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Molds on wall and ceiling surfaces in damp indoor environments especially in houses with poor insulation and ventilation are common in the UK. Since it releases toxic chemicals as it grows, it is a serious health hazard for occupants who live in such houses. For example, eye irritation, sneezing, nose bleeds, respiratory infections, and skin irritations. Furthermore, there are chances of developing serious medical conditions like lung infections and respiratory diseases which may even lead to death. The main challenge here is that due to their irregular patterns, camouflaged with the background, it is not so easy to detect with our naked eyes in the early stage and often confused as stains. Therefore, inspired by the accomplishments of the Yolo architecture for object detection, the Yolov9 model is explored for mold detection by considering mold region as an object in this work. The overall result shows a promising 76% average classification rate. Since the mold does not have a shape, specific pattern, or color, adapting the Yolov9 for accurate mold detection is challenging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first of its kind compared to existing methods. Since it is the first work, we constructed a dataset to perform experiments and evaluate the proposed method. To demonstrate the proposed method’s effectiveness, the results were also compared with the results of the Yolov8 and Yolov10 models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Scedosporium/Lomentospora species are ranked as the second most frequently isolated filamentous fungi from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Previously, we demonstrated that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for voriconazole and posaconazole increased when performed on a mucin-containing synthetic CF sputum medium (SCFM) compared to the standard medium, RPMI-1640. In this study, we have expanded the MIC comparison to four additional azoles and investigated characteristics linked to azole resistance in Scedosporium apiospermum , Scedosporium minutisporum , Scedosporium aurantiacum and Lomentospora prolificans. Methods MIC was assayed by CLSI protocol, efflux pump activity was assessed by rhodamine 6G and sterols were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results Overall, MICs for fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, miconazole and ketoconazole increased by least 2-fold when susceptibility tests were performed using SCFM compared to RPMI. The activity of efflux pumps was similar in both media; however, in RPMI, but not in SCFM, the activity was induced by voriconazole and fluconazole. Additionally, MICs for those antifungals decreased more noticeably in SCFM than in RPMI in the presence of the efflux pump inhibitor PaβN. The SCFM-grown cells presented fewer sterols in their composition, and consequently higher membrane fluidity, than RPMI-grown cells. GC-MS analysis demonstrated a remodulation in the sterol profile in SCFM- compared to RPMI-grown cells. Accordingly, when the MIC assay was performed in the presence of the membrane stressor NaCl (3%), the susceptibility to voriconazole and fluconazole increased more in SCFM- than RPMI-grown cells. Conclusions Scedosporium / Lomentospora species undergo cellular adaptations in SCFM that favours their growth in face of the challenges imposed by azole antifungals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronze coins, starting to be used in the Eastern Zhou period (770 − 221 BC) in China, were produced in ceramic piece molds, a predominant technique for bronze casting in the Chinese Bronze Age. This study examined coin-casting molds unearthed at the Ju Mint and the Linzi Mint in the Qi state, dating to the Eastern Zhou period, to investigate the specialization of early Chinese coin production. The material characteristics, repair and reuse were examined using analytical techniques including SEM-EDS, DIL, FTIR, p-XRF, XRD and specific gravity balance. A simulation experiment was conducted to rebuild the mold production process. The dimensions of both the molds and their cavities were measured. The results showed that the material characteristics of these coin-casting molds significantly differ from those of other types of bronze-casting molds. The coin-casting mold was most likely modified from the conventional bronze-casting molds to increase their lifespan in coin-casting. Moreover, the high degree of uniformity in the material characteristics, the dimensions of molds as well as the cavities, on one hand, indicates a standardization of coin production under unified government control; on the other hand, the differences in minor and trace elements between the coin-casting molds from the two mints suggest that the molds may have been produced independently at each mint using local materials. This paper offers a novel perspective in understanding China’s early monetary system and technical history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Bread may be spoiled by mold, which results in major economic losses. The aim of this study was to optimize the anti‐mold properties of apple juice fermented with Propionibacterium freudenreichii to get high levels of propionic acid with lesser amounts of acetic acid, which impairs bread taste. Findings: After fermentation for 7 days at 35°C, apple juice (half‐diluted to about 4% fermentable sugars; with 1% yeast extract; pH adjusted to 6.0) contained 1.0% propionic acid and little amounts of acetic acid (about 0.35%). Conclusions: In bread, the anti‐mold activity of fermented apple juice (5%, fb) was similar to that of apple cider vinegar (2.44%, fb). Significance and Novelty: Fermented apple juice is a novel mold inhibitor for bread that may replace apple cider vinegar and part of calcium propionate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Special Steel is the property of Daye Special Steel Co. Ltd. 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.)

The correct management of high-moisture organic waste (HMOW) is crucial to minimize its environmental impact and take advantage of its potential as a valuable resource, thus linking it to the circular economy, sustainable production and recycling. Processes such as anaerobic digestion, composting and, more recently, biodrying have been applied to support the sustainable management of HMOW. However, the latter has not yet been well characterized, so this study focuses on elucidating the behavior of microbial populations and their relationship with physical and chemical conditions during biodrying. In a greenhouse, a semi-static pile with an initial water content of 88%, composed of orange peel waste (80%), sugarcane bagasse (16.5%) and mulch (3.5%) was biodried for 50 days. Biodrying went through three stages: (1) the mesophilic stage, when different microbial populations decompose some organic matter, causing a temperature increase from 25 to 40 °C; (2) the thermophilic stage, in which the highest microbial counts were found, most of which corresponded to the highest temperatures reached and maintained between 40 and 62 °C, and, consequently, to the greatest decrease in water content (from 78 to 41%); and (3) the cooling phase, when the temperature dropped to 23–25 °C. The aeration and mainly the microbial activity were responsible for most of the water evaporation. Microbial activity in biodrying of HMOW ended on day 32, when the humidity was lower than 30% and the water activity (aw) was below 0.8. After that, moisture loss was carried out only by convection and radiation. Obtained biodried organic waste (10% water-content) could be used as an alternative fuel in many industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of continuous casting, the movement of inclusions plays a pivotal role in determining the grade of the final steel product. The present study focuses on the dynamic behavior of inclusions within the mold during continuous casting in the presence of a novel-designed hexa-furcated nozzle (HFN). Simulations were conducted to investigate the interaction between inclusion movement with casting speed and submerged entry nozzle depth (SEN), specifically focusing on the effects of the HFN. Using a water model validation approach, the study simulated the movement of inclusions under various casting conditions, replicating real-world scenarios encountered in steel production. The experiments revealed significant insights into how the introduction of the HFN influences the behavior of inclusions within the mold, shedding light on potential strategies for optimizing casting parameters to diminish inclusion shortcomings in the final steel product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of using 3D-printed composite molds to produce components for the automotive sector in carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). Two molds in Carbon PA, i.e. PA6 reinforced with 20% by weight short carbon fibers, were realized via fused filament fabrication and subjected to multiple thermal cycles to simulate successive curing operations. Mold distortions were measured using a coordinate measuring machine before and after each heat treatment. Additionally, finite element method (FEM) and life cycle assessment (LCA) analyses were performed to obtain a complete overview of the 3D printed mold use and provide an industrial decision-making tool. Results showed that the mold distortion increases with temperature, and the clamping effect is more pronounced at the mold's edges, and it is reduced in the center. Irrespective of the thermal cycle temperature, the highest distortion was observed on the upper surface, with reduced deformation on the composite layup plane. FEM simulations confirmed that, following bolt tightening, the molds can resist without critical stress or plastic deformation. LCA analysis demonstrated that 3D-printed molds reduce environmental impact by 18% compared to aluminum ones, leading to more sustainability benefits for low-volume production, making them ideal for prototyping, small batches, or customized components. The potential of 3D-printed molds as a valid alternative to traditional methods to produce low-volume CFRPs was demonstrated. The implications of this study highlight the efficiency and sustainability benefits of 3D printing technology in composite manufacturing, offering a flexible solution for industries where small production runs and customization are critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, moulding in sculpture has been an important process frequently used by artists both creatively and technically. On the one hand, this process enables the reproduction of original works, and on the other hand, it has been an important step to create more durable and long-lasting copies of sculptures made with temporary/intermediate materials such as clay, wax, pastille. Since the early ages, artists and craftsmen have developed various moulding methods in line with the existing possibilities and needs. In these methods, which were shaped according to the technological conditions of the period, materials such as sand, mud, plaster and polyester came to the fore and continued to be widely used. These materials were preferred to serve different purposes of the moulding process. However, the inclusion of modern materials in sculpture art thanks to industrial advances has opened the door to important innovations in moulding processes. RTV-2 silicones, one of these innovations, have become an increasingly widely used material in sculpture art in recent years.RTV-2 silicones, thanks to their flexible and durable structure, both facilitate the moulding process and make it possible to copy even very fine details. These properties provide a great advantage in complex and detailed sculpture works. Using this material, artists can reproduce the finest details of their works with the same precision. In addition, the long-lasting structure of silicone allows the moulds created to be used over and over again. In this context, in this research, the use of RTV-2 silicones in moulding applications, which is one of the important elements of sculpture art, was examined and it was aimed to create a basic guide on the use of RTV-2 silicones with the sample application. The results of the research show that this material both accelerates the production processes in the art of sculpture and opens new aesthetic doors for artists. This flexibility and the capacity to capture high detail provided by RTV-2 silicones make significant contributions to the development of modern sculpture art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute myeloid (AML) and promyelocytic (APL) leukemia patients are at high risk for infection and mortality. While guidance for infection prevention is provided by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), each institution may vary in antimicrobial prophylaxis prescribing practices. The discrepancy may be explained by medication intolerance, cost, and low incidence of mold infections in leukemia patients. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated mortality benefits with the use of posaconazole, which was adopted by the NCCN. Despite known risks, it is unclear whether universal mold-active coverage is indicated for all AML and APL patients. Objective: To assess the incidence of breakthrough infections in AML and APL patients. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of AML and APL patients receiving induction therapy at Baylor St Luke's Medical Center (BSLMC) between January 2019 and October 2021. The primary outcome assessed the incidence of breakthrough infections. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results: A total of 55 patients were included and 54 (98%) had prolonged neutropenia with a median duration of 30 days. Five patients (9.3%) experienced breakthrough infections during induction while 21 individuals (38.9%) during the follow-up period. Aspergillus infections occurred in three patients receiving nonmold coverage compared to none on mold-active agents (p = 1.0) with no statistical difference in mortality. Conclusion: Despite the majority of patients not receiving mold-active prophylaxis, nonmold-active prophylaxis may be sufficient with consideration of low aspergillosis incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awareness about laying hen welfare has led to the phase-out of conventional battery cages in favor of the adoption of alternative housing systems for egg production in many countries. However, the greater freedom of movement for animals and the presence of manure and litter (sawdust, straw, feathers, etc.) on the floor in some alternative housing systems may be suitable conditions for dusts, bacteria, and fungi to be aerosolized, raising concerns about indoor air quality and respiratory health of workers. The present project aimed at assessing and comparing indoor air quality and bioaerosols in conventional and alternative houses for laying hens. Six were conventional houses (with battery cages), six were enriched colonies, and six were aviary (multi-level cage-free houses) visited in Eastern Canada from 2020–2022. Higher airborne concentrations of particulate matter (PM) from all size fractions (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, and total dust), culturable bacteria, total endotoxins, and Clostridium perfringens were found in aviaries compared to houses for laying hens in conventional and enriched colonies. Total endotoxin and Clostridium perfringens concentrations were higher in enriched colonies than in conventional laying-hen housing systems. Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella sp. were detected in few hen houses. This study highlights possible markers for indoor air quality evaluation inside laying hen houses. These airborne contaminants could be targeted by mitigation strategies to improve indoor air quality in alternative housing systems for laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iron Steel Vanadium Titanium is the property of Iron Steel Vanadium Titanium 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.)

Background Allergic disorders afflict 22% of the world’s population. Treatment and prevention of allergic diseases are dependent on correctly identifying the causal allergens and implementing appropriate avoidance approaches. We aimed to assess the variation in patterns of allergen sensitization among patients with allergic disorders in different Egyptian governorates. Methods This retrospective study included patients with allergic disorders attending an allergen immunotherapy outpatient clinic. Demographic data, diagnosis of allergic disorders, and skin prick test results of enrolled patients were retrieved from the medical records. Also, patients’ place of residence was recorded by the governorate. Results This study included 5024 patients with allergic disorders. Most of the studied patients were sensitized to mold (94.3%) followed by house dust mites (74.7%) and hay dust (69%). There was no statistical difference in allergen sensitization patterns in different Egyptian governorates. However, there was a statistically significant relation between allergic rhinitis and mixed pollen 1 (P value 0.02) and mite (P value 0.001). For bronchial asthma, both dog hair and chicken feather sensitization patterns showed a strong association with P values 0.02 and 0.03, respectively. Atopic dermatitis had a significant association with both mites (P value 0.001) and barely (P value 0.02). Conclusion The sensitization patterns did not significantly differ between the Egyptian governorates. However, it is significantly associated with allergic disorders. The most prevalent sensitization pattern in Egypt was mold.

BackgroundFungal pathogens significantly impact the quality of fruits and vegetables at different stages of the supply chain, leading to substantial food losses. Understanding how these persistent fungal infections occur and progress in postharvest conditions is essential to developing effective control strategies.ResultsIn this study, we developed a reliable and consistent inoculation protocol to simulate disease spread from infected fruits to adjacent healthy fruits during postharvest storage. We tested different combinations of relevant fruit commodities, including oranges, tomatoes, and apples, against impactful postharvest pathogens such as Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, Botrytis cinerea, and Penicillium expansum. We assessed the efficacy of this protocol using fruits treated with various postharvest methods and multiple isolates for each pathogen. We optimized the source of infected tissue and incubation conditions for each fruit-pathogen combination. Disease incidence and severity were quantitatively evaluated to study infection success and progression. At the final evaluation point, 80% or higher disease incidence rates were observed in all trials except for the fungicide-treated oranges inoculated with fungicide-susceptible Penicillium spp. isolates. Although disease incidence was lower in that particular scenario, it is noteworthy that the pathogen was still able to establish itself under unfavorable conditions, indicating the robustness of our methodology. Finally, we used multispectral imaging to detect early P. digitatum infections in oranges before the disease became visible to the naked eye but after the pathogen was established.ConclusionsWe developed a non-invasive inoculation strategy that can be used to recreate infections caused by contact or nesting in postharvest. The observed high disease incidence and severity values across fruit commodities and fungal pathogens demonstrate the robustness, efficacy, and reproducibility of the developed methodology. The protocol has the potential to be tailored for other pathosystems. Additionally, this approach can facilitate the study of fruit-pathogen interactions and the assessment of innovative control strategies.

The decay, mold, and termite resistance of high-density fiberboard (HDF) formed using combinations of wood and chicken feather fibers (CFF) bonded with polyurethane resin was investigated. Laboratory and underground field exposure tests showed that HDF containing 50% to 100% CFF by weight were moderately to highly resistant to the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus (L.) Murrill and the subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann. Moderate to heavy mold growth was observed on HDF containing 25% to 100% CFF when inoculated with a mixed strain of Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Trichoderma viride. In general, HDF consisting of wood fibers and CFF was resistant to decay and subterranean termite but susceptible to mold growth. The susceptibility HDF to mold may require the use of a biocide to improve mold resistance.

This study aims to analyze the comparison between injection molding simulations in Autodesk Moldflow software and the products produced. Simulations are carried out to estimate the presence of production defects in objects, without having to produce the object first. In the simulation, the occurrence of production defects is estimated according to the parameters that have been entered. These production defects include short shots, flash, flowmarks, weld lines, and bubbles. In the production results, defects were found that had been predicted by previous simulations. The simulation results can be considered to be able to predict production defects that will occur in the production process.

Egyptian consumers' demand and preference for sauces like mayonnaise have increased lately. The processing and packaging techniques of such products may safeguard the consumer from bacterial hazards, although mold and/or mycotoxins are still expected hazards in such products.Therefore, the current investigation is intended to determine the incidence of mold and aflatoxin B1 in commercial mayonnaise sold in Egyptian markets.A total of thirty mayonnaise samples were arbitrarily gathered from Cairo and Giza governorates in order to determine the presence of mold using cultivation techniques and AFB1 using a low-cost high-recovery fluorescence detector (FLD) in combination with an easy-to-use, highly specific and specially developed High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay that adhered to green chemistry principles.About 53.33% of the examined samples were positive for AFB1, while mold couldn’t be detected in any of the examined samples. It was also discovered that 43.33% of AFB1 in total samples was below the maximum permitted threshold. Therefore, more attention is required from the authorities for continuous examination of such products that are present in the market for the incidence of chemical contamination with aflatoxin.

The results of using SLA‑technology in the manufacture of molds for obtaining wax models in lost wax casting are presented. 3D printing modes of molds have been developed to ensure the required roughness of the working surfaces and durability of the resulting molds. The optimal parameters for pressing the wax composition into molds made using SLA technology have been established. It is shown that the use of SLA technology for the manufacture of molds makes it possible to obtain wax models and castings of the required quality. An experimental technology has been developed for the production of castings from bronze by casting according to smelted models.

To clarify the microorganism species that cause mildew in cigar tobacco leaves and screen antagonistic strains to control mildew in fermented cigar tobacco leaves, molds and potential antagonistic strains in moldy cigar tobacco leaves from Hubei Province in China and cigar tobacco producing regions in Dominican Republic were isolated and purified. Microorganisms were identified by combining morphological and molecular biological methods, and the inhibitory effects of antagonistic strains on mildew were evaluated through a plate antagonism assay and a fermentation inhibition test on cigar tobacco leaves. The results indicated that the primary mold in moldy leaves from Hubei Province were Penicillium, followed by Aspergillus; and the primary mold in moldy leaves from Dominican Republic followed by Penicillium. Four culture-dependent molds, including Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium sumatraense, Aspergillus westerdijkiae, and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis were isolated from the samples. Two strains exhibiting good antagonistic effects against molds were identified as Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus safensis, with inhibition rates of 96.94% and 40.67%, respectively. Especially, Bacillus velezensis was effective in mildew inhibition during the fermentation of cigar tobacco leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking a certain spray cosmetic cap as an object, a lattice structure was designed on the top of the mold core based on the design of the conformal cooling channel of mold core. A simulation was carried out with the help of the Moldex and Ansys software to analyze the temperature distribution on the surface of the mold core as well as the stress situation. Futhermore, the experimental validation was also performed on the mold core parts manufactured by selective laser melting. The results indicated that the resultant lattice structure exhibited good heat transfer performance and improved the problem in the uneven temperature distribution significantly. The surface of the core presented a homogenous temper ature distribution, and its surface temperature difference was improved by 78 %. The strength of the core of the mold with the added lattice structure could meet a requirement of practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Brewing is the property of China Brewing 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.)

Background New antifungal agents are required to mitigate against azole-resistant Aspergillus and drug-resistant non- Aspergillus moulds. The novel orotomide, olorofim (F2G, Manchester, UK), has potent fungicidal activity against Aspergillus including azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, Lomentospora prolificans and Scedosporium spp. Development of olorofim-specific clinical breakpoints/epidemiological cut-off values requires reliable MIC data. Objectives Determine the in vitro activity of olorofim compared with standard antifungals against mould pathogens at an Australian hospital. Materials and methods Olorofim MICs were determined for 507 clinical mould isolates using the CLSI M38-A3 standard. MICs of amphotericin B, anidulafungin, posaconazole, voriconazole and isavuconazole were obtained using Sensititre™ YeastOne YO10 and AUSNMRCI panels (Thermo-Fisher Scientific). Results A. fumigatus sensu stricto was the commonest species (33.3%) followed by L. prolificans (18.3%), Scedosporium (11.4%) and Fusarium (6%) species. Olorofim modal MICs were ≤0.25 mg/L (MIC90 0.25 mg/L) for all Aspergillus except Aspergillus Section Usti (1 mg/L); MICs for nine azole-resistant/non-wild-type A. fumigatus ranged from 0.008 to 0.125 mg/L. The MIC90 of olorofim for L. prolificans was 0.5 mg/L, 0.25–0.5 mg/L for Scedosporium spp. and 8 mg/L for the F. solani complex but with modal MICs of 0.25 and 0.008 mg/L for F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum complexes, respectively. For Verruconis gallopava (n  = 10), the olorofim MIC90 was 0.06 mg/L (voriconazole MIC90 2 mg/L, isavuconazole MICs of 4–>8 mg/L). Olorofim had little activity against other dematiaceous moulds including Exophiala species. Conclusions Olorofim was highly active against Aspergillus spp. including azole-resistant A. fumigatus , L. prolificans , Scedosporium spp. and some Fusarium species with the new finding of potent activity against V. gallopava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous studies, the mushy zone constant was assigned a fixed value or a value associated with dendrite characteristics at room temperature. However, elucidating the constitutive behaviors of mushy dendrites at high temperatures using solid dendrite characteristics at room temperature poses challenges. In this study, a numerical model was constructed to investigate the effects of variable mushy zone constants on fluid flow and heat transfer in the mold. The results revealed that "Zone Z‐1/2" exhibited a thinner solidified shell compared with the other zones, indicating a close correlation between heat transfer and thickness differences. Under default simulation conditions, the liquid steel cooled rapidly, leading to the dissipation of superheat. The mushy zone exhibited a wide range, with almost no pure liquid phase present in the mold. In cases 2, 3, and 4 within "Zone Z‐1/2", the average thickness of the solidified shell gradually increased during solidification, indicating the absence of evident remelting phenomena in the mold. As the variable mushy zone constants increased, the local temperature gradient increased, while the local cooling rate decreased. The accuracy of the numerical model was validated through actual measurements and empirical formulas. The simulation results for case 4 exhibited a high degree of fitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and manufacturing of a casting mold for casting electrodes of a larger variable cross-section for melting an ESR ingot of 800 mm dia. and six ton weight were performed. The technological scheme for manufacturing a cast consumable electrode of a variable cross-section and technology of its ESR into an 800 mm dia. crucible with an increased crucible filling factor were optimized. Results on power consumption at ESR of a cast electrode and lowering of the ESR ingot cost by 10…15 % are given. Technology of casting larger diameter electrodes for production of ESR ingots of 800 mm cross-section and six ton weight of ledeburite type of Kh12MF-Ш and other steel grades, namely 40Kh13-Ш, and 15Kh12N2MVFAB-Sh (EP517-Ш), was developed. An optimal geometrical shape of the electrode and electroslag remelting mode with an increased crucible filling factor were determined, which ensure the quality of ESR ingot surface for deformation processing. 8 Ref., 4 Tabl., 12 Fig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egyptian consumers' demand and preference for sauces like mayonnaise have increased lately. The processing and packaging techniques of such products may safeguard the consumer from bacterial hazards, although mold and/or mycotoxins are still expected hazards in such products. Therefore, the current investigation is intended to determine the incidence of mold and aflatoxin B1 in commercial mayonnaise sold in Egyptian markets. A total of thirty mayonnaise samples were arbitrarily gathered from Cairo and Giza governorates in order to determine the presence of mold using cultivation techniques and AFB1 using a low-cost highrecovery fluorescence detector (FLD) in combination with an easy-to-use, highly specific and specially developed High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay that adhered to green chemistry principles. About 53.33% of the examined samples were positive for AFB1, while mold couldn't be detected in any of the examined samples. It was also discovered that 43.33% of AFB1 in total samples was below the maximum permitted threshold. Therefore, more attention is required from the authorities for continuous examination of such products that are present in the market for the incidence of chemical contamination with aflatoxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic disorders afflict 22% of the world's population. Treatment and prevention of allergic diseases are dependent on correctly identifying the causal allergens and implementing appropriate avoidance approaches. We aimed to assess the variation in patterns of allergen sensitization among patients with allergic disorders in different Egyptian governorates. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with allergic disorders attending an allergen immunotherapy outpatient clinic. Demographic data, diagnosis of allergic disorders, and skin prick test results of enrolled patients were retrieved from the medical records. Also, patients' place of residence was recorded by the governorate. Results: This study included 5024 patients with allergic disorders. Most of the studied patients were sensitized to mold (94.3%) followed by house dust mites (74.7%) and hay dust (69%). There was no statistical difference in allergen sensitization patterns in different Egyptian governorates. However, there was a statistically significant relation between allergic rhinitis and mixed pollen 1 (P value 0.02) and mite (P value 0.001). For bronchial asthma, both dog hair and chicken feather sensitization patterns showed a strong association with P values 0.02 and 0.03, respectively. Atopic dermatitis had a significant association with both mites (P value 0.001) and barely (P value 0.02). Conclusion: The sensitization patterns did not significantly differ between the Egyptian governorates. However, it is significantly associated with allergic disorders. The most prevalent sensitization pattern in Egypt was mold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to understand the rheological behavior of various types of cheeses with mold subjected to multiple stresses during processing/handling, transport, or storage, aiming to maintain or even improve product quality, using computer-assisted penetration methods and advanced regression algorithms. Uniaxial penetration tests with a cone at a constant speed were conducted using a universal Hounsfield testing equipment connected to a computer to analyze the texture behavior (tangential stress, flow index, apparent viscosity) of four of the most common types of cheese with mold depending on the cone's tip angle (9, 19, and 90 degrees) and penetration speed (12, 30, and 60 mm/min). From the results obtained for the four categories of mold cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Dorblue, and Roquefort), the amplitude of the speed and angle of penetration were considered as the main influencing factors for the shear deformation (τc), flow index (Kf), and apparent viscosity (ηa). The moisture and firmness of mold cheeses are closely linked and depend on the type of mold, the maturation process, or storage conditions. Careful control of these factors is essential to achieve the desired texture and taste characteristics in cheeses with mold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The commercialization of space travel will soon lead to many more people living and working in unique built environments similar to the International Space Station, which is a specialized closed environment that contains its own indoor microbiome. Unintended microbial growth can occur in these environments as in buildings on Earth from elevated moisture, such as from a temporary ventilation system failure. This growth can drive negative health outcomes and degrade building materials. We need a predictive approach for modeling microbial growth in these critical indoor spaces. Results: Here, we demonstrate that even short exposures to varying elevated relative humidity can facilitate rapid microbial growth and microbial community composition changes in dust from spacecraft. We modeled fungal growth in dust from the International Space Station using the time-of-wetness framework with activation and deactivation limited growth occurring at 85% and 100% relative humidity, respectively. Fungal concentrations ranged from an average of 4.4 × 106 spore equivalents per milligram of dust in original dust with no exposure to relative humidity to up to 2.1 × 1010 when exposed to 100% relative humidity for 2 weeks. As relative humidity and time-elevated increased, fungal diversity was significantly reduced for both alpha (Q < 0.05) and beta (R2 = 0.307, P = 0.001) diversity metrics. Bacteria were unable to be modeled using the time-of-wetness framework. However, bacterial communities did change based on constant relative humidity incubations for both beta (R2 = 0.22, P = 0.001) and alpha diversity decreasing with increasing moisture starting at 85% relative humidity (Q < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that moisture conditions can be used to develop and predict changes in fungal growth and composition onboard human-occupied spacecraft. This predictive model can be expanded upon to include other spacecraft environmental factors such as microgravity, elevated carbon dioxide conditions, and radiation exposure. Understanding microbial growth in spacecraft can help better protect astronaut health, fortify spacecraft integrity, and promote planetary protection as human activity increases in low-Earth orbit, the moon, Mars, and beyond. 5L5VMn4841emXVRzhjbC6H Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioaerosols adversely affect human health posing risk to users of public facilities in Korea. Between October 2021 and May 2022, airborne bacteria and mold were measured in 1,243 public-use facilities across 23 categories. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on these and other studies from June 2004 to May 2021, and the non-carcinogenic risks to humans were assessed using Monte Carlo simulations. For bacteria, the maximum 95th percentile concentration was 584.4 cfu/m3 and 1384.8 cfu/m3 for mold. The heterogeneity statistic I2 was over 50% in all facilities, and for subway station bacteria, there was a significant difference according to the measurement method. The 95th percentile of hazard by population group was 8.83 × 10–2 to 3.42 × 10–1 for bacteria, and 1.31 × 10–1 to 3.55 × 10–1 for mold. The probability of a hazard quotient exceeding 1 for some population groups was derived from exposure to bacteria and mold in the air resulting from the use of all public facilities. The most powerful explanatory factor for risk was exposure time to the facility, both within (up to 0.922 for bacteria and up to 0.960 for mold) and between populations (up to 0.543 for bacteria and 0.483 for mold). This study identified populations at risk of bioaerosol exposure in Korean public-use facilities and estimated the influencing factors, highlighting the need for comprehensive improvement in bioaerosol control in public-use facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Equine asthma (EA) is a common disease of adult horses with chronic respiratory pathology and common neutrophilic airway inflammation. It presents with hyperreactivity to hay dust components such as molds, and underlying dysregulated T cell responses have been suggested. Thus far, T cells have been analysed in EA with conflicting results and the antigen reactivity of T cells has not been demonstrated. Serological and epidemiological data point to the relevance of Aspergillus fumigatus as an antigen source in EA. Here, we aimed to identify and characterise Aspergillus antigen-reactive T cells in EA. Methods: Cryopreserved bronchoalveolar lavage cells (BALC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy horses (HE, n=9) and those with mildmoderate (MEA, n=3) or severe asthma (SEA, n=8) were stimulated in vitro with the recombinant A. fumigatus antigens Asp f 1, or Asp f 7 combined with Asp f 8, to assess antigen reactivity, and with phorbol-12-myristat-13-acetate and ionomycin (P/i) to assess overall T cell reactivity. Stimulated cells were analysed by flow cytometry for CD4, CD8, IL-17, IL-4, and IFN-g. Cytokine expression in all lymphocytes, and in CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, was quantified and compared between the groups. In BAL fluid (BALF), soluble cytokines and chemokines were quantified by bead-based assays. Results: Antigen restimulation of BALC with Asp f 1 or Asp f 7/8 provoked higher frequencies of IL-17+ lymphocytes, CD4+IL-17+ Th17 cells, and CD4+IL-4+ Th2 cells in SEA than in HE, whereas MEA and HE were similar. Antigen stimulation of PBMC did not result in group differences. P/i stimulation of BALC resulted in increased IL-17+ lymphocyte and CD4+IL-17+ Th17 cell frequencies in MEA compared with HE but the limited number of horses with MEA must be considered. P/i-stimulated PBMC from MEA or SEA contained more IL-17+ lymphocytes compared with HE. Cytokines were hardly detected in BALF and similar between the groups but CCL2 and CCL5 concentrations were increased in BALF from SEA or MEA, respectively, compared with HE. Conclusion: Horses with SEA have increased Aspergillus antigen-reactive Th17 cells in their airways, emphasising local T cell responses to this mold, which were quantified in EA for the first time here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JCOE is a progressively advanced forming process that encompasses J-forming, C-forming, O-forming, and expansion technology. This methodology constitutes an efficacious means of producing high-strength pipes. In recent years, this process has been utilized in the manufacturing of small-diameter, thick-walled welded pipes using nickel-based alloy N08810 plates. This study establishes a mathematical model for key parameters in the pre-bending process, rooted in JCOE forming and plastic bending theory, and introduces a process optimization approach. Initially, by refining the mold configuration and executing simulation analyses, we comprehensively delineate the stress–strain distribution and metal flow dynamics during pre-bending. Furthermore, we unravel the influence of varying plate thicknesses on both the pre-bending force and springback bending angle. Ultimately, the veracity of our theoretical model and simulation protocol is substantiated through rigorous experimentation. The findings indicate that the optimized mold configuration yields superior pre-bending forces and springback bending angles compared to conventional methods, thereby furnishing a solid theoretical foundation for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the presence/abundance of microplastics and mold species in mussels and their implications for food safety and public health. Mussels, known to accumulate microplastics and mold species, were studied due to their role in the food chain. A sampling protocol covering a vast coastal area of Bursa Province along the Marmara Sea was implemented, gathering 410 raw mussel samples from 10 locations. After digestion with hydrogen peroxide, microplastics were examined using a stereomicroscope, and mold species were isolated and identified through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 496 microplastics were detected in the mussel samples, with fragment-type and black-colored microplastics being the predominant types. Results also revealed varying levels of microplastics contamination, with the highest rate recorded at Location 5 (28.02%). Notably, Location 5, characterized by its central yacht/boat harbor, exhibited the highest microplastics pollution, while Location 9, lacking such facilities, displayed the lowest contamination rate at 2.22%. Fragment-type microplastics were the most prevalent (26.1%), with black microplastics being the predominant color (38.51%). Among the 10 identified mold species, Penicillium and Aspergillus were the most prevalent. Notably, a remarkably high positive correlation was observed between fragment (r = .976; p < .001) and line (r = .888; p = .001) microplastics values. In the mussels collected from Location 5, where the highest microplastics were detected, three different species of mold were detected. In accordance with this result, the highest amount of mold belonging to two different genus were detected in the mussels from Location 2, where the second highest number of microplastics were detected. However, no correlation was found between the mold count and microplastics values. The presence of microplastics and mold in mussels underscores potential food safety and public health risks, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and management to reduce these adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pursuing enhanced nutritional value in bakery products through technological advancements and new recipes is a promising facet of the food industry. This study focuses on incorporating rice and buckwheat brans, additional raw materials rich in biologically active substances, into bakery products. Utilizing a second-order rotatable plan, optimal ratios were determined—5% rice bran and 10% buckwheat bran. The application of these brans influenced dough and bread quality, reducing sugar content by 5% in dry form and 29% in the fermented brew, potentially aiding in diabetes prevention and cholesterol control. Introducing brans, especially in fermented brew, positively impacted microbiological stability, reducing the risk of mold and potato disease. The developed bread technology using rice and buckwheat brans in fermented brew significantly increased nutritional value, satisfying adult daily protein needs by 31.2%, fats by 15%, and dietary fibers by 18.4%. This innovative approach ensures a sufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals, showcasing a promising avenue for creating healthier and more nutritious bakery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the new Zybio EXS2600 (Zybio Inc., China) for mold identification incomparison to the MALDI Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics, Germany). BACKGROUND: Delayed and inaccurate diagnoses can significantly increase the risk of high mortality rates from invasive mold infections. Recently, the identification of mold isolates by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has made progress beyond standard morphological identification. METHOD: Morphologically well-characterized 101 clinical mold isolates (17 species in 8 genera) and eight reference strains (8 species in 3 genera) were simultaneously analyzed using the direct extraction method on both EXS2600 and Biotyper MBT Filamentous Fungi Library 3.0. RESULT: EXS2600 identified 49.6% of isolates at the species level and 78% at the genus level, while Biotyper identified 23% and 61.5%, respectively. Although the scores for 24 clinical isolates using Zybio and 42 clinical isolates using Bruker were below the confidence limit (scores

AbstractIn this article, we report the design and fabrication of a ‘do-it-yourself’ microfluidic channel with a circular cross-section, created outside a cleanroom facility. In this approach, the fabrication of the channel do not require any chemical etching or lithography steps, making it safe and suitable for small research groups. The channel is fabricated using the soft-lithography method in polydimethylsiloxane (Sylgard® 184). A copper wire with a diameter of 240 µm is used as a mold, and the channel is created using the wire pull-out method. This work also addresses the optimal use of polydimethylsiloxane in channel fabrication, as well as the challenges faced when connecting the microchannel to the outside world via tubing and techniques to overcome them. All simulations were conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0. The analytical, simulation, and test results, show a good match.

Background: Superficial fungal foot infection is an infectious disease caused by dermatophyte, Candida spp., and mold. Risk factors are thought due to poor personal hygiene, frequent used of closed shoes, and high physical activity. Purpose: Investigate the profile and the risk factors of superficial fungal foot infections in military students. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria for this study were navy military students with lesions on their feet. Result: This study involved 194 students as the populations with 97 students as the sample of the study. The average age were 17-25 years old, and male students being the major. Erythema and scale were found in the plantar and interdigital pedis. Students with good personal hygiene were 81 students among 97 students (83,5%). Wearing closed shoes for > 8 hours were found in 72 students among 97 students (74.2%). Most of the students exhibit a high physical activity with an average score of 26,880 MET minutes/week. Positive KOH 20% and cultures were found in 30 students (30.9%). Negative KOH 20% and positive culture were found in 27 students (27.8%). Positive KOH 20% and negative cultures were found in 9 students (9.3%). Negative KOH 20% and negative fungal culture results were found in 31 students (31,9%). Mold was the predominant fungal type. Conclusion: The students had good personal hygiene. The average wears closed shoes for >8 hours. Mold was the predominant fungal type in this study.

Options for improving the quality of castings during injection molding are considered. The variants of the design and placement of the chill vents in the mold are presented. The practical experience of using chill vents in order to improve the ventilation system of the mold to ensure a reduction in the defect of the gas sink molds and porosity is described.

Abstract Background Fungal pathogens significantly impact the quality of fruits and vegetables at different stages of the supply chain, leading to substantial food losses. Understanding how these persistent fungal infections occur and progress in postharvest conditions is essential to developing effective control strategies. Results In this study, we developed a reliable and consistent inoculation protocol to simulate disease spread from infected fruits to adjacent healthy fruits during postharvest storage. We tested different combinations of relevant fruit commodities, including oranges, tomatoes, and apples, against impactful postharvest pathogens such as Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, Botrytis cinerea, and Penicillium expansum. We assessed the efficacy of this protocol using fruits treated with various postharvest methods and multiple isolates for each pathogen. We optimized the source of infected tissue and incubation conditions for each fruit-pathogen combination. Disease incidence and severity were quantitatively evaluated to study infection success and progression. At the final evaluation point, 80% or higher disease incidence rates were observed in all trials except for the fungicide-treated oranges inoculated with fungicide-susceptible Penicillium spp. isolates. Although disease incidence was lower in that particular scenario, it is noteworthy that the pathogen was still able to establish itself under unfavorable conditions, indicating the robustness of our methodology. Finally, we used multispectral imaging to detect early P. digitatum infections in oranges before the disease became visible to the naked eye but after the pathogen was established. Conclusions We developed a non-invasive inoculation strategy that can be used to recreate infections caused by contact or nesting in postharvest. The observed high disease incidence and severity values across fruit commodities and fungal pathogens demonstrate the robustness, efficacy, and reproducibility of the developed methodology. The protocol has the potential to be tailored for other pathosystems. Additionally, this approach can facilitate the study of fruit-pathogen interactions and the assessment of innovative control strategies.

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Onychomycosis (OM) is a widespread infection requiring prolonged treatment with potential side effects. Diagnostic certainty is therefore essential before initiating antifungal therapy. Molecular biology has already shown benefits in reducing the time to diagnosis, providing technical ease, and increasing sensitivity for the respective species that molecular tests can detect. Nevertheless, causative agents are numerous, and culture remains essential, particularly for detecting non-dermatophytes mold infections. This study compared the performance of three different diagnostic strategies: conventional culture technique, the multiplex DermaGenius® 2.0 PCR (DG), and a mixed PCR/culture algorithm guided by the result of direct examination with calcofluor (DEC). The mixed algorithm (MA) prioritizes DG PCR and DEC as the primary diagnostic tools, supplemented by selective sample inoculation when mycelial elements are visualized in DEC and when DG PCR fails to detect any fungus or identifies a fungus with morphology differing from that observed in DEC (filamentous fungi versus yeasts). With only 13% of samples requiring inoculation, MA emerged as the most effective strategy, demonstrating significantly higher sensitivity (98.18%; p < 0.001) compared to single-method approaches (78.18% for DG PCR alone and 74.55% for culture alone) while maintaining a specificity comparable to DG PCR (100%). This new approach saves time in result delivery, requires fewer human resources, and increases diagnostic accuracy to better meet the needs of clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]