Green electrospun materials are gaining popularity in the quest for a more sustainable environment for human life. Bee pollen (BP) is a valuable apitherapeutic product, and has many beneficial features such as, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Alginate is a natural and low-cost polymer. Both natural materials show good compatibility with human tissues for biomedical applications and have no toxic effect on the environment. In this study, bee pollen-loaded sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (SA/PVA) nanofibrous mats were fabricated by the electrospinning technique. The green electrospun nanofibrous mats were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). According to the findings of the study, the toxin-free electrospinning method is suitable for producing green nanomaterial. Because of the useful properties of the bee pollen and the favorable biocompatibility of the alginate fibers, the bee pollen-loaded SA/PVA electrospun mats have the potential for use in a variety of biomedical applications

In this research, the photocatalytic degradation of cypermethrin using Fe-TiO2 nanoparticles supported in a biomaterial was evaluated. The nanoparticles of TiO2 were synthesized by the green chemistry method assisted by ultrasound and doped by chemical impregnation using molar ratios Fe:Ti of 0, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1, to make efficient use of direct sunlight (λ>310 nm). All nanoparticles were immobilized on the surface of spathe of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). The degradation was carried out at room temperature and natural pH in a flat plate solar reactor, on which the composite material was subjected. The concentration of cypermethrin was determined after 12000 J/m2 of accumulated radiation from GC-MS and the resulting material was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectrophotometry of diffuse reflectance and BET surface area BET surface area. The best results were achieved with the use of Degussa TiO2 P-25, Fe:Ti=0 and Fe:Ti=0.05 in suspension, with percentages of degradation of cypermethrin of 99.84, 99.62, and 100%, respectively. However, the materials supported on the biomaterial of coconut, they allowed to reach degradation percentages higher than 80% with the advantage that it minimizes operating costs, since they are not necessary filtering or centrifuging processes to separate the catalyst.

Background. Nanotechnology is promising field for generating new applications. A green synthesis of nanoparticles through biological methods using plant extract have a reliable and ecofriendly approach to improve our global environment. Methods. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous extract of Anagalis arvensis L and silver nitrate and were physicochemically characterized. Results. The stability of AgNPs toward acidity, alkalinity, salinity and temperature showed that they remained stable at room temperature for more than two months. The SEM and TEM analysis of the AgNPs showed that they have a uniform spherical shape with an average size in the range of 40–78 nm. Further 1-Dibhenyl-2-Picrylhydrazl radical in Anagalis arvensis L.mediated AgNPs showed a maximum activity of 98% at concentration of 200μg/mL. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay in Anagalis arvensis L. mediated AgNPs showed a maximum activity of 85% at concentration of 200μg/mL. Reducing power of Anagalis arvensis L.Ag NPs exhibited a higher activity of 330 μg/mL at concentration of 200 μg/mL. These NPs have cytotoxic effects against brine shrimp (Artemia salina) nauplii with a value of 53% LD 178.04μg/mL. Conclusion. The AgNPs synthesized using Anagalis arvensis L. extract demonstrate a broad range of applications.

Strategic researches on green mine construction are of great theoretical and practical significance to the sustainable development of China's mining industry as well as the great-leap-forward development strategies of China. Strategies of green mine construction in China are methods summarized to solve all potential problems from mine production to ecological restoration. At present, strategies of green mine construction in China are not fully evaluated and studied yet. Therefore, on the basis of green mine construction related literatures carried out by researchers in China and abroad, this study took the green mine of Yongcheng City in China as the research object to evaluate the current situation of green mine construction in Yongcheng City and put forward corresponding countermeasures. First of all, driving force-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) model was introduced for the construction of evaluation index system; construction principles and selection methods of indexes and the index system based on driving force, pressure, state, impact and response were constructed. Secondly, principal component analysis (PCA) was adopted to calculate and evaluate data of green mine of Yongcheng City in recent years, and construction state of green mine in Yongcheng City was analyzed concretely according to the evaluation results. Empirical results showed that, the evaluation system constructed in this study was feasible, which could be applied to evaluate construction of green mine effectively.

Thorium (Th) is a natural radioactive element present in the environment and has a potential to be used as a nuclear fuel. Relatively little is known about the influence and toxicity of Th in the environment. In the present study, the toxicity of Th to the green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. Pyrenoidosa) was evaluated by algal growth inhibition, biochemical assays and morphologic observations. In the cultural medium (OECD TG 201), Th(NO₃)₄ was transformed to amorphous precipitation of Th(OH)₄ due to hydrolysis. Th was toxic to C. Pyrenoidosa, with a 96 h half maximum effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 10.4 μM. Scanning electron microscopy shows that Th-containing aggregates were attached onto the surface of the algal cells, and transmission electron microscopy indicates the internalization of nano-sized Th precipitates and ultrastructural alterations of the algal cells. The heteroagglomeration between Th(OH)₄ precipitation and alga cells and enhanced oxidative stress might play important roles in the toxicity of Th. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the toxicity of Th to algae with its chemical species in the exposure medium. This finding provides useful information on understanding the fate and toxicity of Th in the aquatic environment.

Urban environments face escalating challenges, e.g. due to uncontrolled urbanization, rapid population growth or climate changes, prompting the exploration of sustainable solutions for enhancing urban green spaces (UGS). For this reason, poplars (Populus L.), due to their rapid growth, wide range adaptability to environmental conditions and versatility of use, would have emerged as very promising. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge regarding poplar's application in urban landscapes, emphasizing its multifaceted contributions and benefits. However, challenges arise from the variable lifespans of different poplar cultivars, necessitating strategic management approaches. Selecting cultivars based on growth rates, root system characteristics, and adaptability to urban conditions is pivotal. Adaptive replanting strategies, incorporating species with varying lifespans, offer solutions to maintain continual greenery in urban landscapes. Collaborative efforts between researchers, urban planners, and policymakers are essential for devising comprehensive strategies that maximize benefits while addressing challenges associated with their variable lifespans. In conclusion, harnessing poplar's potential in urban greenery initiatives requires a balanced approach that capitalizes on their benefits while mitigating challenges. Further research and adaptive strategies are crucial for sustained and effective utilization in creating resilient and vibrant urban landscapes.

This paper defines the two main causes of global warming in the UK and seeks to cut climate change using green hydrogen made from renewable electricity sources. Combustion vehicles powered by fossil gasoline and diesel emit a third of UK climate-warming CO2 while buildings heated by natural gas provide a quarter. First, current UK grid problems are defined: Electricity grid, gas grid and petroleum grid. Then experiments on the private energy community of Keele University allow electrolysis demonstrations producing green hydrogen for buildings and vehicle refueling. Next, the model supply chain is planned and tested. Finally, experiments and calculations are outlined, analyzing the optimum system design criteria proposed. We conclude that economic green hydrogen can displace diesel and gasoline in vehicle transport, while also displacing natural gas for combined heat and power in buildings. In addition, the prospect in 2023 is that profits can now be made all along the green hydrogen supply chain, such that new businesses involved in clean communities can beat the National Grid monopoly and other large dominant fossil grid companies.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is well known for its high content in bioactives including polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins, which have been shown to exhibit a wide range of biological activity such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. It is worth noting that the majority of these molecules are found in the peels (PP), which are usually disposed of after processing, causing a significant amount of waste, amounting to more than 3.6 million t/y. This work investigates MW-assisted extraction (MAE) in water for the recovery of antioxidants from PP, including the optimization of temperature and extraction times. The total phenolics, anthocyanin, flavonoid and tannin contents of the recovered extracts have been determined, as have their antioxidant activities, which were found to be 356.35 mgGAE/gextr., 303.97 µgCy3G/gextr., 37.28 mgQE/gextr., 56.48 mgGAE/gextr. and 1.43 µmolTE/gextr., respectively (according to the adopted reference). All results have been compared with those obtained using a conventional protocol. In addition, the potential for water recycling by means of nanofiltration downstream in optimized MAE has been investigated, leading to overall water reuse of approx. 75%. Energy consumption (20.92W/mgGAE) and the common green metrics, RME, E-Factor and PMI (PME), have been considered in evaluating the proposed PP valorization strategy. Finally, the biological activity of the main products has been assessed. The antimicrobial properties of the PP extracts against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria, and their antiproliferative activity towards human cancer cells have been tested. The S. aureus bacteria was the most susceptible to the PP extracts. All tested products displayed antiproliferative activity in HeLa cells when higher concentrations were tested, with D-PP/NF being the most effective. This result was also confirmed in a clonogenic analysis, which generally indicated the possible anti-cancer activity of pomegranate peel extracts obtained using this green approach.

The health of urban citizens is defined by how their living environments are planned, built, and operated. These complex relations between health and the characteristics of built environments require system-orientated thinking and transdisciplinary interventions, yet have mainly been addressed using conventionally narrow sector-based approaches. This paper investigates the opportunities and challenges of the Vietnamese Green Building Movement (GBM) based on a transdisciplinary approach, with attention to additional health benefits of green buildings that are currently under-researched, while highlighting building users’ perspectives. Focusing on the perspectives of high-rise building residents, the paper examines transdisciplinary insights collected from six thematic webinars, expert interviews, and, in particular, from a household survey conducted in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Among other findings on opportunities and challenges for the Vietnamese GBM, the paper points out a challenging mismatch between the high importance homebuyers place on green building health benefits, and the focus of GBM stakeholders on GB energy-saving benefits- which are not necessarily homebuyers’ most pressing concerns. With this evidence-based inquiry, the paper concludes that improved health and well-being should be considered co-benefits of green buildings, along with energy efficiency. Importantly, this paper also brings attention to the necessity of a systemic and transdisciplinary approach in both academic and practical efforts toward the implementation of SDG3- to “ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all ages”- and SDG 11- “to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.

Mounting evidence supports the connections between exposure to environment types––such as green spaces and biodiversity––and human health. However, the mechanistic links that connect biodiversity (the variety of life) and human health, plus the level of supporting evidence, are less clear. Here, we undertook a scoping review to map the links between biodiversity and human health and summarise the levels of associated evidence using an established weight of evidence framework. Distinct from other reviews, we provide additional context regarding the environment-microbiome-health axis, evaluate the environmental buffering pathway (e.g., biodiversity impacts on air pollution), and draw upon expert opinion to provide case studies on three underrepresented linkages. The case studies include (1) biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples’ health, (2) biodiversity and urban social equity, and (3) biodiversity and COVID-19. We observed a moderate level of evidence to support the environmental microbiota-human health pathway and a moderate-high level of evidence to support broader nature pathways (e.g., green space) to various health outcomes, from stress reduction to enhanced wellbeing and improved social cohesion. However, studies of broader nature pathways did not typically include specific biodiversity metrics, indicating clear research gaps. Further research is required to understand the connections and causative pathways between biodiversity (e.g., using metrics such as taxonomy, diversity/richness, structure, and function) and health outcomes. There are well-established frameworks to assess the effects of broad classifications of nature on human health. These can assist future research in linking biodiversity metrics to human health outcomes. Our case studies on underrepresented linkages highlight the roles of biodiversity and its loss on urban lived experiences, infectious diseases, and Indigenous Peoples’ sovereignty and livelihoods. More research and awareness of these socioecological interconnections are needed.

Background: Microbiome-Inspired Green Infrastructure (MIGI) was recently proposed as an integrative system to promote healthy urban ecosystems, through multidisciplinary design. Specifically, MIGI is defined as nature-centric infrastructure restored and/or designed and managed to enhance health-promoting interactions between humans and environmental microbiomes, whilst sustaining microbially-mediated ecosystem functionality and resilience. MIGI also aims to stimulate a research agenda that focuses on considerations for the importance of urban environmental microbiomes. Objectives: In this paper we provide details of what MIGI entails from a bioscience and biodesign perspective, highlighting the potential dual benefits for human and ecosystem health. We present ‘what is known’ about the relationship between urban microbiomes, green infrastructure and environmental factors that may affect urban ecosystem health (ecosystem functionality and resilience as well as human health). We discuss how to start operationalising the MIGI concept based on current available knowledge, and present a horizon scan of emerging and future considerations in research and practice. We conclude by highlighting challenges to the implementation of MIGI and propose a series of workshops to discuss multi-stakeholder needs and opportunities. Discussion: This article will enable urban landscape managers to incorporate initial considerations for the microbiome in their development projects to promote human and ecosystem health. However, overcoming the challenges to operationalising MIGI will be essential to furthering its practical development. Although the research is in its infancy, there is considerable potential for MIGI to help deliver sustainable urban development driven by considerations for reciprocal relations between humans and the foundations of our ecosystems –– the microorganisms.

In this paper, the P versus NP problem is studied based on a six-dimensional space-time perspective. The gap between the P-class and NP-class arises from the relationship between time and the solution, as well as the answer that is independent of time. The complexity of solving a problem depends on the time dependence of the answer. Solving problems whose answers do not depend on the passage of time is very difficult and impossible. Like the description of the gravitational factor in Newtonian physics, NP class problems require different mathematical tools. Based on the generalization of physical facts in mathematics, based on six-dimensional space-time, a method to solve problem P versus NP problem has been stated. The results of this study offer a fresh insight into information processing that occurs independent of the passage of time.

In this work, a GaN-on-Si quasi-vertical Schottky diode was demonstrated on a locally grown n-GaN drift layer. The diode achieves a high current density of 2.5 kA/cm², a specific on-resistance RON,sp of 1.9 mΩ.cm² despite the crowding effect in quasi-vertical device and on/off current ratio (Ion/Ioff) of 1010. Temperature-dependent current-voltage characteristics have been measured in the range of 300-433 K to investigate the mechanisms of leakage conduction in the device. At near zero bias, thermionic emission (TE) was found to dominate. At voltage range from -1 to -10 V, electrons gain enough energy to excite into trap states, leading to the dominance of Frenkel-Poole emission (FPE). For a higher voltage range (-10V to -40V), the increased electric field promotes electron hopping along the threading dislocations in the “bulk” GaN layers, and thus, Variable Range Hopping becomes the main mechanism for the whole temperature range. This work provides an in-depth insight into the leakage conduction mechanisms on vertical GaN-on-Si Schottky barrier Diodes (SBDs) grown by localized epitaxy.

The correct selection of the value of p is a complex and iterative procedure that requires experience in the interpretation of the obtained interpolated maps. Inverse Distance Weighting is a method applied to the porosities of the K and L hydrocarbon reservoirs, discovered in the Neogene (Lower Pontian) subsurface sandstones in the northern Croatia (Pannonian Basin System). They represent small and large data samples. Also a standard statistical analysis of the data was made, followed by the qualitative-quantitative analysis of the maps, based on the selection of different values of the power distance exponent (p-value) for the K and L reservoirs maps. According to the qualitative analysis, for a small data set, p-value could be set on 1 or 2 giving the most optimal result, while for a large data set, a p value of 3 and 4 could be applied. By quantitative analysis, for the case of small data p=2 is recommended, resulting in a root mean square error value of 0.03458, a mean absolute error of 0.02013 and a median absolute deviation of 0.00546. Oppositely, a p-value of 3 and 4 is selected as appropriate for a large data set, with root mean square errors of 0.02435 and 0.02437, mean square errors of 0.01582 and 0.01509 and median absolute deviations 0.00896 and 0.00444. Eventually for a small data set, it is recommended to use a p-value of 2, and for a large data set, a p-value of 3 or 4.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) can be used as carrier materials for the controlled release of pesticides while reducing their negative environmental impact. In this study, we screened an active ingredient, p-cymene (PC), with an excellent inhibitory effect on rice bacterial blight. Subsequently, the PC was successfully loaded onto MSNs via physisorption(PC@MSNs). PC@MSNs, characterized by a regular spherical shape, smooth surface, and an MSN average size of 262.9 nm, achieved an 8.6 % drug loading capacity. The release kinetics of the PC from the PC@MSNs demonstrated a sustained release (288 h) pattern influenced by drug diffusion. The efficacy of the PC@MSNs against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae paralleled those of PC. Acute toxicity assays re-vealed that the PC@MSNs were less toxic to aquatic life (LC50=257.867 mg/L) and that the formu-lation showed no adverse effects on rice seedling growth. In summary, these results suggest that PC@MSNs can broaden PC's application scope in managing rice diseases.

Given a set of distinct non-negative integers X^n and a target certificate S in parametrized form: ∃X^k⊆X^n,∑_(x_i∈X^k)▒x_i =S (k=|X^k |,n=|X^n |). We present a polynomial solution of the subset sum problem with time complexity T≤O(kn)≤O(n^2) and space complexity S≤O(((n-1)n)/2)≤O(n^2 ), so that P = NP.

Clopidogrel is one of the most prescribed antiplatelet drugs for cardiovascular diseases prevention. Clopidogrel is a prodrug metabolised by CYP2C19 in active metabolites with anti-aggregant effect. Pharmacogenetic variants such as CYP2C19*2 variant can alter the anti-aggregant effect of clopidogrel leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease relapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prescription characteristics of CYP2C19 pharmacogenetics in patients on clopidogrel treatment, based on a specific query in a clinical data warehouse. We evaluated the demographics of patients, prescribers, medical indications, CYP2C19 pharmacogenetic tests and therapeutic changes. Neurologists were the main prescribers of CYP2C19 pharmacogenetic tests associated with clopidogrel treatment in a context of suspicion of stroke relapse. Pharmacogenetic tests were mainly prescribed a posteriori to clopidogrel prescription. Clopidogrel pharmacogenetic resistance was associated with the prescription of lysine acetylsalicylate in substitution of clopidogrel. Clear clinical practice guidelines are needed to position CYP2C19 pharmacogenetic testing for patients on clopidogrel treatment.

Electrocardigraphy remains as a first-line evaluation method for cardiac function, recording the electrical activity of the heart from the body surface. Since atrial activation is seen on the ECG as P-wave, several factors are known to impact the appearance of the P-wave, such as direction of electric impulse, conduction abnormalities and anatomical characteristics of the atria. The aim of this retrospective study was to find statistically significant associations between anatomy of pulmonary veins (PVs) osberved in cardiac computed tomography (CT) and P-wave appearance during sinus rhythm on resting ECG. For each patient, a resting 12-lead ECG was recorded, the field of analysis was P wave – its’ duration, morphology and axis. The evaluation of the CT scan recordings was performed by creating 3D models of the left atrium and analyzing anatomy of the PVs and left atrial appendage (LAA). Noteworthy correlations were found: anatomy of the left PVs showed an association with LAA volume, LAA morphology and P-wave notching in lead II. The right PVs demonstrated relation with P wave axis and amplitude. Although these correlations cannot be classified as strong, they may play a role in significant scientific discoveries in future research projects.

The scope of this study was twofold: first, to introduce a new method in examining measurement invariance, especially with large-scale studies where a large number of group comparisons are involved: the alignment approach, where only configural invariance is necessary to achieve measurement invariance. Second, to evaluate the psychometric robustness of this approach using real-life data. Particularly, we applied this approach to examine whether the factor structure of a cognitive ability test (PGAT) exhibits measurement invariance across the 26 universities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sample consisted of 9,849 graduate students from 26 universities around the Kingdom. The results indicated a robust configural model suggesting that the P-GAT subscales were invariant across the 26 universities. Finally, the aligned factor mean values were estimated, and factor mean comparisons of every group’s mean with all other group means were conducted for both cognitive domains (Verbal and Quantitative). In both domains, King Saud University had the highest mean score among all universities. Moreover, its mean factor score was significantly higher than any other university besides Dammam University. On the other hand, several universities allocated at the northern and Southern borders of the country exhibited the lowest factor mean scores.

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (P. ginseng), has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It contains a number of chemical components and possesses a variety of pharmacological activities. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is neurodegenerative disease that creates a huge burden on the lives and health of individuals. In recent years, studies have indicated that the chemical components of P. ginseng, especially ginsenosides, play a pronounced positive role in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. This review aimed to summarize currently studies on chemical components and the mechanisms action in AD intervention treatment of P. ginseng, especially ginsenosides. In this review, the components of P. ginseng and their respective active effects were first introduced. Then the key molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of P. ginseng were introduced, and its different active ingredients in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease-related pathogenesis were also summarized from the pathogenesis of AD Aβ generation and aggregation, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein，oxidant stress，neuroinflammation，mitochondrial damage，disorder of neurotransmitter and gut microbiota. Signaling pathway networks related to the action of ginseng active ingredients was constructed, which could serve as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. In addition to a detailed report on P. ginseng in improving Alzheimer's disease-related pathogenesis, the application of the current technology, spatial metabonomics in AD therapeutics and diagnostics were later discussed. Spatial metabonomics could be applied to investigate the multi-target intervention of P. ginseng on Alzheimer's disease. Research perspectives for the study of P. ginseng in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease were provided for further studies.

The research is a deep study of the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), which represent the market sentiments of the S & P 500 Index (SPX) over a period of 33 years. It evaluates how the two indexes perform in the stock market crash and how reliable VIX is in predicting market sentiments. The research distributes the market rally in two forms, and one is a trust rally, when investors are happy to see the market in a stable form, and investors' sentiments are positive towards the stock market. Second is a fear rally, where investors' sentiments are negative, and their outlook is bearish for various reasons. It observes the pattern of rallies, like the longest trust or fear rally, in which year and its duration. The research analyzes data to reach a meaningful conclusion and various inferences that can be drawn from the study of historical data.

When 2−1/Q<p≤2, we establish the C^{0,1} and C^{1,α}-regularities of weak solutions to quasi-linear p-Laplacian type non-homogeneous equations in the Heisenberg group.

Paenibacilli are efficient producers of potent agents against bacterial and fungal pathogens, which are of great interest both for therapeutic applications in medicine as well as in agrobiotechnol-ogy. Lipopeptides produced by such organisms play a major role in their inactivation potential. In this work we investigated two lipopeptide complexes, the fusaricidins and the polymyxins, produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa strains DSM 32871 and M1 by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The fusaricidins show potent antifungal activities and are distinguished by an unusual variabil-ity. For strain DSM 32871 we identified numerous yet unknown variants mass spectrometrically. DSM 32871 produces polymyxins of type E (colistins), while M1 forms polymyxins P. For both strains novel, but not yet completely characterized polymyxin species were detected, which pos-sibly are glycosylated. These compounds may be of interest therapeutically, because polymyxins attain increasing attention as last-resort antibiotics against multiresistant pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the volatilomes of DSM 32781 and M1 were investigated with a GC-MS approach using different cultivation media. Production of volatile organic com-pounds (VOCs) was strain and medium dependent. In particular, strain M1 manifested as an effi-cient VOC-producer that exhibited formation of 25 volatiles in total. A characteristic feature of Paenibacilli is the formation of volatile pyrazine derivatives.

The trace element selenium (Se) is taken up from the diet and becomes metabolized mainly by hepatocytes. Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) constitutes the liver-derived Se transporter. Biosynthesis of extracellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx3) in kidney depends on SELENOP-mediated Se supply. We hypothesized that Se status may serve as a useful prognostic marker for outcome in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Serum samples from patients were routinely collected before and after transplantation. Concentration of serum SELENOP and total Se as well as GPx3 activity were determined by standardized tests and related to survival, aetiology and pre-operative Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Scores. A total of 314 serum samples from 78 transplanted patients were available for analysis. The Se and SELENOP concentrations were on average below the reference ranges of healthy subjects. Patients with ethanol toxicity-dependent aetiology showed particularly low SELENOP and Se concentrations and GPx3 activity. Longitudinal analysis indicated declining Se concentrations in non-survivors. We conclude that severe liver disease necessitating organ replacement is characterized by a pronounced Se deficit before, during and after transplantation. A recovering Se status after surgery is associated with positive prognosis, and an adjuvant Se supplementation may thus support convalescence.

In developed countries, especially the big-sized ones like Australia and the USA, a car is almost an inevitable necessity to carry out daily activities. Due to this, used cars have become a great alternative to brand new cars because of their cost effectiveness. In this work, estimation of prices of used cars based on numerous factors is studied statistically. Data is based on prices of used cars sold across Australia. Statistical methods like correlation and permutation tests using linear regression model, exact tests and non-parametric bootstrapping is implemented to study the relationship of price with mileage and year of manufacture of the car using p-values and null hypothesis. Predictions are also made on the price by calculating a 95% confidence interval (CI) of median prices in small portions of the dataset. The study presents potential ideas for understanding correlation between variables and parameters in business studies.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea. In this study, the effects of dietary EGCG on oxidative stress and the metabolism and toxicity of acetaminophen in liver were investigated. Rats were fed the diets with (0.54 %) or without EGCG supplementation for four weeks and were then intraperitoneally injected with acetaminophen (1g/kg). Results showed EGCG lowered hepatic oxidative stress and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2E1, and 3A, and UDP-glucurosyltransferase activities prior to acetaminophen injection. After acetaminophen challenge, the elevations in plasma alanine aminotransferase activity and histological changes in liver were ameliorated by EGCG treatment. EGCG reduced acetaminophen-induced apoptosis by increasing the Bax/Bcl2 ratio in liver. EGCG mildly increased autophagy by increasing the LC3B II/I ratio. Lower hepatic acetaminophen-glutathione and acetaminophen-protein adducts contents were observed after EGCG treatment. EGCG increased glutathione peroxidase and NAD(P)H quinone 1 oxidoreductase activities and reduced organic anion-transporting polypeptides 1a1 expression in liver after acetaminophen treatment. Our results indicate that EGCG may lower oxidative stress and reduce the metabolism and toxicity of acetaminophen. The reductions in CYP-mediated acetaminophen bioactivation and uptake transporter, as well as enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, may limit the accumulation of toxic products in liver and thus lower hepatotoxicity

Copulas are useful tools for modeling the dependence structure between two or more variables. Copulas are becoming a quite flexible tool in modeling dependence among the components of a multivariate vector, in particular to predict losses in insurance and finance. In this article, we study the dependence structure of some well-known real life insurance data (with two components mainly) and subsequently identify the best bivariate copula to model such a scenario via VineCopula package in R. Associated structural properties of these bivariate copulas are also discussed.

In this paper, we introduced many new notions and new contraction named as S-weakly contraction after that we obtained the p-common best proximity point theorems for different types of contractions in the setting of complete metric spaces by using weak P_p-property and proved the uniqueness of these points. Also we presented some examples to prove the validity of our results.

Metal oxide p-n heterojunction nanofibers (NFs) are among the most promising approaches to enhancing the efficiency of gas sensors. In this paper, we report the preparation of a series of p-NiO-loaded n-ZnO NFs, namely (1 − x) ZnO-xNiO (x = 0.03, 0.05, and 0.1 wt%), for hydrogen gas sensing experiments. Samples were prepared through the electrospinning technique followed by a calcination process. The sensing experiments showed that the sample with 0.05 wt% NiO loading resulted in the highest sensing performance at an optimal sensing temperature of 200 °C. The sensing mechanism is discussed in detail and contributions of the p-n heterojunctions, metallization of ZnO and catalytic effect of NiO on the sensing enhancements of an optimized gas sensor are analyzed. This study demonstrates the possibility of fabricating high-performance H₂ sensors through the optimization of p-type metal oxide loading on the surfaces of n-type metal oxides.

Kummerowia striata is a traditional medicine used for the therapy of inflammation-related diseases. Herein, we investigated the anti-melanogenic and antioxidant activities of an ethanolic extract of K. striata (EKS) using a number of in vitro and cell culture model systems. The anti-melanogenic effect was assessed in B16F10 melanoma cells based on melanin synthesis and in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity and the anti-oxidant activity assays were performed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2ʹ-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS); EKS exhibited strong anti-oxidant activities in both the assays. The expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, tyrosinase-related protein 2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor was decreased in a dose-dependent manner at mRNA and protein levels upon treatment with EKS. Notably, EKS did not affect the cell viability at all the EKS concentrations used in this study, indicating that EKS-mediated inhibition of melanin synthesis is not accompanied with cytotoxicity. Collectively, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that EKS possesses anti-melanogenic and anti-oxidant activities, and suggest that further evaluation and development of EKS as a functional supplement or cosmetic might be useful for skin whitening and for reduction wrinkles.

Graph coloring is a manifestation of graph partitioning, wherein, a graph is partitioned based on the adjacency of its elements. Partitioning serves potentially as a compartmentalization for any structural problem. Vertex coloring is the heart of the problem which is to find the chromatic number of a graph. The fact that there is no general efficient solution to this problem that may work unequivocally for all graphs opens up the realistic scope for combinatorial optimization algorithms to be invoked. The algorithmic complexity of graph coloring is non-deterministic in polynomial time (NP) and hard. To the best of our knowledge, there is no algorithm as yet that procures an exact solution of the chromatic number comprehensively for any and all graphs within the polynomial (P) time domain. However, several heuristics as well as some approximation algorithms have been attempted to obtain an approximate solution for the same. Here, we present a novel heuristic, namely, the 'trailing path', which returns an approximate solution of the chromatic number within polynomial time, and, with a better accuracy than most existing algorithms. The ‘trailing path’ algorithm is effectively a subtle combination of the search patterns of two existing heuristics (DSATUR and Largest First), and, operates along a trailing path of consecutively connected nodes (and thereby effectively maps to the problem of finding spanning tree(s) of the graph) during the entire course of coloring, where essentially lies both the novelty and the apt of the current approach. The study also suggests that the judicious implementation of randomness is one of the keys towards rendering an improved accuracy in such combinatorial optimization algorithms. Apart from the algorithmic attributes, essential properties of graph partitioning in random and different structured networks have also been surveyed, followed by a comparative study. The study reveals the remarkable stability and absorptive property of chromatic number across a wide array of graphs. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate the potential use of graph coloring in protein design – yet another hard problem in structural and evolutionary biology.

This paper includes some new investigations and results for post quantum calculus, denoted by (p,q)-calculus. A chain rule for (p,q)-derivative is developed. Also, a new (p,q)-analogue of the exponential function is introduced and some its properties including the addition property for (p,q)-exponential functions are investigated. Several useful results involving (p,q)-binomial coefficients and (p,q)-antiderivative are discovered. At the final part of this paper, (p,q)-analogue of some elementary functions including trigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions are considered and some properties and relations among them are analyzed extensively.

In this paper we establish several Hermite-Hadamard type integral inequalities for hyperbolic p-convex functions. Applications for special means are provided as well.

In this paper, we introduce a new generalization of the Hermite polynomials via (p, q)-exponential generating function and investigate several properties and relations for mentioned polynomials including derivative property, explicit formula, recurrence relation, integral representation. We also de…ne a (p, q)-analogue of the Bernstein polynomials and acquire their some formulas. We then provide some (p, q)-hyperbolic representations of the (p, q)-Bernstein polynomials. In addition, we obtain a correlation between (p, q)-Hermite polynomials and (p, q)-Bernstein polynomials.

In this study, a graphene-doped porous silicon (G-doped/p-Si) substrate for low ppm H₂ gas detection by an inexpensive synthesis route was proposed as a potential noble graphene-based gas sensor material and to understand the sensing mechanism. The G-doped/p-Si gas sensor was synthesized by a simple capillary force-assisted solution dropping method on p-Si substrates, whose porosity was generated through an electrochemical etching process. G-doped/p-Si was fabricated with various graphene concentrations and exploited as a H₂ sensor operated at room temperature. The sensing mechanism of the sensor with/without graphene decoration on p-Si was proposed to elucidate the synergetic gas sensing effect generated from the interface between the graphene and p-type silicon.

The current generation of nuclear reactors are evolutionary in design, mostly based on the technology originally designed to power submarines, and dominated by Light Water Reactors. The aims of the GenIV consortium are driven by sustainability, safety and reliability, economics, and proliferation resistance. The aims are extended here to encompass the ultimate and universal vision for strategic development of energy production, the ‘perpetuum mobile’ – at least as close as possible. We propose to rethink nuclear reactor design with the mission to develop a system which uses no fresh resources and produces no fresh waste during operation as well as generates power safe and reliably in economic way. The results of the innovative simulations presented here demonstrate that, from a theoretical perspective, it is feasible to fulfil the mission through the reuse of spent nuclear fuel from currently operating reactors as the fuel for a new reactor. The produced waste is less burdensome than current spent nuclear fuel which is used as feed to the system. However, safety, reliability and operational economics will need to be demonstrated to create the basis for the long term success of nuclear reactors as a major carbon free, sustainable, and applied highly reliable energy source.

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements in residential and commercial properties with a special tax assessment added to property taxes. The paper surveys the literature and documents the quantitative estimates of environmental and economic benefits. The paper extends to discuss the securitization of PACE loans. The issuance of PACE green bonds frees up capacity for more PACE improvements. In addition, we summarize the concerns raised after the programs have been implemented. Those concerns include consumer protection, audit after program implementation, and lien-related risks for lenders. We highlight the challenges and discuss measures to continue to grow PACE financing. The success of PACE programs will contribute to mitigating climate change and to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We know that the classical Mittag-Leffler function play an important role as solution of fractional order differential and integral equations. We introduce the j-generalized p - k Mittag-Leffler function. We evaluate the second order differential recurrence relation and four different integral representations and introduce a homogeneous linear differential equation whose one of the solution is the j-generalized p-k Mittag-Leffler function. Also we evaluate the certain relations that exist between j-generalized p - k Mittag-Leffler function and Riemann-Liouville fractional integrals and derivatives. We evaluate Mellin-Barnes integral representation of j-generalized p-k Mittag-Le er Function. The relationship of j-generalized p-k Mittag-Leffler Function with Fox H-Function and Wright hypergeometric function is also establish. we obtained its Euler transform, Laplace Transform and Mellin transform. Finally we derive some particular cases.

In this paper, we derive multifarious relationships among the two types of higher order q-Daehee polynomials and p-adic gamma function via Mahler theorem. Also, we compute some weighted p-adic q-integrals of the derivative of p-adic gamma function related to the Stirling numbers of the both kinds and the q-Bernoulli polynomials of order k.

Chylothorax is a rare complication occurring after cardio-thoracic surgical procedures. This condition presents challenges about diagnosis and treatment. Operative ductal ligation is the method of choice for relapsing or refractory cases, and it can be performed through the aid of IGC injection for the identification of chylous leakage. Our report presents the use of ICG fluorescence during VATS to successfully identify and treat a left-sided post-surgical chylothorax. The patient underwent a pulmonary wedge resection for a suspect malignant lesion and developed chylous leakage in the early postoperative period. On postoperative day 7 the patient underwent a revision thoracoscopy for hemostasis and thoracic duct ligation. ICG injections have been performed through bilateral inguinal lymph nodes and approximately 15 minutes after we performed the re-thoracoscopy with effective identification and ligation of the chyle leakage. ICG fluorescence-guided VATS is a valuable and effective method for managing postoperative chylothorax, especially for left-sided leaks. The video of the procedure can be found at: https://zenodo.org/records/13786288

This work proposes a conceptual design for a process for recovering Polystyrene (PS) using solvents of agro-industrial origin. The literature describes the dilution of Expanded Polyestyrene (EPS) in limonene, followed by its insolubilization with alcohols for recovery. However, there is no information on the solubility limit for the PS + limonene + alcohol system, which is critical for the process design. To determine the solubility limit, we diluted the waste EPS in D-limonene, mixed it with ethanol to form a precipitate, and used a gravimetric method to measure the mass of the compounds. These results allowed for the conceptual design of an EPS recycling process using a chemical process simulator, which includes a separator, a distillation column, and auxiliary equipment such as heaters, coolers, and pumps. An empirical correlation was obtained for the solubility limit, which enabled the design of a process for the treatment of 52 kg/s of PS using 0.75 kg /s of ethanol and 2.4 kg / s of D-limonene once the stationary state had been reached. The distillation column is six-stage, with a reflux ratio of 1.5 and duties of 30 000 kW and -25 847 kW for the condenser and reboiler, respectively.

The practice of stormwater management has evolved from a singular focus on drainage to a multifaceted approach to support integrated urban development. By contributing to healthy, livable, ecological, and water sensitive cities, it is a key tool to promote Sustainable Development Goal 11 from neighborhood to metropolitan scales. A review of the knowledge base for stormwater management shows several attributes that favor an integrative approach to achieve co-benefits across several sectors. Functional areas of its contributions include drainage, flood control, flood plain management, water quality control, urban ecology, recreation, and city beautification. Legacy path dependance affects the potential to reform land use practices, while stormwater management practice is being affected by climate change, sea level rise, urbanization, inequality, and poor governance. Technical methods for stormwater management are well advanced, but integrative frameworks to address social, ecological and infrastructure needs are more challenging. The sensitivity of ecological issues is most evident in cities in coastal zones. Organizational initiatives are needed to counter neglect of essential maintenance and sustain flood risk reduction in cities. Stormwater management is related to other integrative tools, including IWRM, One Water, One Health, and integrated flood management, as well as the broader concept of urban planning. Stormwater capture and rainfall harvesting offer major opportunities to augment scarce water supplies. Nature-based solutions like low-impact development and the Sponge City concept show promise to transform cities. Major cities face challenges to sustain conveyance corridors for major flows and to store and treat combined sewer runoff. The neighborhood focus of stormwater management elevates the importance of participation and inclusion to advance environmental justice and strengthen social capital. Integrating organizational initiatives from local to city scale and funding improvements to stormwater systems are major challenges that require leadership from higher governance levels, although governments face resistance to change toward integration, especially in countries with poor land use and public works management systems. Finding solutions to neighborhood issues and the connectivity of water systems at larger scales requires complex approaches to urban planning and represent an important agenda for urban and water governance going forward.

Macroalgae seaweeds such as Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria verrucosa cause problems on the Northern Coast of the Italian Adriatic Sea because their overabundance hinders the growth of cultivated clams, Rudatapes philippinarum. This study focused on the green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles from U. lactuca and G. verrucosa. The biosynthesized CuO NPs were successfully characterized using FTIR, XRD, HRTEM/EDX, and zeta potential. Nanoparticles from the two different algae species are essentially identical, with the same physical characteristics and almost the same antimicrobial activities. We have not investigated the cause of this identity, but it seems likely to arise from the reaction of Cu with the same algae metabolites in both species. The study demonstrates that it is possible to obtain useful products from these macroalgae through a green synthesis approach and that they should be considered as not just a cause of environmental and economic damage but also as a potential source of income.

High quantities of biomass produced in greenhouses create environmental problems, as this side stream and its downgraded products are not further used in the production cycle. The aim of our research was the identification and semi-quantification of molecules extracted from vegetative tomato plant residues with sustainable green alternative solvents using vacuum-assisted soxhlet and solid-liquid extraction to evaluate the possibilities for high-value applications. To identify compounds, GC-MS analysis, and the Folin-Cioalteau method was used. In sum, 285 different compounds have been assigned to 383 detected peaks using GC-MS analysis. The solvents 2-MTHF and ethyl acetate, compared to ethanol and hexane, provided better results with a maximum number of 99 ± 8.83 compounds, a maximum total concentration of 5,894.82 ± 586.48 and 3,363.02 ± 71.14 mg NEQ kgdw-1 and a total phenolic content of 2,143.25 ± 155.17 and 1,605.92 ± 66.46 mg GAE kgdw-1, respectively. With 781.2 ± 112.66 and 718.25 ± 54.89 mg NEQ kgdw-1 the compound neophytadiene was the most common terpene in ethyl acetate and 2-MTHF extracts, respectively. It can be concluded that vegetative tomato plant residues contain a high variety of bioactive molecules. Green solvents, such as 2-MTHF and ethyl acetate, enhance the extraction of these molecules from the solid matrix.

The present study comprises the second part of our previous work that dealt mainly with the phytochemical and physicochemical characterization of green coffee, clove, cinnamon/clove and nutmeg ethanolic extracts of grape origin. In the present study, we focused on producing a discriminating model concerning green coffee, clove, cinnamon, cinnamon and clove, and nutmeg fine powders based on multivariate analysis of variance and supervised learning on data of volatile compounds analysis, carried out with solid phase dynamic extraction in combination with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results showed that 7 volatile compounds namely ethylene, methanol, 3-methylpentane, ethyl acetate, 9-hexadecen-1-ol, toluene, and methyl acetate could differentiate the investigated samples resulting in a 100% classification rate using the cross-validation method of linear discriminant analysis. Results were further confirmed using partial least squares regression analysis. The study contributes to the typification of green coffee, cinnamon, clove, cinnamon and clove and nutmeg, based on selected volatile compounds, and provides further support to the literature by means of possible adulteration given the statistical models developed.

Smart manufacturing encompasses a category of manufacturing that employs computer-integrated capabilities and technologies to enhance supply chain optimization, production efficiency, and recyclability. Yet limited studies have been conducted to optimize these prospects from the perspective of low resource countries where such innovative studies have not been adequately explored. This paper aims to examine the implications of smart manufacturing practices (Smart Procurement, Smart Supply Chain, Smart Production Planning and Control, Automation and Industrial Robot, and Supply Chain Configuration) on pro-environmental behaviour and develop a baseline moderated mediation model to explain the relationship between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental behaviour with a role of green dynamic capability, and environmental orientation. This study is anchored on quantitative research approach, deductive reasoning, and explanatory design. Cross – sectional survey data have been obtained from 382 manufacturing companies in Ghana. Our hypotheses have been tested using Structural Equation Modelling and SMART-PLS version 3.8.9. The study has revealed that smart manufacturing practices significantly and positively relate to pro-environmental behaviour. Moreover, green dynamic capability and environmental orientation moderate the relationship between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental behaviour. The implications of the study include the emergence of a baseline model to guide policymakers, practitioners, and academicians to explain the relationship between smart manufacturing and sustainable manufacturing in the context of developing countries. Again, the social implication of the study includes the realisation of decent job and economic growth, responsible consumption and production as well as actions taken to combat climate change.

Despite the need for a sustainable energy resource, bioenergy gained its spotlight in the 2000s. Sugarcane is a significant crop in terms of sugar and energy capacity, and it can be an alternative energy source to mitigate the effects of climate change. Bioenergy production from sugarcane in Brazil is one of the most efficient. This production lends a centrality to biofuels' importance in confronting the effects of climate change. The present article reviews the Brazilian history of this crop as a biofuel source. We highlight the historical changes related to scientific, technological, industrial, and environmental advances since the beginning of the 20th century. We describe how creating governmental institutes and disseminating scientific knowledge strengthened public policies that led Brazil to occupy leadership positions in producing, distributing, and using bioenergy throughout the country. The compiled data shows the improvement and the new approaches needed in ethanol sugarcane. We developed a bibliometric analysis to evaluate Brazilian science's contribution to this process compared to other countries. Brazil's history of science and investments in sugarcane biofuel development for transportation may be divided into two phases: ethanol-only and flex-fuel cars. A third phase is starting, which is the ethanol-to-hydrogen era.

The maritime sector, grapples with environmental challenges, but the adoption of "cold ironing" emerges as a promising solution, signifying a shift toward sustainability by providing energy to ships at port, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly lowering emissions, contributing to global climate change efforts. This transition towards renewable energy is especially crucial for islands like Lesvos, addressing challenges of high energy costs and environmental degradation resulting from reliance on imported fossil fuels, highlighting the potential for positive economic and environmental impacts. The existing literature highlights a research gap in the development of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) to support cold ironing operations, specifically due to the absence of specific data for the power demand needed in such operations and the lack of monitoring data for accurate calculations. This study's primary objective is to utilize real monitoring data from the port of Lesvos to evaluate the power demand for a potential cold ironing application. Additionally, the study aims to analyze the implementation of a wind power park to meet the energy needs of an electric port and evaluate the potential reduction in CO2 emissions. The database of Marine Traffic S.A. was utilized, while the determination of the energy used in-port per ship depended on factors such as the number of arrivals, the duration of hoteling, and the type of engine used by the ships. In addition, the software RETSCREEN was used for the energy analysis of a simulated 20 MW wind park that can support the in-port operations. The combined monthly energy demand for both main and auxiliary engines of shipping vessels at Mytilini port was assessed to be 6118 MWh and averaging a power demand equaled to 8.2 MW. The simulation analysis indicates that the annual electricity delivered to the port can be72080 MWh, with a significant portion remaining unused and exported to the grid, amounting to 14956 MWh annually. Due to demand fluctuations, in-port activities require an additional 924 MWh from the main electrical grid, which highlights the importance of additional measures like energy storage and demand-response practices for the gradual transition to 100% Renewable Energy Sources (RES) operations.

This research investigates the compatibility of conventional air conditioning with the principles of green building, highlighting the need for systems that enhance indoor comfort while aligning with environmental sustainability. Conventional cooling systems, though proficient in regulating indoor temperatures, encounter several issues when incorporated into green buildings. These include energy waste, high running costs, and a misalignment with eco-friendly practices, which may also lead to detrimental environmental effects and potentially reduce occupant comfort, particularly in retrofit situations. Given the emphasis on sustainability and energy conservation in green buildings, there is a pressing demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions that support these goals. This study emphasizes the critical need to reconsider traditional HVAC strategies in the face of green building advances. It advocates for the adoption of innovative HVAC technologies designed for eco-efficiency and enhanced comfort. These technologies should integrate seamlessly with sustainable construction, use greener refrigerants, and uphold environmental integrity, driving progress towards a sustainable and occupant-friendly built environment.

Researchers are increasingly focusing on green synthesis methods for silver nanoparticles due to their cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental impact. In this study, we utilized an edible bird's nest (EBN), a valuable economic resource, as the primary material for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using only water as the solvent. Metabolite profiling of the EBN extract was conducted using LC-QTOF-MS in positive mode (ESI+), revealing the presence of lipids, glycosides, peptides, polysaccharides, and disaccharides. Upon the addition of silver nitrate to the aqueous EBN extract, noticeable color changes from transparent to brown indicated the successful formation of AgNPs. Subsequent characterization of these silver nanoparticles involved UV-Visible spectroscopy, which revealed an absorption peak at 421 nm. Further characterization was carried out using Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis. The involvement of phenolic agents, proteins, and amino acids in reducing the silver particles was confirmed. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a crystalline nature, a spherical shape, and a particle size ranging from 10 to 20 nm. The presence of elemental silver was confirmed by a strong, intense peak around 3 keV in the EDX spectrum. To assess their potential, the antibacterial properties of the silver nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated using the agar diffusion method.

Silver nanoparticles from Origanum vulgare (Oregano) have been synthesized in the past. However, no investigation has been performed on the combined effects of independent factors that affect the synthesis. Silver nitrate and Oregano concentrations, incubation temperature and time, as well as pH can play crucial roles in synthesis. In this regard Full Factorial Design was applied. A Voigt function was fitted on the measured UV – Vis spectra. The fitting parameters of the Voigt function (peak wavelength, area, and Full Width at Half Maximum) were used as the responses. A quadratic model was fitted for the peak wavelength and area, and the pH proved the dominant factor on nanoparticle synthesis.

The concept of an economy that is circular and without the need for material or energy input has an irresistible appeal to those who have recognized that planetary boundaries exist and that resources are not unlimited. Thus, in the public discourse its narrative outperforms other lines of arguments when it comes to keeping radical critics of destructive extractivism and the growth imperative in check and averting the uptake of diverging opinions by larger segments of the population and government bodies. Moreover, the myth of a circular economy has the additional benefit that it can win over parts of the environmental movement that dread radical and transformative change, particularly in the urban milieus of a middle-class that enjoys the privileges of the current social order. In this paper I argue that the circular economy narrative tends to hinder the necessary systemic transformation while entailing a wide range of specific measures that deserve to be recognized for their merit.

One main objective of this study was to increase the utilization of the raw material in the rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) essential oil industry by application of membrane technologies. A new ultrafiltration-based process for green recovery of polyphenols from distilled (de-aromatized) rose petals, the primary by-product in essential oil production, was created. The process includes enzyme-assisted extraction and subsequent membrane separation for partial concentration. Following a green membrane technology strategy, the newly developed process proposes an environmentally-friendly alternative to the conventional processing, comprising organic solvent ex-traction and adsorber resin purification. The results showed that the permeate flux decreased with volume reduction ratio’s rise and increased with the transmembrane pressure and feed flow rate rises. At the beginning of the process the highest flux was with UF1-PAN membrane, but at the end of the process with UF10-PAN membrane. Total polyphenols of the retentates in-creased by 27-39% and 26-67% during ultrafiltration with UF1-PAN and UF10-PAN membrane, respectively, with the highest value obtained for UF10-PAN membrane at VRR 6. The highest concentration factor and rejection of total solids, total polyphenols, redox-active antioxidants and radical scavenging antioxidants were obtained at VRR 6 with UF10-PAN membrane. This membrane and concentration level at transmembrane pressure of 0.4 MPa and feed flow rate of 330 dm3/h are recommended to be used for application of ultrafiltration of rose-petals by-product for potential use in the food industry.

Scutellaria multicaulis, a member of the Lamiaceae, is a medicinal plant indigenous to Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It has been widely used as a prominent herb in traditional medicine for thousands of years. This plant is reported with baicalein, wogonin, and chrysin flavonoids as a significant group of chemical ingredients, which can cure different diseases such as breast cancer. S. multicaulis leave extract was used for the bioreduction of silver nanoparticles (SmL-Ag-NPs), and their phytochemical contents and antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-proliferative, and apoptotic activity were evaluated. Optimal physicochemical properties of SmL-Ag-NPs were obtained by mixing 5% of leave extract and 2 mM of aqueous AgNO3 solution and confirmed by characterization studies including UV–visible spectrophotometry, FE-SEM, EDX, DLS, zeta potential, TGA, SERS, XRD and FTIR Spectroscopy. SmL-Ag-NPs exhibited higher content of TPC (Total Phenolic Content) and TFC (Total Flavonoid Content) and potential antioxidant activity. SmL-Ag-NPs also demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB231 cells multiplication with an IC50 value of 37.62 μg/mL at 48h through inducing cell apoptosis. This is the first report on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using S. multicaulis leave extract, which can provide treatment for cancer diseases and reduce some negative effects of chemotherapy.

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been used for more than a century; since their discovery in 1850 by Strecker. To date, MCRs route is regarded as a beneficial strategy due to its capacity to quickly produce molecular diversity and structural complexity of interest for a variety of applications. Despite having famous MRCs such as the Ugi, Passerini, Biginelli, and Hantzsch, this re-view portrays the importance of MCRs in the synthesis of desired products towards applications such as medicinal purposes, sustainable chemistry, and polymerisation. MCRs provide ad-vantages such as reducing the number of sequential multiple reactions to one step, atom economy, recyclable catalysts, mild conditions, preventing waste and reduce solvent use.

2-Methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one was prepared by reaction of anthranilic acid, acetic anhydride and ammonium acetate. The reaction of 2-methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one with N-aryl-2-chloroacetamides in acetone in the presence of potassium carbonate gave nine N-aryl-2-(2-methyl-4-oxoquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)acetamide compounds. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of their IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HR-MS spectral data. These synthesized compounds containing the 2-methyl-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one moiety exhibited excellent activity against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae with LC50 values in the range of 2.085-4.201 μg/mL after 72 h exposure. Interestingly, these compounds did not exhibit toxicity to the non-target organism Diplonychus rusticus. In silico molecular docking revealed acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to be potential molecular targets. These data indicated the larvicidal potential and environmental friendliness of these N-aryl-2-(2-methyl-4-oxoquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)acetamide derivatives.

An important set of Ecosystem services (ES) provided by Green infrastructures (GI) consists of habitats and species protection and improvement, which coincides with biodiversity conservation and enhancement. From this perspective, one of the most outstanding features of GI is its attitude towards addressing the negative impacts of habitat fragmentation on the supply of ES related to biodiversity by strengthening the effectiveness of connections between protected areas. Building on a methodological approach defined in previous studies by Cannas, published in a set of articles between 2017 and 2018 [1–4], this study identifies ecological corridors (EC) with reference to the spatial layout of a set of protected areas. Moreover, such methodological approach is implemented into the context of the Sardinian region to map EC, which form, together with protected areas, a network representing the spatial framework of a regional GI. Finally, the relation between the EC and the spatial taxonomy of the landscape components featured by environmental relevance (LCFER), identified by the Regional Landscape Plan is analyzed, in order to assess if, and to what extent, the present regional spatial zoning code can be used as a basis to implement regulations aimed at protecting EC.

From new understanding of pectin molecular structure and physiological effects on man up to new production methods and new applications, significant new knowledge of pectin has emerged in the last two decades (2010-2020). These developments open the route to new and unexpected applications of this uniquely complex heteropolysaccharide ubiquitous in plants and fruits well beyond its traditional use as food hydrocolloid. This study provides a unified perspective on the new science and technology of pectin. Furthermore, we offer an insight into forthcoming pectin uses from an expanded perspective taking into account selected technology and economic factors that, we argue in this study, will shortly impact the pectin production and uptake in many countries.

Is the production of the “AnchoisFert” organic fertilizer via the circular economy process based on omega-3 lipid extraction of milled anchovy fillet leftovers with citrus limonene followed by mild drying economically and technically viable? This study answers this question and identifies the main obstacles, chiefly of economic and organizational nature, to be overcome prior to commercialization of this new organic fertilizer. Along with non-variable and proven efficacy, successful competition with conventional organic and inorganic fertilizers requires affordable cost and regular supply. This, inter alia, requires to establish new and mutually beneficial relationship between bioeconomy firms and fish processing companies.

Heterocycles are unique precursors for the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals particularly those possessing N- or O- moieties. The development of methods to prepare heterocycles is of great importance in synthesis of organic compounds, especially the heterocycles which can be found in natural products. The synthesis of nitrogen and oxygen containing heterocycles viz. coumarins, dihydropyrimidinones, imidazoles, isoxazoles and benzimidazoles represented an attractive and demanding work for chemists as these nucleus has found extensive applications in several fields such as material science, analytical chemistry and most importantly in medicinal chemistry. Organic synthesis has been attracted towards the development of new environmental friendly procedures to achieve the goals of green chemistry. The fundamental aspects of green chemistry are use of biocatalysts and environmental benign solvents under mild conditions. The present review article summarized the green synthetic methods and biological activities of nitrogen and oxygen containing heterocycles.

World Economy today depends on business investments that are propelled by Green technology, innovations and entrepreneurial activities. In recent years, developing economies in Asia, Africa and Latin America have embarked on easy capital access to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to facilitate their economic growth. Kenya is among the Middle Level Income Countries that have gained global recognition through entrepreneurial innovations. In this study we assess the role of entrepreneurship towards poverty alleviation in Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to evaluate the role of entrepreneurship in poverty alleviation in Kenya; to identify entrepreneurship innovations and their economic contribution in Kenya and to determine the significance of entrepreneurship to Kenyan economy. Methodology of study took a parametric approach through pure desktop studies on entrepreneurship cases in Kenya. Success case studies of entrepreneurial innovations like M-pesa, M-soko and Uwezo Fund initiatives were assessed. The paper notes that activities undertaken in each of these case studies have made great contributions to poverty alleviation and economic development in both urban and rural areas of Kenya.

Cyanides, though naturally occurring, are environmental pollutants when not treated properly. Some methods used to attenuate cyanides in waste waters from industrial processes are based simply on changing the physico-chemical properties of the waste water such as the pH and temperature. The effectiveness of these methods are based on hydrolysis of the cyanide and volatilization of the hydrogen cyanide formed. Another reaction which takes place simultaneously is ultraviolet-catalysed oxidation which converts the cyanide to bicarbonates and carbonates.The changes in the cyanide degradation rate approaches a minimum faster if the cyanide solution is maintained at a higher than ambient constant temperature.

As the world is striving to recover from the shockwaves triggered by the Covid-19 crisis, all hands are needed on deck to transition towards a green recovery and make peace with nature as prerequisites of a global sustainable development pathway. In this paper, we examine the blockchain hype and the gaps in data and tools to build promising use cases for blockchain technology to accelerate global efforts in the decade of action towards achieving the SDGs. We attempted to break the hype-cycle portraying blockchain’s superiority by navigating a rational blockchain use case development approach. By prototyping an SDG Acceleration Scorecard to use blockchain-enabled solutions as SDG accelerators, we aim to provide useful insights towards developing an integrated approach that is fit-for-purpose to guide organizations and practitioners in their quest to make informed decisions to design and implement blockchain-backed solutions as SDG accelerators. Acknowledging the limitations in prototyping such tools, we believe these are minimally viable products and should be considered as living tools that can further evolve as the blockchain technology is getting mature, its pace of adoption increasing, and its lessons learned, good practices and standards widely shared and internalized by teams and organizations working on innovation for development.

This paper discusses Green Infrastructure, which can be considered a useful tool in the process of ensuring the sustainable development of urban structures in the Carpathian region. It allows for achieving a better quality of the environment of human life and healthy wildlife linkages. The element that supports defining information about the existing state of Green Infrastructure and its resources is the Green Infrastructure fragmentation coefficient based on edge effect calculations, which is the relation between the edge of the patch (circumference) to its surface area [1, 2]. With the use of model analysis of Green Infrastructure, it is possible to implement the provisions of the Carpathian Convention and coordinate planning documents that facilitate the sustainable development of spatial structures. Our study on the state of Green Infrastructure in rural areas of the Polish Carpathian Mountains is a source of knowledge about the quality of this area, its natural environment and fragmentation. Determining the territory’s Green Infrastructure fragmentation coefficient provides an opportunity for higher-precision studies and the detection of threats and integration of GI fragments and addressing proper solutions in conflict areas.

Evolutionary psychology theories propose that contact with green, natural environments may benefit physical health, but little comparable evidence exists for brown, natural environments, such as the desert. In this study, we examined the association between “brownness” and “greenness” with fasting glucose among young residents of El Paso, Texas. We defined brownness as the surface not covered by vegetation or impervious land within Euclidian buffers around participants’ homes. Fasting glucose along with demographic and behavioral data was obtained from the Nurse Engagement and Wellness Study (N = 517). We found that residential proximity to brownness was not associated with fasting glucose when modeled independently. In contrast, we found that residential greenness was associated with decreased levels of fasting glucose, despite the relatively low levels of greenness within the predominantly desert environment of El Paso. A difference between the top and bottom greenness exposure quartiles within a 250 m buffer was associated with a 3.5 mg/dL decrease in fasting glucose levels (95% confidence interval: -6.2, -0.8). Our results suggest that within the understudied context of the desert, green vegetation may be health-promoting to a degree that is similar to other, non-desert locations in the world that have higher baselines levels of green.

The market of natural and organic cosmetics has been growing in last decades. The increase in interest in this type of product is a consequence of the concern that consumers have been presenting in relation to the environment and health. In addition to the appreciation the use of sustainable ingredients in cosmetic formulations, the consumers are also concerned about pollution caused by the use of plastics, which leads industries to reinvent themselves and rethink about the composition of packaging. The factor that most drives the purchase of natural and organic cosmetics is the fact that the consumer, in addition to contributing to the preservation of the environment, is also using a sustainable product. The growing demand for natural and organic cosmetics results in a concern of the brands with the organic issue, with the decreased use of animal derived ingredients and with the updating the parameters required for certification of a cosmetic as natural or organic. Due to the few studies available in this area, the importance of clarifying the definitions and concepts of natural and organic cosmetics is evident, in order to contribute with accurate information for the cosmetic sector.

The present article analyzes the integration of green building policy and practice with the largest low-income housing production program in the US and the innovativeness of its housing agencies. Drawing on policy innovation literature, panel data and regression analysis are employed to quantify associations between state-level characteristics and the adoption of green building criteria into the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. Results show that, on average, housing agencies have increasingly adopted green building criteria, and most have identified co-benefits from energy-efficient buildings and smart growth. Despite overall progress, the rate of adoption of green building criteria has decreased, few states have comprehensive criteria, and many have dropped important criteria, such as on-site renewable energy generation. Results are consistent with hypotheses derived from the literature and suggest the integration of green building with LIHTC developments is significantly associated with government motivation, financial resources, and exogenous characteristics that affect the demand for green building. Future research should explore organization-level factors that affect environmental policy innovation. It is recommended that LIHTC housing agencies require compliance with green building rating systems and periodically reconfigure green building criteria based on planned evolutionary change, data-driven strategies, and life-cycle analyses towards zero net energy consumption.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is implementing the concept of green campus by various means including through elements in its sustainable campus development plan. With regards to several factors related to Energy and Climate Change indicators set by UI GreenMetric, this research examined the existing condition of the area of UGM which belongs to academic zone in order to construct a proposal based on a building mass reconfiguration. This proposal was aimed to improve the implementation of energy-specific green campus concept within the Forestry cluster area as a sample case study. This selection was based on the average value of the Building Coverage Ratio (BCR) values in all of the clusters; thus, the scenario was relevant for generalization and could be replicated in other clusters in the university. The study was done in three stages of simulation, and was based on a series of digital simulation of sunlight hour and solar radiation run in Grasshopper using Lady Bug environmental analysis plug-in for a period of five summer months during the building office hours. Following the reconfiguration, results had shown a similar downtrend between the amount of sunlight hour and solar radiation in the area (up to 49% and 45% respectively on building envelopes, and up to 44% and 42% respectively on landscaping surfaces). This reduction indicated a potential of energy efficiency by applying selective building mass reconfiguration as a passive design strategy that goes hand in hand with the campus’s development policy to optimize the use of BCR for a greener UGM campus through its many undergoing and upcoming redevelopment projects.

The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan has caused virus outbreaks in many provinces and cities in China, and several neighboring countries were also affected. In recent years, coronavirus several outbreaks around the world were reported, however researchers could not predict its onset. Coincidentally, the birthplace of another coronavirus (SARS-CoV) that causes serious public health problems is also in China. This review compares and analyzes the external environment, natural hosts, intermediate hosts, and susceptible populations when these two coronaviruses occurred. Based on the analysis results, we found that the 2019-nCov virus outbreak in Wuhan was not an accidental phenomenon, but a result of a combination of factors. At the same time, through the conclusions of these analyses, we will be able to get a glimpse of the trajectories of new coronaviruses and curb the virus outbreak in future.

The combination of eco-respectful epoxy compounds with the humins, a by-product of biomass chemical conversion technologies, allow the obtention of materials with high added value. In this work, we propose the chemical connection study of humins with two aliphatic diepoxides through the copolymerization reactions to synthesize sustainable bio-based thermosets. The mechanism insights for the crosslinking between the epoxides and humins was proposed considering the different functionalities of the humins structure. FT-IR spectroscopy, 1 D and 2 D NMR spectroscopy techniques were used to build the proposed mechanism. By these techniques, the principal chain connections and the reactivity of all the components were highlighted in the synthesized networks.

This paper developed a new theory for supply chain architecture, and engineering design that enables integration of the business and supply chain strategies. The architecture starts with individual supply chain participants and derives insights into the complex and abstract concept of green-field integration design. The paper presented a conceptual system for depicting the interactions between business and supply chain strategy engineering. The system examines the decisions made when engineering the business strategy, with regards to the supply chain design. The system derived with a new understanding of how strategies are integrated, and what are the implications for engineering successful strategies. The study revealed that supply chain design is not considered in great detail before architecting the business strategies. Thus, companies consequentially experience supply chain problems that are likely to be detrimental to the growth potentials. The paper also derived with the findings that proactive and pre-emptive involvement of supply chain participants in the strategy engineering process, would lead to a more robust strategic design.

This paper studies the impact of agricultural subsidies and product certification on the use rate of green pesticides based on experimental economics. We found that agricultural subsidies effectively increased the utilization rate of green pesticides. If the agricultural subsidies raised from 20% to 100%, the green pesticides’ using rate increased by 438.51%. We also found that product certification increased the utilization rate of green pesticides by 376.16%%.The increase of agricultural subsidies is more effective than the product certification. Under a higher proportion of agricultural subsidies, farmers’ behavior will maintain “status bias”. Therefore, there are three suggestions proposed. Firstly, because of high price of green pesticides and lower production, the subsidies for agricultural materials should raise greatly to effectively improve the utilization rate of green pesticides. It is recommended that green pesticide provided free of charge in some wealthy areas. Secondly, both subsidies and product certification can improve the use rate of green pesticides. However, since the effect of agricultural subsidies is better than product certification, and farmers may have status bias. Therefore, it is recommended to give priority to the substantial increase on the proportion of agricultural subsidies, and then to product certification.

Due to metal leaching and poor catalyst stability, the chemical industry’s fine chemical and pharmaceutical sectors have been historically reluctant to use supported transition metal catalysts to manufacture fine chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. With the advent of new generation supported metal catalysts and flow chemistry, we argue in this study, this situation is poised to quickly change. Alongside heterogenized metal nanoparticles, both single-site molecular and single-atom catalyst will become ubiquitous. This study offers a critical outlook taking into account both technical and economic aspects.

Urban stormwater runoff is a significant source of pollutants into surface water bodies. One such pollutant, 1H-benzotriazole, is a persistent, recalcitrant trace organic contaminant commonly used as a corrosion inhibitor in airplane deicing processes, automobile liquids, and engine coolants. This study explored the removal of 1H-benzotriazole from stormwater using bench-scale biofilter mesocosms planted with California native sedge, Carex praegracilis, over a series of three storm events and monitoring period. Benzotriazole metabolites glycosylated benzotriazole and benzotriazole alanine were detected and benzotriazole and glycosylated benzotriazole partitioning in the system were quantified. With a treatment length of seven days, 97.1% of benzotriazole was removed from stormwater effluent from vegetated biofilter mesocosms. Significant concentrations of benzotriazole and glycosylated benzotriazole were observed in the C. praegracilis leaf and root tissue. Additionally, a significant missing sink of benzotriazole developed in the vegetated biofilter mesocosms. This study suggests that vegetation may increase the operating lifespan of bioretention basins by enhancing degradation of dissolved trace organic contaminants, thus increasing the sorption capacity of the geomedia.

Among colours, the green has the most sensitivity in human vision so that green defects on displays can be effortlessly perceived by a photopic eye with the most intensity in the wavelength 555 nm of the spectrum. With the market moving forward to high resolution, displays can have resolutions of 10 million pixels. Therefore, the task detects the appearance the panel using ultra-high resolutions in TFT-LCD. The machine vision associated with reflective chromaticity spectrometer quantises the defects are explored, such as blackening and whitening. The result shows the significant phenomena to recognize the non-uniformity film-related chromatic tendency. In contrast, the quantitative assessment illuminates that the chromaticity CIE xyY at 0.001 is a just noticeable difference (JND) and detects even more sensitivity. Moreover, an optical device associated with a 198 Hg discharge lamp calibrates the spectrometer accuracy.

The processing of fossil fuels is the major environmental issue today which should be lessen. Biomass is gaining much interest these days as an alternate to energy generation. Lignocellulosic biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) is abundant and has been used for a variety of purposes. Among them, the lignin polymer having phenyl-propanoid subunits linked together through C-C bonds or ether linkages, can produce numerous chemicals. It can be depolymerized by microbial activity together with certain enzymes (laccases and peroxidases). Both acetic acid and formic acid production by certain fungi contribute significantly to lignin depolymerization. Natural organic acids production by fungi has many key roles in nature that are strictly dependent upon organic acid producing fungus type. Fungal enzymatic conversion of lignocellulosic is beneficial over other physiochemical processes. Laccases, the copper containing proteins oxidize a broad spectrum of inorganic as well as organic compounds but most specifically phenolic compounds by radical catalyzed mechanism. Similarly, lignin peroxidases (LiP), the heme containing proteins perform a vital part in oxidizing a wide variety of aromatic compounds with H₂O_2. Lignin depolymerization yields value-added compounds, the important ones are BTX (Benzene, Xylene and Toluene) and phenols as well as certain polymers like polyurethane and carbon fibers. Thus, this review will provide a concept that biological modifications of lignin using acidophilic microbes can generate certain value added and environment friendly chemicals.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been demonstrated to restrain bacterial growth while maintaining the minimal risk in development of bacterial resistance and human cell toxicity that conventional silver compounds exhibit. Several physical and chemical methods have been reported to synthesize AgNPs. However, these methods are expensive and involve heavy chemical reduction agents. An alternative approach to produce AgNPs in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way employs a biological pathway using various plant extracts to reduce metal ions. The size control issue and the stability of nanoparticles remain some of the latest challenges in such methods. In this study, we used two different concentrations of fresh leaf extract of the plant Arbutus Unedo (LEA) as a reducing and stabilizing agent to produce two size variations of AgNPs. UV-Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Transmission Electron Microscopy and zeta potential were applied for the characterization of AgNPs. Both AgNP variations were evaluated for their antibacterial efficacy against the gram-negative species Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the gram-positive species Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Although significant differences have been achieved in the nanoparticles’ size by varying the plant extract concentration during synthesis, the antibacterial effect was almost similar.

Regeneration of lost tail is of great importance to lizards. Anolis carolinensis, a green lizard, is capable of regenerating its tail efficiently after autotomy. Hence, it is considered as a model organism in regeneration study. A. carolinensis shed its tail in order to distract the predator’s attention and thus makes a way to escape. Restoring of the amputated tail takes several days and the mechanism is currently clearly understood. Although save its life, tail regeneration is associated with the impairment of several vital functions in Anoles. In addition, various differences have been observed between original and regenerated tail in terms of mechanism and structure. To date, very little work has been conducted on tail autotomy and regeneration at molecular and genetic level. The genes responsible for regeneration in anoles are identified recently. These genes are evolutionarily conserved through all tetrapod vertebrates. They are, however, in a state of ‘switched-off’ in other vertebrates including humans. Consequently, a throughout study of these so called ‘switched-off’ genes may provide a way of restoring lost organs in human, and thus could revolutionize the modern medical science.

The use of natural health products (NHP) is constantly increasing worldwide. Among the most NHP consumed are the resins of Commiphora myrrha (C. myrrha) tree. Consumption of C. myrrha may result in herb-drug interactions that can lead to serious health consequences. This study aims to determine the herb-drug interactions based on the induction of drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2C9 by a non-toxic boiled aqueous extract of C. myrrha and to unveil the potential involvement of xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptors such as Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), a well-known CYP 2C9 transcription factor. Tested at low concentrations (0.01-10 g/mL) devoid of anti-proliferative effects, boiled C. myrrha resin aqueous extract upregulated CYP 2C9 gene and protein expressions in a dose-dependent manner, reaching a mean expression level exceeding 3.0-fold change in Hep G2 cells, compared with the basal level expressed in untreated cells. Furthermore, chemical analysis using mass spectrometry and computational molecular docking using in silico studies revealed that few C. myrrha resin-derived metabolites are strongly bound to PXR. In particular, the identified metabolite named diayangambin exhibited a predicted molecular docking score close to that of a native PXR ligand. The use of the nuclear receptor binding assays confirmed the binding between C. myrrha metabolite(s) and PXR, while no binding to the other xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), was observed, suggesting that C. myrrha metabolite(s) are potential PXR agonists. In conclusion, although in vivo studies are needed, this study cautions patients, healthcare providers, and governmental regulators against the consumption of C. myrrha and diayangambin-rich preparations with a high potential for herb-drug interactions through drug-metabolizing CYP 2C9 enzyme induction, which could affect drug efficacy.

Different materials prepared by appropriate synthesis methods and applying different post syn-thesis processes could be used as hole transport layer in perovskite solar cells. In the present work annealing was employed to enhance physical properties of copper oxide (CuO) thin films fabricated via spin coating technique and the effects of annealing on their optical, morphological, electrical and structural properties were investigated. The XRD findings revealed the polycrystalline structure with large crystallite size. Optical spectra showed larger transmission beyond the visible region, reduced absorption, and a decrease in bandgap energy from 1.93 eV to 1.81 eV. The Ag phonon modes at 299.22 and 304 cm-1 shown by the Raman shift confirmed the development of the CuO pure phase. FTIR spectra showed the Cu-O stretching band at 759, 764 and 446 cm−1. SEM revealed the agglomeration of nano crystallites with large grains on the surface. The carrier type conductivity of annealed CuO thin films was determined via two-point hot probe technique. Low resistivity values were determined via four-point probe method. These findings indicate that CuO thin films may be successfully used as a companion with an n-type layer in p-n junction solar cells, and a hole transport layer in perovskite solar cells.

Ab initio density functional theory molecular dynamics extensive calculations were used for the first time to evaluate stability conditions for relevant phases of InN. In particular, thermal decomposition of InN with formation of N2 molecules and pressure induced wurtzite – rocksalt solid-solid phase transition were established. The results consistent with available experimental data allowed a critical evaluation of potential and limitations of the proposed simulation method. The ab initio molecular dynamics as an efficient tool for simulations of phase transformations of InN including solid-solid structural transition and thermal decomposition with formation of N2 molecules has been demonstrated. It is of high interest because InN being important component of epitaxial quantum structures has still not been obtained as a bulk single crystal making difficult a determination of its basic physical properties and designing new applications.

This study was designed to examine the relationships among the impulsivity construct as a personality trait, the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and testosterone in a sample of 120 healthy middle-aged males. (Mage = 44.39; SD = 12.88). The sum of the three BIS-11 scales, the SR and the five UPPS-P scales correlated with DHEA-S .23 (p < .006) and testosterone .19 (p < .04), controlling for age. Partial correlations showed that DHEA-S is significantly related to Motor impulsivity (.24; p < .008), Sensitivity to Reward (.29; p < .002) and Lack of premeditation (.26; p < .05) and, to a lesser extent, Sensation Seeking (.19; p < .04) and Positive Urgency (.19; p < .04). Testosterone correlated with Attention impulsivity (.18; p < .04), Sensation Seeking (.18; p < .04), and Positive Urgency (.22; p < .01). Sensitivity to Reward, Negative Urgency and Positive Urgency were significant predictors of DHEA-S (R2 = .28), and Positive Urgency for testosterone (R2 = .09). Non-parametric LOESS graphical analysis for local regression allowed us to visualize the non-linear relationships between the impulsivity scales with the two androgens, including non-significant trends. We discuss the implications of these results for biological impulsive personality traits, the limitations of our analyses, and the possible development of future research.

Amidst worsening climate change, drought stress imperils global agriculture, jeopardizing crop yields and food security, necessitating urgent exploration of sustainable methods like biopriming, harnessing beneficial microorganisms to bolster plant resilience. Recent research has revealed diverse biological compounds with versatile applications produced by Schizophyllum commune, rendering this fungus as a promising contender for biopriming applications. For the first time this study aimed to investigate,the potential of S. commune exo- (EPSH) and intra-PSH (IPSH), isolated from two strains: Italian (ITA) and Serbian (SRB) under submerged cultivation, in enhancing the resilience of Pisum sativum L. seeds through biopriming technique. Testing of seed quality of bioprimed, hydroprimed, and unprimed seeds was done using a germination test, under optimal and drought conditions. In optimal conditions, the IPSH SRB increased germination energy by 5.50% compared to the control, while the highest percentage of germination (94.70%) was shown after biopriming with PSH isolated from the ITA strain. Additionally, all assessed treatments resulted in a boost in seedling growth and biomass accumulation, where the ITA strain demonstrated greater effectiveness in optimal conditions, whereas the SRB strain showed superiority in drought conditions. The drought tolerance indices increased significantly in response to all examined treatments during the drought, with EPSH ITA (23.00%) and EPSH SRB (24.00%) demonstrating the greatest effects. Results demonstrate a significant positive influence of fungal PSH, indicating their potential as biopriming agents and offers insights into novel strategies for agricultural resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Nanoindentation load-depth (P-h) plots is the basis for determination of mechanical properties of the samples and is especially vital for thin coatings deposited on substrates of various mechanical makeup from amorphous-brittle (borosilicate glass) to Silicon (having different crystallographic texture) to ductile substrates like stainless steel as well other aspects like indenter tip shape. The elastic-plastic response by simulated P-h plots as per modified empirical relations have been presented. The outcomes of this computational studies enlighten the database on the P-h plots for various coating/substrate systems and shall aid in the analysis of experimental P-h plots obtained,

The cycling of soil phosphorus (P) is inherently linked with soil organic carbon-iron (C-Fe) cycling, yet empirical integration of these processes within paddy soils remains scarce. In this study, we conducted a microcosm experiment using paddy soils subjected to six distinct fertilization regimes involving varying P inputs for five years. In addition to evaluating P activation under reflooding conditions, we assessed the Fe reduction process and characterized the properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) at the molecular level using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), alongside profiling the composition of soil microbial communities with high-throughput sequencing. Our findings revealed that after 25 days of reflooding, soil Olsen-P content increased by an average of 73% compared to its initial state, showing a strong correlation with the Fe reduction process. Specifically, treatments involving pig manure application exhibited higher Fe reduction rates and enhanced P activation, highlighting the role of organic matter in facilitating Fe reduction. Investigations on the relative abundance of typical iron-reducing microbes further supported their importance in P activation, but the rate of iron reduction is limited by soil organic matter content. Delving deeper into DOM properties, soil DOM composition profiling and network analysis suggested that high-molecular-weight DOM, particularly lignins, served as the primary resources driving Fe reduction by iron-reducing microbes, consequently promoting Fe reduction and P release. Taken together, our study assembled the C-Fe-P cycling dynamics in paddy soils, emphasizing the pivotal role of microbial-driven Fe reduction facilitated by soil DOM in P availability and subsequently sustainable agricultural practices.

In this work, a modeling technique utilizing the P-Graph framework was used for a case 1 study involving biomass-based local energy production. In recent years, distributed energy systems 2 gained attention. These systems aim at satisfying energy supply demands, supporting the local 3 economy, decreasing transportation needs and dependence on imports, and in general obtaining a 4 more sustainable energy production process. Designing such systems is a challenge, for which novel 5 optimization approaches were developed to help decision-making. Previous work used the P-Graph 6 framework to optimize energy production in a small rural area, involving manure, intercrops, grass, 7 and corn silage as inputs, and fermenters. Biogas is produced in fermenters, and Combined Heat 8 and Power (CHP) plants provide heat and electricity. A more recent result introduced the concept of 9 operations with flexible inputs in the P-Graph framework. In this work, the concept of flexible inputs 10 was applied to model fermenters in the original case study. A new implementation of the original 11 decision problem was made both as a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model and as a 12 purely P-Graph model by using the flexible input technique. Both approaches provided the same 13 optimal solution, with a 31% larger profit than originally reported.

(1) Background: P-cadherin (CDH3) is a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of epithelial tissue and homeostasis. Its role in carcinogenesis remains a subject of debate, as its behavior can vary depending on the molecular context and the specific tumor cell model under study. In this study, we explored the role of P-cadherin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the mechanism underlying its function. (2) Methods: We analyzed P-cadherin expression in HNSCC patients using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. For in vitro functional analysis, we conducted proliferation, migration, invasion, and western blot assays after either suppressing or overexpressing P-cadherin. For in vivo functional analysis, we utilized mouse xenograft models. (3) Results: P-cadherin was significantly overex-pressed in tumor samples compared to normal samples in the TCGA-HNSCC cohort. P-cadherin knockdown resulted in decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion compared to control cells, while P-cadherin overexpression increased cell proliferation and migration in HNSCC cells. We discovered that c-Met functioned as an upstream regulator of P-cadherin. Surprisingly, we found that P-cadherin knockdown increased the phosphorylation of c-Met and STAT3. Combining P-cadherin siRNA with the c-Met inhibitor SU11274 resulted in a more effective reduction in HNSCC cell growth, both in vitro and in vivo, compared to either treatment alone. (4) Conclusions: Our study uncovered a previously unknown aspect of P-cadherin-mediated c-Met regulation. The enhanced activation of c-Met/STAT3 following P-cadherin inhibition could be responsible for the survival of resistant tumor cells. Therefore, dual inhibition of P-cadherin and c-Met may be a potentially effective approach for treating HNSCC.

We suggest a new solution to the strong CP problem. The solution is based on the proper use of the boundary conditions for the QCD generating functional integral. It obeys the principle of renormalizability of Quantum Field Theory and does not involve new particles like axions.

LiFePO4 (LFP) has undergone extensive research and is a promising cathode material for Li-ion batteries. The high interest is due to its low raw material cost, good electrochemical stability, and high-capacity retention. However, poor electronic conductivity and a low Li+ diffusion rate decrease its electrochemical reactivity, especially at fast charge/discharge rates. In this work, the volumetric energy density of lithium-ion batteries is successfully increased by using different amounts of conductive carbon (Super P) in the active material content. The particle size and morphology of the electrode material samples are studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Two-point-probe DC measurements and adhesive force tests are used to determine the conductivity and evaluate adhesion for the positive electrode. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and charge/discharge tests are used to analyze the electrochemical properties of the battery. The samples containing 88% LFP, 5.5% Super P and 6.5% PVDF perform best, with discharge capacities reaching 169.8 mAhg-1 at 0.1C, and they can also manage charging/discharging of 5C. EIS indicates that this combination produces the lowest charge-transfer impedance (67 Ω) and the highest Li+ ion diffusion coefficient (5.76 x 10-14 cm2s-1).

In this paper we study a special kind of finite mixture model. The sample drawn from the model consisits of three parts. The first two parts are drawn from specified distributions f1 and f2, while the third one is drawn from the mixture. A problem of interest is whether the two distributions f1 and f2 are the same. To test this hypothesis, we first define the regular location and scale family of distributions and assume that f1 and f2 are regular denisty functions. Then the hypothesis transforms to the equalities of the location and scale parameters, respectively. To utilize the information in the sample, we use Bayes’ theorem to obtain the posterior distribution and give the sampling method. Then we propose the posterior p-value to test the hypothesis. The simulation studies show that our posterior p-value largely improves the power in both normal and logistic cases while nicely controls the Type-I error. A real halibut dataset is used to illustrate the validity of our method.

Limited availability of expensive alloying elements elevates low-alloyed steels to a unique position in the field of lightweight construction and mass production. Quenching and partitioning (Q&P) heat treatments of low-alloyed steels with exceptional property combinations are particularly promising. In this study, we characterize for the first time a new low-alloyed steel to be processed by Q&P heat treatments. In combined experimental and numerical studies, we design a novel approach that effectively combines the short cycle times of press hardening with the excellent property profiles of Q&P-treated steels. We identify appropriate transformation parameters for Q&P heat treatments by dilatometric studies and we adjust a number of reference conditions with different isothermal holding times. By means of SEM analysis and XRD measurements, we show that different fractions of retained austenite result in different mechanical properties. Initial numerical designs of the process can identify varying temperature profiles and cooling rates depending on the position in the die. The results show that the geometry of the part plays a minor role, but the die temperature is the dominant factor for successful partitioning directly in the press hardening process.

Bimetallic Ni/Cu core-shell and Cu-Ni heterostructural micro- and nanoparticles were prepared using two simple successive reduction procedures. Monometallic Ni and Cu particles were synthesized for comparison. The phase constitutions and morphological features of the particles were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. All the obtained mono- and bimetallic particles were applied as electrocatalysts in the electrohydrogenation of p-nitrophenol (p-NPh). An additional electrochemical reduction of copper cations during the hydrogen saturation of Cu-containing particles was established. Some of the prepared particles exhibited high catalytic activity with an increase in the hydrogenation rate of p-NPh by more than 3 times compared to its electrochemical reduction on the non-activated cathode, and p-NPh conversion yielded the maximum values. The main product of p-NPh electrocatalytic hydrogenation over Ni-Cu particles is p-aminophenol, which is an intermediate in the synthesis of many drugs. p-Aminophenol formation is confirmed by UV-Vis spectra.

In this note we, first, recall that the sets of all representatives of some special ordinary residue classes become $\left( m,n\right) $-rings. Second, we introduce a possible $p$-adic analog of the residue class modulo a $p$-adic integer. Then, we find the relations which determine, when the representatives form a $\left( m,n\right) $-ring. At the very short spacetime scales such rings could lead to new symmetries of modern particle models.

Knowledge of the interaction between inorganic and organic phosphates with soil minerals is vital for improving the soil P fertility. To achieve an in-depth understanding we combined adsorption experiments and hybrid ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the adsorption of common phosphates, i.e. orthophosphate (OP), glycerolphosphate (GP) and inositolhexaphosphate (IHP), onto the 100 surface plane of goethite. Experimental adsorption data per mol P-molecule basis fitted to the Freundlich model show the adsorption strength increases in the order GP &lt; OP &lt; IHP, and IHP adsorption being saturated faster followed by GP and OP. Modeling results show that OP and GP form stable monodentate (M) and binuclear bidentate (B) motifs with B being more stable than M, whereas IHP forms stable M and 3M motifs. Interfacial water plays an important role through hydrogen bonds and proton transfers with OP/GP/IHP and goethite. It also controls the binding motifs of phosphates with goethite. Combining both experimental and modeling results, we propose that the B motif dominates for OP, whereas GP forms M and IHP forms a combination of M and 3M motifs. The joint approach plausibly explains why IHP is the predominant organically bound P form in soil. This study could be considered as a preliminary step for further studies for understanding the mechanisms of how microbes and plants overcome the strong IHP–mineral binding to implement the phosphate groups into their metabolism.

Financial system is essentially chaotic and unstable if there is not any external inputs. By means of Lyapunov function method, design of switching law, novel fuzzy assumption, $L^p$ estimation technique and Laplace semigroup theory, the author presents the boundedness and LMI-based (globally) asymptotical input-to-state stability criteria of financial systems. Particularly, the globally asymptotical stability in the meaning of switching implies that when the time $t$ is big enough, the dynamic of any subsystem must approach its unique equilibrium point. Besides, the global financial crisis often erupts periodically, which illuminates that the global stability in the classical sense is actually meaningless. So the stability in the meaning of switching proposed in this paper is suitable and appropriate. Numerical examples illuminate the effectiveness of the obtained results.

Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-Cov-2) is an acute respiratory and infectious disease. This perspective aims to provide the basic understanding of the inflammation caused by SARS-Cov-2 and relation to trigeminal ganglion (TG). Virus enters through the mucous membranes of orofacial region and reach the TG where it resides and take control of its peptides including Substance P (SP).SP is the main neuropeptide, neuromodulator and neuro-hormone of TG, associated with nociception and inflammation under noxious stimulus. SP release is triggered and consequently, it affects the immune cells, blood vessels to release the mediators for inflammation. Cytokine storming is initiated and cause respiratory distress, bronchoconstriction and death in complicated cases. Neurokinin-1 Receptor (NK-1R) antagonist and glucocorticoids may be used to alleviate the symptoms and treat this infection. SP is the main culprit seem to be involved in the triggering of inflammatory pathways in SARS-Cov-2 infection. It has direct association with cardiorespiratory rhythm, sleep-wake cycle, nociception, ventilator responses and regulates many important physiological and pathological roles. Its over-secretion should be blocked by NK-1R antagonist. However, experimental work leading to clinical trials are mandatory for further confirmation.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an incurable hematological malignancy. To treat the disease successfully, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. One of these strategies can be the use of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) antagonists (e.g., aprepitant), because the substance P (SP)/NK-1R system is involved in cancer progression, including AML. AML patients show an up-regulation of the NK-1R mRNA expression; human AML cell lines show immunoreactivity for both SP and the NK-1R (it is overexpressed: the truncated isoform is more expressed than the full-length form) and, via this receptor, SP and NK-1R antagonists (aprepitant, in a concentration-dependent manner) respectively exert a proliferative action or an antileukemic effect (apoptotic mechanisms are triggered by promoting oxidative stress via mitochondrial Ca++ overload). Aprepitant inhibits the formation of AML cell colonies and, in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, is more effective in inducing cytotoxic effects and AML cell growth blockade. NK-1R antagonists also exert an antinociceptive effect in myeloid leukemia-induced bone pain. The antitumor effect of aprepitant is diminished when the NF-κB pathway is overactivated and the damage induced by aprepitant in cancer cells is higher than that exerted in non-cancer cells. Thus, the SP/NK-1R system is involved in AML and aprepitant is a promising antitumor strategy against this hematological malignancy. In this review, the involvement of this system in solid and non-solid tumors (in particular in AML) is up-dated and the use of aprepitant as an anti-leukemic strategy for the treatment of AML is also mentioned (a dose of aprepitant (> 20 mg/kg/day) for a period of time according to the response to treatment is suggested).

Pyracantha angustifolia has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of diseases of the stomach and improve digestion, blood circulation, diarrhea, dysentery, and hemostasis. This study evaluated bioactivity-guided fractionation as a means to identify therapeutic phytochemicals from P. angustifolia that can attenuate melanogenesis and oxidation. Seven compounds with inhibitory effects on melanin production and tyrosinase (TYR) activity, as well as ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities, and have not been reported as whitening materials, were isolated from the n-butanol fraction from P. angustifolia leaves (PAL). Among the seven compounds, p-hydroxybenzoic acid beta-d-glucosylester (HG), and cimidahurinine (CD) had strong inhibitory effects of melanin production, TYR activity, and ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Western blot analysis showed that HG and CD suppressed tyrosinase-related protein (TYRP)-1 and TYRP-2 expression. These results suggest that P. angustifolia containing active compounds, such as HG and CH, is a potent therapeutic candidate for the development of hypopigmenting agents.

In this paper we consider Changhee polynomials of type two, which are motivated from the recent work of Kim and Kim. We investigate some symmetry identities for the Changhee polynomials of type two which are derived from the properties of symmtery for the fermionic p-adic integral on Zp.

In this paper, we represent the generating function of w-torsion Fubini polynomials by fermionic p-adic integral on Z_p. Then we consider a quotient of such fermionic p-adic integrals on Z_p, representing generating functions of three w-torsion Fubini polynomials and derive some new symmetric identities for the w-torsion Fubini and two variable w-torsion Fubini polynomials.