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Coal char-cement grout has emerged as an alternative material that counters the limitations of traditional cement grout. Recent studies underscore its efficacy in enhancing cement grout properties across diverse temperatures. However, there are no relevant studies comprehensively investigating the effects of curing temperature and environmental conditions on the properties of coal char-cement grout. This research systematically assesses coal char-cement grout performance, considering a spectrum of curing temperatures (5 °C, room temperature, and 35 °C) and environmental conditions (sealed, soaked, and mud). The evaluation centers on comprehensive macroscopic and material characterization tests. A declining trend in bulk density is evident, primarily attributed to increased porosity resulting from char addition. Nevertheless, minimal bulk density variations (1–3%) persist in the grouts, irrespective of curing conditions and duration. The microstructural analysis highlights the prevalence of empty pores in char particles, contributing to a reduction in the strength of coal char-grout samples across all curing conditions. This study sheds light on the intricate interplay between coal char-cement grouts, curing parameters, and resulting material characteristics, offering valuable insights for improving construction practices.

This study investigated the influence of different curing conditions on the compressive strength (CS) of the different alkali activated concrete (AAC) specimens at the ages of 2, 28, and 90 days for the structural utilization and standardization process of AAC instead of OPC concrete. For this aim, 100% slag (S100), 75% slag and 25% fly ash (S75FA25), and 50% slag and 50% fly ash based (S50FA50) AAC specimens were produced. Based on the oven-curing (O), water-curing (W), and ambient-curing (A) methods, the influence of 2O for 2 days, 26A2O, 2O26A, 28A, 28W, 26W2O, and 2O26W for 28 days, and 88A2O, 2O88A, 90A, 88W2O, 2O88W, 90W for 90 days on the CS of the AAC were examined in details. In addition, the influence of delayed oven-curing conditions on CS development was also investigated. The results indicated that curing conditions significantly affected on the CS and the water-curing condition could provide a better CS for those of AAC at 90 days. Although, the oven-curing enhanced CS of the S100 specimens at initial ages (first oven-curing applied), delayed oven-curing (oven-curing applied later) was found significant for S75FA25 and S50FA50 specimens. The delayed oven-curing affected more on the CS of the AAC when fly ash content increased. The most of AAC specimens with oven-curing had significantly enhanced the CS at 28 days, but S50FA50 at the age of 90 days decreased. Different curing regimes were proposed for the superior compressive strength values for each AAC specimens at the ages of 28 and 90 days.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem hindering treatment of bacterial infections, rendering many aspects of modern medicine less effective. AMR genes (ARGs) are frequently located on plasmids, which are self-replicating elements of DNA. They are often transmissible between bacteria, and some have spread globally. Novel strategies to combat AMR are needed, and plasmid curing and anti-plasmid approaches could reduce ARG prevalence, and sensitise bacteria to antibiotics. We discuss the use of curing agents as laboratory tools including chemicals (e.g. detergents and intercalating agents), drugs used in medicine including ascorbic acid, psychotropic drugs (e.g. chlorpromazine), antibiotics (e.g. aminocoumarins, quinolones and rifampicin) and plant-derived compounds. Novel strategies are examined; these include conjugation inhibitors (e.g. TraE inhibitors, linoleic, oleic, 2-hexadecynoic and tanzawaic acids), systems designed around plasmid incompatibility, phages and CRISPR/Cas-based approaches. Currently, there is a general lack of in vivo curing options. This review highlights this important shortfall, which if filled could provide a promising mechanism to reduce ARG prevalence in humans and animals. Plasmid curing mechanisms which are not suitable for in vivo use could still prove important for reducing the global burden of AMR, as high levels of ARGs exist in the environment.

The first seconds of light curing are crucial for the development of most properties of dental composites, especially for the 3s high-irradiance curing. This study investigated the influence of rapid high-irradiance curing on temporal development of temperature, transmittance and conversion of bulk-fill composites. Four materials were tested: Filtek One (FO), Tetric PowerFill (PFill), Tetric PowerFlow (PFlow) and SDR flow+ (SDR+) and cured with three curing units (LCU): Valo Cordles, Bluephase PowerCure and Translux Wave in 3s (3 W/cm2), 10s (1 W/cm2) and 20s (1 W/cm2) curing protocols. Light transmittance was measured at 2 and 4 mm, while temperature rise and polymerisation kinetics were evaluated at 4 mm depth during 5 min. Both light transmittance and temperature rise were greatest for SDR+ > PFlow > PFill > FO. The 20s curing protocol resulted in the highest degree of conversion (DC) for all materials and LCUs, but also contributed to the greatest temperature rise. Rapid curing with the 3s protocol caused the lowest temperature rise and the shortest time to reach maximum temperature. The polymerisation and temperature kinetics were strongly dependent on the material. The DC of PFill was statistically similar for 3s, 10s or 20s curing with BPC. Rapid curing is only recommended for materials developed for this purpose.

The curing rate of epoxy resins is a critical parameter that significantly influences the curing properties of polymer matrix composites (PMCs). It plays a vital role in meeting high-performance requirements, particularly in achieving rapid development of high modulus. The paper reviews the current state of research on the curing of epoxy resins in PMCs, including theoretical studies on the curing kinetics of the curing rate. The effects of curing methods, curing agents, accelerators, functional fillers and composite curing processes on the curing rate and mechanical properties are also reviewed. In addition, the relationship between curing rate and mechanical properties of epoxy composites under different influencing factors is reviewed. The review aims to provide research ideas for obtaining advanced structural composites with fast curing and excellent mechanical properties.

Background Light-curing units (LCUs) are essential for polymerizing resin-based composites, and a lack of understanding will likely compromise the quality of the final restoration. The understanding and clinical application of LCU features—including the use of fast-curing modes and budget LCUs—require investigation. This study assesses the knowledge and practice patterns regarding LCU features among dental professionals. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among specialized dentists in restorative dentistry, other dental specialists, general practitioners, and students/interns. The survey assessed participants’ knowledge and practices regarding LCU ergonomics, curing modes, use of budget LCUs, and their potential impact on restoration outcomes. It consisted of 23 main questions, in addition to 7 demographic and 4 eligibility questions. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Scheffé tests to compare knowledge and practice scores across groups (α = 0.05). Results A total of 338 questionnaires were completed (80.5% response rate). Specialized restorative dentists had significantly higher LCU knowledge scores (mean=64.31) compared to other specialists (48.84) and students/interns (53.27) (p<0.001). Clinical practice scores followed a similar trend (p=0.007). Notably, 33.4% of respondents were unsure if they were using a budget LCU, and 59.6% did not check the LCU irradiance of the lights used in their clinic. Only 4.2% measured the irradiance from the LCU daily. Conclusion Significant gaps exist in the knowledge and practice about LCUs, particularly among non-restorative specialists and students. The widespread lack of awareness regarding budget LCUs and irradiance verification highlights a need for standardized education on LCU selection, curing modes, and routine output testing in clinical settings.

The objective of this study is to evaluate whether high-intensity, short-duration light curing of bulk-fill resin-based composite (RBC) causes an increase in temperature of the material, compared to the standard light-curing protocol. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and registered in the Open Science Framework database (10.17605/OSF.IO/UNW7C). Electronic searches were carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Virtual Health Library databases for articles published up to April 2025. In vitro studies comparing the increase in temperature during high-intensity light curing and the standard protocol for bulk-fill RBCs were considered eligible. Seven different parameters assessed the risk of bias, and the studies were subjected to two 2 meta-analyses (light curing of 3 and 10 s and 3 and 20 s), according to the increment thicknesses (1-4 mm in depth) of the bulk-fill RBCs. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. The search identified 607 studies. After applying the eligibility criteria, six studies were included in the review, with one study classified as having a moderate risk of bias and five studies classified as high risk. Four studies were included in two different meta-analyses, which presented moderate heterogeneity ( = 56 , 88%, and 66%, respectively). The first meta-analysis (comparing 3 and 10 s light-curing protocols) showed statistical significance ( = 0.008), while the second meta-analysis (comparing 3 and 20 s) did not demonstrate statistical significance ( = 0.20). The certainty of the evidence was rated as very low. The use of high-intensity, short-duration light-curing protocols is thermally applicable based on limited in vitro studies with very low certainty of evidence. However, in clinical situations involving deep cavities with reduced residual dentin thickness, the use of high-intensity curing should be avoided to minimize the risk of thermal damage.

Controlling the shrinkage of 3D printed concrete (3DPC) has always been challenging. The absence of molds and early exposure to environmental conditions establish a foundation for increased shrinkage. This study examines the effects of various curing methods on shrinkage, mass loss, and the compressive and flexural strength of 3DPC. Also, the impact of short-term curing is considered. The results reveal that water curing, due to its provision of supplementary water for the complete hydration of cement, delivers the most favorable outcomes; however, it is not a practical approach for 3DPC applications. For example, the flexural strength of samples cured in water for 7 days (5.72 MPa) exceeds that of samples cured by alternative methods over 28 days (5.33–5.58 MPa). Conversely, the most practical curing method uses a curing agent, which positively impacts shrinkage reduction and strength improvement. The compressive and flexural strengths of samples cured with this method were 7.8% and 8.1% higher, respectively, than those of unprotected samples at 3 days. The synergistic effect of combining these curing methods with one day of wet curing is also evident in the improved results. A single day of wet curing reduces the mass loss by 2.2% and 0.5% in SA and SS samples, respectively. Highlights Controlling the shrinkage in 3DPC has always been of interest in previous studies. Although using chemical and mineral additives to reduce shrinkage can be useful, it will also affect other properties of concrete. Due to the structural differences between 3DPC and cast concrete, common curing methods are unsuitable for 3DPC. In addition to shrinkage, it is necessary to investigate the effect of curing on other properties of 3DPC, including mechanical properties.

Reducing treatment time is one of the most important trends in modern dentistry. This study aimed to compare the micro-leakage around the resin sealants when using both high and conventional intensity light-curing systems. The study sample consisted of 30 extracted human maxillary premolar teeth that were divided into two equal groups according to the light-curing system used: Group 1, High-Intensity Light-Curing System and Group 2, Conventional Light-Curing System. Light-curing by Woodpecker I-LED device with two intensities (high and conventional) has been used. All teeth were subjected to 500 cycles of thermocycling. Then, a methylene blue dye microleakage test was performed, and the teeth were sectioned longitudinally and studied under a stereo microscope. The mean of micro-leakage in the high-intensity group (1.33 ± 1.29) was less than in the conventional intensity group (1.63 ± 1.29) without any statistically significant differences (p = 0.320). The high-intensity light-curing system mode may be a good and acceptable alternative to conventional intensity light-curing system mode in polymerization of pits and fissure sealants.

In this research, the curing degree of an acrylate-based monomer using direct UV-assisted writing technology was characterized by differential photo calorimetry (Photo-DSC) to investigate the curing behavior. Triggered by the UV light, the duo function group monomer 1,6-Hexamethylene diacrylate (HDDA), photoinitiator 1173 and photoinhibitor exhibit a fast curing process. The exothermal photopolymerization reaction was performed in the isothermal mode in order to evaluate the different thermal effects that occurred during the photopolymerization process. The influences of both UV light intensity and exposure time were studied with single-factor analysis. The results obtained by photo-DSC also allow us to perform the kinetic study of the polymerization process: The results show that, for the reaction, the higher the UV intensity, the higher the curing degree together with faster curing speed. At the same time, the effect of the heat released during the exothermic reaction is negligible for the polymerization process. When increasing the exposure time, limited improvement of curing degree was shown, and the distribution is between 65–75%. The reaction enthalpy and related curing degree work as a function of time. The Avrami theory of phase change was introduced to describe the experimental data. The functions of a curing degree with light intensity and exposure time were achieved, respectively.