Search Results (438)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a predominant cause of global cancer-related mortality, highlighting the pressing demand for innovative therapeutic strategies. Natural polysaccharides have emerged as promising candidates in cancer research due to their multifaceted anticancer mechanisms and tumor-suppressive potential across diverse malignancies. In this study, we enzymatically extracted a polysaccharide, named ERPP, from Ruditapes philippinarum and comprehensively evaluated its anti-colorectal cancer activity. We conducted in vitro assays, including CCK-8 proliferation, clonogenic survival, scratch wound healing, and Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis staining, and the results demonstrated that ERPP significantly inhibited HT-29 cell proliferation, suppressed colony formation, impaired migratory capacity, and induced apoptosis. JC-1 fluorescence assays provided further evidence of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization, as manifested by a substantial reduction in the red/green fluorescence ratio (from 10.87 to 0.35). These antitumor effects were further validated in vivo using a zebrafish HT-29 xenograft model. Furthermore, ERPP treatment significantly attenuated tumor angiogenesis and downregulated the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfaa) gene in the zebrafish xenograft model. Mechanistic investigations revealed that ERPP primarily activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. RT-qPCR analysis showed an upregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax and a downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, leading to cytochrome c (CYCS) release and caspase-3 (CASP-3) activation. Additionally, ERPP exhibited potent antioxidant capacity, achieving an 80.2% hydroxyl radical scavenging rate at 4 mg/mL. ERPP also decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels within the tumor cells, thereby augmenting anticancer efficacy through its antioxidant activity. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insights into the properties of ERPP, underscoring its potential as a functional food component or adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer management. Full article

Al/AgO seawater-activated batteries with high specific energy and high specific power are widely used at present. The AgO electrode determines the performance of the battery, with its active material utilization rate having a significant impact on the specific capacity, energy density and discharge capacity of the battery. Therefore, this study briefly introduces the structure and working principle of Al/AgO seawater-activated batteries. Starting from the AgO material itself, common preparation methods for such positive electrode materials—including sintered silver oxide electrodes, pressed silver oxide electrodes and thin-film silver oxide electrodes—are introduced, and the factors influencing their electrochemical performance are analyzed in depth. We elaborate on the relevant research progress regarding AgO electrodes in terms of improving battery performance, detailing the effects of the silver powder’s morphology, porosity, purity, ordered structure, surface treatment and doping modification methods on silver oxide electrodes. Finally, various methods for improving the electrochemical performance of silver oxide electrodes are detailed. Current challenges and possible future research directions are analyzed, and prospects for the future development of high-specific-energy batteries based on AgO electrode materials are discussed. Overall, this review highlights the characteristics of Al/AgO batteries, providing a theoretical basis for the development of high-performance Al/AgO batteries. Full article

Workforce transformation is one of the most pressing challenges in the AI-driven construction industry, as traditional skilled labour roles are rapidly evolving into more interdisciplinary, digitally enabled positions. This study aims to investigate how AI is fundamentally reshaping skill requirements within the construction sector, to analyse stakeholder perceptions and adaptive responses to workforce transformation, and to explore strategies for optimizing construction workforce development to facilitate the critical transition from traditional “skilled workers” to contemporary “smart talent.” It employs phenomenological qualitative research methodology to conduct in-depth interviews with 20 stakeholders in Chongqing, and uses NVivo 14 to conduct thematic analysis of the data. The findings indicate that AI has penetrated all areas of the construction process and is transforming jobs to more likely be digitalized, collaborative, and multi-faceted. However, significant cognitive disparities and varying adaptive capacities among different stakeholder groups have created structural imbalances within the workforce development ecosystem. Based on these key findings, a four-pillar talent development strategy is proposed, encompassing institutional support, educational reform, enterprise engagement, and group development, while stressing the necessity for systemic-orchestrated coordination to reimagine a smart talent ecosystem. This study advances theoretical understanding of digital transformation within construction labour markets, while offering real pathways and institutional contexts for developing regions that desire to pursue workforce transformation and sustainable industrial development in the AI era. Full article

This work investigates the effect of nanoclay addition—specifically natural montmorillonite (MMT) and organo-modified montmorillonite (O-MMT)—on the elastocaloric performance of natural rubber (NR), a promising material for solid-state cooling due to its non-toxicity, low cost, and ability to exhibit large adiabatic temperature changes under moderate stress (~a few MPa). Despite these advantages, the cooling efficiency of NR remains lower than that of conventional vapor-compression systems. Therefore, improving the cooling capacity of NR is essential for the development of solid-state cooling technologies competitive with existing ones. To address this, two series of NR-based nanocomposites, containing 1, 3, and 5 phr nanofiller, were prepared by melt compounding and hot pressing and characterized in terms of morphology, thermal, mechanical, and elastocaloric properties. The results highlighted that the better dispersion of the organoclays within the rubber matrix promoted not only a better mechanical behavior (in terms of stiffness and strength), but also a significantly enhanced cooling performance compared to MMT nanofilled systems. Moreover, NR/O-MMT samples demonstrated up to a ~45% increase in heat extracted per refrigeration cycle compared to the unfilled NR, with a coefficient of performance (COP) up to 3, approaching the COP of conventional vapor-compression systems, typically ranging between 3 and 6. The heat extracted per refrigeration cycle of NR/O-MMT systems resulted in approx. 16 J/cm³, higher with respect to the values reported in the literature for NR-based systems (ranging between 5 and 12 J/cm³). These findings emphasize the potential of organoclays in enhancing the refrigeration potential of NR for novel state cooling applications. Full article

The increasing incidence of oil contamination in many aquatic ecosystems, particularly in oil-rich regions such as Qatar, poses significant threats to marine life and human activities. Our study addresses the critical need for effective and eco-friendly oil-water separation techniques, focusing on developing graphene and chitosan-based three-dimensional (3D) polymeric sponges. These materials have demonstrated potential due to their high porosity and surface area, which can be enhanced through surface treatment to improve hydrophobicity and oleophilicity. This study introduces a new technique dependent on the optimization of the graphene oxide (GO) concentration within the composite sponge to achieve a superior oil uptake capacity (51.4 g oil/g sponge at 3% GO), and the detailed characterization of the material’s performance in separating heavy oil-water emulsions. Our study seeks to answer key questions regarding the performance of these modified sponges and their scalability for industrial applications. This research directly aligns with Qatar’s environmental goals and develops sustainable oil-water separation technologies. It addresses the pressing challenges of oil spills, ultimately contributing to improved marine ecosystem protection and efficient resource recovery. Full article

This study conducts a comparative evaluation of Turkiye’s carbon emission profile from both sectoral and global perspectives. Utilizing 2022 data from 76 countries, it applies two widely recognized multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods: MEREC, for determining objective weights of criteria, and PROMETHEE II, for ranking countries based on these criteria. All data used in the analysis were obtained from the World Bank, a globally recognized and credible statistical source. The study evaluates seven criteria, including carbon emissions from the energy, transport, industry, and residential sectors, along with GDP-related indicators. The results indicate that Turkiye’s carbon emissions, particularly from industry, transport, and energy, are substantially higher than the global average. Moreover, countries with higher levels of industrialization generally rank lower in environmental performance, highlighting a direct relationship between industrial activity and increased carbon emissions. According to PROMETHEE II rankings, Turkiye falls into the lower-middle tier among the assessed countries. In light of these findings, the study suggests that Turkiye should implement targeted, sector-specific policy measures to reduce emissions. The research aims to provide policymakers with a structured, data-driven framework that aligns with the country’s broader sustainable development goals. MEREC was selected for its ability to produce unbiased criterion weights, while PROMETHEE II was chosen for its capacity to deliver clear and meaningful comparative rankings, making both methods highly suitable for evaluating environmental performance. This study also offers a broader analysis of how selected countries compare in terms of their carbon emissions. As carbon emissions remain one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the context of global warming and climate change, ranking countries based on emission levels serves both to support scientific inquiry and to increase international awareness. By relying on recent 2022 data, the study offers a timely snapshot of the global carbon emission landscape. Alongside its contribution to public awareness, the findings are expected to support policymakers in developing effective environmental strategies. Ultimately, this research contributes to the academic literature and lays a foundation for more sustainable environmental policy development. Full article

In the current context of environmental concerns and the search for sustainable food solutions, this study investigated the valorization of Luffa cylindrica seed press cake, a waste byproduct from oil extraction, as a functional ingredient for meat substitute formulations. The research systematically characterized the functional and bioactive properties of L. cylindrica seed press cake powder (LP) and its blends with tapioca flour (TF) at ratios of 30–70%. Techno-functional analyses included: hydration properties (water holding capacity, water absorption capacity, water absorption index, water solubility index, swelling power, oil absorption capacity); rheological characteristics; bioactive profiling through antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP); and reducing sugar content determination. Meat substitute formulations were developed using an LP30/TF70 blend combined with coral lentils, red beet powder, and water, followed by a sensory evaluation and storage stability assessment. Pure L. cylindrica powder exhibited the highest water holding capacity (3.62 g H₂O/g) and reducing sugar content (8.05 mg GE/g), while tapioca flour showed superior swelling properties. The blends demonstrated complementary functional characteristics, with the LP30/TF70 formulation selected for meat substitute development based on optimal textural properties. The sensory evaluation revealed significant gender differences in acceptance, with women rating the product substantially higher than men across all attributes. The study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of transforming agricultural waste into a valuable functional ingredient, contributing to sustainable food production and representing the first comprehensive evaluation of L. cylindrica seed press cake for food applications. However, the study revealed limitations, including significant antioxidant loss during thermal processing (80–85% reduction); a preliminary sensory evaluation with limited participants showing gender-dependent acceptance; and a reliance on locally available tapioca flour, which may limit global applicability. Future research should focus on processing optimization to preserve bioactive compounds, comprehensive sensory studies with diverse populations, and an investigation of alternative starch sources to enhance the worldwide implementation of this valorization approach. Full article

The lyophilised sumac (Rhus coriaria L) extract (LSE), in amounts of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5 g/100 ml of juice, was incorporated into carrot juice, and its properties were assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h. A product without the lyophilised sumac extract served as the control. The highest supplementation level enhanced the physicochemical characteristics of carrot juice, increasing carotenoid and polyphenolic contents by 22% and 70% on the first day. The LSE significantly boosted antioxidant activity, yielding over a tenfold increase, while reducing capacity was elevated more than sevenfold. LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, such as chalcones, flavonols, flavones, and phenolic acids, further validating the extract’s functional potential. Acidity and redness exhibited a proportional increase with the rising concentrations of the additive used. Additionally, microbial growth, including aerobic mesophiles, yeasts, and moulds, was markedly suppressed. After 72 h, the total count of aerobic microorganisms and yeasts/mould was reduced by 5.64 log and 4.94 log, respectively, compared to the control. The lyophilised sumac extract, rich in valuable bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, effectively preserved freshly pressed carrot juice, mitigating spoilage and extending its shelf life. This form of sumac serves as a sustainable beverage additive, minimises food waste, and aligns with clean-label trends. Full article

Nitrogen is a vital nutrient and plays a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem equilibrium. Owing to human activities, particularly industrial production, vehicle emissions, fossil fuel combustion, and the improper use of chemical fertilizers, nitrogen pollution has emerged as a pressing global environmental issue. It exacerbates air pollution, water eutrophication, and soil acidification, all of which pose profound risks to both ecosystems and human health. This review conducts a holistic analysis of nitrogen sources and the current status of nitrogen pollution, with a particular focus on the treatment of nitrogen-laden wastewater. It assesses various nitrogen pollution remediation technologies, including biological and physicochemical methods. In recent years, the application of novel metal–phenolic networks (MPNs) has garnered considerable scholarly attention. As innovative materials, it has been demonstrated that MPNs have great potential in nitrogen removal. For example, studies have demonstrated that iron–tanninate has the capacity to remove over 95% of ammonium nitrogen. Despite the progress made with current remediation methods, each approach has inherent limitations, such as long treatment durations, high energy demands, and poor selectivity for diverse nitrogen pollutants. Therefore, sustained research endeavors and technological innovation are indispensable for advancing nitrogen pollution control technologies. It is against this backdrop that we conducted this review. This study summarizes and analyzes the current status of nitrogen pollution and nitrogen removal technologies, and provides an overview of novel nitrogen removal MPNs. MPNs are promising and innovative materials with great potential, although current research is still at the laboratory stage and is ongoing. Full article

The production of solid biofuels from torrefied biomass holds significant potential for renewable energy applications. Durable pellet formation from severely torrefied biomass is hindered by the loss of natural binding properties, yet studies on mild torrefaction that preserves sufficient binding capacity for pellet production without external binders or changes to die conditions remain scarce. This paper investigated the production of fuel pellets from torrefied biomass without using external binders or adjusting pelletization parameters. Experiments were conducted using a mild torrefaction temperature (230 °C and 250 °C) and shorter residence time (10, 15, and 30 min). The torrefied materials were then subjected to pelletization using a single-pellet press; and the influence of torrefaction on the mechanical durability, hydrophobicity, and fuel characteristics of the pellets was examined. Results indicated that the mass loss ranging from 10 to 20% among the mild torrefaction treatments was less than the typical extent of mass loss due to severe torrefaction. Pellets made from torrefied biomass (torrefied pellets) had improvement in the hydrophobicity (moisture resistance) when compared to pellets made from untreated biomass (untreated pellets). Improved hydrophobicity is important for storage and transportation of pellets that are exposed to humid environmental conditions, as it reduces the risk of pellet degradation and spoilage. Thermogravimetric analysis of the pyrolysis and combustion behaviour of torrefied pellets indicated the improvement of fuel characteristics in terms of a much higher comprehensive pyrolysis index and greater thermal stability compared to untreated pellets, as evidenced by the prolonged burnout time and reduced combustion characteristics index. Residence time had a more significant impact on pellet durability than temperature, but the durability of the torrefied pellets was lower than that of the untreated pellets. Further research is required to explore the feasibility of producing binder-free durable pellets under mild torrefaction conditions. Overall, the study demonstrated that mild torrefaction could enhance the fuel quality and moisture resistance of biomass pellets, offering promising advantages for energy applications, despite some trade-offs in mechanical durability. Full article

Bioactive compounds have shown significant potential in the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study investigates the effects of antioxidant lipids (ALω-3), synthetized through enzymatic acidolysis using non-specific lipase B from Candida antarctica under supercritical CO₂ conditions. These lipids were derived from a concentrate of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) belly oil, rich in long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (LCPUFAn-3), and cold-pressed maqui seed oil (MO, Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz). Their effects were then evaluated in a murine high-fat diet (HFD) model. The fatty acid profile, tocopherol and tocotrienol content, and thin-layer chromatography of ALω-3 were analyzed. After 8 weeks on an HFD, male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups and switched to a control diet (CD) with the following supplements for 3 weeks: Glycerol (G), commercial marine Omega-3 (CMω-3), a mixture of LCPUFAn-3 concentrate + MO (Mω-3), or ALω-3. The total body and organ weights, serum markers, and liver and visceral fat pro-inflammatory marker expression levels were assessed. ALω-3 contained 13.4% oleic, 33.9% linoleic, 6.3% α-linolenic, 10.7% eicosapentaenoic, and 16.2% docosahexaenoic fatty acids. The β, γ, δ-tocopherol, and β, γ-tocotrienol values were 22.9 ± 1.4, 24.9 ± 0.2, 6.8 ± 0.7, 22.9 ± 1.7, and 22.4 ± 4.7 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively, with α-tocopherol detected in traces. ALω-3 supplementation increased serum Trolox equivalent capacity, significantly reduced serum GPT levels (p < 0.01), and enhanced postprandial glucose tolerance (p < 0.001), although it did not alter insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). These findings indicate ALω-3′s potential for mitigating the glucose intolerance, liver damage, and oxidative stress associated with obesity and MetS, highlighting the need for additional research to explore its potential health benefits. Full article

The transformative trajectory of urban development in the contemporary era has engendered a substantial escalation in construction waste generation, particularly in China, where it constitutes approximately 40% of the total solid waste stream. Traditional landfill disposal methodologies pose formidable ecological challenges, encompassing soil contamination, groundwater pollution, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the unsustainable exploitation of natural sandstone resources undermines energy security and disrupts ecological balance. In response to these pressing issues, an array of scholars and researchers have embarked on an exploratory endeavor to devise innovative strategies for the valorization of construction waste. Among these strategies, the conversion of waste into recycled aggregates has emerged as a particularly promising pathway. However, the practical deployment of recycled aggregates within the construction industry is impeded by their inherent physico-mechanical properties, such as heightened water absorption capacity and diminished compressive strength. To surmount these obstacles, a multitude of enhancement techniques, spanning physical, chemical, and thermal treatments, have been devised and refined. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the historical evolution, recycling methodologies, and enhancement strategies pertinent to recycled aggregates. It critically evaluates the efficacy, cost–benefit analyses, and environmental ramifications of these techniques, while elucidating the microstructural and physicochemical disparities between recycled and natural aggregates. Furthermore, it identifies pivotal research gaps and prospective avenues for future inquiry, underscoring the imperative for collaborative endeavors aimed at developing cost-effective and environmentally benign enhancement techniques that adhere to the stringent standards of contemporary construction practices, thereby addressing the intertwined challenges of waste management and resource scarcity. Full article

The global construction industry faces pressing challenges in enhancing building energy efficiency standards. To address this critical issue, facilitate worldwide green and low-carbon transformation in construction practices and improve the thermal performance of building wall panels to achieve optimal levels, a novel polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete wall panel has been developed and investigated. A three-dimensional steady-state heat transfer finite element model of the wall panel was established to simulate its thermal performance. Key parameters, including the thickness of the inner and outer concrete layers, insulation layer thickness, connector spacing, and connector arrangement patterns, were analyzed to evaluate the thermal performance of the fiber-reinforced concrete composite sandwich wall panel. The results indicate that the heat transfer coefficients of the G-FCSP and FCSP wall panels were 0.768 W/m² · K and 0.767 W/m² · K, respectively, suggesting that the glass fiber grid had a negligible impact on the thermal performance of the panels. The embedded insulation layer was crucial for enhancing the thermal insulation performance of the wall panel, effectively preventing heat exchange between the two sides. Increasing the thickness of the concrete layers had a very limited effect on reducing the heat transfer coefficient. Reducing the spacing of the connectors improved the load-bearing capacity of the composite wall panel to some extent but had minimal influence on the heat transfer coefficient; to achieve optimal performance by balancing structural load distribution and thermal damage resistance, a connector spacing ranging from 200 mm to 500 mm is recommended. The variation in heat transfer coefficients among the four different connector arrangement patterns demonstrated that reducing the thermal conduction media within the wall panel should be prioritized while ensuring mechanical performance. It is also recommended that the connectors are arranged in a continuous layout. Full article

Historical districts face pressing disaster preparedness challenges due to their special spatial properties—risks compounded by static approaches that overlook dynamic fire–pedestrian interactions. This study employs an agent-based model (ABM) for fire simulations and AnyLogic pedestrian dynamics to address these gaps in Dukezong Ancient Town, Yunnan Province, China, considering diverse ignition points, seasonal temperatures, and wind conditions. Dynamic simulations of 16 scenarios reveal critical spatial impacts: within 30 min, ≥28% of streets became impassable, with central ignition points causing faster obstructions. Static models underestimate evacuation durations by up to 135%, neglecting early stage congestions and detours caused by high-temperature zones. Congestions are concentrated along main east–west arterial roads, worsening with longer warning distances. A mismatch between evacuation flows and shelter capacity is found. Thus, a three-stage interaction simplification is derived: localized detours (0–10 min), congestion-driven delays on critical roads (11–30 min), and prolonged structural damage afterward. This study challenges static approaches by highlighting the “fast alert-fast congestion” paradox, where rapid alerts overwhelm narrow pathways. Solutions prioritize multi-route guidance systems, optimized shelter access points, and real-time information dissemination to reduce bottlenecks without costly infrastructure changes. This study advances disaster modeling by bridging disaster development with dynamic evacuation, offering a replicable framework for similar environments. Full article

Context: Intermittent fasting (IF) and calorie restriction (CR) have gained interest as dietary strategies due to their potential for weight loss and multiple metabolic benefits. These strategies are often accompanied by exercise in an attempt to improve body composition and physical performance. However, further research is crucial to understanding whether or not physical performance is affected by the expected weight loss and related body composition changes in individuals on IF and CR, even when exercise is combined. Objective: We aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of IF and CR on exercise performance and body composition in adults aged 18 to 65 years. Data Source: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A systematic review was conducted up to April 2024 by searching electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. There was no limit on publication dates. Data Extraction: The search explored the impact of IF and CR combined with exercise vs. exercise alone (control) on exercise performance outcomes: VO_2max, handgrip strength, bench press strength, knee extensor strength, leg press strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), 400 m walk test, and gait speed; body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body composition: fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and body fat percentage (BFP). Analyses included calculation of weighted mean difference (WMD), standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess outcomes. Data Analysis: The meta-analysis included a total of 35 studies, ranging from 4 to 52 weeks and involving 1266 participants. The results showed that IF (hypocaloric or eucaloric diet) and CR combined with exercise increased handgrip strength [WMD = 1.707 kg, p = 0.01] compared to exercise alone. Moreover, IF and CR combined with exercise did not significantly affect VO_2max [SMD = 0.005, p = 0.94], bench press strength [WMD = 0.377 kg, p = 0.778], knee extensor strength [WMD = −4.729 kg, p = 0.12], leg press strength [WMD = −2.874 kg, p = 0.415], countermovement jump [WMD = −0.226 cm, p = 0.80], 400 m walk test performance [WMD = −8.794 s, p = 0.06], or gait speed [WMD = 0.005 m/s, p = 0.82] compared to exercise alone. Moreover, IF and CR combined with exercise decreased body weight [WMD = −4.375 kg, p = 0.001], BMI [WMD = −1.194 kg·m⁻², p = 0.001], FFM [WMD = −1.653 kg, p = 0.001], FM [WMD = −2.858 kg, p = 0.001], BFP [WMD = −0.826%, p = 0.001] compared to exercise alone. Conclusions: IF (hypocaloric or eucaloric) and CR can be effectively integrated into exercise training without negatively impacting most measures of physical performance, while significantly enhancing weight loss and adiposity-related outcomes. The findings from this meta-analysis involving both athletes and non-athletes suggest that weight loss induced by IF and CR combined with exercise does not necessarily result in reduced physical performance. In real-world scenarios, however, different outcomes are conceivable, as body composition, physical capacity, diet and exercise can vary considerably based on individual conditions. Full article