Search Results (11,465)

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) is a destructive invasive pest, and conventional chemical control faces challenges related to environmental contamination and resistance development, highlighting the need for novel control agents and greener management strategies. In this study, pyrethrins-mediated silver nanoparticles (Pyr-AgNPs) were synthesized via a green route, characterized, and evaluated for their insecticidal activity, environmental stability, and metabolic effects on S. invicta workers. Bait bioassays showed that Pyr-AgNPs exhibited high toxicity to S. invicta, causing 100% cumulative corrected mortality at 500 mg·kg⁻¹ after 9 days of feeding, with a 5-d LC₅₀ of 116.83 mg·kg⁻¹. Exposure assays further demonstrated that Pyr-AgNPs had good environmental stability and residual efficacy, as bait containing 1000 mg·kg⁻¹ Pyr-AgNPs still caused 100% cumulative corrected mortality after 9 days following 96 h of outdoor exposure, significantly outperforming the pyrethrins treatment. LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that treatment with Pyr-AgNPs markedly altered the metabolic profile of S. invicta workers, with 607 differential metabolites identified, mainly belonging to organic acids and derivatives, lipid and lipid-like molecules, amino acids and peptides, cofactors, and redox-related metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these metabolic disturbances were primarily associated with energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, and membrane lipid metabolism. Overall, these findings provide preliminary mechanistic clues into the toxicity of Pyr-AgNPs and support their potential application in the sustainable management of S. invicta. Full article

The Houpoea officinalis flower (HOF) represents an underutilized sustainable bio-resource. This study systematically evaluated its potential using an ethanol-based green extraction process optimized by Response Surface Methodology, with the optimal conditions consisting of approximately 50% ethanol, a solvent-to-solid ratio of 54 mL/g, and an extraction time of 31 min. Chemical profiling across four developmental stages—S1 (Bud), S2 (Bud swelling), S3 (Initial flowering), and S4 (Full bloom)—suggested magnolol and honokiol as the major phenolic compounds, showing a trend of decline during early development followed by an increase at the S4 stage. A significant positive correlation was observed between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, and the S1 stage extract displayed the strongest antioxidant capacity in multiple in vitro assays. Network pharmacology analysis predicted oxidative stress-related targets and pathways, with TP53, AKT1, IL6, BCL2, and CASP3 recognized as key hub genes. Molecular docking further predicted favorable binding interactions between major HOF phenolics and these target proteins. Collectively, these findings reveal the multi-target antioxidant potential of HOF and provide evidence supporting its potential role in antioxidant-related traditional applications based on predicted mechanisms. Moreover, HOF, particularly at the S1 developmental stage, shows promise as a sustainable source of natural antioxidants and functional ingredients, promoting the high-value utilization of agricultural by-products. Full article

Background/Objectives: The application of green analytical chemistry (GAC) principles is increasingly important in developing sustainable analytical practices for food safety monitoring. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as green alternatives to conventional organic solvents. This study aimed to develop a sustainable analytical method for determining antibiotic residues in processed meat and frozen poultry products. Methods: A dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) procedure based on a NADES composed of anisaldehyde and decanoic acid (3:1, molar ratio) was coupled with UHPLC–MS/MS for the simultaneous determination of macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin), sulfonamides (sulfamethoxazole, sulfadimethoxine), and a fluoroquinolone (enrofloxacin) in food samples. Key extraction parameters, including NADES volume, vortex time, centrifugation time, sample amount, and pH, were optimized. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, and recovery and applied to real samples from the Saudi market. Results: The method showed excellent analytical performance, with good linearity (R² ≥ 0.9982), recoveries of 84.1–99.4%, and RSDs ≤ 5.75%. The target antibiotics were successfully quantified in processed meat and frozen poultry samples, confirming applicability. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation using eight assessment tools confirmed the method’s environmental sustainability, practicality and innovation. Conclusions: The proposed NADES-based DLLME–UHPLC–MS/MS method is a rapid, sensitive, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional techniques for monitoring antibiotic residues in processed meat and poultry, supporting both food safety and GAC principles. Full article

Bacterial diseases occur frequently in freshwater aquaculture in China, highlighting the need for green immune preparations. Fucoidan and laminarin are commonly used feed additives in livestock and poultry industries; however, their application in freshwater aquaculture remains limited. In this study, juvenile Megalobrama amblycephala were fed diets supplemented with fucoidan or laminarin, each at 0.5% and 2% (w/w), for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Cumulative mortality rate, tissue bacterial loads, innate immune and antioxidant enzyme activities, and immune-related gene and protein expression were evaluated. Dietary supplementation with 2% fucoidan significantly improved the growth performance and feed utilization of juvenile M. amblycephala, while 0.5% fucoidan and 2% laminarin groups only enhanced feed utilization. After A. hydrophila infection, cumulative mortality rates for the control, 0.5% and 2% fucoidan, and 0.5% and 2% laminarin groups were 76.67%, 67.78%, 57.78%, 62.22%, and 58.89%, respectively. Both supplements increased post-infection survival, reduced tissue bacterial loads, and enhanced host bactericidal and antioxidative abilities by elevating innate immune and antioxidant enzyme activities. Innate immunity of juvenile M. amblycephala was improved by regulation of immune-related gene and protein expression levels. Both additives demonstrated significant immunoprotective effects, markedly reducing mortality and tissue bacterial loads following infection. This study provides a theoretical foundation for developing green immunostimulants and antibiotic alternatives for bacterial diseases in fish. Full article

Protein-based biosensors require controlled and site-selective functionalization strategies to enable stable and oriented immobilization without compromising protein structure and signal transduction efficiency. We evaluated a chemoselective linchpin-directed modification (LDM) approach targeting Lys–His pairs as a tool for site-specific labeling of the model fluorescent biosensor green fluorescent protein (GFP). LDM molecules with variable spacer lengths were prepared, and a structure-guided computational workflow was implemented to map Lys–His distances on the protein and identify candidate modification sites. Experimental validation by UV-Vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry demonstrated efficient conjugation and a final degree of labeling close to unity, consistent with single-site modification, with all LDM molecules selectively targeting the same histidine residue (His181), independently of spacer length. Structural analysis revealed that this residue is located within an accessible internal cavity that favors productive interactions with the reactive group. Importantly, the modification preserves GFP fluorescence and pH response, confirming retention of sensing functionality. These results demonstrate that LDM enables selective modification not only of surface residues, but also of structurally guided, non-surface residues. This approach provides the proof of concept of a new, promising strategy for the controlled functionalization and immobilization of protein-based biosensors. Full article

Efficient nutrient management is essential for sustainable orchard production; however, conventional laboratory analyses used to assess plant nutritional status are time-consuming and expensive. Optical sensing technologies offer a rapid and non-destructive alternative. This study evaluated the potential of proximal optical sensors and UAV-based multispectral imagery to assess the nutritional status of young potted ‘Nashi’ pear (Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm. f.) Nakai) trees. Three fertilization treatments based on different concentrations of Hoagland solution were applied to 18 one-year-old potted trees. Leaf measurements were collected during the growing season using Dualex, CL-01 chlorophyll meter, and Pocket PEA fluorimeter, while UAV-based multispectral imagery was used to calculate vegetation indices, including NDVI, SR, OSAVI, and MSAVI. Leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations were chemically determined and used as reference values for the regression analyses. Significant (p < 0.05) relationships were observed between leaf N content (N%) and several optical parameters related to leaf pigments, including chlorophyll, flavonols, and the Nitrogen Balance Index (NBI), as well as multispectral indices, although with weak associations (R² = 0.326–0.488). The strongest individual relationship with N% was shown by NBI (R² = 0.480). To account for repeated measurements on the same plants, linear mixed-effects models were fitted. These models indicated that NBI showed the strongest association with N% among the proximal optical parameters (β = 0.019, p < 0.001; RMSE = 0.113; MAE = 0.091), followed by flavonols and Dualex chlorophyll. In contrast, optical parameters showed limited sensitivity to P and K. Multispectral indices were not significantly related to K, while only Red and Green reflectance showed weak correlations with P. Overall, optical parameters showed the best associations with N% under the combined nutrient-gradient conditions tested, whereas the assessment of P and K remained limited and should be considered exploratory. Full article

Background: Climate action initiatives primarily target environmental outcomes, but their potential for health co-benefits through green and blue space contact remains understudied. Understanding these secondary outcomes could inform dual-purpose programming addressing climate and health challenges. Methods: This retrospective analysis examined 32 community-led climate action projects funded through Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) and their GreenLight programme (2024–2025). Projects spanned energy, transport, food, circular economy, and green space themes, with no formal health evaluation framework. Data were extracted from final reports covering 3195 direct participants. Results: Despite health not being a primary objective, 21 of 32 projects (66%) reported secondary health and wellbeing outcomes. Projects involving direct nature contact showed the strongest co-benefits: nine of ten high-nature-contact projects reported health benefits, compared to two of eight low-nature-contact projects. Notable outcomes included 94% of participants reporting increased willingness to engage in future community activities and 76% reporting mental wellbeing improvement following community garden workshops. Blue space engagement demonstrated particular significance for mental health and social cohesion. Conclusions: Green and blue space engagement in climate action projects consistently produces secondary health outcomes. We propose the Community–Environment–Health Nexus (CEHN) framework to understand how community-led environmental action generates synergistic health co-benefits. Full article

Urban renewal increasingly adopts Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) to address environmental challenges and enhance social well-being. However, it remains unclear whether and to what extent NBSs contribute to cultural ecosystem services (CESs), which reflect people’s perceptions, values, and experiences of urban nature. This study develops an integrated framework combining text and image mining of social media data to evaluate the CES outcomes of NBS in regenerated urban districts in Chengdu, China. The comment data were analyzed for CES using Jieba word segmentation and dictionary matching, while images were categorized into NBS types by manual classification. By integrating these multimodal data, the framework effectively clarifies the relationship between NBSs and CESs from the perspective of public perception. Results indicate that recreation and leisure, inspiration, and spiritual values are the most prominent aspects of public perception, with linear green infrastructure and pocket parks being the most frequently identified NBS types. Correspondence analysis further reveals significant associations between specific NBS interventions and CES categories. By integrating textual and visual data, this study offers a practical and real-time approach for capturing public perceptions of CESs and provides actionable insights for the design and management of NBS-driven urban regeneration. Full article

Bioactive peptides have health benefits, but the intense bitterness associated with their hydrolysis severely restricts their industrial applications. This paper systematically constructs a collaborative theoretical framework that integrates intelligent prediction, targeted debittering, and multi-dimensional evaluation. Firstly, it reviews the core applications of deep learning (such as quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) and graph convolutional network (GCN)) combined with molecular docking technology in the high-throughput identification of bitter peptides and the analysis of target receptor interaction mechanisms. Secondly, it discusses how artificial intelligence and computational simulation can improve the efficiency of traditional debittering processes, emphasizing the advantages of multifunctional composite wall materials in the targeted encapsulation and delivery of bitter peptides, as well as the metabolic regulatory mechanisms behind controlling microbial fermentation for the debittering of specific peptide substrates. Finally, to provide a high-fidelity data closed loop for artificial intelligence (AI) models, a three-dimensional cross-validation system integrating standardized quantitative sensory evaluation and biomimetic electronic tongues was established. Future research should focus on developing large models for flavor generation to drive the green and targeted creation of low-bitterness and highly active peptides. Full article

Due to large-scale macroalgal blooms, nutrient enrichment, and changes in ocean circulation brought on by climate change, beach-accumulated seaweed (BAS) has quickly become a global environmental and waste-governance concern. Despite degradation and contamination during beach stranding, BAS retains valuable bioactive compounds, including sulfated polysaccharides, phlorotannins, pigments, proteins, peptides, and lipids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and metabolic regulatory activities. This review critically evaluates BAS as a sustainable bioresource by integrating current knowledge on biomass composition, degradation-associated challenges, bioactive properties, valorization pathways, advanced extraction technologies, safety validation, regulatory considerations, and emerging commercialization opportunities. Attention is given to sustainable valorization pathways, ranging from composting and bioenergy production to the recovery of high-value bioactives through enzyme-assisted, green, and advanced extraction technologies. The review further discusses policy and regulatory gaps, contamination challenges, safety validation requirements, and life-cycle sustainability considerations that currently limit industrial adoption. Finally, emerging opportunities involving metabolomics, microbial bioprocessing, artificial intelligence, automation, and nanotechnology are explored as future directions for transforming BAS into a standardized and economically viable feedstock within the circular blue bioeconomy. Establishing harmonized regulatory frameworks and integrating BAS management with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 and 14 will be critical for enabling sustainable resource recovery and long-term coastal resilience. Full article

Under the growing threat of urban heat stress, street canyons play a critical role in shaping the pedestrian thermal environment. While street greenery is an effective mitigation strategy, its performance varies substantially with physical characteristics—such as aspect ratio, street width, and sidewalk width—highlighting the need for spatially adaptive design. This study evaluates the effects of sidewalk width, street orientation, and planting structure on thermal conditions in a humid subtropical climate in Daegu Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea. The analysis focuses on open low-aspect-ratio street canyons (H/W = 0.86 for E–W and 0.43 for N–S orientations). Using a validated ENVI-met (Version 5.6.1) model based on field measurements from Daegu, Republic of Korea, 56 street-greening scenarios were simulated by systematically varying sidewalk width, street orientation, planting rows, spacing, and planting structure. Results show that multi-row planting served as the primary structural framework governing thermal performance. Optimal configurations varied with sidewalk width, with two-row planting for 6 m sidewalks and three-row planting for 10 m sidewalks providing the most effective cooling. The greatest cooling (−2.02 °C) was achieved when optimized multi-row configurations were combined with multi-layer planting. Once optimal multi-row configurations were established, the presence of understory vegetation had a greater influence on thermal improvement than its specific composition, allowing flexibility in understory design. Clear spatial asymmetries were identified, with the highest thermal stress occurring on the north-side sidewalk in E–W streets and the west-side sidewalk in N–S streets. Targeted planting in these locations produced greater cooling benefits than uniform strategies. These findings provide a spatially grounded framework for climate-responsive street greenery and offer practical design guidance, highlighting the need for context-specific, optimized multi-row planting strategies adapted to local urban and climatic conditions. Full article

Decarbonising the maritime sector demands a transition away from conventional fossil fuel combustion toward zero-carbon alternatives, yet the technical and operational implications of integrating ammonia-based power systems into existing vessel architectures remain insufficiently characterised. This study presents a dynamic simulation framework for the component sizing and performance evaluation of ammonia-based marine power systems, applied to a case study vessel across six power system configurations: a conventional MGO diesel generator baseline, an ammonia dual-fuel generator benchmark, and four hybrid configurations integrating solid oxide fuel cells at different power coverage scopes. The methodology combines an operationally based component sizing model with a time-domain dynamic simulation that captures load-dependent SOFC performance, stack degradation, transient battery buffering, heat recovery interactions, and energy management under realistic voyage conditions, a combination not previously applied to ammonia-SOFC marine power system assessment. Results demonstrate that dynamic simulation is essential for reliable sizing of transient-sensitive components, yielding battery capacities of 1500 kWh and 2900 kWh for auxiliary-only and auxiliary-plus-manoeuvring SOFC coverage scopes respectively. The ADFG–SOFC-B configuration achieves the strongest performance across all indicators: a 26.7% reduction in total annual energy consumption, a net electrical efficiency of 50.7%, and a well-to-wake GHG emission reduction of 85.6% relative to the diesel baseline. All ammonia dual-fuel configurations maintain IMO Net-Zero Framework compliance through 2039 or beyond, with SOFC-integrated configurations avoiding Tier 2 penalties through 2045. These findings establish that a full transition to green ammonia as the primary fuel, rather than SOFC integration alone, is the prerequisite for achieving both deep decarbonisation and long-term regulatory viability in maritime power systems. Full article

Lipid-based nanoparticles are widely explored as non-viral vectors for nucleic acid delivery, where the molecular structure of cationic lipids strongly determines their performance. Five-membered heterocyclic linkers were explored as a new structural motif in cationic amphiphilic lipids for the development of promising gene delivery candidates. Novel lipids incorporating pyrrole, furan, and thiophene linkers were synthesized alongside structurally related aliphatic analogues, enabling systematic evaluation of how linker type influences physicochemical behavior and self-assembly properties. Self-assembly behavior in aqueous media was characterized by dynamic light scattering, and pDNA encapsulation efficiency was measured using the Quant-iT Pico-Green method. The resulting liposomes exhibited hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 92 to 1317 nm, while corresponding lipoplexes ranged from 302 to 1159 nm. Amphiphiles containing heterocyclic linkers demonstrated high pDNA encapsulation (>80% at optimal N/P ratios), whereas aliphatic analogues showed significantly reduced performance. These results demonstrate that linker structure strongly influences both self-assembly and nucleic acid binding properties. By evaluating structure–activity relationships, five-membered heterocycles are proposed as promising structural elements for the rational development of lipid-based gene delivery candidates. Full article

Dopamine dysregulation is connected to several neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and addiction. A new, precise, accurate, and specific reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for dopamine determination in different biological media (human/mouse plasma and mouse brain homogenate). The chromatographic assay was performed using Avantor ACE^® RP-18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column equipped with a suitable ODS pre-column. The temperature was ambient, and the mobile phase was composed of 10 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH = 3) with 0.25 g/L sodium octanesulfonate, methanol, and acetonitrile at a volume-to-volume ratio of 75:20:5. Isocratic elution mode, flow rate 1.0 mL/min, and ultraviolet detection (280 nm) were applied. The procedure was validated for linearity, and all calibration curves were linear over the selected range with determination coefficients greater than 0.998. Intraday repeatability, expressed as the coefficient of variation, did not exceed 4.88% for the plasma and 3.32% for the mouse brain homogenate samples across all tested concentration levels. The proposed chromatographic method was evaluated in terms of greenness, whiteness, and blueness using three ecological metrics (the Analytical Greenness software, White Analytical Chemistry model, and Blue Applicability Grade Index). The optimized procedure was proven to be suitable for implementation in the routine analytical practice. Full article

Low-carbon development (LCD) and intensive urban land use (IULU) are critical objectives for sustainable urban development. Existing studies have usually evaluated LCD or IULU separately, whereas the dynamic relationship between carbon-transition capacity and land-use intensification under rapid urbanization remains insufficiently clarified. This gap limits the ability of policymakers to design spatially differentiated and synergistic actions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates the relationship between LCD and IULU and its transformation within the sustainable development framework, using the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration (MRYRUA) in central China as a case study. Results indicate a strong positive correlation between LCD and IULU. Crucially, their coupling exhibited a distinct U-shape trajectory from 2005 to 2020; it decreased from 0.89 in 2005 to 0.73 in 2013 and then recovered to 0.84 in 2020, suggesting a relative weakening of the interaction followed by recoupling rather than complete decoupling. The identified U-shaped trajectory holds vital implications for other developing nations, suggesting that integrating low-carbon goals into spatial planning and land policies from the early stages of urbanization can pave the way for a faster transition to a green, intensive, and high-quality development model. Moreover, although both LCD and IULU exhibited positive trends, a widening gap was observed between provincial capitals and non-provincial cities. We, therefore, recommend integrating multi-stakeholder collaboration and implementing differentiated strategies to enhance the synergistic effects of LCD and IULU for cities at different phases of the LCD–IULU transition. Full article