Search Results (795)

Oil-dependent urban regions face persistent ecological and societal issues following extraction, including land degradation and infrastructural neglect. Despite the discourse on environmental justice and extractivism, a research gap exists regarding the transition of post-extractive cities from recognizing environmental harm to implementing territorial rehabilitation strategies. This study examines Poza Rica, Mexico, a critical city in the oil industry, as a case study for restorative justice and urban transition after extraction. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach with planning documents, technical reports, environmental regulations, spatial data, and community input, the research evaluates the territorial impacts of seventy years of oil extraction and explores restoration pathways. The results indicate a landscape characterized by abandoned wells, environmental liabilities, and the integration of former extraction zones into urban areas. In the Tampico–Misantla Basin, 49.5% of wells remain inactive, with only 2.7% meeting contemporary closure standards. In Poza Rica, nearly 98% of urban growth from 1997 to 2016 occurred in regions previously linked to oil extraction. The article posits that restorative justice in post-extractive cities necessitates more than mere financial restitution. It advocates for a territorial restitution framework centred on remediation, economic transformation, and community governance, illustrating how former extraction sites can evolve into assets for urban resilience and sustainable development. Full article

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) is a native Brazilian species predominantly distributed in Cerrado areas and transitional regions with the Caatinga in Northeastern Brazil, whose fruits exhibit significant nutritional, technological, and biofunctional potential. This review systematizes and critically analyzes the available scientific evidence regarding the fixed oil extracted from its fruits, addressing extraction methods, chemical composition, physicochemical parameters, nutritional value, technological applications, and the main bioactivities described in experimental models. Chromatographic and bromatological studies demonstrate that the oil presents a lipid profile characterized by the predominance of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid and palmitic acid, in addition to the presence of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive lipophilic constituents. Available preclinical evidence indicates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, gastroprotective, respiratory, anticonvulsant, and microbial resistance-modulating properties, suggesting potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biotechnological fields. From the perspective of Food Science, the oil demonstrates characteristics compatible with lipid matrices of functional interest, although aspects related to oxidative stability, compositional standardization, sensory acceptability, and industrial scale-up remain insufficiently explored. Additionally, important limitations persist regarding the scarcity of systematic toxicological studies, the absence of clinical trials in humans, and the limited elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the observed bioactivities. Although C. coriaceum presents promising biotechnological potential, its translational application still depends on further multidisciplinary studies integrating chemical standardization, toxicological safety, and technological development. Full article

Soybean is a critical economic, oil and industrial raw material crop, yet its production is often hindered by pathogen infection and pesticide residues. This study explored the synergistic effects of Rhizophagus intraradices and mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB) on AMF colonization, AMF spore density, total number of bacterial colonies, soybean growth, root rot disease index, and carbendazim residues. Hydroponic and pot experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with five biological replicates per treatment; after 30 days of growth, three replicates were randomly selected for all measurements. Results showed that inoculation with microbial agents, particularly co-inoculation, increased soybean biomass, reduced disease index, and decreased carbendazim residues. In the hydroponic experiment, co-inoculation increased plant height, aboveground fresh weight, and underground dry weight by 64.28%, 78.13%, and 109.09%, respectively, and decreased carbendazim residues by 71.84% relative to the carbendazim-alone group. In the pot experiment, co-inoculation reduced carbendazim residues by 81.25% and root rot disease index by 45.56% compared with the carbendazim-alone group. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.001) between carbendazim degradation in hydroponic and pot systems, indicating stable degradation function across environments. Co-inoculation of R. intraradices and MHB synergistically promotes soybean growth, suppresses root rot, and reduces carbendazim residues, providing a theoretical basis for developing functional microbial inoculants for safe and green soybean production. Full article

Upstream oil and gas operations generate large volumes of multivariate data from seismic surveys, well logs, production sensor networks, and reservoir simulation models. Advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other Industry 4.0 technologies are increasingly enabling data-driven applications across exploration, reservoir characterization, drilling optimization, and production forecasting. However, publicly available upstream datasets vary substantially in data modality, labeling strategy, machine learning compatibility, and benchmark maturity. To date, no standardized framework or taxonomy exists to guide dataset selection, benchmark design, or cross-study comparison. This study addresses that gap by proposing a structured, machine learning-centric taxonomy that organizes upstream datasets according to properties that are directly relevant to machine learning requirements. The proposed taxonomy provides a shared reference framework to support consistent dataset description, informed selection, and reproducible benchmarking in upstream machine learning research and applications. Full article

Astrocaryum murumuru Mart., an Amazonian oilseed, generates large amounts of protein-rich residual biomass after oil extraction, representing an untapped biotechnological resource. This study aimed to obtain peptide-rich hydrolysates from this biomass via enzymatic hydrolysis (Alcalase and trypsin) and evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Peptides were successfully generated and characterized by RP-HPLC and MALDI-TOF (m/z ~ 500–5000). Significant functional differentiation between enzymes was observed: Alcalase hydrolysate exhibited the highest DPPH antioxidant capacity (49.82 µmol TE/g), markedly surpassing the trypsin hydrolysate and protein concentrate. Conversely, trypsin hydrolysate displayed potent and selective antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, achieving near-complete growth inhibition (99.85%) at 5 mg/mL, with both hydrolysates showing strong growth inhibition (>92%) at 2.5 mg/mL. This is the first work that reports the use of an A. murumuru biomass to obtain bioactive peptides, and its results demonstrated that this biomass can be better explored and be an option for scientific and technological bioeconomy, generating bioinputs with sustainable applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Full article

Despite the global movement toward sustainable mobility, the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles (EVs/AVs) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is shaped by unique socio-cultural and structural contingencies. This study provides a significant theoretical contribution by exploring market entry strategies through a multidimensional value framework that captures symbolic and contextual dimensions overlooked by traditional models such as TAM and UTAUT. Drawing on in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observations, the research utilizes Kuwait as a case study to delineate the multidimensional construct of perceived value through Osterwalder’s Value Proposition Canvas (VPC). The findings reveal that consumer adoption is influenced not only by utility and efficiency but also by social, emotional, epistemic, conditional, and cost values. Dealers, in turn, demonstrate how these values guide entry strategies for non-conventional vehicles by aligning product offerings with specific “Pain relievers”, “Gain creators”, and “Jobs to be done” (JTBD). The study identifies distinct encroachment pathways: high-end entry for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and low-end entry for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Notably, a dual-encroachment strategy is identified for high-tech Chinese brands, which are aggressively disrupting emerging markets by leveraging manufacturing efficiencies to dominate the mid-market while simultaneously deploying premium models to challenge luxury incumbents. Finally, despite the structural constraints on public AV deployment, the research highlights vital applications for autonomous systems within “industrial sandboxes” such as aviation, seaports, military, and oil sectors. While centered on Kuwait, the findings offer potentially transferable strategic insights for the broader GCC region. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable and affordable surfactants requires the exploration of novel bio-based alternatives. In this context, this work investigates the potential of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a surface-active agent. To this purpose, the performance of commercial dry, commercial fresh, and cultivated yeast was evaluated by characterizing their wetting behavior and formulating emulsions with a fixed oil-to-water ratio. Microscopic and macroscopic stability was monitored over 24 h and quantified via the creaming index (CI). The experimental results demonstrate that both the yeast source and concentration significantly dictate the surface properties and emulsion stability. Notably, commercial dry yeast exhibited the highest degree of hydrophobicity, likely attributed to the presence of sorbitan monostearate (SMS) in the formulation. Consequently, this was the main variant capable of producing stable emulsions, with microscopic evidence suggesting a Pickering-like stabilization mechanism driven by the irreversible adsorption of yeast cells at the oil–water interface. Conversely, commercial fresh and cultivated yeast failed to exert significant stabilizing activity. These results demonstrate that S. cerevisiae biomass can be effectively repurposed as a functional constituent in green emulsion technology, offering a scalable pathway for the development of biocompatible, particle-stabilized industrial formulations. Full article

The energy demand, depletion of fossil fuels, generation of plastic waste, and final disposal of waste cooking oil (WCO) have become major concerns due to industrialization and population growth, creating significant environmental challenges. These challenges have encouraged the development of sustainable alternatives for the valorization of residual feedstocks. On the one hand, global energy consumption continues to increase, promoting the search for alternative fuel sources; on the other hand, the improper disposal of plastic waste has motivated the development of recycling technologies for plastic residues that are difficult to recycle through conventional routes. Moreover, WCO is commonly discharged into drainage systems, contributing to water contamination. Therefore, this study evaluates the alkaline-assisted co-processing of waste cooking oil with crude and distilled expanded polystyrene (EPS) pyrolysis fractions to obtain liquid products with potential application as fuel blendstock components. Specifically, the work explores the co-valorization of WCO with two aromatic hydrocarbon fractions derived from EPS pyrolysis: crude EPS pyrolysis oil and its distillate fraction. These EPS-derived streams are evaluated as residual hydrocarbon co-feeds for the alkaline-assisted processing of WCO into liquid fuel-like products. The influence of the catalyst loading, WCO-to-EPS-derived fraction mass ratio, and EPS-derived fraction type was analyzed based on the liquid product yield. Furthermore, first-generation vegetable oils were tested under selected conditions to compare their behavior with WCO and assess the applicability of the process to different lipid feedstocks. Finally, the fuel-related properties of the obtained liquid products were evaluated through the density, kinematic viscosity, and heating value, and compared with commercial fuel specifications. The results showed liquid product yields up to 92%, kinematic viscosity values within the range of international fuel specifications under selected conditions, and heating values above 40 MJ/kg. However, the density values indicated limitations for direct use as standalone fuels; therefore, the obtained products should be considered as potential fuel blendstock components requiring further blending and chemical characterization studies. Full article

Water scarcity has become a major challenge for agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where irrigation is essential for sustaining crop and forage production. As freshwater supplies face growing pressure from climate change, urban growth, and industrial use, there is increasing interest in exploring alternative water sources to support sustainable agriculture. Produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas extraction, may represent an alternative water source in water-limited regions like the southwestern United States and the Middle East. However, raw produced water often contains high levels of salinity, trace metals, hydrocarbons, and naturally occurring radioactive materials, which cause risks to soils, crops, livestock, and food systems. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed studies up to January 2026 and reports on the agricultural application of treated produced water, focusing on its effects on soil properties, crop growth, yield, and forage nutritive quality. Existing research shows that treated produced water could be used for grain as well as forage crops under controlled conditions, but poorly treated and managed applications can lead to increases in soil salinity, structural degradation, reduced nutrient uptake, and hindered crop performance. In forage systems, irrigation with treated produced water has also been associated with changes in nutritive value, increasing concerns for livestock health. Several knowledge gaps remain, including limited long-term field studies, insufficient information on crop-specific contaminant thresholds, incomplete assessment of treatment and remediation strategies under different environmental conditions, and the absence of a consistent framework for classifying the chemistry of treated produced water for agricultural applications. Addressing these gaps through integrated soil, crop, and water research and the development of clear policies and guidelines is essential for determining whether treated produced water can be safely and sustainably used in agriculture under growing water scarcity. Full article

Research on edible and biodegradable film packaging (EBFP) has increased significantly to explore sustainable alternatives to synthetic packaging and mitigate its environmental impacts. Biomaterials extracted from agricultural food waste (AFW) may be utilized for the fabrication of EBFP as an alternative packaging for meat and meat products. The focal point of this review is to explore the potential AFW biomaterials and bioactive compounds available in industry, and their utilization techniques for fabricating EBFP with ideal mechanical parameters suitable for use as a packaging material. Moreover, research studies have been summarized related to EBFP’s efficacy on meat shelf life, physicochemical, oxidative, and microbial qualities during storage experiments. EBFP fabricated with AFW biomaterials, such as proteins, carbohydrates, essential oils, and bioactive compounds, exhibits favorable film-forming capacity, mechanical properties, barrier properties, biodegradability, and synergy with meat. Latest advances in the application of AFW biomaterials and bioactive compounds based on EBFP for meat packaging are directed toward novel fabrication processes such as electrospinning, solvent casting, and combination of both to produce a hybrid film, which markedly improves the mechanical and barrier properties. Moreover, including bioactive materials from AFW enhances the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of EBFP to combat the oxidative rancidity and bacteria, fungi, and molds in meat to prolong shelf life. Incorporation of AFW biomaterials and bioactive compounds has improved the intelligent properties of EBFP, which has been effectively used in meat packaging to detect freshness and spoilage of meat through color and pH changes. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a multipurpose crop with significant industrial and therapeutic potential. This article reviews the various uses of hemp in production, building, food, cosmetics and medicine, focusing on its economic, environmental and health benefits. Industrially, hemp has been used for making fabrics, paper, bioplastics, construction materials and biofuels, because of its strong fibres, fast growth and low impact on the environment. Hemp seed oil and protein in the food and beauty industries are gaining more recognition for their nutritional and functional characteristics. Medically, compounds extracted from hemp, especially cannabidiol (CBD) and other non-psychoactive phytochemicals, have been shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, neuroprotective, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This article talks about how better cultivation methods, processing technologies, and extraction techniques can help improve product quality, marketability, regulatory frameworks, safety standards and the quality control measures that are in place to monitor hemp production and utilization, as well as the focus on new policies in developing nations. Even though hemp has a wide range of potentials, the industry still faces difficulties in the form of laws, lack of infrastructure, unequal product standardization, and lack of scientific proof in certain areas of application. This article further identifies research gaps and points out potential areas for innovation, policymaking, and market development to be explored in the future. If backed up by proper regulations and research, hemp has great potential to contribute to the development of environmentally friendly industries, the improvement of public health and the socio-economic upliftment of communities. Full article

The growing global demand for edible oils, coupled with environmental concerns associated with conventional oil crops, has accelerated the search for sustainable lipid alternatives. This review explores the valorization of agro-industrial residues, animal by-products, and oleaginous microorganisms within a circular bioeconomy framework. We assess the lipid recovery potential of these diverse feedstocks, ranging from plant wastes such as oilseed cakes and rice bran to microbial oils derived from fungi and yeast, while evaluating green extraction technologies for efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Particular attention is given to the synergy between post-extraction quality enhancement strategies, such as fatty acid modification and membrane-assisted refining, and the application of emerging digital tools, such as artificial intelligence, to optimize these complex processes. Integrating waste valorization with nutritional upgrading offers a pathway toward sustainable, health-promoting edible oils while supporting resource recovery and climate-aligned food system transformation. Full article

Digital transformation represents a strategic factor for enhancing organizational performance in the energy sector; however, its impact on operational productivity in Latin American public enterprises remains understudied. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between Digital Transformation 4.0 and Operational Productivity at the Esmeraldas Refinery of EP PETROECUADOR, Ecuador’s most significant public oil-refining facility. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was employed, with a structured survey administered to 200 employees and analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The results confirmed a positive and statistically significant relationship between Digital Transformation 4.0 and Operational Productivity. Among the dimensions analyzed, Process Digitalization emerged as the strongest predictor of operational performance, followed by Digital Infrastructure, which recorded a favorable assessment among respondents, and overall Digital Transformation, which reflected a moderate level of strategic implementation within the organization. Digital Talent, while positively correlated with productivity, did not yield an independent significant effect within the joint regression model. These findings provide empirical evidence of the value of technological adoption in public industrial contexts and suggest that future research should incorporate mediating variables such as organizational culture, change management, and sustainability-oriented digital strategies to further explore this relationship. Full article

Lubricant additives play a crucial role in improving the tribological performance of lubricating oils to reduce frictional energy losses and improve the durability and reliability of mechanical systems. In this study, soft metallic-based core–shell Ag@Cu microparticles were synthesized via an in-situ galvanic displacement method and incorporated into EHC-50 base oil with various concentrations. The tribological performance evaluations indicated that 0.3 wt% Ag@Cu significantly enhanced friction-reducing and anti-wear properties, achieving a stable friction coefficient of 0.12, a 45% reduction, and a wear volume reduction of 75% compared to the pristine oil. Additionally, the surface characterization techniques (SEM/EDS, XPS, XRD, and TOF-SIMS) were employed to explore the wear patterns and related lubrication mechanisms. The results indicated that the synergistic interaction between the micro-bearing effect, physical mending, and tribochemical reactions facilitated the formation of a robust tribofilm composed of metallic Ag, ternary CuFe₃O₂, and sulfides, which achieved higher lubrication performance. Ultimately, this research provides novel metallic micro-additives, offering a facile approach to formulating wear-resistant lubricants with significant potential for saving energy for mechanical tribosystems in industrial applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lipid oxidation is a major factor limiting the shelf life and nutritional quality of edible vegetable oils. Enhancing the oxidative stability of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) through natural antioxidants is of increasing interest to both industry and consumers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of five plant-derived essential oils (orange, lemon, black pepper, oregano, and rosemary) incorporated at three concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2% w/w) on the oxidative stability, antioxidant capacity, and bioactive compound retention of EVOO. Methods: All fortified EVOO samples were stored at 60 °C for 28 days to simulate accelerated oxidation. A positive control containing 200 ppm of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was included for comparison. Oxidative stability was assessed through peroxide value, TBARS, p-anisidine value, and conjugated dienes/trienes. Tocopherols, carotenoids, and chlorophylls were quantified, while radical scavenging activity was determined using Trolox-equivalent assays. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships between essential oil composition and antioxidant performance. Results: Among the tested essential oils, oregano at 2% demonstrated the strongest protective effect, reducing both primary and secondary oxidation products and yielding a Totox value (34.26) close to that of the BHT-enriched control (29.86) after 28 days. Regarding long-term radical scavenging capacity, rosemary at 1% concentration provided the closest activity to BHT (402.89 vs. 536.64 μM Trolox equivalents). Both oregano and rosemary enhanced the preservation of α-tocopherol, likely due to the activity of key constituents such as carvacrol and 1,8-cineole. Conclusions: The incorporation of selected essential oils, particularly oregano and rosemary, can effectively enhance the oxidative stability and antioxidant capacity of EVOO, supporting their potential use as natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. Full article