Saved Queries

Background and Objectives: Interventions targeting the gut–brain axis offer potential for mitigating Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD), a critical window for Alzheimer’s prevention. This study evaluated the effects of a novel probiotic supplement, ExoBDNF, on cognitive function, sleep, and emotional distress in adults with SCD. Materials and Methods: In this 9-week open-label study, participants received ExoBDNF supplementation. Efficacy was assessed using the SCD-Questionnaire (SCD-Q), DASS-21, PSQI, MoCA, and a computerized cognitive battery measuring inhibition (Go/No-Go), flexibility (Task Switching), and working memory. Results: Post-intervention analyses revealed significant improvements in subjective cognition (SCD-Q, p < 0.001), sleep quality (PSQI, p < 0.001), and emotional distress (DASS-21, p < 0.001). Objective cognitive performance also improved, with significant gains in MoCA scores (p = 0.047) and executive function metrics. Spearman correlation analysis indicated a significant link between cognitive and emotional changes: longitudinal reductions in SCD scores correlated with concurrent reductions in emotional distress (rho = 0.471, p = 0.009). Furthermore, higher baseline SCD scores predicted greater improvement in emotional outcomes (rho = −0.540, p = 0.002). Conclusions: ExoBDNF supplementation significantly enhanced cognitive performance, sleep quality, and emotional well-being. The findings demonstrate that improvements in subjective cognition are closely tied to alleviated emotional distress, supporting the gut–brain axis as a viable therapeutic target for early-stage cognitive decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Psychiatry)

16 pages, 2522 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Catalytic Reduction Performance of Mg-Doped NiFe₂O₄ Ferrite for CO₂ by Adopting the Co-Precipitation Method

by Leyang Guo and Junwu Guo

Catalysts 2026, 16(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16010032 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Spinel ferrites offer a versatile platform for high-temperature CO₂ conversion, yet simultaneously achieving strong adsorption/activation and long-cycle thermal stability remains challenging. Here, we tailor the defect chemistry and microstructure of NiFe₂O₄ through low-level A/B-site modification by partially substituting Ni with Mg (Ni_0.96Mg_0.04Fe₂O₄). The catalyst was synthesized by Mg doping and characterized comprehensively by ICP, XRD, SEM and CO₂-TPD, followed by evaluation of CO₂ adsorption and thermal decomposition activity under cyclic operation. Mg incorporation suppresses grain coarsening, refines crystallites, increases accessible surface area and reduces particle size, thereby improving resistance to thermal aging. The enriched oxygen-vacancy population enhances oxygen storage and strengthens CO₂ adsorption, which translates into higher catalytic utilization of active sites. Under repeated CO₂ decomposition cycles, the Mg-modified ferrite shows markedly improved stability and service life, achieving a carbon deposition of 19.62%. The combined evidence indicates that Mg substitution stabilizes the spinel lattice against sintering while promoting vacancy-assisted CO₂ activation, providing a simple and cost-effective compositional lever to balance activity and durability for high-temperature CO₂-to-carbon conversion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)

21 pages, 4432 KB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns and Functional Insights of DNA Methylation Variation in a South American Mayfly Across an Agriculturally Impacted Semi-Arid Watershed

by Angéline Bertin, Ana María Notte, Bouziane Moumen, Diana Coral-Santacruz, Frédéric Grandjean and Nicolas Gouin

Biology 2026, 15(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15010090 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

By regulating gene expression to maintain homeostasis and enabling rapid responses to environmental change, epigenetic mechanisms can provide valuable insights into how populations respond to external pressures. Here, we examined genome-wide DNA methylation in natural populations of the mayfly Andesiops torrens from a semi-arid watershed of northern Chile exposed to intense climatic and anthropogenic stress. We analyzed 285 individuals from 30 sites using methylRAD sequencing and assembled a draft reference genome to map methylated loci and determine their associated gene functions. Discriminant analyses of principal components revealed a methylation structure among sampling sites, identifying five groups, and the coexistence within localities of individuals with distinct methylation profiles. Non-CpG methylRAD loci accounted for most methylation divergence, consistent with environmental effects. The five groups shared a broad functional spectrum dominated by regulatory processes related to cellular processes, gene regulation, morphogenesis, neurogenesis, and metabolism, and formed a continuum from core cellular regulation in small groups to more integrated developmental and adaptive stress-related control in larger groups. While the drivers of these patterns remain to be clarified, our study suggests that DNA methylation contributes to local responses in A. torrens and also reveals the potential of DNA methylation analyses as an initial approach for exploring ecological pressures in natural populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Evolutionary Biology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1020 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Approach for Ceramic Ball Media Formulation in Wet Ball Mills

by Yuqing Li, Ningning Liao, Caibin Wu, Jiemei Ye, Yue Cheng, Ruien Tao, Yongfei Ning and Yiwei Cheng

Minerals 2026, 16(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010052 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Ceramic balls, as an emerging grinding medium, require a systematic method for optimizing their size distribution in wet ball mills. This study proposes an innovative approach that integrates Duan’s semi-theoretical ball diameter formula with breakage statistical mechanics to determine the optimal ceramic ball size distribution. The ideal ball diameters for grinding 2.36–3.0 mm, 1.18–2.36 mm, 0.60–1.18 mm, and 0.30–0.60 mm tungsten ore were identified as 55 mm, 50 mm, 35 mm, and 20 mm, respectively. Subsequently, the optimal ball size distribution was formulated as CB3: Ø55 mm:Ø50 mm:Ø35 mm:Ø20 mm = 30%:40%:20%:10%. Comparative sieve analysis and discrete element method (DEM) simulations confirmed that the CB3 distribution yields the highest proportion of qualified particles, the most favorable collision frequency, and the greatest kinetic energy among all tested configurations. The proposed method demonstrates both accuracy and practicality, providing a theoretical foundation for the industrial application of ceramic ball grinding systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Comminution: From Crushing to Grinding Optimization)

13 pages, 3153 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of a Superhydrophobic Surface via Wet Etching of a Polydimethylsiloxane Micropillar Array

by Wu-Hsuan Pei, Chuan-Chieh Hung and Yi-Je Juang

Polymers 2026, 18(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010132 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces have gained considerable attention due to their ability to repel water and reduce surface adhesion, and they are now widely applied for self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-icing, and corrosion resistance purposes. In this study, either a computer numerical control (CNC) machine or photolithographic techniques were employed to fabricate molds with microwells, followed by soft lithography to obtain a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillar array. An etching process was then carried out. It was found that, as etching time increased, the diameters of micropillars decreased, leading to a decrease in the solid fraction of the composite surface and increases in contact angles. When the ratios of spacing to diameter (W/D) and of height to diameter (H/D) both exceeded 1.5, the contact angle was found to exceed 150° and the original PDMS micropillar surface with a contact angle of around 135° became superhydrophobic. A drastic decrease in sliding angle was also observed at this threshold. Changes in contact angles with different W/D values were in good agreement with values calculated using the Cassie–Baxter equation, and the droplet state was verified by a pressure balance model. Meanwhile, the PDMS etching rate when using acetone as the solvent was approximately 6–8 times faster than that when using 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), a result which is comparable to data in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Microfabrication and 3D/4D Printing)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 7058 KB

Open AccessArticle

GATA-3 Suppression by DNAzyme Modulates Interleukin-10 and Liver Injury Markers in db/db Mice

by Layla Al-Mansoori, Asma A. Elashi, Laila Hedaya, Maha Alser, Shamma Almuraikhy, Najeha Anwardeen, Hend Al-Jaber, Suhad Hussain, Hamda A. Al-Naemi, Vijay Govindharajan, Rafif Mahmood Al-Saady, Mohammed Imad Malki, Khaled Naja and Mohamed A. Elrayess

Biology 2026, 15(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15010089 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Obesity plays a crucial role in the progression of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes which are related to inflammation and liver disease. GATA-3 is a transcription factor that is involved in adipogenesis and inflammation. Therefore, it could be a potential therapeutic target for obesity-associated metabolic disorders. This study aimed to examine the effects of GATA-3 suppression on body weight, fat depot redistribution, liver histopathology, and inflammatory markers in transgenic db/db obese mice. Male db/db mice received subcutaneous injections of GATA-3-specific DNAzyme (hgd40; 10 or 100 µg/mL), pioglitazone (as a positive control), or vehicle only (as a negative control), twice weekly for two weeks. Body weight, organ weights, liver histopathology, mRNA expression of selected genes and serum cytokine levels were assessed. GATA-3 expression was not region specific, and its suppression did not significantly affect fat depot distribution or organ weights. However, the low dose of hgd40 accelerated body weight gain transiently. It also increased Il10 mRNA expression in the liver and significantly increased IL-10 protein concentration in the serum. In addition, a high dose of hgd40 resulted in a marked decrease in hepatocyte ballooning degeneration. These findings suggest that GATA-3 suppression may modulate inflammation and liver injury in obesity, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic potential for obesity-related metabolic disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Basis of Metabolic Homeostasis)

80 pages, 1687 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in AI-Driven Mobile Health Enhancing Healthcare—Narrative Insights into Latest Progress

by Sandra Morelli and Daniele Giansanti

Bioengineering 2026, 13(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13010054 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mobile health (mHealth) applications has been accelerated by the widespread adoption of smartphones and recent technological advances, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience has expanded the role of AI-powered apps in real-time health monitoring, early detection, and personalized treatment pathways. Aim: This review aims to summarize recent evidence on the use of AI in healthcare-related mobile applications, with a focus on clinical trends, practical implications, and future directions. Methods: Studies were prioritized based on methodological rigor, with systematic reviews forming the core of the analysis. Additional literature was considered to capture emerging trends and applications where a relevant rigorous screening and scoring procedure was applied to ensure methodological quality and relevance. Only studies addressing healthcare applications, rather than computational or computer science frameworks, were included to reflect the journal’s clinical scope. Results and Discussion: Fifty-six secondary studies were analyzed in detail. Thematic synthesis revealed a post-pandemic shift toward applications targeting mental health, chronic care management, and preventive services. Additional screening showed that, despite their increasing use in clinical contexts, few AI-based apps were formally classified as medical devices. This highlights a gap between technological innovation and regulatory oversight. Ethical concerns—including algorithm transparency, clinical responsibility, and data protection—were frequently reported across studies. Conclusions: This review underscores the growing impact of AI in mobile health, while drawing attention to unresolved challenges related to regulation, safety, and clinical accountability. A more robust integration into health systems will require clearer governance frameworks, validation standards, and interdisciplinary dialogue between developers, clinicians, and regulators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Artificial Intelligence in Public Health: Current Trends and Future Possibilities, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1626 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Transformation in the Construction Industry: Lessons and Challenges from the Journey of Brazilian Construction Companies

by Maria Gabriella Teixeira Lima, Thaís de Melo Cunha, Luis Felipe Cândido and José de Paula Barros Neto

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010407 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Digital Transformation (DT) is a strategic challenge that reshapes the way companies operate. Nevertheless, its adoption in the construction industry remains slow. This paper analyzes the DT process in Brazilian construction companies through two phases. Initially, an exploratory study was conducted with 17 firms using semi-structured interviews with their Technical Directors. Second, three companies were selected for case studies involving 14 in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis. Data underwent content analysis. In the exploratory phase, DT was found to be mainly pursued to improve construction efficiency. Barriers were strongly associated with individual aspects, especially limited knowledge about technologies and resistance to change, reinforced by difficulties in implementing organizational changes. Most problems that DT seeks to address are concentrated in the technical department and construction site. Companies adopted approaches such as technology investments, open innovation, organizational restructuring, and training, but the success of these strategies depends on top management engagement and employee acceptance. Besides cultural barriers, technological obstacles, system integration and digital delay were identified, along with process difficulties such as the complexity and costs of the DT journey. Indirect sustainability objectives also emerged, indicating that DT is perceived as both technological advancement and a means to transform the sector. Finally, based on the empirical findings, a multi-level framework comprising 12 strategies for DT in the construction industry was proposed. Overall, the empirical field investigated remains in the early stages of DT, with experimentation with technologies and a focus on efficiency, characteristics of digitization, a step prior to total transformation. The study provides a valuable diagnosis of DT to support the digital transition and informs policymakers in designing initiatives that foster DT, contributing to sector sustainability and SDG9. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Developments in Digital and Sustainable Innovation of Design and Construction Management)

14 pages, 6284 KB

Open AccessArticle

Near-Field Electrospray ZnO Thin Film for Ultraviolet Photodetectors

by Liyun Zhuo, Tao Peng, Jiaxin Jiang and Gaofeng Zheng

Micromachines 2026, 17(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17010069 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

ZnO thin-film ultraviolet photodetectors are widely used in the military, space, environmental protection, medicine, and other fields. Accurate printing of ZnO photoelectric-sensitive films plays a key role in the detection results. Therefore, obtaining printing technology with a simple process and high precision has become a challenge for ZnO photoelectrically sensitive films. By adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the collecting plate, the jet is atomized in a straight line and deposited directly on the collecting plate, which effectively improves the stability and controllability of the jet spraying and deposition processes. ZnO thin films with a uniform distribution of nanoparticles, significantly improved density, and controllable deposition area linewidth were successfully prepared. The effects of different ZnO film structures on the performance of ultraviolet photodetectors were tested. When the ultraviolet light intensity is 500, 1000, and 2500 mW/cm², the I_light of the photodetector is 4.62, 9.38, 14.67 mA, The on/off ratio (I_light/ I_dark) is 20.7, 42.1, 65.8, implying satisfactory photoelectric performance as well as high stability and repeatability, providing an effective technical means for the precise printing application of micro-nano functional devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Technologies and Applications for Semiconductor Industry)

24 pages, 9333 KB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Study on the Stiffness Variation Mechanisms of Radially Bolted Cylindrical–Cylindrical Shell Joints Under Transient Thermo-Mechanical Loading

by Ning Guo, Weizhen Yun, Shuo Zhang, Haoyu Du and Chao Xu

Aerospace 2026, 13(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace13010049 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Radially bolted cylindrical–cylindrical shell joints are critical load-bearing components in aerospace vehicles. These joints experience complex thermo–mechanical environments during flight, where aerodynamic heating and mechanical loads jointly induce nonlinear deformation and stiffness variation through evolving interfacial contact states. To elucidate these mechanisms, this study develops a sequentially coupled thermo–mechanical finite-element framework to analyze the stiffness evolution of RBCCSJs under transient heating and combined mechanical loads (tension, compression, and bending). The results show that the global stiffness evolves through distinct contact-controlled stages (sticking → microslip → macroslip → mechanical bearing), producing pronounced nonlinear stiffness troughs spanning over two orders of magnitude. Under tension and bending, stiffness peaks during full sticking and decreases with slip, whereas under compression, it recovers earlier due to its end-face-bearing formation. Transient heating introduces two competing effects, thermal-expansion-induced frictional stiffening during short-term heating and temperature-dependent material softening during sustained exposure, leading to a 19.2–34% reduction in stiffness under steady thermal conditions. These findings clarify the dominant role of contact-state evolution and thermo–mechanical coupling in joint behavior and provide a quantitative analytical basis for enhancing the stiffness reliability and design optimization of aerospace bolted assemblies operating in transient thermal environments. Full article

36 pages, 2483 KB

Open AccessReview

Machine Learning Applications in Fuel Reforming for Hydrogen Production in Marine Propulsion Systems

by Yexin Chen, Xinyu Liu, Xu Liu, Hao Lu and Ziqin Wang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010085 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

In the context of the shipping industry’s transition towards low-carbon solutions, hydrogen energy exhibits substantial application potential in marine propulsion systems. Fuel reforming for hydrogen production represents one of the key technologies for efficient hydrogen production in maritime applications. Nevertheless, this process involves complex multi-scale reaction mechanisms, challenges in catalyst design, and difficulties in system optimization. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of the recent progress in the application of machine learning in fuel reforming hydrogen production technology. In the realm of catalysts, machine learning has expedited the design of efficient catalysts via high-throughput screening, performance prediction, and active site regulation. In reaction modeling, machine learning has facilitated the development of multi-scale kinetic models, enhancing the interpretability and predictive accuracy of reaction pathways. Regarding equipment and system optimization, machine learning has enabled innovations in reactor design, collaborative optimization of process parameters, and intelligent system control. This review aims to provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the technological development of ship propulsion systems. Moreover, it explores the future directions for the deep integration of machine learning and hydrogen energy technologies, thereby promoting the low-carbon and intelligent transformation of the shipping industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for New (Clean) Energy Ships—2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3375 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatially Gated Mixture of Experts for Missing Data Imputation in Pavement Management Systems

by Bongjun Ji, Seungyeon Han and Mun-Sup Lee

Systems 2026, 14(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010048 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Accurate imputation of missing pavement-condition data is critical for proactive infrastructure management, yet it is complicated by spatial non-stationarity—deterioration patterns and data quality vary markedly across regions. This study proposes a Spatially Gated Mixture-of-Experts (SG-MoE) imputation model that explicitly encodes spatial heterogeneity by (i) clustering road segments using geographic coordinates and (ii) supervising a gating network to route each sample to region-specialized expert regressors. Using a large-scale national pavement management database, we benchmark SG-MoE against a strong baseline under controlled missingness mechanisms (MCAR: missing completely at random; MAR: missing at random; MNAR: missing not at random) and missing rates (10–50%). Across scenarios, SG-MoE consistently matches or improves upon the baseline; the largest gains occur under MCAR and the challenging MNAR setting, where spatial specialization reduces systematic underestimation of high crack-rate sections. The results provide practical guidance on when spatially aware ensembling is most beneficial for infrastructure imputation at scale. We additionally report comparative results under three missingness mechanisms. Across five random seeds, SG-MoE is comparable to the single LightGBM baseline under MCAR/MAR and achieves its largest gains under MNAR (e.g., sMAPE improves by 0.82 points at 10% MNAR missingness). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Systems Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 888 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Computational Stemness and Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review, Dual Meta-Analysis, and Functional Meta-Synthesis

by Carlos M. Ardila, Eliana Pineda-Vélez and Anny M. Vivares-Builes

Med. Sci. 2026, 14(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14010021 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Stemness has been proposed as a unifying driver of invasion, treatment resistance, and relapse in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We synthesized two complementary evidence streams to determine whether higher stemness predicts poorer survival in OSCC: (i) computational stemness signatures derived from transcriptomic/epigenetic data and (ii) tissue cancer stem cell (CSC) immunophenotypes by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and SciELO. Adults with histologically confirmed OSCC were eligible. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS); disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were secondary. Two parallel meta-analyses pooled effects within domains; random-effects restricted maximum likelihood (REML) models were applied. Results: Of 785 records, 11 studies met criteria. For computational signatures (k = 6), higher stemness was associated with poorer OS (pooled HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.61–3.12; I² ≈ 49%). Sensitivity excluding the single unadjusted Kaplan–Meier (KM)-derived estimate yielded a similar effect (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.56–2.89). For CSC-IHC (main analysis, k = 2), CSC-positive profiles predicted worse OS (pooled HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.42–2.84; I² ≈ 0%); results were robust to excluding an internally inconsistent study (single-study HR 2.078). An exploratory sensitivity analysis, including a 1-year HR (different time horizon), increased heterogeneity and was not considered definitive. A functional meta-synthesis converged on epithelial–mesenchymal transition/extracellular matrix remodeling, hypoxia/glycolysis, redox/ferroptosis resistance, and ribosome/rRNA biogenesis, supporting biological plausibility across modalities. Conclusions: Across computational and IHC evidence, stemness consistently portends inferior OS in OSCC, offering a biologically anchored framework for risk stratification and testable therapeutic hypotheses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Translational Medicine)

17 pages, 2007 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Profiling and Activation-Associated Expression of CD99 Ligands on Human Leukocytes

by Myint Myat Thu, Nuchjira Takheaw, Witida Laopajon, Watchara Kasinrerk and Supansa Pata

Biology 2026, 15(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15010086 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

The immune system comprises a complex network of cells that continuously change during activation, infection, and the maintenance of balance. Immunophenotyping offers valuable insights into the regulation of immune responses. We systematically characterized the expression profile of CD99 ligands across distinct immune cell subsets using both conventional and high-dimensional flow cytometry. CD99 ligands were detected on NK cells and monocytes under both resting and IL-2-activated conditions, with non-classical monocytes and CD56 Dim NK cells exhibiting the highest expression levels. Notably, ligand expression in these subsets was further enhanced following IL-2 activation. In contrast, T lymphocytes (CD3⁺) displayed low basal levels of CD99 ligand expression, which increased modestly upon activation. Cellular activation was accompanied by an expansion of specific immune phenotypes characterized by elevated CD99 ligand expression alongside the upregulation of activation markers such as CD69 and CD137. Collectively, these findings suggest that the expression of the CD99 ligands may serve as an indicator of immune activation and demonstrate subset-specific regulation, particularly in response to IL-2 stimulation. These findings have revealed the distinct expression patterns of CD99 ligands, emphasizing their crucial role in modulating immune responses. Full article

17 pages, 1082 KB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic NO_x Removal Performance of TiO₂-Coated Permeable Concrete: Laboratory Optimization and Field Demonstration

by Han-Na Kim and Hyeok-Jung Kim

Materials 2026, 19(1), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010148 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Nitrogen oxides (NO_x) emitted mainly from vehicle exhaust significantly contribute to urban air pollution, leading to photochemical smog and secondary particulate matter. Photocatalytic technology has emerged as a promising solution for continuous NO_x decomposition under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This study developed an eco-friendly permeable concrete incorporating activated loess and zeolite to improve roadside air quality. The high porosity and adsorption capability of the concrete provided a suitable substrate for a TiO₂-based photocatalytic coating. A single-component coating system was optimized by introducing colloidal silica to enhance TiO₂ particle dispersibility and adding a binder to secure durable adhesion on the concrete surface. The produced permeable concrete met sidewalk quality standards specified in SPS-F-KSPIC-001-2006. Photocatalytic NO_x removal performance evaluated by ISO 22197-1 showed a maximum removal efficiency of 77.5%. Even after 300 h of accelerated weathering, the activity loss remained within 13.8%, retaining approximately 80% of the initial performance. Additionally, outdoor mock-up testing under natural light confirmed NO_x concentration removal and formation of nitrate by-products, demonstrating practical applicability in real environments. Overall, the integration of permeable concrete and a durable, single-component TiO₂ photocatalytic coating provides a promising approach to simultaneously enhance pavement sustainability and reduce urban NO_x pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Displaying article 1-50 on page 1 of 2000.

Go to page 1 2 3 4 5

Search Results (1,828,776)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI