Search Results (7,461)

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for grid-scale storage due to their safety, low cost, and environmental benignity. However, water-dipole enrichment in the inner Helmholtz plane (IHP) of Zn anodes triggers hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and dendrites, limiting cycle life. We report a trace “ionic liquid–polar solvent coupling” strategy: adding only 0.01 M EMIMBF₄ and 0.03 M DMSO to 2 M ZnSO₄ electrolyte. Hydrophobic EMIM⁺ adsorbs on the IHP to expel interfacial water, while BF₄⁻ enters the primary solvation shell and DMSO penetrates both first and second shells of Zn²⁺, forming a water-deficient coordination environment. This interfacial–solvation synergy suppresses parasitic reactions and directs preferentially oriented Zn deposition exclusively along the (101) facet, enabling dense vertical plating and in situ formation of a compact, inorganic-rich SEI (ZnCO₃–ZnSO₃–Zn(OH)₂). Consequently, Zn||Zn cells cycle stably for >5362 h at 1 mA cm⁻²/1 mAh cm⁻²; Zn||Cu cells achieve 1300 cycles with 99.8% average Coulombic efficiency; and Zn||V₂O₅ full cells retain 326.4 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles. This work shows that minimal additive loading can simultaneously engineer the electrode–electrolyte interface and crystallographic deposition pathway, offering a simple yet robust design for ultra-stable AZIBs. Full article

Since launching the Saudi Vision 2030, it has witnessed a reflective sustainability action (SA) transformation. However, robust theoretical models investigating the multifaceted catalysts and consequences of SA in this less-developed country are still lacking in investigation. This lag prompted us to advance and validate a composite framework integrating multiple theories (e.g., institutional theory, the resource-based view (RBV), stakeholder theory, dynamic capabilities theory, and contingency theory) elucidating how policy direction (PD), market incentives (MIs), and knowledge collaboration (KC) stimulate SA adoption encompassing its environmental practices (EPs), social practices (SPs), and circular economy practices (CEPs). The investigation also probes how SA thereafter drives sustainable performance outcomes. A machine-learning approach using the PLS-SEM facility was applied based on 400 questionnaires targeted at managerial positions working in the tourism and hospitality segment based in Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal that all the proposed relationships were supported, providing strong empirical support for the proposed sustainability framework in the Saudi tourism and hospitality context. Institutional pressure and the governance/regulatory environment also showed a significant impact on environmental practices, sustainable performance, and circular economy practices, whereas cost efficiency, competitive advantage, customer demand for sustainability, and knowledge collaboration also demonstrated a positive impact on sustainability actions and outcomes. Furthermore, robust analysis shows that larger firms respond more strongly to MI in terms of cost efficiency, competitive advantage, and customer demand, while CEP produces a modest improvement in hotels compared with restaurants. Our model develops a theoretical synthesis beyond fragmented views. It also provides tangible guidance for industry leaders and regulators in driving strategic alignment with the SDGs and in developing a resilient, situational model that promotes regenerative tourism in high-growth, vulnerable destinations. Full article

Infectious diseases remain a major global health concern, with a growing burden of antimicrobial resistance and consequent higher mortality in the human population. Accurate bacterial identification is fundamental across clinical, veterinary, agricultural, and research settings, supporting effective diagnosis, antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, food safety, and environmental monitoring; however, conventional approaches are limited by time constraints, reduced sensitivity, and challenges in detecting fastidious or uncultivable organisms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of classical and advanced methods, including microscopy, culture, biochemical testing, immunological and serological assays, proteomic and spectroscopy-based techniques, and molecular approaches, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), digital PCR, DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, and metagenomics. The integration of artificial intelligence has further enhanced analytical performance. Nevertheless, harmonization of bioinformatics frameworks remains essential, as variability in algorithm-defined cut-off values limits standardized implementation of whole-genome sequencing in routine laboratories. Emerging technologies, including CRISPR-based diagnostics and phage- and nanomaterial-based detection systems, offer promising alternatives. Overall, the integration of these approaches is expected to improve the accuracy, speed, and applicability of bacterial identification across diverse settings; however, these advances should be implemented cautiously, with standardization remaining a key priority alongside technological modernization. Full article

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to a broad spectrum of human diseases beyond classical cystic fibrosis (CF). CFTR is a cAMP-regulated chloride and bicarbonate ion channel expressed in both epithelial and non-epithelial tissues, where it regulates ion homeostasis, mucosal hydration, and cellular signaling. Both inherited CFTR mutations and acquired dysfunction resulting from environmental or inflammatory factors can disrupt these physiological processes and drive disease progression. Current evidence linking CFTR dysregulation to respiratory diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and HIV-associated airway disease, as well as cardiovascular, renal, neurological diseases, and cancer, is comprehensively discussed. Mechanistically, impaired CFTR function promotes oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, altered mucociliary clearance, and dysregulation of signaling pathways, including NF-κB, TGF-β, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin. In the context of HIV infection and cigarette smoke exposure, CFTR suppression is mediated in part by TGF-β signaling and miRNA-dependent mechanisms, resulting in compromised airway defense and increased susceptibility to pulmonary complications. Recent studies further demonstrate that CFTR dysregulation alters the expression of genes involved in fibrosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Notably, CFTR may act as either a tumor suppressor or a context-dependent oncogene, depending on tissue type and signaling milieu, highlighting its complex role in cancer biology. Advances in CFTR-targeted therapies, including potentiators, correctors, gene therapy, and combination approaches, have markedly improved outcomes in CF and may offer therapeutic potential for diseases associated with acquired CFTR dysfunction. We summarize the systemic consequences of CFTR dysregulation and the need for further mechanistic and translational research to clarify its role across diverse human diseases. Full article

Glitter is a distinctive and largely overlooked form of primary microplastic. Unlike more commonly studied microplastics, glitter particles are typically flat, highly reflective, multi-layered, and are composed of polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride with metallic coatings and a wide range of additives. In response to regulatory restrictions on intentionally added microplastics and increasing consumer demand, “eco-friendly” alternatives based on modified regenerated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals, or mica have been introduced, although their environmental safety remains insufficiently characterized. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the environmental occurrence and ecotoxicological effects of both conventional and biodegradable glitters. A systematic literature search in Scopus identified 15 peer-reviewed experimental studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Evidence spans a wide range of taxa, including bacteria (i.e., Aliivibrio fischeri), microalgae and cyanobacteria (i.e., Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Microcystis aeruginosa), aquatic plants (i.e., Lemna minor, Egeria densa), marine and freshwater invertebrates as crustaceans (i.e., Daphnia magna), bivalves (i.e., Mytilus galloprovincialis), sea urchins (i.e., Paracentrotus lividus), brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) and terrestrial soil fauna (Eisenia fetida, Folsomia candida). Results indicate that glitter cannot be treated as a uniform stressor: biological responses vary markedly with particle size, shape, colour, polymer type, additive composition, and weathering time, and leachates often exert stronger effects than intact particles. Reported impacts include impaired photosynthesis and growth, oxidative stress, developmental abnormalities, altered energy metabolism, and reduced reproduction. Substantial gaps remain regarding environmental concentrations, ageing processes, mixture effects, and long-term ecological consequences, particularly for biodegradable glitters. Addressing these gaps will require realistic exposure scenarios, mesocosm and field studies, and integrated chemical–biological approaches to support robust risk assessment and safer material design. Full article

Holoplanktonic mollusks (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Pteropoda) are vital structural and functional components of marine zooplankton communities, characterized by high sensitivity to physicochemical shifts in the water column. Consequently, multidisciplinary assessments are essential to elucidate their community dynamics. This study investigated the epipelagic pteropod community structure in the deep-water basin of the southern Gulf of Mexico (sGoM) in relation to hydrographic features and circulation patterns. During the summer (September) of 2016, we collected high-resolution hydrographic data and zooplankton samples using CTD casts and oblique bongo net tows. Hydrographic data revealed intense temperature and density gradients, including a cold-dense core associated with a well-defined cyclonic eddy. The pteropod assemblage comprised 25 species from 13 genera and 10 families. Heliconoides inflatus (947.5 ind 100 m⁻³) and Limacina trochiformis (396.8 ind 100 m⁻³) were the most abundant species, whereas Cavolinia gibbosa (0.4 ind 100 m⁻³) and Cymbulia sp. (0.3 ind 100 m⁻³) were the least abundant. Horizontal distribution analyses revealed that the peak population densities occurred within the influence of the cyclonic eddy, particularly at its periphery where strong currents (>0.5 m/s) were recorded. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis identified temperature and salinity as the primary environmental drivers of community variability, while current systems significantly influenced the horizontal distribution of key species. Although pteropod research in the sGoM spans decades, most studies have been limited to taxonomic checklists, often overlooking environmental drivers and hydrographic influences. By applying a multidisciplinary approach to examine physical–biological coupling, this study advances the ecological understanding of this group within the historically underrepresented deep-water basin of the sGoM. Full article

The low-carbon transition is reshaping firms’ strategic behavior and financial resource allocation, yet the mechanisms linking green mergers and acquisitions (green M&A), green credit, and market value remain insufficiently understood. Existing studies recognize the signaling role of environmental actions but often lack a formal game-theoretic framework to explain how green M&A conveys information to financial institutions and capital markets. This study fills this gap by developing a signaling game model between firms and financial institutions to analyze how green M&A affects market value directly and indirectly through credit resource flow. Using panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2023, we examine the observable implications derived from the model: the value effect of green M&A, its association with green credit allocation, and the mediating role of green credit. The results show that green M&A is associated with higher market value and greater green credit allocation, while green credit serves as a partial transmission channel. These effects are weakened by internal climate-risk exposure and climate-policy uncertainty, and strengthened by media attention. This study develops a unified theoretical–empirical framework for understanding the economic consequences and financial transmission mechanisms of green M&A, offering implications for corporate green transformation and green-finance resource allocation. Full article

Marine macroalgae are widely distributed renewable resources that offer substantial economic and environmental benefits. This review comprehensively examines seaweeds from the phyla Chlorophyta, Heterokontophyta, and Rhodophyta, highlighting key advances and persistent challenges. Global seaweed production is highly concentrated: Asia accounts for 97% of the total, with China as the dominant producer. These seaweeds synthesize a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including sulfated polysaccharides, phlorotannins, terpenoids, proteins, peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments. Notably, brown algae represent the richest source of both phlorotannins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. To recover these valuable compounds efficiently, a range of advanced green extraction techniques have been developed, such as enzyme-assisted, microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and supercritical fluid extraction, along with natural deep eutectic solvents. These methods consistently outperform conventional approaches in terms of yield, extraction time, and environmental sustainability. The isolated compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of validated pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, antitumor, and antiviral effects. Consequently, they have found diverse applications in functional foods, biomedicine, cosmetics, agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental protection. Despite this promise, critical challenges remain in elucidating structure–activity relationships, developing scalable and sustainable extraction protocols, and advancing clinical translation. Future research should prioritize the discovery of novel marine bioactives, the enzymatic production of oligosaccharides, efficient purification of algal proteins and peptides, and the scaling-up of industrial processes to fully realize the pharmaceutical and biotechnological potential of marine macroalgae. Full article

Life expectancy is a key indicator of public health and sustainable development in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where rapid economic growth, urbanization, and fossil-fuel dependence create environmental and health challenges. This study examines the determinants of life expectancy in six Gulf Cooperation Council countries from 2000 to 2023, focusing on death rates, renewable energy consumption, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth, government health expenditure, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The empirical strategy combines cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity tests, second-generation panel unit root tests, panel cointegration analysis, and a dynamic System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) estimator, with Driscoll–Kraay fixed-effects estimates used for robustness. The results show that higher death rates significantly reduce life expectancy, whereas renewable energy consumption and government health expenditure improve longevity. GDP per capita growth has a modest positive effect, while CO₂ emissions negatively affect life expectancy, confirming the adverse public health consequences of environmental degradation. Robustness checks support the reliability of the main findings. Overall, the evidence highlights the need for integrated policies that combine clean energy transition, stronger environmental regulation, preventive healthcare investment, and sustainable urban development to improve long-term health outcomes in resource-dependent economies in the region. Full article

The desalination of brackish and seawater has emerged as a critical strategy to address growing water scarcity in regions experiencing water stress, particularly within the context of sustainable water resource management. Among available technologies, forward osmosis (FO) has gained increasing attention due to its potential for lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional desalination processes. In this study, commercial HFFO₂ (Aquaporin Inside) membrane from FO was used. A complete factorial design with three factors was used: feed solution concentration (1.5 and 3 g/L NaCl), draw solution concentration (15, 25, and 35 g/L NaCl), and feed solution flow rate (600 and 1000 mL/min) on the percentage of recovery and water flux. Tests showed that as the feed concentration decreases from 3 to 1.5 g/L of NaCl, water recovery improves by 23.6%. The results revealed that increasing the concentration of the draw solution from 15 to 25 g/L of NaCl increased water recovery by 22.2%. However, for a concentration variation of 25 to 35 g/L, this increase is insignificant at 0.92%. The results showed that, with a concentration of 1.5 g/L of NaCl, a feed flow rate of 1000 mL/min, and a concentration of 25 g/L of NaCl as the draw solution, a higher water recovery rate (95.4839%) was achieved. Similarly, average water flux values of 2.18, 2.43, and 2.68 $L{m}^{-2}{h}^{-1}$ were observed when using draw solutions of 15, 25, and 35 g/L of NaCl, respectively. In addition, increasing the FS flow rate slightly reduces water recovery (from 76.04% to 74.06%). Consequently, the forward osmosis process has proven to be effective, practical, viable, and environmentally friendly for water desalination, as well as being applicable to the treatment of wastewater with high electrical conductivity. Full article

Growing public concern over the living environment, food safety and the healthcare industry has spurred rapid advances in advanced sensing technology for environmental monitoring, food-safety screening, and biomedical surveillance. Consequently, developing a novel sensing strategy which is efficient, inexpensive, and easy to operate has become a major research focus in recent years. MnO₂ nanostructures combine advantages of high specific surface area, quantum confinement, surface effects originating from their nanostructure, pronounced redox activity, broad optical absorption, distinctive electrochemical behavior, multiple accessible oxidation states, low cost and environmental benignity contributed by MnO₂, which make them a critical material candidate for developing advanced sensing technology. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of MnO₂ nanostructure-based novel sensors over the past five years. The contents of this review are listed as follows: (1) synthetic strategy and sensing advantages of MnO₂ quantum dots, 1D MnO₂, 2D MnO₂ and hierarchical MnO₂; (2) recent research advances in detection methodology and corresponding principles based on MnO₂ nanostructures; and (3) the applicational progress of MnO₂ nanostructure-based novel sensing technology in the field of food safety and biosensing. Finally, the foregoing discussion is integrated, and the current shortcomings and future development trends of novel sensors based on MnO₂ nanostructures are critically assessed. Full article

The transition toward the 5.0 paradigm, encompassing Society 5.0, Industry 5.0, and Service 5.0, positions logistics as a critical enabler of sustainable and resilient socio-economic transformation. Logistics 5.0 is increasingly associated with sustainability and human-centric system design; however, the assumption that higher technological readiness leads to improved sustainability performance remains insufficiently examined. This study conducts a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA methodology, covering the period 2016–2026 and synthesizing a final dataset of 149 peer-reviewed articles, synthesizing research on Logistics 5.0 readiness, digital maturity models, resilience capabilities, and sustainability performance. The results reveal three key gaps: (i) the dominance of techno-centric readiness models that marginalize sustainability outcomes, (ii) fragmented and methodologically inconsistent evidence linking digital transformation to environmental and social performance, and (iii) the prevalence of compensatory logic allowing high digitalization levels to offset weaknesses in resilience or sustainability. In response, the paper conceptualizes Logistics 5.0 as an integrative operational layer within the 5.0 ecosystem and proposes a non-compensatory conceptual framework based on a three-layer architecture comprising structural readiness, functional system capabilities, and sustainability performance outcomes. The findings demonstrate that sustainability should be understood as an emergent system property mediated by resilience and adaptability rather than a direct consequence of digitalization. The study contributes to advancing integrated maturity assessment approaches aligned with sustainable development objectives. Full article

This research aims to investigate the concept of industrial symbiosis as a change agent in the Circular Economy, with its consequent effects on the economy, the environment, and society in terms of sustainable development. This study employs qualitative research with quantitative support from a structured survey of 152 IS project experts, researchers, and practitioners, utilizing a questionnaire comprising Likert-type and multiple-choice questions. Data were aggregated into composite indicators and analyzed by using a log-log multiple regression model. Empirical results reveal that economic benefits are the most significant positive drivers. The actors’ involvement also contributes positively, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. Conversely, barriers have the strongest and the highest negative scale impact on perceived IS synergies. Broader economic and social conditions moderately enhance synergies, while awareness and training show a weaker but positive effect. IS is both economically viable and environmentally necessary, but its expansion depends on reducing financial, regulatory, and infrastructural barriers. Certain economic policy-driven interventions, such as fiscal incentives, regulatory clarity, and investment, enable infrastructure to scale up the adoption of IS. Full article

This work describes the preparation of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)/SiO₂ (silicon dioxide)–ER (epoxy resin)/FR (fluorosilicone resin) superhydrophobic coatings using the spray method to improve the anti-icing and de-icing performance of transmission line insulators. The coatings exhibit a consistent fluorine distribution (32.86 wt%), which enhances their low surface energy, alongside SiO₂ nanoparticles that occupy the interstices between PTFE particles, resulting in a dense micro- and nanoscale hierarchical structure. Consequently, the coatings have good superhydrophobicity, featuring a contact angle of 173.9° and roll angle of 1.2°. Following 66 days of UV irradiation, the contact angle remains above 150°, and the roll angle is approximately 15°, accompanied by a slight increase in ice adhesion strength. Following 26 freeze–thaw cycles, the contact angle stabilizes at around 157°, showing good environmental durability. Natural icing studies validate the coatings’ good anti-icing and de-icing efficacy: in comparison to common insulators, the coated insulators demonstrate a 14.2% reduction in ice accretion weight and a 67.7% reduction in maximum ice ridge length. Full article

In 2024, eight Soyuz launch vehicles launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome created 40 falling sites in Central and Northern Kazakhstan. During field work at all falling sites, the area of disturbances was assessed. The average area of zones containing large fragments was 63 m², and the average area of scatter fields of small fragments was 11,605 m². The maximum area of jet fuel spills reached 125 m², and that of hydrogen peroxide spills reached 196 m². In 2024, due to falling debris, total mechanical disturbances covered 6912 m², and total pyrogenic impact effected 1,211,453 m². At the first stage falling sites during the plant growing season, the area affected by fires and H₂O₂ spills was significantly larger, while the area of very weak mechanical disturbance was smaller (p < 0.05). During the mud season, the area with very strong mechanical impact was greater compared to winter and summer (p < 0.002). Compared to the first stage falling sites, the Soyuz abort mode falling sites were characterized by a larger area of very strong mechanical impact (p < 0.02), evidenced by deep craters, and a smaller area covered by large fragments. The data obtained can be used when planning launch dates from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to minimize negative environmental impact on the fragile and slow-recovering arid ecosystems of Central and Northern Kazakhstan. Information on disturbance areas can be used to monitor the natural recovery of affected ecosystems and to calculate the environmental damage caused by rocket and space activities in 2024. Full article