Search Results (16,680)

In response to the escalating global energy demands, the optimization of energy efficiency has emerged as a linchpin for sustainable development. This study considers the potential of energy conservation and emission reduction in one of the most economically vibrant and resource-intensive regions in China, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, encompassing 11 provinces and cities. The SBM-Undesirable model is used to measure the energy efficiency and analyze the temporal-spatial distribution. Moran’s I is employed to analyze the overall spatial pattern and local regional differences in energy efficiency. The systematic analysis shows that the temporal fluctuation exists in the development of energy efficiency, and the average of the Yangtze River Economic Belt exhibits a development pattern of “downstream > midstream > upstream” from the spatial perspective. The upstream region would require way more effort than others to decarbonize and improve efficiency. At the municipal level, the overall energy efficiency of 11 provinces and cities fails to reach an efficient state, and potential for improvement exists. Moreover, the potential model of energy conservation and emission reduction is constructed. We further explore the pathways of energy efficiency improvement for each region in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, including pathways of “High-Efficiency Type”, “High Emission Reduction Potential”, and “Extensive Development Type”. Full article

Background: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are significant in chemo- and radiotherapy resistance. Previous research has focused on BM-MSCs, demonstrating their functional involvement in cancer progression as mediators in the tumor microenvironment. They play multiple roles in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. BM-MSC-derived exosomes (BM-MSCs-exo) are small vesicles, typically 50–300 nm in diameter, isolated from BM-MSCs. Some studies have demonstrated the tumor-suppressive effects of BM-MSCs-exo. Objective: This study aimed to investigate their role in modulating the impact of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in different types of cervical cancer spheroid cells. Methods: The spheroids after treatment were subject to size measurement, cell viability, and caspase activity. Then, the molecular mechanism was elucidated by Western blot analysis. Results: We observed a reduction in spheroid size and an increase in cell death in HeLa spheroids, while no significant changes in size or cell viability were found in SiHa spheroids. At the molecular level, CRT treatment combined with BM-MSCs-exo in HeLa spheroids induced apoptosis through the activation of the NF-κB pathway, specifically via the NF-κB1 (P50) transcription factor, leading to the upregulation of apoptosis-related molecules. In contrast, CRT combined with BM-MSCs-exo in SiHa spheroids exhibited an opposing effect: although cellular viability decreased, caspase activity also decreased, which correlated with increased HSP27 expression and the subsequent downregulation of apoptotic molecules. Conclusion: Our study provides deeper insight into the potential of BM-MSCs-exo in cervical cancer treatment, supporting the development of more effective and safer therapeutic strategies for clinical application. Full article

Addressing the sustainability challenges posed by the expanding livestock sector is crucial for China’s green transition. With the transformation of national dietary structure and increasing demand for livestock products, the associated resource consumption and environmental impacts, particularly carbon emissions have intensified. Reducing carbon emissions from livestock is vital for mitigating global warming, enhancing resource utilization efficiency, improving ecosystems and biodiversity, and ultimately achieving sustainable development of the livestock industry. Against this backdrop, this study measures the carbon emissions from livestock sector employing the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, and applies the Generalized Divisia Index Method (GDIM) to analyze the factors affecting the changes in carbon emissions, aiming to quantify and analyze the carbon footprint of China’s livestock sector to inform sustainable practices. The findings reveal that China’s total carbon emissions from the livestock sector fluctuated between 645.15 million tons and 812.99 million tons from 2000 to 2023. Since 2020, emissions have entered a new phase of continuous growth, with a 5.40% increase in 2023 compared to 2020. Significantly, a positive trend toward sustainability is observed in the substantial decline of carbon emission intensity over the study period, with notable reductions in emission intensity across provinces and a gradual convergence in inter-provincial disparities. Understanding the drivers is key for effective mitigation. The output level and total mechanical power consumption level emerged as primary positive drivers of carbon emissions, while output carbon intensity and mechanical power consumption carbon intensity served as major negative drivers. Moving forward, to foster a sustainable and low-carbon livestock sector, China’s livestock sector development should prioritize coordinated carbon reduction across the entire industrial chain, adjust the industrial structure, and enhance the utilization efficiency of advanced low-carbon agricultural machinery while introducing such equipment. Full article

Westernization of traditional diets has been implicated in the rising burden of overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes, especially in developing countries. In recent times, diet therapy is increasingly being recognized as an essential component of diabetes care. This study assessed the effect of diet therapy on body composition, antioxidant nutrient intake, and glycemic status in individuals living with type 2 diabetes (ILWT2D). In this prospective observational cohort study, 45 ILWT2D who were receiving diet therapy (personalized dietary counseling) in addition to standard medical treatment (intervention group) were compared with 45 ILWT2D receiving only standard medical treatment (comparator group). Antioxidant micronutrient intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. Body composition indices, including body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), and visceral fat (VF), were assessed. Participants’ fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. All measurements were performed before and after a three-month period. There were significant improvements in BMI (27.8 ± 6.0 kg/m² vs. 26.9 ± 5.5 kg/m², p = 0.003), %BF (37.8 ± 11.9% vs. 35.5 ± 10.5%, p < 0.001), visceral fat (9.8 ± 3.4 vs. 9.1 ± 3.2, p < 0.001), systolic BP (136.9 ± 19.9 mmHg vs. 124.6 ± 13.0 mmHg, p < 0.001), FBG (8.8 ± 2.8 mmol/L vs. 6.7 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001), and HbA1c (7.3 ± 1.0% vs. 6.4 ± 0.8%, p < 0.001) in the intervention group from baseline to endline, but not in the comparator group. In contrast, %BF increased within the comparator group (39.9 ± 7.8 vs. 40.7 ± 7.4; p = 0.029). Vitamin A intake increased significantly (227.5 ± 184.3 µg vs. 318.8 ± 274.7 µg, p = 0.038) within the intervention group but not in the comparator group (174.9 ± 154.3 µg, 193.7 ± 101.4 µg, p = 0.54). There were no significant changes in zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin C intakes (p > 0.05) in the intervention group from the baseline to endline, unlike those in the comparator group who showed a significant increase in the intake of these nutrients. There was a significant increase in vitamin A intake among the ILWT2D who received dietary counseling as an intervention compared to those who did not. Additionally, the ILWT2D who received dietary counseling had significant improvements in their body composition (BMI, body fat, and visceral fat) and systolic blood pressure, compared to those who did not. The ILWT2D who received the intervention had significantly better glycemic control (FBG and HbA1c) than their counterparts who did not. Thus, this study suggests the potential of diet therapy as a viable non-pharmacological treatment approach for individuals living with type 2 diabetes. Full article

The development of slicing equipment for Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (FTB) has been constrained by the absence of precise and reliable simulation model parameters, which has hindered the optimization of structural design through simulation techniques. Taking FTB as the research object, this study aims to resolve this issue by conducting the calibration and experimental validation of the discrete element parameters for FTB. Both intrinsic and contact parameters were obtained through physical experiments, on the basis of which a discrete element model for FTB was established by using the Hertz–Mindlin with bonding model. To validate the calibrated bonding parameters of this model, the maximum shear force was selected as the evaluation index. Significant influencing factors were identified and analyzed through a single-factor test, a two-level factorial test, and the steepest ascent method. Response surface methodology was then applied for experimental design and parameter optimization. Finally, shear and compression tests were conducted to verify the accuracy of calibrated parameters. The results show that the mechanical properties of FTB are significantly affected by the normal stiffness per unit area, the tangential stiffness per unit area, and the bonding radius, with optimal values of 1.438 × 10⁸ N·m⁻³, 0.447 × 10⁸ N·m⁻³, and 1.362 mm, respectively. The relative errors in the shear and compression tests were all within 5.18%. The maximum error between the simulated and measured maximum shear force under three different types of blades was less than 5.11%. The percentages of the average shear force of the oblique blade were reduced by 52.23% and 29.55% compared with the flat and arc blades, respectively, while the force variation trends for FTB remained consistent. These findings confirm the reliability of the simulation parameters and establish a theoretical basis for optimizing the structural design of slicing equipment for FTB. Full article

The manufacture of lightweight components is one of the most important requirements in the automotive and aerospace industries. Gears, on the other hand, are among the heaviest parts in terms of their total weight. Accordingly, a spur gear was considered, the body of which was configured as a lattice structure to make it lightweight. In addition, the structure was optimized by topology optimization using ProTOP software. Subsequently, the gear was manufactured by a selective laser melting process by using a strong and lightweight material, namely Ti-6Al-4V. This study defeated the problems of manufacturing orientation, surface roughness, support structure, and bending due to the high thermal gradient in the selective laser melting process. To experimentally investigate the benefits of such a lightweight gear body structure, a new test rig with a closed loop was developed. This rig enabled measurements of strains in the gear ring, hub, and tooth root. The experimental results confirmed that a specifically designed and selectively laser-melted, lightweight cellular lattice structure in the gear body can significantly influence strain. This is especially significant with respect to strain levels and their time-dependent variations in the hub section of the gear body. Full article

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is an important modulator of ovarian physiology, which contributes to angiogenesis, steroidogenesis, and redox control. The stable metabolites nitrate (NO₃⁻) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) may indicate real-time follicular function during IVF. Methods: In this prospective study, we included 89 women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation. The Griess test was used to measure NO₂-NO₃ concentrations in follicular fluid collected on the day of oocyte retrieval. Non-parametric and correlation tests were used to investigate the associations between oocyte yield, maturity (MII), fertilization (2PN), embryo development, and hormone levels. Results: Higher NO₂-NO₃ levels were substantially associated with increased total oocyte count, MII oocytes (p = 0.014), and 2PN embryos (p = 0.029). This suggests a strong relationship between NO bioavailability and oocyte competence. NO₂-NO₃ levels showed a positive correlation with estradiol (p < 0.001) and progesterone (p < 0.001), suggesting a possible function in granulosa cell steroidogenesis. Conclusions: Follicular NO metabolites are candidate functional indicators for oocyte quality evaluation and intrafollicular steroidogenic activity. Their predictive value may improve customized IVF treatment, especially in individuals with complicated ovarian phenotypes such as PCOS or decreased ovarian reserve. Full article

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 have been associated with an elevated risk of thromboembolism and adverse cardiovascular events (CVEs). We aim to evaluate whether alterations in poorly studied hemostatic and endothelial proteins are associated with CVEs in patients previously admitted to the ICU and evaluated one year post-discharge. We carried out a cross-sectional study involving 63 COVID-19 patients previously admitted to the ICU one year post-discharge. Plasma levels of factor IX (coagulation factor), protein C, protein S (natural anticoagulant), and von Willebrand factor (VWF, an endothelial marker) were measured using a Luminex 200™ analyzer. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to assess the association of these coagulation proteins with CVEs and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). We found that lower levels of factor IX (p = 0.011), protein C (p = 0.028), and protein S (p = 0.008) were associated with CVEs one year after ICU discharge. Additionally, at the one-year follow-up, we found lower levels of factor IX (p = 0.002) and higher levels of VWF (p = 0.006) associated with higher levels of NT-proBNP, underscoring the involvement of both hemostatic imbalance and persistent endothelial dysfunction. Our findings revealed a gender-specific pattern of associations with NT-proBNP levels. These findings highlight the significant role of persistent hemostatic imbalance and endothelial dysfunction in the development of cardiovascular abnormalities among COVID-19 survivors discharged from the ICU. Full article

This study examines the mechanical and physical performance of lightweight concretes incorporating acidic pumice aggregate, with a particular focus on their behavior under thermal exposure. Pumice sourced from the Bitlis-Tatvan region was used as a partial replacement for limestone aggregate at volumetric substitution levels of 50%, 60%, and 70% (designated LC50, LC60, and LC70, respectively), alongside a conventional control mix (NC). Experimental investigations included flexural and compressive strength tests, capillary water absorption measurements, and mass loss assessments at elevated temperatures (100 °C, 200 °C, and 300 °C). The results indicate that increasing pumice content leads to a significant reduction in mechanical strength, as evidenced by a strong negative correlation (e.g., −0.994 for compressive strength), and results in increased water absorption due to the higher porosity of pumice. Thermal exposure caused more pronounced weight loss in pumice-rich mixtures, primarily attributable to moisture evaporation and the formation of surface voids, particularly in LC60 and LC70 specimens. Although the incorporation of pumice effectively reduces the unit weight of concrete, it compromises both strength and durability, highlighting a critical trade-off between weight reduction and structural performance. Future studies are recommended to quantitatively assess the relationship between compressive and flexural strengths to address current limitations. Additionally, advanced microstructural analyses (e.g., SEM, XRD), fire resistance evaluations at higher temperatures, and the development of hybrid mixes incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) should be further explored. Full article

This study conducts a comparative evaluation of Turkiye’s carbon emission profile from both sectoral and global perspectives. Utilizing 2022 data from 76 countries, it applies two widely recognized multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods: MEREC, for determining objective weights of criteria, and PROMETHEE II, for ranking countries based on these criteria. All data used in the analysis were obtained from the World Bank, a globally recognized and credible statistical source. The study evaluates seven criteria, including carbon emissions from the energy, transport, industry, and residential sectors, along with GDP-related indicators. The results indicate that Turkiye’s carbon emissions, particularly from industry, transport, and energy, are substantially higher than the global average. Moreover, countries with higher levels of industrialization generally rank lower in environmental performance, highlighting a direct relationship between industrial activity and increased carbon emissions. According to PROMETHEE II rankings, Turkiye falls into the lower-middle tier among the assessed countries. In light of these findings, the study suggests that Turkiye should implement targeted, sector-specific policy measures to reduce emissions. The research aims to provide policymakers with a structured, data-driven framework that aligns with the country’s broader sustainable development goals. MEREC was selected for its ability to produce unbiased criterion weights, while PROMETHEE II was chosen for its capacity to deliver clear and meaningful comparative rankings, making both methods highly suitable for evaluating environmental performance. This study also offers a broader analysis of how selected countries compare in terms of their carbon emissions. As carbon emissions remain one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the context of global warming and climate change, ranking countries based on emission levels serves both to support scientific inquiry and to increase international awareness. By relying on recent 2022 data, the study offers a timely snapshot of the global carbon emission landscape. Alongside its contribution to public awareness, the findings are expected to support policymakers in developing effective environmental strategies. Ultimately, this research contributes to the academic literature and lays a foundation for more sustainable environmental policy development. Full article

A novel single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT), silver (Ag) nanoparticle, and zinc benzene carboxylate (ZnBDC) metal–organic framework (MOF) composite was synthesised and systematically characterised to develop an efficient platform for mercury ion (Hg²⁺) detection. X-ray diffraction confirmed the successful incorporation of Ag nanoparticles and SWNTs without disrupting the crystalline structure of ZnBDC. Meanwhile, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy mapping revealed a uniform elemental distribution. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated enhanced thermal stability. Electrochemical measurements (cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) demonstrated improved charge transfer properties. Electrochemical sensing investigations using differential pulse voltammetry revealed that the SWNTs/Ag@ZnBDC-modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited high selectivity toward Hg²⁺ ions over other metal ions (Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, and Zn²⁺), with optimal performance at pH 4. The sensor displayed a linear response in the concentration range of 0.1–1.0 nM (R² = 0.9908), with a calculated limit of detection of 0.102 nM, slightly close to the lowest tested point, confirming its high sensitivity for ultra-trace Hg²⁺ detection. The outstanding sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility underscore the potential of SWNTs/Ag@ZnBDC as a promising electrochemical platform for detecting trace levels of Hg2+ in environmental monitoring. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Motor Speech Hierarchy (MSH) Probe Words (PWs) have yet to be validated as effective in discriminating between children with impaired and children with typically developing speech motor control. This preliminary study first examined the effectiveness of the mandibular control subtest of the MSH-PWs in distinguishing between typically developing (TD) and speech sound-disordered (SSD) children aged between 3 years 0 months and 3 years 6 months. Secondly, we compared automatically derived kinematic measures of jaw range and control with MSH-PW consensus scoring to assist in identifying deficits in mandibular control. Methods: Forty-one children with TD speech and 13 with SSD produced the 10 words of the mandibular stage of the MSH-PWs. A consensus team of speech pathologists observed video recordings of the words to score motor speech control and phonetic accuracy, as detailed in the MSH-PW scoring criteria. Specific measures of jaw and lip movements during speech were also extracted to derive the objective measurements, with agreement between the perceptual and objective measures of jaw range and jaw control evaluated. Results: A significant difference between TD and SSD groups was found for jaw range (p = 0.006), voicing transitions (p = 0.004) and total mandibular scores (p = 0.015). SSD and TD group discrimination was significant (at alpha = 0.01) with a balanced classification accuracy of 0.79. Initial analysis indicates objective kinematic measures using facial tracking show good agreement with perceptual judgements of jaw range and jaw control. Conclusions: The preliminary data indicate the MSH-PWs can discriminate TD speech from SSD at the level of mandibular control and can be used by clinicians to assess motor speech control. Further investigation of objective measures to support perceptual scoring is indicated. Full article

Despite the well-documented health risks of noise pollution, its impact remains overlooked mainly in life cycle assessment (LCA). This study introduces a methodological innovation by integrating both traffic and construction noise into the LCA framework for concrete construction, providing a more holistic and realistic evaluation of environmental and health impacts. By combining building information modeling (BIM) with LCA, the method automates material quantification and assesses both environmental and noise-related health burdens. A key advancement is the inclusion of health-based indicators, such as annoyance and sleep disturbance, quantified through disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Two scenarios are examined: (1) a comparative analysis of concrete versus timber flooring and (2) end-of-life options (reuse vs. landfill). The results reveal that concrete has up to 7.4 times greater environmental impact than timber, except in land use. When noise is included, its contribution ranges from 7–33% in low-density regions (Darwin) and 62–92% in high-density areas (NSW), underscoring the critical role of local context. Traffic noise emerged as the dominant source, while equipment-related noise was minimal (0.3–1.5% of total DALYs). Timber slightly reduced annoyance but showed similar sleep disturbance levels. Material reuse reduced midpoint environmental impacts by 67–99.78%. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that mitigation measures like double glazing can cut noise-related impacts by 2–10% in low-density settings and 31–45% in high-density settings, validating the robustness of this framework. Overall, this study establishes a foundation for integrating noise into LCA, supporting sustainable material choices, environmentally responsible construction, and health-centered policymaking, particularly in noise-sensitive urban development. Full article

Platform support for mobile collaboration among multiple smart devices has been an active research issues in the computing community. Using platform-level collaboration functionalities, a mobile device can share its resources, I/O events, and even apps easily with other devices, which enables developing a new kind of application that runs across multiple devices. In this work, we further extend the collaboration functionalities in mobile platforms by developing a novel platform service, remote intent service (RIS),which enables a running application in a device to outsource the execution of a specific task to another application in a remote device. Using the remote intent service, for example, we can view an attached document to an email, using a document viewer application in a remote device that has a larger screen, or conveniently browse an audio file that exists on another mobile device and play it locally. We implemented the remote intent service to the Android platform and measured the latency for executing such tasks in a remote device. The experimental results confirm that the remote intent service, for sending the intent plus retrieving the result, incurs an additional delay of less than 250 ms in total, and thus, it is practical. Full article

Since 2015 and the Paris Agreements, several countries have committed to sustainable development (SD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have an important role to play in providing education and supporting research activities that integrate SD and SDG concepts. However, the context where the HEI is located has an impact on the level of development and integration of strategic guidelines, methods, and tools for measuring the performance of SDGs within the HEI. The United Nations framework remains the most developed and used tool, but it stays very global and needs to be adapted to other contexts, which leads to local initiatives by some HEIs in developing their tools. The response of HEIs to this challenge differs from one context to another, and this article aims to (i) provide a framework to analyze the different HEI contexts based on their own global, national, and local context; (ii) present and compare the context analysis of three different HEIs (ULaval, Sorbonne Univ, and UWE) in three different countries worldwide (Canada, France, and England), and (iii) discuss the limits, challenges, and research opportunities in the subject of SDG integration within HEIs. Notably, the context analysis of ULaval and UWE case studies showed that the Canadian and UK scales give global orientations with a delegation to the Quebec Province and England government for the education and research strategies. A strong leadership comes from the HEIs themselves in developing their own methods and tools for assessing and monitoring the SDGs, as is the case with ULaval and UWE. On the other hand, the Sorbonne Univ case follows the French national and European-United Nation framework but is less committed to developing its own tools and methods. Full article