Search Results (175)

Green construction in infrastructure projects has emerged as a crucial approach for reducing environmental impacts, yet its implementation is fraught with numerous uncertainties. To assess the capacity to maintain and restore green construction performance in complex environments, this study proposes the concept of Green Construction Performance Resilience (GCPR) for infrastructure projects and develops methodologies for its management and optimization. This study constructs a project network based on the labeled property graph (LPG) technique and demonstrates its dynamic evolution throughout the entire project lifecycle. A series of indicators for quantifying GCPR are constructed and applied, enabling the quantification of green construction performance resilience in infrastructure projects. An optimization method for GCPR based on genetic algorithms is proposed. Finally, the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed methodologies are validated through the analysis of real-world infrastructure project cases. The results demonstrate that the project network model can comprehensively capture the complexity of large-scale infrastructure projects, and that the GCPR indicators effectively measure green construction performance resilience, providing valuable decision-making support for project managers. The optimization algorithm has been validated and shown to improve the GCPR level of the project. This study enriches interdisciplinary research on project resilience and project complexity theory and provides project managers with quantitative analysis and visualization tools to facilitate the attainment of green construction performance objectives in infrastructure projects and accelerate the transition towards low-carbon practices. Full article

Alkaline earth elements have emerged as crucial electronic modifiers for regulating active sites in catalytic systems, yet the influence of metal–support interactions (MSIs) between alkaline earth compounds and active metals remains insufficiently understood. This study systematically investigated Pt nanoparticles supported on alkaline earth carbonates (Pt/MCO₃, M = Mg, Ca, Ba) for low-temperature propylene combustion. The Pt/BaCO₃ catalyst exhibited outstanding performance, achieving complete propylene conversion at 192 °C, significantly lower than Pt/MgCO₃ (247 °C) and Pt/CaCO₃ (282 °C). The enhanced activity stemmed from distinct MSI effects among the supports, with Pt/BaCO₃ showing the poorest electron enrichment and lowest propylene adsorption energy. Through kinetic analyses, ¹⁸O₂ isotope labeling, and comprehensive characterization, the reaction was confirmed to follow the Mars–van Krevelen (MvK) mechanism. Pt/BaCO₃ achieves an optimal balance between propylene and oxygen adsorption, a critical factor underlying its superior activity. Full article

Lignin, the most abundant renewable aromatic biopolymer on Earth, is rapidly emerging as a powerful enabler of next-generation sustainable technologies. This review shifts the focus to the latest industrial breakthroughs that exploit lignin’s multifunctional properties across energy, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sectors. Lignin-derived carbon materials are offering scalable, low-cost alternatives to critical raw materials in batteries and supercapacitors. In agriculture, lignin-based biostimulants and controlled-release fertilizers support resilient, low-impact food systems. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries are leveraging lignin’s antioxidant, UV-protective, and antimicrobial properties to create bio-based, clean-label products. In water purification, lignin-based adsorbents are enabling efficient and biodegradable solutions for persistent pollutants. These technological leaps are not merely incremental, they represent a paradigm shift toward a materials economy powered by renewable carbon. Backed by global sustainability roadmaps like the European Green Deal and China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, lignin is moving from industrial residue to strategic asset, driven by unprecedented investment and cross-sector collaboration. Breakthroughs in lignin upgrading, smart formulation, and application-driven design are dismantling long-standing barriers to scale, performance, and standardization. As showcased in this review, lignin is no longer just a promising biopolymer, it is a catalytic force accelerating the global transition toward circularity, climate resilience, and green industrial transformation. The future of sustainable innovation is lignin-enabled. Full article

This research aims to calculate the Carbon Footprint for Organization of a plant manufacturing frozen processed seafood and propose strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions following the Net-Zero Pathway, using 2024 as the baseline year. The findings indicate that Scope 1 emissions amounted to 12,685 tons of CO₂ eq, Scope 2 emissions totaled 15,403 tons of CO₂eq, and Scope 3 emissions reached 31,564 tons of CO₂eq, leading to a combined total of 59,652 tons of CO₂eq across all scopes, with an additional 34,027 tons of CO₂eq from other GHG sources. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, annual reductions of 3.46% per category are required. The short-term target for 2028f aims to reduce emissions to 10,929 tons of CO₂eq for Scope 1, 13,270 tons of CO₂eq for Scope 2, and 27,194 tons of CO₂eq for Scope 3, resulting in total emissions of 51,392 tons of CO₂eq. The proposed reduction strategies include optimizing Scope 1 emissions by preventing leaks in R507 refrigerant systems, replacing corroded pipelines, installing shut-off valves, and switching to low-GHG refrigerants. For Scope 2, measures focus on reducing electricity consumption through energy conservation initiatives, carrying out regular machinery maintenance, installing Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), upgrading to high-efficiency motors, and integrating renewable energy sources such as solar power. For Scope 3, emissions from raw material procurement can be minimized by sourcing from certified suppliers with established product carbon footprints, prioritizing carbon reduction labeling, and selecting nearby suppliers to reduce transportation-related emissions. These strategies will support the organization in achieving carbon neutrality and progressing toward the net-zero goal. Full article

Nitrogen deposition is a critical driver of plant-soil interactions in forest ecosystems. However, the species-specific coordination of nitrogen uptake and carbon assimilation—traced using ¹⁵N- and ¹³C-labeled compounds—under varying nitrogen forms, depths, and time points remains poorly understood. We conducted a dual-isotope (¹⁵NH₄Cl, K¹⁵NO₃, and Na₂¹³CO₃) labeling experiment in a temperate secondary forest to investigate nutrient uptake and carbon assimilation in three understory species—Carex siderosticta, Maianthemum bifolium, and Oxalis acetosella—across three nitrogen treatments (control, low N, and high N), two soil depths (0–5 cm and 5–15 cm), and two post-labeling time points (24 h and 72 h). We quantified ¹⁵N uptake and ¹³C assimilation in above- and belowground plant tissues, as well as ¹⁵N and ¹³C retention in soils. C. siderosticta exhibited the highest total ¹⁵N uptake (2.2–6.9 μg N m⁻² aboveground; 1.4–4.1 μg N m⁻² belowground) and ¹³C assimilation (58.4–111.2 mg C m⁻² aboveground; 17.6–39.2 mg C m⁻² belowground) under high ammonium at 72 h. High nitrogen input significantly enhanced the coupling between plant biomass and nutrient assimilation (R² > 0.9), and increased ¹⁵N-TN and ¹³C-SOC retention in the surface soil layer (13,200–17,400 μg N kg⁻¹; 30,000–44,000 μg C kg⁻¹). Multifactorial analysis revealed significant interactions among nitrogen treatment, form, depth, and time. These findings demonstrate that ammonium-based enrichment promotes nutrient acquisition and carbon assimilation in responsive species and enhances surface soil C—N retention, highlighting the integrative effects of nitrogen form, species traits, and spatial–temporal dynamics on forest biogeochemistry. Full article

The use of certification systems in agriculture mitigates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promotes sustainable low-carbon practices. Their implementation contributes to the rational use of resources and results in the development of a human-centric economy that prioritizes people’s actual needs towards sustainable economic growth. Some low-carbon certification systems for agricultural products have been developed in European Union (EU) countries and elsewhere; however, their reliability in assessing agricultural emissions at the farm level and the anticipated benefits are not yet adequately justified. This review paper presents and discusses the most important existing certification systems, namely, Solagro, Label bas Carbone/LCL, LEAF Marque Standard, and Wineries for Climate Protection, the one being developed in the frame of the ClimaMED LIFE project, and the one developed almost 10 years ago in the Republic of Korea. The structure of these systems and their benefits and challenges are discussed. More emphasis is given to the EU certification schemes and the impact they may have towards meeting the targets of the Green Deal, which aims to reduce GHG emissions at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and make Europe climate neutral by 2050. Full article

Designing a highly sensitive and efficient functionalized electrode for precise drug analysis remains a significant challenge. In this work, an electrochemical sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with phenyl diazonium salts (ph) and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO), labeled GCE/ph/ERGO, was developed for the detection of paracetamol (PAR) in pharmaceutical matrices using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The modified electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Compared to the bare GCE, the GCE/ph/ERGO sensor demonstrated significantly improved conductivity and anodic current peak for PAR over two orders of magnitude higher, indicating a substantial enhancement in electrochemical performance. Under optimized conditions, the developed sensor exhibited a low detection limit of 18.2 nM and a quantification limit of 60.6 nM. Precision studies yielded relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 8%. The sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity in the presence of common pharmaceutical excipients and high accuracy in the analysis of generic pharmaceutical formulations, with results comparable to those obtained by the HPLC technique. These findings confirm the sensor’s reliability, stability, robustness, and suitability for routine analysis of PAR in pharmaceutical samples. Full article

Background/Objectives: The effectiveness of eco-labels in encouraging more sustainable food choices varies across studies. We investigate whether consumers’ characteristics may explain this heterogeneity in the context of carbon footprint labeling by studying the moderating role of sociodemographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity, occupation), socioeconomic status (education and subjective socioeconomic position), place of residence (rural to urban), and political ideology. Methods: We manipulated the proportion of carbon-labeled products in two incentive-compatible and pre-registered choice experiments. The first (n = 715) asked consumers to shop for instant meal products in an online grocery store containing a food category’s complete product assortment. The second (n = 1233) forced consumers to make tradeoffs between product preferences and carbon emissions in two consecutive food choices for cut fruit products, one without and another with carbon labels. To capture potential lasting effects, we collected purchase intention data from the same respondents several months after the labeling exposure in both studies. Results: Across both studies, increasing the proportion of products with a carbon label led liberals and centrists to choose lower-emission foods but had minimal or no impact on conservatives (although it never backfired). None of the other individual characteristics moderated the effects of labeling after controlling for political ideology. However, a young age, a low subjective socioeconomic position, and an urban residence indirectly improved responsiveness to labeling by predicting a more liberal political ideology. The labeling effects observed for liberals persisted for four months but not longer. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the critical moderating role of political ideology and provide actionable insights to improve the targeting and design of sustainability interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The development of effective therapies for brain disorders is highly correlated with the ability of drugs or nanosystems to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which has been limited. Recently, carbon dots (CDs) have been receiving attention to be used as BBB-crossing theranostic agents due to their inherent advantages, such as low size, excellent biocompatibility, high quantum yield (QY), tunable fluorescence, high drug loading, and relatively easy synthesis at low cost. The aim of this study was to design CDs with precisely controlled fluorescence properties for advanced bioimaging and an in-depth assessment of BBB permeability. Methods: CDs were synthesized using a microwave-assisted approach, optimized through microwaves’ irradiation time, and employing citric acid, urea, and sodium fluoride as precursors. The optimized sample was labeled as NF-CD. Results: A comprehensive physicochemical, photoluminescence, and biological characterization revealed the ability of NF-CD to diffuse across a neuromimetic-BBB model, mainly due to their small size (average diameter of 4.0 ± 1.1 nm), exhibiting excitation-dependent fluorescence in the blue and green wavelengths, high biocompatibility and QY, and exceptional photostability. Conclusions: Owing to the exceptional fluorescence characteristics and biological compatibility, NF-CD presents promising opportunities in theranostic applications, particularly in brain-targeted bioimaging, nanocarrier-based drug and immunotherapy delivery, early-stage diagnostics, and personalized medicine. NF-CD’s ability to cross the BBB further underscores the relevance of pioneering nanomaterial-based strategies for neurological disorder diagnostics and precision-targeted therapeutic interventions. Overall, this research contributes to the broader field of nanotechnology-driven biomedical advancements, fostering innovations in neurological diagnostics and therapeutic delivery systems. Full article

Introduction: Recently, alpha-emitting radionuclides like astatine-211 have offered promising results in clinical development. Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) presents a need for novel therapies. One promising approach is radioimmunotherapy targeting Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CA-IX), which is supported by preclinical and clinical evidence. The aim of our preclinical and clinical studies was to evaluate the [²¹¹At]At-anti-CA-IX antibody (ATO-101™) for future use in NMIBC patient care. Methods: The anti-CA-IX antibody, girentuximab (TLX250), was labeled with lutetium-177 and astatine-211 for in vitro studies. Affinity constant measurements of [²¹¹At]At-girentuximab in RT-112 cells were taken, and toxicity evaluations were conducted in vitro and in healthy mice. Additionally, a clinical proof-of-concept study, PERTINENCE, that used [⁸⁹Zr]Zr-girentuximab for PET/CT imaging in bladder cancer patients was conducted. Results: The measurement of the affinity constant of [²¹¹At]At-girentuximab in RT112 cells revealed high binding affinity and significant cytotoxicity compared to [177Lu]Lu-girentuximab. Biodistribution studies in healthy mice indicated low systemic radioactivity uptake, and a bladder post-instillation examination showed no abnormalities in bladder mucosa, suggesting safety. In the PERTINENCE study, which involved patients with NMIBC tumors expressing CA-IX, [⁸⁹Zr]Zr-girentuximab PET/CT showed no extravesical leakage. Wall bladder uptake spots correlated with recurrence or inflammatory reaction. A dosimetric study suggested the potential efficacy and favorable safety profile of intravesical alpha therapy with the [²¹¹At]At-anti-CA-IX antibody (ATO-101™) in NMIBC treatment. Conclusions: Preclinical and clinical data demonstrate the promising therapeutic role of ²¹¹At-targeted alpha agents in NMIBC, and the [²¹¹At]At-anti-CA-IX antibody (ATO-101™) could fulfill this role. A phase I FIH clinical trial is in preparation, and results are expected within the next years. Full article

Understanding the mechanisms of converting plant residue carbon (C) into soil C is important for managing the soil C pool and improving soil fertility. However, little is known yet about how the heterogeneous C from the plant residues, e.g., from the various plant parts, is bound in the aggregates of soil with different initial fertility. To address this, an incubating experiment was carried out through the addition of the ¹³C-labelled aboveground (stems and leaves) and belowground (roots) residue of maize into Mollisols with high and low fertility. Soil aggregates (> 250 μm and < 250 μm) were sieved, and their δ¹³C of soil organic carbon (SOC) was quantified. The amino sugar content (calculating for microbial residue C, MRC) and the contribution of MRC to the SOC pool (MRC/SOC) were calculated. The results showed that the SOC and maize residue-derived carbon (MDC) concentrations decreased quickly at the beginning, and then, the decrease slowed down until reaching a relatively constant level, and the two stages corresponded to two main microbial anabolism processes, which were entailing synthesizing living microbial biomass and producing microbial residues, respectively. During the beginning period, limited priming effects were observed, but this priming effect is stronger in the macroaggregates of high-fertility soil. The study further proved the existing conclusion that soil fertility and maize residue quality both influenced the C sequestration in the short term but not in the long term in macroaggregates. In the microaggregates, however, only maize residue quality influenced the C sequestration in the long term. In addition, the microaggregates exhibited higher MDC and SOC concentration, and reached a steady state for the MRC/SOC dynamics later than the macroaggregates. These indicated that the microaggregates had a larger C sequestrating capacity than the macroaggregates. The results suggest that soil aggregates are a major factor influencing exogenous C sequestration, even regulating the effective duration of soil fertility and plant quality. Full article

Intercropping soybean and wheat can enhance soil fertility through increased nitrogen fixation, optimize resource use, and boost overall crop productivity, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Thus, this research examines nitrogen accumulation and carbon allocation in the intercrops of soybean and spring wheat, as well as the nitrogen fixation in soybean using the ¹⁵N isotope dilution method and ¹³C-CO₂ pulse labeling. Soybean and spring wheat were grown as monocultures and mixtures in different densities, containing 4 or 8 plants of wheat, either 1 or 3 soybean plants, or a mixture of both. The intercropping had a significant impact on soybean atmospheric nitrogen fixation. When grown in mixtures with wheat, soybean accumulated more than twice as much atmospheric nitrogen in the roots; however, the effect on total accumulated N per plant was rather negative and plant densities dependent. Growing mixtures at low densities of soybean and high densities of wheat had a better effect on the total nitrogen content of plants. Overall, intercropping caused a significant redistribution of carbon and nitrogen in plants. Carbon allocation was influenced in soybeans but not in wheat grown in monocultures and in mixtures. Intercropping also positively influenced carbon accumulation, with the increase in carbon density being more pronounced in the roots than in the shoots for both species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial sweeteners (ASs) are food additives used to impart sweetness to various food products. Common sweeteners used individually or in combination include acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose, and neotame. While traditionally considered harmless, emerging research suggest potential health implications. This study aims to analyze commonly consumed food products in Croatia for ASs presence, quantify four ASs, and estimate daily intake of ASs. Additionally, product labeling was assessed for compliance with Regulation 1169/2011 on food information to consumers. Methods: This study assessed the presence of acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamate, and saccharin dihydrate in 121 frequently consumed food products from the Croatian market using a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Based on obtained concentrations, data from a parallel consumption study, and existing literature on acceptable daily intake (ADI), we assessed exposure to ASs. Results: ASs were found in a substantial proportion of analyzed products, with multiple sweeteners often present in a single product. Specifically, ASs were detected in 74% of carbonated drinks, 54% of fruit juices, 86% of energy drinks, 70% of high-protein milk products, and 66% of chewing gums. Hypothetical consumption scenarios demonstrated that children, due to their low body mass, are at the highest risk of exceeding ADI values. Conclusions: The widespread presence of ASs in food products raises concerns about excessive intake, particularly among children who frequently consume soft drinks, instant beverages, and protein drinks. These findings highlight the need for further research into cumulative ASs exposure and its potential health effects, as well as the importance of public health strategies to regulate ASs consumption. Full article

Point-of-care (POC) antigen detection plays a crucial role in curbing the spread of viruses. Paper-based fluorescence aptasensors are expected to offer a low-cost tool to meet the needs of decentralized POC diagnosis. Herein, we report on a fluorescent paper-based sensing system for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The sensing system was constructed by loading multi-layer Nb₂C MXene nano-quenchers and carbon-dot-labeled aptamer (G-CDs@Apt) probes onto a mixed cellulose ester (MCE) paper substrate. On the Nb₂C MXene/G-CDs@Apt sensing paper, abundant G-CDs@Apt probes were attached to the multilayer MXene nano-quenchers and kept in a fluorescence-off state, while recognition of the target detached the G-CDs@Apt probes formed the nano--quenchers, resulting in fluorescence recovery of the sensing paper. The developed paper-based sensor performed well in the one-step detection of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein with a detection limit of 0.067 ng/mL (0.335 pg/test). The assay exhibited good selectivity and anti-interference in the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein in artificial saliva. Moreover, the paper-based aptasensor was successfully used to detect the SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein in actual environmental samples with recoveries of 90.87–100.55% and relative standard deviations of 1.52–3.41%. The proposed technology provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional antibody test strips for a wide range of POC diagnostic applications. Full article

The residues of the herbicides aminopyralid and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium are phytotoxic to rotational crops. Their behaviour therefore needs to be studied under different agronomic practises and climatic conditions. The objective of this work was to use controlled laboratory conditions to study the effect of the following: (i) the application of green compost (GC) to agricultural soil, (ii) herbicide dose, (iii) soil moisture, and (iv) soil microbial activity on the degradation rate of aminopyralid and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium. Moreover, the formation of two iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium metabolites (metsulfuron-methyl and 2-amino-4-methyl-4-methoxy methyl-triazine) and the dissipation mechanism of labelled ¹⁴C-iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium under the same conditions were also studied. Aminopyralid and iodosulfuron-methyl showed slower degradation and half-life values (DT₅₀) that were up to 4.6 and 1.4 times higher, respectively, in soil amended with GC, as the higher organic carbon (OC) content of this soil increased herbicide adsorption. The DT₅₀ values were up to 2.6 and 1.9 times higher for aminopyralid and iodosulfuron-methyl sodium, respectively, in soils treated with the double herbicide dose compared to soils treated with the agronomic dose. The DT₅₀ values for aminopyralid were up to 2.3 times higher in soils with moisture equal to 25% (H25%) of their water-holding capacity (WHC) than in soils with H50%. However, the DT₅₀ values for iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium were slightly lower in soils with H25% than in soils with H50%, due to the formation of bound residues. A biodegradation process significantly contributes to the dissipation of both herbicides. Higher amounts of metabolite metsulfuron-methyl were formed in the GC-amended soil in all cases. The percentages of ¹⁴C extractable in soils treated with both doses of herbicide under H25% were slightly higher than in soils under higher soil moisture (H50%) over time, due to the slower degradation of ¹⁴C-(iodosulfuron-methyl+metabolites). The higher persistence of the herbicides and their metabolites when the doses were applied at a high rate in soil amended with GC and under low moisture content may have negative consequences for the rotational crop. In the case of adverse conditions leading to the persistence of herbicides in the soil during the primary crop, the intervals for crop rotation should be increased. Full article