Synergistic inhibition of lipid and protein oxidation in refrigerated pork by a chitosan-based composite film incorporated with ZnO and lysine-modified walnut melanin.

In this study, the aerating effect and contribution to mechanical performance of boron oxide (B₂O₃) and colemanite (2CaO·3B₂O₃·5H₂O) in ground raw perlite (GRP)-based lightweight geopolymer concrete (GPLC) were investigated. Recent studies on lightweight geopolymer concrete have shown that, despite the advantage of low density, there are significant limitations in simultaneously achieving environmental sustainability, diverse production methods, adequate mechanical strength, and high-temperature performance. Instead of GRP, boron compounds were used at ratios of 5%, 10%, and 15%; a fixed amount of GGBFS and silica fume (SF) was added to improve bonding. Expanded perlite (EP) aggregate of 2-4mm was used for lightness, and carbon fiber (CF) at ratios of 0%, 1%, and 2% was used for strength. Additionally, a hyperplasticizer was added at a rate of 1.93% of the total binder and activators to improve workability. The gel structure and phase formation were examined using FE-SEM, EDX, and F-TIR analyses; regression and Taguchi methods determined the optimized parameters. The findings showed that 2CaO·3B₂O₃·5H₂O formed a more homogeneous, but less ductile N-A-S-H network, while B₂O₃ provided a denser matrix and higher compressive strength with hybrid N-A-S-H/C-A-S-H gels. In high-temperature tests, both boron additions increased secondary phase formation and thermal stability. The best performance was achieved with a 10% boron content and a 2% CF mixture, offering a balance of low density, high strength, and high post-fire resistance.

Editorial Commentary: Strength, Stability, and Surgical Feasibility: Priorities in Meniscal Root Repair.

Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of hospitalization among older women. While dance classes have gained popularity to reduce the risk of falls, in-person classes may be inaccessible. Online classes provide feasible solutions, but are limited by the lower intensity required by the virtual environment. Blood flow restriction (BFR) provides a safe way to mimic a higher intensity and promote greater strength. This study investigates whether the addition of BFR to 12-weeks of online ballet-modern (Graham and Limón) dance classes can effectively increase strength and dynamic balance among older women. Methods: 18 females were randomized into BFR and control groups. The BFR group wore 2-inch elasticized cuffs on their proximal thighs throughout the 75-minute Zoom dance classes. Strength and dynamic balance were assessed pre, mid and post using the 30-second Sit to Stand (30STS), Calf-Raise Senior (CRS) and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Time effects were assessed for each group using the Friedman's test with Wilcoxon Signed-Rank post hoc (P = 0.05). Results: Those using BFR significantly improved their strength at mid and post (30STS: pre-mid P = 0.012, pre-post P = 0.020; CRS: mid-post P = 0.018; pre-post P = 0.050), whereas control group participants only showed improvements on the CRS (mid-post P = 0.012, pre-post P = 0.008). During the mSEBT, the control group reached further in lateral directions (P = 0.008-0.038), while BFR participants showed improvements when reaching in medial directions (P = 0.008-0.038). Conclusion: The addition of BFR to online dance classes is a safe way to effectively increase physiological stress and improve strength and balance. This fun and novel program provides an accessible way for older women to reduce their risk of falls, maintaining their independence and quality of life.

Santos, CC, Marinho, DA, and Costa, MJ. Effect of biological maturation on shoulder rotator strength and performance after a 6-week summer break in young male swimmers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study aimed to analyze the effects of biological maturation on shoulder rotator strength and performance after a 6-week summer break in young male competitive swimmers. Twelve young swimmers were divided into pre- and mid-peak height velocity (PHV) groups. Anthropometric variables (body mass, stature, and arm span) and dryland shoulder rotator cuff strength (internal rotation; external rotation, strength balance; internal rotation/external rotation ratio) of both limbs were measured in pre- and post-test (6-week apart), alongside 25 m front crawl performance (time, T25; speed, s25) and kinematics (stroke rate; stroke length; stroke index, SI). ANOVA (level of significance p ≤ 0.05) revealed between-group (maturity offset [MO]) effects for body mass, stature, arm span, T25, s25, stroke length, and SI, indicating that mid-PHV swimmers had larger anthropometrics, strength, and stroke efficiency. Time effects were observed only for SI, while no interaction MO*time was observed. A natural growth was experienced by both MO groups, being more evident in pre-PHV swimmers. Mid-PHV swimmers showed improvements in shoulder rotator strength balance, whereas pre-PHV swimmers showed greater muscular imbalances after the summer break. Performance and kinematic variables remained stable or even slightly improved. A 6-week summer break did not impair shoulder rotator strength or swimming performance in either MO group. Thus, the interpretation of (de)training effects according to each swimmer's MO could become standard practice among swimming coaches.

The growing demand for low-carbon construction materials has intensified research on supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as partial replacements for ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). While several agricultural ashes such as rice husk ash and sugarcane bagasse ash have been extensively studied, limited investigations have comprehensively examined the microstructural behavior and durability performance of sunflower husk ash (SHA) in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Addressing this research gap, the present study evaluates the performance of SCC incorporating SHA as an environmentally sustainable SHA demonstrates potential as a supplementary cementitious material that may contribute to cement reduction at replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. Fresh properties were assessed using slump flow, T₅₀ time, and V-funnel tests. Mechanical performance was evaluated through compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength tests at 7 and 28days. Durability performance was determined using water absorption and rapid chloride penetration tests (RCPT). Microstructural characterization was conducted using SEM, EDAX, FTIR, and XRD analyses to investigate phase development and hydration mechanisms. The results indicate that 20% SHA replacement yields the highest performance among the tested mixes balance of workability, strength, and durability, achieving a 28-day compressive strength of 53.0MPa, split tensile strength of 4.7MPa, and flexural strength of 6.5MPa, along with reduced water absorption and chloride ion permeability. Beyond 20% replacement, performance declined due to dilution of cementitious phases. The findings establish SHA as a viable supplementary cementitious material for high-performance SCC, offering a sustainable pathway for reducing OPC consumption, particularly in regions with abundant sunflower waste.

This work introduces a circular biopolymer-based strategy for valorizing keratin-rich industrial residues through the fabrication of biodegradable cotton agrotextiles functionalized with latex–hydrogel coatings. Keratin hydrolysates and gelatin-derived biofertilizer capsules were incorporated into polymer–hydrogel matrices and applied onto cotton substrates to enhance soil moisture regulation and controlled nutrient release. The composite coatings were characterized in terms of water absorption capacity, mechanical performance, biodegradation profiles, and their impact on plant growth using Phaseolus vulgaris as a model species. Hydrogel-rich formulations (LH20 and LH40Z) provided the most favorable balance of tensile strength and controlled degradation while significantly increasing soil moisture availability and overall plant biomass compared with uncoated controls. The gelatin–keratin microcapsules enabled sustained nutrient release and induced a slight increase in soil pH, further supporting plant development. These findings demonstrate the dual functionality of the developed latex–hydrogel coatings as water-management and nutrient-delivery systems and highlight the potential of keratin biowaste upcycling toward high-value, biodegradable agricultural materials aligned with circular economy principles.

Break through the strength-ductility trade-off dilemma in Mg-Bi-Al alloy via dynamic precipitation controlling during extrusion

Developing synthetic materials that replicate the nonlinear and anisotropic mechanical behavior of soft tissues remains a central challenge in tissue engineering. Here, we present a silk fiber-reinforced interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel platform engineered to achieve a tunable balance of tensile strength, extensibility, and stiffness. By varying fiber orientation - longitudinal, transverse, and cross-plied (CP) - we introduced directional anisotropy that emulates key structure-function relationships observed in native fibrous tissues. The longitudinal and CP composites exhibited significantly enhanced mechanical performance, with ultimate tensile strengths of 8.1±2.3MPa and 6.8±1.0MPa, and elastic moduli of 28.2±5.4MPa and 25.8±5.3MPa, respectively - significantly larger than the unreinforced hydrogel and transverse configuration. Despite increased stiffness, these configurations maintained physiologically relevant ultimate strains: 46.5±12.0% (longitudinal) to 63.5±33.6% (transverse), closely matching values for native coronary arteries (54.0±25.0%). The CP configuration further reproduced the nonlinear strain-stiffening and pressure-dependent compliance characteristic of coronary adventitia, with measured radial compliance (1.9-2.1 %/100mmHg) within the range of human coronaries and saphenous veins. These findings demonstrate that coupling long-fiber alignment with IPN architecture enables controlled anisotropy and physiological mechanical fidelity, providing a robust framework for next-generation vascular grafts, adventitial wraps, and soft-tissue phantoms.

This study presents the design, fabrication, and mechanical performance of carbon fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (CF-PLA) bone plates incorporating auxetic and non-auxetic metamaterial architectures. Four lattice-structured bone plates (re-entrant, rotating square, tetrachiral, and hexagonal) were evaluated for their flexural, tensile, and compressive properties. The specimens were fabricated using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM). The tetrachiral structure demonstrated superior bending capacity, achieving a flexural stress of 17MPa and a modulus of 1214MPa. Under both tension and compression, it exhibited the highest strength (24.5MPa and 40MPa, respectively) and stiffness (1441MPa in tension and 2352MPa in compression), while the rotating square designs offered a favorable balance of flexibility and strength. CF-PLA metamaterial bone plates showed substantially lower stiffness compared to various metallic plates (e.g., Titanium (Ti), steel) indicating their potential to reduce stress shielding and promote bone healing. The auxetic geometries, particularly the tetrachiral and rotating square, exhibited superior tensile and compressive behavior compared to the non-auxetic hexagonal bone plates. The results underscore the potential of 3D-printed CF-PLA metamaterial structures as effective alternatives to metallic bone plates. With further optimization, such designs could enable patient-specific implants with improved biomechanical compatibility and healing outcomes.

Investigating internal and external focus of attention strategies during return-to-sport tests post- anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Counteracting inactivity deconditioning with graded hypergravity loading: From clinical neurorehabilitation to space medicine.

Improvement of microstructure and mechanical properties in U75V rail electroslag welding joints via temperature field control

Effect of forging temperature and subsequent heat treatment on the microstructure, strength anisotropy, and mechanical properties of the Ti-1300 alloy

This study investigates the development of sustainable composite materials using recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE) and high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) in an 80/20 mass ratio, incorporating kraft lignin as a bio-derived additive and polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) as a compatibilizer. Reactive melt mixing was employed to produce composites with varying lignin loadings (1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%). The structural, thermal, and mechanical properties and segmental dynamics of the materials were thoroughly examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS), tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS). The incorporation of lignin exhibited minimal disruption to the polymeric thermal transitions, while it boosted thermal stability, as confirmed by the TGA curves. According to the segmental dynamics findings, the glass transition temperature of the polymeric blend (−35 °C) was increased systematically with the addition of lignin by ~1–20 K. Tensile tests showed that the 1 wt% additive ratio demonstrated the optimal balance of strength and ductility. Morphological observations supported these findings, revealing uniform dispersion at low additive ratio and increased agglomeration at higher ratios. Based on its superior performance, the composite containing 1 wt% lignin was successfully extruded into filament suitable for 3D-printing. This study highlights the synergy of bio-based additives and recycled polymers in engineering high-performance materials, promoting circular economy principles and reduced environmental footprint through upcycling post-consumer waste into functional, valuable products.

The security of financial messaging systems is critical to maintaining trust in digital financial platforms. Despite advances in cryptography, many contemporary systems remain vulnerable to channel-based and cryptographic threats, including eavesdropping, interception, tampering, and unauthorized access. Hybrid cryptographic models that combine asymmetric encryption for secure key exchange with symmetric encryption for efficient data protection have emerged as effective approaches for strengthening confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity in financial message communications. This study presents a scoping review of literature published between 2015 and 2025, mapping research on user vulnerabilities in financial messaging systems and examining the role of hybrid cryptographic models in mitigating these risks. Guided by the PRISMA-ScR reporting standards, 615 articles were identified across nine scholarly databases. Forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria after systematic screening. The findings reveal a growing emphasis on hybrid encryption strategies, particularly RSA–AES and ECC–AES combinations, due to their balance of security strength and computational efficiency. However, significant gaps persist in empirical validation, real-world deployment, and user-centred security design, especially in mobile-first and resource-constrained environments. Existing research largely prioritizes theoretical performance and algorithmic efficiency, with limited attention to practical integration, usability, and operational constraints. This review highlights the need for holistic security frameworks that integrate cryptographic robustness with usability, regulatory compliance, and contextual deployment considerations. It provides a structured foundation for future research focused on developing scalable, user-centric, and resilient security solutions for financial messaging systems.

Lumbar disc herniation is a common orthopedic disorder in clinical practice, with most patients achieving favorable clinical outcomes through conservative treatment. Chief Physician Chen Bing and his team have developed an effective therapeutic technique for lumbar disc herniation based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory of yin-yang balance and spinal biomechanics. Dr. Chen posits that the fundamental pathogenesis of lumbar disc herniation lies in the imbalance of musculoskeletal strength on both sides of the spine. According to yin-yang balance theory, equilibrium of spinal forces on both sides is essential for maintaining normal lumbar spine posture, which is referred to as “yin equilibrium and yang stability.” The team identifies the side with muscle tension as the yin side and the side with muscle contracture as the yang side during lumbar disc herniation onset. Guided by this principle, they employ manual manipulation of the medial thigh muscle group to regulate spinal muscle strength balance, thereby achieving therapeutic goals for lumbar disc herniation. This technique effectively balances bilateral muscular forces, harmonizes yin-yang dynamics, and significantly alleviates patients’ lower back and leg pain symptoms, providing a novel approach for clinical management of lumbar disc herniation.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the formulation characteristics of four commercially available clonazepam fast-dissolving tablet (FDT) brands in the Indian market and to assess their anxiolytic efficacy using behavioral animal models. Twenty tablets from each brand were analyzed for weight variation, friability, hardness, and disintegration time in accordance with pharmacopeial standards. Behavioral effects were evaluated in mice subjected to sleep deprivation-induced anxiety using the actophotometer, elevated zero maze, and light/dark box tests. Among the tested brands, Zapiz showed the least weight variation (-0.38% to +0.28%) and the fastest disintegration (24 sec). Lonazep exhibited the lowest friability (0.657%), while Petril had the highest hardness (7.1 kg/cm²). In behavioral tests, all clonazepam FDTs significantly (p < 0.001) reduced anxiety-like behaviors compared with the sleep-deprived group. Zapiz consistently showed superior anxiolytic efficacy, reflected in improved locomotor activity, increased exploration of open quadrants in the elevated zero maze, and greater time spent in the light compartment. While all brands met pharmacopeial standards, differences in formulation influenced disintegration and clinical potential. Zapiz demonstrated the most favorable balance of mechanical strength and rapid action, aligning with its superior anxiolytic effects in animal models. These findings emphasize the role of excipient selection and formulation design in optimizing FDT performance. Zapiz emerged as the best-performing brand, offering both pharmaceutical quality and significant anxiolytic benefits. Optimizing FDT formulations with novel superdisintegrants and validating findings through pharmacokinetic and clinical studies may further enhance therapeutic outcomes in anxiety management.

ABSTRACT This study explores the enhancement of mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of Ricinus communis stem fiber (RCSF)-reinforced polyester composites by incorporating biosilica derived from Proso millet husk as a filler. The RCSF fibers were treated with 5 wt% NaOH to improve the fiber-matrix bonding. Biosilica was added at varying concentrations (1–5 vol%) into the polyester matrix. The tensile strength increased from 42.6 MPa to 61.5 MPa with 4% biosilica, and the flexural strength improved from 72.15 MPa to 93.65 MPa at the same filler content. The 4% biosilica sample also showed the highest impact strength at 80.71 kJ/m2. Thermal analysis indicated improved stability, with a significant increase in weight retention at higher temperatures, especially for composites with higher biosilica content. In tribological tests, the optimal biosilica content (3–4%) reduced the specific wear rate (SWR) to 1.56 × 10−5 mm3 /Nm and the coefficient of friction (COF) to 0.239. However, higher concentrations of biosilica led to agglomeration, reducing composite performance. The study highlights the potential of biosilica-reinforced RCSF composites as a sustainable material, providing a balance of mechanical strength, thermal stability, and wear resistance for engineering applications.

The introduction of new technologies in the production of bitumen using modifiers based on carbon materials allows for improving their quality. One of such modifiers is coke of petroleum or coal origin. The aim of the work was to improve the deformation and strength characteristics of petroleum road bitumen BND 100/130 by modifying it with coke micropowders. In the work, mechanochemical grinding of Shubarkol field coal coke and Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant LLC petroleum coke samples was carried out and the effect of the obtained coke micropowders on the deformation and strength properties of petroleum bitumen was determined. The fatigue strength of modified bitumen binders was assessed using the linear amplitude scanning technique based on the continuous viscoelastic fracture model. Bitumen with 0.5 wt.% petroleum microcoke can be used for conditions with high short-term loads, but is not suitable for long-term cyclic loads. Bitumen with 0.5 wt.% coal microcoke retains its structure better under large deformations, but is inferior in strength and is suitable for flexible operating conditions. Bitumen with 1 wt.% petroleum microcoke offers an optimal balance of strength and fracture resistance and is most promising for long-lasting road surfaces.