Search Results (8,174)

Due to their excellent physicochemical properties, the nanoparticles (NPs) have been utilized in various potential applications, including environmental remediation, energy storage, and nanomedicine. In this work, the ultrasonic and manual stirring approaches were used to integrate yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) into reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance their photocatalytic and anticancer properties. Pure Y₂O₃NPs, Y₂O₃/RGO NCs, and Y₂O₃/CNTs NCs were characterized using different analytical techniques, such as XRD, SEM, EDX with Elemental Mapping, FTIR, UV-Vis, PL, and DLS to investigate their improved structural, surface morphological, chemical bonding, optical, and surface charge properties. XRD data confirmed the successful integration of Y₂O₃into RGO and CNTs, with minor changes in crystallite sizes. SEM images with EDX analysis revealed that Y₂O₃NPs were uniformly distributed on RGO and CNTs, reducing aggregation. Chemical bonding and interactions between Y₂O₃and carbon materials were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. UV and PL results suggest that the optical studies showed a shift in absorption peaks upon integration with RGO and CNTs. This indicates enhanced light absorption and modifications to the band gap between (3.79–4.40 eV) for the obtained samples. In the photocatalytic experiment, the degradation efficiency of bromophenol blue (BPB) dye for Y₂O₃RGO NCs was up to 87.3%, outperforming pure Y₂O₃NPs (45.83%) and Y₂O₃/CNTs NCs (66.78%) after 120 min of UV irradiation. Additionally, the MTT assay demonstrated that Y₂O₃/RGO NCs exhibited the highest anticancer activity against MG-63 bone cancer cells with an IC50 value of 45.7 µg/mL compared to Y₂O₃CNTs NCs and pure Y₂O₃NPs. This work highlights that Y₂O₃/RGO NCs could be used in significant applications, including environmental remediation and in vivo cancer therapy studies. Full article

Cadmium (Cd), a pervasive and highly phytotoxic metal pollutant, poses severe threats to agricultural productivity, ecosystem stability, and human health through its entry into the food chain. Plants have evolved intricate defense mechanisms, among which the strategic manipulation of nutrient elements emerges as a critical physiological and biochemical strategy for mitigating Cd stress. This comprehensive review delves deeply into the multifaceted roles of essential macronutrient elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur), essential micronutrient elements (zinc, iron, manganese, copper) and non-essential beneficial elements (silicon, selenium) in modulating plant responses to Cd toxicity. We meticulously dissect the physiological, biochemical, and molecular underpinnings of how these nutrients influence Cd bioavailability in the rhizosphere, Cd uptake and translocation pathways, sequestration and compartmentalization within plant tissues, and the activation of antioxidant defense systems. Nutrient elements exert their influence through diverse mechanisms: competing with Cd for root uptake transporters, promoting the synthesis of complexes that reduce Cd mobility, stabilizing cell walls and plasma membranes to restrict apoplastic flow and symplastic influx, modulating redox homeostasis by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant pools, regulating signal transduction pathways, and influencing gene expression profiles related to metal transport, chelation, and detoxification. The complex interactions between nutrients themselves further shape the plant’s capacity to withstand Cd stress. Recent advances elucidating nutrient-mediated epigenetic regulation, microRNA involvement, and the role of nutrient-sensing signaling hubs in Cd responses are critically evaluated. Furthermore, we synthesize the practical implications of nutrient management strategies, including optimized fertilization regimes, selection of nutrient-efficient genotypes, and utilization of nutrient-enriched amendments, for enhancing phytoremediation efficiency and developing low-Cd-accumulating crops, thereby contributing to safer food production and environmental restoration in Cd-contaminated soils. The intricate interplay between plant nutritional status and Cd stress resilience underscores the necessity for a holistic, nutrient-centric approach in managing Cd toxicity in agroecosystems. Full article

The transition to electric mobility has intensified efforts to develop battery technologies that are not only high-performing but also environmentally sustainable. A critical element in battery system design is the structural housing, which must provide effective impact protection to ensure passenger safety and prevent catastrophic failures. This study examines the impact response of an innovative sheet molding compound (SMC) composite battery housing, manufactured from an Elium resin modified with Martinal ATH matrix, reinforced with glass fibers, that combines fire resistance and recyclability, unlike conventional thermoset and metallic housings. The material was characterized through standardized mechanical tests, and its impact performance was evaluated via drop-weight experiments on plates and a full-scale housing. The impact tests were conducted at varying energy levels to induce barely visible impact damage (BVID) and visible impact damage (VID). A finite element model was developed in LS-DYNA using the experimentally derived material properties and was validated against the impact tests. Parametric simulations of ground and pole collisions revealed the critical velocity thresholds at which housing deformation begins to affect the first battery cells, while lower-energy impacts were absorbed without compromising the pack. The study provides one of the first combined experimental and numerical assessments of Elium SMC in battery enclosures, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable alternative for next-generation battery systems for transport applications. Full article

The actomyosin complex—nature’s dynamic engine composed of actin filaments and myosin motors—is emerging as a versatile tool for bio-integrated nanotechnology. This review explores the growing potential of actomyosin-powered systems in biosensing and actuation applications, highlighting their compatibility with physiological conditions, responsiveness to biochemical and physical cues and modular adaptability. We begin with a comparative overview of natural and synthetic nanomachines, positioning actomyosin as a uniquely scalable and biocompatible platform. We then discuss experimental advances in controlling actomyosin activity through ATP, calcium, heat, light and electric fields, as well as their integration into in vitro motility assays, soft robotics and neural interface systems. Emphasis is placed on longstanding efforts to harness actomyosin as a biosensing element—capable of converting chemical or environmental signals into measurable mechanical or electrical outputs that can be used to provide valuable clinical and basic science information such as functional consequences of disease-associated genetic variants in cardiovascular genes. We also highlight engineering challenges such as stability, spatial control and upscaling, and examine speculative future directions, including emotion-responsive nanodevices. By bridging cell biology and bioengineering, actomyosin-based systems offer promising avenues for real-time sensing, diagnostics and therapeutic feedback in next-generation biosensors. Full article

Antibiotic resistance remains one of the most formidable challenges to modern medicine, threatening to outpace therapeutic innovation and undermine decades of clinical progress. While resistance was once viewed narrowly as a clinical phenomenon, it is now understood as the outcome of complex ecological and molecular interactions that span soil, water, agriculture, animals, and humans. Environmental reservoirs act as silent incubators of resistance genes, with horizontal gene transfer and stress-induced mutagenesis fueling their evolution and dissemination. At the molecular level, advances in genomics, structural biology, and systems microbiology have revealed intricate networks involving plasmid-mediated resistance, efflux pump regulation, integron dynamics, and CRISPR-Cas interactions, providing new insights into the adaptability of pathogens. Simultaneously, the environmental dimensions of resistance, from wastewater treatment plants and aquaculture to airborne dissemination, highlight the urgency of adopting a One Health framework. Yet, alongside this growing threat, novel therapeutic avenues are emerging. Innovative β-lactamase inhibitors, bacteriophage-based therapies, engineered lysins, antimicrobial peptides, and CRISPR-driven antimicrobials are redefining what constitutes an “antibiotic” in the twenty-first century. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and machine learning now accelerate drug discovery and resistance prediction, raising the possibility of precision-guided antimicrobial stewardship. This review synthesizes molecular insights, environmental drivers, and therapeutic innovations to present a comprehensive landscape of antibiotic resistance. By bridging ecological microbiology, molecular biology, and translational medicine, it outlines a roadmap for surveillance, prevention, and drug development while emphasizing the need for integrative policies to safeguard global health. Full article

Nickel (Ni) is a heavy metal element and environmental pollutant that significantly threatens human health. Selenoprotein M (SelM) is a selenium-containing protein with antioxidant properties. However, the role of SelM deficiency in Ni -induced colonic tissue damage in mice remains unclear. To address this, in vivo and in vitro models were established, including SelM knockout (SelM^(−/−)) and/or nickel chloride (NiCl₂)-treated mice. In vitro, an MCEC model was used to establish Ni exposure and SelM knockdown conditions. The results showed that NiCl₂ induced significant inflammatory cell infiltration and lesions in the microstructure of the mouse colon. Additionally, Ni exposure was found to enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mice’s colonic tissue, activating oxidative stress, which in turn led to the formation of autophagosomes and the onset of inflammation. Significantly, SelM knockout exacerbated these outcomes. The oxidative stress inhibitor NAC and the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA were introduced to elucidate the underlying mechanisms further. The results showed that autophagy was reduced following NAC treatment, and inflammation was alleviated after 3-MA administration. Taken together, these findings suggest that SelM alleviated Ni -induced colonic inflammation in mice through suppression of oxidative stress-mediated excessive autophagy. Full article

This research investigates the integration of green cores as central biophilic elements in residential architecture, proposing a climate-responsive design methodology grounded in architectural optimization. The study begins with the full-scale refurbishment of a compact urban apartment, wherein interior partitions, fenestration and material systems were reconfigured to embed vegetated zones within the architectural core. Light exposure, ventilation potential and spatial coherence were maximized through data-driven design strategies and structural modifications. Integrated planting modules equipped with PAR-specific LED systems ensure sustained vegetation growth, while embedded environmental infrastructure supports automated irrigation and continuous microclimate monitoring. This plant-centered spatial model is evaluated using quantifiable performance metrics, establishing a replicable framework for optimized indoor ecosystems. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)-specific LED systems and embedded environmental infrastructure were incorporated to maintain vegetation viability and enable microclimate regulation. A programmable irrigation system linked to environmental sensors allows automated resource management, ensuring efficient plant sustenance. The configuration is assessed using measurable indicators such as daylight factor, solar exposure, passive thermal behavior and similar elements. Additionally, a post-occupancy expert assessment was conducted with several architects evaluating different aspects confirming the architectural and spatial improvements achieved through the refurbishment. This study not only demonstrates a viable architectural prototype but also opens future avenues for the development of metabolically active buildings, integration with decentralized energy and water systems, and the computational optimization of living infrastructure across varying climatic zones. Full article

With the rapid advancement of energy storage technologies, there is a growing demand for affordable, efficient, and environmentally benign battery systems. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) present a promising alternative to lithium-ion systems due to sodium’s high abundance and similar electrochemical properties. Particular attention is given to developing NASICON -sodium (Na) super ionic conductor, type cathode materials, especially Na3V2(PO4)3, which exhibits high thermal and structural stability. This study focuses on the sol–gel synthesis of Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ using citric acid and ethylene glycol, as well as investigating the effect of annealing temperature (400–1000 °C) on its structural and electrochemical properties. Phase composition, morphology, textural characteristics, and electrochemical performance were systematically analyzed. Above 700 °C, a highly crystalline NASICON phase free of secondary impurities was formed, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructural evolution revealed a transition from a loose amorphous structure to a dense granular morphology, accompanied by changes in specific surface area and porosity. The highest surface area (67.40 m²/g) was achieved at 700 °C, while increasing the temperature to 1000 °C caused pore collapse due to sintering. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the predominant presence of V³⁺ ions and the formation of V⁴⁺ at the highest temperature. The optimal balance of high crystallinity, uniform elemental distribution, and stable texture was achieved at 900 °C. Electrochemical testing in a Na/NVP half-cell configuration delivered an initial capacity of 70 mAh/g, which decayed to 55 mAh/g by the 100th cycle, attributed to solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and irreversible Na⁺ trapping. These results demonstrate that the proposed approach yields high-quality Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode materials with promising potential for sodium-ion battery applications. Full article

Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (IPMSMs) are widely used in the electrification sector; however, reliance on rare-earth magnets imposes constraints stemming from supply instability and mining-related environmental impacts, raising sustainability concerns. To address these issues, this study investigates an IPMSM employing a consequent pole (CP) structure, in which one permanent magnet pole is replaced by iron. Because flux asymmetry in CP IPMSMs can cause torque ripple and associated vibration and noise, we propose an Intersect Consequent Pole (ICP) rotor geometry and evaluate it against a conventional IPMSM under identical stator conditions. The proposed ICP topology reduces permanent magnet usage and provides a rare-earth-reduced design alternative that addresses the vibration/noise trade-off, with a particular focus on electric power steering (EPS) applications. Electromagnetic characteristics and performance were analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA) and verified via FEA-based comparisons. Full article

This study investigates the hydrodynamics of the net system of the bottom-mounted aquaculture farms located in the Bohai Sea, addressing the growing demand for high-quality aquatic products and the limitations of coastal aquaculture. Based on the validation part, the established lumped-mass method integrated with the finite element method ABAQUS/AQUA was employed to evaluate the structural responses of the net system with three arrangement schemes under diverse environmental loads. The hydrodynamic loads on net twines are modeled with Morison formulae. With the motivation of investigating the trade-offs between volume expansions, load distributions, and structural reliabilities, Scheme 1 refers to the baseline design enclosing the basic aquaculture volume, while Scheme 2 targets to increase the aquaculture volume and utilization rate and Scheme 3 seeks to optimize the load distributions instead. The results demonstrate that Scheme 1 provides the optimal balance of structural safety and functional efficiency. Specifically, under survival conditions, Scheme 1 reduces peak bottom tension rope loads by 14% compared to Scheme 2 and limits maximum netting displacement to 4.0 m. It is 21.3% lower than Scheme 3, of which the displacement is 5.08 m. It has been confirmed that Scheme 1 effectively minimizes collision risks, whereas the other schemes exhibit severe collisions. Scheme 1 trades off maximum volume expansion for optimal load management, minimal deformation, and the highest overall structural reliability, making it the recommended design. These findings offer valuable insights for the design and optimization of net systems in offshore aquaculture structures serviced in comparable offshore regions. Full article

Lagenaria siceraria is an essential horticultural and medicinal crop that is used for its edible fruits and ornamental purposes. WRKY transcription factors have been extensively studied in plant responses to environmental stress; however, there is limited information on their specific functions in L. siceraria. In this study, 51 LsWRKY genes were identified in the L. siceraria genome. The 51 LsWRKYs were divided into classes I, II, and III based on evolutionary analysis. Members of each class have similar conserved motifs and exon-intron structures, and promoter analysis helped identify many cis-regulatory elements associated with growth, hormones, and stress responses. GO terms and KEGG analyses indicated the potential roles of LsWRKY in the regulation of bottle gourd development and acclimation to various environmental stressors. Significant differences in LsWRKY expression were observed between different tissues. The results of RNA-seq and qRT-PCR showed that LsWRKYs were expressed in a tissue- and development-specific manner under normal growth conditions. LsWRKY abundance showed a clear pattern of change related to stress when L. siceraria was exposed to unfavorable environmental conditions. This study provides new insights into the role of LsWRKYs in the growth and stress responses of cucurbits. Full article

The urgent need for advanced analytical tools for environmental monitoring and food safety drives the development of novel biosensing approaches and solutions. A computationally driven workflow for the development of a rapid electrochemical aptasensor for okadaic acid (OA), a critical marine biotoxin, is reported. The core of this strategy is a rational design process, where in silico modeling was employed to optimize the biological recognition element. A 63-nucleotide aptamer was successfully truncated to a highly efficient 31-nucleotide variant. Molecular docking simulations confirmed the high binding affinity of the minimized aptamer and guided the design of the surface immobilization chemistry to ensure robust performance. The fabricated sensor, which utilizes a ferrocene-labeled aptamer, delivered a sensitive response with a detection limit of 2.5 nM (n = 5) over a linear range of 5–200 nM. A significant advantage for practical applications is the remarkably short assay time of 5 min. The sensor’s applicability was successfully validated in complex food matrices, achieving excellent recovery rates of 82–103% in spiked mussel samples. This study establishes an integrated computational–experimental methodology that streamlines the development of high-performance biosensors for critical food safety and environmental monitoring challenges. Full article

Lake sediments are important indicators of human activities and environmental changes, while lakes in northern China receive little attention. Heavy metal elements in core sediments from Bosten Lake (BST) in the arid area, Wuliangsuhai Lake (WLS) in the semi-arid area, and Chagan Lake (CG) in the semi-humid area of northern China, based on the precise dating of ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs, were analyzed to evaluate the characteristics and sources of heavy metal pollution, analyze the influence of different types and intensities of human activities on heavy metals, and predict the development trend of heavy metal content in lake sediments in the future. The content of heavy metals in the sediments of the three lakes has gradually increased over time, with a decreasing trend of CG > WLS > BST, which is in accordance with the intensity of human activities. Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, As, and Pb are greatly influenced by human activities and mainly come from wastewater, waste residue, and waste gas produced by industrial activities, pesticide residues from agricultural activities, and pollution from domestic sewage, while, Cr and Ni come from both natural sources and human activities. Mn and Fe are relatively stable and mainly come from natural sources. The development trend of heavy metal content in the sediments of various lakes in the future is predicted by regression analysis. Fe and As in WLS and Cr, Mn, Ni, and Cu in BST show upward trends, indicating that the influences of industrial activities, agricultural activities, domestic emissions, and air pollutants on heavy metal pollution in lake sediments have a continuous effect. The results can provide a scientific basis for the effective control and environmental governance of heavy metal pollution in lakes. Full article

Copper is one of the most used metals today due to its wide range of applications. Traditionally, this metal has been primarily extracted through pyrometallurgical methods, which presents several environmental and energy-related drawbacks. An alternative is hydrometallurgy, which has achieved acceptable copper extraction rates. However, this process has not found widespread industrial application due to operational challenges and the complexity associated with the selective recovery of copper ions from the Pregnant Leach Solution (PLS), especially due to the coexistence of copper and iron ions, complicating the efficient separation of both metals. In this work, the use of aluminum shavings as a cementation agent is proposed, analyzing variables such as the initial shaving concentration (2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/L), the agitation speed (0, 200, and 400 rpm), and a temperature of 20, 30, and 40 °C. The results demonstrated selective copper cementation, achieving a 100% recovery in 30 min under stirring conditions of 400 rpm. The analysis performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the formation of solid phases such as metallic copper (Cu), aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)₃], and elemental sulfur (S). Additionally, it was observed that the iron ion concentration remained constant throughout the experiment, indicating a high selectivity in the process. The kinetic analysis revealed that the reaction follows a first-order model without stirring. An activation energy of 62.6 kJ/mol was determined within the experimental temperature range of 20–40 °C, confirming that the process fits the chemical reaction model. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the system’s behavior, highlighting its feasibility and potential for industrial-scale applications. Full article

Environmental noise is a growing public health issue, particularly in dense urban environments and areas adjacent to transport infrastructure. Passive acoustic barriers have been a widely adopted solution, although their functional and aesthetic limitations have driven the development of alternatives, such as Sonic Crystal Acoustic Barriers. These structures can incorporate resonant elements, such as Helmholtz cavities, with the aim of enhancing attenuation in particular frequency bands. However, determining the precise dimensions of these resonators is a persistent challenge, given that classical models are based on ideal geometries and do not incorporate interaction with the periodic structural environment. This study sets a new frequency-dependent correction factor, obtained both numerically and experimentally, which allows the classical Helmholtz resonance expression to be adjusted to the case of resonators embedded in a Sonic Crystal (SC). The proposed model is validated through simulations and experimental measurements, showing a significant improvement in the prediction of the resonance frequency. The results obtained in this study allow us to move towards a more efficient and realistic design of passive acoustic barriers that are lightweight and adaptable to the urban environment. Full article