of gut health and actively maintaining a healthy gut can significantly impact overall well-being, including the management of T2D. Notably, recent key findings highlight the positive effects of incorporating probiotics, prebiotics (beneficial live organisms from diverse food sources), and increased fiber intake in promoting a beneficial balance of intestinal flora, thereby fortifying the gut. Research has demonstrated that probiotics, such as specific strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, play a crucial role in supporting gut health and preventing the onset of T2D. Conversely, a diet high in saturated fats and processed sugars has been identified as a contributor to poor gut health, leading to a condition known as gut dysbiosis. Moreover, studies indicate that an imbalanced gut is a contributing factor to insulin resistance in individuals with T2D. It is noteworthy that certain factors, such as the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal medications, can significantly disrupt gut health and contribute to imbalances. This review emphasizes the importance of reinforcing gut health through the inclusion of specific probiotic strains and adopting a high-fiber, plant-based diet. The consumption of such a diet appears to be an effective and favorable strategy for improving intestinal microbiota and, consequently, overall health, with a specific focus on preventing T2D.

Walls produced using different masonry materials and mortars are among the structural elements that carry horizontal and vertical loads. In this context, the mechanical properties of walls produced with different wall and mortar materials have been investigated. In the production of wall samples, Harman Brick (HB), Masonry Brick (MB) and Bimsblok (BB) were chosen as the mesh material Reinforced Mortar (RM) and Polypropylene Fiber Added Mortar (PM) were used as binding materials in the construction of the walls produced in 900x900 mm dimensions. The volumetric mixing ratios of the mortar used were prepared as sand:cement:lime=6:1:1, according to the TSE 2510 standard. The bricked wall samples were subjected to diagonal loading tests after being kept in the laboratory environment for 28 days. Flexural and compressive strengths of the mortars used in wall building, displacement values of the walls, shear strength, rigidity modulus, energy absorption capacity and collapse patterns of the walls were determined. The graphs of the displacement values obtained by examining the behaviors observed in the test samples and the cracks formed were interpreted. It was observed that the shear strength of the walls built using PM was higher than the shear strength of the walls built using RM. The energy absorption capacity was highest in the fibrous specimen laid with masonry bricks. The average vertical load value of the wall specimens built with fibrous mortar, which is the BB of the masonry material, was 30% higher than the specimens built with non-fiber mortar.

Abstract Brownies, enriched with fiber and Moringa oleifera, hydroxytyrosol (HXT), and spirulina (encapsulated and nonencapsulated), and dietary fiber using psyllium were elaborated. For that, a commercial control (CTRL) and an experimental control (CTRL) (without antioxidants) were compared. Color, nutritional composition, pH, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds, as well as sensory properties were evaluated. The results showed the brownies developed with psyllium and the different extracts increased total dietary fiber compared to CTRL Commercial and CTRL, with E‐spirulina (14.93 g/100 g) and Moringa (11.91 g/100 g) being the most prominent samples. However, with regard to soluble fiber, the highest content of NE‐spirulina and the lowest content of HXT were observed. In addition, brownies enriched with extracts showed higher antioxidant capacity and higher phenolic compounds than controls, with HXT standing out at 299.25 μM Trolox/g in ABTS, 1470.08 μM Trolox/g in DPPH, and 18.15 μM Trolox/g in FRAP. However, a high level of phenolic compounds was found in E‐Spirulina (604.71 mg/L). In reference to fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (70%) were the predominant fatty acids, followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (19%) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) (10%). Glutamic acid and asparagine were the predominant amino acids. As for mineral content, N‐spirulina and E‐spirulina were the brownies with the highest iron bioaccessibility; Si, Na, B, Al, P, Fe, Zn, Bi, Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Rb, S, and Sr being the most abundant elements in the brownies of this study. In addition, the HXT and Moringa samples scored higher in overall acceptability compared to the controls. The findings suggest that the incorporation of psyllium, quinoa flour, and antioxidant extracts in brownies could be a viable approach to produce a healthy brownie enriched with fiber, antioxidants and, therefore, considering the nutritional, physicochemical, and organoleptic characteristics, HTX is the ideal compound to enrich bakery products.

Abstract Background Intakes of fiber, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and folate were shown to be low in a substantial proportion of infants and children in Lebanon. The study aims to identify the top food sources of fiber, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and folate amongst infants and young children in Lebanon and to evaluate the evolution of food sources of these nutrients from the beginning of the complementary feeding journey up until the age of 47.9 months. Methods A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012 as part of the “Early Life Nutrition and Health in Lebanon” project using stratified cluster sampling. Dietary intakes for infants and young children aged 6-47.9 months (n = 763) were assessed using 24- Hour Dietary Recall. Food items were categorized into food groups and the percent contribution of each food group to nutrient intakes was determined to identify the top food sources of fiber and selected micronutrients for three age groups: 6-11.9 m (infants), 12-23.9 m (toddlers), and 24-47.9 m (preschoolers). Results The top food source of fiber was vegetables among children aged 6-47.9 months. Among infants and toddlers, infant/young child formula was the main contributor to iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and folate intakes. Baby cereals also contributed to around 14% of iron intakes among infants. Among preschoolers, meat and fish contributed to 13% of iron intakes and 29% of zinc intakes, while cow’s milk was the major contributor of calcium (41%), vitamin D (81%) and vitamin A (25%) intakes. Sweetened beverages and sweet bakery were also ranked among the major food sources contributing to substantial intakes of key nutrients, including fiber, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, and folate among infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Conclusions In addition to milk sources, vegetables, beans and legumes, breads, meats, and rice and pasta, sweet bakery and sweetened beverages have contributed to intakes of key nutrients from early ages. This calls for implementing initiatives and designing approaches to support nutrition education and improve nutrient intakes in infancy and early childhood.

The utilization of coal gangue (CG) as a substitute for cement in building materials offers an effective solution to mitigate resource wastage and environmental pollution caused by CG accumulation while also reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This paper employs orthogonal experiments to examine the effects of CG content, water/binder ratio (w/b), and foam content on the mechanical, thermal insulation, and durability properties of coal gangue foam concrete (CGFC). Additionally, we explored the properties of CGFC incorporating organic agricultural waste. Microscopic analyses focused on phase composition, morphology, and pore structure, providing crucial insights into how these experimental factors affect FC properties. The results indicate that foam content significantly impacts the mechanical properties of the concrete, while the w/b ratio is critical for its thermal insulation and water absorption capabilities. Introducing agricultural waste fibers notably enhances thermal insulation and freeze-thaw durability. Specifically, adding 1 % of 15 mm processed straw fibers (PST) optimally improved CGFC performance by creating a stronger bond with the hydration products. Preparing FC using inorganic coal gangue and organic solid waste is essential for effective waste management and the development of energy-efficient insulation applications in the construction sector.

Flax is a versatile crop grown for its fiber and seed oil. Despite extensive conservation efforts in Ethiopia, the genetic potential of flax accessions conserved in the gene bank remains largely underexplored for fiber and seed yield. Here, we aimed to assess the genetic variability and association of morpho-agronomic traits and identify potential accessions for fiber and seed yield among 150 flax accessions. The study was conducted at Holeta Agricultural Research Center during 2022/23 growing season using an augmented design. Data were collected on flowering and maturity dates, plant and technical height, basal and secondary branch, boll and seed numbers, 1000-seed weight, and yield. Results revealed significant variation both between blocks and within treatments, with flowering time, maturity, plant height, boll number, seed weight, and yield contributing for the highest variability (58.7%). Cluster analysis revealed nine distinct genetic groups, each exhibiting specific trait patterns. Seed yield had strong associations with maturity, plant height, and boll number. High broad-sense heritability for days to flowering, plant height, and yield traits suggests selection could be effective based on phenotypic expressions. The study highlights the potential of Ethiopian flax genetic diversity for enhancing fiber and seed yield, suggesting effective selection based on key traits.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to the pathobiology of the disease. While human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes have emerged as the strongest genetic factor, consensus on environmental risk factors are lacking. Recently, trillions of microbes residing in our gut (microbiome) have emerged as a potential environmental factor linked with the pathobiology of MS as PwMS show gut microbial dysbiosis (altered gut microbiome). Thus, there has been a strong emphasis on understanding the factors (host and environmental) regulating the composition of the gut microbiota and the mechanism(s) through which gut microbes contribute to MS disease, especially through immune system modulation. A better understanding of these interactions will help harness the enormous potential of the gut microbiota as a therapeutic approach to treating MS.

Industrial hemp cultivation was restricted years ago in most countries, thus wiping out centuries of science and genetic resources. It is only since the 1990s that hemp has been experiencing its renaissance, which is nowadays driven by new cultivation strategies. The objective of review was to compile and summarize the latest hemp research and achievements. The focus was on research from 2018 to 2023. VOSviewer software was used to define the main research areas and trends. Most articles were discussed, among others determination average yield loss due to water stress (8.7 Mg ha−1) and due to low temperatures (0.4 Mg ha−1); yield increase up to 25% achieving by rejecting the smallest seeds; or definition the optimum dose of sewage sludge application (25 Mg ha−1). Regarding composition and properties: identification caflanone flavonoid (selective activity against certain neoplasms); determination of 71 compounds (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and CBs) in the EO; determination antioxidant capacity of EO (63 mg TE g−1 and 438 mg TE g−1); or comparison the content of EO from monoicous, female and male inflorescences (0.10%, 0.15% and 0.07% respectively). The current possibilities of using, e.g. for phytoremediation or for bioenergy, were presented. Also knowledge gaps and the areas for future research were identified.

In recent years, functional foods have gained attention for their potential health benefits beyond basic nutrition, serving as rich sources of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Enriched with bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, these foods have shown promise in inhibiting cell signaling pathways related to proliferation, communication, and apoptosis. Key components in functional foods offer health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids scavenge free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants in foods such as sesame seed oil promote cardiovascular health and have anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin inhibits cancer by suppressing inflammatory cytokines. Understanding their mechanisms of action is crucial for realizing therapeutic benefits. However, identifying suitable bioactive substances and comprehending their role in disease prevention are challenging. As we enter the functional food era, this review aims to present the current state of functional foods and nutraceuticals, exploring their applications for human wellness. Recognizing nutrition's individualized nature of nutrition is a central theme, emphasizing the importance of tailored dietary recommendations based on diverse responses to these functional elements, ensuring that personalized approaches are aligned with individual health goals.

ABSTRACTDemand for alpaca fiber is subject to an increase, which is due to its beneficial properties. The study aimed to determine the differences in physical and mechanical properties, as well as heat insulation properties of alpaca fibers differing in color. The research material consisted of Huacaya alpaca fiber samples of white (W), light fawn (LF), medium fawn (MF), dark fawn (DF), and black (BLK) colors. The following properties were examined: diameter, comfort factor (CF), breaking force, elongation at break, tenacity and heat transfer rate. The finest fibers were found in W and DF fleece, while the coarsest ones in MF. CF was the highest in DF fibers. Breaking force LF varied between 6.4 (DF) and 11.7 cN (BLK), while elongation at break was 43.6 (LF) to 54.7% (BLK). No significant differences were found in case of tenacity. The best insulation properties were found for DF fibers. Correlations were confirmed between diameter and mechanical properties, and they differed slightly depending on colors.

ABSTRACTAs a tropical fruit, the banana is one of the favorite fruits, and the banana herb only bears fruit once in its lifespan; it is chopped off after harvesting, and only 40% of it is adequately utilized, leaving the remaining 60% as trash rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and natural fibers. The pseudostem accounts for 75% of the waste, with the rest accounting for 25%. The purpose of this paper is to raise important awareness about the bioactive chemicals found in banana pseudostems hence they can be considered as sustainable foods and their applications as culinary raw materials and in other sectors. Even though bulk waste is biodegradable, it causes many problems in our environment, so sustainable waste usage with proper management and utilization of the residues can not only help in the utilization of the bioactive and nutrient compounds present but also increase the economic and environmental issues associated with the problem. The banana pseudostem is used in various businesses as culinary ingredients, fibers, and hazardous removers. Even when used for heavy metal treatment in wastewater, the fiber in it is strong enough to manufacture cardboard and food packaging materials. Some pseudostem types can even be extracted for pectin and used as food additives. The powdered pseudostem is used to boost the nutritional content of numerous recipes. In summary, the banana pseudostem can be divided into two first the central core part that can be used as food raw material and other outer sheaths in various different industries.

Mounting evidence supports the potential of dietary bioactives to reduce chronic disease risk. N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT) and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (NFT) have been hypothesized to drive regulation of gut permeability, but these components have not yet been studied in the context of the human gut microbiome. This work examined whether purified NCT and NFT, or a hemp hull product containing NCT and NFT (Brightseed® Bio Gut Fiber™), can impact the gut microbiome using an in vitro fermentation assay. Representative human gut microbiomes were treated with Bio Gut Fiber™ or NCT and NFT and compared to starch and methylcellulose, as controls, in vitro. Stronger changes were exerted by Bio Gut Fiber™, NCT, and NFT. Communities treated with Bio Gut Fiber™ saw increased productivity and diversity. We found a dose-dependent effect of NCT and NFT on microbial communities. Here, we describe novel potential for hemp-derived bioactives to shape the gut microbiome.

INTRODUCTION: Higher intake of fiber has been associated with lower risk of incident symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA). We examined whether levels of alkylresorcinol (AR), a marker of whole grain intake, were associated with OA in subjects in The Multicenter Osteoarthritis (MOST) Study. METHOD: Knee x-rays and knee pain were assessed at baseline and through 60-months. Stored baseline fasting plasma samples were analyzed for AR homologues (C17:0, C19:0, C21:0, C23:0, C25:0) and total AR levels (AR sum). Two nested case-control studies, one for incident radiographic OA and one for incident symptomatic OA were performed with participants re-assessed at 15, 30 and 60 months. Multivariable conditional logistic regression with baseline covariates including age, sex, BMI, physical activity, quadriceps strength, race, smoking, depressive symptoms, diabetes and knee injury tested the association of log transformed AR levels with OA outcomes. RESULTS: Seven hundred seventy-seven subjects were, on average, in their 60s, and most were women. For 60-month cumulative incidence, there was no significant association between quartiles of AR concentration and incident radiographic (e.g., for incident radiographic OA, highest vs lowest quartile of AR sum showed RR = 0.93 (95% CI 0.59, 1.47), and for symptomatic OA RR was 1.22 (95% CI 0.76, 1.94). In secondary analyses examining 30-month incidence, high AR levels were associated with a reduced risk of X-ray OA (RR = 0.31 (95% CI 0.15, 0.64). CONCLUSION: In primary analyses, AR levels were not associated with risk of OA, but secondary analyses left open the possibility that high AR levels may protect against OA.

Concrete with fiber reinforcement is stronger and more ductile than concrete without reinforcement. Significant efforts have been made to demonstrate the properties and enhancements of concrete after reinforcement with various types and shapes of fibers. However, the issue of optimization in the reinforcement process is still unanswered. There is no academic study in the literature now available that can pinpoint the ideal fiber type, quantity, and shape and, more crucially, the overall technical viability of the reinforcement. The parametric analysis in this study determines the ideal shape, size, and proportion of fibers. The input and output parameters were separated from the optimization design variables. Input parameters included assessment of samples of fresh and mechanical concrete properties and the influence of type, length, and percentage of fiber on concrete performance. The aim was to establish the most efficient relationship between fiber dose and dimension to optimize the combined responses of workability and splitting tensile, flexural, and compressive strength. The mechanical and fresh properties of concrete reinforced with four different fibers, PFRC‐1, PFRC‐2, SFRC‐1, and SFRC‐2, were tested. The analysis showed that SFRC‐2‐20 mm‐1%, with compressive, split tensile, flexural, and workability values of 44.7 MPa, 3.64 MPa, 5.3 MPa, and 6.5 cm respectively, was the most effective combination among the materials investigated. The optimization technique employed in this study offers new, important insights into how input and output parameters relate to one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was understood that various studies were carried out on the strength, permeability, durability, increasing the thermal performance of lightweight concrete facade panels, and sustainable and energy‐efficient concepts. It was observed that fiber was added to the mixture to improve the properties in question. However, it was determined that contradictory results were obtained due to the large number of active parameters and whether the fiber was distributed homogeneously in the matrix. In this study, the effects of fiber type, length and usage rate on the strength, energy absorption capacity, elasticity modulus, water absorption, and thermal performance of lightweight concrete mixtures were investigated. For this purpose, three different types of fibers of different lengths: polypropylene (3, 6, and 12 mm), glass (13 and 25 mm) and polyamide (6 and 12 mm) were used at 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% of the total volume. It was determined that the mixture containing 0.25% polypropylene fiber with a length of 3 mm exhibited the best performance in terms of both mechanical and thermal properties. In terms of these features, it was understood that the mixtures with 12 mm polypropylene with a usage rate of 0.75% and 6 mm polyamide fibers with a usage rate of 0.50% had the weakest performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Wheat is a staple food, with the two most common species being Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum ssp. durum. Moreover, the latter, T. turgidum, includes other tetraploid subspecies, among which the sspp. turanicum (Khorasan wheat) and polonicum (Polish wheat), whose importance has increased in the last decades, representing alternative crops for marginal areas, in addition to being a source of genetic diversity. Methods: In this work, different accessions of these three subspecies of T. turgidum have been grown in 2 years in the same environment and have been characterized for technological properties and factors affecting nutritional quality, such as fiber amount and the content of micro- and macro-nutrients in grains, and for root morphological traits. Results: These analyses allowed the identification, in particular, of a Polish wheat accession showing better technological performances, a higher amount of positive micro- and macro-elements, and a lower amount of toxic cadmium. The modern variety Svevo and the Polish Pol2 showed the lowest and the highest shoot:root ratio, respectively. The high shoot:root ratio in Pol2 was mainly attributable to the decrease in root growth. Although Pol2 had a lower root biomass, its particular root morphology made itmore efficient for nutrient uptake, as evident from the greater accumulation of micro- and macro-nutrients. Discussion: These results underline that it is not possible to draw general conclusions about the difference between primitive and modern wheats, but rather a case-by-case approach should be chosen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water damage is one of the major distresses of asphalt pavements. Existing methods for investigating the water stability of asphalt mixtures rely primarily on static water test methods, the tensile strength ratio (TSR) test, and the retained Marshall stability (RMS) test, which evaluate the strength and stability loss after freeze-thaw damage or hot water immersion, respectively. However, these methods do not accurately replicate the actual dynamic water damage conditions to pavement. Therefore, in this study, a variety of damage conditions, including static water conditions and dynamic water pressure conditions, were used to investigate the effects of lignin fibers (LFs), polyester fibers (PFs), and polypropylene fibers (PPFs) on the water stability of asphalt mixtures. First, three fibers-enhanced SMA gap-gradation asphalt mixtures were designed. Then, TSR and RMS were measured under traditional static water damage conditions and new dynamic water pressure damage conditions to evaluate the effect of fiber types on the water stability of asphalt mixtures. Finally, the void rate of asphalt mixtures and its changes under dynamic water damage conditions were further revealed with the help of CT scanning technique. Results showed that, among these three types of fibers, PFs-enhanced asphalt mixture exhibited excellent stability under both static and dynamic water conditions, and the CT scanning test also indicated that the PFs can significantly reduce the increase rate of voids in asphalt mixtures after dynamic water pressure damage. This study identified the potential of incorporating suitable type of fiber to enhance the performance of asphalt mixture under dynamic water pressure damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the mechanical properties of a composite material represents an important stage in its design and is generally a complicated operation. These values are influenced by the topology and geometry of the resulting composite and the values of the elastic constants of the components. Due to the importance of this subject and the increasing use of composite materials, different calculation methods have been developed over the last fifty years. Some of the methods are theoretical, with results that are difficult to apply in practice due to difficulties related to numerical calculation. In the current paper, using theoretical results offered by the homogenization theory, values of engineering elastic constants are obtained. The finite element method (FEM) is used to determine the stress and strain field required in these calculations; this is an extremely powerful and verified calculation tool for the case of a material with any type of structure and geometry. In order to minimize errors, the paper proposes the method of least squares, a mathematical method that provides the best estimate for the set of values obtained by calculating FEM. It is useful to consider as many load cases as possible to obtain the best estimates. The elastic constants for a transversely isotropic material (composite reinforced with cylindrical fibers) are thus determined for a real case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is described in the literature as a beneficial dietary pattern for neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the dietary habits in people with MS (pwMS) and to test whether adherence to the MD could have an impact on the severity of the disease measured as the MS severity score (MSSS). Adherence to the MD was assessed in 31 PwMS using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), the Pyramid-based Mediterranean Diet Score (PyrMDS) index, and the Italian Mediterranean Index (IMI), and their eating habits were recorded in a food diary for a one-year follow-up. When data obtained from dietary analysis were compared to the MSSS, results showed that pwMS with lower MSSS adhere more to the MD than the other pwMS groups according to the MEDAS index. Furthermore, a high consumption of fiber in the MS mild severity class was observed. Further studies are needed to clarify which of the nutritional components of the MD may impact the course of MS and if the sensitization of pwMS to MD adherence can be a strategy for mitigating the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a novel 3D printed core and natural fiber polyester composite skin based thick sandwich panel was developed as structural material for domestic and commercial infrastructure applications. The main objective of this research was to analyze how the carbon quantum dots (C-dots) from agriculture waste strengthen the softer thermoplastic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) core and overall sandwich panel's load bearing properties. The core of sandwich was prepared using additive manufacturing method whereas the skin was developed by hand layup method. According to the results the C-dots of 20 phr into the ABS improved the compression properties of core in both flatwise and edgewise directions. A highest tensile and flexural strength of skin was observed to be 114 and 146 MPa respectively. The addition of C-dots improved the load bearing effect and also restricts the deformation against load. This performance improved novel 3D printed core and bamboo fiber skin sandwich could be used as an alternative construction and building material where the commercial plywood and other forms of powder wood face damages via weather and termite issues. Highlights • Higher filler volume of up to 20 phr of carbon quantum dots in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) were developed • Novel 3D printed thin walled core of 1 mm diameter was developed using carbon quantum dots and ABS. • Bamboo fiber-polyester skin with highest tensile strength of 114 MPa was developed. • Improved flatwise compression and tensile strength were achieved for ABS core with 20 phr of Carbon quantum dots • Flexural strength and edgewise compression properties were improved with 20 phr of Carbon quantum dots in ABS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of hydrogels has a significant impact in fields such as tissue engineering and biomedical devices. The present study tests different cellulose particles extracted from plants to produce hydrogels and identify if these particles and hydrogels have antimicrobial properties. Nine cellulose particles from Ecuadoran biodiversity were obtained using an established chemical extraction protocol, characterized using known techniques, and evaluated for bacterial growth in-vitro. In addition, two particles of nine were selected to perform bacterial growth rates and bacterial adhesion assays. The bacterial growth rates with cellulose F1 and F53 were similar to the positive control (with antibiotic) with both Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and TG1 strains. However, the results showed that the bacterial growth rate with seven of the nine cellulose particles was lower than the negative control (without antibiotics) suggesting antifouling properties. Based on the results using cellulose particles and hydrogels with antifouling properties, we prepared a plant extract to test the bactericide properties against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) and Gram-negative (E. coli ATCC 25922) bacteria, evidencing the highest inhibitory effect at 40 and 60 mg/mL against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Lastly, we encapsulated the bactericide plant extract into the anti-fouling hydrogel. The results demonstrated that the combination of antifouling and bactericide properties could be an alternative approach for surface-modified cellulosic materials applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes the possibility of creating a titanium porous fiber material for implants, which is made of fibers of various transverse sizes and has gradient pore architecture. The architecture of the porous space, structure, and mechanical characteristics of such material have been studied. It is shown that the strength of the porous fiber material can be improved by increasing the temperature of diffusion bonding and by performing hydrogen heat treatment. The specifics of the mechanical behavior and fracture of the material samples were studied by performing a fixed-end bending test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic (MP) study in the Philippines is gaining attention because of the recent trends in macro-microplastic study worldwide and there is already a call for research to help the degrading marine environment in the country. No study in Malita, Davao Occidental was conducted to document microplastic contamination. To address this gap, 30 goat fishes collected in 6 sampling stations were dissected and microplastic were extracted, counted, and characterized. Results revealed that 96.67% of samples were contaminated with microplastic. In terms of microplastic type, fiber was most dominant than fragments, in microplastic hue, color black was the most common and microplastic with size ranging from 50 to 500µm were usually observed. Comparable amount of microplastic was obtained in fish guts across stations (P>0.05) which means that fish ingestion of microplastic were evident in the area. Based on Correlation, the length (r²=0.13), wet weight (r²=0.17) and gut wet weight (r²=0.29) of the fish does not tell the amount of microplastic ingested by each yellow stripped goat fish since there is a weak relationship between the two parameters. The result suggests, Malita's seawater is already polluted with microplastic and demersal fishes that practice high site fidelity were very susceptible to microplastic ingestion. A stronger solid waste management policy must be implemented and activities such coastal clean ups and information drives must be initiated by all stakeholders. Further, microplastic investigation in seawater and sediments must be conducted to have a more detailed study of the whole extent of microplastic contamination in Malita, Davao Occidental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]