Search Results (3,337)

The global landscape of sustainability challenges has become increasingly complex, characterized by varying regulatory frameworks and market maturity across different nations. The financial significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors is influenced by industry and firm-specific attributes. Therefore, this study employs an integrated decision support framework that combines grey relational analysis (GRA) models including Deng’s GRA, absolute GRA, and a second synthetic grey relational analysis (SSGRA) with firm-level panel regressions to compare ESG and financial performance linkages across 11 Middle East and Africa (MEA) countries and industrial sectors. Furthermore, the study utilized a sensitivity analysis to check the robustness of SSGRG. Results indicate considerable variability in the relationships between ESG and financial performance across the region. The economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) showed the most robust positive relationship between ESG factors and financial performance based on SSGRG, with Kuwait (0.82), Qatar (0.81), and Saudi Arabia (0.80) predominantly influenced by the social and governance dimensions. Conversely, a weak correlation was demonstrated in Egypt (0.54), Nigeria (0.53), and Kenya (0.56). Moreover, financials, communication services, and materials sectors exhibit the greatest integration of ESG factors into financial performance, with composite SSGRG values ranging from 0.75 to 0.78. In contrast, the information technology and energy sectors demonstrate weak association, with composite SSGRG values falling below 0.60. Furthermore, a conservative maximin analysis reveals that corporate governance in Kenya and environmental performance in Oman are identified as the weakest relationship at the country level, while governance in the information technology and energy sectors, environmental management in real estate, and social performance in consumer discretionary sectors are highlighted as weak connections. This study addresses a gap in the literature by developing a novel decision-support framework, providing fresh empirical evidence from emerging markets, and offering theoretical insights into the into influence of stakeholder and institutional factors on ESG value creation. This study provides implications for investors, corporate managers, and policymakers on sustainable finance in emerging markets and presents a decision-making framework that emphasizes ESG initiatives to enhance financial performance. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) play an important role in emerging renewable energy technology, the production of advanced materials, energy conservation, and high-end manufacturing industries, making them an irreplaceable strategic resource. The diagnostic spectral absorption features of REEs in the visible and near-infrared spectrum can be effectively used for identifying the occurrences of REEs on the Earth’s surface. This study systematically compared three airborne hyperspectral sensors—HyMap, CASI-1500h, and AisaFENIX 1K—for detecting REEs in the Bayan Obo area of Inner Mongolia, China. The CASI-1500h imagery performed most effectively in identifying the locations of REEs among the three sensors evaluated here. Additionally, this study proposed a hyperspectral workflow for REE identification, which enabled the detection of REE-bearing minerals regardless of the host rock types—including carbonatites and associated dikes, fenite-syenites, and metamorphic feldspar-quartz sandstone. Laboratory-based spectroscopy and mineral chemistry analyses indicated that the absorption features of the REE-bearing mineral monazite within the 400‒1000 nm range can be ascribed to Nd³⁺. This study demonstrates the potential of airborne hyperspectral technology for efficient and large-scale exploration of REE deposits. Full article

This study examines the utilisation of fly ash from the energy sector as a secondary raw material in cement composites, with the aim of improving sustainability while maintaining high mechanical performance. By partially replacing Portland cement with industrial by-products, the proposed approach supports resource efficiency and aligns cement composite production with circular economy principles. Three formulations were tested: a reference mix and mixes with 25% and 50% cement reduction. Compressive strength reached 41 MPa, confirming suitability for construction use. Chemical and textural properties were analysed using XRD, FTIR, TGA, and nitrogen adsorption (BET, BJH). The results showed structural modifications, including new crystalline phases and changes in porosity. XRD confirmed newly formed phases, while FTIR identified Si-O-Si and Al-O-Si bonds, indicating effective activation of fly ash. Reducing cement content increased surface area and mesoporosity, enhancing performance. The findings demonstrate that fly ash can serve as a sustainable substitute for Portland cement within a circular economy framework, supporting CO₂ emission reduction and resource conservation while enabling the production of durable and environmentally responsible cement composites. Full article

Bidentate ligands, derived from the 1,3-dicarbonyl framework, play a central role in coordination chemistry, catalysis, and materials science due to their tuneable donor properties and structural versatility. This review examines and compares three closely related ligand classes, β-diketones (O,O′ donors), imino-β-diketones or enaminones (N,O donors), and di-imino-β-diketones or β-diketiminates (N,N′ donors), to elucidate how systematic substitution of oxygen by nitrogen affects structure and properties. The discussion integrates spectroscopic data (NMR and IR), crystallographic findings, electrochemical measurements, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reported in the literature. Across these systems, tautomerism plays a decisive role, with conjugation-stabilized enol or enamine forms generally preferred in solution and the solid state. Frontier molecular orbital analyses show extensive delocalization over the chelate backbone and, when present, aromatic substituents. Electrochemical studies reveal consistent correlations between experimental reduction potentials and calculated LUMO energies for O,O′-, N,O-, and N,N′-bidentate ligands. Overall, the comparison demonstrates that donor atom substitution within a conserved conjugated scaffold provides a systematic approach to tuning acidity, coordination behaviour, and redox properties, offering a coherent framework for understanding structure–property relationships in 1,3-dicarbonyl-derived chelating ligands. Full article

Background: Severe burn injuries are associated with prolonged consequent wound healing, substantial symptoms burden, and delayed, sometimes incomplete, functional recovery. Photobiomodulation using Multiwave Locked System (MLS) LASER therapy has been proposed as an adjunctive intervention to support tissue repair and thereby improve rehabilitation outcomes, but related clinical evidence in burn populations remains limited. Materials and Methods: This comparative study included 65 patients with severe burn injuries, of whom 35 were prospectively treated with adjunctive MLS LASER therapy, in addition to standard care, and 30 retrospectively identified patients, who received standard care alone, served as controls. The primary outcome was the time until complete epithelialization, while secondary outcomes included: reduction in wound surface, pain intensity, pruritus severity, scar quality, and functional improvements. Assessments were performed at baseline and after a standardized follow-up period of up to 20 days. Results: Patients treated with MLS LASER therapy achieved complete epithelialization significantly earlier than controls (median 40 vs. 73 days, p < 0.001) and demonstrated greater wound area reduction (median 434 vs. 137 cm², p = 0.0012). In multivariable analyses adjusted for burn extent, burn depth, age, and diabetes mellitus, considered as factors worsening evolution, MLS LASER therapy remained independently associated with shorter time to epithelialization and greater reduction in wound dimension. Significant improvements favoring the MLS group were also observed regarding pain, pruritus, scar quality, and functional outcomes, all assessed using specific evaluation tools (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Adjunctive MLS LASER therapy appears to be associated with improved wound healing dynamics and enhanced rehabilitation outcomes in patients with severe burn injuries. These findings should be interpreted with caution given the study limitations, including the non-randomized design and relatively small sample size. MLS LASER therapy may represent a promising adjunctive option in the conservative management of burn injuries; however, further prospective randomized studies are required to confirm these results and to define optimal treatment protocols. Full article

Background and Objectives: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are among the most common upper-extremity injuries in the elderly, with malunion leading to long-term pain and disability. This study aimed to compare the discriminative performance of the Cast Index (CI), Gap Index (GI), and Three-Point Index (TPI) for predicting malunion during follow-up after closed reduction and casting in elderly patients with dorsally displaced DRFs. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 274 patients aged ≥65 years (mean 73.6 ± 6.5 years) with dorsally displaced Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) 2R3A fractures treated conservatively between 2018 and 2023. Standard posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were evaluated immediately post-reduction, at 7–10 days, and at 4 weeks. Cast, Gap, and Three-Point Indices were measured independently by two observers, and the mean values were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate discriminative performance for the detection of malunion. Subgroup analyses were performed based on fracture stability according to La Fontaine criteria. Results: At the final follow-up, 136 fractures (49.6%) maintained acceptable alignment, while 138 fractures (50.4%) experienced malunion. There was no significant difference in radiographic parameters between groups immediately post-reduction or at 7–10 days. The Gap and Three-Point Indices were significantly higher in the malunion group at 7–10 days and at 4 weeks (p < 0.001), but the Cast Index showed no significant between-group difference. At 7–10 days, the Gap Index [Area Under the Curve (AUC) = 0.641; cut-off = 0.33] and the Three-Point Index (AUC = 0.640; cut-off = 1.51) demonstrated modest discriminative ability. In stable fractures, both indices were statistically significantly higher in the malunion group, whereas in unstable fractures, only the Three-Point Index was statistically significantly higher in the malunion group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The Gap and Three-Point Indices showed greater discriminative ability than the Cast Index for malunion after conservative management of DRFs in elderly patients. Thresholds of GI ≥ 0.33 and TPI ≥ 1.51 at 7–10 days may serve as practical quantitative indicators to identify patients who may warrant closer follow-up and possible cast reassessment in conjunction with standard radiographic assessment and clinical judgment. Full article

Egyptian papyri are commonly documented using high-resolution two-dimensional imaging, which enhances legibility but does not adequately capture the micrometric surface morphology required for material and conservation studies. To address this limitation, we developed and validated an integrated, fully non-contact imaging workflow combining Ultra-Close-Range Multiband Photogrammetry with Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and normal map integration. The protocol was tested on six papyrus fragments from the Museo Egizio di Torino (XXI Dynasty–Byzantine period) exhibiting different conservation conditions. Multiband photogrammetry in the visible and visible-induced infrared luminescence bands achieved a Ground Sample Distance of 17 µm/px and a point cloud density of approximately 170 points/mm², enabling detailed analysis of fiber morphology, surface deformation, and the spatial distribution of Egyptian blue. RTI-based normal map integration provided complementary high-frequency surface information with reduced acquisition and processing times. To overcome RTI low-frequency distortions, a revised normal integration strategy was implemented using surface planarization and frequency-domain fusion with photogrammetric data based on Power Spectral Density analysis. The resulting hybrid models combine metric reliability with enhanced surface detail, providing a scalable and non-invasive approach for papyrological documentation and conservation research. Full article

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is the most widely used reconstructive strategy after mastectomy, but postoperative infection remains a major complication because it may require reoperation, implant explantation, and reconstructive failure. This study evaluated the incidence, determinants, and clinical burden of infection in a large single-center cohort. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 1537 reconstructed breasts undergoing post-mastectomy implant-based breast reconstruction. The unit of analysis was the reconstructed breast. Infection was defined clinically by erythema, pain, swelling, or secretion requiring antibiotic treatment, without requiring microbiological confirmation or formal surgical-site-infection criteria; this pragmatic definition reflects the retrospective nature of the study and should be considered when comparing results across studies. Univariate analyses were performed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, or Mann–Whitney U tests, as appropriate. Independent predictors were assessed by multivariate binomial logistic regression. Results: Postoperative infection occurred in 66 of 1525 reconstructed breasts (4.3%). Among infected breasts, 54 cases (81.8%) required surgery, whereas 12 (18.2%) were managed conservatively. Implant explantation was performed in 82 of 1525 reconstructions (5.4%), and infection accounted for 39 of 74 explantations with available indication data (52.7%). In multivariate analysis, longer operative time remained independently associated with infection (OR 1.005 per minute, 95% CI 1.001–1.010; p = 0.010; corresponding to OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.08–1.77, per 60 min increment). Prepectoral reconstruction was also associated with a higher risk of infection compared with retropectoral reconstruction (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.03–5.16; p = 0.042). Additional analyses showed that prepectoral reconstruction was more frequently associated with bilateral procedures, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and longer operative time. In unilateral reconstructions, the association between prepectoral reconstruction and infection persisted. Conclusions: Infection after implant-based breast reconstruction remains a clinically relevant source of morbidity and frequently requires further surgery. Longer operative time emerged as the most consistent independent factor associated with infection in the overall cohort. Prepectoral reconstruction was also associated with infection, although this finding should be interpreted cautiously in light of reconstructive context and case selection. Full article

The main objective of the present study is to reveal the palette of pigments and the other specific constituent materials as well as the techniques used by the Roman artists to create the mural paintings discovered in the ancient city of Tomis, the modern-day Constanţa, Romania’s largest seaport and a major tourist hub on the Black Sea. This paper is an archeometric study based on the physical, chemical and biological analyses of the archeological Roman mural painting fragments from the ancient city of Tomis dating from the 5th to 6th century A.D. and to our knowledge is among the very few research studies carried out so far on the ancient Roman wall painting discovered in Romania. The methods of scientific investigation employed directly on the archeological fragments, on samples taken from the fragments and on the cross-sections prepared from the samples were: optical microscopy (OM), digital microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Examination and analysis of the archeological mural fragments revealed that the painted fragments consist of ground support and successive layers of color displaying specific characteristics of the artistic technique, such as imitation of marble cladding or meticulous smoothing of the surface to achieve a glossy and compact finish. It was also found that fragments exhibit subtle variations in different colors, identified in general terms, showing seven color tones: cinnabar red, red-violet, red ochre, yellow ochre, white, gray-blue, gray-black and black. The physical–chemical and biological analyses carried out provide the diagnosis and theoretical basis for choosing an appropriate conservation methodology and the correct restoration treatment of the discovered mural painting, with a view to its museum display through exhibition and virtual reconstruction and scientific use by the setting up of a useful database for researchers or specialists in museums on Roman archeology and art. Full article

Composite soil–steel corrugated bridges, which are widely used in road, railway, and civil engineering, are recognized as durable, sustainable, and cost-effective structures. Due to their interactions with the surrounding soil, relatively thin corrugated steel plates are usually used in these bridges. Larger spans are associated with larger cross-sections, and deep corrugations with a 500 mm pitch and a 237 mm depth are already in use worldwide. However, the behavioral benefits of high-strength steel and additional strengthening elements for CSS structures have rarely been investigated with regard to local buckling in the straight regions of the corrugation. This study analyzed the influence of high-strength steel and innovative corrugated cross-sections strengthened with circular steel pipes on the utilization ratio of steel plates in composite soil–steel structures. Two-dimensional numerical models of three bridges with spans of 26 m, 17.5 m, and 12 m and surrounded by soil were developed to identify internal forces from permanent and temporary actions. Plate utilization was designed according to the Swedish, Canadian, and American methods, considering local buckling in the 500 × 237 mm and 381 × 140 mm corrugation profiles. It was found that the use of higher-strength steel material, as well as the introduction of steel pipes, significantly reduced the plate thickness of regular corrugations. The results show that the use of higher-strength steel reduced the cross-section area of regular and innovative corrugations by 30–40%. Moreover, the cross-section area of the innovative profile was 5% to 36% lower than that of the regular corrugation profile. Nevertheless, the results show that the local buckling approach proposed by the Swedish design method could be considered conservative and should be revised. In addition, the method of preventing local buckling by reducing the plastic moment capacity could be neglected when using thicker plates and lower steel grades. Full article

Driven by the goal of carbon neutrality, low-carbon development in township spaces is essential for sustainable urban–rural growth. This paper employs a carbon accounting methodology, taking Fuqiushan Town in the Dongting Lake Ecological Economic Zone as a case study to develop a detailed carbon measurement inventory at the township scale. Using spatial analysis techniques, it synthesizes multi-source data—including land use, agricultural inputs, and population—to estimate emissions from key sources such as crop cultivation, livestock and poultry breeding, industrial production, and residential activities. The study also evaluates the carbon sequestration capacity of sinks such as woodlands and water bodies, enabling the spatial visualization of both carbon emissions and carbon sinks. Key findings include: (1) Fuqiushan Town exhibits a carbon emission profile characterized by “industrial activities as the primary source, supplemented by agriculture, with additional contributions from residential and transportation sectors,” while forested areas and water bodies serve as core carbon sink zones. (2) An innovative multidimensional indicator system for low-carbon development efficiency was established, consisting of the Low-Carbon Development Efficiency Index in Production, the Daily Life Carbon Responsibility Efficiency Index, and the Ecological Carbon Sink Efficiency Index, which together form a Comprehensive Efficiency Index for Low-Carbon Development. (3) Analysis reveals significant spatial coupling relationships and efficiency differentiation patterns among carbon emissions, industrial structure, energy dependence, and ecological background. Based on dominant carbon emission types, low-carbon efficiency thresholds, and spatial factor interactions, the 17 villages and one forest farm in the township are classified into five zones: “Industrial High-Carbon Transition Zone,” “Agricultural Pollution Reduction and Carbon Emission Reduction Synergy Zone,” “Ecological Low-Carbon Conservation Zone,” “Human Settlements Balanced Development Zone,” and “Ecological Core Zone.” Tailored low-carbon spatial planning strategies for material resources are proposed for each zone. These results offer quantitative support and spatially targeted insights for low-carbon spatial planning in ecologically sensitive townships, contributing to the achievement of objectives such as “carbon reduction and sink increase” and “rural revitalization.” Full article

Porous stones are widely used in historical constructions and represent a major component of built cultural heritage. Their conservation commonly depends on multiple single-function products, such as consolidants, hydrophobic agents, biocides, or cleaning agents, which are often toxic and environmentally burdensome. This study performs an environmental assessment of a novel multi-function product designed for the sustainable conservation of porous stones and compares it with other conservation treatment alternatives. This product integrates green chemistry and nanotechnology through a water-based alkoxysilane modified with layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles. Laboratory and field tests on Portuguese monuments demonstrated suitable technical performance, including high substrate compatibility, effective consolidation depth, durable hydrophobicity, biocidal effect, and minimal visual alteration. To evaluate its environmental performance, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out, from cradle-to-grave. The system boundaries encompassed production, application, and transportation stages, with 1 m² of treated sandstone surface as the functional unit. LCA was performed using CML-IA and ReCiPe methodologies in the SimaPro software. The results revealed the extent of environmental impacts of the novel product, addressing the multi-function strategy compared with conventional products and treatment scenarios. They identified critical life cycle stages for improvement to further enhance environmental performance across scenarios, particularly the influence of perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane on the environmental burden of the novel product. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of LCA as a design and decision support tool for developing sustainable, multifunctional materials for cultural heritage conservation. Full article

Background: Indirect pulp treatment (IPT) is a conservative approach aimed at preserving pulp vitality in teeth with deep carious lesions. In adult patients, however, evidence comparing different liner materials remains limited. Objectives: To assess the 12-month clinical and radiographic outcomes of IPT performed with Biodentine and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in mature permanent teeth. Methods: A split-mouth clinical study was conducted in adult patients presenting with deep carious lesions in vital permanent teeth. Following selective caries removal, IPT was completed using Biodentine or RMGIC under a standardized operative protocol. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at baseline and after 12 months. Outcomes included pulp vitality, postoperative pain, and radiographic changes. Results: At 12 months, pulp vitality was preserved in over 90% of treated teeth in both groups, with no statistically significant differences between materials. Teeth treated with Biodentine showed lower postoperative pain scores at 24 h compared with those treated with RMGIC, although this difference resolved within the first postoperative week. Radiographic outcomes were comparable between groups, with a low incidence of periapical changes. Conclusions: Within the limits of this interim analysis, IPT performed with either Biodentine or RMGIC resulted in similar clinical and radiographic outcomes in mature permanent teeth. These findings indicate that pulp vitality preservation can be achieved using different liner materials when minimally invasive principles and effective coronal sealing are applied. Extended follow-up is required to evaluate long-term durability. Full article

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has emerged as a promising low-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), yet wider adoption is limited by the lack of standardised mix-design procedures. Precursor, activator, curing, and aggregates strongly interact to affect properties, but findings are scattered and hard to generalise. This review consolidates and normalises published findings to clarify how key parameters-precursor type, activator dosage and concentration, activator-to-binder ratio, curing temperature, and aggregate gradation-control fresh and hardened performance. Overall trends indicate that calcium-rich systems enhance early strength by 80–100% at typical replacement levels; while optimum activator conditions of 12 M NaOH and sodium silicate/sodium hydroxide ratio = 2.5 commonly improve strength by 40–60% relative to sub-optimal ratios; alkaline activator-to-binder ratios of 0.4–0.7 provide the most practical strength-workability balance. Heat curing at 80–100 °C significantly accelerates early-age property development by 50–200% compared to ambient curing, depending on duration and activator chemistry. A target-strength mix design is demonstrated through a 40 MPa case study. Using a compiled dataset for fly ash (FA)-based GPC, a modulus–strength framework is proposed; common OPC code equations over-predict elastic modulus for 15–50 MPa, and calibration yields a conservative, code-compatible relation: E = $2.75\sqrt{f{c}_{MPa}}$. Key limitations are highlighted, including variability in raw materials and durability uncertainties, and future directions are proposed toward performance-based design and standardisation to support structural use of GPC in sustainable infrastructure. Full article

A simple, fast, and cost-effective organic solvent-based protocol was developed for DNA extraction from deer antlers and prepared trophy skulls, eliminating the need for commercial kits or cryogenic grinding. The method combines bead-based mechanical homogenization with a 4 h enzymatic digestion in EDTA buffer containing N-lauryl sarcosine and Proteinase K, followed by phenol–chloroform–isoamyl alcohol purification and centrifugal filtration. DNA quality and quantity were evaluated using agarose gel electrophoresis, Qubit fluorometry, and Nanodrop spectrophotometry. The protocol was tested on 60 samples, comprising 30 antlers and 30 pedicle parts from prepared trophy skulls of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), and red deer (Cervus elaphus). To assess suitability for downstream applications, species-specific microsatellite markers were amplified using multiplex PCR, successfully generating complete genotypes from all 60 samples. These results, along with a demonstrated case study, confirm that the developed protocol provides high-quality DNA suitable for molecular genetic investigations, enabling reliable genotyping from small amounts of both antler and processed trophy materials in forensic and conservation contexts. Full article