Search Results (5,230)

Maize bran is an abundant cereal byproduct and a promising source of ferulated arabinoxylan biopolymers (FAXs). In this study, alkaline hydrolysis was optimized for FAX extraction from maize bran using a design-of-experiments approach evaluating alkali concentration, extraction time, and temperature. Purified FAXs were characterized for their chemical composition, phenolic and ferulic acid content, antioxidant activity, microstructure, and functional properties using GC–MS, HPLC, FT-IR, SEM, and standard antioxidant and functional assays. The FAX yields ranged from 14.7 to 18.9%, producing arabinose- and xylose-rich polymers (A/X ratio 0.68–0.74) with a high proportion of bound ferulic acid. Antioxidant assays (FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH) showed that alkaline-extracted and bound phenolic fractions exhibited substantially higher antioxidant capacity (p ≤ 0.05) than free phenolics, highlighting the importance of phenolic association with the arabinoxylan backbone. The FAX 3 extract also showed high activity in both the alkaline-extracted phenolic compounds (905.0 μg/g TE) and fraction II (286.5 μg/g TE), indicating that specific structural features may contribute to its bioactivity. In addition, FAXs demonstrated high water-holding capacity and favorable emulsifying properties. These results support the recovery of maize bran-derived FAXs as functional, antioxidant-active ingredients for food and related applications. Full article

Civil engineering faces the dual challenge of addressing climate change and managing construction and demolition waste (CDW). While existing analyses often focus solely on the mechanical characteristics of recycled materials, there is a significant gap in research on integrating these technical advancements with climate-resilient infrastructure and public policies that encourage circularity. This article offers a detailed review of the technical possibilities for materials derived from CDW, shifting the focus from “low-value recycling” to higher value-added uses. We analyze progress in this area over the past decade (2015–2025), specifically exploring the role of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advanced pretreatment processes (such as carbonation and alkaline activation) in improving material properties. A unique contribution of this work is the creation of a conceptual framework connecting materials science to global sustainability indicators and urban resilience strategies. Our findings show that, while technical feasibility is well established, the transition to a circular economy is hampered by the absence of standardized environmental metrics and effective public policies. This review summarizes these interdisciplinary trajectories and presents a plan for engineers and policymakers to transform construction and demolition waste (CDW) from a problem into a strategic resource for climate-adaptable urban development. Full article

Linear alkylbenzene (LAB) is the main raw material used to make biodegradable detergents, and its production process is based on aromatic alkylation. HY zeolites that have undergone controlled dealumination and desilication have led industrial standards amongst solid acid catalysts because of their controllable acidity and hierarchical pore structure. Coke formation in such systems can assume a dual role, which is dependent on its condition. Though the over-deposition is known to cause deactivation by blocking the micropores, Bronsted acid-site masking, and diffusion collapse, the low-level deposition could also be done to increase the monoalkylate selectivity by the pore mouth catalysis, steric modulation, and selective suppression of secondary alkylation pathways. The critical review is done on the structural-kinetic interaction that determines the coke evolution in HY-based catalysts. In order to moderate the acid-site density and enhance hydrothermal stability, dealumination (Si/Al optimization of about 2.5 to 30–100) occurs, but to reduce deep-pore coke formation, desilication (interconnected mesopores) is created. The bimodal porosity and regulated acidity are found to be synergistic, as hierarchical HY zeolites produced through successive cycles of steam and alkaline treatments not only show LAB selectivity in excess of 90% but also exhibit much longer catalyst lifetimes. Quantitative research on the beneficial coke regime revealed that it was composed of about 36 wt% hydrogen-rich species, which were localized at the pore mouths, hence enhancing monoalkylation selectivity by 15–40%. Beyond a critical transition window (e.g., 8–12 wt.%), coke formation to condensed polyaromatic and graphitic products leads to fast deactivated coke formation, which is due to percolation limits and transport-controlled kinetics. More advanced techniques of characterization of the coke, e.g., temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO), ²⁷Al MAAS NMR, and UV-Raman spectroscopy, indicate how the coke is changed to highly structured graphitic deposits of high oxidation activation energy. Activity recovery of 85–98% is obtained in regeneration processes, including controlled oxidative calcination, microwave-based and plasma-based processes, and thermal management protocols, and it would be determined by the chemistry of the coke, its spatial distribution, and the regeneration protocols. This paper has developed a mechanistic coke control system by cross-tuning the acidity and development of an effective pore network, which led to a sustainable aromatic alkylation reaction with minimal activity loss, high selectivity, and long life. Full article

The manipulation of the electrocatalyst nanoarchitecture, particularly transition metal compounds, regarding size, shape, facets, and composition, significantly enhances the electrocatalytic activity in energy transformations. This study introduces a novel methodology for the precipitation of mesoporous nanoparticles of nickel tungstate (meso-NiWO₄) using direct chemical deposition from a template of Brij^®78 surfactant liquid crystal. Physicochemical analyses revealed the formation of amorphous meso-NiWO₄ nanoparticles with dual sizes of 10 ± 3 and 120 ± 8 nm and a specific surface area of 34.2 m²/g, exceeding that of nickel tungstate deposited in the absence of surfactant (bare-NiWO₄, 4.0 m²/g). The meso-NiWO₄ nanoparticles exhibit improved electrocatalytic stability, reduced charge-transfer resistance (R_ct = 1.11 ohm), and a current mass activity of ~365 mA/cm² mg at 1.6 V vs. RHE during the electrolysis of urea in alkaline solution. Furthermore, by employing meso-NiWO₄ in a two-electrode urea electrolyzer, a remarkable 4.8-fold increase in the cathodic hydrogen concurrent production rate was achieved (373.40 µmol/h at a bias potential of 2.0 V), compared to that of the bare-NiWO₄ catalyst. The exceptional urea oxidation electroactivity and the enhanced hydrogen evolution rate arise from substantial specific surface area and mesoporous structure, facilitating effective charge transfer and mass transport through the meso-NiWO₄ catalyst. Using the surfactant liquid crystal template for electrocatalyst synthesis enables a one-pot deposition of diverse nanoarchitectures and compositions with high surface area at ambient conditions for an improved electrocatalytic and hydrogen green production process. Full article

The development of efficient and non-toxic fuels for direct liquid fuel cells has highlighted ascorbic acid (AA) as a sustainable energy source. This study presents a combined theoretical and experimental investigation of ascorbate oxidation on an Au-Pt electrode in alkaline medium. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Au deposition on Pt creates a more homogeneous and active surface, significantly enhancing the adsorption energy of ascorbate (−7.54 eV vs. −5.80 eV on bare Pt). Electrochemically, this translates to a superior performance, where the Au-Pt electrode achieves a 38% reduction in charge-transfer resistance, a higher current density, and a lower Tafel slope of 77 mV dec⁻¹, indicating accelerated kinetics. The electrode also retains its activity over 1000 cycles, confirming exceptional durability. This synergistic combination of theoretical and experimental results establishes Au-Pt as a premier catalyst for sustainable ascorbate-based energy conversion. Full article

Stem cell heterogeneity represents a critical yet underexplored variable in laser-assisted regenerative strategies. While photobiomodulation has been shown to influence mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) behavior, it remains unclear whether stem cell maturation status modulates responsiveness to Er,Cr:YSGG irradiation. This study investigated the differential response of magnetically separated STRO-1⁺ and STRO-1⁻ SHED subpopulations to low-power Er,Cr:YSGG laser stimulation (0.10 W and 0.25 W), focusing on viability, extracellular matrix production, and lineage commitment. STRO-1⁺ cells comprised 13.4% ± 1.2% of the total Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth (SHED) population. Laser exposure did not impair metabolic activity in either subpopulation. Collagen synthesis demonstrated a power- and time-dependent increase, with maximal enhancement observed in STRO-1⁺ cells at 0.25 W after 7 days. Laser irradiation selectively promoted osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression at 0.10 W and enhanced mineral deposition, while chondrogenic potential remained unaffected and adipogenesis was reduced following 0.10 W exposure. These findings suggest that ALP expression is temporally and power-dependently modulated during osteogenic progression. Overall, Er,Cr:YSGG photobiomodulation does not uniformly affect heterogeneous SHED populations but modulates lineage allocation and extracellular matrix deposition in a maturation- and power-dependent manner. Integrating stem cell subpopulation selection with laser-based bioactivation may represent a strategy to refine regenerative endodontic and biomaterial-guided therapies. Full article

This study assesses the technical, operational, environmental, and economic feasibility of integrating alkaline water electrolysis (AEL) using on-site measured surplus electricity from two 20 MW natural-gas turbogenerators installed at a Central Processing Facility (CPF) in a Colombian oilfield. Unlike approaches based on modeled profiles, the analysis relies on more than 31,000 experimental records of gas consumption and active power, enabling an accurate characterization of the structural availability of energy surpluses under real operating conditions. A specialized industrial water treatment and purification company was consulted and provided with the physicochemical characterization results obtained from process water samples analyzed by an accredited laboratory. Based on these parameters, the technical supplier confirmed the feasibility of designing a multistage treatment train, including equalization, filtration, clarification, activated carbon, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis, capable of achieving final conductivities at or below 5 µS/cm. This water quality level is compatible with typical industrial alkaline electrolysis requirements and in line with technical specifications commonly aligned with ASTM and ISO standards for pressurized AEL systems. A strategic comparison between PEM and AEL technologies, supported by IFE/EFE matrices and sensitivity analyses, identified alkaline electrolysis as the optimal alternative under a stable electrical profile and capital expenditure constraints. Energy sizing for scenarios between 1.5 and 10 MW, assuming continuous 24 h operation and an average specific consumption of 50 kWh/kg H₂, yields productions between 0.5 and 3.5 t H₂/day, with electrical efficiencies above 70%. A 20-year financial analysis indicates a techno-economic threshold near 3 MW (NPV > 0; IRR > WACC), with optimal performance in the 6.5–10 MW range and payback periods between 2 and 4 years under internal valorization of the surplus electricity. From an environmental perspective, the produced hydrogen is classified as low-carbon rather than “green” due to its thermal origin; however, the integration improves the turbines’ operating regime and valorizes surplus electrical exergy that was previously unused, providing a replicable strategy for industrial assets with self-generation and treatable water availability. Full article

CoNi layered double hydroxides (CoNiLDHs) were successfully synthesized on nickel foam (NF) using a hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a well-defined hydrotalcite-like phase, including a strong (003) peak, indicating layered stacking. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a 3D hierarchical nanosheet structure resembling flower-like arrays, which was further supported by EDS mapping showing a uniform distribution of Co, Ni, and O. Electrochemical studies demonstrated excellent OER activity, with a low overpotential of 188 mV at 10 mA/cm² and a Tafel slope of 97.48 mV/dec, inferring rapid reaction kinetics. Furthermore, the material exhibited a significant electrochemical surface area (ECSA) compared to bare NF. Chronoamperometry over 24 h confirmed the operational durability catalyst, stabilizing around 7–8 mA/cm², validating its potential as a cost-effective and efficient OER electrocatalyst in alkaline media. Full article

Urban water bodies serve as biodiversity hot spots in a human-influenced landscape. We studied the backwater “Alte Donau” (Vienna, Austria), which has been the subject of ongoing management and restoration efforts. We aimed to capture short-term variations in the planktonic and benthic algal community during a vegetation period with a specific focus on Gloeotaenium loitlesbergerianum with its primary distribution in tropical regions. In total, 196 algal taxa were identified, indicating a high and balanced species diversity. Although the waterbody is shallow and densely colonized by macrophytes, phytoplankton and microphytobenthos exhibited significant differences in composition, particularly in spring. Less pronounced differences during summer were probably caused by macrophyte harvesting combined with recreational activities. We found a clear seasonal pattern with spring characterized by blooms of Ochrophyta, followed by a shift towards green algae, Dinophyta, and Cyanobacteria during summer and autumn. We found high variability in spring samples, whereas summer and autumn samples showed increasing similarity. Temperature, silicate, and alkalinity were the primary environmental factors structuring algal community composition. G. loitlesbergerianum was detected during warmer months from May through October across a temperature range of 14 to 28 °C, with highest abundances >20 °C. Warmer water and altered nutrient regimes not only stress native populations but also promote the establishment of new species such as G. loitlesbergerianum, accelerating community shifts. Therefore, sustained monitoring, targeted macrophyte restoration, and effective nutrient management are crucial for preserving both water quality and biodiversity in such systems. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of Taxus cuspidata seed oil (TCSO) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. A mouse model of hepatic fibrosis was established by CCl₄ induction, and the model mice were subsequently treated orally with high dose or low dose TCSO for eight weeks. The degree of liver fibrosis and the mechanism of action were assessed through organ indices, serum biochemical markers, oxidative stress levels, histopathological examination, and molecular biological analyses. The results demonstrated that TCSO significantly reduced serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Concurrently, it decreased the concentrations of liver fibrosis markers, including procollagen III (PC III), collagen IV (IV-C), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN), and reduced hepatic collagen deposition. Furthermore, TCSO enhanced the activities of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) while inhibiting the production of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), and it ameliorated histopathological alterations in liver tissue. Additionally, TCSO markedly downregulated the expression of key fibrogenic proteins, such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), thereby effectively suppressing the progression of hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, TCSO ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in mice by reducing hepatotoxic enzyme activity and collagen deposition, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and downregulating the expression of fibrosis-related proteins. Full article

This study compared the physicochemical and biological properties of Bio-C Repair (BR), a new putty-type calcium silicate-based material, with ProRoot MTA (P) and Super-Bond (SB). Discs of the three materials were prepared. Human periodontal ligament cells were seeded onto the discs, and metabolic activity was assessed by MTT assay on days 7 and 28; cells without discs served as the negative control (NC). Moreover, the pH and calcium ion concentration of the eluate, the mass change, and the water sorption were investigated. On day 7, BR showed significantly lower cell activity than P and NC. However, by day 28, BR activity increased significantly, with no significant difference relative to other groups, whereas P activity was significantly suppressed relative to SB and NC. Physiochemically, BR maintained a significantly higher alkalinity (pH ~11.0) and greater calcium ion release than P throughout the 28 days. Furthermore, BR exhibited significant mass gain (15.7%) and the highest water sorption (15.4%), whereas P showed mass loss (−1.1%). Although the high pH of BR initially suppressed cell activity, it demonstrated favorable cytocompatibility by day 28. BR showed a significantly improved long-term cellular response compared to P, suggesting it is a promising alternative as a root-end filling material. Full article

Magnolia kobus (M. kobus) has long been used to treat nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. In the current study, we demonstrate the effects and underlying mechanisms of M. kobus flower water extract (ME) and ME-derived constituent magnolin on in vitro osteoblastogenic and anti-osteoclastogenic responses. Treatment with ME or magnolin markedly enhanced the osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. This osteoblastogenic activity of ME or magnolin was closely associated with upregulation of osteoblast-specific molecules, including RUNX2, DLX5, OSX, alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, and osteopontin, as well as the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Concurrently, magnolin inhibited osteoclast differentiation through inactivating MAPK pathways and downregulating NFATc1, c-Fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and cathepsin K in RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells. These observations suggest that ME and magnolin have pharmacological potential for the treatment and prevention of metabolic bone disorders, including osteoporosis. Full article

Salinity stress severely limits rice productivity and grain quality worldwide. Although exogenous foliar application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂) has been reported to enhance crop stress tolerance, its regulatory roles in yield formation and grain quality in rice varieties with differing salt tolerance are not well understood. In the present study, two contrasting rice varieties, viz., Jingliangyou 3261 (JLY3261; salt-tolerant) and Yuxiangyouzhan (YXYZ; salt-sensitive), were applied with five nano-TiO₂ foliar application treatments—viz., CK: water spray; Ti1: 15 mg L⁻¹; Ti2: 30 mg L⁻¹; Ti3: 45 mg L⁻¹; and Ti4: 60 mg L⁻¹—at the jointing and panicle initiation stages. Plants were irrigated with 0.3% saltwater to simulate salt stress. The results showed that Ti2 and Ti3 treatments led to 8.59% and 14.80% increases in grain yield in JLY3261 and YXYZ, respectively, compared with CK. Ti2 and Ti3 treatments significantly increased the leaf area index, net photosynthetic rate, and aboveground biomass of both varieties at the heading stage. Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, as well as nitrogen metabolism enzymes including nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase, were improved with a substantial reduction in malondialdehyde contents. Application of nano-TiO₂ upregulated the expression of ion transport-related genes such as OsSOSs, OsNHXs and OsHKTs, thus improving leaf K⁺ accumulation and reducing Na⁺ content to optimize the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio. In addition, Ti2 and Ti3 treatments improved the milled rice rate, head rice rate, and protein content, while they decreased the chalkiness degree of both rice cultivars. Principal component analysis showed that the aboveground biomass at the heading stage was a core evaluation index for both varieties. Overall, foliar application of 30–45 mg L⁻¹ nano-TiO₂ was found to be effective regarding growth and yield improvement in rice under saline conditions. This study provides a theoretical basis for agro-management strategies for rice cultivation in saline–alkaline soils. Full article

Corn germ meal contains high-quality protein with the potential of producing bioactive peptides. This study aimed to improve the peptide yield and bioactivity of protein hydrolysates from corn germ meal via thermal-alkaline treatment and solid-state fermentation. Corn germ meal was subjected to thermal-alkaline treatment, and the processing conditions were screened. The material obtained under the optimal conditions was then used for solid-state fermentation. The optimal conditions for thermal-alkaline treatment were 100 meshes, a treatment temperature of 100 °C, an alkali concentration of 1.3%, a treatment duration of 30 min, and a water addition of 120%. The protein digestibility of corn germ meal under optimal conditions improved by 86.28%. The combined treatment of thermal-alkaline treatment and solid-state fermentation significantly altered the chemical composition and structural characteristics of corn germ meal, thereby influencing the solubility and hydrolyzability of its proteins. This approach effectively increased the protein yield (≤37.89%) and peptide yield in protein hydrolysates (≤26.01%) of corn germ meal, consequently enhancing the antioxidant activity and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of protein hydrolysates. Furthermore, the treatment altered amino acid composition in the meal material and effectively degraded anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid and tannin and improved the comprehensive utilization of corn germ meal. Full article

Under dual challenges of global infrastructure expansion and industrial solid waste management, alkali-activated polymers (AAP), as industrial solid-waste-based low-carbon cementitious materials, exhibit immense potential in grouting engineering applications. This review synthesizes current research progress through three critical dimensions: reaction mechanisms, performance characteristics, and grouting applications (grouting for reinforcement and water-blocking). The reaction mechanism universally comprises three stages: dissolution, depolymerization, and polycondensation. Key performance determinants include precursor composition (e.g., slag, fly ash, metakaolin) and alkaline activator properties (type, modulus, concentration). The multifunctional advantages of AAP are fundamentally governed by their microstructural evolution. Specifically, the rapid formation of highly cross-linked C-(A)-S-H and N-A-S-H gels directly contributes to rapid setting and high early strength development, with high-calcium precursors such as slag exhibiting faster strength gain than low-calcium systems, such as fly ash and metakaolin. Furthermore, the absence of vulnerable calcium hydroxide phases, combined with a densified, low-porosity aluminosilicate network, provides superior thermal stability, corrosion resistance, frost durability, and low permeability. Nevertheless, pronounced autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage, driven by mesopore moisture loss and the highly viscoelastic solid skeleton, remain primary constraints for field implementation. In grouting reinforcement, AAP can effectively enhance the strength and structural integrity of weak soils, such as soft clay, loess, and sulfate-rich saline soils. For grouting water-blocking, particularly in sodium-silicate-based binary systems, AAP achieves rapid gelation, superior washout resistance, and high anti-seepage pressure, proving optimal for groundwater inflow control. Future research must prioritize (i) standardized mix design protocols for performance consistency, (ii) advanced shrinkage mitigation strategies, (iii) systematic durability assessment under coupled environmental stressors (e.g., wet–dry cycling, chemical attack, thermal fatigue), and (iv) cross-disciplinary collaboration for industrial-scale validation. Full article