Search Results (4,394)

The commercialization of V-based catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH₃ (NH₃-SCR) is hindered by their narrow operating temperature window, insufficient low-temperature (LT) activity, and severe SO₂-to-SO₃ oxidation. To bridge this gap, we herein introduced Nb and hexagonal BN into a VW/TiO₂ system to simultaneously enhance its LT SCR activity, suppress undesired side reactions, and improve durability. Nb incorporation promoted V⁵⁺/V⁴⁺ redox cycling and enhanced lattice oxygen mobility, thus reducing the apparent activation energy and suppressing SO₂ oxidation at elevated temperatures. However, excessive Nb loading induced NH₃ oxidation and N₂O formation. This drawback was mitigated by introducing BN as a dispersion promoter, which helped secure high catalytic performance at a reduced Nb content. The VWNb/Ti-BN catalyst achieved superior NOx conversion and N₂ selectivity over a wide temperature range and benefited from notably suppressed NH₃ oxidation and SO₂-to-SO₃ oxidation. Kinetic analysis revealed that Nb primarily lowered the reaction energy barrier via redox property enhancement, whereas BN accelerated surface reaction turnover by stabilizing and dispersing active acidic sites, markedly increasing the turnover frequency without reducing the activation energy. In situ spectroscopic analysis confirmed the accelerated consumption of adsorbed NH₃ species and enhanced formation of reactive NOx intermediates, indicating SCR pathway enhancement. After aging in the presence of SO₂ and H₂O, the best-performing honeycomb-type monolithic catalyst retained and NOx conversion of >80%, demonstrating excellent long-term durability under practical conditions. A composition-aware machine learning model based on log-ratio-transformed variables quantitatively identified the synergistic balance among V, Nb, W, BN, and TiO₂ as the dominant factor governing LT SCR performance. Thus, this work provides valuable mechanistic insights and a strategy for designing wide-temperature-window SCR catalysts with improved activity, selectivity, and resistance to sulfur poisoning. Full article

Elevation is a strong proxy for the thermal environment because it causes a predictable drop in temperature and food availability. This restricts cave-dwelling bats to species with specific metabolic traits, such as torpor or migration to avoid cold stress. In this context, we aimed to reveal how thermal niche differentiation structures 25 cave-dwelling bat assemblages along elevation gradients in two of the largest Bulgarian mountains—Stara Planina and Rhodopi. Multivariate PERMANOVA showed significant differences in bat assemblages among elevation groups (F = 1.616, p = 0.046), with altitude and temperature explaining 32.4% of the variance (p = 0.001). A high degree of species turnover (91.12% dissimilarity), driven by temperature niches, was observed: mesophilic Rhinolophus species dominated warm, low-elevation caves, while cold-adapted Myotis species were more common at high elevations. SIMPER analysis identified R. euryale as an indicator in low-elevation caves (p = 0.012) and the M. myotis/blythii complex at high elevations (p = 0.003). Alpha diversity showed no variation across elevation groups (p = 0.293), indicating that species turnover occurs without overall changes to local diversity. Mid-elevation assemblages lacked specific indicator species and resembled high-elevation communities, forming an ecotone. Thermal niche partitioning, as a physiological filter, shapes cave-dwelling bat assemblages and affects climate change range-shift predictions. Full article

Digital transformation is embedding carbon metrics into construction project management through automated procurement and sustainability dashboards. Yet carbon intensity measures depend critically on how emissions are normalized, creating ambiguity in sustainability assessment. This study examines how alternative carbon intensity scaling choices affect firm rankings and portfolio outcomes within the Construction & Engineering industry. Using carbon-efficient indices for publicly traded U.S. construction firms, emissions are normalized by revenues, costs, assets, market value, enterprise value, and employment. Alternative normalization choices lead to systematic within-industry reshuffling of firm rankings driven by differences in economic fundamentals. While average financial performance does not differ systematically across metrics, portfolio turnover and financed emissions vary substantially. These results show that normalization design is a consequential element of digital sustainability systems rather than a neutral technical choice. The study provides industry-specific evidence on measurement-induced reshuffling and highlights practical implications for contractor benchmarking and digital construction governance. Full article

Circulation of pool water via a treatment plant is critical for maintaining pool water in a condition that is a safe and attractive for bathers. It is also one of the pool operations that is most costly in terms of energy used and associated carbon footprint. In this study, we compare and contrast circulation rate guidelines developed for the UK and for other northern and southern European countries and, where possible, provide an explanation of the underlying rationale. We focus on the management of turbidity-forming material and Cryptosporidium oocysts. We reveal that the parameters used to assess safe operational bathing load are relatively consistent across Europe, based on physical space requirements for bathing and other constraints such as lifeguarding. Circulation rate, on the other hand, is based on either rule-based turnover times, or a more flexible approach based on the volume of water to be treated per bather. The latter offers scope for innovation and energy savings, with the proviso that safe water is maintained for bathers. The guidance in several countries suggests reducing circulation rate when the pool is not being used by bathers. We conclude that a more progressive risk-based approach to pool management, building on these findings, offers significant opportunities for pool operators to run pools better and should be a priority for future research. Full article

The global textile industry, challenged by resource depletion and environmental pollution, urgently requires a shift toward a circular economy. However, recycling efforts remain limited, focusing mainly on conventional fibers and neglecting high-performance materials like aramid. This study addresses the recycling of used firefighting protective clothing-an aramid-rich, high-turnover waste stream typically landfilled or incinerated. Life cycle assessment reveals the significant carbon footprint of its production and disposal, underscoring the need for circular strategies. A systematic recycling framework is established, integrating collection logistics and redesign principles. A graded “three-tier” approach is proposed, enabling direct reuse, yarn regeneration, and non-woven production based on material conditions. High-value products were developed by incorporating firefighting heritage and intangible cultural crafts into the design, supported by digital product passports for traceability. These strategies enhanced market acceptance and emotional value. The work provides a scalable circular solution for high-performance textiles, aiming to extend material life, reduce carbon emissions, and advance sustainable textile management through a novel combination of technical recycling and cultural value addition. Full article

Population aging and widespread sedentary lifestyles have increased the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, many of which are linked to progressive disruptions of cellular homeostasis. Autophagy, a conserved cellular degradation and recycling pathway, plays a central role in maintaining metabolic flexibility, proteostasis, and organ function. However, aging and physical inactivity impair autophagic regulation, thereby contributing to the development of sarcopenia, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Physical exercise is a non-pharmacological intervention that can restore autophagic activity and confer systemic health benefits in multiple preclinical and clinical contexts. Increasing evidence indicates that these benefits are mediated not only by local tissue adaptations but also by complex inter-organ communication. Central to this process are exercise-induced bioactive factors, collectively termed exerkines, including myokines, cardiokines, adipokines, hepatokines, osteokines, and circulating miRNAs. Rather than acting independently, exerkines form an integrated signaling network that fine-tunes autophagic flux across multiple tissues. Exerkine-mediated regulation of autophagy involves key pathways such as AMPK/mTOR, FoxO, SIRT1, ULK1, and TFEB, thereby coordinating energy metabolism, mitochondrial quality control, inflammation, and protein turnover in skeletal muscle, heart, liver, adipose tissue, bone, and the central nervous system. This review summarizes current evidence on representative exerkines and their roles in autophagy-dependent inter-organ crosstalk, highlighting the exercise–exerkine–autophagy axis as a promising target for preventing and managing chronic diseases. Full article

Bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) are non-replicative, bilayered nanostructures secreted by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Rather than being passive byproducts of cell envelope turnover, BMVs are increasingly recognized as regulated particles that selectively package proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other bioactive molecules. Through these cargos, BMVs mediate a wide range of biological processes, including bacterial stress adaption, intercellular communication, virulence delivery, and host immune modulation. In this review, we integrate recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying BMV biogenesis and composition and discuss how their heterogeneity contributes to their functional diversity. Beyond their biological roles, we critically examine the translational potential of BMVs in vaccine development, targeted drug delivery, cancer therapy, diagnostic tools, and biotechnological applications. However, significant challenges related to their safety, efficacy, and large-scale production must be addressed to realize their full clinical potential. We review recent progress and ongoing obstacles in the use of BMVs across various biomedical applications and propose strategies for their clinical translation. Full article

There is a need to enhance the behavioral health (BH) workforce. Paraprofessionals and peers are often on the “front lines” working with families affected by substance misuse. While they possess valuable lived experience, they often lack the requisite education to be most effective, resulting in high burnout and turnover. This study describes a novel training program for paraprofessionals working in family BH that included three online, 8-week courses (Level I) and a 12-month supervised apprenticeship (Level II). This study measured program satisfaction and effectiveness (knowledge, confidence, and perceived competence) and explored effects on career intention. A sample of paraprofessionals in the BH workforce provided data at baseline, after Level I, and after Level II. After Level II, 87% of participants rated their satisfaction with the program as high. Statistically significant improvements were found for knowledge, confidence, and competence across all domains. Almost all participants reported increased confidence after each level (93% and 94%, respectively). The majority (69%) reported increased interest in continuing their BH career and education. Overall, results suggest that the program was well-received by participants and was associated with improvements. Results provide preliminary support for apprenticeship-based training to enhance the BH workforce and address workforce challenges. Full article

The transcriptomic effects of hybridization and triploidization were investigated in diploid and triploid rainbow trout, diploid brook trout, as well as triploid hybrids of rainbow trout and brook trout. The examined fish were reared under identical conditions for about two and a half years after hatching. Expression of ten genes involved in cellular respiration (Atp5bp, Slc25a5), mitochondrial functioning (Mrpl28, Micu2), ribosome biogenesis (Rpl24, Rps24), proteasome-mediated protein turnover (Derl1, Psmc2), and protein chaperoning (Hsp90B1, Pdia4) was studied in liver and muscle tissues. Most of the analyzed genes (Atp5bp, Slc25a5, Mrpl28, Micu2, Rpl24, Rps24, Derl1, and Psmc2) displayed comparable expression levels in the liver tissue across the examined triploid hybrids and diploid parental species, with stabilization of genes that were both positively and negatively compensated in the triploid rainbow trout. In turn, significant upregulation of Slc25a5, Derl1, Rps24, and Rpl24 genes, together with downregulation of Micu2 gene, was observed in the triploid rainbow trout liver and muscle, respectively. On the other hand, triploid hybrids showed marked transcriptional upregulation of genes primarily associated with energy metabolism and protein synthesis (Atp5pb, Slc25a5, Rpl24, Rps24, and Pdia4) relative to all the fish groups examined. Although protein-synthesis- and energy-related genes were upregulated in the muscles of triploid hybrids, the recorded growth performance data did not indicate clear evidence of growth heterosis (MPH = −14.3% for body weight; MPH = −0.4% for body length), suggesting that potential benefits of increased heterozygosity in this cross may not be fully reflected in enhanced growth. Three- to four-fold downregulation of the heat shock protein (Hsp90B1) gene was also observed in both tissues of triploid hybrids compared with purebred diploid and triploid trout, which may reflect potential maladaptive genomic effects commonly observed in distant salmonid crosses, suggesting altered stress-response regulation in the examined triploid hybrids. Full article

To map and describe the scientific evidence on germicidal ultraviolet C (UV-C) light for hospital surface disinfection, this scoping review examined device types, reported operational parameters, microbiological and clinical outcomes, and implementation aspects. Primary studies conducted in hospital settings and evaluating UV-C or ultraviolet germicidal irradiation on environmental surfaces were searched in four databases without date restrictions. Data were synthesized descriptively in tables and narrative form following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidance. Eleven studies (2007–2025) met the inclusion criteria. Reported microbial reductions ranged from 1 to ≥5 log₁₀. Higher and more consistent reductions were predominantly observed under laboratory or controlled experimental conditions, whereas reductions in real-world hospital surface sampling were more variable and influenced by pathogen type, surface material, room geometry, and shadowing. Integration of UV-C with manual cleaning and multi-position irradiation cycles was associated with greater effectiveness. Reporting of key radiometric parameters (dose, exposure time, and distance) was frequently incomplete, limiting reproducibility and cross-study comparability. Clinical findings were heterogeneous: some interrupted time-series analyses suggested reductions in healthcare-associated infections, although effects were not uniform across microorganisms. Implementation reports described room-level cycle times compatible with turnover, variable staffing requirements, and limited economic evaluation. Overall, UV-C appears to be a promising adjunct to standard cleaning practices in hospital environments. However, standardized radiometric reporting, multicenter studies, and robust clinical and economic evaluations are necessary to support safe, reproducible, and sustainable large-scale implementation. Full article

The succession of plant communities and soil-driven mechanisms triggered by wetland degradation are central issues in global ecology. To investigate the effects of Deyeuxia purpurea wetland degradation on plant community characteristics and its key soil regulatory factors, this study selected D. purpurea wetlands with different degradation degrees in the Sanjiang Plain as research objects and analyzed the characteristics of plant communities, soils, and their relationships. The results indicated that wetland degradation was significantly associated with turnover in plant community composition, with hydrophytic species progressively replaced by mesophytic and xerophytic species. As degradation intensified, Simpson’s diversity index, the Shannon–Wiener index, Pielou’s evenness index, and Patrick’s richness index all increased significantly. The non-degraded wetland exhibited significantly higher aboveground, belowground, and total biomass than the degraded wetlands. Aboveground and total biomass showed a significant negative correlation with the diversity index. Soil pH, water content (WC), total phosphorus (TP), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) were key factors associated with changes in plant community diversity and biomass. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) and variance partitioning analysis (VPA) further quantified potential association pathways, showing that wetland degradation exerted both direct and indirect effects on key soil physicochemical factors and plant community characteristics. Specifically, wetland degradation was directly associated with decreases in soil pH, WC, and TP, while positively affecting soil dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and plant diversity. It also indirectly influenced plant species composition and biomass through changes in soil pH, WC, DON, and TP. TP was negatively correlated with plant diversity and biomass, whereas ammonium nitrogen had a direct positive effect on species composition. Dissolved organic nitrogen directly negatively affected species composition. Overall, this study systematically elucidates plant community response patterns and the synergistic driving mechanisms of multiple soil factors during D. purpurea wetland degradation, providing an important scientific basis for wetland conservation and ecological restoration in the Sanjiang Plain. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy in men worldwide, and both androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiotherapy (RT) are key components of its management. However, these treatments significantly affect bone health by inducing bone mineral density (BMD) loss, osteopenia, osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. ADT promotes a high bone turnover state through hormonal suppression and molecular mechanisms involving increased RANKL expression and osteoclast activation. RT generates direct cytotoxic damage and inflammatory changes that compromise bone microarchitecture. Combined ADT + RT exerts synergistic detrimental effects. This narrative review synthesizes the molecular basis, clinical evidence, preventive strategies and emerging technologies related to bone health in men with PCa undergoing ADT and/or RT. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tafamidis, a transthyretin kinetic stabilizer, increases circulating transthyretin levels in treated patients. While this effect is well documented, its underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model performance and to calibrate a hypothesis-consistent quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model of tafamidis and transthyretin dynamics to explore mechanistic hypotheses underlying the clinically observed increase in circulating transthyretin and the associated dose–response relationship. The PBPK model constitutes the primary framework, while the coupled QSP component illustrates how tafamidis exposure predictions can be used to evaluate mechanistic hypotheses of TTR turnover. Methods: A PBPK–QSP model was constructed in Simcyp (V23) using LUA-based modules. The PBPK part was parameterized from the literature and validated against data from therapeutic single-dose, therapeutic multiple-dose, and supratherapeutic dose clinical studies. The QSP part of the model describes tafamidis–TTR binding kinetics, stabilization, and clearance of bound complexes. Simulations were performed in thirty virtual healthy male subjects aged 30–40 years, incorporating physiological variability in baseline TTR concentrations. Results: Mean predicted versus observed ratios of tafamidis AUC and $C_{max}$ values were within a 1.3-fold range across validation studies. The integrated model reproduced the clinically reported 33% increase in TTR concentration through a calibrated clearance-scaling factor. It supports the hypothesis that reduced clearance of tafamidis-bound TTR may explain the observed effect without modifying TTR synthesis. Dose-sensitivity simulations indicated that patients with low baseline TTR may achieve adequate stabilization at reduced doses, while those with higher baseline TTR concentration may require higher doses. Conclusions: The developed PBPK–QSP model not only reproduces tafamidis pharmacokinetics and TTR responses but also proposes a plausible mechanistic hypothesis consistent with clearance modulation of stabilized TTR contributing to the clinical effect. Full article

Cellular survival and adaptability depend on the dynamic regulation of proteins—the central actors of biological systems. Through mechanisms such as post-translational modifications, protein turnover, and the formation of membraneless organelles, cells can sense and respond to a variety of stressors. Recent advances in artificial intelligence and chemical biology have provided powerful tools to study and manipulate these processes, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies in cancer. This review explores how cells “tame” their proteome in response to stress by coordinating protein synthesis, modification, degradation, and structural organization to maintain functional resilience. Full article

In the context of a deep structural adjustment of China’s real estate sector and heightened macroeconomic uncertainty, quantitatively assessing the resilience of listed real estate enterprises is crucial for preventing systemic risk and promoting sustainable development. This paper proposes a multidimensional resilience evaluation framework for 37 Chinese A-share listed real estate firms using panel data from 2017–2024. An index system covering four dimensions—solvency and liquidity, profitability and cash flow, operational efficiency and asset structure, and growth and value—is constructed on the basis of financial ratios. The entropy-weighted TOPSIS method is employed to derive a composite resilience index, while principal component analysis (PCA) provides a complementary robustness check of the rankings. The empirical results indicate that (1) operational efficiency and asset structure receive the highest objective weight, followed by solvency and liquidity, whereas the weights of profitability, cash flow, and growth–value dimensions are relatively lower; at the indicator level, accounts receivable turnover, inventory turnover and the cash-to-short-term-debt ratio play a leading role, underscoring the central importance of liquidity safety and asset turnover under the “three red lines” regulatory regime. (2) Firms such as Shahe Co., Shenzhen, China, Huafa Co., Zhuhai, China and Wantong Development, Beijing, China exhibit persistently higher resilience scores, characterized by lower leverage, stronger cash buffers and faster operating turnover, whereas firms such as Yunnan Metropolitan Investment, Kunming, China, Greenland Holdings, Shanghai, China, Bright Real Estate, Shanghai, China and Rongsheng Development, Langfang, China remain at the lower tail of the resilience distribution with high leverage, tight liquidity and volatile profitability. (3) The resilience rankings obtained from entropy-weighted TOPSIS and PCA are positively and significantly correlated at the 1% level, suggesting a moderate level of consistency between distance-based and variance-based evaluation schemes. Building on these findings, this paper proposes resilience-oriented policy recommendations for regulators and managers in terms of differentiated prudential regulation, capital-structure and debt-maturity optimization, operational efficiency enhancement, and the integration of digital transformation and ESG governance. Full article