Search Results (3,022)

This study systematically explores the impacts of germanium (Ge) substitution for aluminium (Al) on the structure and properties of calcium fluoro-alumino-silicate glass (4.5SiO₂-3Al₂O₃-1.5P₂O₅-3CaO-2CaF₂) and its derived glass-ceramics, aiming to mitigate Al-induced biological toxicity in the materials. Glass samples with 0–60 mol% Ge substitution were prepared via melting–quenching, and comprehensively characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Results show that the base glass contains three crystalline phases: fluorapatite (FAp, Ca₅(PO₄)₃F), anorthite (CaAl₂Si₂O₈), and aluminium phosphate (AlPO₄). Ge⁴⁺ integrates into the glass network as [GeO₄] tetrahedra without forming independent Ge-based phases; with rising Ge substitution ratio, FAp mass fraction increases from 36% to 65%, anorthite decreases from 46% to 18%, and glass transition temperature (Tg) drops from 678 °C to 617 °C. High Ge substitution (≥40 mol%) triggers network relaxation and spherical particle formation, and local Ca/P ratio reduction drives FAp morphological reconstruction, while low Ge content (≤20 mol%) promotes regular phase crystallisation. The optimal Ge substitution level is 20 mol%, which cuts Al content by 20% to alleviate toxicity, moderately reduces enthalpy for improved sinterability, and realises synergistic mechanical reinforcement via FAp, anorthite and AlPO₄. This material integrates low toxicity, favourable sinterability and excellent bioactivity, providing a novel strategy for developing low-Al, high-bioactivity glass-ceramics for dental and bone repair applications. Full article

The layout of urban blue, green and grey spaces plays a crucial role in flood risk, but the potential trade-offs and synergistic effects of these spaces on urban flood risk have not been fully studied. This research uses the spatial Durbin model to analyze the direct impact of changes in urban blue, green and grey spaces on risk changes and the spatial spillover effects, revealing how the balance and coordination states and their changes affect urban flood risk. The results show the following: (1) An increase in the balance effect is often accompanied by an increase in risk, but there are differences in the intensity and direction of response at different stages, and the risk changes show significant spatial dependence and spillover effects. (3) The analysis of the spatial Durbin model indicates that the increase in blue and green spaces mainly alleviates risks through local retention and storage. It is notable that in the later stage, the neighborhood spillover effect of green spaces has exceeded its direct local effect, highlighting the collaborative value of green network connectivity at the regional level; while the impact of grey spaces is the most complex—although the construction of sponge cities and urban rainwater management have led to a negative direct local effect (2020–2024), its positive neighborhood spillover effect still persists. Clearly understanding how “balance and coordination” affects risk at different development stages can help urban managers formulate differentiated strategies for the proportion of blue, green and grey spaces based on the development stage of the city, thereby avoiding the use of “one-size-fits-all” planning standards. Full article

This study aimed to illustrate the effects of plant-based yogurts made from bio-fermentative green rice milk yogurt (GRMY), enhanced with Wolffia globosa powder (WGP) and infused with Thai green tea. Different formulations (F1 to F4) were analyzed to assess the impact of varying weight ratios of WGP, ranging from 0% to 15%. The goal was to improve nutritional values and bioactive components. The F4 formulation of plant-based yogurt demonstrated enhanced nutritional values, including higher levels of dietary fiber, starch, protein, and fat contents, which were 42.45, 26.55, 22.48, and 2.29% DW, respectively. It was increased by bioactive compounds such as total phenolic content (52.99 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (60.45 mg QUE/g), and β-carotene (1.81 mg/g). Additionally, the F4 formulation exhibited the highest antioxidants in terms of DPPH activity (5.48 mg TROE/g), ABTS activity (424.15 mg TROE/g), and FRAP reducing capacity (106.35 mg TROE/g) and antidiabetic activity of α–glucosidase inhibition in IC₅₀ at 1.41 mg/mL. The yogurts were evaluated through metabolomic network analysis as a complex bioactive food system, wherein fermentation-derived metabolites synergistically interact with tea polyphenols, amino acids, phytosterols, and carotenoids. The prevailing metabolic profiles indicate an increase in antioxidant capacity, a reduction in inflammatory burden, enhanced glucose metabolism, alterations in gut microbiota, cardiovascular protection, and neuroprotective potential. These findings suggest that the product represents a promising plant-based functional food, offering numerous health benefits. This assertion is supported by a diverse metabolite network identified through UPLC–MS/MS metabolomic research. Full article

This study aimed to optimise polyphenol extraction from Yunnan-grown olives (Canarium album), investigate key factors influencing taste capacity and their underlying mechanisms, and to provide technical support for industrial scale-up. Initial single-factor experiments assessed the effects of seven operational parameters on extraction yield and sensory quality. Subsequently, ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, extraction time, and pH were selected as independent variables to optimize the process and validate the model via a Central Composite Design (CCD), using total polyphenol extraction yield and taste capacity as response values. The results showed that single-factor experiments identified 60% ethanol as the optimal solvent, with enhanced extraction efficiency at a 3 h extraction time, a temperature of 50 °C, and a pH of 3. Quantitative analysis during single-factor experiments revealed strong correlations between extraction yield and taste capacity (r > 0.88). The response surface model exhibited a high goodness-of-fit; the impact of individual factors on the extraction yield followed the order of extraction temperature > extraction time > ethanol concentration > pH, whereas the order for taste capacity was extraction temperature > extraction time > pH > ethanol concentration. Under optimal process conditions, the total polyphenol extraction yield reached 216.38 ± 3.60 mg/g, with a taste capacity of 1.27 ± 0.02, showing no significant difference between the predicted and experimental values (p > 0.05). By synergistically regulating extraction parameters, the optimized process successfully balances efficient polyphenol dissolution with desirable taste characteristics. These findings provide a solid scientific reference for the value-added development of Yunnan-grown olive polyphenols. Full article

Background: With the growing popularity of golf, the wood consumption and white pollution caused by traditional wooden and plastic golf tees create an urgent need for green, degradable, high-performance alternatives. Materials and Methods: To address this, a novel approach for the green fabrication of high-performance composites was developed utilizing a single agricultural solid waste (chestnut shells) bridged by an extremely low proportion (4 wt%) of a thermoplastic agent (polylactic acid, PLA). A mild dilute hydrochloric acid hydrothermal pretreatment selectively removed hemicellulose to expose active hydroxyl groups, followed by a wet hot-pressing process optimized at 80 °C, 4 h, 15 MPa, and 180 mesh. Results: Under these conditions, the resulting CS-APLA composite tees exhibited a bending strength of 86.32 ± 6.46 MPa and a dynamic impact toughness of 104.89 ± 5.26 kJ/m², representing significant increases of 64.86% and 41.69%, respectively, compared to the pure biomass material, and outperforming conventional commercial wooden tees. A 75-day soil burial test demonstrated a weight loss of approximately 45.42%, confirming a balanced degradation rate. Conclusions: Multi-scale characterization confirmed that the synergistic reinforcement relies objectively on an acid-treatment-induced hydrogen-bonding network coupled with in situ polymer-bridged microdomains formed by PLA flow filling during hot-pressing. This study provides a sustainable route for the high-value utilization of agricultural solid waste. Full article

For many types of cancer, pre-clinical studies have shown that dietary interventions and supplements can be effective in reducing the toxicity and increasing the efficacy of chemotherapeutics. In this context, the polyphenol curcumin is an attractive molecule. We have previously demonstrated that curcumin inhibits adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cell growth, has an impact on ACC cell metabolism, decreasing cholesterol availability and promoting glucose and glutamine metabolism. In this study, we evidenced that curcumin downregulates the transcription factors SF-1 and SREBPs and their targets, while inducing a ROS-dependent, HIF1α- and NRF2-mediated metabolic rewiring. NRF2 sustained an adaptive antioxidant mechanism dependent on glutamine, cysteine, and glycine uptake to support glutathione synthesis and avoid lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the combination of curcumin with mitotane demonstrated synergistic effects in inhibiting ACC cell viability and reducing steroidogenic gene expression. These synergistic effects were observed with sub-therapeutic doses of mitotane, which are reached by patients who fail to attain the therapeutic plasma concentrations of the drug. Crucially, in vivo, curcumin administration to tumor-free mice significantly upregulated NRF2 expression and preserved liver tissue integrity. These results warrant further preclinical evaluation of the proposed combination therapy, particularly for those patients who fail to achieve or maintain mitotane plasma concentrations in the therapeutic range. Full article

To improve the antifouling and self-cleaning performance of 3003 aluminum alloy, a fluorine-free water-repellent surface was fabricated by combining nanosecond laser texturing with subsequent heat treatment. The effects of scanning speed, laser power, pulse frequency, and scanning interval on surface wettability were systematically investigated. Under the optimal conditions of 2700 mm/s, 6 W, 35 kHz, and 20 μm, the surface achieved a maximum static water contact angle of 154.3 ± 0.8°. Surface characterization showed that laser processing generated hierarchical micro-/nano-scale structures, while heat treatment promoted surface chemical evolution associated with enhanced hydrophobicity. The highly water-repellent behavior resulted from the synergistic effect of hierarchical roughness and heat-treatment-induced surface chemical changes. The fabricated surface exhibited effective self-cleaning performance, achieving a SiO₂ removal efficiency of 98.8% under the specified test conditions. In addition, relatively high water repellency was retained after repeated water-impact and tape-peeling tests. These results demonstrate that nanosecond laser texturing combined with heat treatment provides a simple and environmentally friendly strategy for fabricating water-repellent AA3003 surfaces for antifouling and surface-protection applications. Full article

Several studies have suggested potential mechanisms through which Sutherlandia frutescens exerts antidiabetic effects, yet much of its therapeutic potential remains unexplored. This study aimed to provide greater insights into the antidiabetic capabilities and limitations of S. frutescens through the use of a comprehensive in vitro screening platform incorporating target-directed assays with automated image cytometry and analysis, where relevant. The antidiabetic effects of a crude hot aqueous extract of S. frutescens were assessed across well-characterised targets representing prominent hallmarks of diabetes: postprandial hyperglycaemia, insulin sensitivity, β-cell dysfunction, chronic inflammation and adipose tissue dysfunction. The findings revealed S. frutescens as a multicomponent therapeutic, with its individual target activities being relatively subtle and a few appearing novel. Notably, however, S. frutescens inhibited multiple targets relevant to postprandial hyperglycaemia—including carbohydrate digestion (29.1% and 26.4% inhibition for sucrose and maltose, respectively, at 500 µg/mL), intestinal glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells (between 9.51% and 20.92% reduction from 100 to 500 µg/mL) and protein glycation (23.2% inhibition at 200 µg/mL)—activities not previously documented in vivo. Glucose consumption in C3A hepatocytes showed a dose-dependent increase in glucose consumption from 12.5 to 100 µg/mL. Glucose consumption was reduced in palmitic acid-induced insulin-resistant L6 skeletal muscle cells from 100% to 69.57%, while 50 µg/mL S. frutescens restored it to 97.84%. S. frutescens also enhanced INS-1 β-cell survival under oxidative stress at concentrations as low as 12.5 µg/mL. The integration of automated image cytometry and analysis provides a novel approach with which to characterise its antidiabetic properties and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. Overall, S. frutescens is shown to impact several interrelated mechanisms simultaneously, suggesting that the coordinated modulation of multiple pathways may contribute to its overall biological activity. Whether these effects are additive or synergistic remains to be determined. Full article

To enhance regional carbon sequestration capacity and achieve carbon neutrality, it is crucial to accurately estimate the net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation and its response to changes in land use/land cover (LULC). Based on remote sensing data, the study estimated the NPP of Qingdao, a typical coastal city in eastern China, from 1990 to 2020 using the CASA model and examined its spatiotemporal dynamics. The Geographic Detector was used in the study to measure the impact of anthropogenic and natural factors on variations in NPP. Additionally, the Markov–PLUS model was utilized to forecast future LULC patterns and NPP changes for 2030 under three development scenarios: natural development, cropland protection, and ecological protection. The results indicate considerable regional variation and an initial decrease followed by an increase in Qingdao’s NPP. It is distributed in a strip-like pattern from northwest to southeast, with the regions around Jiaozhou Bay showing the lowest levels. The changes in NPP are driven by multiple interacting factors; among these, LULC, DEM, and slope exhibit significant spatiotemporal correlations with NPP, with LULC playing a dominant role in this process. In addition, interaction analysis demonstrated that the synergistic effects between LULC and other factors constituted the principal driving force behind NPP dynamics, and the interactions between the two factors that contribute show bivariate or nonlinear enhancement effects. The ecological protection scenario produces the greatest NPP values among the three scenarios. Optimizing LULC may significantly increase carbon sequestration capability, as evident in the NPP forecast, which is higher than that of 2020 in all scenarios. This study demonstrates that the ability of vegetation to store carbon can be effectively enhanced through land-use optimization informed by remote sensing technologies. The results provide a scientific basis for adjusting LULC policies and conducting carbon-neutral spatial planning in coastal urban areas. Full article

Biomimetic surface texturing provides a promising strategy for regulating the vibration behavior of rolling bearings under starved lubrication. In this study, vein-like, elliptical, semi-elliptical, and composite textures inspired by Monstera deliciosa leaves were fabricated on the shaft-washer raceways of thrust cylindrical roller bearings at depths of 4 μm, 8 μm, and 12 μm. Tangential and normal vibration signals were analyzed using time-domain parameters, frequency spectra, power spectral density, and time–frequency maps. The results showed that both texture morphology and depth strongly affected vibration stability. Most textured bearings exhibited lower vibration responses than the smooth bearing after prolonged operation. Among the tested depths, 8 μm produced the most stable response, characterized by lower peak values, smoother root mean square curves, reduced power spectral density levels, and more uniform time–frequency energy distributions. The 8 μm semi-elliptical texture exhibited the best overall performance by suppressing transient impacts and high-frequency energy concentration. These findings indicate that vibration regulation in textured rolling bearings depends primarily on the synergistic matching between texture morphology and depth rather than texture complexity alone. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical for advanced manufacturing and clean energy, yet their separation remains extremely challenging due to the nearly identical ionic radii of adjacent lanthanides. Conventional solvent extraction, ion exchange, and precipitation methods are limited by their high reagent consumption, slow kinetics, poor selectivity, and environmental burdens. Nanofiltration (NF) offers a green and efficient alternative—operating in the aqueous phase with low energy demand and continuous high throughput. This review systematically summarizes NF-based REE separation. We first elucidate the fundamental mechanisms (size exclusion, Donnan exclusion, dielectric exclusion, and complexation enhancement), and discuss how lanthanide hydration chemistry underpins these synergistic effects. Membrane materials, from commercial to biomimetic, are critically surveyed, with an emphasis on strategies to overcome the trade-off between permeability and selectivity. The impacts of operating conditions and solution chemistry are analyzed, and NF applications ranging from single REE systems to real leachates are assessed. A comparative evaluation positions NF against conventional technologies. Key challenges remain: poor adjacent REE selectivity, membrane fouling, performance loss at high salinity, chemical instability, and a gap between model and real feeds. Future directions include designing high-selectivity membranes, integrating machine learning optimization, establishing standardized protocols, and realizing closed-loop process integration. Full article

River ecosystems play a key role in both natural and urbanized environments, acting as essential links in ecological systems. However, they are increasingly exposed to the synergistic effects of anthropogenic pressure and hydrological instability. This study aims to identify and assess changes in land use and their impact on the phytosociological structure and functioning of ash-alder (Fraxino-Alnetum) patches in floodplains. Based on cartographic analyses (1941, 1961, 2025) and detailed geobotanical surveys (2024–2025) conducted at six representative sites, the spatio-temporal dynamics of land use and vegetation habitat conditions were evaluated using ecological indicator values. The results indicate a substantial landscape transformation: a transition from areas dominated by agricultural and forest ecosystems to zones heavily altered by urban expansion, transport infrastructure, and industrialization. Phytosociological analyses show that while species richness remains relatively stable, floristic composition is changing due to hornbeam succession and the emergence of mesophilous species. The presence of non-native species indicates ongoing anthropization in plant patches. Furthermore, hydromorphological modifications, including bank reinforcement and channel deepening in the vicinity of sports and railway infrastructure, have hindered natural river dynamics and accelerated floodplain drainage. The observed changes indicate that ash-alder forests in the Biała Przemsza valley are in a transitional phase between riparian and oak-hornbeam communities, with a clear oak-hornbeam transformation evident in many areas, driven by changes in water relations. This study highlights the urgent need to implement integrated restoration strategies that account for both hydrological catchment recovery and the mitigation of urban pressure to ensure the long-term resilience of riparian ecosystems. Full article

Under-forest wild-simulated cultivation of Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. Chow (Wu Tianma, WTM) offers a viable pathway for reconciling ecological conservation with economic and health benefits, yet optimal seed tuber regimes remain understudied. We established nine planting regimes varying in single-tuber weight and per-hole dosage in a karst plateau area, monitored tuber yield and bioactive components (gastrodin, p-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol, and parishin), and evaluated performance via one-way ANOVA and a comprehensive index. At equal per-hole dosage, individual tubers of 10–15 g achieved the highest comprehensive index (57.13%), whereas those <5 g performed poorly (28.66%). With respect to seeding rate, the maximum yield (5.27 kg/m²) was achieved at 250 g per hole, while the highest combined content of gastrodin and p-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol (0.29%) and the peak parishin content were observed at 350 g and 150 g per hole, respectively. While tuber weight and seeding rate significantly affected yield, they had minor impacts on bioactive composition, suggesting that medium-sized seed tubers with moderately increased dosage can synergistically improve yield and quality. Our findings provide empirical benchmarks for germplasm selection and agronomic optimization in WTM cultivation, and call for multi-scale studies integrating soil microbiota and microclimate to unravel cascading mechanisms for sustainable quality enhancement. Full article

The need to enhance both the mechanical and the thermal insulation performance of alkali-activated mortars has stimulated interest in natural fiber-based reinforcement strategies, particularly for sustainability-driven design and low-carbon construction. This study explores the combined effect of natural kapok fiber, petroleum coke (PC) and waste tire rubber powder (WTRP) on the mechanical, thermal, microstructural, mineralogical, and pore structure characteristics of alkali-activated slag-based mortars. While the beneficial effects of each of these bio-based and waste-derived materials have been widely reported, little attention has been paid to their combined use and the potential for them to work together in a way that is more effective than the sum of their parts. For this purpose, 20 different mortar mixtures were produced, incorporating kapok fibers at ratios of 0%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1%. The beneficial effect of WTRP was investigated for the case of a 3% cement additive where natural sand was substituted by PC at ratios of 0%, 10% and 20%. The results indicated that the synergistic interaction enabled the development of a sustainable mortar with enhanced thermal insulation performance of up to 37% while maintaining flexural performance compared to the control case. Microstructural, mineralogical, pore structure and thermal analyses revealed that the bio-based and waste-derived contents significantly influenced the pore network, phase evolution and fiber–matrix interactions. Overall, the results highlight the potential of the proposed sustainable material system to produce mortars with enhanced thermal insulation, sufficient mechanical performance, and lowered environmental footprint. Full article

This review paper systematically investigates the surface modification technology of wooden table tennis blades, with a particular focus on the inherent conflict between coating-induced protection and the preservation of acoustic performance—a critical yet underexplored aspect of blade design. While protective coatings are essential for enhancing durability against moisture, wear, and impact, they inevitably alter the blade’s vibrational characteristics and acoustic feedback, compromising the tactile–auditory perception that elite players rely upon. The current literature predominantly treats protection and acoustics as separate design objectives, lacking an integrated framework to resolve their inherent trade-off. To address this gap, this review establishes a material–structure–function integrated design paradigm that elucidates the synergistic optimization of coating protection and acoustic response. We systematically analyze the regulatory mechanisms of key coating parameters—specifically elastic modulus, density, and damping coefficient—on blade vibration modes and impact sound characteristics, demonstrating that conventional singular optimization inevitably leads to undesirable frequency shifts and diminished tactile feedback. Our synthesis of materials science, acoustic analysis, and biomechanics reveals that the key to synergy lies in constructing a mechanical impedance-matching transition system through material selection and thickness gradient design. Notably, we show that a multi-layer gradient coating architecture, guided by finite element simulation, can enhance protective performance by 40% while restricting acoustic deviation to within 5%, validating a rational “design–simulation–verification” closed-loop methodology. Furthermore, this review identifies critical research frontiers, including smart adaptive coatings and sustainable bio-based materials, and proposes a multi-objective optimization framework to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and manufacturable, high-performance sporting equipment. This work provides a foundational theoretical roadmap for the next-generation design of competition-grade table tennis blades, balancing durability with the nuanced sensory demands of elite athletes. Full article