Search Results (2,251)

Macroalgae have low nutrient bioavailability, often requiring pretreatments—physical, chemical, or biological—typically using low-solid loading hydrolysis, which produces separate liquid and solid phases. In contrast, high-solid loading hydrolysis offers a single-phase alternative, though it remains underexplored for macroalgae. This study evaluated the effectiveness of high-solid loading hydrolysis for breaking polysaccharides and increasing the availability of nutrients and antioxidant compounds in Codium tomentosum. Treatments using mixtures containing 25% dry biomass and 75% water or 0.5N and 1N NaOH, autoclaved for 30 or 60 min, were performed. Among the tested treatments, high-solid loading alkaline autoclaved treatment (1N NaOH, 60 min) was most effective in reducing neutral detergent fiber and enhancing the availability of bioactive compounds, particularly soluble proteins and phenols. Based on these results, a sequential enzymatic hydrolysis with Natugrain^® at 0.2 and 0.4% was also applied to pre-treated C. tomentosum with water or 1N NaOH. Enzymatic hydrolysis after autoclaving had no major effect on fiber, soluble protein, or ash, but increased phenol levels. In conclusion, high-solid loading alkaline treatment (1N NaOH) followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with Natugrain^® enzyme reduced fiber content and enhanced soluble protein and phenolic compounds, thereby improving the nutritional and functional potential of C. tomentosum for inclusion in animal feeds. Full article

Garlic (Allium sativum) is widely used in human diets and medicine, but its safety for dogs remains uncertain. Heinz bodies in red blood cells are indicators of oxidative damage, which may lead to hemolytic anemia. This study evaluated the effects of different forms and concentrations of garlic on canine erythrocytes in vitro. The experiment consisted of two phases: Phase 1 compared fresh, dried, and granulated garlic, while Phase 2 assessed two concentrations of granulated garlic (0.1 and 0.2 g/mL). Blood from healthy dogs was incubated with ethanol extracts of garlic. Hemolysis was measured spectrophotometrically by hemoglobin release, and blood smears were examined for Heinz bodies and eccentrocytes. All garlic preparations caused hemolysis, most strongly granulated garlic at 0.2 g/mL (p < 0.01). Blood smears confirmed red blood cell damage, with more Heinz bodies and eccentrocytes in dried and granulated garlic samples. In conclusion, the form and concentration of garlic strongly influence its hemolytic activity. Processing methods such as drying and granulation may enhance the release of reactive compounds, increasing the risk of oxidative damage to canine red blood cells. Full article

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)scaffolds comprising hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were produced from ultra-pure precursors and processed under an α-TCP–avoiding schedule (1100 °C, 2 h). Quantitative X-ray diffraction (Rietveld/Profex) detected no α-TCP above the ~1 wt% limit of detection and quantified post-sintering phase fractions (wt% HA/β-TCP): 99.26/0.74, 68.51/31.49, and 27.57/72.43. Across compositions, SEM/ImageJ yielded similar mean macropore sizes (≈71–80 µm), while open porosity increased with the HA fraction (27.5 ± 1.8%, 39.1 ± 2.0%, 57.1 ± 2.4%). Compressive strength decreased accordingly (1.07 ± 0.25, 0.24 ± 0.01, 0.05 ± 0.02 MPa), consistent with non-load-bearing use. In ISO-compliant simulated body fluid (28 d), medium pH remained stable (7.33–7.43); mass loss and early Ca²⁺ depletion increased with β-TCP content, consistent with more extensive surface apatite formation in β-TCP-rich scaffolds. Collectively, these data are consistent with a composition-dependent sequence—β-TCP content → densification/porosity → strength → degradation/apatite kinetics—within the tested conditions and inform parameter-based tuning of BCP scaffolds for non-load-bearing indications (e.g., alveolar ridge preservation, craniofacial void filling). Full article

Silica aerogels are highly attractive due to their outstanding properties, including their low density, ultralow thermal conductivity, large porosity, high optical transparency, and strong sorption activity. However, their inherent brittleness has limited widespread applications. Constructing a robust, highly porous three-dimensional network is critical to achieving the desired mechanical properties in aerogels. In this study, we introduce a novel synthesis route for fabricating lightweight and mechanically strong aerogels by incorporating poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) through thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). EVOH exhibits upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior in a mixture of isopropanol (IPA) and water, which can be utilized to reinforce the silica skeletal structure. Robust aerogels were prepared via the sol–gel process and TIPS method, followed by supercritical CO₂ drying, yielding samples with bulk densities ranging from 0.136 to 0.200 g/cm³. N₂ physisorption analysis revealed a mesoporous structure, with the specific surface area decreasing from 874 to 401 m²/g as EVOH content increased from 0 to 80 mg/mL. The introduced EVOH significantly enhanced mechanical performance, raising the flexural strength and compressive strength to 0.545 MPa and 18.37 MPa, respectively—far exceeding those of pure silica aerogel (0.098 MPa and 0.74 MPa). This work demonstrates the effectiveness of the TIPS strategy for developing high-strength, low-density silica aerogels with well-preserved porosity. Full article

The aim of the presented work is to develop a more energy- and time-saving modification of a well-known hydrothermal synthesis method by reducing the time of the synthesis regime and drying step, as well as the possible removal of the calcination procedure. The structure and morphology of Gd-doped ceria (Ce_1−xGd_xO_2−x/2, where x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5), synthesized via the optimized hydrothermal method, were thoroughly investigated. Phase composition was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the structural units of the materials were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Chemical composition was studied using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and further confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to analyze the size and shape of the nanoparticles. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of Ce³⁺ ions in both doped and undoped CeO₂ samples. Full article

The limestone quarrying and processing industry generates huge amounts of waste, with limestone sludge being one of the most prevalent and challenging by-products. This study aims to evaluate the potential of limestone sludge as a sustainable secondary raw material for the mechanochemical synthesis of bioceramics, specifically hydroxyapatite (HA), for high-added-value applications in bone tissue engineering. High-energy milling is innovatively used as the processing route: dry sludge (functioning as the calcium source), a phosphate source, and water were milled with the aim of producing calcium phosphates (in particular, hydroxyapatite) via mechanosynthesis. The industrial sludge was thoroughly analyzed for chemical composition, heavy metals, and mineral phases to ensure suitability for biomedical applications. The mixture of reagents was tailored to comply with Ca/P = 1.67 molar ratio. Milling was carried out at room temperature; the milling velocity was 600 rpm, and milling time ranged from 5 to 650 min. Characterization by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM confirmed the progressive transformation of calcite into hydroxyapatite through a metastable DCPD intermediate, following logarithmic reaction kinetics. The resulting powders are fine, homogeneous, and phase-pure, demonstrating that mechanosynthesis provides a low-cost and environmentally friendly pathway to convert limestone waste into functional bioceramic materials. This suggests that Moleanos sludge is a viable and sustainable source to produce tailored calcium phosphates and confirms mechanosynthesis as a cost-effective and reliable technology to activate the low-kinetics chemical reactions in the CaCO₃-H₃PO₄–H₂O system. This work highlights a novel circular economy approach for the valorization of industrial limestone sludge, turning a difficult waste stream into a high-value, sustainable resource. Full article

This study develops a sustainable welding approach by incorporating 35–50% blast furnace slag (BFS), a byproduct of the steel industry, into rutile-type electrode coatings. To fabricate the electrodes, BFS was dry-mixed with fluxes, followed by the addition of potassium silicate binder to create a paste. This mixture was then pressed onto 3.25 mm core wires at 150 bar and heat-treated at 150 °C for two hours. Weld quality and performance were evaluated through visual inspections, microstructure and XRD analyses, hardness, tensile, and impact tests. Visual inspections confirmed weld quality comparable to commercial standards, with stable arc and minimal spatter. Microstructure analysis revealed a ferrite-dominated weld metal with TiO₂ and FeTiO₃ phases in the slag layer, enhancing strength and toughness. Electrodes with 35–40% BFS achieved yield strength of 477–482 MPa, tensile strength of 570–573 MPa, and impact energy of 58–59 J at 0 °C, complying with ISO 2560:2020. BFS integration reduced CO₂ emissions by 0.28–0.4 kg per kg of coating and diverted 200–600 kg of slag per ton of steel from landfills. Coating and raw material costs decreased by 33–48% and 15–25%, respectively, aligning with the EU Green Deal’s circular economy goals and enhancing weld quality and sustainability. Full article

Rapid urbanization in China has overwhelmed traditional drainage systems, resulting in frequent flooding and water pollution in densely populated urban areas. This study focuses on the East Lake core area of Wuhan, proposing a deep tunnel drainage system to improve sewage storage and conveyance capacity. A pilot-scale pipe model was employed to determine the critical non-silting velocity for full-pipe sewage flow. Based on projected dry-season inflows and intercepted combined sewer discharges, the design capacities for pumping stations and pretreatment facilities were defined. A three-dimensional gas–liquid two-phase numerical model was used to simulate inflow shaft hydraulics at Erlangmiao, Luobuzui, and Wudong pretreatment stations. Simulation results confirm that all shafts meet energy dissipation and ventilation requirements, with uniform flow and velocity distributions that could be obtained by a vortex-type shaft. The system not only mitigates regional environmental challenges but also shows significant social, environmental, and economic benefits. Overall project design, applied methodology, simulation study, and outcomes could provide a valuable reference to deep tunnel drainage design and research. Full article

Japanese quail production can be optimized by selecting appropriate dietary lipid sources, yet comparative effects on performance and egg quality during the laying phase are not fully established. This study evaluated the impact of five lipid sources, namely soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and poultry fat, on performance, egg quality, nutrient metabolism, serum metabolites, and organ traits of 350 Japanese quail aged 60 days with an average weight of 170 ± 10 g. Birds were assigned to diets containing 2800 kcal/kg in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates of seven birds each. Performance was recorded over three 28-day periods and egg quality assessed at the end of each period; at 84 days, one bird per replicate was sampled for nutrient metabolism, serum metabolites, and organ characteristics, and a metabolism trial estimated metabolizability coefficients and metabolizable energy. Data were analyzed by Tukey’s test at the 5% level. Egg production (p = 0.010) and marketable egg production (p = 0.008) were highest with soybean, corn, and sunflower oils, while feed conversion per dozen eggs was less efficient with canola oil (p = 0.048). Egg quality differed in specific gravity (p = 0.027), yolk color (p = 0.008), Haugh unit (p = 0.011), and air cell size (p = 0.001), with poultry fat improving yolk color and Haugh unit. Canola oil increased dry matter (p = 0.027) and ether extract digestibility (p = 0.026), while serum metabolites, organ weights, and reproductive traits were not affected (p > 0.05). All diets supported physiological health, and lipid sources can be chosen according to cost and availability to optimize quail production without compromising performance or health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Brolucizumab is a humanized single-chain antibody fragment with a molecular weight of approximately 26 kilodaltons (scFv, ~26 kDa) targeting all VEGF-A isoforms. Intravitreal brolucizumab (6 mg) is FDA-approved for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) (2019) and diabetic macular edema (DME) (2022). We systematically review the literature on brolucizumab for nAMD and DME, focusing on efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, real-world outcomes, and cost-effectiveness in adult and pediatric patients. Methods: Our method involves a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and related databases (through late 2024) using terms including “brolucizumab,” “Beovu,” “neovascular AMD,” “diabetic macular edema,” “safety,” “pharmacokinetics,” and “pediatric.” High-quality clinical trials, meta-analyses, regulatory documents, and real-world studies were prioritized. Results: In pivotal Phase III trials (HAWK/HARRIER for nAMD), brolucizumab 6 mg demonstrated non-inferior visual acuity (VA) gains to aflibercept, with >50% of eyes maintained on 12-week dosing and greater retinal fluid reduction. In DME trials (KESTREL/KITE), brolucizumab was similarly non-inferior to aflibercept for VA and showed superior anatomic drying, with 33–48% of eyes maintained on ≥12-week intervals. However, brolucizumab use has been associated with intraocular inflammation (IOI), retinal vasculitis, and vascular occlusion: clinical trials and post hoc analyses reported higher rates of these events than comparator agents. Real-world cohorts found IOI in ~4–10% of treated eyes, often occurring early (within 3 months) after initiation. Conclusions: In conclusion, Brolucizumab is an effective anti-VEGF option for nAMD and DME, providing durable anatomic control with fewer injections. Non-inferior vision outcomes and superior fluid resolution have been demonstrated. However, it carries a distinct risk of IOI and occlusive vasculitis, necessitating careful patient selection, dosing, and monitoring. Full article

Saudi Arabia has a large part of the country’s power consumption in the building area, mainly operated by cooling demands under extreme climatic conditions, where the summer temperature is more than 45 °C and solar radiation peaks are more than 1200 W/MIC. Facing this challenge, this research examines the translation of biometric principles in the design of adaptive building construction for dry areas. We present a comprehensive, four-phase method structure: removing thermoregulatory and shading strategies from desert vegetation; computer display simulation using EnergyPlus 9.7.0 and CFD (ANSYS Fluent 2022 R2); and the development of an implementation guideline. Our findings achieve three central insights. First, the dynamic factor system, such as the electrochromic glazing tested in our student project, reduced the use of HVAC energy by 30%, while advanced materials, such as the polycarbonate panel, demonstrated notable thermal stability. Secondly, the synergy between cultural knowledge and technical performance proved to be decisive; vernacular-inspired Mushrabias improved generic louver not only in thermal efficiency but also in user acceptance, which increased the 97% approval rate in post-acquisition surveys. Finally, we demonstrate that scalability is economically viable, indicating a seven-year payback period for simulation, phase-transit material (PCM), which aligns with the budgetary realities of public and educational projects. By fusing the plant-induced strategies with rigorous computational modeling and real-world applications, the work provides actionable guidelines for permanent failure design in the warm-dry climate. It underlines that maximizing energy efficiency requires the cohesion of thermodynamic principles with the craft traditions of local architecture, an approach directly aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative and the ambitions of global carbon neutrality goals. Full article

Amorphous cobalt-phosphorous (CoP) coatings are a candidate to replace hard chromium and other traditional coatings. Here, electrodeposition of both amorphous and crystalline CoP coatings was performed at room temperature and in an air environment. The bath composition and deposition conditions were optimized to offer a low cost, low maintenance, and safe process. The effects of various deposition variables such as solution composition, pH, duration, and mixing parameters were studied, and the reproducibility of the process was demonstrated. Selected coatings were then thoroughly characterized by a variety of techniques. The best amorphous/nanocrystalline coating contained ca. 6.4 wt.% P after 1.2 h of deposition, and 7.2 wt.% P after 4 h of deposition. The best crystalline coating contained ca. 2.7 wt.% P after 1.2 h of deposition and between 2.3 and 5.5 wt.% P after 4 h of deposition. The amorphous coating had excellent mechanical properties: a high hardness (7.8 ± 0.7 GPa), high Young’s modulus (153 ± 9 GPa), and surprisingly low coefficient of dry friction (between 0.11 ± 0.02 and 0.17 ± 0.01). The coating could not be scraped from the substrate using a diamond scalpel blade. In a standard adhesion test, the sample failed neither cohesively within the coating nor adhesively between the coating and the substrate. In the as-deposited conditions, the structure was uniform, nanocrystalline, or had nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous matrix. The crystallization temperature of the amorphous alloy was 284 °C, and the phase transformation occurred only between 300 and 400 °C. The coatings developed and comprehensively characterized herein may be considered for aerospace, magnetic storage, fuel cells, water splitting, and other applications. Full article

Seaweed holds significant promise as a renewable feedstock for bioenergy due to its rapid growth, carbon sequestration capacity, and non-competition with terrestrial agriculture. This review examines recent progress in multi-method synergies for optimized energy conversion from seaweed biomass. Physical pre-treatments (e.g., drying, milling, ultrasound, microwave) enhance substrate accessibility but face energy intensity constraints. Chemical processes (acid/alkali, solvent extraction, catalysis) improve lipid/sugar recovery and bio-oil yields, especially via hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and catalytic cracking over tailored catalysts (e.g., ZSM-5), though cost and byproduct management remain challenges. Biological methods (enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation) enable eco-friendly valorization but suffer from scalability and enzymatic cost limitations. Critically, integrated approaches—such as microwave-solvent systems or hybrid thermochemical-biological cascades—demonstrate superior efficiency over singular techniques. Upgrading pathways for liquid bio-oil (e.g., HDO, catalytic pyrolysis) show considerable potential for drop-in fuel production, while solid-phase biochar and biogas offer carbon sequestration and circular economy benefits. Future priorities include developing low-cost catalysts, optimizing process economics, and scaling synergies like hydrothermal liquefaction coupled with catalytic upgrading to advance sustainable seaweed biorefineries. Full article

Under global warming, the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events have markedly increased. As one of the most climate-sensitive and ecologically fragile regions in the world, the Tibetan Plateau faces mounting environmental and demographic challenges. This study integrates multi-model ensemble simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) with population projection data from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) under the high-emission scenario (SSP5-8.5). Three extreme climate indices—very wet days precipitation (R95p), warm days (TX90p), and consecutive dry days (CDDs)—were analyzed to assess future changes in climate extremes (2021–2100) and their relationships with demographic dynamics across Tibetan ethnic areas. The results indicate that, under high-emission conditions, both R95p and TX90p increase significantly, while CDDs slightly decreases, though drought risks remain pronounced in central regions. Over the same period, the total population is projected to decline by nearly 60%, with substantial differences in climate risk exposure across groups: working-age adults and less-educated individuals experience the highest exposure before mid-century, followed by a decline, whereas the elderly and highly educated populations will show continuously increasing exposure, stabilizing by the end of the century. The transformation of population patterns is reshaping socio-cultural structures, highlighting the need for culturally adaptive governance to ensure the sustainability of Tibetan ethnic communities. These findings enhance our understanding of the coupled interactions among climate change, population dynamics, and cultural transitions, providing a scientific basis for integrated adaptation strategies to promote sustainable development across the Tibetan Plateau. Full article

As freely available but not yet commercially acquired biomass resource, water care material (WCM) is generated seasonally in the periodic maintenance of surface water bodies and consists of mainly aquatic and/or rural-associated biomass of the water body profile, as well as wood, soil substrate, water or other possible impurities. In addition to other recovery options, such as composting or utilization in biogas production, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was selected as a thermochemical process because it is suitable for converting biomass with a high content of carbon into high-quality combustibles. The biomass sample used in this investigation was obtained during a single sampling event from a small stream in the North German lowlands. The material was pretreated by shredding it to a particle size of <0.12 mm. Through a 5 L stirred reactor, hydrothermal treatments were performed under low temperature conditions (200, 220 and 240 °C), residence times (120, 180, 240 min) and solid dry matter of the sample content: 6%. Solid phase was evaluated in terms of calorific value and proximate and ultimate analysis. The results suggested that the hydrothermal carbonization of WCM gave a high heating value of 23.84 MJ/kg for its char after being dried for 24 h at 105 degrees. At the same time, biochar can be used in agriculture to improve soil properties. To understand to what extent the product is suitable for soil amendment, the surface and the nutrient content of the resulting hydrochar were analyzed in detail. As the initial material is rich in fiber contents, process temperatures up to 240 °C have a huge impact on effective particle size. Furthermore, the analysis of selected nutrients, minerals and heavy metals shows the suitability of the produced hydrochar for soils in accordance with current legislation. Full article