Search Results (779)

The conversion of cellulosic biomass into renewable chemicals can serve as a sustainable resource for levulinic acid (LA) production. LA yield is significantly influenced by reaction temperature, reaction time, substrate concentration, active sites, catalyst amount, catalyst porosity, and durability. Beyond the features of the catalyst, such as acidity, porosity, functional groups, and catalytic efficiency, the contact between the solid acid catalyst and the solid substrate is of vital importance. Solid-based catalysts show remarkable catalytic activity for cellulose-derived LA production, thanks to the incorporation of functional groups. For a solid carbon-based catalyst to be effective, a synergistic interaction between the binding domain (functional groups capable of anchoring cellulose to the catalyst surface, such as chloride groups, COOH, or OH) and the hydrolysis domain (due to their ability to cleave glycosidic bonds, such as in SO₃H) is essential. As a relatively new market niche, carbon-based catalyst supports are projected to reach a market value of nearly USD 125 million by 2030. This review aims to highlight the advantages and limitations of carbon-based materials compared to conventional catalysts (including metal oxides or supported noble metals, among others) in features like catalytic activity, thermal stability, and cost, examine recent advancements in catalyst development, and identify key challenges and future research directions to enable more efficient, sustainable, and scalable processes for LA production. The novelty of this review lies in its focus on carbon-based catalysts for LA production, emphasizing their physical and chemical characteristics. Full article

Palatability is a critical determinant of pet food performance, directly influencing voluntary intake, nutrient utilization, and therapeutic efficacy. In this systematic review, we examine peer-reviewed research publications, patent filings, and commercial product data pertaining to palatant technologies in dry and wet pet food from 2014 to 2024. Major palatant classes—including fats, proteins, yeast extracts, and novel plant-derived or insect-based hydrolysates—are evaluated for their physicochemical properties, flavor-release mechanisms, and stability during processing. We analyze formulation techniques such as microencapsulation, Maillard-reaction enhancement, and multilayer coating systems, focusing on their impact on aromatic compound retention and palatability consistency. Patent landscape assessment identifies over 15 key innovations in delivery systems, life-stage-specific palatant modulation, and dual-phase release architectures. Dual-phase release architectures are defined as systems that deliver active compounds in two sequential phases, such as immediate and sustained release. Sensory evaluation methodologies—ranging from multivariate preference mapping to descriptive analysis—are critically appraised to correlate human-panel metrics with canine and feline feeding behavior. We also discuss strategic integration of palatants at different processing stages (pre-conditioning, extrusion, and post-extrusion) and the challenges of balancing taste masking with nutritional requirements, particularly in formulations containing alternative proteins for sustainability. Despite rapid market growth in functional palatant-infused products, peer-reviewed literature remains relatively limited, suggesting opportunities for further research on species-specific flavor drivers, synbiotic flavor–nutrient interactions, and novel delivery platforms. This comprehensive overview of palatant science, patent innovations, and market evolution provides evidence-based guidance for researchers, formulators, and veterinarians seeking to optimize organoleptic properties and consumer acceptance of next-generation pet foods. Full article

Catalytic combustion gas sensors are critical for safety and environmental monitoring, yet face persistent challenges in sensitivity and detection limits amid expanding market demands. This study innovatively employs attapulgite as a support material functionalized with noble metal catalyst Pd to fabricate a low-cost, high-sensitivity sensor. Characterization (SEM/EDS) confirms a unique Pd/attapulgite core–shell structure with engineered Pd gradient distribution (7.5–75.8 wt% from core to surface). The sensor achieves methane catalytic combustion below 300 °C, delivering 0.7 µV/ppm sensitivity and ~36 ppm detection limit. Reaction kinetics follow the Eley–Rideal mechanism, with voltage difference ($\mathsf{\Delta }\mathrm{U}$) versus methane concentration (C) conforming to the Langmuir equation ($\mathsf{\Delta }\mathrm{U}={\displaystyle \frac{{\mathrm{U}}_{\mathrm{m}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{x}}\cdot \mathrm{K}\cdot \mathrm{C}}{1+\mathrm{K}\cdot \mathrm{C}}}$, R² > 0.99, ${\mathrm{U}}_{\mathrm{m}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{x}}$ = 41.80 mV). Cost-effective fabrication and exceptional performance underscore its potential for practical deployment in industrial, residential, and environmental safety monitoring. Full article

Corn is one of the most produced cereals in the world and exerts a significant economic impact on a billion-dollar market. It is utilized globally as a food source for humans and livestock and as a source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and also for fuel production and industrial products. However, their production is adversely affected by chemical contamination, primarily by mycotoxins, pesticides, and trace elements. Sensors and biosensors have become reliable alternatives to traditional spectroscopic and chromatographic methods for detecting these substances to enhance processes from harvesting to consumption. Here, we thoroughly evaluated studies on sensors and biosensors as alternatives to the growing demand for the determination of these contaminants as point-of-care devices in the past five years. This review reports innovative systems, using cutting-edge technology in expanded interdisciplinary research, supported by computational simulations to elucidate the interaction/reaction prior to experimentation, exploring the latest developments in nanostructures to create devices with excellent analytical performance. Many systems meet the demands of multiple and simultaneous determinations with fast results, in loco analyses with portable devices connected to personal smartphones, and simple operations to assist farmers, producers, and consumers in monitoring product quality throughout each stage of corn production. Full article

Veterinary drug residues in aquatic products are often overlooked, yet they pose significant environmental risks and potential threats to human health. In this study, a rapid and sensitive analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of nine commonly used macrolide antibiotics in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) muscle using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Sample extraction was performed using 80% acetonitrile in water, followed by purification with Cleanert MAS-Q cartridges. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (50 mm × 2.1 mm; 1.7 μm), equipped with a Waters VanGuard^TM BEH C₁₈ guard column (1.7 μm), using a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. Mass spectrometric detection was conducted in positive electrospray ionization mode (ESI⁺) using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The method demonstrated excellent linearity in the concentration range of 0.2–30 ng/mL, with determination coefficients (R²) exceeding 0.9980 for all analytes. Average recoveries ranged from 89.3% to 108.4%, with intraday and interday relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.9–11.6% and 4.1–12.5%, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for largemouth bass muscle were determined to be 0.4 μg/kg and 2.0 μg/kg, respectively. The decision limits (CC_α) and detection capabilities (CC_β) ranged from 2.13 to 215.71 μg/kg and 2.22 to 231.42 μg/kg, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of macrolide residues in 20 largemouth bass samples collected from local markets. Full article

This study examines how the newly established United States pursued economic development through diplomatic and commercial initiatives with the Ottoman Empire, navigating regional powers and the era’s political-economic conditions. It analyzes using American archival sources how America endeavored to establish commercial and diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, which it viewed as critical markets in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, before signing any formal agreement. The research tracks how these early efforts laid foundations for what would become one of the world’s largest economies. The study analyzes America’s diplomatic efforts to secure an agreement with the Ottoman Empire prior to the 7 May 1830 trade agreement—which laid the foundation for bilateral relations—alongside the reactions of regional powers, the prevailing conditions of the period, and the Ottoman administration’s reluctance due to various factors, based on U.S. archival sources that, to the best of our knowledge, have not previously been utilized in existing studies. Full article

Background/objectives: This was a post hoc analysis of safety data across the bivalent respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F (RSVpreF) vaccine clinical trial development program. Methods: Data from eight clinical trials in 46,913 immunocompetent adults who received RSVpreF or placebo were analyzed. Local reactions and systemic events were assessed among non-pregnant ≥18-year-olds (n = 9517); adverse events (AEs) among pregnant and non-pregnant 18–59-year-olds (n = 9238); and vaccine-related AEs among non-pregnant ≥18-year-olds (n = 39,314). Post-marketing data in non-pregnant adults were considered. Results: Local reactions and systemic events were reported more frequently in RSVpreF versus placebo recipients; injection site pain was the most common local reaction (RSVpreF, 18.9%; placebo, 7.4%), and fatigue (23.5%; 18.4%) and headache (19.5%; 15.0%) were the most common systemic events. Percentages of AEs within 1 month after vaccination were similar across groups (RSVpreF, 12.8%; placebo, 13.1%); severe AEs were reported in ≤1.5% of participants. Differences in percentages of individuals reporting vaccine-related AEs between the RSVpreF and placebo groups were <0.2% for all related AEs. Serious AEs throughout the study were reported in ≤14.0% (RSVpreF, 12.6%; placebo, 14.0%). No atrial fibrillation, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or acute polyneuropathy cases were reported. The AE data from post-marketing data sources were consistent with the safety profile from the clinical trial program, with no new safety concerns. Conclusions: Integrated data demonstrated that RSVpreF was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile in non-pregnant and pregnant adults. Ongoing surveillance through real-world use and clinical trial experience continue to support the safety profile of RSVpreF. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03529773/NCT04071158/NCT04785612/NCT05035212/NCT05096208/NCT05842967/NCT04032093/NCT04424316. Full article

Social media platforms like Instagram significantly shape destination images and influence tourist behavior. Understanding how different cities are represented and perceived on these platforms is crucial for effective tourism marketing. This study provides a comparative analysis of Instagram content and engagement patterns in Seoul and Tokyo, two major Asian metropolises, to derive actionable marketing insights. We collected and analyzed 59,944 public Instagram posts geotagged or location-tagged within Seoul (n = 29,985) and Tokyo (n = 29,959). We employed a mixed-methods approach involving content categorization using a fine-tuned convolutional neural network (CNN) model, engagement metric analysis (likes, comments), Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) sentiment analysis and thematic classification of comments, geospatial analysis (Kernel Density Estimation [KDE], Moran’s I), and predictive modeling (Gradient Boosting with SHapley Additive exPlanations [SHAP] value analysis). A validation analysis using balanced samples (n = 2000 each) was conducted to address Tokyo’s lower geotagged data proportion. While both cities showed ‘Person’ as the dominant content category, notable differences emerged. Tokyo exhibited higher like-based engagement across categories, particularly for ‘Animal’ and ‘Food’ content, while Seoul generated slightly more comments, often expressing stronger sentiment. Qualitative comment analysis revealed Seoul comments focused more on emotional reactions, whereas Tokyo comments were often shorter, appreciative remarks. Geospatial analysis identified distinct hotspots. The validation analysis confirmed these spatial patterns despite Tokyo’s data limitations. Predictive modeling highlighted hashtag counts as the key engagement driver in Seoul and the presence of people in Tokyo. Seoul and Tokyo project distinct visual narratives and elicit different engagement patterns on Instagram. These findings offer practical implications for destination marketers, suggesting tailored content strategies and location-based campaigns targeting identified hotspots and specific content themes. This study underscores the value of integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses of social media data for nuanced destination marketing insights. Full article

Poor aqueous solubility still disqualifies many promising drug candidates at late stages of development. Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) technology solves this limitation by trapping the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in a high-energy, non-crystalline form, yet most marketed ASDs rely on synthetic carriers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), which raise concerns about long-term biocompatibility, residual solvent load, and sustainability. This study summarizes the emergence of natural polymer-based ASDs (NP-ASDs), along with the bond mechanism reactions through which these natural polymers enhance drug performance. As a result, NP-ASDs exhibit improved physical stability and significantly enhance the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs. The structural features of natural polymers play a critical role in stabilizing the amorphous state and modulating drug release profiles. These findings support the growing potential of NP-ASDs as sustainable and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic carriers in pharmaceutical development. Full article

A Cournot triopoly is a type of oligopoly market involving three firms that produce and sell homogeneous or similar products without cooperating with one another. In Cournot models, firms’ decisions about production levels play a crucial role in determining overall market output. Compared to duopoly models, oligopolies with more than two firms have received relatively less attention in the literature. Nevertheless, triopoly models are more reflective of real-world market conditions, even though analyzing their dynamics remains a complex challenge. A reaction–diffusion system of PDEs generalizing a nonlinear triopoly model describing a master–slave Cournot game is introduced. The effect of diffusion on the stability of Nash equilibrium is investigated. Self-diffusion alone cannot induce Turing pattern formation. In fact, linear stability analysis shows that cross-diffusion is the key mechanism for the formation of spatial patterns. The conditions for the onset of cross-diffusion-driven instability are obtained via linear stability analysis, and the formation of several Turing patterns is investigated through numerical simulations. Full article

Social media platforms have become essential tools for businesses aiming to engage audiences through innovative communication, particularly in the food and beverage industry. This study explores the impact of three core digital marketing strategies, namely, social media advertisements, electronic word of mouth, and digital influencers, on customer responsiveness in the Lebanese food and beverage sector. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 400 participants, the findings reveal that social media advertisements significantly and positively influence customer responsiveness (β = 0.227, p < 0.001). Likewise, electronic word of mouth strongly predicts customer responsiveness (β = 0.453, p < 0.001), affirming the power of customer-generated content in shaping brand perceptions. Furthermore, the presence of digital influencers emerged as a significant predictor of consumer reaction (β = 0.236, p < 0.001), suggesting that consumers regard influencers as credible sources when making food-related decisions. Among all predictors, electronic word of mouth demonstrated the strongest effect. Control variables such as gender, age, and social media usage intensity showed no significant effect on customer responsiveness. These findings underscore the strategic value of rich media content and peer influence in shaping consumer behavior in the food and beverage industry. The study offers practical insights for marketers seeking to enhance customer engagement and brand responsiveness in digital spaces. Full article

Red goji berries, reputed worldwide as “superfruit”, are commonly marketed after natural drying or hot-air drying. A sensomics approach was applied to the aroma analysis of red goji berries under two drying methods. Fifty-two aroma-active compounds were screened and identified by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) coupled with gas chromatography with olfactometry (GC/O). The contents and the odor activity values (OAVs) of 49 aroma-active compounds were determined. Acetic acid was the predominant aroma compounds in both berries. Meanwhile, the key aroma compounds in both berries were (E)-2-nonenal, (Z)-4-heptenal, 3-methyl-2,4-nonanedione, hexanal, etc., which were lipid derivatives. Natural drying promoted the formation of some aldehydes that exhibited green and fatty notes. Hot-air drying facilitated the production of ketones with hay-like and cooked apple-like odor attributes due to the thermal reaction. The fatty acid patterns between naturally dried and hot-air-dried red goji berries differed not significantly and were dominated by linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, etc. The knowledge of the impacts of different drying processes on the aroma quality in red goji berries is beneficial for the quality control and optimization of dried red goji berries. Full article

With the continuous improvement in technology, the construction industry is constantly advancing. Traditional concrete can no longer meet modern market demands, making research on new types of concrete imperative. This study reviews the application of common nanomaterials in concrete and their impact on concrete performance. It provides a detailed explanation of the characteristics of three common nanomaterials: nano-silica, nano-calcium carbonate, and carbon nanotubes. This study analyzes how these materials improve the microstructure, accelerate hydration reactions, and enhance interfacial transition zones, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties, durability, and workability of concrete. For conventional engineering projects, nano-calcium carbonate is the preferred choice owing to its low cost and its capacity to improve workability and early-age strength. For high-strength and durable structures, nano-silica is selected due to its high specific surface area (ranging from 100 to 800 m²/g) and its superior compactness and impermeability. In the context of intelligent buildings, carbon nanotubes are the most suitable option because of their exceptional thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity (with axial thermal conductivity reaching 2000–6000 W/m*K and electrical conductivity ranging from 10³ to 10⁶ S/cm). However, it should be noted that carbon nanotubes are the most expensive among the three materials. Additionally, this study discusses the issues and challenges currently faced by the application of nanomaterials in concrete and looks ahead to future research directions, aiming to provide a reference for further research and engineering applications of nanomaterials in the field of concrete. Full article

This study examines stock market reactions to female board appointments among 34 publicly listed companies in Saudi Arabia between 2021 and 2024. We employ a multi-method approach covering 36 announcements. Our primary methodology is an event study, which we complement with two distinct robustness checks: the Local Projections (LP) method to capture the evolving nature of market responses and the Quantile-on-Quantile analysis to investigate how market conditions interact with the three phases surrounding the event—the anticipation period before the appointment, the appointment event itself, and the post-appointment adjustment period. This comprehensive methodological framework allows us to capture the immediate market response to appointment announcements and the longer-term implications for firm performance while accounting for various econometric challenges inherent in financial market data. Our findings reveal a negative market reaction that gradually intensifies, becoming marginally significant by the tenth trading day. This pattern suggests that investors in the Saudi market may initially view female board appointments with skepticism, potentially reflecting uncertainty about the impact of gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated business environment. Furthermore, the evolution from 2021 to 2024 suggests a market that is progressively developing more sophisticated frameworks for evaluating female board appointments. Rather than exhibiting a monotonic trend toward either increasingly positive or negative reactions, the market appears to be engaging in a learning process characterized by periodic reassessments. Moreover, our results indicate that while the immediate event and anticipation phases yield mixed impacts across the return distribution, the adjustment period exhibits a robust and significantly negative interaction with market returns. These findings suggest that market overreactions, particularly during bullish periods, contribute to a pronounced correction effect following female board appointments. Full article

Escherichia coli (E. coli) remains a major concern in poultry production due to its ability to incite foodborne illness and public health crisis, zoonotic potential, and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains. The contamination of poultry products with pathogenic E. coli, including avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), presents risks at multiple stages of the poultry production cycle. The stages affected by E. coli range from, but are not limited to, the hatcheries to grow-out operations, slaughterhouses, and retail markets. While traditional detection methods such as culture-based assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are well-established for E. coli detection in the food supply chain, their time, cost, and high infrastructure demands limit their suitability for rapid and field-based surveillance—hindering the ability for effective cessation and handling of outbreaks. Biosensors have emerged as powerful diagnostic tools that offer rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective alternatives for E. coli detection across various stages of poultry development and processing where detection is needed. This review examines current biosensor technologies designed to detect bacterial biomarkers, toxins, antibiotic resistance genes, and host immune response indicators for E. coli. Emphasis is placed on field-deployable and point-of-care (POC) platforms capable of integrating into poultry production environments. In addition to enhancing early pathogen detection, biosensors support antimicrobial resistance monitoring, facilitate integration into Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, and align with the One Health framework by improving both animal and public health outcomes. Their strategic implementation in slaughterhouse quality control and marketplace testing can significantly reduce contamination risk and strengthen traceability in the poultry value chain. As biosensor technology continues to evolve, its application in E. coli surveillance is poised to play a transformative role in sustainable poultry production and global food safety. Full article