Search Results (4,207)

The evaluation of measurement uncertainty of natural gas properties calculated from composition data are an essential aspect of fiscal metering in the trade of natural gas. For conformity assessment, and in gas allocation, it is essential to have a reliable value for the uncertainty. This need is also reflected in, e.g., ISO 6976, the standard for computing natural gas properties, which follows the requirements of the “Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement” much more closely. Normalised compositions and their associated standard uncertainties do not suffice for this purpose. A novel algorithm is provided to recover these correlations from the normalised fractions and associated standard uncertainties, enabling the industry work with the data already stored in their repositories. The standard uncertainties are reproduced within 2%, which is acceptable for uncertainty calculations. The correlation coefficients obtained from the recovery algorithm agree with the ones obtained by normalisation. Full article

Effective blood glucose management is essential for individuals with type 1 diabetes, particularly when dietary adjustments involve staple foods like rice. As a primary carbohydrate worldwide, rice significantly influences the glycemic index (GI) based on its type and cooking method. This study investigated the impact of rice type and boiling duration on the GI in healthy adults using an in vivo approach aligned with ISO 2010 standards. The glycemic response to four rice types (white round-grain, parboiled medium-grain, white long-grain, and whole-grain long-grain) was measured through postprandial blood glucose levels under both standard and extended boiling conditions to assess their implications for dietary glycemic control. Ten healthy participants (mean age 25 years, body mass index (BMI) 23.0 ± 1.6 kg/m²) consumed rice samples containing 50 g of available carbohydrates, prepared under controlled boiling conditions. Postprandial glycemic response was measured at regular intervals over 2 h following ingestion, with glucose solution as a reference food. The GI was calculated based on the incremental area under the glycemic response curve for each rice sample. Extended boiling significantly increased the GI across all rice types. White round-grain rice exhibited the highest relative increase (+15.8%) in the GI, while whole-grain long-grain rice, despite showing a greater percentage increase (+25.4%), maintained the lowest overall GI due to its high amylose and fiber content. Rice types with higher amylopectin content demonstrated faster glycemic responses and higher GI compared to high-amylose types. This study highlights rice type and cooking time as critical factors influencing postprandial glycemic response. Shorter boiling durations may benefit individuals requiring strict glycemic control, particularly those with diabetes, underscoring the importance of personalized dietary guidance for managing glycemic outcomes effectively. Full article

This paper concerns research into the use of 3D-printed gyroid structures as a modern thermal insulation material in construction. The study focuses on the analysis of open-cell gyroid structures and their effectiveness in insulating external building envelopes. Gyroid composite samples produced using DLP 3D-printing technology were tested to determine key parameters such as thermal conductivity (λ), thermal resistance (R) and heat transfer coefficient (U) according to ISO 9869-1:2014. In addition, the authors carried out a comprehensive analysis of the annual energy balance of four different residential buildings, including older and modern structures, using Arcadia software v9.0. The results showed that 100 mm-thick multi-layer gyroid structures achieve exceptionally low thermal conductivity (approximately 0.023 W/(m·K)), significantly outperforming traditional materials such as mineral wool or polystyrene foam in terms of insulation efficiency. These structures also have high mechanical strength and low density, making them both lightweight and highly durable. As a result of these properties, the structures studied represent a promising solution for designing energy-efficient buildings, effectively reducing heating energy demand and improv the overall energy balance of buildings. Full article

Background: The identification of novel bacterial species from the intestines of yaks residing on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is pivotal in advancing our understanding of host–microbiome interactions and represents a promising avenue for microbial drug discovery. Methods: In this study, we conducted a polyphasic taxonomic analysis and bioactive assays on a Bacillus strain, designated Bos-x6-28, isolated from yak feces. Results: The findings revealed that strain Bos-x6-28 shares a high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.91%) with B. xiamenensis HYC-10^T and B. zhangzhouensis DW5-4^T, suggesting close phylogenetic affinity. Physiological and biochemical characterizations demonstrated that Bos-x6-28 could utilize nine carbon sources, including D-galactose, inositol, and fructose, alongside nine nitrogen sources, such as threonine, alanine, and proline. Analysis of biochemical markers indicated that Bos-x6-28’s cell wall hydrolysates contained mannose, glucose, and meso-2,6-diaminopimelic acid, while menaquinone-7 (MK-7), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylglycerol (DPG) were found in the cell membrane. The primary cellular fatty acids included C16:0 (28.00%), cyclo-C17:0 (19.97%), C14:0 (8.75%), cyclo-C19:0 (8.52%), iso-C15:0 (5.49%), anteiso-C15:0 (4.61%), and C12:0 (3.15%). Whole-genome sequencing identified a genome size of 3.33 Mbp with 3353 coding genes. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analyses confirmed Bos-x6-28 as a novel species, hereby named B. maqinnsis Bos-x6-28 (MCCC 1K09379). Further genomic analysis unveiled biosynthetic gene clusters encoding bioactive natural compounds, including β-lactones, sactipeptides, fengycin, and lichenysin analogs. Additionally, in vitro assays demonstrated that this strain exhibits antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. Conclusions: These findings collectively indicate the novel Bacillus species B. maqinnsis Bos-x6-28 as a promising source for novel antibiotic and antitumor agents. Full article

The exponential increase in population has led to a shortage of land for constructing tall buildings, resulting in the need to design irregular structures due to the limited availability of land. Assessing the impact of wind-generated effects can be achieved utilizing the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method, specifically employing ANSYS. This involves resolving the intricate fluid dynamics problem through numerical analysis using the ANSYS software. The validation study is performed on a standard shape-building model where the result is compared with experimental values and other international standards. The outcomes are presented in a graphical format, such as mean pressure, streamline, and pressure distribution in the vertical and horizontal planes. This research has studied four building models with equal area and height. Models A and B have regular shapes, while Models C and D exhibit an irregular ‘Y’ shape. The wind incidence angle was adjusted between 0 and 180 degrees at every 15-degree interval. The results were validated to ensure the accuracy of the numerical techniques employed. This involved performing validation and grid sensitivity analyses, which showed consistent results comparable to experimental data and established international standards. Model-C irregular-shaped buildings demonstrated the highest efficiency in minimizing wind loads among the building models examined in this study. Full article

With the burgeoning landscape of new enterprises and business paradigms, industrial and trade enterprises are facing escalating pressure to ensure operational safety. Conventional safety management mechanisms have proven to be inadequate for adapting to the dynamic market demands and intricacies of modern production environments. To improve safety management practices, this study integrates complex network theory to dissect the causal chains underlying accidents in industry and trade enterprises. A network model is established to elucidate the factors contributing to accidents and leverage datasets from safety inspections to construct a repository of latent safety risks. To address deficiencies in extant safety frameworks, a comprehensive safety management evaluation system is formulated, comprising ten primary evaluation indices and 30 secondary metrics. Based on the established frameworks, such as ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS), standardized safety production protocols, and risk hierarchical management and control systems and hidden hazard identification and treatment systems (dual prevention systems), a holistic safety management system (SMS) is synthesized on the basis of system-theoretic accident model and process (STAMP) theory. This systematic approach culminates in a robust framework tailored to modern industrial and trade enterprises, fostering flexibility and efficacy in safety management capabilities. This case analysis underscores the model’s ability to enhance its safety management proficiency, thereby amplifying its relevance in fortifying enterprise operations and fostering sustainable growth. This study represents a pivotal step toward augmenting safety management capacities within the industrial and trade enterprises to safeguard enterprise vitality and advance sustainable business practices. Full article

On 14 June 2023, the European Parliament adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery, which entered into force on 19 July 2023 (with some exceptions as per art. 54, according to a corrigendum issued to address a clerical error as regards the application dates in the original version) and shall apply from 20 January 2027, replacing the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. The main innovations/differences introduced by the Machinery Regulation (MR) compared to the Machinery Directive (MD) are critically analysed here, with a focus on sustainability issues. Some of these issues are covered by several international standards (such as BS 8887, ISO 10987 or DIN 91472), which also define the criteria and requirements for the remanufacturing process, although some technical gaps remain. Using the example of agricultural machinery, this paper proposes a methodology for determining the areas of acceptability for remanufactured products: these are expressed in terms of structural performance (e.g., the number of cycles ahead to failure expressed as the mutual of damage $1-D=0.625$) and the functional and safety requirements of the original machine. In this way, the issue of “substantial modification of machinery” is explored in terms of the safety obligations that the remanufactured machinery must fulfil. The paper is therefore a contribution to circular design by providing general criteria for the extension of the service life of machinery while at the same time considering safety issues. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties and degree of conversion of a novel 3D-printing model resin and compare it to eight commercially available model resins. An experimental resin formulated by our proprietary resin technology along with DentaModel, NextDent 2, KeyModel Ultra, Rodin Model, Die and Model 2, DMR III, LCD Grey, and Grey Resin were used in this study. Parallelepiped specimens (2 × 2 × 25 mm, n = 5) were printed and measured for their flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), and modulus of resilience (MR) in accordance with ISO-4049. Dumbbell-shaped specimens (Type V, n = 5) were printed to test tensile strength (TS) and elongation according to ASTM-D638. Barcol hardness (BH) was measured based on ASTM D2583 using broken tensile strength specimens. Izod-type test specimens (3.2 × 12.7 × 63.5 mm, n = 10) were printed, notched, and determined for impact strength according to ASTM D256-10. The degree of conversion was measured using FTIR (n = 5). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (p ≤ 0.05). The experimental resin exhibited a similar or significantly greater flexural strength (88.8 MPa), modulus of resilience (2.13 MPa), tensile strength (54.4 MPa), and hardness (82.9) than most model resins (FS 62.6–90.1 MPa, MR 1.37–2.0 MPa, TS 36.3–54.6 MPa, BH 66.1–83.7). The elongation (6.2%) and impact strength (14.2 J/m) of the experimental resin are statistically the same as those of most resins (3.0–7.5%, 13.8–16.4 J/m). However, the experimental resin has a significantly lower flexural modulus (1.97 GPa) than most resins (2.18–3.03 GPa). The experimental resin exhibited a significantly higher degree of conversion (66.58%) than most resins (1.11–62.34%) for 40 s of light curing; however, a similar or higher value (84.87%) than most resins (72.27–82.51%) was obtained for 3D-printed objects. The newly formulated 3D-printing model resin exhibited adequate mechanical properties and degree of conversion, which is comparable to the commercially available 3D-printing model resin materials. The new 3D-printing model resin can be used for modeling applications in restoration, orthodontics, implants, and other cases. Full article

Research on and the development of bio-based lubricants as alternatives to mineral-based lubricants have been encouraged worldwide owing to environmental concerns and the possible depletion of oil reserves. This study explored the use of grape seed oil (GSO), a byproduct of wine production, as a raw material for biolubricant synthesis. GSO contains a triglyceride molecule rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which is ideal for obtaining biolubricants. This study addresses the technical challenges of converting GSO into a lubricant by synthesizing methyl esters (FAME) via transesterification with 2-ethylhexanol to produce a biolubricant (BL) sample. The obtained products were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to confirm the conversion of the molecules. The density, kinematic viscosity, and viscosity index were determined using the parameters established by ASTM. The tribological characteristics of BL were evaluated using a four-ball tribometer configuration. BL exhibited physicochemical characteristics comparable with those of an ISO VG 10 lubricant, a friction coefficient (FC) 40.82% lower than that of a hydrotreated mineral oil sample, and a smoother wear surface. These results indicate that the polarity of the ester functional group was efficient in producing a protective film on metal surfaces. Full article

Salt stress affects the growth, metabolism, yield, and quality of crops. To adapt to high-salt environments, plants form various regulatory mechanisms. Salt over sensitive (SOS) is the key gene of SOS signal transduction pathway. As a member of the SOS3 subfamily, the function of SOS3-3 under salt stress has not been reported. To verify the function of SOS3-3 and the morphological and physiological parameters, the expression of genes related to stress were compared between the SOS3-3 overexpressed (OESOS3-3) and silenced tomato (VSOS3-3) at control and 10 days’ NaCl treatment. The results showed that, compared with the control (Ve), the plants of VSOS3-3 were shorter under salt stress, with curled leaves and abscission. The fresh and dry weights, F_v/F_m, total chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and proline content of VSOS3-3 significantly decreased, while the relative conductivity, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content of VSOS3-3 plants significantly increased compared to that of WT, respectively. Compared to the wild-type (WT), OESOS3-3 plants were less damaged by salt stress, with significantly higher plant height, fresh and dry weights, F_v/F_m, total chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and proline content. However, the relative conductance, H₂O₂, and MDA content were significantly lower in OESOS3-3 than WT. The expression levels of SOS1, SOS2, LKT1 (ion transport-related gene), APX1 (ROS signaling pathway-related gene), P5CS (osmoregulation-related gene), and ABF4 (ABA signaling pathway-related gene) were significantly lower in VSOS3-3 than Ve, but significantly higher in OESOS3-3 than in WT. These results suggested that SOS3-3 regulate salt tolerance by influencing physiological and biochemical changes and the expression of genes related to stress response. This study revealed the mechanism of SOS family participating in regulating tomato salt tolerance, providing a theoretical basis for improving tomato salt tolerance. Full article

The growing awareness of the depletion of fossil fuels and numerous environmental issues have led to increased interest in finding natural components that can be used to produce various types of fuels. In this study, composts made from the organic fraction of agri-food waste (i.e., two composts produced in a bioreactor and one obtained from a Municipal Waste Disposal Facility) were evaluated for the first time as potential sources of additives for fuel production. The presence of fatty acid methyl esters was determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS/SIM), while the calorific value and heat of combustion of the samples were measured in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 1928:2002 standard using a calorimeter. Chromatographic studies identified the presence of 33 compounds, predominantly unsaturated esters. The highest ester content was noted in the compost obtained from the company, while the lowest content was found in the compost containing grass, buckwheat husk, and apple pomace. Of the studied raw materials, the highest calorific value and heat of combustion on a dry matter basis were observed for the compost containing grass, buckwheat husk, and apple pomace, while the lowest values were recorded for the compost obtained from the company. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that composts could serve as biocomponents of fuels. Full article

Bread is a crucial component of a balanced diet. Increasing the choice of functional bakery products based on whole grain flours, with the addition of seeds and grains, can improve health, including reducing postprandial glycemia and the risk of metabolic syndrome. The current study attempted to characterize the relationship between the composition and nutritional value of 23 different types of functional bread and postprandial glycemic response values. This study involved 209 non-obese healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 50. The study protocol followed the standard glycemic index (GI) method outlined by the International Standard, ISO 26642:2010. Most of the examined bread had a low GI and was composed mainly of rye, oats, buckwheat flour with a sourdough starter, and oilseeds. Postprandial glycemia was negatively associated with the fat, protein, and fiber content of bread. However, the GI depended directly on the carbohydrate content and, inversely, on the fat content in wheat bread and bread containing oilseeds. Similarly, using whole-grain flour and sourdough in a functional bakery reduces the GI. Adding oilseeds and sourdough to bread also reduced blood glucose levels approximately one hour after a meal. A greater number of ingredients in a recipe may be associated with a higher GI. In designing a functional bread with a potentially beneficial effect on postprandial glycemia, the nutritional value, type of fermentation, and additives (type and number) are worth considering. The high variability in postprandial glycemia after bread consumption is related to several factors and requires GI determination according to standard methods to ensure that the information provided to the consumer is reliable. Full article

The aim of the present work is to study the atmospheric corrosion behavior of metals exposed to both urban (Milan, IT-Lombardia) and marine (Bonassola, IT-Liguria) atmospheres in Italy. A number of coupons (100 × 150 mm) of carbon steel (CS), hot-dip galvanized steel (GS) and different grades of stainless steel (SS) were exposed. At fixed periods of time, samples were characterized by means of Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR), mass loss tests and corrosion product analysis. The corrosion rate on carbon steel exposed to an urban atmosphere, obtained by means of mass loss tests and LPR, are in good agreement with the value estimated by the dose–response function according to the ISO 9223 standard. The yielded results can be classified in corrosivity class C2 of the same ISO 9223. Similar measurements on galvanized steel exhibited a coherent average corrosion rate. Higher corrosion rates were measured for samples exposed to a marine atmosphere for both materials, with values belonging to exposure classes C4-C5 for both materials. Stainless steel samples exhibited only superficial staining in the case of marine exposure, even after just a few months. Full article

The paper examines the impact of passive restraint on fire-induced spalling in concrete, utilizing a concrete mixture to minimize compositional variability. A variety of specimen geometries was prepared, including standard cubes and cylinders for the determination of mechanical properties and slabs of different dimensions for fire spalling tests conducted under controlled conditions. A top-opening Dragon furnace, which applies ISO 834-1 fire curves, was used to evaluate the influence of “cold rim” boundaries, where slab edges were insulated to create thermal restraint. The cold rims were categorized as 0 cm, 10 cm, and 20 cm, with each modification representing a different degree of thermal expansion restraint. Digital image correlation (DIC) was utilized to monitor the strain fields on the unheated slab surfaces. The findings demonstrated that increasing the cold rim width implies a rise in compressive stress and strain in the central zone, thereby precipitating a more pronounced spalling behaviour. The unrestrained slabs (cold rim 0 cm) exhibited minimal spalling, whereas the restrained slabs (cold rim 20 cm) demonstrated significant spalling depths and volumes. The study confirms that thermal dilation restraint intensifies the severity of spalling and provides a quantitative framework that links stress evolution, strain distribution, and spalling depth. The findings emphasize the necessity of managing thermal restraint to properly assess fire-induced concrete spalling in material screening tests. Full article

Magnesium and its alloys represent promising candidates for biomedical implants due to their biodegradability and mechanical properties, which are similar to natural bone. However, their rapid degradation process characterized by dynamic pH fluctuations and significant hydrogen gas evolution during biocorrosion adversely affects both in vitro and in vivo assessments. While the ISO 10993-5 and 12 standards provide guidelines for evaluating the in vitro biocompatibility of biodegradable materials, they also introduce testing variability conditions that yield inconsistent results. To address these inherent characteristics of Mg alloys, developing improved methods that accurately simulate the physiological environment for in vitro biocompatibility testing is essential. This study introduces two novel extraction approaches for evaluating Mg alloys: a buffered solution utilizing PBS/DMEM with quaternary dilutions and a modified ISO standard protocol employing decuple dilution of conventional unbuffered extracts. The present findings establish that controlled optimization of extraction conditions, specifically buffer composition and dilution parameters, enables reliable in vitro cytotoxicity assessment of Mg alloys, providing a robust methodology that advances the preclinical evaluation of these promising biodegradable materials. Full article