Search Results (24,105)

Pili nutshell (PS), an abundant agro-industrial byproduct in the Bicol Region, Philippines, demonstrates substantial potential as a solid biofuel and bioenergy feedstock. Proximate and ultimate analyses revealed high volatile matter (72.00 ± 0.20 wt%), low ash content (4.33 ± 0.76 wt%), and a higher heating value of 20.60 MJ/kg, indicating strong suitability as a solid fuel for thermochemical conversion and biofuel production. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted from 30 °C to 900 °C at heating rates of 10, 15, and 20 °C/min under nitrogen to examine its thermal decomposition behavior. The process followed three stages: initial moisture loss, active devolatilization, and lignin-rich char formation. The resulting kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are directly relevant for designing fast pyrolysis processes aimed at liquid biofuel production and optimizing downstream fuel utilization of the derived bio-oil and char. Kinetic analysis using the Coats–Redfern method identified third-order reaction (CR03) and diffusion-controlled (DM6) models as best-fitting, with activation energies ranging from 64.03–96.21 kJ/mol (CR03) and 66.98–104.72 kJ/mol (DM6). Corresponding thermodynamic parameters—ΔH (58.67–90.95 kJ/mol), ΔG (201.51–231.46 kJ/mol), and ΔS (−174.57 to −255.08 kJ/mol·K)—indicated an endothermic, non-spontaneous, entropy-reducing reaction pathway. Model-free methods confirmed a highly reactive zone at α = 0.3–0.6, with consistent E_a values (~130–190 kJ/mol). These findings affirm the viability of PS for fast pyrolysis, offering data-driven insights for optimizing advanced fuel and bioenergy systems in line with circular economy objectives. Full article

This study employed urea (U), acrylamide (AM), and choline chloride (ChCl) as raw materials to synthesize a deep eutectic solvent (DES), incorporated dispersed Fe₃O₄ as a filler within the DES, and effectively fabricated Fe₃O₄/P(U-AM-ChCl) composite hydrogels through in situ polymerization (SP). The hydrogels were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of different Fe₃O₄ contents on the swelling behavior, anti-fatigue properties, and adsorption efficiency of the composite hydrogels was thoroughly examined. The results indicated that, in comparison to the hydrogel lacking Fe₃O₄, the hydrogel containing 1 wt% Fe₃O₄ demonstrated enhanced swelling and anti-fatigue characteristics, with its equilibrium swelling ratio (ESR) increasing by 16.34%, the time to achieve swelling equilibrium decreasing by 60%, the maximum stress recovery rate rising by 7.8%, and the toughness recovery rate improving by 7.28%.The adsorption efficiency of the hydrogel was improved, and adsorption equilibrium was achieved more quickly, due to the supplementary adsorption sites introduced by Fe₃O₄. When the Fe₃O₄/P(U-AM-ChCl) composite hydrogel was immersed in a 120 mg/L Cu²⁺ so-lution for 48 h, the adsorption capacity reached 171.5 mg/g. This study introduces a novel, viable approach for synthesizing hydrogels with reduced pore sizes and enhanced functionality, while also illustrating their prospective utility in water purification applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPIs) are emerging as promising imaging agents assessing fibrotic diseases. This study evaluates [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DATA^5m.SA.FAPi for imaging pulmonary fibrosis in two mouse models, bleomycin-induced (BLM) and a transgenic (fra-2^tg) model, both displaying characteristics of human pulmonary fibrotic diseases. Methods: In the BLM model, C57BL/6 mice were treated with bleomycin or isotonic sodium chloride (controls) for 4, 5, and 6 weeks, followed by [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DATA^5m.SA.FAPi PET/CT scans. Fra-2^tg mice and wildtype (WT) littermates underwent at 7, 11, and 18/19 weeks of age a PET/CT scan. The selected timepoints correspond to early, middle, and late disease stages for each model. Imaging was complemented by ex vivo quantification, histological, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. Results: In BLM mice, pulmonary [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DATA^5m.SA.FAPi uptake showed a trend toward increase as early as 5 weeks of treatment compared with the controls, which was confirmed by ex vivo analysis (BLM: 3.31 ± 0.29%ID/g, n = 5; control: 1.61 ± 0.29%ID/g, n = 4; p = 0.0035). In fra-2^tg mice, no significant differences could be detected. IHC revealed elevated pulmonary FAP expression specifically at early (BLM) and mild (fra-2^tg) disease stages, whereas for BLM, tracer uptake was more pronounced at later stages. Conclusions: Our findings complement and extend observations from previous studies and support the potential of FAPI tracers as molecular imaging agents for pulmonary fibrosis. Full article

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is a critical area of research due to its potential to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from industrial processes and fossil fuel-based power generation. Aqueous amine solutions are commonly used as chemical solvents for CO₂ capture. However, their application is disfavoured by the high energy requirements and related operational costs, toxicity, and corrosion issues. To address these limitations, research is in general focused on developing novel solvents that can overcome the drawbacks of traditional amines. This development needs the study of phase equilibria in systems for which detailed physicochemical data are often scarce in the literature. In particular, understanding the solubility of gases (CO₂) in possible solvent mixtures is essential for evaluating their suitability for chemical or physical absorption processes. In this work, a dedicated setup was installed to generate the experimental data for these novel systems. This unit was designed to measure the solubility and diffusivity of gases in low-volatility liquids that could be alternative CO₂ solvents. A detailed experimental procedure was established, and the unit was initially validated by measuring CO₂ solubility in a 30 wt% monoethanolamine (MEA) solution, one of the most widely used industrial solvents. The experiments were conducted under conditions representing both the absorption and the regeneration sections of a CO₂ removal plant. The resulting equilibrium data were analyzed by employing several thermodynamic models, and the model providing the best representation was selected. Full article

This study investigates the interlayer properties and sustainability of 3D-printed ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) modified with antimony tailings (ATs). The different AT ratios considered were 2.7, 5.4, 8.1, 10.8, and 13.5 wt% additions. The mechanical experiments show the optimal concentration resulting in compressive and flexural strength of 11.2% and 17.2% enhancement at 28 days, respectively. SEM analysis revealed that AT enhances the interlayer strength of 3D-printed UHPC and influences the anisotropic behavior of the matrix around steel fibers. X-CT demonstrated that increasing the AT from the compared group to 13.5% reduced the pore volume from 2.02% to 0.30%. Furthermore, an environmental impact assessment of the 10.8 wt% AT exhibited a 32.5% reduction in key indicators including abiotic depletion (ADP), acidification potential (AP), global warming potential (GWP), and ozone depletion potential (ODP). Consequently, UHPC incorporating AT offers superior environmental sustainability in the practical construction of 3D-printed concrete. This research provides practical guidance in optimizing 3D-printed UHPC engineering, further facilitating the integrated design and manufacturing of multi-layer structures. Full article

Due to growing environmental challenges, many studies are focusing on vegetable-based lubricants. Industrial lubricants pose a significant risk to the environment and human health. The tribological performances of calophyllum calaba (galba) and avocado when used as a base oil and as a liquid additive were compared to those of moringa oil. The different lubricant formulations were investigated under an ambient atmosphere, using a reciprocating ball-on-plane tribometer in a boundary lubrication regime. Graphite particles were used as solid lubricant additives due to their excellent friction performances in these formulations. Dodecane was the mineral oil used as a reference and base oil in some lubricant formulations. It was found that the percentage used and the fatty acid molecule composition of vegetable oils have an important influence on the tribological performances of the different formulations. The presence of oleic acid molecules shows a positive effect but is not sufficient to explain the friction reduction obtained with moringa oil. The triglyceride shape of an oleic acid molecule is the key to an important friction reduction, despite the small amount (2 wt% as liquid additive) in lubricant formulations. Full article

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bio-based polymer, although its application is limited by mechanical brittleness and low thermal resistance. PLA-based biocomposites reinforced with waste materials are gaining attention due to their sustainability, but their durability under degradation conditions remains a key concern. In this work, PLA biocomposites containing 0, 1, and 3% wt. of Olive-stone Biomass Ash (OBA) were manufactured and characterized both (1) after manufacture and (2) after laboratory-accelerated weathering (including UV exposure, heat, and humidity). The results obtained were analyzed to evaluate the influence of ash incorporation on degradation resistance (measured through Carbonyl Indices, CI), mechanical properties (tensile strength), thermal (Thermogravimetric Analysis—Differential Scanning Calorimetry, TGA-DSC), structure (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FT-IR), morphology (Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM) and appearance (colorimetry and gloss). Key quantitative findings include a 35% reduction in tensile strength for raw PLA after 1000 h weathering exacerbated to 48% and 50% with 1% and 3% OBA incorporation, respectively. Degradation indices showed increased hydroxyl formation, with HI values ranging from 0.38 to 2.80 for PLA, while for biocomposites HI rose up to 5.85 for PLA with 3% OBA. Subsequently, a solid-state reaction was model-fitted from experimental data obtained by means of TGA analysis for determining the kinetic triplet (pre-exponential factor, the activation energy, and the reaction mechanism). Finally, the Acceleration Factor (AF), which combines the effects of radiation, temperature, and humidity to predict long-term material performance, is addressed analytically. Full article

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel is a Ca²⁺-permeable, redox-activated cardiac ion channel protective in ischemia–reperfusion, but whether it regulates atrial endocrine output under stress is unclear. Here, we investigated whether TRPM2 contributes to the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) response during β-adrenergic stimulation. We compared how male C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) and TRPM2 knockout (TRPM2^−/−) mice (8–12 weeks old) respond to β-adrenergic stress induced by isoproterenol (ISO) using echocardiography, histology, RT-PCR, electrophysiology, Ca²⁺ imaging, ELISA, and atrial RNA-seq. We detected abundant Trpm2 transcripts in WT atria and measured ADP-ribose (ADPr)-evoked currents and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced Ca²⁺ influx characteristic of TRPM2; these were absent in TRPM2^−/− cells. Under the ISO-induced hypertrophic model, TRPM2^−/− mice developed greater cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and systolic dysfunction compared with WT mice. Atrial bulk RNA-seq showed significant induction of Nppa (ANP precursor gene) in WT + ISO, accompanied by higher circulating ANP; TRPM2^−/− + ISO showed blunted Nppa and ANP responses. ISO-treated TRPM2^−/− mice exhibited more blunt responses, in both Nppa transcripts and circulating ANP levels. Exogenous ANP attenuated ISO-induced dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in TRPM2^−/− mice, suggesting that TRPM2 is needed for the cardioprotective endocrine response via ANP to control stress-induced β-adrenergic remodeling. Full article

During the drilling operations of a shale gas well in Central China, a severe failure occurred in the pressure-resistant cylinder of the measurement while drilling (MWD) tool, with numerous microcracks observed on the outer surface of the cylinder. This significantly compromised the safety of the MWD tool and the reliability of the logging data. To determine the cause of the failure, macroscopic morphology analysis and physicochemical performance tests were conducted on the failed pressure-resistant cylinder, which is made of Cr20Ni11 (UNS 308) austenitic stainless steel. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, white light interferometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to analyze the morphology and chemical composition of the corrosion products and cracks, thereby identifying the cause of the corrosion failure. It is demonstrated that the physicochemical properties of the pressure-resistant cylinder comply with the specifications of relevant standards. Nevertheless, the size of non-metallic inclusions in the material reaches 100 μm, which significantly enhances the material’s susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Meanwhile, solid particles and high-concentration Cl⁻ present in the drilling fluid deteriorate the passive film formed on the substrate surface. EDS analysis reveals that the Cl⁻ content is measured to be 4.09 wt%, which induces pitting on the substrate with a maximum pitting depth of 13.5556 μm. Under the synergistic effect of stress and corrosion, the pressure-resistant cylinder experiences SCC failure initiated by Cl⁻; specifically, cracks nucleate at the bottom of the pitting pits and propagate along the radial direction. Full article

To address the challenges of rutting and performance balance in asphalt pavements under high-temperature and heavy-load conditions, a novel polyolefin composite modifier (PCM-H) was developed from waste tire rubber powder, recycled ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), petroleum resin, and polymer additives. The chemical characteristics, thermal stability, and compatibility mechanisms of PCM-H were compared with those of two commercial modifiers (PCM-1 and PCM-2) using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). PCM-H exhibited superior compatibility and thermal stability. In contrast, PCM-2 tends to crystallize and precipitate within the 180–200 °C range, which is detrimental to the stability of the composite system. At an optimal dosage of 10 wt% in styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modified asphalt, PCM-H formed a uniform dispersion and, through crosslinking reactions, established a three-dimensional network structure. Subsequently, the performance of composite modified asphalts, prepared with each of the three modifiers at their respective optimal dosages, was evaluated comparatively. Performance evaluations demonstrated that all polyolefin-modified asphalts significantly outperformed the conventional SBS modified asphalt. The PCM-H modified asphalt (PCM-H MA) exhibited the most superior performance, achieving a performance grade (PG) exceeding 94 °C, along with exceptional high-temperature elasticity and creep resistance, superior low-temperature cracking resistance, and enhanced fatigue healing capability. The results indicated that the crosslinked network structure effectively enhances asphalt cohesion, thereby providing a synergistic improvement in both high- and low-temperature performance. This study provides an effective solution and theoretical basis for developing high-performance pavement materials resistant to high temperatures and heavy loads conditions. Full article

Background: Berberine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. We examined the resistance mechanisms to berberine in a panel of different cancer cells and focused on understanding its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Resazurin assay determined berberine’s cytotoxicity. Molecular docking unraveled the interaction of berberine with the BCRP transporter. Fluorescence microscopy evaluated its effect on microtubules. Further, proteomic profiling identified novel determinants of cellular response to berberine and its derivatives. Results: Cell lines overexpressing ABC transporters displayed cross-resistance to berberine compared to their counterparts. While cells over-expressing EGFR were 3.57-fold resistant, wild-type and p53 knockout cells showed similar sensitivity to berberine. P-glycoprotein/ABCB1, EGFR, and WT1 expression correlated with the log₁₀IC₅₀ values for berberine in the NCI cell line panel. Berberine was bound to the same pharmacophore of BCRP as BWQ, and live cell microscopy showed that BCRP-transfected cells did not uptake considerable amounts of berberine in contrast to wild-type cells. Berberine altered the microtubule cytoskeleton similarly to vincristine. The sensitivity of berberine and its derivatives could be predicted by 40 out of 3171 proteins. Of them, 29 proteins have been previously involved in drug resistance. Their relationship to berberine and its derivatives is novel. Conclusions: Berberine-type compounds may be new candidates against cancer; however, they may develop drug resistance. Full article

This study investigates the effect of added sodium sulfate on the performance of high-volume slag-cement mortar (HVSCM). Herein, Na₂SO₄ (0, 1, 2, and 4 wt.% Na₂O) was used to modify HVSCM. The compressive strength, fracture properties, microstructure, and environmental impact of the synthesized samples were analyzed. The results showed that the 1 day compressive strength of HVSCM can be improved by 345.5% with the addition of 4% Na₂O (as Na₂SO₄), compared to samples without Na₂SO₄. However, the 28 day compressive strength of Na₂SO₄-activated HVSCM was 14.3–26.4% lower than that of the non-activated HVSCM, though still comparable to OPC. Regarding fracture properties, the initial fracture toughness of non-activated HVSCM was 45.6% higher than that of Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortar. Furthermore, Na₂SO₄ activation further increased initial fracture toughness, with the sample containing 4% Na₂O showing a 101.1% improvement over OPC. In contrast, fracture energy was not significantly influenced by Na₂SO₄ addition. Microstructurally, the enhanced fracture properties of non-activated HVSCM were attributed to a higher degree of C-(A)-S-H polymerization and a denser binder phase. Sodium sulfate introduced sodium ions to strengthen electrostatic attraction and cohesion between C-(A)-S-H globules, offsetting reduced polymerization. Environmental assessment confirms that both activated and non-activated HVSCM substantially reduce embodied energy and CO₂ relative to OPC, while the additional embodied energy associated with Na₂SO₄ activation remains limited (<12%). Overall, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of the fracture behavior of Na₂SO₄-activated HVSCM, elucidating its capacity to enhance early-age strength and fracture toughness while highlighting its limited effect on long-term strength and fracture energy. These findings support the tailored use of Na₂SO₄ activation for sustainable construction applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic reprogramming is an essential feature of tumors. Mitochondrial sirtuins SIRT3 and SIRT5 differently regulate glutamine metabolism with SIRT5 inhibiting glutaminase (GLS) and SIRT3 increasing glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Considering the important and interconnected role of glutamine, SIRT3 and SIRT5 for cancer growth and progression, our hypothesis is that a simultaneous modulation of SIRT3 and SIRT5 could represent a valid anti-tumoral strategy. Methods: wt and GLS1-silenced triple negative breast cancer spheroids were treated with 3-TYP, a selective SIRT3 inhibitor, and with MC3138, a new selective SIRT5 activator, both alone and in combination. The effects of such treatments on hypoxia, autophagy and mitophagy markers were determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Mitochondria morphology was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mitochondrial ROS production by confocal analysis. Results: We observed that 3-TYP+MC3138 treatment decreased the size of spheroids by affecting HIF-1α, c-Myc, glutamine transporter SLC1A5 and autophagy (LC3II) and mitophagy (BNIP3) markers. Moreover, such treatments altered the morphology and conformation of the mitochondria. Finally, we also documented an increase in mitochondria reactive oxygen species (mtROS). Conclusions: The combined inhibition of SIRT3 and activation of SIRT5 greatly reduces the size of spheroids through the inhibition of hypoxic response, which is then followed by the alteration of the autophagic and mitophagic process and the toxic accumulation of mitochondrial ROS, representing a new anti-tumoral strategy. Full article

This study investigated the synergistic mechanisms of flame retardancy and smoke suppression exhibited by a novel ternary additive in warm-mix asphalt (WMA). The ternary additive consisted of aluminum hydroxide (ATH), organic montmorillonite (OMMT), and expandable graphite (EG). A comprehensive experimental program was conducted, encompassing limiting oxygen index (LOI) testing, cone calorimeter testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). The results showed that incorporation of 6 wt% of the ternary additive (by mass of the asphalt binder) markedly improved the fire resistance of the WMA. The LOI increased from 19.8% (neat asphalt) to 25.2%. Cone calorimeter tests revealed a 23.9% increase in time to ignition, a 24.2% reduction in peak heat release rate, and a 47.5% decrease in total smoke production. These improvements are attributed to a synergistic mechanism involving the endothermic decomposition of ATH, the char-promoting effect of OMMT, and the intumescent expansion of expandable graphite (EG) forming a compact insulating barrier, which collectively inhibit combustion and smoke release. The ternary additive exhibits considerable promise as an effective flame-retardant modifier for enhancing the fire safety of warm-mix asphalt pavements, especially in high-risk scenarios such as tunnels. Full article

As a widely sourced solid waste rich in metallic elements such as Fe, Zn, Mn and Ca, electric furnace dust serves as a crucial raw material for preparing catalytic materials. This study employed a three-step process—“acid/alkali modification–impregnation–calcination”—to synthesise an electric furnace dust-based magnetic heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production. The catalyst prepared via CH₃ONa modification combined with Na₂CO₃ impregnation achieved stable cycling performance at low temperatures, with 14 cycles yielding a consistent conversion exceeding 93.44 wt%, demonstrating exceptional catalytic activity. The CH₃ONa modification generates abundant reactive oxygen species on the furnace dust surface, facilitating the binding of hydroxyl oxygen from the active component (Na⁺) to the modified surface (EFD/CH₃ONa) and thereby anchoring the active species. However, the decline in catalytic performance of the Na₂CO₃&(EFD/CH₃ONa) catalyst after calcination at 600 °C (yield decreasing to 69.77 wt% after 11 stable cycles) was attributed to the detachment and agglomeration of the active component sodium at elevated temperatures. This paper employed electric furnace dust as feedstock to synthesise highly active and stable magnetic multiphase catalysts, thereby not only providing an environmentally sound pathway for industrial solid waste recycling but also offering novel insights for the industrial-scale production of biodiesel. Full article