Search Results (231)

Seed priming is a simple, economical, and sustainable technique capable of enhancing crop resilience to abiotic stresses. A plastic greenhouse experiment was conducted on the durum wheat cultivar, Karim, sown in a 375 L volume container under semi-controlled conditions. Plots were arranged in a completely randomized design regarding treatments (control, salinity) and priming agents (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA; gibberellic acid, GA₃; and salicylic acid, SA). Some physiological, biochemical, and morphometric traits were analyzed at vegetative and reproductive stages. The obtained results demonstrated that salinity stress reduced plant growth and the SPAD index, hampered photosynthetic efficiency through disrupted PSII integrity and energy management in the electron transfer chain, and significantly affected ear filling (EF) and grain caliber (marked by mean weight of 100 grains, MW100G). However, seed hormonal priming allowed the alleviation of salinity stress effects on durum wheat growth and yield. Although IAA and GA₃ have shown significant potential in improving durum wheat tolerance to salinity, SA was found to be the most effective priming agent. It promotes the biosynthesis of chlorophyll pigments, restores the functional integrity of PSII, enhances photosynthetic efficiency, increases plant growth, and stimulates ear filling and wheat grain development. The principal component analysis demonstrated the interdependence of the vegetative and reproductive traits and presents SA as the most effective treatment that brings plants close to control conditions, despite the salinity. Full article

The maritime industry is under increased challenges of balancing operational effectiveness and environmental responsibility. This study examines the application of intelligent agents as a technology that can align these two goals in the triple-bottom-line model that involves social responsibility, environmental footprint, and economic sustainability. An agent architecture taxonomy is outlined and adapted to the maritime industry, distinguishing between reactive, deliberative, hybrid, and multi-agent systems (MAS). The application of these architectures is analysed throughout the maritime domain. In the ship-centric environment, the analysis highlights the role of agents in autonomous navigation, energy-efficient meteorological routing, and predictive maintenance. The analysis in the port and supply-chain domain demonstrates a shift towards decentralized asset orchestration and logistic coordination rather than centralized control. The paper outlines certain barriers to widespread adoption, namely the reality gap of simulation-based training and the lack of transparency in deep-learning models (“black box” problem). The paper concludes by outlining a future research agenda proposing a use of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), high-fidelity simulation-to-real transfer, and communication protocol standardization to continue the trend of developing strong autonomous capabilities in sustainable maritime logistics. Full article

This research focuses on the challenge of measuring the socio-economic impact of road traffic accidents (RTAs) by examining how losses are redistributed across major institutional sectors, including the government, businesses, and households. Unlike traditional cost-based approaches, the analysis relies on a modified input–output framework that captures not only the direct losses but also the indirect damage flows transmitted from one sector to another. This methodology makes it possible to reveal the multiplicative propagation of losses, determine the proportion of net costs, and quantify the transfer dependencies between institutional agents. Using compiled and adapted data for the Azerbaijani economy, the study estimates the net economic damage from RTAs at 2268.17 million manats after adjusting for internal transfers. The results show that households bear more than 47% of total losses, the enterprise sector accounts for approximately 39%, and the government absorbs nearly 13%. The model also isolates an “additional damage” component, reflecting lost income, profits, and tax revenues, and demonstrates that every 1000 RTA generates a chain reaction of interlinked costs that substantially amplifies the overall effect. The findings highlight the necessity of integrating input–output analytical approaches into the practical assessment of RTA-related economic consequences, particularly in countries with limited statistical capacity and structurally diverse institutional linkages. Full article

Conventional synthesis of polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) typically relies on high-temperature processes, posing challenges for sustainable production. Ethylene glycol monovinyl polyethylene glycol ether (EPEG), characterized by the high reactivity of its vinyloxy double bond, offers a promising sustainable alternative for low-temperature synthesis. This study systematically investigates the aqueous free radical copolymerization of EPEG and acrylic acid, identifying a reaction temperature of 20 °C as the kinetic optimum that achieves a macromonomer conversion rate exceeding 95% under ambient conditions. Through the variation in five key process parameters, a clear “synthesis–structure–property” relationship was established, revealing that the weight-average molecular weight (M_w) acts as the pivotal regulator of performance. High-M_w PCEs exhibited superior initial dispersion driven by strong electrostatic repulsion and high adsorption but suffered from poor slump retention due to the rapid depletion of free polymers. Conversely, low-M_w variants, regulated by chain transfer agent dosage, significantly reduced the pore solution surface tension, thereby enhancing wetting ability and workability retention. The optimal synthesis conditions (20 °C, 4:1 acid-to-ether ratio, 2.5% initiator, 1.5% chain transfer agent) yielded PCEs with an ideal balance between initial dispersion and retention. Furthermore, the synthesis demonstrated excellent process robustness with a broad dosing window (>60 min). These findings provide a vital theoretical basis for the robust and low-temperature industrial production of EPEG-based PCEs for sustainable infrastructure materials. Full article

In many jurisdictions, property registration and transfers remain constrained by inefficient, paper-based processes that depend on multiple intermediaries and bureaucratic approvals. This paper proposes a decentralized, blockchain-based property platform designed to streamline these processes using Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and artificial intelligence (AI) agents to modernize public-sector asset management. The work addresses the persistent inefficiencies of paper-based property registration and ownership transfer by embedding legal and administrative logic within smart contracts and automating compliance through an intelligent conversational interface. The system was implemented using Ethereum-based ERC-721 standards, React for the user interface, and Langfuse-powered AI integration for guided user interaction. The pilot implementation presents secure, transparent, and auditable property-transfer transactions executed entirely on-chain, while hybrid IPFS-based storage and decentralized identifiers preserve privacy and legal validity. Comparative analysis against existing national initiatives indicates that the proposed architecture delivers decentralization, citizen control, and interoperability without compromising regulatory requirements. The system reduces bureaucratic overhead, simplifies transaction workflows, and lowers user error risk, thereby strengthening accountability and public trust. Overall, the paper outlines a viable foundation for legally aligned, AI-assisted digital property registries and offers a policy-oriented roadmap for integrating blockchain-enabled systems into public-sector governance infrastructures. Full article

This study investigated real-time polymerisation kinetics and mechanical properties under accelerated ageing of novel universal bulk-fill composites incorporating reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent ß-allyl sulfone, designed for anterior and posterior applications. Five bulk-fill composites were tested: Tetric Plus Fill and Tetric Plus Flow (new universal composites); their predecessors, Tetric PowerFill and Tetric PowerFlow (Ivoclar); and RAFT-free Ecosite Bulk Fill (DMG). Specimens were polymerised for 3 s (~3000 mW/cm²), 10 s (~1200 mW/cm²), or 20 s (~1200 mW/cm²). Degree of conversion (DC) was monitored during and after curing, with mechanical testing after 24 h and after thermal cycling. DC and maximum polymerisation rate at 4 mm depth were significantly lower than at 0.1 mm for all materials and curing times. Three-second curing accelerated the polymerisation rate at both depths. Except for Ecosite cured for 3 or 10 s as RAFT-free material, DC ratios at 4 mm exceeded 80% of surface values. Tetric Plus Fill and Ecosite exhibited the highest flexural strength after 24 h, while PowerFill and Ecosite showed the highest flexural modulus at 24 h and after thermal cycling. Rapid curing did not compromise mechanical properties after 24 h, except for PowerFlow, the composite with the lowest filler vol%, but negatively affected both flowable composites after ageing. Thermal cycling reduced flexural strength in most tested conditions, but all materials and curing conditions more than satisfied the ISO 4049 requirements. The new simplified universal composite Plus Fill has a higher DC and improved polymerisation kinetics compared to its predecessor, PowerFill. Rapid curing is not recommended for the material without RAFT agents. Full article

Nanogels provide unique opportunities for stabilizing fragile enzymes through soft, hydrated polymer networks. Here, we report the development of a glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-loaded nanogel (GPxNG) engineered via a mild “grafting-to” epoxy–amine coupling strategy to enhance enzyme stability and antioxidant function. An amphiphilic copolymer composed of methacrylated 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl (PMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was synthesized by controlled reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization using a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macro-chain transfer agent (macro-CTA), yielding well-defined polymer chains with reactive epoxy groups. Covalent conjugation between polymer epoxides and GPx enzyme surface amines generated soft, PEGylated nanogels with high coupling efficiency, uniform particle sizes, and excellent colloidal stability. The engineered nanogels exhibited shear-thinning injectability, robust storage stability, and non-cytotoxic behavior in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compared with native GPx enzyme, GPxNGs demonstrated significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, including strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation and copper-induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Importantly, the nanogels preserved GPx enzyme activity after extended storage, freeze–thaw cycles, and repeated catalytic use, whereas the free enzyme rapidly lost function. This protective effect arises from the nanoscale confinement of the GPx enzyme within the flexible PEG-based network, which limits unfolding and aggregation. Overall, this work introduces a simple and biocompatible “grafting-to” nanogel platform capable of stabilizing redox-active enzymes without harsh conditions. The GPx nanogels combine high enzymatic preservation, potent antioxidant activity, and excellent handling properties, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic nanoplatform for mitigating oxidative stress-associated disorders such as atherosclerosis. Full article

One of the best-known flavonoid chrysin was coupled at position 7 with several trisubstituted phosphine derivatives with a flexible spacer, and their in vitro anticancer activities were investigated on 60 human tumor cell lines (NCI60) and on several gynecological cancer cells. The trisubstituted phosphines contained different substituents on the aromatic ring(s), e.g., methyl and methoxy groups or fluoro atoms. The phosphorus atom was substituted not only with aromatic rings but with cyclohexyl substituents. The ionic phosphonium building block is important because it allows the therapeutic agents to transfer across the cell membrane. Therefore, the pharmacophores linked to it can exert their effects in the mitochondria. Instead of the ionic phosphonium element, a neutral moiety, namely the triphenylmethyl group, was also added to the side chain, being sterically similar but without a charge and phosphorus atom. Most of the hybrids exhibited low micromolar growth inhibition (GI₅₀) values against the majority of the tested cell lines. Notably, conjugate 3f stood out, demonstrating nanomolar antitumor activity against the K-562 leukemia cell line (GI₅₀ = 34 nM). One selected compound (3i) with promising cancer selectivity elicited cell cycle disturbances and inhibited the migration of breast cancer. The tumor-selectivity of 3a and 3f was assessed based on their effects on non-tumor Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using the CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay. Given their estimated half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values on non-tumor CHO cells (2.65 µM and 1.15 µM, respectively), these conjugates demonstrate promising selectivity toward several cancer cell lines. The excellent results obtained may serve as good starting points for further optimization and the design of even more effective flavonoid- and/or phosphonium-based drugs. Full article

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, yet increasing environmental cadmium (Cd²⁺) contamination poses a serious threat to consumer safety. Understanding the migration pathway of Cd²⁺ from contaminated soils through tea plants into brewed infusions is essential for comprehensive risk assessment across the entire tea supply chain. However, conventional analytical methods for Cd²⁺ detection are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and unsuitable for rapid or on-site monitoring. In this study, we developed a facile, sensitive, and selective electrochemical sensing platform based on a Bi³⁺-rich metal–organic framework (MOF(Bi)) for reliable Cd²⁺ quantification in various tea-related matrices. The MOF(Bi) was synthesized via a solvothermal method and directly immobilized onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in a one-step modification process. To enhance Cd²⁺ preconcentration, cysteine was introduced as a complexing agent, while Nafion was employed to stabilize the sensing interface and improve reproducibility. The resulting Nafion/cys/MOF(Bi)/GCE sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity with a wide linear range from 0.2 and 25 μg/L, a low detection limit of 0.18 μg/L (S/N = 3), high selectivity against common interfering ions, and good stability. This platform enabled accurate tracking of Cd²⁺ transfer from polluted garden soil to raw tea leaves and finally into tea infusions, showing strong correlation with ICP-MS results. Our strategy not only offers a practical tool for on-site food safety monitoring but also provides new insights into heavy metal transfer behavior during tea production and consumption. Full article

Melt-spun PA6/TiO₂ fibers with TiO₂ modified by silane coupling agents KH550 and KH570 at 0, 1.6, and 4 wt% provide a practical testbed to address three fiber-centric gaps: transferable interphase quantification, interphase-resolved indications of compatibility, and a reproducible kinetics–structure–property link. This work proposes, for the first time at fiber scale, a four-phase partition into crystal (c), crystal-adjacent rigid amorphous fraction (RAF-c), interfacial rigid amorphous fraction (RAF-i), and mobile amorphous fraction (MAF), and extracts an interfacial triad consisting of the specific interfacial area (S_v), polymer-only RAF-i fraction expressed per composite volume (Γ_i), and interphase thickness (t_i) from SAXS invariants to establish a quantitative interphase-structure–property framework. A documented SAXS/DSC/WAXS workflow partitions the polymer into the above four components on a polymer-only basis. Upon filling, Γ_i increases while RAF-c decreases, leaving the total RAF approximately conserved. Under identical cooling, DSC shows the crystallization peak temperature is higher by 1.6–4.3 °C and has longer half-times, indicating enhanced heterogeneous nucleation together with growth are increasingly limited by interphase confinement. At 4 wt% loading, KH570-modified fibers versus KH550-modified fibers exhibit higher α-phase orientation (Hermans factor f(α): 0.697 vs. 0.414) but an ~89.4% lower α/γ ratio. At the macroscale, compared to pure (neat) PA6, 4 wt% KH550- and KH570-modified fibers show tenacity enhancements of ~9.5% and ~33.3%, with elongation decreased by ~31–68%. These trends reflect orientation-driven stiffening accompanied by a reduction in the mobile amorphous fraction and stronger interphase constraints on chain mobility. Knitted fabrics achieve a UV protection factor (UPF) of at least 50, whereas pure PA6 fabrics show only ~5.0, corresponding to ≥16-fold improvement. Taken together, the SAXS-derived descriptors (S_v, Γ_i, t_i) provide transferable interphase quantification and, together with WAXS and DSC, yield a reproducible link from interfacial geometry to kinetics, structure, and properties, revealing two limiting regimes—orientation-dominated and phase-fraction-dominated. Full article

Herein, we report a combined computational and experimental investigation into the recently reported universal pyrazole-based reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents (Z−C(=S)−S−R, where Z is 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl), which can mediate controlled radical polymerization of a broad scope of monomers without the need for an additional initiator or catalyst. The results reveal that the high molar absorption coefficient and efficient photolysis kinetics of pyrazole-based chain transfer agents (CTAs) under blue light (${\lambda }_{\max }$ = 465 nm) enable rapid radical generation, underpinning ultrafast polymerization of acrylates, acrylamides, methacrylates, and N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP). While the efficient light absorption is attributed to structural dissimilarity between the Z group and the S–R group (which breaks the local symmetry of the C=S group), the fast photolysis originates from favorable $\pi$ electron donation from the Z group to the C=S group. Meanwhile, the $\pi$ electron donation is still weaker than in xanthates, which explains the excellent control of a wide range of monomers, except methacrylates. This work establishes design principles for next-generation CTAs for ultrafast and monomer-universal photoiniferter RAFT polymerization. Full article

Phages are considered effective biocontrol agents for improving food safety due to their specific interaction with pathogens. It is essential to recognise that zero risk does not exist, and as biological agents, phages must be continuously evaluated for potential adverse effects on human health in both food and clinical contexts. This is the first bacteriophage risk profile performed according to the methodology recommended by FAO/WHO and EFSA. Key safety concerns regarding phage use in the food sector include the risk of horizontal gene transfer, especially regarding antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria. While such occurrences are contextually dependent and rare, they warrant further scrutiny. Moreover, improper phage application during food processing could lead to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains, compromising the long-term efficacy of phage interventions. Currently, there is limited evidence indicating any health risks linked to phage consumption or pathogenic behaviour (e.g., possible association between bacteriophages and Parkinson’s disease). Despite numerous studies affirming the safety and efficacy of phages in the food chain, continuous monitoring remains crucial. In particular, the responses of susceptible populations to phage exposure should be carefully examined. Full article

Modular integrated construction (MiC) is a cutting-edge approach to construction that significantly improves efficiency and reduces project timelines by prefabricating entire building modules off-site. Despite the operational benefits of MiC, the carbon footprint of its extensive supply chain remains understudied. This study develops a hybrid approach that combines multi-agent simulation (MAS) with deep learning to provide scenario-based estimations of CO₂ emissions, costs, and schedule performance for MiC supply chain. First, we build an MAS model of the MiC supply chain in AnyLogic, representing suppliers, the prefabrication plant, road transport fleets, and the destination site as autonomous agents. Each agent incorporates activity data and emission factors specific to the process. This enables us to translate each movement, including prefabricated components of construction deliveries, module transfers, and module assembly, into kilograms of CO₂ equivalent. We generate 23,000 scenarios for vehicle allocations using the multi-agent model and estimate three key performance indicators (KPIs): cumulative carbon footprint, logistics cost, and project completion time. Then, we train artificial neural network and statistical regression machine learning algorithms to captures the non-linear interactions between fleet allocation decisions and project outcomes. Once trained, the models are used to determine optimal fleet allocation strategies that minimize the carbon footprint, the completion time, and the total cost. The approach can be readily adapted to different MiC configurations and can be extended to include supply chain, production, and assembly disruptions. Full article

Innovative demand-responsive transport services are spreading in most urban areas, allowing dynamic matching between demand and supply and enabling travellers to request shared rides in real-time via mobile applications. They are used both as an alternative to public transport and as an access/egress leg to mass transit stations, i.e., acting as a feeder service. In low-demand areas and small-sized cities, it is often difficult to provide effective and cost-efficient public transport, thus resulting in an extensive use of private vehicles. Using an agent-based modelling approach, this study compares the performance of fixed-route transit (FRT) and demand-responsive transit (DRT), where optional stops can be activated on demand. The aim is to identify the conditions allowing DRT to become more advantageous than FRT in small-sized cities, both for travellers and the transport operator. A real-time matching algorithm identifies optimal trip chains (i.e., public transport lines; pick-up, drop-off and transfer stops; and time windows) for travel requests, dynamically updating vehicles’ routes and schedules. The model is applied to the city of Caltanissetta, Italy, where a transit service with six FRT urban lines is currently operating. Travel patterns were reconstructed from thousands of travel requests collected by a Mobility-as-a-Service platform within one-year. The main findings demonstrate the benefits of DRT in providing a higher quality of service, reducing riding times for passengers, and enhancing service efficiency without burdening operating costs. The DRT reduced the vehicle-kilometres travelled by up to 5% compared to FRT while decreasing passenger ride times by approximately 10%. An economic analysis showed reductions in operator unit costs of up to 3.4% for low-demand rates, confirming the advantages of flexible operations in small-sized cities. Full article

Silylation treatment improves the hydrophobicity of cellulose by reducing the number of hydroxyl groups in the cellulose chains that are available to react with moisture in the surrounding environment. Additionally, silylation increases stress transfer from cellulose to synthetic nanofillers by forming covalent bonds between the hydroxyl groups of cellulose and the oxidized surface of these nanofillers. This study investigates the impact of silane coupling agents on the tensile properties of cellulose nanocomposites. The cellulose nanocomposites are reinforced with four types of C/SiC-based nanofillers: carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, silicon carbide nanotubes, and silicon carbide nanoplatelets. Subsequently, the nanofillers are subjected to surface treatment using the silane coupling agent KH550. The mechanical properties of the cellulose nanocomposites are evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations based on the polymer’s consistent forcefield. The results indicate that the reinforcements of silylated silicon carbide nanotubes and carbon nanotubes increase the tensile modulus of cellulose by 18.03% and 24.58%, respectively, compared to their untreated counterparts. Furthermore, the application of silylation treatment on the surface of C/SiC nanofillers increases the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of cellulose nanocomposites due to enhanced load transfer between cellulose and these reinforcements. Full article