Search Results (6,538)

Beryllium (Be), a critical strategic metal element, is predominantly extracted from beryl, which serves as a key mineral combining significant strategic importance with essential industrial applications. Significant debate remains, however, regarding the mineralogical characteristics and color-causing mechanisms of beryl. In this study, we integrate Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), laser Raman spectrometer (LRS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS) to elucidate the mineralogy and spectral characteristics of pegmatitic beryl from Xinjiang, Northwest China. The results indicate that the beryl mainly presents a yellowish-green color, associated with minerals such as feldspar, quartz, and garnet. The EPMA results confirm the chemical composition of the typical beryl and indicate that the Al content is lower than the theoretical value, reflecting the substitution of Al³⁺. The FTIR shows characteristic vibrations of Si-O tetrahedral groups within the range of 1400~400 cm⁻¹, along with distinct bending and stretching vibration peaks of H₂O molecules observed in the range of 1700~1500 cm⁻¹ and 3500~3800 cm⁻¹, respectively. Combined with spectral analysis, it can be determined that both Type I water and Type II H₂O are present in the samples. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the two distinct peaks of beryl are located at approximately 685 cm⁻¹ (attributed to the stretching vibration of Be-O) and 1067 cm⁻¹ (corresponding to the bending vibration of Si-O), respectively. The XRD analysis shows that the ratio of unit cell parameters c/a of the samples ranges from 0.9950 to 1.0068, and the isomorphous substitution in its structure is mainly manifested as the replacement of octahedral coordination sites by Al³⁺. The UV-VIS shows that Fe³⁺ exhibits a broad absorption band in the range of 200~300 nm, while no obvious absorption peaks are observed in the range of 300~800 nm. The above characteristics indicate that Fe³⁺ has a significant impact on the color of beryl. For green beryl samples, a portion of Fe³⁺ occupies the structural channel sites and interacts with H₂O molecules within the channels, which contributes to the yellowish hue of beryl. Our study highlights crucial data for mineralogical identification, genetic tracing, as well as efficient utilization of beryl resources. Full article

The objective of this study is to develop and assess the feasibility of utilizing lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) leaf extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for copper in a sulfuric acid environment. The inhibitory efficacy was comprehensively evaluated using a multi-technique approach, incorporating electrochemical measurements, weight loss analysis, theoretical analysis, and surface morphological characterization. The experimental results demonstrate that the lotus leaf extract functions as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for copper, achieving an inhibition efficiency of 88.07% at 700 mg/L by effectively suppressing both cathodic and anodic corrosion processes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the protective effect, whereas X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional groups and surface interaction between metal and inhibitor. Theoretical calculations further confirmed the involvement of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) as the key active sites. Adsorption behavior adheres to the Langmuir isotherm model, involving both physical and chemical adsorption processes that inhibit the Cu⁺→Cu²⁺ oxidation reaction. This study demonstrates acid-resistant protection of copper using lotus leaf extract. Full article

Three-Dimensional (3D) face reconstruction from monocular Red-Green-Blue (RGB) imagery remains a fundamental yet ill-posed challenge in computer vision, with applications in biometrics, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and intelligent visual sensing systems. While deep learning has significantly improved reconstruction fidelity and realism, existing surveys primarily focus on network architectures in isolation, often overlooking how sensing conditions, data acquisition protocols, and geometric calibration influence reconstruction reliability and evaluation outcomes. This paper presents a sensor-aware, end-to-end review of deep learning-based 3D face reconstruction and introduces a unified modular framework that connects sensing hardware, data acquisition, calibration, representation learning, and geometric refinement within a coherent pipeline. The reconstruction process is organized into four stages: sensor-driven acquisition and calibration, landmark estimation and feature extraction, 3D representation and parameter regression, and iterative refinement via differentiable rendering. Within this framework, we examine how sensor characteristics, calibration accuracy, representation models, and supervision strategies affect reconstruction accuracy, perceptual quality, robustness, and computational efficiency. We further synthesize the reported results across widely used benchmarks using both geometric and perceptual metrics, highlighting trade-offs between reconstruction fidelity and deployment constraints. By integrating sensing-aware analysis with architectural evaluation, this survey provides practical insights for developing scalable and reliable 3D face reconstruction systems under real-world conditions. Full article

In the contemporary era, nanotechnology has become a central pillar in numerous domains, particularly in cosmetics, nanoelectronics, nanomedicine, and nanobiotechnology. Defined by its focus on materials with dimensions ranging from 0.1 to 100 nm, nanotechnology offers unique physicochemical properties—such as enhanced reactivity, conductivity, and permeability—attributable to the nanoscale. These properties facilitate greater interaction with biological systems, notably improving cellular uptake and functional efficacy. The increasing demand for eco-friendly and biocompatible nanomaterials has driven interest in green synthesis routes, particularly those utilising plant extracts. These methods stand out due to their low toxicity and environmental impact, positioning it as a safer alternative to conventional chemical or microbial methods. Plant-extract-mediated nanoparticles demonstrate promising applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and neurotherapeutics. Their role in precision medicine, including gene and drug delivery and the imaging of neurological disorders, underscores green nanotechnology’s transformative potential. This review highlights recent advances in the synthesis, functionality, and biomedical applications of plant-based nanoparticles, emphasizing their relevance in in vitro models and prospective clinical settings. Full article

Corrosion continues to be a major concern in industrial systems, causing material degradation and raising maintenance costs. In recent years, plant-derived corrosion inhibitors have gained interest as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical treatments. In this work, ethanolic extracts from the leaves of Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. were evaluated as green corrosion inhibitors for C45 carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution. The extracts were prepared by continuous Soxhlet extraction and characterized through antioxidant activity measurements using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl DPPH radical scavenging method, gravimetric (weight loss) tests, and electrochemical techniques including potentiodynamic polarization. In addition, the extraction parameters were optimized using a face-centered central composite design (CCD) within a response surface methodology (RSM) framework, and the resulting models were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The effects of inhibitor concentration and temperature on corrosion inhibition performance were systematically examined. The antioxidant assay indicated that E. globulus extract reached a scavenging activity above 95% at 1000 mg/L, while C. limon extract showed moderate activity around 71%. Gravimetric tests revealed that both extracts reduced the corrosion rate, with optimal inhibition efficiencies of approximately 67% for C. limon (at 0.3 g/100 mL) and 82% for E. globulus (at 1.0 g/100 mL). Beyond these optimal concentrations, a decline in performance was observed, suggesting surface saturation. The statistical optimization showed that the C. limon response model was solvent-driven (R² = 92.05%), whereas the E. globulus model was curvature-driven (R² = 95.45%), with contrasting response surface topographies. Electrochemical measurements confirmed that both extracts acted as mixed-type inhibitors, shifting the corrosion potential toward less negative values and reducing the corrosion current density. Overall, E. globulus extract demonstrated superior performance across all methods, and both extracts represent promising candidates for sustainable corrosion protection in acidic industrial environments. Full article

In the sustainability framework, valorization of organic by-products as reservoirs of phytochemicals useful for human health represents a hot topic. Therefore, this study evaluated Norway spruce bark and twigs (NSB, NST), chestnut tree wood (CTW), and pomegranate fruit waste/pomace (PFW) as sources of bioactive compounds by employing green technologies. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), applied individually or sequentially, were optimized by modulating solvent composition, temperature, time, microwave power, and ultrasound amplitude. Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol) combined with MAE yielded the highest phenolic recovery and antioxidant activity across all matrices. PFW exhibited the highest antioxidant activity assessed through FRAP, ORAC, and DPPH assays. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC-DAD identified stilbenes in spruce extracts, ellagic acid in chestnut wood, and ellagic acid and punicalagins in pomegranate waste as major bioactive constituents. Additionally, NSB and PFW exhibited α-amylase inhibitory activity. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated dose-dependent activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas stutzeri) strains, with PFW exhibiting the strongest inhibition and NSB displaying broad-spectrum effects. Total phenolic content changed moderately after 21 days of storage. These results demonstrate that sustainable extraction enables efficient recovery of bioactive compounds from plant by-products, supporting their further functional, dietary, and medicinal applications. Full article

The accelerating global energy transition has substantially increased demand for critical minerals such as copper, nickel, and lithium, positioning mining firms as key actors in the decarbonization of energy systems. However, the expansion of mineral extraction raises important sustainability challenges because mining activities remain highly energy- and carbon-intensive. This study investigates whether green innovation can simultaneously improve environmental performance and financial performance in critical mineral mining firms and examines the moderating role of institutional governance. Using a balanced panel of 35 publicly listed mining companies from Australia, Canada, Chile, Brazil, and Indonesia over the period 2015–2024, the analysis applies fixed-effects panel regressions complemented by dynamic specifications and multiple robustness tests, including alternative variable definitions and System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation. The results show that green innovation significantly reduces carbon intensity, indicating that environmental investments in renewable energy integration, electrification, and process efficiency contribute to improving emissions performance in mining operations. Green innovation also enhances firm financial performance, although the benefits emerge gradually over time, suggesting delayed financial gains followed by long-term efficiency improvements. Furthermore, governance quality strengthens the positive relationship between green innovation and firm performance, highlighting the importance of institutional environments in shaping the economic returns of sustainability strategies. By providing firm-level evidence across major mineral-producing economies, this study contributes to the literature on critical minerals, environmental finance, and the institutional dimensions of the just energy transition. Full article

In this study, the characteristics of sulfide minerals during the acidic double reverse flotation of phosphate ore and the adsorption mechanisms of sodium oleate (NaOL) and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) were investigated. Micro-flotation test results indicated that NaOL effectively collected galena, sphalerite, and pyrite at a concentration of 1 × 10⁻³ mol/L and pH 4–5.5, whereas DTAB exhibited selectivity for galena at 1 × 10⁻⁴ mol/L. Mixed mineral flotation revealed that NaOL induced a non-selective bulk flotation of sulfides with dolomite, resulting in a high froth yield of 93.23%, while the DTAB system showed superior selectivity with a froth yield of 54.91%. Surface analyses (Zeta potential, FTIR, and XPS) confirmed that NaOL chemisorbs onto sulfide surfaces via metal-oleate complexes, whereas DTAB adsorption is dominated by electrostatic attraction. Bench-scale tests validated the “double-rejection” flowsheet, significantly upgrading the P₂O₅ grade from 23.38% to 31.47% by sequentially partitioning Pb, Zn and Fe into the froth tailings. Size-by-assay analysis indicated that the sulfide separation was primarily controlled by the extent of mineral liberation. These findings provide a robust theoretical framework and practical guidance for the simultaneous management of sulfide minerals during phosphate beneficiation. Full article

This study demonstrates the high efficiency and selectivity of p-toluenesulfonic acid-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for simultaneous extractive denitrogenation (EDN) and desulfurization (EDS) of model fuel. Three DESs—TBPB:PTSA, TBAB:PTSA, and ChCl:PTSA (1:1 molar ratio)—were synthesized and evaluated for their effectiveness against representative heteroaromatic pollutants: thiophene, dibenzothiophene, pyridine, and carbazole. The phosphonium-based TBPB:PTSA exhibited the highest extraction performance, achieving over 96% removal of nitrogen species and up to 85% removal of sulfur species at 40 °C. Increasing the temperature enhanced desulfurization by reducing viscosity, thereby improving mass transfer kinetics. Additionally, a 3:1 ratio of DES to fuel provided an optimal balance between solvent economy and operational efficiency. Denitrogenation was driven by strong acid–base protonation facilitated by PTSA, while desulfurization was governed by π–π and dispersion interactions, modulated by the hydrophobicity of the cations. The DES achieved nearly quantitative nitrogen removal and satisfactory sulfur extraction after three reuse cycles, while multistage operation enabled complete purification within four extraction steps. ¹H NMR analysis confirmed that no DES components were found in the raffinate phase, verifying the immiscibility and stability of the solvent. These results indicate that TBPB:PTSA is a robust, regenerable, and environmentally benign solvent, effectively enabling simultaneous EDN–EDS of hydrocarbon fuels and positioning it as a promising green alternative to traditional hydrogen-based refining methods. Full article

The exponential growth of the fruit-processing industry generates significant quantities of organic by-products, such as peels, seeds, and pomace, which represent a rich but underutilized source of bioactive polyphenols. Valorizing these residues is critical for the transition toward a circular bioeconomy, yet conventional extraction methods remain solvent-intensive and kinetically inefficient. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of emerging green extraction technologies, specifically Ultrasound-Assisted (UAE), Microwave-Assisted (MAE), Enzyme-Assisted (EAE), Pressurized Liquid (PLE), and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), and Pulsed Electric Field (PEF), applied to key industrial matrices including apple, citrus, grape, olive, and coffee. Comparative data demonstrate that intensification technologies significantly outperform conventional maceration, with UAE and MAE reducing processing times by up to 90% while enhancing polyphenol yields by 20–55% through mechanisms such as acoustic cavitation and dipole rotation. Furthermore, high-pressure methods exhibit tunable selectivity, enabling the specific recovery of heat-sensitive anthocyanins and bound phenolics without the use of toxic organic solvents. The study concludes that the future of industrial valorization lies in the adoption of hybrid technologies and sequential biorefinery strategies to achieve high-purity isolates with minimal environmental impact. Full article

Against the backdrop of the full implementation of “antibiotic ban” and “zinc restriction” policies in livestock and poultry breeding, and the growing consumer demand for safe livestock and poultry products, the development of natural and efficient green feed additives has become crucial for the sustainable development of the animal husbandry industry. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., has attracted extensive attention in poultry production due to its various biological activities and safety. This paper thoroughly reviews the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of curcumin, and elaborates on its core molecular mechanisms of action, which mainly involve the regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and lipid metabolism regulatory effects. It further clarifies the practical application value of curcumin in major poultry species including broilers, laying hens, ducks and quails, showing that curcumin can significantly improve poultry production performance, optimize meat and egg quality, protect intestinal health, and enhance the ability of poultry to resist stress and diseases. Meanwhile, the review notes curcumin’s current application limitations (low bioavailability, poor stability, unclear standardized dosage, and high industrialization cost) and proposes targeted future research directions to address these issues. In conclusion, curcumin is a promising green feed additive alternative to antibiotics, and its large-scale and standardized application in poultry production will effectively promote the green, healthy and sustainable development of the poultry industry. Full article

Green husks, which are the fleshy pericarp of Juglans regia L. fruit, are an abundant yet under-utilized source of bioactive compounds. They are useful for plant defense and have potential for valorization to multiple commercial products. This study characterized total phenolic content (TPC) and individual phenolics in green husks of four Hungarian-bred cultivars (Milotai 10, Milotai intenzív, Milotai kései, Esterhazy kései) and one U.S. cultivar (Chandler). Phenolic compounds were extracted with aqueous organic solvents, quantified by HPLC-DAD and qualitatively identified by HPLC-MS. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the effects of cultivar, year, sampling time, and cumulative growing degree days (GDDs) on TPC and compound profiles. Mean TPC ranged from 34.9 to 57.2 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW, with significantly higher values in the warmest year, 2024, and in cultivar Esterhazy kései compared with Chandler. Across cultivars and years, phenolic levels were generally elevated at early lignification (S1, BBCH 73–75) and at full maturity (S5–S6, BBCH 87–88), with depressed concentrations during mid-fruit development (S2–S4, BBCH 77–86). Several hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and naphthoquinones showed cultivar-specific and year-dependent patterns. Thermal conditions (cumulative GDDs) explained a substantial proportion of residual variation in TPC. These results highlight the combined roles of genotype, seasonal climate, and developmental stage dependencies in biosynthetic processes of phenolics in walnut green husks despite the diversity in factor effects. Full article

Deep learning models represent one of the most advanced and effective approaches in predictive modeling. Their hierarchical architectures enable the extraction of complex, non-linear feature relationships and the identification of latent patterns within data, making them highly suitable for tasks involving high-dimensional or unstructured inputs. However, these models are computationally demanding, requiring significant processing resources and time. Furthermore, their predictive performance is largely contingent upon the availability of large-scale datasets. In this study, a Deep Green Framework is employed for the prediction of two computer vision tasks. CIFAR-10 and CIFAR-00 have been taken for image classification. Fifteen convolutional neural network (CNN) variants categorized into light-weight and heavy-weight are trained for the prediction of these two datasets. Based on energy footprint, time, memory usage, Top-1 accuracy, Top-3 accuracy, model size, and model parameters. The study highlights that MobileNetV3-Small produces the best outcomes when compared to other trained models having low task latency and higher efficiency, making it highly suitable for edge environments where resources are scarce. Full article

Squalene and squalane are widely used cosmetic ingredients valued for their emollient properties and excellent skin compatibility, yet sustainable sourcing remains a challenge. This study presents an integrated and eco-friendly strategy for valorizing wine lees as a renewable source of squalene and converting it into stable, high-performance squalane. Squalene was efficiently recovered from yeast-rich winery waste through optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction, followed by chromatographic purification. Green catalytic hydrogenation using palladium supported on natural clay minerals enabled the selective conversion of squalene into squalane under mild conditions. The functional evaluation via in vitro transport studies across an artificial membrane, using quercetin as a poorly permeable model antioxidant, demonstrated enhanced permeation compared with conventional vehicles, while accelerated aging experiments further confirmed the superior oxidative stability of squalane relative to native squalene. Overall, this work provides a proof of concept for upcycling winery by-products into multifunctional cosmetic ingredients that combine sustainability, stability, and functional performance, supporting circular economy principles and the growing demand for ethically sourced raw materials in the cosmetic industry. Full article

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is widely used in pediatric dentistry for caries arrest; however, concerns exist regarding its cytotoxicity. Green-synthesized nano-silver fluoride (NSF) is a potential alternative to SDF, offering antimicrobial efficacy with improved biocompatibility. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro safety profile of green-synthesized NSF with 5% (w/v) fluoride using Camellia sinensis extract and to compare it with 38% SDF + potassium iodide (KI) formulation in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Eluates of NSF and SDF+KI were tested at serial concentrations of 5%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01% and 0.005%. Cell viability was assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h using the MTT assay. Additionally, the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HGFs was detected through fluorescence microscopy. Exposure to 5% SDF+KI resulted in almost complete loss of cell viability at all time points, whereas NSF demonstrated significantly higher viability under the same conditions. Lower concentrations of both materials maintained acceptable biocompatibility. ROS analysis revealed increased oxidative stress in response to 5% SDF+KI, while NSF induced significantly lower ROS levels. NSF exhibited superior biocompatibility compared to SDF+KI, supporting its potential as a safer silver-based material for caries management. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm its clinical safety profile. Full article