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Search Results (1,440)

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Keywords = contrast-enhanced examination

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22 pages, 1750 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Apartment Prices in Ljubljana’s Post-War Housing Estates (1947–1986)
by Simon Starček and Daniel Kozelj
Land 2025, 14(9), 1707; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091707 - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study examines the determinants of apartment prices in 17 post-WWII multi-family housing estates in Ljubljana, Slovenia, constructed between 1947 and 1986. Using 1973 verified transactions from 2020 to 2025, the analysis evaluates spatial, structural, environmental, and accessibility-related variables through a combination of [...] Read more.
This study examines the determinants of apartment prices in 17 post-WWII multi-family housing estates in Ljubljana, Slovenia, constructed between 1947 and 1986. Using 1973 verified transactions from 2020 to 2025, the analysis evaluates spatial, structural, environmental, and accessibility-related variables through a combination of statistical and machine learning techniques. A hedonic price model based on ordinary least squares (OLS) demonstrates modest explanatory power (R2 = 0.171), identifying local market reference prices, floor level, noise exposure, and window renovation as significant predictors. In contrast, seven machine learning models—Random Forest, XGBoost, and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs), including optimized versions—achieve notably higher predictive accuracy. The best-performing model, GBM with Randomized Search CV, explains 59.6% of price variability (R2 = 0.5957), with minimal prediction error (MAE = 0.03). Feature importance analysis confirms the dominant role of localized price references and structural indicators, while environmental and accessibility variables contribute variably. In addition, three clustering methods (Ward, k-means, and HDBSCAN) are employed to identify typological groups of neighborhoods. While Ward’s and k-means methods consistently identify four robust clusters, HDBSCAN captures greater internal heterogeneity, suggesting five distinct groups and detecting outlier neighborhoods. The integrated approach enhances understanding of spatial housing price dynamics and supports data-driven valuation, urban policy, and regeneration strategies for post-WWII housing estates in Central and Eastern European contexts. Full article
25 pages, 4954 KiB  
Article
Copper-Decorated Catalytic Carbon/Ceramic Hollow Fibers for NO Reduction: Enhanced Performance via Tangential Flow Reactor Design and Process Intensification
by George V. Theodorakopoulos, Sergios K. Papageorgiou, Fotios K. Katsaros, Konstantinos G. Beltsios and George Em. Romanos
Fibers 2025, 13(9), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib13090112 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1
Abstract
In this study, high-yield biopolymer/ceramic hollow fibers were fabricated via a facile, modified polyol process in a spinneret setup, enabling the controlled adsorption of Cu2+ ions. Post sintering transformed these into catalytic copper-decorated carbon/ceramic (alumina) composite hollow fibers, with alginate serving as [...] Read more.
In this study, high-yield biopolymer/ceramic hollow fibers were fabricated via a facile, modified polyol process in a spinneret setup, enabling the controlled adsorption of Cu2+ ions. Post sintering transformed these into catalytic copper-decorated carbon/ceramic (alumina) composite hollow fibers, with alginate serving as both a metal ion binder and a copper nanoparticle stabilizer. The resulting hollow fibers featured porous walls with a high surface area and were densely decorated with copper nanoparticles. Their structural and morphological characteristics were analyzed, and their NO reduction performance was assessed in a continuous flow configuration, where the gas stream passed through both the shell and lumen sides of a fiber bundle in a tangential flow mode. This study also examined the stability, longevity and regeneration potential of the catalytic fibers, including the mechanisms of deactivation and reactivation. Carbon content was found to be decisive for catalytic performance. High-carbon fibers exhibited a light-off temperature of 250 °C, maintained about 90% N2 selectivity and sustained a consistently high NO reduction efficiency for over 300 h, even without reducing gases like CO. In contrast, low-carbon fibers displayed a higher light-off temperature of 350 °C and a reduced catalytic efficiency. The results indicate that carbon enhances both activity and selectivity, counterbalancing deactivation effects. Owing to their scalability, durability and effectiveness, these catalytic fibers and their corresponding bundle-type reactor configuration represent a promising technology for advanced NO abatement. Full article
27 pages, 641 KiB  
Article
Fostering Organizational Health: Dyadic Patterns of Leaders’ StaffCare and Employees’ SelfCare in Hybrid Work
by Katharina Bruhn, Annika Krick and Jörg Felfe
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7581; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177581 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2
Abstract
The Special Issue on Health, Well-Being and Sustainability invites research that integrates behavioral, cultural, and systemic approaches to fostering sustainable lifestyles within work environments. This study focuses on the role of leadership in promoting employee health and healthy lifestyles, which are central dimensions [...] Read more.
The Special Issue on Health, Well-Being and Sustainability invites research that integrates behavioral, cultural, and systemic approaches to fostering sustainable lifestyles within work environments. This study focuses on the role of leadership in promoting employee health and healthy lifestyles, which are central dimensions of the validated Health-oriented Leadership framework. Although previous research has assumed that high levels of leader StaffCare lead to high levels of employee SelfCare and consequently to better health outcomes, inconsistent dyadic patterns have rarely been examined. In this study, we investigate dyadic relationship patterns between leaders’ StaffCare and employees’ SelfCare jointly creating a sustainable workplace health system in hybrid contexts. Using Latent Profile Analysis on a sample of N = 1104, we identify consistent and inconsistent patterns, their health and motivational outcomes after three months, as well as potential antecedents in terms of working conditions for profile membership. The consistent dyads showed expected results: high StaffCare and high SelfCare led to high health and motivation outcomes, while low StaffCare and low SelfCare resulted in the lowest outcomes. New findings emerged in inconsistent dyads. In the low leaders’ StaffCare and high employees’ SelfCare dyad (Bystanders & Health Proactives), leaders recognized risks but did not actively promote health measures. However, proactive employees who engage in SelfCare behaviorally compensate for insufficient leader support but at a motivational cost. In contrast, the high leaders’ StaffCare and low employees’ SelfCare dyad (Health Sacrificers) included leaders who supported employees’ health but neglected their own, resulting in lower health but higher motivation among employees. Job demands and resources partly predicted group membership and can offer practical implications for building work environments that foster employees’ well-being and health. The findings offer insights into inconsistent leadership behaviors and provide guidance for enhancing employee well-being, particularly in hybrid work environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Sustainable Lifestyle: Balancing Work and Well-Being)
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24 pages, 3300 KiB  
Article
ETF Resilience to Uncertainty Shocks: A Cross-Asset Nonlinear Analysis of AI and ESG Strategies
by Catalin Gheorghe, Oana Panazan, Hind Alnafisah and Ahmed Jeribi
Risks 2025, 13(9), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/risks13090161 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 131
Abstract
This study investigates the asymmetric responses of AI and ESG Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to geopolitical and financial uncertainty, with a focus on resilience across market regimes. The NASDAQ-100 and MSCI ESG Leaders indices are used as proxies for thematic ETFs, and their [...] Read more.
This study investigates the asymmetric responses of AI and ESG Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to geopolitical and financial uncertainty, with a focus on resilience across market regimes. The NASDAQ-100 and MSCI ESG Leaders indices are used as proxies for thematic ETFs, and their dynamic interlinkages are examined in relation to volatility indicators (VIX, GPR), alternative assets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, gold, oil, natural gas), and safe-haven currencies (CHF, JPY). A daily dataset spanning the 2016–2025 period is analyzed using Quantile-on-Quantile Regression (QQR) and Wavelet Coherence (WCO), enabling a granular assessment of nonlinear, regime-dependent behaviors across quantiles. Results reveal that ESG ETFs demonstrate stronger downside resilience under extreme uncertainty, maintaining stability even during periods of elevated geopolitical and financial risk. In contrast, AI-themed ETFs tend to outperform under moderate-risk conditions but exhibit greater vulnerability during systemic stress, reflecting differences in asset composition and investor risk perception. The findings contribute to the literature on ETF resilience and cross-asset contagion by highlighting differential behavior patterns under varying uncertainty regimes. Practical implications emerge for investors and policymakers seeking to enhance portfolio robustness through thematic diversification during market turbulence. Full article
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16 pages, 9656 KiB  
Article
Diurnal Analysis of Nor’westers over Gangetic West Bengal as Observed from Weather Radar
by Bibraj Raj, Swaroop Sahoo, N. Puviarasan and V. Chandrasekar
Atmosphere 2025, 16(8), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16080989 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 145
Abstract
Intense thunderstorms known as Nor’westers develop in the Eastern and North Eastern parts of India and Bangladesh before the monsoon season (March to May). The associated severe weather can cause extensive damage to property and livestock. This study uses the pre-monsoon volumetric data [...] Read more.
Intense thunderstorms known as Nor’westers develop in the Eastern and North Eastern parts of India and Bangladesh before the monsoon season (March to May). The associated severe weather can cause extensive damage to property and livestock. This study uses the pre-monsoon volumetric data of S-band radar from 2013 to 2018 located in Kolkata to investigate the diurnal variation in the characteristics of the storms over Gangetic West Bengal. The cell initiation, echo top heights, maximum reflectivity, and core convective area are determined by using a flexible feature tracking algorithm (PyFLEXTRKR). The variation of the parameters in diurnal scale is examined from 211,503 individual cell tracks. The distribution of the severe weather phenomena based on radar based thresholds in spatial and temporal scale is also determined. The results show that new cell initiation peaks in the late evening and early morning, displaying bimodal variability. Most of these cells have a short lifespan of 0 to 3 h, with fewer than 5 percent of storms lasting beyond 3 h. The occurrence of hail is much greater in the afternoon due to intense surface heating than at other times. In contrast, the occurrence of lightning is higher in the late evening hours when the cell initiation reaches its peak. The convective rains are generally accompanied by lightning, exhibiting a similar diurnal temporal variability but are more widespread. The findings will assist operational weather forecasters in identifying locations that need targeted observation at certain times of the day to enhance the accuracy of severe weather nowcasting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meteorology)
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17 pages, 1841 KiB  
Article
A System Dynamics Framework for Port Resilience Enhancement Along Maritime Silk Road: Insights from ESG Governance
by Xiaoming Zhu, Shenping Hu, Zhuang Li and Jianjun Wu
Systems 2025, 13(8), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13080719 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 103
Abstract
Port resilience performance (PRP) is a critical factor in advancing the sustainable development of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR). The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, widely recognized as a cornerstone of global sustainability efforts, offers a robust foundation for enhancing [...] Read more.
Port resilience performance (PRP) is a critical factor in advancing the sustainable development of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR). The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, widely recognized as a cornerstone of global sustainability efforts, offers a robust foundation for enhancing PRP. This study employs a system dynamics (SD) approach to explore the impact of ESG on PRP along the MSR. By developing an ESG evaluation index system and a resilience assessment framework, the research examines the mechanisms and evolutionary patterns through which ESG influences port resilience. Simulations are conducted for four strategic ports: Chattogram Port, Singapore Port, Gwadar Port, and Djibouti Port. The findings reveal that ESG initiatives significantly enhance PRP, with Singapore Port exhibiting the most stable and rapid resilience improvement. In contrast, the other ports demonstrate varying levels of adaptation and enhancement. Among the intervention strategies, prioritizing social dimension (S) improvements proves most effective for achieving rapid short-term resilience gains. This study offers both theoretical insights and practical strategies for strengthening port resilience and fostering sustainable development along the MSR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)
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26 pages, 484 KiB  
Article
Exploring Governance Failures in Australia: ESG Pillar-Level Analysis of Default Risk Mediated by Trade Credit Financing
by Thuong Thi Le, Tanvir Bhuiyan, Thi Le and Ariful Hoque
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(8), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18080464 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 425
Abstract
This study examines the impact of overall Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and its pillars on the default probability of Australian-listed firms. Using a panel dataset spanning 2014 to 2022 and applying the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression, we find that [...] Read more.
This study examines the impact of overall Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and its pillars on the default probability of Australian-listed firms. Using a panel dataset spanning 2014 to 2022 and applying the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression, we find that firms with higher ESG scores exhibit a significantly lower likelihood of default. Disaggregating the ESG components reveals that the Environmental and Social pillars have a negative association with default risk, suggesting a risk-mitigating effect. In contrast, the Governance pillar demonstrates a positive relationship with default probability, which may reflect potential greenwashing behavior or an excessive focus on formal governance mechanisms at the expense of operational and financial performance. Furthermore, the analysis identifies trade credit financing (TCF) as a partial mediator in the ESG–default risk nexus, indicating that firms with stronger ESG profiles rely less on external short-term financing, thereby reducing their default risk. These findings provide valuable insights for corporate management, investors, regulators, and policymakers seeking to enhance financial resilience through sustainable practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Innovations in Corporate Finance and Governance)
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24 pages, 1526 KiB  
Review
p38α MAPK Regulation of Energy Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle Offers a Therapeutic Path for Type 2 Diabetes
by Eyal Bengal and Sharon Aviram
Cells 2025, 14(16), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14161277 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 525
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a growing global health concern, is closely linked to obesity and sedentary behavior. Central to its development are insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues, particularly skeletal muscle, which plays a key role in energy expenditure, glucose [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a growing global health concern, is closely linked to obesity and sedentary behavior. Central to its development are insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues, particularly skeletal muscle, which plays a key role in energy expenditure, glucose uptake, and insulin sensitivity. Notably, increased accumulation of lipid metabolites in skeletal muscle is observed both in endurance exercise—associated with improved insulin sensitivity—and in high-fat diets that induce insulin resistance. The review examines the contrasting metabolic adaptations of skeletal muscle to these opposing conditions and highlights the key signaling molecules involved. The focus then shifts to the role of the stress kinase p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in skeletal muscle adaptation to overnutrition and endurance exercise. p38α enhances mitochondrial oxidative capacity and regulates nutrient utilization, both critical for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. During exercise, it cooperates with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to boost glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, key mechanisms for improving insulin sensitivity. The co-activation of p38α and AMPK in skeletal muscle emerges as a promising therapeutic avenue to combat insulin resistance and T2D. The review explores strategies for selectively enhancing p38α activity in skeletal muscle. In conclusion, it advocates a comprehensive approach to T2D prevention and treatment, combining established caloric intake-reducing therapies, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, with interventions aimed at increasing energy expenditure via activation of p38α and AMPK signaling pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Muscle Research in Health and Disease—2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 2083 KiB  
Article
Avibactam–Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes: Computational and Thermodynamic Insights for Drug Delivery, Detection, and Environmental Scavenging
by Jackson J. Alcázar, Paola R. Campodónico and René López
Molecules 2025, 30(16), 3401; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30163401 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 256
Abstract
The escalating crisis of multidrug resistance, together with the persistence of antibiotic residues in clinical and environmental matrices, demands integrated strategies that couple sensitive detection, efficient decontamination, and controlled delivery. However, current techniques for quantifying avibactam (AVI)—a broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor—such as HPLC-UV lack [...] Read more.
The escalating crisis of multidrug resistance, together with the persistence of antibiotic residues in clinical and environmental matrices, demands integrated strategies that couple sensitive detection, efficient decontamination, and controlled delivery. However, current techniques for quantifying avibactam (AVI)—a broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor—such as HPLC-UV lack the sensitivity and specificity required for both therapeutic drug monitoring and environmental surveillance. Encapsulation of AVI within cyclodextrins (CDs) may simultaneously enhance its stability, bioavailability, and detectability, while the high binding affinities of CDs position them as molecular traps capable of scavenging residual AVI. In this study, the inclusion complexation of AVI with various CDs was examined through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, experimental isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and non-covalent interaction (NCI) analysis. Stable 1:1 inclusion complexes were observed between AVI and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), 2,6-dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD), and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), with standard Gibbs free energies of binding (ΔG°) of –3.64, –3.24, and –3.11 kcal/mol, respectively. In contrast, γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) exhibited significantly weaker binding (ΔG° = –2.25 kcal/mol). DFT-based NCI analysis revealed that cooperative interaction topology and cavity complementarity, rather than the sheer number of localized contacts, govern complex stability. Combined computational and experimental data establish β-CD derivatives as effective supramolecular hosts for AVI, despite an entropic penalty in the DM-β-CD/AVI complex. These CD–AVI affinities support the development of improved analytical methodologies and pharmaceutical formulations, and they also open avenues for decontamination strategies based on molecular trapping of AVI. Full article
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14 pages, 745 KiB  
Article
Influence of Baromi-2 Rice Flour Particle Size on Gluten-Free Batter Rheology and Quality Characteristics of Deep-Fat Fried Chicken
by Dajeong Oh, Yi Ho Jeon and Youngjae Cho
Foods 2025, 14(16), 2836; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162836 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 295
Abstract
With the rising trend of health-conscious consumers, demand for gluten-free alternatives is increasing, and rice flour is a promising gluten-free alternative for chicken batter. This study examines the effects of particle size variations in Baromi-2 rice flour on batter rheology and the quality [...] Read more.
With the rising trend of health-conscious consumers, demand for gluten-free alternatives is increasing, and rice flour is a promising gluten-free alternative for chicken batter. This study examines the effects of particle size variations in Baromi-2 rice flour on batter rheology and the quality attributes of deep-fat fried chicken. Baromi-2 is a rice variety specifically developed to meet the demands of the modern food processing industry, especially for applications requiring dry milling. Five particle sizes (60, 100, 120, 160, and 180 mesh) were evaluated on the basis of their physicochemical properties, including water-holding capacity (WHC), amylose content, and damaged starch levels. Batter consistency was assessed and frying performance was analyzed with regard to coating pickup, cooking loss, moisture content, crust color, and textural attributes. Results demonstrated that finer particle sizes (e.g., 180 mesh) exhibited high WHC and batter viscosity, resulting in reduced flowability and enhanced adhesion. These properties contributed to high coating pickup, improved moisture retention, and reduced cooking loss during frying. Fried chicken prepared with finer particles showed soft textures, great cohesiveness, and light crust colors with high lightness (L*) and reduced redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), producing a visually appealing product. By contrast, larger particle sizes (e.g., 60 mesh) resulted in low viscosity, uneven coatings, and high cooking loss. This study highlights the critical role of rice flour particle size in optimizing batter functionality and improving the quality of fried foods. Furthermore, these findings suggest the potential to bridge the gap between consumer demand for healthier fried foods and the food industry’s demands. Full article
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16 pages, 492 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Welfare of Spiny Lobsters and True Lobsters in Aquaria: Biology-Informed Best-Practice Guidelines for Captive Conditions
by Lorenzo Fruscella, Robert W. Elwood and Annamaria Passantino
Animals 2025, 15(16), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162397 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
The welfare of decapod crustaceans held in captivity, whether in aquariums, holding facilities, seafood restaurants, supermarkets, or fishmongers, is attracting growing attention and concern. This review focuses on three species that are commonly found in European commercial environments: the European spiny lobster ( [...] Read more.
The welfare of decapod crustaceans held in captivity, whether in aquariums, holding facilities, seafood restaurants, supermarkets, or fishmongers, is attracting growing attention and concern. This review focuses on three species that are commonly found in European commercial environments: the European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas), the European lobster (Homarus gammarus), and the American lobster (Homarus americanus). We examine the biology and behavioural ecology of these decapods, emphasising their natural habits and environmental requirements. Based on current scientific knowledge, we propose conditions for their confinement that better align with their biological and behavioural needs. These crustaceans are commonly subjected to stressful captive environments characterised by overcrowding, claw immobilisation through banding, an absence of shelter or hiding spaces, and continuous exposure to direct lighting. Such practices contrast starkly with the animals’ innate behaviours and natural habitats, likely compromising their physical health and psychological welfare. It is thereby recommended that spiny lobsters and lobsters be kept separated and stocked at an appropriate density, that each animal should be provided with a shelter and have enough space to turn around, that true lobsters should never have their claws tied, that no direct light should be placed above the aquaria, and that water quality should be routinely monitored. By exploring the welfare challenges associated with confining these species, this review aims to promote a more ethical and humane approach to their care in commercial settings, and to encourage practices that enhance their quality of life in captivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)
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12 pages, 2320 KiB  
Article
Hydrophobic Coating of Paperboard Using Oak Wood-Derived Lignin Nanoparticles and Chitosan Composites
by Le Van Hai, Eun Sol Heo, Cheol Yoon and Tae Hyun Kim
Molecules 2025, 30(16), 3387; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30163387 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
This study explores the potential application of lignin nanoparticles and chitosan–lignin nanoparticles (CLNs) as hydrophobic barrier coatings for paperboard. The lignin nanoparticles were initially prepared using a mixed solvent of ethanol and acetone. Their characteristics were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and [...] Read more.
This study explores the potential application of lignin nanoparticles and chitosan–lignin nanoparticles (CLNs) as hydrophobic barrier coatings for paperboard. The lignin nanoparticles were initially prepared using a mixed solvent of ethanol and acetone. Their characteristics were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering, which revealed particle sizes in the range of 180–400 nm. The results indicated that the coatings with pure lignin nanoparticles failed to impart hydrophobicity to the paperboard, whereas the CLN coatings significantly enhanced hydrophobicity and reduced water absorption. The water contact angle increased from 109° to over 128° after the first CLN coating, remained at 127° with the second and third coating layers, and was maintained at 119° with four layers. Multilayer coatings were applied to improve barrier performance; however, no further enhancement in hydrophobicity was observed. The CLN-coated paper exhibited a significantly improved surface smoothness, as confirmed by SEM. The results indicate that a single-layer CLN coating is effective for imparting water-barrier properties to paperboard. In contrast, the coating with pure lignin nanoparticles resulted in cracked surfaces and inconsistent coating thicknesses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Materials Based on Lignocellulosic Biomass)
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31 pages, 1006 KiB  
Article
Has the Belt and Road Initiative Enhanced Economic Resilience in Cities Along Its Route?
by Tian Xia, Siyu Li and Yongrok Choi
Land 2025, 14(8), 1646; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081646 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 230
Abstract
Amid an increasingly complex and uncertain global landscape, geopolitical tensions and frequent trade frictions have emerged as critical external risks threatening the economic stability and sustainable development of Chinese cities. Enhancing cities’ economic resilience has become a key challenge in advancing China’s high-quality [...] Read more.
Amid an increasingly complex and uncertain global landscape, geopolitical tensions and frequent trade frictions have emerged as critical external risks threatening the economic stability and sustainable development of Chinese cities. Enhancing cities’ economic resilience has become a key challenge in advancing China’s high-quality development agenda. As a major national strategic initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is expected to offer new development opportunities and pathways for risk mitigation, particularly for cities situated along its domestic routes. This paper examines whether and how the BRI affects the economic resilience of these cities and further explores the moderating role of local governance capacity in policy implementation. To this end, an empirical strategy combining the entropy weighting method and the difference-in-differences (DID) approach is employed to systematically assess the impact of the BRI on urban economic resilience at the city level. The key findings are as follows: (1) The findings show that the BRI has an enhancing effect on the economic resilience of cities along the routes, but governance is very weak, and urban resilience improves by 0.0045 units on average. Our findings imply that, while the BRI appears to be on the correct path, enhanced governance is necessary to implement city-specific planning approaches effectively. (2) The results of the moderating effect indicate that local governance capacity significantly amplifies the impact of the BRI on urban economic resilience, underscoring the critical role of institutional strength in the policy transmission process. (3) The heterogeneity analysis reveals significant regional disparities in policy effectiveness: while the BRI significantly improves economic resilience in eastern and central cities, it exerts a suppressive effect in western regions. This divergence is closely associated with variations in local governance capacity. In contrast, cities with stronger governance capabilities are more likely to experience positive outcomes, as confirmed by the significant moderating effect of local governance capacity. This study contributes to the growing literature on the spatial implications of national development strategies by empirically examining how the BRI reshapes urban economic resilience across regions. It offers important policy insights for enhancing the spatial governance of cities, particularly in aligning strategic infrastructure investment with differentiated local capacities. The findings also provide a valuable reference for land-use planning and regional development policies aimed at building resilient urban systems under conditions of global uncertainty. Full article
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16 pages, 4089 KiB  
Article
Tree Functional Identity Drives Soil Enzyme Stoichiometric Ratios and Microbial Nutrient Limitation Responses to Artificial Forest Conversion
by Yixuan Fan, Feng Wu, Yujing Yang, Yanan Wang, Tian Liu, Tao Yang, Cong Mao, Wubiao Huang and Shuangshi Zhou
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081327 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 211
Abstract
Converting monoculture forests into mixed forests is a widely adopted strategy to enhance forest ecosystem quality. Soil enzyme activities and their stoichiometric ratios are acknowledged as critical indicators of nutrient cycling and ecosystem multifunctionality, with microbial nutrient limitation (particularly C, N, and P) [...] Read more.
Converting monoculture forests into mixed forests is a widely adopted strategy to enhance forest ecosystem quality. Soil enzyme activities and their stoichiometric ratios are acknowledged as critical indicators of nutrient cycling and ecosystem multifunctionality, with microbial nutrient limitation (particularly C, N, and P) being strongly influenced by forest management practices. However, the effects of this conversion on soil enzyme activities and stoichiometric ratios remain inconclusive, and the impacts of forest conversion on soil C, N, and P dynamics require further clarification. To address these uncertainties, a meta-analysis of 2113 paired observations was conducted to assess the impacts of forest conversion on soil enzyme activities, stoichiometric ratios, and microbial nutrient limitations. The activities of four key enzymes, including β-1,4-glucosidase (BG), β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), and phosphatase (ACP) were examined. It was found that mixed forests exhibited significantly higher C-, N-, and P- enzyme activities than monocultures (increases of 36.23%, 9.85%, and 11.07%, respectively). Additionally, soil C, N, and P contents were generally enhanced following the conversion from monocultures to mixed forests. Elevated enzyme C:P and N:P ratios were observed in mixed forests, while C:N ratios were reduced. Microbial C limitation was alleviated, though C&P co-limitation remained prevalent. Notably, greater effects on enzyme activities were observed when conifer monocultures (particularly those introduced with broadleaf species) were converted, compared with conversions of broadleaf monocultures. In contrast, the introduction of additional conifer species into existing conifer stands exacerbated C limitation. These results suggest that conversion of monocultures to mixed-species forests can mitigate microbial C limitation in soils while improving soil nutrient availability. Furthermore, for conifer plantation conversion, selecting functionally complementary broadleaf species yields greater benefits than introducing additional conifer species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
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21 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
The Impact of ESG Performance on Corporate Investment Efficiency: Evidence from Chinese Agribusiness Companies
by Anqi Ma, Yue Gao and Lirong Xing
Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7362; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167362 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 350
Abstract
This study conducts an empirical examination of the impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) performance on corporate investment efficiency, utilizing fixed-effects and mediation-effects models with a sample of 125 listed agribusiness companies in China from 2013 to 2022. The results of [...] Read more.
This study conducts an empirical examination of the impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) performance on corporate investment efficiency, utilizing fixed-effects and mediation-effects models with a sample of 125 listed agribusiness companies in China from 2013 to 2022. The results of the fixed-effects regression indicate that superior ESG performance can effectively enhance corporate investment efficiency. Furthermore, the results of the mediation-effects analysis unveil the underlying mechanism through which ESG performance contributes to investment efficiency: by reducing agency costs and alleviating financing constraints. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis suggests that ESG performance promotes investment efficiency more significantly in low-competition and moderately competitive market environments. By contrast, its effect may be somewhat muted in highly competitive markets. The findings of this study indicate that agribusiness companies should integrate ESG strategies, increase information transparency disclosure, and refine the allocation and management of resources in their operations. Full article
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