Search Results (552)

Background/Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by small intestinal enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion, often associated with gut dysbiosis. The most effective treatment is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), which alleviates symptoms. This study uniquely integrates taxonomic, functional, and resistance profiling to evaluate the gut microbiota of women with CD on a GFD. Methods: To evaluate the long-term impact of a GFD, this study analyzed the gut microbiota of 10 women with CD on a GFD for over a year compared to 10 healthy controls with unrestricted diets. Taxonomic diversity (16S rRNA gene sequencing and the analysis of α and β-diversity), metabolic functionality (Biolog EcoPlates^®), and antibiotic resistance profiles (Cenoantibiogram) were assessed. Results: Metagenomic analysis revealed no significant differences in taxonomic diversity but highlighted variations in the abundance of specific bacterial genera. Women with CD showed increased proportions of Bacteroides, Streptococcus, and Clostridium, associated with inflammation, but also elevated levels of beneficial genera such as Roseburia, Oxalobacter, and Paraprevotella. Despite no significant differences in metabolic diversity, higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in women in the healthy control group suggest that dietary substrates in unrestricted diets may promote the proliferation of fast-growing bacteria capable of rapidly developing and disseminating antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Conclusions: These findings indicate that prolonged adherence to a GFD in CD supports remission of gut dysbiosis, enhances microbiota functionality, and may reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the importance of dietary management in CD. Full article

Paper’s inherent hydrophilicity and porosity cause inadequate barrier properties, failing under high humidity/temperature. This study successfully developed a hydrophobic nanocoating agent (xLNPs-OTS) through silanization modification using D276 (lignin nanoparticles with a diameter of 276 nm) as the substrate and OTS (octadecyltrichlorosilane) as the functionalizing agent. By applying the coating to paper surfaces followed by a hot-pressing process, the paper achieved comprehensive performance enhancements, including superior water, oil, and vapor barrier properties, thermal stability, mechanical strength, frictional resistance, and self-cleaning capabilities. The Cobb 60 value of LOTSC3.5T120t30 (the coating made from the OTS silanized lignin with the coating amount of 3.5 g/m² and a hot-pressing at 120 °C for 30 min) coated paper is as low as 3.75 g/m², and can withstand hot water at 100 °C for 60 min. The Cobb 60 value of the LOTSC20T120t30 (the coating made from the OTS silanized lignin with the coating amount of 20 g/m² and a hot-pressing at 120 °C for 30 min) coated paper is reduced to 0.9 g/m², the Kit grade is 6, and all coated papers are endowed with self-cleaning features. This study advances lignin’s high-value utilization, driving sustainable packaging and supporting eco-friendly paper material development. Full article

The growing environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics require the development of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable bioplastics, offer a promising potential as eco-friendly substitutes due to their renewable origin and favorable degradation properties. This research investigates the use of synthetic condensate, mimicking the liquid fraction from drying and shredding of household food waste, as a viable substrate for PHA production using mixed microbial cultures. Two draw-fill reactors (DFRs) were operated under different feed organic concentrations (2.0 ± 0.5 and 3.8 ± 0.6 g COD/L), maintaining a consistent carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to selectively enrich microorganisms capable of accumulating PHAs through alternating nutrient availability and deficiency. Both reactors achieved efficient organic pollutant removal (>95% soluble COD removal), stable biomass growth, and optimal pH levels. Notably, the reactor with the higher organic load (DFR-2) demonstrated a modest increase in PHA accumulation (19.05 ± 7.18%) compared to the lower-loaded reactor (DFR-1; 15.19 ± 6.00%), alongside significantly enhanced biomass productivity. Polymer characterization revealed the formation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), influenced by the substrate composition. Microbial community analysis showed an adaptive shift towards Proteobacteria dominance, signifying successful enrichment of effective PHA producers. Full article

Wax deposition, driven by the crystallization of long-chain n-alkanes, poses severe challenges across industries such as petroleum, oil and natural gas, food processing, and chemical manufacturing. This phenomenon compromises flow efficiency, increases energy demands, and necessitates costly maintenance interventions. Wax inhibitors, designed to mitigate these issues, operate by altering wax crystallization, aggregation, and adhesion over the pipelines. Classic wax inhibitors, comprising synthetic polymers and natural compounds, have been widely utilized due to their established efficiency and scalability. However, synthetic inhibitors face environmental concerns, while natural inhibitors exhibit reduced performance under extreme conditions. The advent of nano-based wax inhibitors has revolutionized wax management strategies. These advanced materials, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and nanocomposites, leverage their high surface area and tunable interfacial properties to enhance efficiency, particularly in harsh environments. While offering superior performance, nano-based inhibitors are constrained by high production costs, scalability challenges, and potential environmental risks. In parallel, the development of “green” wax inhibitors derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oils addresses sustainability demands. These eco-friendly formulations introduce functionalities that reinforce inhibitory interactions with wax crystals, enabling effective deposition control while reducing reliance on synthetic components. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms, applications, and comparative performance of classic and nano-based wax inhibitors. It highlights the growing integration of sustainable and hybrid approaches that combine the reliability of classic inhibitors with the advanced capabilities of nano-based systems. Future directions emphasize the need for cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions through innovations in material science, computational modeling, and biotechnology. Full article

Aromatic compounds are vital in both natural and synthetic chemistry, and they are traditionally sourced from non-renewable petrochemicals. However, plant biomass, particularly lignin, offers a renewable alternative source of aromatic compounds. Lignin, a complex polymer found in plant cell walls, is the largest renewable source of aromatic compounds, though its degradation remains challenging. Lignin can be chemically degraded through oxidation, acid hydrolysis or solvolysis. As an alternative, microorganisms, including fungi, could offer a sustainable alternative for breaking down lignin. The aromatic compounds released from lignin, by either microbial, chemical or enzymatic degradation, can be used by microorganisms to produce valuable compounds. Fungi possess unique enzymes capable of converting aromatic compounds derived from lignin or other sources into chemical building blocks that can be used in several industries. However, their aromatic metabolic pathways are poorly studied compared to bacterial systems. In the past, only a handful of genes and enzymes involved in the aromatic metabolic pathways had been identified. Recent advances in genomics, proteomics, and metabolic engineering are helping to reveal these metabolic pathways and identify the involved genes. This review highlights recent progress in understanding fungal aromatic metabolism, focusing on how Aspergillus niger converts plant-derived aromatic compounds into potentially useful products and the versatility of aromatic metabolism within the Aspergillus genus. Addressing the current knowledge gaps in terms of fungal pathways could unlock their potential for use in sustainable technologies, promoting eco-friendly production of chemical building blocks from renewable resources or bioremediation. Full article

This work explores zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) synthesis utilizing leaf extract of the Gaultheria fragrantissima plant that are useful in medicine, environmental remediation, and cosmetics due to their antibacterial activity, photocatalytic efficiency, and UV-blocking characteristics. Traditional synthesis methods involve energy-intensive procedures and hazardous chemicals, posing environmental and human health risks. To overcome these limitations, this research focuses on utilizing G. fragrantissima, rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids, with the methyl salicylate previously reported in the literature for this species, which helps reduce and stabilize NPs. ZnO NPs were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The ZnO NPs were found to have a well-defined crystalline structure, with their average crystallite size measured at around 8.26 nm. ZnO NPs exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against selected microbial strains. These findings underscore the potential of G. fragrantissima-mediated synthesis as an environmentally sustainable and efficient method for producing ZnO NPs with multifunctional applications. This study provides a greener alternative to conventional synthesis approaches, demonstrating a method that is both eco-friendly and capable of yielding NPss with desirable properties. Full article

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae Woronin, poses a major threat to Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) production worldwide, significantly impacting crop yield, quality, and economic value. Biological control represents a promising approach since it is non-toxic and eco-friendly, and it reduces the risk of pathogen resistance development. In this study, our objective was to screen for actinomycetes that can effectively inhibit clubroot. We screened 13 actinomycete strains, identifying 2, XDS3-6 and CD1-1, with substantial in vivo inhibitory effects, achieving infection suppression rates above 64% against P. brassicae. Phylogenetic analysis classified XDS3-6 and CD1-1 as Streptomyces virginiae and Streptomyces cinnamonensis, respectively. Both strains exhibited protease and glucanase production capabilities, essential for pathogenic suppression. Additionally, these strains induced host defense responses, as evidenced by increased jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) accumulation and elevated activities of defense-related enzymes. Colonization studies of XDS3-6 and CD1-1 mutant strains in cabbage roots indicated sustained root colonization, with peak colony-forming units (CFUs) at 20 days post-inoculation, reaching 11.0 × 10⁴ CFU/g and 8.5 × 10⁴ CFU/g, respectively, and persisting for at least 30 days. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of Streptomyces strains XDS3-6 and CD1-1 as effective biocontrol agents, providing a theoretical foundation for their application in managing clubroot in Chinese cabbage. Full article

This paper reviews the applications and performance advantages of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), engineered cementitious composite (ECC), and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) in composite flexural members. UHPC is characterized by its ultra-high strength, high toughness, excellent durability, and microcrack self-healing capability, albeit with high costs and complex production processes. ECC demonstrates superior tensile, flexural, and compressive strength and durability, yet it exhibits a lower elastic modulus and greater drying shrinkage strain. RAC, as an eco-friendly concrete, offers cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, although it poses certain performance challenges. The focus of this review is on how to enhance the load-bearing capacity of composite beams or slabs by modifying the interface roughness, adjusting the thickness of the ECC or UHPC layer, and altering the cross-sectional form. The integration of diverse concrete materials improves the performance of beam and slab elements while managing costs. For instance, increasing the thickness of the UHPC or ECC layer typically enhances the load-bearing capacity of composite beams or plates by approximately 10% to 40%. Increasing the roughness of the interface can significantly improve the interfacial bond strength and further augment the ultimate load-bearing capacity of composite components. Moreover, the optimized design of material mix proportions and cross-sectional shapes can also contribute to enhancing the load-bearing capacity, crack resistance, and ductility of composite components. Nevertheless, challenges persist in engineering applications, such as the scarcity of long-term monitoring data on durability, fatigue performance, and creep effects. Additionally, existing design codes inadequately address the nonlinear behavior of multi-material composite structures, necessitating further refinement of design theories. Full article

Perovskite bionic eyes have emerged as highly promising candidates for photodetection applications to their wide-angle imaging capabilities, high external quantum efficiency(EQE), and low-cost fabrication and integration. Since their initial exploration in 2015, significant advancements have been achieved in this field, with their EQE reaching 27%. Nevertheless, intrinsic challenges such as the oxidation susceptibility of perovskites and difficulties in curved surface growth hinder their further development. Addressing these issues necessitates a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the preparation mechanisms for hemispherical perovskite, as well as the development of effective mitigation strategies. In this review, a review published provides a detailed overview of the research progress in hemispherical perovskite photodetectors, with a particular focus on the fundamental properties and fabrication pathways of hemispherical perovskites. Furthermore, various strategies to enhance the performance of hemispherical perovskite and overcome preparation challenges are thoroughly discussed. Finally, existing challenges and perspectives are presented to further advance the development of eco-friendly hemispherical perovskite. Full article

Power transformer insulation systems, composed of liquid and solid insulators, are continuously exposed to thermal and electrical stresses that degrade their performance over time and may lead to premature failure. Since these stresses are unavoidable during operation, selecting effective insulating materials is critical for long-term reliability. In this study, Kraft insulation paper was used as the solid insulator and impregnated with three different liquids: mineral oil and two natural esters (NE1204 and NE1215), to evaluate their stability under simultaneous thermal and electrical stress. The degradation behavior of the oil-impregnated papers was assessed using frequency-domain dielectric spectroscopy (FDS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), enabling early fault detection. Comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate the withstand capability of each liquid type during operation. Results revealed strong correlations between FTIR indicators (e.g., oxidation and hydroxyl group loss) and dielectric parameters (permittivity and loss factor), confirming the effectiveness of this combined diagnostic approach. Post-aging breakdown analysis showed that natural esters, particularly NE1215, offered superior preservation of insulation integrity compared to mineral oil. Differences between the two esters also highlight the role of chemical composition in insulation performance. This study reinforces the potential of natural esters as viable, eco-friendly alternatives in thermally and electrically stressed applications. Full article

Vibrio species are among the primary pathogenic bacteria affecting abalone aquaculture, posing significant threats to farming practices. Current clinical control predominantly relies on antibiotics, which can result in antibiotic residues in both abalone and the surrounding marine environments. Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) has been shown to release bioactive antagonistic substances and exhibits potent inhibitory effects against marine pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to screen and characterize the probiotic properties of LP strains isolated from rice wine lees to develop a novel biocontrol strategy against Vibriosis in abalone. The methods employed included selective media cultivation, streak plate isolation, and single-colony purification for strain screening, followed by Gram staining, 16S rDNA sequencing, and phylogenetic tree construction using MEGA11 for identification. The resilience, antimicrobial activity, and in vivo antagonistic efficacy of the strains were evaluated through stress tolerance assays, agar diffusion tests, and animal experiments. The results demonstrated the successful isolation and purification of four LP strains (NDMJ-1 to NDMJ-4). Phylogenetic analysis revealed closer genetic relationships between NDMJ-3 and NDMJ-4, while NDMJ-1 and NDMJ-2 were found to be more distantly related. All strains exhibited γ-hemolytic activity, bile salt tolerance (0.3–3.0%), and resistance to both acid (pH 2.5) and alkali (pH 8.5), although they were temperature sensitive (inactivated above 45 °C). The strains showed susceptibility to most of the 20 tested antibiotics, with marked variations in hydrophobicity (1.91–93.15%) and auto-aggregation (13.29–60.63%). In vitro antibacterial assays revealed that cell-free supernatants of the strains significantly inhibited Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, and V. natriegens, with NDMJ-4 displaying the strongest inhibitory activity. In vivo experiments confirmed that NDMJ-4 significantly reduced mortality in abalone infected with V. parahaemolyticus. In conclusion, the LP strains isolated from rice wine lees (NDMJ-1 to NDMJ-4) possess robust stress resistance, adhesion capabilities, and broad antibiotic susceptibility. Their metabolites exhibit significant inhibition against abalone-pathogenic Vibrios, particularly NDMJ-4, which demonstrates exceptional potential as a candidate strain for developing eco-friendly biocontrol agents against Vibriosis in abalone aquaculture. Full article

MBenes, an emerging family of two-dimensional transition metal boride materials, are gaining prominence in alkali metal-ion battery research owing to their distinctive stratified architecture, enhanced charge transport properties, and exceptional electrochemical durability. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of morphological characteristics and fabrication protocols for MBenes, with particular focus on strategies for optimizing energy storage metrics through controlled adjustment of interlayer distance and tailored surface modifications. The discussion highlights these materials’ unique capability to host substantial alkali metal ions, translating to exceptional longevity during charge–discharge cycling and remarkable high-current performance in both lithium and sodium battery systems. Current obstacles to materials development are critically evaluated, encompassing precision control in nanoscale synthesis, reproducibility in large-scale production, enhancement of thermodynamic stability, and eco-friendly processing requirements. Prospective research pathways are proposed, including sustainable manufacturing innovations, atomic-level structural tailoring through computational modeling, and expansion into hybrid energy storage-conversion platforms. By integrating fundamental material science principles with practical engineering considerations, this work seeks to establish actionable frameworks for advancing MBene-based technologies toward next-generation electrochemical storage solutions with enhanced energy density and operational reliability. Full article

Background: This study conceptualizes supply chain ambidexterity through two capabilities, supply chain adaptability and agility. Accordingly, it investigates the impact of supply chain adaptability and agility on green product innovation (GPI) and supply chain sustainability in Jordanian manufacturing firms. It also examines the mediating role of GPI in these relationships. The study is based on dynamic capabilities theory (DCT) as the theoretical foundation. Methods: A quantitative research approach was employed, with data collected from 346 supply chain managers using a structured questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for analysis. Results: The findings reveal that supply chain adaptability does not directly influence sustainability but significantly enhances GPI, which positively impacts sustainability. Supply chain agility, however, directly and significantly improves both GPI and sustainability, highlighting its importance in achieving sustainable supply chain performance. Additionally, GPI mediates the relationship between supply chain ambidexterity and sustainability, reinforcing its role as a key enabler of eco-friendly supply chain management. These findings provide theoretical and managerial implications. Conclusions: The study extends DCT by confirming the role of GPI in linking supply chain ambidexterity to sustainability. Managers should prioritize agility, invest in sustainable products, and adopt green practices to enhance competitiveness. Full article

Tourism is recognized as one of the key enabling industries driving Thailand’s strategic transition toward the Thailand 4.0 economic model. This paper presents the development of a national technology roadmap to support the transition toward sustainable tourism in Thailand, conducted between January and October 2024. The primary objective is to promote tourism growth that is environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially inclusive. The roadmap was developed through a combination of a literature review, statistical data, and group discussions with tourism professionals. The roadmapping process focused on aligning external drivers, strategic goals, and the current capabilities of Thailand’s technological ecosystem. The key drivers identified include environmental concerns, the advancement of digital platforms, the growing trends of an aging population, diversity, and inclusion, political instability, and the emergence of middle-income nations. The resulting roadmap outlines a strategic vision for Thailand’s tourism sector from 2024 to beyond 2030. It emphasizes the transition linking sustainability and eco-design principles to smart tourism, metaverse applications, and personalized travel experiences. Priority areas include the adoption of green technologies, sustainable practices, and advanced digital platforms. This study further recommends research and development (R&D) initiatives in sustainability, biodiversity conservation, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and E-Tourism solutions. Ultimately, this roadmap provides actionable guidance for tourism stakeholders in defining their roles, responsibilities, and contributions toward achieving a sustainable tourism future in Thailand. Full article

Plant-growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) play a central role in promoting sustainable agriculture by improving plant growth and resilience. The aim of this literature review is to survey the impacts of Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp. on various agricultural and horticultural plants. The information provided in this manuscript was obtained from randomized control experiments, review articles, and analytical studies and observations gathered from numerous literature sources such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. The keywords used were the common and Latin names of various agricultural and horticultural species, fungal endophytes, plant-growth-promoting fungi, Trichoderma, Penicillium, microbial biostimulants, and biotic and abiotic stresses. Endophytic fungi refer to fungi that live in plant tissues throughout part of or the entire life cycle by starting a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with its host without any negative effects. They are also capable of producing compounds and a variety of bioactive components such as terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic components. Penicillium is extensively known for its production of secondary metabolites, its impact as a bioinoculant to help with crop productivity, and its effectiveness in sustainable crop production. The plant-growth-promotion effects of Trichoderma spp. are related to better absorption of mineral nutrients, enhanced morphological growth, better reproductive potential and yield, and better induction of disease resistance. Both Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. are effective, affordable, safe, and eco-friendly biocontrol agents for various plant species, and they can be considered economically important microorganisms for both agricultural and horticultural sciences. The present review article aims to present the most up-to-date results and findings regarding the practical applications of two important types of PGPF, namely Penicillium spp., and Trichoderma spp., in agricultural and horticultural species, considering the mechanisms of actions of these species of fungi. Full article