Search Results (23,484)

Antioxidants are essential bioactive compounds widely recognized for their health benefits in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases. However, many lipophilic antioxidants suffer from poor aqueous solubility, low chemical stability, and limited bioavailability, restricting their application in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Cyclodextrins (CDs), a class of cyclic oligosaccharides with a hydrophilic exterior and lipophilic interior, present an effective strategy to encapsulate and deliver these compounds by improving their solubility, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. This review critically examines the structural features and derivatives of cyclodextrins relevant for antioxidant encapsulation, mechanisms and thermodynamics of inclusion complex formation, and advanced characterization techniques. It evaluates the influence of CD encapsulation on the oral bioavailability and antioxidant activity of various lipophilic antioxidants supported by recent in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, sustainable preparation methods for CD complexes are discussed alongside safety and regulatory considerations. The comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge contributes to guiding the rational design and development of CD-based antioxidant nutraceuticals, addressing formulation challenges while promoting efficacy and consumer safety. Full article

This study examines the readiness of the accounting and auditing profession to adopt disruptive innovations, with a particular focus on sustainable digital transformation. It investigates the factors influencing auditors’ and accountants’ intention to adopt blockchain technology (BT) as a sustainable digital infrastructure that enhances transparency, accountability, traceability, and operational efficiency. The research integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with the third iteration of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM3), providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the sustainable adoption of emerging technologies. A quantitative research design was employed through an online questionnaire, collecting empirical data from 394 prospective and existing blockchain users within the accounting and auditing professions in Saudi Arabia. Data validation and hypothesis testing were conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart-PLS software (version 4.1.0.8). The results reveal a strong and significant positive influence of performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), and social influence (SI) on intention to use (IU). Additionally, PE is positively and significantly associated with job relevance (JR) and output quality (OQ). Conversely, computer self-efficacy (CSE) shows no significant impact on EE, while compatibility (CO) positively influences EE but not IU. Moreover, EE has a substantial effect on PE. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on how disruptive ICTs are reshaping the accounting and auditing profession while supporting sustainable digital transformation. The study provides practical insights for policymakers, regulators, corporate leaders, and blockchain providers seeking to leverage BT not only for technological efficiency but also to advance long-term organizational sustainability and responsible governance. Full article

Background: Chronic venous disease (CVD) substantially influences workers’ comfort, productivity, and capacity to remain employed, yet many occupational settings complicate the implementation of effective symptom management strategies. Temperature fluctuations, in particular, influence daily functioning: heat often worsens swelling, heaviness, pain, and fatigue, while cold may offer partial relief. This study examines how workplace thermal and organizational conditions affect adults with CVD, paying attention to the challenges they face in applying clinical recommendations. Methods: Fifty adults with CEAP C1–C6 disease were interviewed and observed in clinical settings. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted to capture workers’ accounts rather than generate a new theory. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis within a qualitative descriptive framework. Results: Heat exposure consistently aggravated swelling, pain, and fatigue, whereas moderate cold often improved comfort and functional capacity. Participants highlighted numerous workplace barriers, including rigid schedules, restrictive uniforms, and difficulties maintaining compression in hot environments. Supportive supervisors, micro-breaks, access to hydration, and flexibility in posture facilitated better symptom control. Workers frequently described tensions between clinical advice and job demands, noting that instructions such as leg elevation or frequent breaks were often unrealistic in their occupational context. Conclusions: Aligning clinical guidance with workplace realities is essential for the well-being and long-term employability of individuals with CVD. Climate-sensitive and ergonomic job design represents an important strategy for supporting employees’ ability to manage symptoms and sustain productivity amid increasing thermal variability. Full article

In response to the coexistence of multi-objective conflicts and environmental complexity in the renewal of contemporary urban industrial heritage, this study develops a simulation and decision-making methodology for architectural and environmental renewal based on a digital twin framework. Using the Xi’an Old Steel Plant Industrial Heritage Park as a case study, a community-scale digital twin model integrating multiple dimensions—architecture, environment, population, and energy systems—was constructed to enable dynamic integration of multi-source data and cross-scale response analysis. The proposed methodology comprises four core components: (1) integration of multi-source baseline datasets—including typical meteorological year data, industry standards, and open geospatial information—through BIM, GIS, and parametric modeling, to establish a unified data environment for methodological validation; (2) development of a high-performance dynamic simulation system integrating ENVI-met for microclimate and thermal comfort modeling, EnergyPlus for building energy and carbon emission assessment, and AnyLogic for multi-agent spatial behavior simulation; (3) establishment of a comprehensive performance evaluation model based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP); (4) implementation of a visual interactive platform for design feedback and scheme optimization. The results demonstrate that under parameter-calibrated simulation conditions, the digital twin system accurately reflects environmental variations and crowd behavioral dynamics within the industrial heritage site. Under the optimized renewal scheme, the annual carbon emissions of the park decrease relative to the baseline scenario, while the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and spatial vitality index both show significant improvement. The findings confirm that digital twin-driven design interventions can substantially enhance environmental performance, energy efficiency, and social vitality in industrial heritage renewal. This approach marks a shift from experience-driven to evidence-based design, providing a replicable technological pathway and decision-support framework for the intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable renewal of post-industrial urban spaces. The digital twin framework proposed in this study establishes a validated paradigm for model coupling and decision-making processes, laying a methodological foundation for future integration of comprehensive real-world data and dynamic precision mapping. Full article

Cold pressing is a sustainable oil extraction method that operates without chemical solvents, requires relatively low energy input, and preserves bioactive compounds, making it a recognized green technology in line with circular economy principles. By enabling full utilization of raw materials and valorization of by-products, it supports resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the development of bio-based products. This study provides the first comprehensive mapping of Serbia’s small-scale cold-pressed oil producers, based on data from the Central Register of Food Business Operators, local inspectorates, agricultural fairs, and social media, classified according to NUTS 2024 statistical regions. A total of 55 producers were identified, with over 60% operating as artisanal units (≤15 t/year), typically using screw presses of 20–50 kg/h capacity. Pumpkin seed was the most common raw material (30 producers), followed by sesame (21), hazelnut (20), sunflower (19), and flaxseed (19), while niche oils such as jojoba, argan, and rosehip were produced on a smaller scale. Medium and large facilities (>15 t/year) were concentrated in Vojvodina and central Serbia, focusing on high-volume seeds like sunflower and soybean. Integration of green screw press technologies, zero-kilometer supply chains, and press cake valorization positions this sector as a driver of rural development, biodiversity preservation, and environmental sustainability, providing a strong basis for targeted policy support and process optimization. Full article

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a common degenerative joint disease, affects a large patient population and poses significant challenges in early diagnosis and rehabilitation. Achieving precise assessment of knee function and efficient home-based intelligent rehabilitation is crucial for alleviating pain, slowing disease progression, and improving patients’ quality of life. This study proposes a smart wearable knee function assessment based on multimodal physiological signals and a rehabilitation system. The system integrates surface electromyography (sEMG), pressure sensors, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to synchronously capture gait, posture, and muscle activity. It quantifies knee function by extracting gait and EMG features. Additionally, a wearable massage device driven by airbags was designed and implemented to simulate the traditional Chinese medicine “seated knee-adjustment method” and deliver precise intelligent rehabilitation interventions. Experimental results validated the system’s accuracy in functional assessment and reliability in rehabilitation assistance. The average relative error in gait feature extraction was below 8%, while the massage head displacement error remained within clinically acceptable ranges. By integrating multimodal sensing technology with intelligent rehabilitation devices, this system offers KOA patients a convenient, efficient, and sustainable home-based rehabilitation solution with strong clinical application potential and promotional value. Full article

To ensure the quality and efficient access of the population to plant-derived resources, research on the sustainable cultivation of medicinal species is of great importance, and the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of poultry litter-based organic fertilization and seasonality on plant growth, soil health (quality), and secondary metabolism of Cuphea carthagenensis. Plants were cultivated during the summer and autumn/winter seasons in a randomized design with five poultry litter application rates (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t ha⁻¹) and three replications per plot field (1 × 2 m). The parameters evaluated included soil health, plant biomass, nutrient content, extract yield from the aerial parts, and chemical composition. In the summer, soil bioindicators (microbial biomass carbon and basal respiration) increased with the addition of poultry litter, although plant biomass was not affected by the season. Plant nutrient levels, particularly N and P, increased under poultry litter application rates of 30 t ha⁻¹ and higher. Under these conditions, the highest extract yield from the aerial parts was obtained at a rate of 40 t ha⁻¹. During autumn/winter, poultry litter increased significantly soil microbial biomass carbon, plant biomass, and N and P contents, resulting in an 11.07% increase in extract yield at a rate of 20 t ha⁻¹. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts identified 29 compounds, predominantly quercetin derivatives. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the sustainable cultivation of C. carthagenensis under organic fertilization enhances soil health, plant biomass, and extract yield. These findings highlight the potential of organic nutrient management as a promising strategy for advancing sustainable medicinal plant production and meeting societal demands for natural bioactive resources. Full article

The rapid emergence of generative AI is transforming how employees engage with technology to perform tasks, make decisions, and create value. Despite its transformative potential, empirical findings on AI adoption remain inconsistent, particularly regarding how job characteristics shape employees’ confidence and readiness to use generative AI. Grounded in the Task–Technology Fit framework and self-efficacy theory, this research examines the curvilinear relationship between job complexity and AI self-efficacy and its subsequent effects on AI adoption readiness and behavior. We conducted two survey studies to test the proposed hypotheses using structural equation modeling. Results reveal that employees in both low- and high-complexity roles exhibit a low level of AI self-efficacy and a subsequent lower level of AI adoption behaviors compared to those in moderately complex roles. These findings challenge the assumption that highly skilled roles typically lead AI integration and instead highlight the importance of aligning task structure with AI capabilities. This study advances theory by introducing a non-linear boundary condition to technology adoption and offers practical guidance for organizations to design jobs and training programs that cultivate confidence and foster sustainable human–AI collaboration. Full article

This study proposes a novel multi-porous heat exchanger (MPHEX) as a passive, sustainable alternative to variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems, addressing the growing environmental burden of cooling demand. Through high-fidelity Lattice Boltzmann Method simulations of coupled heat and fluid transport, the MPHEX design is optimized to minimize exergy destruction. A case study for Tunisian conditions demonstrates that permeability optimization, when combined with solar-assisted preheating, reduces total exergy destruction by over 60% and increases the coefficient of performance (COP) by up to 20%, all while eliminating active mechanical regulation. The numerical results confirm strong experimental feasibility, positioning the MPHEX as a scalable, low-energy, and low-maintenance cooling solution for sun-rich regions. Full article

The textile industry releases effluents containing toxic contaminants such as azo dyes, which severely affect water quality and aquatic ecosystems. This study optimized the Fe⁰/H₂O₂/UV photo-Fenton process through Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using a Box–Behnken design applied to real textile wastewater. The process relies on in situ hydroxyl radicals (•OH) generation, which degrades refractory organic compounds. Under optimal conditions (pH 3.5, 0.5 g Fe⁰, and 0.55 mL H₂O₂), the system achieved complete color removal, 91% aromatic structures degradation, and an 80% COD reduction within 3 h. Statistical validation indicated an excellent model fit (R² = 1.0; Q² = 1.0), with strong correlation between experimental and predicted results. Spectroscopic analyses (UV–Vis and FTIR) further confirmed the cleavage of chromophoric and aromatic structures, indicating efficient pollutant degradation. Overall, the findings indicate that the Fe⁰/H₂O₂/UV system is an effective and sustainable technology for treating textile wastewater, offering strong potential for industrial-scale application. Full article

Age-related cognitive decline and individual differences in dementia susceptibility are increasingly explained through the concept of cognitive reserve (CR). CR reflected the brain’s adaptive capacity to sustain cognitive performance despite Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related pathology, extending beyond traditional biomarkers that captured the molecular or structural changes, but often failed to account for clinical heterogeneity. This review provided a comprehensive synthesis of how CR was operationalized through three major methodological approaches: sociobehavioral proxies, residual variance frameworks, and neurobiological indicators within the context of longitudinal study designs. The review included evidences from a structured PubMed and Scopus search restricted to English-language studies examining the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD. Findings consistently demonstrated that higher CR, most commonly estimated through sociobehavioral proxies, such as educational level, occupational complexity, bilingualism, and engagement in cognitively stimulating activities, was associated with a delayed onset of impairment, lower dementia risk, and better clinical outcomes, despite a comparable neuropathological burden. Residual variance approaches provided complementary insights by quantifying cognitive performance that exceeded the predicted levels from underlying pathology, thereby capturing unexplained variance by structural or molecular disease markers. These residual-based methods extend CR concept beyond life-course experiences, offering statistical evidence of resilience within longitudinal trajectories of aging and disease. Additional evidence from electrophysiological and genetic investigations further suggested that CR enhanced the neural efficiency, flexibility, and the recruitment of compensatory networks. Finally, neuroimaging studies provided the mechanistic evidence that CR was supported by alterations in brain structure, functional connectivity, and activation patterns, though findings on long-term trajectories remained inconsistent. Overall, CR emerged as a multidimensional and modifiable construct that enhanced resilience to aging and dementia. Future research should prioritize the integrative longitudinal designs, combining sociobehavioral, residual variance, genetic, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging approaches to clarify mechanisms, establishing robust measurement frameworks and advance clinical translation. Full article

The objective of this article is to evaluate the viability of implementing the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) methodology in the design and construction of complex wooden structures with non-standard geometry. The present study incorporates an analysis of scientific literature from 2011 to 2024, in addition to selected case studies of buildings constructed using glued laminated timber and engineered wood prefabrication technology. The selection of examples was based on a range of criteria, including geometric complexity, the level of integration of digital tools (BIM, CAM, parametric design), and the efficiency of assembly processes. The implementation of DfMA principles has been shown to result in a reduction in material waste by 15–25% and a reduction in assembly time by approximately 30% when compared to traditional construction methods. The findings of the present study demonstrate that the concurrent integration of design, production, and assembly in the timber construction process enhances energy efficiency, curtails embodied carbon emissions, and fosters the adoption of circular economy principles. The analysis also reveals key implementation barriers, such as insufficient digital skills, lack of standardization, and limited availability of prefabrication facilities. The article under scrutiny places significant emphasis on the pivotal role of DfMA in facilitating the digital transformation of timber architecture and propelling sustainable construction development in the context of the circular economy. The conclusions of the study indicate a necessity for further research to be conducted on quantitative life cycle assessment (LCA, LCC) and on the implementation of DfMA on both a national and international scale. Full article

Precision irrigation provides a sustainable approach to enhancing water efficiency while maintaining crop productivity. This study evaluates a reinforcement learning approach, using the advantage actor–critic algorithm, for closed-loop irrigation control in a greenhouse environment. The reinforcement learning control is designed to regulate soil moisture near the maximum allowable depletion threshold, minimizing water use without compromising plant health. Its performance is compared against two common strategies: an on–off closed-loop controller and a time-based open-loop controller. The results show that the proposed controller consistently reduces irrigation water consumption relative to both benchmarks, while adapting effectively to environmental variability and the crop’s increasing water demand during growth. These findings highlight the potential of reinforcement learning to achieve a more efficient balance between water conservation and crop health in controlled agricultural systems. Full article

Air pollution, soil contamination, and rising illness demand integrated, nature-based solutions. Willow trees (Salix spp.) uniquely combine ecological resilience with therapeutic value, remediating polluted environments while supporting human well-being. This review synthesizes recent literature on the established role of Salix spp. in phytoremediation and growing contribution to forest therapy through emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). As urbanization accelerates and environmental pressures intensify globally, the surprising adaptability and multifunctionality of Salix justify the utilization of this genus in building resilient and health-promoting ecosystems. The major points discussed in this work include willow-based phytoremediation strategies, such as rhizodegradation, phytoextraction, and phytostabilization, contributing to restoring even heavily polluted soils, especially when combined with specific strategies of microbial augmentation and trait-based selection. Salix plantations and even individual willow trees may contribute to forest therapy (and ‘forest bathing’ approaches) through volatile compounds emitted by Salix spp. such as ocimene, β-caryophyllene, and others, which exhibit neuroprotective (against Parkinson’s disease), anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing properties. Willow’s significantly extended foliage season in temperate regions allows for prolonged ‘forest bathing’ opportunities, enhancing passive therapeutic engagement in urban green infrastructures. Remarkably, the pharmacological potential of willow extends beyond salicin, encompassing a diverse array of phytocompounds with applications in phytomedicine. Finally, willow’s ease of propagation and adaptability make this species a convenient solution for multifunctional landscape design, where ecological restoration and human well-being converge. Overall, this review demonstrates the integrative value of Salix spp. as a keystone genus in sustainable landscape planning, combining remarkable environmental resilience with therapeutic benefits. Future studies should explore standardized methods to evaluate the combined ecological and therapeutic performance of Salix spp., integrating long-term field monitoring with analyses of BVOC emissions under varying environmental stresses. Full article

This study integrates Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations, soil bin experiments, and multi-objective optimization to develop an energy-efficient manure injector shank. Eighteen geometries were first screened using DEM, reducing the set to six designs (S_1–S_6) based on draft force–rupture area performance. The selected designs, varying in rake angle (30°, 45°, 60°), thickness (25 and 30 mm), and width (102, 110, and 118 mm), were tested in a soil bin to measure draft, trench width, spoil cross-sectional area, and soil rupture. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among designs (p < 0.05), confirming that rake angle, width, and thickness have a strong influence on the soil–tool interaction. A multi-objective optimization framework was then used to minimize draft, trench width, and spoil area while maximizing rupture, with performance quantified through overall desirability values (0–1). Shank S_3 (45° rake, 25 mm thickness, 110 mm width) achieved the highest desirability (0.6676), representing the best trade-off between energy efficiency, minimal surface disturbance, and effective subsurface loosening. This integrated DEM–experimental–optimization approach demonstrates a reliable, data-driven workflow for implement design, reducing reliance on extensive field trials. However, future studies should validate the performance of S_3 and other candidate designs under diverse soil types, moisture levels, and operating conditions to confirm their agronomic and environmental benefits. Full article