Search Results (206)

This study explores the role of egoistic and altruistic values on green real estate purchase intention among young consumers in Canada aged between 20 and 40 years. In addition, this study examines the mediating effects of pro-environmental self-identity between social consumption motivation and green real estate purchase intention. A quantitative cross-sectional research design with an explanatory nature is employed. A total of 432 participating consumers in Canada, comprising 44% men and 48% women, with a graduate educational background accounting for 46.7%, and the ages between 24 and 35 contributing 75.2%, were part of the study, and the data collection used a survey method with a purposive sampling, followed by a respondent-driven method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed on the scales used for the study variables. A structural equational model and path analysis were conducted to derive the results, and the relationships were positive and significant. The study results infer the factors contributing to green real estate purchase intention, including altruistic value, egoistic value, social consumption motivation, and pro-environmental self-identity, with pro-environmental self-identity mediating the relationship. This study emphasizes the relevance of consumer values in real estate purchasing decisions, urging developers and marketers to prioritize ethical ideas, sustainable practices, and building a feeling of belonging and social connectedness. Offering eco-friendly amenities and green construction methods might attract clients, but creating a secure area for social interaction is critical. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to explore the role of egoistic and altruistic values on purchase intention, mainly in the housing and real estate sector, with the target consumers being young consumers in Canada. Full article

Ozone (O₃) occurs in nature as a chemical compound made of three oxygen atoms. It is an unstable, highly oxidative gas that rapidly decomposes into oxygen. The therapeutic use of O₃ dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and is currently based on the application of low doses, inducing a moderate oxidative stress that stimulates the antioxidant cellular defenses without causing cell damage. Low O₃ doses also induce anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects, and their anticancer potential is under investigation. In addition, the oxidative properties of O₃ make it an excellent antibacterial, antimycotic, and antiviral agent. Thanks to these properties, O₃ is currently widely used in several medical fields. However, its chemical instability represents an application limit, and ozonated oil is the only stabilized form of medical O₃. In recent years, novel O₃ formulations have been proposed for their sustained and more efficient administration, based on nanotechnology. This review offers an overview of the nanocarriers designed for the delivery of medical O₃, and of their therapeutic applications. The reviewed articles demonstrate that research is active and productive, though it is a rather new entry in the nanotechnological field. Liposomes, nanobubbles, nanoconstructed hydrogels, polymeric nanoparticles, and niosomes were designed to deliver O₃ and have been proven to exert antiseptic, anticancer, and pro-regenerative effects when administered in vitro and in vivo. Improving the therapeutic administration of O₃ through nanocarriers is a just-started challenge, and multiple prospects may be foreseen. Full article

Dementia is marked by progressive cognitive decline linked to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction. Curcumin, a natural compound from Curcuma longa, has shown promising neuroprotective effects. This systematic review analyzed 29 preclinical studies using rodent models of dementia induced by chemical, genetic, or dietary methods. The review focused on curcumin’s effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive outcomes. All studies assessing malondialdehyde (MDA) reported significant reductions, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in all measured cases, while glutathione (GSH) levels rose in about one-third of studies. A literature search was comprehensively conducted using PubMed, Scopus, AMED, and LILACS databases through April 2024. Curcumin also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, with over 80% of studies showing reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Additionally, 40% of studies noted increases in anti-inflammatory markers like IL-4 and IGF-1. Cognitive performance improved in around 80% of studies, especially in spatial learning and memory. Some studies also reported behavioral improvements, including reduced anxiety and enhanced locomotion. Curcumin demonstrated potent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing effects across diverse dementia models. Its ability to modulate multiple pathological pathways highlights its potential as a bioactive compound for mitigating cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases. However, variability in study design and curcumin formulations suggests the need for standardized protocols and further high-quality research to facilitate clinical translation. Full article

Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that diet can modify Parkinson’s disease (PD) outcomes, although there is disagreement about what should be included and excluded in such a diet. Existing evidence suggests that adherence to the MIND and Mediterranean (MEDI) diets are associated with reduced PD symptoms, but only a few variables from the adherence scales are responsible for the statistically observed improvement. Objectives: The goal was to use patient-reported outcomes in a large cohort to identify the foods and dietary patterns (PRO diet) most strongly associated with the fewest PD symptoms over time, and to develop a composite adherence scale to enable comparisons between MEDI, MIND, and PRO. Methods: Data were obtained from the prospective longitudinal natural history study and from Modifiable Variables in Parkinsonism (MVP)—a study designed to identify behaviors associated with patient-reported outcomes (PRO-PD). Upon the completion of the binary and food frequency data collection, using various predictive models and considering congruence with historical data, the PRO diet was created via an iterative process. Our goal was to create a new scale and compare its performance to the existing MIND and MEDI scores. The comparison was made at baseline, using the regression models for PRO-PD and the different scales as the predictors. The models were compared via the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). To examine whether baseline adherence levels predicted subsequent symptom trajectories, the baseline PRO diet adherence and subsequent slope of progression were evaluated. Results: Data from 2290 individuals with PD were available for this analysis. The Mediterranean and MIND diets showed almost identical effects. For both the diets, the effect they had on non-motor symptoms was about twice the effect on motor symptoms. The slopes for the total PRO-PD for MEDI, MIND, and PRO-21 were −64.20467, −64.04220, and −28.61995, respectively. The AIC value differences were substantial (>2), indicating meaningful improvements in the model fit for total PRO-PD, as follows: MEDI: 28,897.24, MIND: 28,793.08, and PRO-21: 27,500.71. The subset of individuals who were most adherent to the PRO-21 diet at baseline had the slowest subsequent progression, as measured by a 43% reduced PRO-PD slope, compared to the less adherent groups. Conclusions: The PRO-21 outperformed the MIND and MEDI diets in the model fit, overcoming the ceiling effects and showing orders of magnitude and superior explanatory power for variance in PD outcomes, despite the smaller per-unit effect sizes. However, its rigorous demands may introduce barriers related to cost, feasibility, and sustainability, underscoring the need for future intervention trials to assess real-world feasibility, adherence, side effects, and clinical impact. Full article

Climate scientists, systems theorists, and policymakers increasingly suggest that global sustainability challenges stem from dysfunctional worldviews and values that drive individual and collective behaviors, undermining both human flourishing and planetary health. Recognizing that paradigmatic shifts in values and worldviews can arise from transformative experiences, this study employed Integral Inquiry in a mixed-methods design to examine the nature of the relationship between such experiences and engagement with sustainability. A sample of 145 adults was recruited based on self-identification of having undergone a life-changing experience and demonstrated evidence of transformative growth and integration. In the qualitative phase, 73 participants completed an open-text survey detailing their perspectives on sustainability and their related practices and behaviors. Ten individuals from this subset were interviewed to explore the depth and dimensions of their engagement with sustainability. Using Constructivist Grounded Theory analysis, three tentative themes emerged: intraconnection, personal equilibrium, and defining social change. Whilst the study was exploratory in nature, the analysis indicated that transformative experiences seemed to foster a profound felt sense of intraconnection—a deep awareness of interconnectedness with all life. This awareness appeared to naturally clarify participants’ values and beliefs, aligning their actions toward sustainability. Moreover, participants emphasized the importance of cultivating personal equilibrium—a state of inner balance and congruence in daily choices—as a foundation for meaningful social and environmental change. This study tentatively highlights the role transformative experiences can play in bringing about more pro-ecological behavior, and it underscores the need for further research into how such experiences can be more readily integrated to support global sustainability efforts. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic, hormone-dependent disease that affects women of reproductive age. It leads to numerous adverse clinical symptoms, which significantly impact women’s quality of life. The chronic nature of the disease and its recurrence are the main reasons for the search for new, non-hormonal drugs and drug candidates, either as adjunct treatment options or alternative therapies. The catechin found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been shown to exhibit a wide array of biological activities, which may also contribute to its potential effectiveness in treating endometriosis. The poor physicochemical stability and relatively low bioavailability of EGCG have stimulated the development of a peracetylated prodrug (pro-EGCG) and other solutions, based on nanotechnology, that would eliminate the problems with EGCG. In this review article, we summarize the studies on the effects of EGCG, pro-EGCG, and EGCG-based nanoparticles on the course of endometriosis published in the GoogleScholar and PubMed databases. Of note is the fact that the results of in vitro and animal model studies have suggested that EGCG and pro-EGCG can reduce the number of endometriosis foci and their size and volume, and they can prevent fibrosis by affecting multiple molecular factors and signaling pathways. The promising results provide a basis for using green herbal extracts for endometriosis treatment in a clinical trial. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that the number of studies on the topic is currently very limited; further expansion in the coming years is necessary. Broad, well-designed clinical trials are also essential to validate the true potential of EGCG and related compounds in the fight against endometriosis. Full article

To explore the feasibility of renewable hybrid energy systems for expressway infrastructure, this study proposes a scenario-based design methodology integrating solar, wind, and hydropower resources within the expressway corridor. A case study was conducted on a highway service area located in southern China, where a solar/wind/hydro hybrid energy system was developed based on the proposed approach. Using the HOMER Pro 3.14 software platform, the system was simulated and optimized under off-grid conditions, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate performance variability. The results demonstrate that the strategic integration of corridor-based natural resources—solar irradiance, wind energy, and hydrodynamic potential—enables the construction of a technically and economically viable hybrid energy system. The system includes 382 kW of PV, 210 kW of wind, 80 kW of hydrokinetic power, a 500 kW diesel generator, and 180 kWh of battery storage, forming a hybrid configuration for a stable and reliable energy supply. The optimized configuration can supply up to 1,095,920 kWh of electricity annually at a minimum levelized cost of energy of USD 0.22/kWh. This system reduces CO₂ emissions by 23.2 tons/year and NO_x emissions by 23 kg/year. demonstrating strong environmental performance and long-term sustainability potential. Full article

The cosmetic industry in the Ecuadorian Amazon region faces the challenge of competitively integrating locally sourced plant-based raw materials into efficient and sustainable production processes. This study proposes the design of a pilot plant for the production of a cosmetic emulsion (CE), using oils extracted from Morete (Mauritia flexuosa) and Ungurahua (Oenocarpus bataua), with a focus on process intensification to reduce both capital investment and resource consumption. Process design methodologies and computational simulation (SuperPro Designer V10) were applied, along with Systematic Layout Planning (SLP) principles to optimize spatial configuration. The intensified scheme enabled the integration of extraction lines, reducing the number of major equipment units from 12 to 9 and lowering the investment from USD 1,016,000 to USD 719,000. Energy and environmental indicators showed consumption levels of 5.86 kWh and 48.4 kg of water per kg of cream, which are lower than those reported for other natural cosmetics plants. The intensified design achieved a Net Present Value (NPV) of USD 577,000 and a payback period of 3.93 years. Furthermore, solid by-products were valorized through circular economy principles. This approach offers a feasible, viable, and sustainable solution for the utilization of these Amazonian oils in the cosmetic industry. Full article

This study includes a simulation of two variants of a 1 MW photovoltaic farm, differing in the types of photovoltaic modules used in the PVSyst program. The first uses monofacial modules, and the second uses bifacial. The studies showed an 8% increase in the energy obtained in the variant with bifacial modules, under the assumed simulation conditions. In the next stage, an environmental analysis was carried out using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method with a “gate-to-gate” approach for the mass packaging process in three different variants, differing in the source of energy powering the machines in the SimaPro program. In the first variant, electricity from the national energy mix was used. In the second, in addition to energy from the same mix, natural gas was additionally used in the shrinking stage of the film. In the third variant, energy obtained from a previously designed photovoltaic farm was considered. The results showed an about 80% reduction in the carbon footprint of the tested process in the case of changing the energy source to energy from a PV installation. Full article

Diabetic wounds, as one of the most challenging complications of diabetes, exhibit impaired healing due to hyperglycemia, infection, vascular damage, microvascular deficits, dysregulated immune responses, and neuropathy. Conventional treatments are often limited by low drug bioavailability, transient therapeutic effects, and insufficient synergy across multiple pathways. Natural bioactive compounds are potential alternatives due to their multifunctional properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and proangiogenic activities; however, their application is constrained by poor water solubility and rapid metabolism. Their integration with natural or synthetic nanovehicles significantly enhances stability, targeting, and controlled-release capabilities, while enhancing synergistic antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and pro-repair functions. This review systematically catalogs the application of nanomaterial-loaded biomolecules, focuses on innovative progress in plant-based and animal-derived nanosystems, and further elucidates the multimodal therapeutic potential of synthetic–natural hybrid nanosystems. By synthesizing cutting-edge research, we also summarize advantageous features, development prospects, and existing challenges from the three dimensions of mechanistic evidence, preclinical validation, and current nanodelivery platforms, and propose a framework for grading application potential to provide a theoretical basis and strategic guidance for the rational design and clinical translation of future nanomedicines. Full article

The tetrahydro-β-carboline heterocycle is a privileged scaffold found in numerous natural products and bioactive drugs, demonstrating significant potential for cancer therapy. In this study, we designed and synthesized 33 novel tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives (2–34) based on this core structure and evaluated their anticancer activity against human lung cancer (A549). Among them, compounds 8 and 16 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against A549 cells, effectively suppressing cell migration and colony formation. Mechanistic studies revealed that these compounds promoted apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic Bax, downregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and activating caspase proteins. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated that compounds 8 and 16 form stable complexes with the Eg5 protein through multiple hydrogen bonds, which was further validated by thermal shift assays. Collectively, these findings indicate that compounds 8 and 16 induce apoptosis in A549 cells by selectively targeting and stabilizing Eg5, highlighting their potential as lead candidates for lung cancer therapy. Full article

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural and sustainable cosmetic ingredients, particularly those derived from Amazonian plant oils. The present research focuses on the creation of a prototype cosmetic emulsion from two Amazonian oils, morete oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) and ungurahua oil (Oenocarpus bataua Mart). The aim of the study was to develop a conceptual design of the process for making cosmetic emulsion using Amazonian oils. The methodology consisted of observational data collection, definition of unit operations and equipment, and process simulation. The design was simulated using SuperPro Designer V10.0. Experimental data, unit operations, equipment, and operation time confirmed the feasibility of a conceptual process design for scaling up. In the conceptual design, an operation time of 4.25 h was estimated, which would allow the production of two or more batches per day, depending on the demand, and the initial investment was expected to be recovered within 6.24 years. This study highlights the potential application of Amazonian oils in the cosmetic industry, promoting financially viable, natural, and ecologic products. Future research should analyze extraction yields, alternative strategies for efficient scale-up, and the long-term stability of emulsions under different storage conditions. Full article

Island communities that depend on mainland grid connections face substantial risks when natural disasters sever undersea or overhead cables, often resulting in long-lasting outages. This paper presents a comprehensive and novel two-part methodological framework for enhancing the resilience of these communities through networked microgrids that interconnect local renewable energy resources and battery storage. The framework integrates techno-economic capacity optimization using HOMER Pro with agent-based simulation in AnyLogic to determine cost-effective solar and storage capacities and to model dynamic real-time dispatch under varying conditions. Six island communities across three Indonesian provinces serve as illustrative case studies, tested under best-case and worst-case disruption scenarios that reflect seasonal extremes of solar availability. Simulation results reveal that isolated expansions of PV and battery storage can ensure critical residential loads, though certain islands with limited resources continue to experience shortfalls. By contrast, networked microgrids enable surplus power transfers between islands, significantly reducing unmet demand and alleviating the need for large-scale, individual storage. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of clustered microgrid designs to improve reliability, lower operational costs, and facilitate secure energy supply even during prolonged cable outages. The proposed framework offers a scalable roadmap for deploying resilient microgrid clusters in remote regions, with direct policy implications for system planners and local stakeholders seeking to leverage renewable energy in high-risk environments. Full article

Effectively identifying factors related to user satisfaction is crucial for evaluating customer experience. This study proposes a two-phase analytical framework that combines natural language processing techniques with hierarchical decision-making methods. In Phase 1, an ERNIE-LSTM-based emotion model (ELEM) is used to detect fake reviews from 4016 smartphone evaluations collected from JD.com (accuracy: 84.77%, recall: 84.86%, F1 score: 84.81%). The filtered genuine reviews are then analyzed using Biterm Topic Modeling (BTM) to extract key satisfaction-related topics, which are weighted based on sentiment scores and organized into a multi-criteria evaluation matrix through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). These topics are further clustered into five major factors: user-centered design (70.8%), core performance (10.0%), imaging features (8.6%), promotional incentives (7.8%), and industrial design (2.8%). This framework is applied to a comparative analysis of two smartphone stores, revealing that Huawei Mate 60 Pro emphasizes performance, while Redmi Note 11 5G focuses on imaging capabilities. Further clustering of user reviews identifies six distinct user groups, all prioritizing user-centered design and core performance, but showing differences in other preferences. In Phase 2, a comparison of word frequencies between product reviews and community Q and A content highlights hidden user concerns often missed by traditional single-source sentiment analysis, such as screen calibration and pixel density. These findings provide insights into how product design influences satisfaction and offer practical guidance for improving product development and marketing strategies. Full article

Object detection in remote sensing images has gained prominence alongside advancements in sensor technology and earth observation systems. Although current detection frameworks demonstrate remarkable achievements in natural imagery analysis, their performance degrades when applied to remote imaging scenarios due to two inherent limitations: (1) complex background interference, which causes object features to be easily obscured by noise, leading to reduced detection accuracy; (2) the variation in object scales leads to a decrease in the model’s generalization ability. To address these issues, we propose a progressive semantic-aware fusion network (ProSAF-Net). First, we design a shallow detail aggregation module (SDAM), which adaptively integrates features across different channels and scales in the early Neck stage through dynamically adjusted fusion weights, fully exploiting shallow detail information to refine object edge and texture representation. Second, to effectively integrate shallow detail information and high-level semantic abstractions, we propose a deep semantic fusion module (DSFM), which employs a progressive feature fusion mechanism to incrementally integrate deep semantic information, strengthening the global representation of objects while effectively complementing the rich shallow details extracted by SDAM, enhancing the model’s capability in distinguishing objects and refining spatial localization. Furthermore, we develop a spatial context-aware module (SCAM) to fully exploit both global and local contextual information, effectively distinguishing foreground from background and suppressing interference, thus improving detection robustness. Finally, we propose auxiliary dynamic loss (ADL), which adaptively adjusts loss weights based on object scales and utilizes supplementary anchor priors to expedite parameter convergence during coordinate regression, thereby improving the model’s positioning accuracy for targets. Extensive experiments on the RSOD, DIOR, and NWPU VHR-10 datasets demonstrate that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods. Full article