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Reducing energy consumption in the building sector has driven the search for more sustainable construction methods. This study explores the potential of cork-modified mortars reinforced with basalt fabric, focusing on optimizing both mechanical and hygroscopic properties. Six mortar mixtures were produced using a breathable structural mortar made from pure natural hydraulic lime, incorporating varying percentages (0–3%) of cork granules (Quercus suber) as lightweight aggregates. Micro-computed tomography was first used to assess the homogeneity of the mixtures, followed by flow tests to evaluate workability. The mixtures were then tested for water absorption, compressive strength, and adhesion to tuff and clay brick surfaces. Adhesion was measured through pull-off tests, to evaluate internal bonding strength. Additionally, this study examined the relationship between surface roughness and bond strength in FRLM composites, revealing that rougher surfaces significantly improved adhesion to clay and tuff bricks. These findings suggest that cork-reinforced mortars offer promising potential for sustainable construction, achieving improved hygroscopic performance, sufficient mechanical strength, internal bonding, and optimized surface adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the potential of natural and recycled materials to enhance the fire behavior of eco-friendly intumescent coatings, compared to a traditional ammonium polyphosphate (APP)-based one. To achieve this, cork, halloysite clay, and recycled glass were evaluated as natural fillers and sustainable components within the coating formulation. The aim was to reduce the reliance on synthetic materials and minimize the environmental impact while maintaining fire performance. Fire exposure tests were conducted to assess the in situ char formation and its relationship to the heat source and char foaming process. The results highlighted that all functionalized coatings exhibited suitable intumescent behavior. The best results were evidenced by cork-filled coating that evidenced an intumescent capacity about 40% higher than the traditional ammonium polyphosphate (APP)-based one. This provided valuable insights into the coating's real-time response to fire, determining its suitability for various fire-resistant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their extraordinary qualities, including fire resistance, excellent crashworthiness, low thermal conductivity, permeability, non-toxicity, and reduced density, cellular materials have found extensive use in various engineering applications. This study uses a finite element analysis (FEA) to model the dynamic compressive behaviour of agglomerated cork to ascertain how its material density and stress relaxation behaviour are related. Adding the Mullins effect into the constitutive modelling of impact tests, its rebound phase and subsequent second impact were further examined and simulated. Quasi-static and dynamic compression tests were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of three distinct agglomerated cork composite samples to feed the numerical model. According to the results, agglomerated cork has a significant capacity for elastic rebound, especially under dynamic strain rates, with minimal permanent deformation. For instance, the minimum value of its bounce-back energy is 11.8% of the initial kinetic energy, and its maximum permanent plastic deformation is less than 10%. The material's model simulation adequately depicts the agglomerated cork's response to initial and follow-up impacts by accurately reproducing the material's dynamic compressive behaviour. In terms of innovation, this work stands out since it tackles the rebounding phenomena, which was not previously investigated in this group's prior publication, either numerically or experimentally. Thus, this group has expanded the research on cork materials' attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different closures used in second fermentation on the aromatic fraction of sparkling wine. Six types of closures (cork stoppers and screw caps) and 94 months of aging in a bottle were investigated. Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and thermal desorption (TD) procedures coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMSMS) analysis were applied. The vectors containing the relative abundance of the volatile compounds are compositional vectors. The statistical analysis of compositional data requires specific techniques that differ from standard techniques. Overall, 101 volatile compounds were identified. HS-SPME extracted the highest percentage of esters, ketones and other compounds, while TD was a useful tool for the obtention of alcohol, acid, ether and alkane compounds. Esters were the most abundant family of compounds. Compositional data analysis, which was applied to study the impact of different closures used in bottle aging after second fermentation on the volatile composition of sparkling wine, concluded that there are differences in the relative abundance of certain volatile compounds between cork stoppers and screw-cap closures. Overall, the most abundant part in screw-cap closures was ethyl hexanoate, and it was ethyl octanoate in cork stoppers. Also, the proportional amount of dimethylamine was higher in screw-cap closures than cork stoppers relative to the entire sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, more and more researchers have begun to consider using waste bark fractions to produce value-added biochemicals and materials, as well as for energy production. Extraction is often the first operation in biomass biorefineries. Here we obtained hydroethanolic extracts from waste cork and phloem fractions of Quercus cerris bark and analyzed them to determine their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nitric oxide (NO) production inhibition properties and their hepatotoxicity. The antioxidant properties were investigated by ex vivo TBARSs as well as OxHLIA antioxidant assays, the antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria isolated from food and clinical sources, and antifungal properties against Aspergillus brasiliensis and A. fumigatus. The NO production inhibition activity was assessed in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) cell line, and antiproliferative activities were determined against five different cell lines, including lung (NCI-H460), gastric (AGS), breast (MCF7), and colon (CaCo2) tumor cell lines, as well as a non-tumor cell line (PLP2). The hydroethanolic maceration of waste cork and phloem yielded 4.4% and 2.4% extracts, respectively. Gallic acid glucosides, phenolic acids, and ellagic acid were identified in both extracts. The waste cork and phloem extracts showed antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiproliferative properties but also showed hepatotoxicity in the case of waste cork. Both bark fractions varied in terms of their bioactivity, with waste cork extracts showing, in general, higher bioactivity than phloem extracts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gompf showed that for |$K$| in a certain family of double-twist knots, the swallow-follow operation makes |$1/n$| -surgery on |$K \# -K$| into a cork boundary. We derive a general Floer-theoretic condition on |$K$| under which this is the case. Our formalism allows us to produce many further examples of corks, partially answering a question of Gompf. Unlike Gompf's method, our proof does not rely on any closed 4-manifold invariants or effective embeddings, and also generalizes to other diffeomorphisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In snowboard freestyle disciplines, the amount of rotation is commonly determined as the sum of rotations around all board axes and is the most important indicator of the trick difficulty across all snowboard freestyle disciplines. Based on the type of rotation, tricks can be classified as flatspins, corks and flips. It is not yet known whether the type of rotation of a trick can influence the actual amount of rotation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the amount of deviation, defined as difference between measured and assumed amount of rotation as a function of trick classification, using kinematic motion analysis. The amount of deviation was positive for flatspins (median: 21°; min: −4°; max: 49°) and negative for corks (median: −25°; min: −89°; max: 12°) and flips (median: −28°; min: −94°; max: 13°). Our results demonstrate that there are ways of execution where riders perform corks and flips with a shortcut and flatspins with a detour. This should be taken into account by judges, coaches and riders. Further research is needed to investigate how the shortcut can be influenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining machine vision and deep learning, optical detection technology can achieve intelligent inspection. To address the issues of low efficiency and poor consistency in the quality classification of cork discs used for making badminton heads, research on optimizing the YOLOv5 image-processing algorithm was conducted and applied to cork disc quality detection. Real-time images of cork discs were captured using industrial cameras, and a dataset was independently constructed. A GAN-based defect synthesis algorithm was employed to resolve the lack of defect samples. An attention mechanism was embedded in the YOLOv5 backbone network to enhance feature representation. The number of anchors in the YOLOv5 detection layer was reduced to address similar sample sizes, a center-matching strategy was designed to balance positive samples, and a shortest-distance label assignment algorithm was developed to eliminate ambiguities, improving accuracy and reducing postprocessing complexity. Detection results were integrated into quality classification. Experiments on the NVIDIA RTX3080 GPU demonstrated that the optimized algorithm improved the original YOLOv5 F1 score by 2.4% and mF1 score by 9.0%, achieving a quality classification F1 score of 95.1%, a processing speed of 178.5 FPS, and an mAP of 81.5%. Comparative experiments showed that the improved algorithm achieved the best detection accuracy on the cork disc dataset while maintaining high processing speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallum Fire-Resistant paint, denoted as MFR henceforth, represents a cutting-edge insulating material with dual functionality as a fireproof solution, presenting substantial advantages in the realm of construction applications. This exposition derives its primary insights from the scholarly contributions documented in publications. The focal point of these investigations includes the assessment of fire hazards associated with polyethylene materials in building structures and the enhancement of mortars in high-temperature environments in tunnels. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified cork-based coating (MFR) compared to traditional coatings in terms of corrosion protection, fire resistance, and thermal insulation properties in construction applications. This evaluation focuses on quantifying the efficacy of MFR by examining key properties, such as adhesion, the reduced thickness required for fire protection, thermal conductivity reduction, and corrosion resistance under extreme environmental conditions. MFR is highly effective in fire prevention for buildings and tunnels, withstanding temperatures over 1000 °C while maintaining structural integrity. A unique aspect of MFR is its use of cork shavings, a typically underutilized byproduct from wine-bottle-stopper production. This innovative not only amplifies MFR's fire-resistant attributes, but also introduces sustainability and judicious resource utilization into its manufacturing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent seismic events have prompted research into innovative and sustainable materials for strengthening and repairing obsolete and vulnerable buildings. These earthquakes have exposed the high seismic vulnerability of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, particularly in secondary structural elements like infill walls. In addition to structural issues, these buildings often face significant energy deficiencies, such as thermal bridges, due to inadequate insulation. Traditionally, structural and energy improvements for residential buildings are addressed separately with different methods and protocols. This preliminary study is part of a broader research initiative at the University of Reggio Calabria (Italy), aiming to design an innovative fiber-reinforced plaster using natural, sustainable, and locally produced materials to enhance the energy and structural performance of existing wall infills. The study investigates two plaster matrices made of natural hydraulic lime and silica sand, with 15% and 30% cork granules added. Mechanical and thermophysical tests on multiple specimens were conducted to evaluate their suitability for seismic and energy retrofitting of infill walls. Results indicate that adding cork reduces mechanical strength by approximately 42% at a 30% cork content without compromising its use in seismic retrofitting. Thermophysical tests show improved thermal performance with a higher cork content. These findings suggest that the lime–cork mixture at 30% is effective, offering excellent ductility and serving as a promising alternative to traditional cementitious plaster systems. The next experimental phase will test matrices with varying percentages of gorse fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing new products that satisfy performance and durability expectations while also addressing environmental concerns is possible through the reuse of residues produced by industrial processes, aiming to fulfill the principles of circular economy. In this study, we improved the performance of a carbon paste sensor by incorporating untreated (RC) and regranulated/thermally treated (RGC) cork, which are considered biomass residues from the cork industry. We explored the electroanalytical behavior of paracetamol in sulfuric acid solutions using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse techniques. The cork-modified carbon paste sensors showed greater sensitivity towards paracetamol. Both modified sensors allowed for an excellent resolution in distinguishing the voltammetric responses of paracetamol in sulfuric acid, showing for both an increase in peak currents compared to the unmodified carbon paste electrode. The quantification of paracetamol without interference has proved to be a feasible operation for the RC- and RGC-modified carbon paste sensors; notably, the first showed the most favorable limits of detection (LD = 2.4112 µM) and quantification (LQ = 8.0373 µM) for paracetamol in the sulfuric acid solution, performing significantly better than the second (LD = 10.355 µM, and LQ = 34.518 µM). Finally, the practical utility of the proposed sensors was assessed by analyzing paracetamol in pharmaceutical samples, obtaining satisfactory results that were in line with those obtainable using high-performance liquid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021, three documentary series revitalised the unsolved murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in 1996 in West Cork, Ireland, for a global audience of true crime enthusiasts. This article analyses the podcast West Cork (Audible 2018/iTunes 2021) and two streaming series, Murder at the Cottage: The Search for Justice for Sophie (Sky Crime 2021) and Sophie: A Murder in West Cork (Netflix 2021) and argues that they conferred documentary celebrity on their central figures, Sophie Toscan du Plantier and Ian Bailey. The celebritisation of these individuals as victim and villain, was achieved through the development of a convergent narrative across the three series, one salted with the plot twists, end-of-episode cliff hangers, emotional confrontations and supernatural speculation familiar to viewers of true crime, reality television and serial drama. Moreover, the gendered discourse deployed by these documentaries posthumously transformed Sophie Toscan du Plantier into a world-famous victim while providing an opportunity for Ian Bailey, who remains the prime suspect, to self-brand as a Gothic villain. Bailey's 2022 announcement that he would launch a podcast and television series and his self-promotional activity on TikTok confirm the cultural capital associated with documentary celebrity, even, or especially, for the infamous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical porous activated carbon (KHBC) with honeycomb structure was obtained by one-step slow pyrolysis using industrial waste cork particles as raw materials and KHC2O4 as activator, and it was applied to adsorb tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) in water. The relationship between activated carbon pore structure and adsorption performance was analyzed by fitting pore structure parameters with tetracycline adsorption capacity. Static adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of initial pH, temperature, initial concentration, and ionic strength on adsorption performance. The physicochemical structures of KHBC before and after adsorption were characterized using SEM and FT-IR techniques, establishing the correlation between the activation process, cork activated carbon pore structure, and adsorption performance. The results show that increasing the activation temperature and KHC2O4 addition ratio positively affects the specific surface area and total pore volume, promoting the formation of 2−5 nm mesopores. The specific surface area and total pore volume exhibit a strong linear relationship with TC adsorption capacity, with R2 values of 0.9852 and 0.958, respectively, and R2 of 0.8388 between 2−5 nm mesopore volume and TC adsorption capacity. At an activation temperature of 900 ℃ and an addition ratio of 5∶1, the resulting KHBC5-900 exhibits a specific surface area of 2447 m2/g, with a significant increase in 2−5 nm mesopores, showing the best adsorption effect on TC in water. It presents a micropore-mesopore pore size structure, with adsorption capacities of 1113.45 mg/g at 45 ℃ and 961.54 mg/g at 25 ℃, reaching 85% of the total adsorption in 5 minutes and equilibrium in 1 hour, which is 46 times that of un-activated BC-900 (21.25 mg/g). Also, the adsorption capacity is almost unaffected by environmental pH and ionic strength. The adsorption of TC by KHBC5-900 fits the quasi-second-order kinetic equation and Langmuir isotherm adsorption model, and the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption mechanism indicates that pore filling is the main adsorption mechanism, with the coexistence of π-π interactions and hydrogen bond interactions.

This paper describes the rehabilitation of Daly's (Shakey) Bridge, an existing single-span suspension bridge crossing the northern channel of the River Lee in Cork city. The bridge was opened in 1927 to replace an earlier ferry crossing at the same location. Daly's Bridge is included on the Record of Protected Structures and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. It remains the only suspension bridge in Cork city and is the only surviving bridge of its kind in Ireland. It is a significant contributor to the architectural heritage of the city. This paper describes the special inspections and structural assessments, site investigations and material testing, detailed design of repair works and particular aspects of construction and monitoring. The bridge is a well-known local landmark and its colloquial name 'Shakey Bridge' derives from the lively movement of the deck under pedestrian loading. A key aspect of the project included modelling and measurement of the dynamic response of the structure prior to and following repair works to confirm that the signature shake was retained. The project also incorporated approach upgrades and ancillary works, including new approach parapets, the repair of existing cast-iron railings, lighting, landscaping, surfacing and invasive species removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Survey of Children's Wellbeing (ISCWeB) is the most wide-ranging and diverse study ever conducted internationally on children from their own perspective. The aim of this study was to pilot the ISCWeB among primary schoolchildren in Ireland to examine their subjective wellbeing and examine the relationship between subjective wellbeing and certain aspects of children's lives (food security and pastime pursuits). A total of 671 (51.0% female) participants, from 16 schools in Cork, Ireland, completed the survey; 165 (24.6%) 8 year olds, 265 (39.5%) 10 year olds and 241 (35.9%) 12 year olds. Questions examined self-reported wellbeing and life satisfaction. Children's satisfaction with their lives was high. Among 10 & 12-year olds, 'relaxing, talking or having fun with family and friends' was significantly related to all subjective wellbeing scales (SWB) [partial rank range = 0.18–0.27; p < 0.05] and 'playing electronic games' was found to be negatively associated with domain based SWB for 12-year olds. Overall, food security was found to be high. This study, for the first time, gives an insight into the wellbeing of Irish children from their own point of view and provides a rationale for a national Children's Worlds survey to be administered in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the ongoing quest for sustainable construction practices, the exploration of innovative materials is paramount, and cork has emerged as a remarkable eco-friendly building material with vast untapped potential. Cork, harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming them, possesses a unique combination of qualities that make it an ideal candidate for environmentally conscious construction. Cork is exceptionally renewable and biodegradable. What makes cork even more promising is its compatibility with various existing construction materials, including cement, plastic, and plywood. By integrating cork with these materials, we can improve their structural integrity, thermal performance, and acoustic insulation, while reducing their environmental impact. By harnessing the potential of cork and seamlessly merging its exceptional performance with a planet-conscious approach, the construction industry can significantly reduce its ecological footprint. Cork emerges as a compelling contender in shaping a greener, more resilient construction landscape, offering a sustainable alternative that aligns with our growing commitment to environmentally responsible building practices. This eco-friendly material not only benefits the environment but also enhances the overall quality and sustainability of our built environment.

Abstract Background The periderm is basic for land plants due to its protective role during radial growth, which is achieved by the polymers deposited in the cell walls. In most trees, like holm oak, the first periderm is frequently replaced by subsequent internal periderms yielding a heterogeneous outer bark made of a mixture of periderms and phloem tissues, known as rhytidome. Exceptionally, cork oak forms a persistent or long-lived periderm which results in a homogeneous outer bark of thick phellem cell layers known as cork. Cork oak and holm oak distribution ranges overlap to a great extent, and they often share stands, where they can hybridize and produce offspring showing a rhytidome-type bark. Results Here we use the outer bark of cork oak, holm oak, and their natural hybrids to analyse the chemical composition, the anatomy and the transcriptome, and further understand the mechanisms underlying periderm development. We also include a unique natural hybrid individual corresponding to a backcross with cork oak that, interestingly, shows a cork-type bark. The inclusion of hybrid samples showing rhytidome-type and cork-type barks is valuable to approach cork and rhytidome development, allowing an accurate identification of candidate genes and processes. The present study underscores that abiotic stress and cell death are enhanced in rhytidome-type barks whereas lipid metabolism and cell cycle are enriched in cork-type barks. Development-related DEGs showing the highest expression, highlight cell division, cell expansion, and cell differentiation as key processes leading to cork or rhytidome-type barks. Conclusion Transcriptome results, in agreement with anatomical and chemical analyses, show that rhytidome and cork-type barks are active in periderm development, and suberin and lignin deposition. Development and cell wall-related DEGs suggest that cell division and expansion are upregulated in cork-type barks whereas cell differentiation is enhanced in rhytidome-type barks.

During the transition towards sustainable practices, cork has emerged as a pivotal material. Its distinctive cellular structure and chemical composition, encompassing suberin, lignin, cellulose, and extractives, underpin a multitude of properties. The honeycomb arrangement of cells confers upon cork advantages such as lightweightness, insulation, thermal regulation, and remarkable mechanical performance. Breakthroughs in nanotechnology have enabled precise modifications, broadening the scope of cork's applications beyond conventional uses. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of cork's natural structure and composition, with a focus on its intricate cellular arrangement and specialized suberin components. It elucidates the intricate interplay between cork's structure and properties, evaluating modification strategies and lifecycle impacts. Furthermore, the discussion extends to the realm of functional polymers and structural components derived from cork, underscoring the potential for designing eco-friendly materials. Ultimately, this review aims to catalyze future research endeavors geared towards the sustainable utilization of cork in tackling global challenges, emphasizing the crucial nexus between structure, assembly, and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drastic increase in the amount of packaging waste from conventional plastics, caused by improper waste management, is a serious challenge for the planet. It is therefore worth considering how we can solve this problem. Thus, it is necessary to develop new polymeric materials that retain the functional properties of traditional plastics but are susceptible to degradation with the participation of microorganisms. The development of new eco-friendly materials requires a holistic approach in terms of their disposal. Organic recycling enables the disposal of biodegradable packaging along with food remains that are difficult to remove. The article presents a study on the degradation of biocomposites of polylactide with cork in various environments (water, buffer, and compost). The obtained results indicate a clear influence of the presence of the filler and its amount on the degradation profile of the composites. In addition, the effect of sample shrinkage was observed, especially during degradation in water, where the pH decreases during the process due to the appearance of degradation products. This effect may be important not only for the degradation profile of the packaging but also during its use. Packaging distorted due to shrinkage may be a sign of improper product storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic is a revolutionary material. However, pollution caused by plastic damages the environment, human health, and economy of different countries. It is important to find the new methods for recycling and reusing plastic materials. In this present study, plastic waste coming from high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) cups (called HDPEr in the following) are used together with virgin cork for production of composite materials. Different fractions of virgin cork with HDPEr are tested and allow to obtain successfully composite materials. The properties of HDPEr and composite are compared. The morphology of elaborated composite is studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thermal properties are investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis; the flammability study is performed using a cone calorimeter. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the samples stored under different conditions are studied by tensile strength experiments. The results show that the cork content has an effect on the mechanical and thermal properties. The feasibility of the composites based on cork and HDPEr wastes opens the way of reusing of these wastes. The formulation of HDPEr composites must be optimized by adding a flame retardant and a coupling agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel laser‐induced graphene (LIG) resistive relative humidity (RH) sensor is successfully fabricated by direct laser writing on a common natural cork sheet. In this work, a straightforward fabrication is presented where LIG, porous multilayer graphene, is generated by a laser photothermal process on a carbon‐based substrate, in this case, an agglomerate cork sheet. The formation of LIG material is revealed by structural and morphological characterization using various analyses, including Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The electrical analyses are conducted to measure the resulting sheet resistance, getting results as low as 31 Ω sq−1. With the laser parameter optimized, a LIG resistive humidity transducer is manufactured and characterized in a climate chamber. This biodegradable sensor shows good linearity with a sensitivity of 0.015%/%RH from 40 to 80% RH. Additionally, the influence of temperature is studied and demonstrated a low impact on the sensor's response toward RH. Furthermore, a proof of concept is successfully implemented by integrating the transducer onto a cork stopper. Considering all, the prospect of creating an easy, fast, scalable, and cost‐effective transducer combined with the use of natural and abundant materials, leads the way for future large‐scale production of sustainable sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work analyzes the effect of releasing physically bound water from hydrogel, cork, perlite, and ceramsite on materials exposed to microwave radiation and subsequently investigates possible changes in the physical properties of these materials (water absorption and thermal conductivity coefficient). The release of physically bound water from individual materials has potential practical applications in materials engineering, for example, in the internal curing of concrete, where individual aggregates could, under the influence of microwave radiation, release water into the structure of the concrete and thus further cure it. Experimental analysis was carried out with samples of the above-mentioned materials, which were first weighed and then immersed in water for 24 h. Then, they were weighed again and exposed to microwave radiation. After exposure, the samples were weighed again, left immersed in water for 24 h, and weighed again. The focus of the study was on the ability of the aggregates to release water due to microwave radiation and on the changes in the properties (water absorption, thermal conductivity coefficient) of these materials when exposed to microwave radiation. The samples were further monitored by digital microscopy for possible changes in the surface layer of the materials. The hydrogels show the highest water absorption (1000%) and the fastest water release (45 min to complete desiccation). After the release of water due to microwave radiation, their ability to absorb water is maintained. Of interest, however, is that in the case of almost complete removal of water from the soaked hydrogel, the original powdered state of the hydrogel is not obtained, but the outcome has rather a solid structure. In the case of cork, the water absorption depends on the fraction of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioactive properties of underutilized corks such as Quercus cerris cork and planted Quercus suber cork in the Eastern Mediterranean are not well-known but are crucial in developing lignocellulosic biorefineries. To assess their biological potential, hydroethanolic cork extracts of Quercus cerris and Quercus suber were analyzed for phenolic composition, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial activities, and hepatoxicity, as well as NO-production inhibition. Here, we show that a mild hydroethanolic extraction of Q. cerris and Q. suber corks yielded 3% phenolic extracts. The phenolic composition was similar in both cork extracts, with phenolic acids and ellagitannins as the primary compounds. The bioactivity of hydroethanolic cork extracts from Q. cerris surpassed that of Q. suber and showed effectiveness against all cancer cell lines tested. This first comprehensive study on the bioactivities of different corks involves detailed characterizations of phenolic compounds of cork extracts using UPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn, evaluations of the antioxidant properties with TBARS and OxHLIA methods, evaluation of antiproliferative activity against gastric (AGS), lung (NCI-H460), colon (CaCo2), and breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines, as well as evaluations of hepatotoxicity and NO-production inhibition. The findings from this study will help bolster the potential of using underutilized cork-rich barks as a valuable resource in bark-based biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cork, the outermost tissue of bark, plays an important role in protecting trees from the surrounding environment and is used for various purposes, including flooring and insulation materials for buildings. This study focused on the amount and distribution of hydrophobic substances such as suberin and lignin in cork, as well as moisture conditions, to understand the mechanical properties of Cerasus jamasakura cork. Strips of cork were subjected to tensile tests after exposure to various moisture conditions (water-saturated, air-dried and oven-dried), and also after the desuberinisation and delignification of specimens. Cork with a high moisture content showed significant strain to the tensile load, whereas oven-dried specimens showed little toughness. The increased toughness of cork at higher moisture contents was due to the continued elongation in the plastic region, especially in the inner cork. The fibre length of the highly deformed cork differed significantly before and after the tensile test. Tensile tests of cork after desuberinisation and delignification indicated that the removal of suberin caused an earlier reduction in tensile properties than the removal of lignin. The presence of suberin in cork, distributed mainly in the inner cork, is believed to affect the tensile properties of cork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The children's toy market is increasingly dominated by products that rely heavily on visual appeal. This article presents the development of 'bumpi', a cork toy specially developed for young children who experience visual impairments or blindness. Research was conducted about these children's needs and the existing assistive products for them in the market. This research revealed that they often face developmental challenges, including delays in achieving key milestones such as crawling and walking, which happens because blind and visually impaired children are less confident to moving and exploring. A significant gap in the market for toys and assistive devices for blind young children was identified. Bumpi aims to fill such a gap. It is designed to stimulate and foster the earlier development of motor skills in children between one and five years old, leading to greater independence. This toy enhances sensory experiences through touch and sound to stimulate children's urge to move. The toy set includes a puzzle-like mat, a toy cart that follows a predefined path, building blocks for constructing a ramp, and sensory balls that emit sounds when they move. Agglomerated cork, chosen for its unique properties such as lightness, durability and its hypoallergenic nature, is the primary material used. Furthermore, it is not only safe and comfortable for children to handle but also offers great stimulation to their senses. In addition, this is a sustainable material that offers several benefits for the toy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) are wood-based structural products in worldwide expansion. Its application as a bending element implies the consumption of a significant amount of wood as a raw material in comparison to alternative solutions. In this research, an innovative construction system based on the stressed-skin panels concept has been designed using thin CLT skins and finger-jointed wood ribs of mountain pine (Pinus uncinata Ramond ex DC.) with the aim of adding value to underused wood and to increase the efficiency in the use of wood. Additionally, they are combined with cork insulation materials to obtain high natural and renewable building products to improve energy efficiency in buildings. To fulfil these objectives, two different types of stressed-skin panels, for roof and floor uses, were designed, manufactured and tested in bending, obtaining key mechanical performance information. A variation of the Gamma method was used to model the stiffness and compared with the experimental results. The efficiency in the use of wood for these innovative panels was compared with CLT elements of similar stiffness. The results will allow valorizing and wisely using this alternative species, contributing to the development of local economies in rural regions in Southwestern Europe through sustainable wood-based construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The facile in situ synthesis of graphene-coated metal-oxide nanoparticles and their potential applications in optoelectronic devices are highly anticipated. In this study, we prepared three-dimensional graphene flakes decorated with ZnO nanoparticles (LIG/ZnO) using femtosecond laser-induced zinc salt-containing cork. The LIG/ZnO heterojunction was formed by carbonizing the cork and decomposing the zinc salt in situ to coat LIG during laser irradiation. The correlation between the zinc salt concentration and the morphology, structure, and field-emission characteristics of LIG/ZnO was systematically investigated. The optimized LIG/ZnO-5 emitters demonstrate a decreased threshold electric field (E th) of 1.07 V/μm, an enhanced field enhancement factor (β) value of 20,559, and a maximum current density of 18.07 mA/cm2 at 1.96 V/μm, representing the most superior performance reported to date. The enhanced field-emission performance of LIG/ZnO can be attributed to the larger number of effective emission sites from ZnO nanoparticles and LIG edges, as well as to the energy band variation induced by the heterostructures. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show the migration of electrons from the LIG to the ZnO after the formation of the heterojunction, which elevates the Fermi level of emitters. In addition, the accumulation of electrons on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles in the presence of a strong electric field results in a downward shift of the energy band, thereby enhancing the likelihood of electron-vacuum tunneling. • LIG/ZnO heterojunctions were prepared by ultrafast laser direct writing. • The morphology of LIG/ZnO synthesized by laser irradiation and the density of coated ZnO nanoparticles are controllable. • The relationship between the concentration of zinc salt, and field emission characteristics of LIG/ZnO was systematically studied. • The optimized LIG/ZnO-5 emitters have a low E th ∼1.07 V/μm and stable electron emission properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Herein, we demonstrate how compatibilizers affect the thermorheological properties and morphology of engineering thermoplastic composites based on nylon and cork. Nylon12 was melt‐mixed with cork treated with four distinct compatibilizers with radically different chemical structures and compositions, respectively: (i) Octadecanamide (ODA), (ii) polyethylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA), (iii) polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA), and (iv) (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTS). The rheological behavior was assessed using an oscillatory rheometer and the morphology was visualized using a scanning electron microscope. The rheological data were thoroughly analyzed using different formalisms based on empirical, phenomenological, and molecular origin, including the Carreau‐model, time–temperature superposition (TTS), Han plot, and van Gurp–Palmen (vGP) plot. It is observed that rheological data of neat nylon can be treated as themorheologically simple. However, the inclusion of cork makes the composite thermorheologically complex and increases the relaxation time (τ) by >50‐fold when compared to the neat polymer. As compatibilizers, ODA and PP‐g‐MA significantly lower τ, improve internal flow behavior, and demonstrate good cork distribution and dispersion. However, PE‐g‐MA does not affect the τ of composites significantly. The application of APTS as a compatibilizer enhances the interfacial interaction between Nylon12 and cork most significantly, which leads to a notable rise in τ, and the composite's elastic modulus surges by two orders in magnitude compared to neat Nylon. Additionally, the polymer melt flow becomes elastically dominant. Finally, it is observed that the Han plot offers a better insight into the correlation between changes in the thermorheological behavior and the microstructural modifications to the composites. Utilizing cork particles as a sustainable raw material for engineering thermoplastics. Quantifying compatibilizer's impact on rheological properties of polymer composite. Illustrating how interfacial interaction affects thermorheological complexity in composites. Visualizing morphological change in nylon‐cork composite with interfacial interaction. Producing lightweight engineering polymer composites using cork as a filler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, microblasting with powdered vegetable particles (almond and hazelnut husks, cork saw dust and rice husks) and cellulosic fibres was used to analyse their usefulness for cleaning unpainted wooden cultural heritage and their effects on surface morphology. Tests were made on mock-ups of old pine wood from wooden boards with original soiling. Before cleaning powdered particles were characterised by SEM–EDS to analyse their morphology and elemental composition. Wood surfaces were analysed before and after cleaning by means of digital microscope (white and UV light) and SEM–EDS to evaluate cleaning effectiveness, assess effects on the wood surface, and determine eventual soiling and powdered particles larger than 1 µm that might remain in the surface after the procedure. Results indicate that microblasting with powdered vegetable and cellulosic media is a useful and safe technique to remove soiling from wood, including micrometric particles embedded in its texture, with negligible surface changes. Furthermore, residues left after the cleaning procedure are very scarce and chemically compatible with the substrate because they are mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, the main components of wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark, the outermost tissue, plays an important role in protecting trees from damage induced by living organisms and the surrounding environment. Bark differs from the xylem primarily by the presence of suberin in cork cell walls. However, few studies have examined the role of suberin and its interactions with other chemical components in the cork. Consequently, this study aimed to understand the distribution of chemical components, including suberin and lignin, and their respective roles in cork cell walls, using Cerasus jamasakura (Siebold ex Koidz.) H. Ohba. Suberin and lignin were gradually and selectively removed from thin strip specimens. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy suggested that desuberinization removed both suberin and part of the other matrix substances within a few minutes of treatment, whereas delignification exclusively removed lignin. Further microscopic observation revealed that suberin present was mainly in the secondary wall of cork cells, whereas lignin was present in both the tertiary wall and compound middle lamella. In addition, the cell wall collapse of the cork was only found in desuberinized specimens, whereas delignified specimens only showed monotonic contraction. Taken together, these results suggest that the presence of suberin in the cork contributes to the shape stability of cork cell walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As carbon ion radiotherapy increases in use, there are limited phantom materials for heterogeneous or anthropomorphic phantom measurements. This work characterized the radiological clinical equivalence of several phantom materials in a therapeutic carbon ion beam. Methods: Eight materials were tested for radiological material‐equivalence in a carbon ion beam. The materials were computed tomography (CT)‐scanned to obtain Hounsfield unit (HU) values, then irradiated in a monoenergetic carbon ion beam to determine relative linear stopping power (RLSP). The corresponding HU and RLSP for each phantom material were compared to clinical carbon ion calibration curves. For absorbed dose comparison, ion chamber measurements were made in the center of a carbon ion spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) in water and in the phantom material, evaluating whether the material perturbed the absorbed dose measurement beyond what was predicted by the HU‐RLSP relationship. Results: Polyethylene, solid water (Gammex and Sun Nuclear), Blue Water (Standard Imaging), and Techtron HPV had measured RLSP values that agreed within ±4.2% of RLSP values predicted by the clinical calibration curve. Measured RLSP for acrylic was 7.2% different from predicted. The agreement for balsa wood and cork varied between samples. Ion chamber measurements in the phantom materials were within 0.1% of ion chamber measurements in water for most materials (solid water, Blue Water, polyethylene, and acrylic), and within 1.9% for the rest of the materials (balsa wood, cork, and Techtron HPV). Conclusions: Several phantom materials (Blue Water, polyethylene, solid water [Gammex and Sun Nuclear], and Techtron HPV) are suitable for heterogeneous phantom measurements for carbon ion therapy. Low density materials should be carefully characterized due to inconsistencies between samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though the design of vibration isolators is well-established for many engineering applications, their efficiency in wide and multiple frequency ranges is still a challenge. In these cases, the use of Phononic-Based Vibration Isolators (PBVIs) may be advantageous as they present different Attenuation Regions (ARs) in which the elastic waves are strongly attenuated. Therefore, the present paper is devoted to the experimental evaluation, in terms of force transmissibility, of different types of supporting devices tested on a load mass and a motor of a Hermetic Compressor (HC). Those devices are the original Helical Coil Spring (HS) that equips the HC, the PBVI, and the Combined Structure (CS) which is composed of a PBVI combined in series with the HS. Results evidentiate the capability of the CSs to isolate vibrations, where the PBVI contributes with its ARs, thus operating as a "filter" in specific frequency ranges, while the HSs maintain the flexibility of the CSs, which is advantageous for impact-loads and/or transient-case scenarios. Hence, the capability, relevance and impact that these PBVIs present for force transmissibility reduction applications is highlighted here, which should capture the attention of and motivate the industry, e.g., producers of isolation systems, since it has wide-ranging engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beekeeping sector is increasingly focused on creating optimal and natural environments for honeybees to reduce dependence on external factors, especially given progressively hotter summers. Improving hive thermal conditions can enhance bee wellbeing and production. While pinewood hives are predominant, some have started using insulating materials like polystyrene. However, many synthetic materials, despite their excellent insulation properties, are incompatible with organic food production, requiring alternative solutions. This study compares the thermal insulation properties of various natural materials, including white and black agglomerated cork, wood fibres, and rock mineral wool. These materials are potentially compatible with organic food production. Additionally, the research evaluates cost-effective sensor networks to monitor bioclimatic variables in real time. Lab tests using a Langstroth-type hive with a controlled heat source were conducted, monitoring temperature and humidity inside and outside the hive. The results revealed that all selected materials provided similar thermal insulation, superior to a hive without insulation. This finding suggests that using natural materials can enhance hive thermal comfort (i.e., the material's ability to maintain a stable internal temperature), thereby improving honeybee wellbeing and productivity in a manner compatible with organic food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolymers are amorphous aluminosilicate inorganic polymers synthesized by alkaline activation characterized by a lower carbon footprint, greater durability, and excellent mechanical properties compared to traditional concrete, making them promising building materials for sustainable construction. To develop sustainable lightweight geopolymer-based building materials useful as fire resistant thermal insulation materials, we added 5 and 10 wt% of discarded cork dust, a readily available industrial by-product, to metakaolin before and after the alkaline activation with sodium hydroxide 8 M and sodium silicate solutions. We followed the chemical, microstructural, antibacterial, and physical properties of the resulting composites for up to 90 days in order to monitor their long-term durability. The presence of cork does not interfere with the geopolymerization process and in fact reduces the density of the composites to values around 2.5 g/cm3, especially when added after alkaline activation. The composites resulted in chemically stable matrices (less than 10 ppm of cations release) and filler (no hazardous compounds released) with a bacterial viability of around 80%. This study provides valuable insights into the tailoring of discarded cork-based composites obtained by geopolymerization with a porosity between 32 and 48% and a mechanical resistance to compression from 15 to 5 MPa, respectively, suggesting their potential as durable interior panels with low environmental impact and desirable performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The periderm is basic for land plants due to its protective role during radial growth, which is achieved by the polymers deposited in the cell walls. In most trees, like holm oak, the first periderm is frequently replaced by subsequent internal periderms yielding a heterogeneous outer bark made of a mixture of periderms and phloem tissues, known as rhytidome. Exceptionally, cork oak forms a persistent or long-lived periderm which results in a homogeneous outer bark of thick phellem cell layers known as cork. Cork oak and holm oak distribution ranges overlap to a great extent, and they often share stands, where they can hybridize and produce offspring showing a rhytidome-type bark. Results: Here we use the outer bark of cork oak, holm oak, and their natural hybrids to analyse the chemical composition, the anatomy and the transcriptome, and further understand the mechanisms underlying periderm development. We also include a unique natural hybrid individual corresponding to a backcross with cork oak that, interestingly, shows a cork-type bark. The inclusion of hybrid samples showing rhytidome-type and cork-type barks is valuable to approach cork and rhytidome development, allowing an accurate identification of candidate genes and processes. The present study underscores that abiotic stress and cell death are enhanced in rhytidome-type barks whereas lipid metabolism and cell cycle are enriched in cork-type barks. Development-related DEGs showing the highest expression, highlight cell division, cell expansion, and cell differentiation as key processes leading to cork or rhytidome-type barks. Conclusion: Transcriptome results, in agreement with anatomical and chemical analyses, show that rhytidome and cork-type barks are active in periderm development, and suberin and lignin deposition. Development and cell wall-related DEGs suggest that cell division and expansion are upregulated in cork-type barks whereas cell differentiation is enhanced in rhytidome-type barks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following work evaluates the acoustic performance of different sound-absorbing materials and balcony configurations used in the facades of urban street canyons in the Valle de Aburrá (AV) Colombia. The main insertion loss in the urban canyons was achieved by placing materials such as pumice stone and refractory brick on 16.7% and 8.3% of the facade surfaces. This obtained an environmental noise mitigation of up to 5.1 dB at a 5 kHz frequency and up to 3.6 dB at a frequency of 1.25 kHz. With other materials such as cork wood and metal wool, mitigations of up to 3.9 and 3.7 dB were achieved at the frequencies of 5 and 1.25 kHz, respectively. However, balconies caused an increase in ambient noise levels on pedestrian walkways with increases of up to 4.7 and 3.6 dB at a frequency of 1.6 kHz, regardless of whether materials such as pumice stone or cork wood were adhered to their surface. In recent decades, noise has become one of the most harmful pollutants for urban residents. Among the different sources of noise, car traffic has been identified as the main contributor. This can be aggravated by conditions commonly found on city streets, where tall, hard, close-spaced facades increase noise due to the different reflections that these conditions cause. This work shows the benefits that certain materials such as pumice stone, refractory brick, cork wood, and metal wool can provide in mitigating urban noise when placed in strips along the facade of a building. These materials stood out among others under conditions that might have resistance to weather. However, balconies projecting onto walkways could be counterproductive for pedestrians, since these features tend to increase the noise generated by cars circulating on the road. The potential application of this work is to mitigate noise pollution on urban street canyons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In October 1688, and again in May 1689, Mary Cudmore claimed to have encountered a 'spectre' in her employers' house in Cork city. The great interest the story aroused among the townspeople is indicated in letters from prominent inhabitants and an examination of Mary by the bishop of Cork and Ross. They allow us access into the homes and heads of the people of Cork at a point when significant challenges were being mounted to the Protestant authorities' dominance of the city, as the War of the Two Kings loomed, and as memories of other conflicts stirred. As observers weighed questions of scruple and certainty, and balanced concerns about imposture and creditworthiness, we also glimpse shifts in supernatural belief and contemporary debates about the construction of proof and truth. That anything of Mary's experiences has survived is remarkable, given the loss of most of the contents of the Dublin Public Record Office in 1922. In the context of ongoing deliberate and negligent destruction of archives, this article thus also argues for consideration of and consideration to partial and phantom histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cork phenolic sheets with thermal protection paints are used as thermal protection system in launch vehicles. Detecting debonds and inclusions at the interface of cork phenolic-composite structure and thickness measurement of multi-layer TPS is highly challenging with single-side access. In this study, Terahertz imaging in reflection mode is used to detect the defects. The sample is raster scanned in X-Y directions, and the reflected signal is measured at each pixel and consolidated to obtain a Terahertz C-scan image of the entire area. The image obtained using Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy imaging system can distinguish between the healthy and debond/inclusion areas. Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in transmission mode is carried out to obtain the refractive index and absorption coefficient of individual layers, which is a prerequisite for thickness measurement. The time-of-flight principle is used for thickness estimation of multi-layer thermal protection systems over carbon fibre reinforced plastic samples. The Sparse deconvolution technique is used to resolve the overlapping echoes to obtain the time delay for each layer. The thickness values obtained for cork phenolic sheet and red and white thermal protection paints over carbon fibre-reinforced plastic samples using Terahertz-time domain spectroscopy are in close agreement with the actual values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycling of waste materials is a way of limiting over-consumption and optimizing the value of resources. Within the framework of a circular economy, this can be applied to post-consumer plastic wastes, but also to biobased by-products. Hence, this work deals with the design of composite materials by combining recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) coming from bottle caps and virgin cork of insufficient quality for cork stoppers. Different fractions (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) of virgin cork were incorporated into recycled polymers (HDPEr and PPr). These composites were prepared without a coupling agent or fire retardant. The morphology and mechanical properties of the different conditionings were studied and compared. The thermal decomposition and the fire behavior of the composites were also investigated. Microscopy revealed the poor adhesion between the cork particles and polymer matrices. However, this limited interaction affected only the tensile strength of the PPr composites, while that of the HDPEr composites remained almost constant. The addition of cork was shown to reduce the time to ignition, but also to promote charring and reduce the heat released during the composite's combustion. The feasibility of composites based on cork and HDPEr/PPr waste opens the way for their reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agglomerated cork is a natural cork that has gone through a process of crushing and pressing using heat and binders. One of its applications is thermal insulator in construction. The design of these materials is becoming an essential part of building. The raw materials currently used to make insulators consume a large amount of energy, which has created the need to increase the use of renewable and ecological resources such as plant fibers to reduce the environmental problems generated. The objective of this study was to determine the different properties of experimental particleboard panels made from cork and Canary Island date palms without using any binder at minimum energy consumption. The produced cork–palm boards (density of 850 kg/m3, reached a MOR 8.83 N/mm2, MOE 794.5 N/mm2, and IB 0.38 N/mm2) are higher values than the traditional cork particleboards with UF made from cork. The thermal conductivity values obtained 0.069 to 0.096 W/m·K are higher than cork boards with UF. Ecological boards that can be used as rigid thermal insulators in the construction industry have been achieved to improve the mechanical properties of the traditional agglomerated cork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]