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3D food printing technology in the food industry, utilizing emerging digital processing techniques, has vast application prospects. This technology enables the manufacturing of innovative food products that meet diverse nutritional and sensory requirements, while also allowing for personalized customization based on individual needs. In recent years, 3D food printing technology has made significant advancements in the field of food. Starch, as one of the most abundant carbohydrates in the human diet, possesses advantages such as low cost, abundant sources, easy availability, and modifiability. Consequently, it is widely regarded as an important ingredient for food-grade inks by researchers. This article provided an overview of commonly used extrusion-based 3D food printing techniques and their classifications and principles. It primarily explored the applications of starch-based materials in 3D food printing technology, the key factors influencing the printing of starch-based food, and improvement methods. Finally, it offered a perspective on the opportunities and challenges for the future development of starch-based 3D food printing technology, aiming to provide theoretical foundations and new insights for the application and research of starch-based 3D and 4D food printing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ant colony optimization is an intelligent evolutionary algorithm that has been widely used in the field of path planning, and the research on its improved methods is proliferating. In this paper, the improvement methods of single and hybrid ant colony optimization in path planning are reviewed in terms of initial pheromone concentration, heuristic function, state transition rule, pheromone update rule, and parameter optimization, respectively. The future research directions of ant colony optimization have been prospected in terms of theoretical aspects, parameter setting and optimization, integration with other algorithms, and multiobjectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has attracted more attention in food industry because of its potential advantages, including the ability to create customized products according to individual's sensory or nutritional requirements. However, the production of high-quality 3D printed foods requires the availability of edible bio-inks with the required physicochemical and sensory attributes. Starch, as one of the important sources of dietary energy, is widely used in food processing and is considered as one kind of versatile polymers. It is not only because starch has low prices and abundant sources, but also because desirable modified starch can be obtained by altering its physicochemical properties through physical, chemical and enzymatic methods. This article focuses on the utilization of starch as materials to create food-grade bio-inks. Initially, several kinds of commonly used 3D printers are discussed. The factors affecting the printing quality of starch-based materials and improvement methods are then reviewed, as well as areas where future researches are required. The applications of 3D printed starch-based materials in food industry are also introduced. Overall, starch appears to be one kind of useful substances for creating edible bio-inks that can be utilized within 3D food printing applications to create a wide variety of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The subject of the presented study concerns the improvement of the competencies of managers in the medical devices industry. The presented research aimed to identify and evaluate the improvement process and forms of improvement used in the analyzed enterprises. Design/methodology/approach: Empirical research was conducted using the diagnostic survey method and survey technique in 2018-2020. The research covered 130 managers representing various medical device industry companies from four selected European countries, i.e., Germany, Great Britain, France, and Poland. Findings: The analysis of the research results showed that 71% of organizations care about improving the competencies of their management staff. The most popular forms of manager development were learning by practice, short training, and mentoring. Most of the surveyed managers felt the need for development. Research limitations/implications: The research was limited to four selected European countries, which does not allow the generalization of the results to the entire population. In the future, more in-depth and extensive research on competency development among managers in the innovative medical device industry will be worthwhile. Practical implications: The analysis of the results of the conducted research makes it possible to develop recommendations for the management and owners of enterprises in the medical device industry regarding the pragmatics of improving managerial competencies. Originality/value: The research findings provide insights into specific trends related to improving the competencies of managers in the medical device industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Mn-based electrode materials, including oxides, Prussian blue analogues and polyanion compounds, are introduced systematically for aqueous sodium-ion batteries. The composition, crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of Mn-based electrode materials are reviewed. The improvement methods of electrochemical performance, such as electrolyte optimization, element doping or substitution, morphology optimization and carbon modification, are discussed.

Highlights: Mn-based electrode materials, including oxides, Prussian blue analogues and polyanion compounds, are introduced systematically for aqueous sodium-ion batteries. The composition, crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of Mn-based electrode materials are reviewed. The improvement methods of electrochemical performance, such as electrolyte optimization, element doping or substitution, morphology optimization and carbon modification, are discussed. Aqueous sodium-ion batteries have attracted extensive attention for large-scale energy storage applications, due to abundant sodium resources, low cost, intrinsic safety of aqueous electrolytes and eco-friendliness. The electrochemical performance of aqueous sodium-ion batteries is affected by the properties of electrode materials and electrolytes. Among various electrode materials, Mn-based electrode materials have attracted tremendous attention because of the abundance of Mn, low cost, nontoxicity, eco-friendliness and interesting electrochemical performance. Aqueous electrolytes having narrow electrochemical window also affect the electrochemical performance of Mn-based electrode materials. In this review, we introduce systematically Mn-based electrode materials for aqueous sodium-ion batteries from cathode and anode materials and offer a comprehensive overview about their recent development. These Mn-based materials include oxides, Prussian blue analogues and polyanion compounds. We summarize and discuss the composition, crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of Mn-based electrode materials. The improvement methods based on electrolyte optimization, element doping or substitution, optimization of morphology and carbon modification are highlighted. The perspectives of Mn-based electrode materials for future studies are also provided. We believe this review is important and helpful to explore and apply Mn-based electrode materials in aqueous sodium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax is the strongest natural fiber used as reinforcement for polymer-based composites due to its ecological properties, low specific gravity, renewability, biodegradability, recyclability besides its high mechanical properties. However, thermal properties of flax fibers depend on its chemical composition and structure, so it should be carefully controlled during the production process of composites, which affect the final product performance. A review of flax fiber-reinforced thermoset composites (FRTCs) and their hybrids is presented in the article, mainly focus on thermal performance, water absorption, and durability of the composites. The effects of filler materials hybridization and fiber’s chemical modification on the properties and performance of the FRTCs are also covered. Finally, key industrial applications and future possible research work based on the current understanding of FRTCs, and their hybrids also are addressed.

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This paper presents the agrobiological and technological results obtained during the first stages of the clonal selection applied to the Augusta and Victoria varieties. 10 clonal selections of both varieties of table grapes were studied. The determinations and analyzes consisted in the evaluation of agrobiological descriptors:, calculation of absolute and relative fertility coefficients. Physico-mechanical analyzes were carried out, consisting in the evaluation of the number of berries, the weight of the pulp, the weight of the skin, of the seeds in one kilogram of grapes. The clonal selections Augusta 2 and 8 stood out for their fertility of 65% and 59%, respectively, but also for their high values of the absolute and relative fertility coefficients Afc - 1,3, Rfc - 0,83 respectively Afc - 1,3, Rfc - 0,27. Regarding the clonal selections Victoria 4 and 10 stood out for their fertility of 76% and 77%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax is the strongest natural fiber used as reinforcement for polymer-based composites due to its ecological properties, low specific gravity, renewability, biodegradability, recyclability besides its high mechanical properties. However, thermal properties of flax fibers depend on its chemical composition and structure, so it should be carefully controlled during the production process of composites, which affect the final product performance. A review of flax fiber-reinforced thermoset composites (FRTCs) and their hybrids is presented in the article, mainly focus on thermal performance, water absorption, and durability of the composites. The effects of filler materials hybridization and fiber's chemical modification on the properties and performance of the FRTCs are also covered. Finally, key industrial applications and future possible research work based on the current understanding of FRTCs, and their hybrids also are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research points out the effect of feeding young hybrid sheep (Black-faced German x Ţurcană) in the conditions of permanent hill grasslands with two technological systems of improving grasslands: the conventional chemical (NPK) fertilisation system and the agro-ecological organic fertilisation (sheep folding and over-sowing) system. Studies show that the changes in the floristic structure of the grasslands have influenced both fodder yield and quality and meat production and quality. Meat production depending on experimental factors ranged between 189 and 393 kg/ha in the grasslands improved conventionally and between 191 and 461 kg/ha in the grasslands fertilised organically.

The photocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting is considered to be a clean and promising technology of new energy conversion. The low quantum efficiency, the narrow response range of visible light and the low utilization rate of solar energy are still the problems that need to be solved urgently for the industrial application of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution technology. This work provides a comprehensive review of the preparation strategies and hydrogen evolution ability of various photocatalysts in these years and highlights their advantage and disadvantage. Four improvement methods including element doping, vacancy defects, homojunction and heterojunction, self-built internal electric field are reviewed to reveal the effect of molecular structure change on the photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the sacrificial agents or cocatalysts commonly used in photocatalytic H 2 production are also reviewed, analyzing the difference of hydrogen performance under different reaction system. This review also looks forward to the future challenges of this technology in the direction of binding force, crystallinity and electron transfer of photocatalyzed hybrid materials, as well as hydrogen production from seawater splitting. This is conducive to the development of the industrial application of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution technology, which has a great reference significance for solving the freshwater crisis, promoting the development of sustainable renewable clean energy, and meeting the social demand for green hydrogen. [Display omitted] • Design, synthesis and activities of different photocatalysts are summarized. • Modification strategies for regulating electronic structure are highlighted. • Electron transfer pathway benefits for revealing the photocatalytic redox mechanism. • Roles of sacrificial agents and cocatalysts in hydrogen evolution are evaluated. • Challenges to photocatalytic H 2 production from water splitting are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated drivers' perceptions of pedestrian crossing behavior at unsignalized crosswalks, which was less fruitful in quantitative and qualitative traffic research. Subjective and snow-ball sampling were used to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews based on drivers' daily driving experience from qualitative research. A theoretical model of pedestrian behavior at unsignalized crosswalks was constructed using the grounded theory and the theoretical saturation test. The model involved 4 three-level codes and 13 two-level codes (main category) used to obtain seven subcategories. The results show that drivers believe that pedestrian characteristics, driver characteristics, and age factors are the three factors that affect pedestrian crossing safety. Targeted improvement measures are put forward to guide the design of pedestrian crossing facilities, pedestrian management and guidance, and future research on conflicts between autonomous vehicles and pedestrians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) with low-priced, high-safety, and high synergistic efficiency have captured an ever-increasing amount of consideration and have been expected to be a promising choice to replace LIBs. However, the cathode materials of ZIBs reported have many shortcomings such as poor electron and zinc ion conductivity and complicated energy storage mechanisms. In this review, several typical cathode materials for ZIBs in recent years and their detailed energy storage mechanisms are summarized, and various improvement methods to enhance the electrochemical properties of ZIBs are briefly introduced. Eventually, the current problems and the expected development foregrounds of ZIBs are proposed. [Display omitted] Although lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have many advantages, they cannot satisfy the demands of numerous large energy storage industries owing to their high cost, low security, and low resource richness. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) with low cost, high safety, and high synergistic efficiency have attracted an increasing amount of attention and are considered a promising choice to replace LIBs. However, the existing cathode materials for ZIBs have many shortcomings, such as poor electron and zinc ion conductivity and complex energy storage mechanisms. Thus, it is crucial to identify a cathode material with a stable structure, substantial limit, and suitability for ZIBs. In this review, several typical cathode materials for ZIBs employed in recent years and their detailed energy storage mechanisms are summarized, and various methods to enhance the electrochemical properties of ZIBs are briefly introduced. Finally, the existing problems and expected development directions of ZIBs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the realization of the first stages of the Clonal Selection Scheme and obtaining valuable clonal selections: the selections in the populations of the varieties and the multiplication of clonal elites through the superior qualitative traits regarding the technological potential.ualitative traits regarding the technological potential. From the production plantations, 15 clonal elites from the Victoria and Augusta varieties were selected, cultivars known for the special quality characteristics they have. It was aimed, through the selection activity, to obtain a clonal lite from the respective varieties, a selection that would be superior to the population. Thus, clonal elites were selected, which overcame the varieties to which the clonal selection method was applied, by the weight of grapes and berries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the incessant disposal of plastic waste seriously endangers the natural environment. As a major contributor to global plastic waste, recycled polyethylene (rPE) is gradually used as performance-enhancing additive for asphalt, which could relieve the pressure on waste plastic disposal. This paper presents a comprehensive review on recycling of waste polyethylene (WPE) into asphalt. The recycling management and treatment of WPE before adding into asphalt were investigated. The microstructure, chemical properties, service performance, environmental and economic benefits were discussed. Incorporating rPE into asphalt could stiffen the binder and improve the deformation resistance. However, the low temperature and fatigue performance have been a controversial issue from different characterization methods. Furthermore, the performance enhancement methods to improve the modification effect were explored. Consequently, future research may focus on analyzing the effect of rPE on asphalt from the perspective of internal structure and identifying the effective methods to improve the performance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for environmental sustainability has led to the use of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) from structural demolition sites to produce recycled aggregate concrete (RACs).With RACs, there is an interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the aggregates and cement, and the ITZ may have weaker mechanical properties in RACs when compared with those in conventional concrete because of the use of RCAs. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the various methods that are suitable for improving the mechanical properties of the ITZ and RACs. This study reviews chemical-dependent treatment techniques that have been explored by various researchers. The methodology adopted in this study is an analysis of literature sources that address the quality improvement techniques and their effects on the properties of ITZ and RACs, including their compressive strength, water absorption, and their practical, economical, and environmental viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated drivers’ perceptions of pedestrian crossing behavior at unsignalized crosswalks, which was less fruitful in quantitative and qualitative traffic research. Subjective and snow-ball sampling were used to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews based on drivers’ daily driving experience from qualitative research. A theoretical model of pedestrian behavior at unsignalized crosswalks was constructed using the grounded theory and the theoretical saturation test. The model involved 4 three-level codes and 13 two-level codes (main category) used to obtain seven subcategories. The results show that drivers believe that pedestrian characteristics, driver characteristics, and age factors are the three factors that affect pedestrian crossing safety. Targeted improvement measures are put forward to guide the design of pedestrian crossing facilities, pedestrian management and guidance, and future research on conflicts between autonomous vehicles and pedestrians.

In order to solve issues of air pollution, to monitor human health, and to promote agricultural production, gas sensors have been used widely. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors have become an important area of research in the field of gas sensing due to their high sensitivity, quick response time, and short recovery time for NO2, CO2, acetone, etc. In our article, we mainly focus on the gas-sensing properties of MOS gas sensors and summarize the methods that are based on the interface effect of MOS materials and micro–nanostructures to improve their performance. These methods include noble metal modification, doping, and core-shell (C-S) nanostructure. Moreover, we also describe the mechanism of these methods to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of energy barrier modulation and electron transfer for gas adsorption. Finally, we put forward a variety of research ideas based on the above methods to improve the gas-sensing properties. Some perspectives for the development of MOS gas sensors are also discussed.

Abstract Peat has considerable negative geotechnical properties such as high water content, low shear strength, high organic matter, and low bearing capacity and consequently a significant severing high compressibility takes place that makes it as one of the most difficult soils for constructing structures over its natural state. Because of these geotechnical problems of peat soil, improvement mechanism is so essential when the peat soil exists to deal with it as a soil foundation. In this paper, the physical and mechanical properties of the peat are discussed. Also, the two creative mixtures were prepared to study their effect on the properties of peat and to what extent can these new mixtures improve both the physical and mechanical properties of peat layers to bear stresses as the soil foundation, the first one consisted of clayey diatomite which is widespread in Egypt, calcium carbonate, lime and water. On the other hand, the prepared second mixture has the same ingredients of the first one except to replace the clayey diatomite by the cement. For both mixtures two systems of cubes were prepared, and peat was added to the two prepared mixtures. Then the all cubes were submerged in clean water, and also in sewage water for forty-five days for the sake of studying their durability against submergence and environmental changes, and the cubes' resistances were measured. The obtained results in this study were compared by other currently used mixtures for stabilizing peat soils to date for focusing clearly on the performance magnitude of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on 170 references, this study summarizes the processes, materials, improvement mechanisms, and factors affecting the improvement for two methods of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC): pretreatment of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and RAC modification. The improvement effects were analyzed according to the improvement methods and research directions were proposed. The results indicated that RCA pretreatment could improve its physical properties by removing or strengthening the RCA surface of the old mortar. RAC modification optimizes the internal structure of concrete by modifying its materials. Both can optimize the interface transition zone of the RAC and compact the concrete. However, to remove old mortar, appropriate conditions must be maintained to avoid secondary damage to the original aggregate. Future research should emphasize establishing a multifactor RCA grading system, forming optimal parameter selection criteria for pretreatments, improving the RAC theoretical system, exploring the combined effects of multiple methods, and verifying the long-term performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geotechnical engineers are still facing the true harmful problems of the very deep deposits of very soft clay soils for structural foundations. It is believed that the current used methods of geotechnical engineering improvement in soft clays are justified on the basis that pre-knowledge of the potential problems can lead to economic benefits if the planning, design, and construction of projects can be modified to suit the problems to provide increase of its strength, reduction of total and differential settlement, reasonable cost, and shorten construction time. Therefore, the cost-effective alternatives play significantly an essential role to evaluate considerably the efficiency among the widely used current methods in this true problematic field. From this considerable point, vast experience has been acquired to solve this problem through soft ground improvement before turning to deep foundations which need considerably huge cost especially for the very deep very soft ground. Unfortunately, the improvement magnitudes of the most widely used current techniques do not suit even fairly with their required cost and their installation difficulty which need highest level of accuracy. In this paper, innovative convenient type of foundation system has been laboratory tested to evaluate the significance through the aspect of cost-effective alternative which is clearly unachieved by the currently used techniques. This novel technique was achieved by high efficiency rate, simplicity for execution, huge increase of strength under footings, rapid rate of construction process, considerable saving in the required cost, and significantly reduce total and differential settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]