Search Results (14,297)

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders, with a continually increasing population incidence. One of the main therapeutic approaches for this condition involves the inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase—key enzymes involved in carbohydrate breakdown. Silver nanoparticles have exhibited inhibitory activity against both enzymes, suggesting their potential in regulating postprandial blood glucose levels. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized with Stenocereus queretaroensis flower extract. Methods: The flower extract was prepared and, following a qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, was utilized in the reaction to biosynthesize S. queretaroensis flower extract nanoparticles (SAgNPs). The SAgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR). The antidiabetic potential of the biosynthesized SAgNPs was evaluated in vitro using alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory assays, while an animal model was used for postprandial hypoglycemic activity in healthy mice. Results: The phytochemical analyses showed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids like sinapic acid, p-coumaroyl tyrosine, procyanidin dimer β1, and dihydroquercetin in the flower extract. The SAgNPs were found to be rough and spherical in shape, with an average size of 99.5 nm. The inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase by SAgNPs exhibited an IC₅₀ of 4.92 µg/mL and 0.68 µg/mL, respectively. The animal model results suggested that SAgNPs at 100 mg/kg caused a significant decrease in the postprandial glucose level; this effect is likely attributable to delayed carbohydrate digestion, as supported by the in vitro findings. Conclusions: S. queretaroensis-synthesized silver nanoparticles may constitute a promising option for antidiabetic therapy. Full article

This study explores the factors influencing the willingness of Cashew Feni producers to adopt GI certifications, delving deeper into the behavioural factors. This study is guided by the extended Theory of Planned Behaviour. This study was conducted in Goa, India, from June 2024 to January 2025 using a quantitative approach. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires were conducted with Cashew Feni producers actively producing, processing, and distributing Feni in the key production regions. A total of 200 producers were approached, and after validation, 148 responses were considered valid for analysis. The respondents were chosen using a stratified random sampling method. This study employed Partial Least Squares-based Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) in the SmartPLS 4 software to analyse the data. This study found that attitude is a strong predictor significantly driving adoption. Perceived economic benefits also impact attitudes and directly affect the willingness to adopt GIs, emphasising the role of economic factors. Additionally, awareness influences attitudes and subjective norms, indicating that informed producers are likelier to have a positive attitude towards GI adoption. This study also found a significant impact of subjective norms on attitudes and perceived behavioural control. These insights can assist policy formulation and boost sustainable growth and cultural preservation. Full article

In this study, Ni-Co-Y₂O₃ composite coating was prepared by electrodeposition, and the effect of Y₂O₃ particle size on the microstructure and properties of the coating was investigated. The samples were analyzed by XRD, SEM, AFM, EDS, cyclic voltammetry, XPS, hardness, and corrosion resistance test. The results indicate that the diffraction peak of the coating prepared with 50 nm particles exhibits reduced intensity and broadening, whereas the coating prepared with 100 nm particles displays a sharper and more pronounced peak. The onset reduction potential and the performance of the reduction reaction are influenced by particle size. When the particle size is 50 nm, the reduction process is less favorable, with an onset reduction potential of −0.9 V; in contrast, when the particle size is 100 nm, the reduction occurs more readily, with an onset reduction potential of −0.8 V. XPS analysis reveals that the chemical environment of elements varies with particle size. Regarding hardness, the coating prepared by combining different Y₂O₃ particle sizes exhibits higher hardness compared to that prepared using a single particle size, which can be attributed to the synergistic effect. In terms of corrosion resistance, the coating prepared with 100 nm Y₂O₃ particles demonstrates superior corrosion resistance, whereas the coating prepared with mixed particle sizes shows reduced stability and is more susceptible to corrosion. The coating prepared by mixing Y₂O₃ with particle size of 50 nm and 100 nm has a small friction coefficient. In summary, the particle size of Y₂O₃ has a significant influence on the microstructure, hardness, and corrosion resistance of Ni-Co-Y₂O₃ composite coatings. Full article

Continuous nettle fiber-reinforced PLA composites were fabricated using a custom-designed fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer equipped with an in-nozzle fiber impregnation system. The influence of hatch spacing and layer thickness on fiber volume fraction, tensile strength, and fracture surface morphology was systematically examined. Fiber content increased from 7.94 vol.% to 12.21 vol.% when hatch spacing was reduced from 1.0 mm to 0.6 mm at a constant 0.4 mm layer thickness, and from 12.21 vol.% to 24.43 vol.% when layer thickness was decreased from 0.4 mm to 0.2 mm at a fixed 0.6 mm hatch spacing. When compared to neat PLA, tensile strength was improved by 18.69% for the configuration of 1_04 and 75.83% for the configuration of 06_02. SEM analysis revealed orderly fiber deposition in all samples, with 3D-printing-induced voids and fiber pull-out observed on fracture surfaces. Reduced hatch spacing and layer thickness resulted in denser fiber packing, consistent with mechanical performance trends. The results highlight the strong influence of printing parameters on the microstructural and mechanical behavior of continuous natural fiber composites produced by FDM. Full article

In this study, we present a novel and straightforward approach for the synthesis of copolymers and nanocomposites based on α- and β-pinene, employing an eco-friendly and cost-effective nano-reinforcing filler. The copolymers (α-co-β-P) were produced through cationic copolymerization, using AlCl₃ as a catalyst. The structural characterization of the resulting copolymer was validated through FT-IR, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The molecular weight of the obtained polymer is determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) analysis and is about 4500 g/mol. Nanocomposites (α-co-β-P/Clay 2, 5, 8, and 10% by weight of nano-clay) were synthesized by combining clay and α-co-β-P copolymer in solution using ultrasonic irradiation. This ultrasound-assisted method was employed to enhance and assess the structural, morphological, and thermal properties of the pure copolymer. The morphology of the resultant nanocomposites was characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the nanocomposites exhibit a higher degradation temperature compared to the pure copolymer. The analyses provided evidence of the chemical modification of nano-clay layers and their uniform dispersion in the α-co-β-P copolymer matrix. Exfoliated structures were achieved for lower clay concentration (2% by weight), while intercalated structures and immiscible regions were observed for higher clay concentrations (5, 8, and 10% by weight). The antioxidant activity of α-pinene, β-pinene, and the obtained nanocomposites were studied using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) as a model free-radical. The results demonstrate a significant antioxidant potential of the nanocomposites, showcasing their ability to effectively neutralize free-radicals. Finally, a novel procedure was devised for the rapid synthesis of copolymers and nanocomposites using α- and β-pinene. Full article

The safe and efficient capture of CO₂ in confined environments such as coal mine goafs remains a significant challenge, posing both environmental and safety risks. To address this issue, this study developed a novel biomass-based aerogel adsorbent using CNF-C and CS through sol–gel synthesis and freeze-drying. A series of composite aerogels with varying mass ratios were systematically characterized by SEM, BET, FTIR, and TG-DSC to analyze their microstructure, specific surface area, pore characteristics, chemical properties, and thermal stability. A constant temperature and humidity experimental setup was specially designed to explore the effects of various temperatures, humidity, and material ratios on CO₂ adsorption performance. FTIR analysis confirmed that -NH₂ served as the primary adsorption site, with its density increasing with higher chitosan content. The 1:3 ratio exhibited the optimal specific surface area (7.05 m²/g) and thermal stability, withstanding temperatures up to 350.0 °C, while the 1:1 ratio demonstrated the highest porosity (80.74%). Adsorption experiments indicated that 35.0 °C and 50% humidity were the optimal conditions, under which the 1:2 ratio biomass aerogel achieved an 18% increase in CO₂ adsorption capacity compared to room temperature. The sample with a 1:1 high cellulose ratio is primarily dominated by physical adsorption, making its performance susceptible to environmental fluctuations. The sample with a 1:3 high chitosan ratio is predominantly governed by chemical adsorption, exhibiting more stable adsorption characteristics. The 1:2 ratio achieved the best balance under 35.0 °C and 50% humidity. The biomass aerogel synergistically combined physical barriers from its three-dimensional network structure and chemical adsorption via active functional groups, enabling efficient CO₂ capture and stable sequestration. This study demonstrates the feasibility of biomass-derived aerogels for CO₂ adsorption under complex conditions and provides new insights into the design of sustainable materials for environmental remediation and carbon reduction applications. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have garnered extensive application across various domains. However, frequent safety incidents associated with these LIBs have emerged as a significant impediment to their further advancement. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to develop a novel fire extinguishing agent that possesses both rapid fire suppression and efficient cooling capabilities, thereby effectively mitigating the occurrence and propagation of fires in LIBs. This study pioneers the development of an adaptive thermosensitive microcapsule (TM) fire extinguishing agent synthesized via in situ polymerization. The TM encapsulates a ternary composite core—perfluorohexanone (C₆F₁₂O), heptafluorocyclopentane (C₅H₃F₇), and 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (2-BTP)—within a melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) resin shell. The TM was prepared via in situ polymerization, combined with FE-SEM, FTIR, TG–DSC, and laser particle size analysis to verify that the TM had a uniform particle size and complete coating structure. The results demonstrate that the TM can effectively suppress the thermal runaway (TR) of LIBs through the synergistic effects of physical cooling, chemical suppression, and gas isolation. Specifically, the peak TR temperature of a single-cell LIB is reduced by 14.0 °C, and the heating rate is decreased by 0.17 °C/s. Additionally, TM successfully blocked the propagation of TR thereby preventing its spread in the dual-LIB module test. Limitations of single-component agents are overcome by this innovative system by leveraging the ternary core’s complementary functionalities, enabling autonomous TR suppression without external systems. Furthermore, the TM design integrates precise thermal responsiveness, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, offering a transformative safety solution for next-generation LIBs. Full article

Considering the current requirement for high temperatures and the significant energy consumption in the preparation of geopolymer-based cements, this paper presents a study on the compressive strength of metakaolin-based geopolymers containing various low-calcium fly ash admixtures, prepared at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). The physical properties and microstructure of the geopolymers were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The type of alkaline cations, phase transformation, evolution of characteristic functional groups, and hydration characteristics of the microstructures were analyzed, and the hydration mechanism is discussed. The experimental results indicated that the fly ash content had a more significant impact on compressive strength than the alkaline cation type (Na⁺/K⁺). The optimal formulation (20% fly ash with 20% KOH activator) reached a compressive strength of 76.70 MPa at 28 days, which was around 6% higher than that of the NaOH-activated counterpart (72.34 MPa). Crystalline phase analysis in the transformation of mullite and microstructure analysis indicated that the increase in compressive strength could be attributed to the effective filling of the matrix interface by chemically inert fillers and the dense N-A-S-H and C-(A)-S-H multi-dimensional gel structures. These experiments prove the feasibility of using fly ash and metakaolin to prepare geopolymer materials with high compressive strength at room temperature. Full article

In response to the growing demand for sustainable biomaterials in tissue engineering, we investigated the potential of structurally intact brown seaweed scaffolds derived from Laminaria digitata (L.D.) and Laminaria saccharina (L.S.), produced by a detergent-free, visible-light decellularization process aimed at preserving structural integrity. Blades were submerged in cold flow-through and aerated water with red (620 nm) and blue (470 nm) light exposure for 4 weeks. Histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analyses demonstrated that the light decellularization process removed cells/debris, maintained essential structural features, and significantly increased scaffold porosity. Mechanical property analysis through tensile testing revealed a substantial increase in tensile strength post decellularization, with L.D. scaffolds increasing from 3.4 MPa to 8.7 MPa and L.S. scaffolds from 2.1 MPa to 6.6 MPa. Chemical analysis indicated notable alterations in polysaccharide and protein composition following decellularization. Additionally, scaffolds retained high swelling and fluid absorption capacities, critical for biomedical uses. These findings underscore that the decellularized L.D. and L.S. scaffolds preserved structural integrity and exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, interconnected porous structures, and significant liquid retention capabilities, establishing them as promising biomaterial candidates for soft-tissue reinforcement, wound care, and broader applications in regenerative medicine. Full article

For investigating and modeling the swelling potential of anhydrite rocks, it is important to define a fast but accurate, reliable, and repeatable procedure for mineral identification and quantification of anhydrite mineral in rock samples. We propose a quantitative evaluation of the applicability of two different SEM-based approaches (namely, image analysis and the use of the O/S atomic ratio) for the identification and quantification of anhydrite in polished slices of rock. We compare the results obtained with the bulk densities of the samples and with the outcomes of thermogravimetric analyses, demonstrating high convergence between the different data. We eventually propose a critical comparison between the proposed approaches and the existing methods, overall providing a practical guide for the selection of the best analytical procedure for the quantification of anhydrite content in rocks and, consequently, for the correct estimation of swelling potential. Full article

Rare earth can modify inclusions in non-oriented silicon steel which is harmful to magnetic properties. This study focused on the 3.1% Si non-oriented silicon steel under industrial production conditions. Samples were taken during the stages before and after addition of rare earth ferrosilicon alloy in Ruhrstahl-Heraeus (RH) unit, different pouring time in tundish, and continuous casting slab. This study systematically examined the morphology, composition, and size distribution of inclusions throughout the smelting process of non-oriented silicon steel by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and thermodynamic analysis at liquid steel temperature and thermodynamic analysis of equilibrium solidification. The research results demonstrated that the rare earth treatment ultimately modifies the original Al₂O₃ inclusions in the non-oriented silicon steel into REAlO₃ and RE₂O₂S inclusions, while also aggregating AlN inclusions to form composite inclusions. After rare earth modification, the average size of the inclusions decreases. In the RH treatment process, the inclusions before the addition of rare earth ferrosilicon alloy are mainly AlN and Al₂O₃. After the addition of rare earth ferrosilicon alloy, the inclusions are mainly RES and REAlO₃. In the tundish and continuous casting, the rare earth content decreased, and the rare earth inclusions transform into RE₂O₂S and REAlO₃. For the size of inclusions, after adding rare earth ferrosilicon alloy, the average size of inclusions rapidly decreased from 16.15 μm to 2.65 μm and reach its minimum size 2.16 μm at the end of RH treatment. When the molten steel entered the tundish, the average size of inclusions increased slightly and gradually decreased with the progress of pouring. The average size of inclusions in the slab is 5.79 μm. Phase stability diagram calculation indicates the most stable rare earth inclusion is Ce₂O₂S in molten steel. Thermodynamic calculations indicated that Al₂O₃, Ce₂O₂S, Ce₂S₃, AlN, and MnS precipitate sequentially during the equilibrium solidification process of molten steel. Full article

This study explores the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) via green and conventional methods, with emphasis on their performance in hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). CuO NPs synthesized using okra extract (CuO_okra) and hydrazine hydrate (CuO_hyd) were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, HRTEM, and electrochemical techniques. Structural analysis revealed that CuO_okra NPs have smaller crystallite sizes (39.8 nm) and higher defect densities than CuO_hyd NPs (56.8 nm), while CuO_hyd exhibited superior porosity and crystallinity. In HER studies, CuO_hyd outperformed CuO_okra, achieving a significantly lower overpotential (342.2 mV vs. 408.49 mV at 20 mA cm⁻²) and higher cathodic current density (15.9 vs. 11.3 mA cm⁻² at −1.3 V). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further confirmed the superior catalytic activity of CuO_hyd NPs, showing minimal polarization resistance compared to CuO_okra. Full article

Tropaeolum tuberosum (mashua) is a native Andean tuber recognized for its high nutritional and bioactive compound content. Among the various morphotypes, the black and yellow variants show potential differences in composition and functionality. This study aimed to compare the thermo-energetic, nutritional, and physicochemical characteristics of two morphotypes (black and yellow) of Tropaeolum tuberosum flour from the Peruvian Andes. Flours were obtained from tubers harvested in Ayacucho, Peru, and analyzed using elemental analysis for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur (CHNS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and bomb calorimetry. The empirical formula is CH_1.74O_0.91N_0.06S_0.005 for black mashua and CH_1.78O_0.92N_0.05S_0.005 for yellow mashua. Black flour exhibited higher protein (17.6% vs. 14.8%) and fat contents (8.0% vs. 6.7%), along with nearly double the iron content. Both flours showed similar starch granule morphology and gelatinization enthalpy (~2 J/g), but the black flour had higher gelatinization temperatures. Calorimetric analysis revealed a greater net calorific value (qNCV) in black mashua flour (4157 ± 22 kcal/kg) than in yellow flour (4022 ± 19 kcal/kg). The thermogravimetric profiles indicated good thermal stability with approximately 30% residual mass. These findings suggested that black mashua flour possesses superior nutritional and energy characteristics, supporting its application in functional food formulations and energy-rich gluten-free products. Full article

Amid globalization, tourism has increasingly emphasized health and well-being through sustainable, wellness-oriented services. Thailand has been recognized as having strong potential to become a regional hub for wellness tourism, supported by its efficient healthcare system and diverse attractions. This study aims to identify key indicators of wellness tourism based on holistic health principles and to examine their relationships with tourists’ intentions to use wellness services. Data were collected from 1200 wellness tourists in Thailand through stratified random sampling and analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results revealed six significant wellness factors, with Environmental Wellness being the most influential. In addition, gender, income, and occupation were found to positively affect wellness tourism behavior. Attitude and subjective norms also significantly influenced tourists’ intentions to engage in wellness services. This study provides policy recommendations to assist tourism and public health agencies in promoting wellness tourism and enhancing health-focused travel experiences. Full article

The electrochemical reduction in CO₂ (CO2RR) to syngas and value-added hydrocarbons offers a promising route for sustainable CO₂ utilization. This work develops tuneable Cu-Sn bimetallic catalysts via electrodeposition, optimized for CO2RR in a zero-gap flow cell fed with CO₂-saturated KHCO₃ solution, a configuration closer to industrial scalability than conventional H-cells. By varying electrodeposition parameters (pH, surfactant DTAB, and metal precursors), we engineered catalysts with distinct selectivity profiles: Cu-Sn(B), modified with DTAB, achieved 50% Faradaic efficiency (FE) to CO at −2.2 V and −50 mA·cm⁻², outperforming Ag-based systems that require higher overpotentials. Meanwhile, Cu-Sn(A) favoured C₂H₄ (35% FE at −100 mA·cm⁻²), and Cu-Sn(C) shifted selectivity to CH₄ (26% FE), demonstrating product tunability. The catalysts’ performance stems from synergistic Cu-Sn interactions and DTAB-induced morphological control, as revealed by SEM/EDX and electrochemical analysis. Notably, all systems operated at lower voltages than literature benchmarks while maintaining moderate CO₂ utilization (32–49% outlet). This study highlights the potential of electrodeposited Cu-Sn catalysts for energy-efficient CO2RR, bridging the gap between fundamental research and industrial application in syngas and hydrocarbon production. Full article