Browse Articles

Secondary neutron dose measurements at the DRACO laser-driven ion source

Abstract The pulsed nature of laser-driven ion sources and their relative large emission angles result in the production of secondary, undesired, pulsed neutron (and photon) radiation. Conventional neutron monitors struggle to accurately measure in such environments, yet characterizing these fields is crucial for applications like hadron therapy. Parasitic neutron dose measurements were performed at the Petawatt beam of the Dresden Laser Acceleration Source (DRACO) employing laser energies from 4.5 to 18 J. An active extended-range neutron REM counter specifically developed for pulsed neutron fields, the LUPIN-II, was employed, as well as a passive extended-range neutron REM counter, the Passive LINUS. Neutron doses were recorded on a single-bunch level with values up to about 260 nSv per proton bunch characterized by a proton cutoff energy of about 60 MeV at about 2 m from the DRACO vacuum chamber, confirming the expected pulsed nature of the neutron field. Results of passive measurements were compared to the LUPIN-II results, integrated over the same period, and showed a reasonable agreement, confirming the presence of pulsed neutron radiation in the proximity of the DRACO ion source. These results demonstrate for the first time that this kind of radiation can be monitored, in terms of H*(10) on a single-shot basis by using the LUPIN-II neutron REM counter.

Facilitating laboratory automation using a robot with a simple and inexpensive camera detection system

Abstract Laboratory automation has transformed bioanalytical research, yet smaller research laboratories face challenges in adopting such technologies due to limited resources, time, and technical expertise, while already facing complex bioanalytical methods. To address these barriers, we developed a robotic-arm-based camera detection system featuring two software applications designed to simplify laboratory automation. Both applications use fiducial markers (Augmented Reality University of Cordoba (ArUco)), for object detection. The first application creates a 3D digital model of the robot’s environment using ArUco markers and a Python-based Open Computer Vision (OpenCV) simulated stereo vision setup, enabling automated computer-aided design (CAD) in FreeCAD. This facilitates safe and efficient robot arm navigation. The second application integrates a deep learning neural network for automated digital display recognition, achieving an in-house error rate of 1.69%, comparable to manual readings. By leveraging low-cost hardware and open-source software available on GitHub, the system is accessible to smaller research facilities, reducing programming complexity and enabling broader adoption of laboratory automation in bioanalytical workflows. This work demonstrates an affordable and effective solution for integrating robotic arms into scientific workflows, enhancing reproducibility and efficiency in bioanalytical research.

Astaxanthin attenuates DNA fragmentation and cognitive decline in type 2 diabetic rats

Abstract Potential properties of astaxanthin include immunomodulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. In diabetic rats, we examined the potential impacts and underlying mechanisms of astaxanthin on hippocampal DNA, cognition, and glycemic status. Rats were divided into five equal groups: non-diabetic, and diabetic (non-treated, metformin treated, astaxanthin treated, and treated with a combination of metformin and astaxanthin). Both spatial and non-spatial memory and learning were assessed. IL-6, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, lipid profile, and glycemic status were assessed. Phosphorylated tau expression level was measured, and H&E section analysis was used to evaluate the hippocampal tissue. DNA fragmentation, intact DNA, and hippocampal RNA were evaluated. Induction of diabetes led to a reduction in cognitive abilities along with significant hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, hyperphosphorylation of tau, and DNA fragmentation. Astaxanthin as monotherapy or in combination with metformin improved cognitive functions with reduction of hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, hyperphosphorylation of tau, and DNA fragmentation.

Correlating pore space morphology with numerically computed soil gas diffusion for structured loam and sand, including stochastic 3D microstructure modeling

Abstract Biogeochemical soil processes are closely linked to the structure of soil. In particular, nutrient transport depends on diffusivity and permeability within the soil’s pore network. A deeper understanding of the relationship between microscopic soil structure and such effective macroscopic properties can be obtained by tomographic imaging combined with a quantitative analysis of soil morphology and numerical simulations of effective macroscopic properties. In a previous work it has been shown that different parametric regression formulas can be used to predict these relations for finely sieved soils of loam and sand. In the present paper, we validate these formulas and further extend their applicability to structured soils. In particular, 3D CT data of a total of six samples, consisting of three loam and three sand samples, are used as the basis for an extensive structural analysis. As expected, the performance of most regression formulas can be improved by specifically adjusting their parameters for the considered soil structures. However, it turns out that some regression formulas based on, e.g., tortuosity which were fitted for finely sieved soils still reliably predict diffusion for structured soils without adjusting their parameters. For additional validation and improvement of the considered regression formulas, artificially generated soil structures can be utilized. Therefore, a method for the generation of such structures via samples drawn from a parametric stochastic 3D microstructure model is outlined which may serve as a basis for further work.

Enhancing greenhouse cucumber production and quality utilizing organic residues as potting media through various cultivation modes and assessing application economics

Abstract Cocopeat is among the most frequently utilized substrates in soilless farming. Nonetheless, the extraction of Cocopeat generates a detrimental carbon footprint, highlighting the necessity for alternative, sustainable substrate options. To tackle this issue, we examined the effects of substituting Cocopeat with a blend of various Rice straw, Sawdust, and compost on cucumber growth and yield over two growing seasons, 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. The treatments included Cocopeat 100% (control), sawdust 100%, rice straw 100%, compost 100%, combinations of Cocopeat and sawdust (1:1, v/v), combinations of Cocopeat and sawdust (3:1, v/v), combinations of Cocopeat and rice straw (1:1, v/v), combinations of Cocopeat and rice straw (3:1, v/v), combinations of Cocopeat and compost (1:1, v/v), and combinations of Cocopeat and compost (3:1, v/v). The highest yield was recorded with rice straw at 100.55 ton ha − 1 , followed by the Coco 50%: Compost 50% treatment yielding 74.32 ton ha-1 and 69.26 ton ha − 1 , respectively, while the lowest yield was noted for sawdust at 22.23 ton ha − 1 . Across both growth seasons, rice straw achieved the highest irrigation water productivity (IWP) of 51.56 and 51.91 kg m − 3 , respectively, followed by Coco 50%: Rice straw 50% at 38.08 and 38.37 kg m − 3 , whereas sawdust resulted in the lowest IWPs of 6.93 and 11.48 kg m − 3 . In both growing seasons, the rice straw showed the greatest rate of photosynthesis, with readings of 23.34 µmol m –2 s –1 and 22.14 µmol m –2 s –1 , respectively. Conversely, the lowest photosynthesis rates during both growing seasons were observed with the Coco 75%: Compost 25% treatment, at 3.23 µmol m –2 s –1 and 3.03 µmol m –2 s –1 , respectively. The treated rice straw substrate media ranked as the most profitable and resilient option in terms of net present value (NPV) and benefit-cost (B/C) ratio metrics, followed closely by the compost treatment. It seems that treated rice straw-based media is a promising substrate in soilless culture systems as a viable alternative substrate for cucumber cultivation instead of Cocopeat substrate.

Author Correction: Antinociceptive effect of intermittent fasting via the orexin pathway on formalin-induced acute pain in mice

Design and synthesis of novel pyridopyrimidine moieties linked to coumarin ring of potentially active cytotoxic agents and their docking study

Abstract Many pyridopyrimidine moieties linked to the coumarin ring were synthesized by the reaction of malononitrile with 7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxo-2 H-chromene-8-carbaldehyde (2) directly in the presence of ammonium acetate and different ketones and studied the effect of other basic catalysis, ratio of reactants and the effect of the solvent. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against four cell lines namely HepG2, WI-38, VERO, and MCF-7. The cytotoxic activity showed that compounds 8, 9, 10, and 7 have the highest activity against the studied cell lines. Focusing on the binding affinity and interactions between the five synthesized derivatives with the highest anticancer activity and specific amino acids of 4HJO residues over the molecular docking analysis. Derivative 10 recorded the highest energy score with good RMSD compared to the rest of the derivatives.

Ellipsoid zone reflectivity as a functional imaging biomarker for age-related macular degeneration: a MACUSTAR study report

Abstract This study evaluated the functional relevance of relative ellipsoid zone reflectivity (rEZR) on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography as a structural biomarker for retinal integrity, focusing on its association with retinal function. Participants with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and controls from the MACUSTAR study underwent functional testing, including mesopic fundus-controlled perimetry, best-corrected visual acuity, low-luminance visual acuity, low-luminance deficit, Moorfields Acuity Test, and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity, along with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging. Structural and functional data were analyzed globally and spatially aligned for topographic analysis. Linear-mixed effects models, adjusted for age, sex, and eccentricity of the rEZR, assessed associations between rEZR and functional metrics. A total of 275 eyes (early AMD, n = 34; intermediate AMD, n = 152; late AMD, n = 36; controls, n = 53) from 275 participants (mean ± standard deviation age: 71.1 ± 7.2 years; 63.3% female) were included. In global analyses, rEZR was associated with the mean average threshold in mesopic fundus-controlled perimetry (coefficient estimate 0.0492, 95% confidence interval 0.0190–0.0794, p = 0.0015), low-luminance visual acuity (coefficient estimate − 0.0015, 95% confidence interval − 0.0026 to − 0.0004, p = 0.0092), Moorfields Acuity Test (coefficient estimate 0.0092, 95% confidence interval − 0.0022 to − 0.0001, p = 0.0285), and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity (coefficient estimate 0.0030, 95% confidence interval 0.0015–0.0045, p = 0.0001). Topographic analysis further revealed an association of rEZR with mesopic retinal sensitivity (coefficient estimate 0.0065, 95% confidence interval 0.0026–0.0104, p < 0.0001). Higher outer retinal reflectivity is linked to better retinal function in AMD and controls, supporting its potential as a biomarker for retinal integrity and function.

Quadratic mixed convection of Maxwell-Buongiorno nanofluid over cubic stratified surface incorporating cross diffusion effects and solar radiation

Comparative field study of silver nanoparticles and garlic oil nanoemulsion for nematode control and yield enhancement in eggplant

Abstract The root knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita are the most serious threats affecting eggplant, Solanum melongena L. Chemical nematicides are commonly used against plant-parasitic nematodes, but due to their negative impact on health and the environment, safe and environmentally friendly alternatives have become increasingly important. Biological control using rhizospheric bacteria metabolites, and plant substances have, emerged as important alternatives to the use of agrochemicals. Recently, nanotechnology has revolutionized nematode management and its effectiveness in biological control. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of Bacillus cereus Nem 212 supernatant and garlic essential oil in their regular and nanoscale forms against M. incognita infecting eggplants CV. Baladi and investigate their impact on plant growth parameters under field conditions. All nano formulations produced higher nematicidal activities compared to their respective original extracts. Garlic oil nano emulsion and garlic oil emulsion were more effective as natural nematicides on M. incognita, and in enhancing eggplant growth parameters, followed by bio- silver nanoparticles synthesized by B. cereus Nem 212 filtrate. These formulations are promising and environmentally friendly alternatives for controlling root knot nematode and have the potential to reduce reliance on hazardous agrochemicals. In addition, these techniques increase vegetative plant growth and yield production.

Immunohistochemical expression of smoothened in periocular basal cell, squamous cell and sebaceous carcinomas

Abstract Inhibition of Smoothened (SMO), a key protein in the Hedgehog signaling pathway, is effective for locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC), but is not yet used for sebaceous carcinoma (SEB) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study quantified SMO expression and its relationship to proliferative activity in non-nodular periocular BCC, SEB and SCC. Tumor samples from 47 patients (17 BCC, 15 SCC, and 15 SEB) were immunostained and analyzed digitally to assess SMO optical density and Ki67 hot-spot index. SMO expression was significantly higher in all tumor types than in surrounding stroma, with no inter-tumor differences. SMO correlated with mitotic count in BCC but not in SCC or SEB, whereas higher SMO consistently paralleled a higher Ki67 index across all three carcinomas. These findings indicate that SMO expression and proliferative activity are closely linked and suggest that Hedgehog inhibitors, proven in BCC, warrant clinical evaluation as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy for periocular SEB and SCC.

Image statistics substantiate Gaudí’s naturalistic design principles

Abstract Human observers perceive natural and man-made environments differently, a distinction measurable through image statistics. However, limited evidence exists on how architectural style influences these statistics and, consequently, visual perception. Understanding this relationship is essential, as architectural design shapes both our visual and psychological experiences of built environments. The amplitude spectrum slope quantifies sharpness and detail in an image, with values closer to 1 typically found in photographs of natural scenes. Image entropy, reflecting unpredictability, also plays a role in visual attention—images with higher entropy are more likely to capture interest. In this study, we analyzed photographs of buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí, renowned for his nature-inspired architecture. Our findings reveal that Gaudí’s buildings display an amplitude spectrum slope more similar to that of natural scenes than contemporary structures from the same area, alongside higher image entropy. Effect size measures indicated that the observed differences in slope constant and entropy between images of Gaudí buildings and contemporary buildings were medium and large in magnitude. The presence of trees in front of contemporary buildings shifts their image statistics toward naturalistic values. These results suggest that incorporating naturalistic design elements into architecture can alter image statistics, potentially influencing perception and aesthetic experience. In contemporary architecture, where minimalist and geometric styles are prevalent, these insights highlight the potential benefits of reintroducing complexity and naturalistic aesthetics to create more engaging and psychologically restorative built environments.

Author Correction: CD147 regulates the Rap1 signaling pathway to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibit apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells

Precision analysis of NGC 2158 with Gaia DR3

Abstract This research uses the third edition of the Gaia Data Release (DR3) to re-investigate the open star cluster NGC 2158. We employed the pyUPMASK Python package and HDBSCAN algorithms to identify the cluster member stars. The key focus of this investigation is our new method of evaluating membership probability based on the radius of each shell in the studied cluster, rather than applying a single probability value to the entire cluster. We calculated all astrophysical parameters of NGC 2158-including center, cluster radius, radial density distribution, color-magnitude diagram, distance, age, and reddening-using the photometric and astrometric data from Gaia DR3. The cluster’s relaxation time, total mass, luminosity, and mass functions are computed. The components of the proper motions ( $$\mu$$ $$_{\alpha }$$ cos $$\delta$$ , $$\mu$$ $$_{\delta }$$ ), and the trigonometric parallax ( $$\varpi$$ ) are found to be $$-$$ 0.196 $$\pm$$ 0.03 , $$-$$ 1.984 $$\pm$$ 0.21 mas/yr and 0.21 $$\pm$$ 0.044 mas, respectively. According to the King model and pyUPMASK membership, we obtained 3067 $$\pm$$ 69.84 stars with a total mass of 3216.4 $$\pm$$ 59.50 $$M_{\odot }$$ . Using the PARSEC stellar isochrones fit, the mean cluster age and its relaxation time are 1.95 $$\pm$$ 0.28 Gyr and 89.0 $$\pm$$ 12.54 Myr, respectively. The cluster distance modulus and reddening are estimated to be 12.86 $$\pm$$ 0.080 , and 0.66 $$\pm$$ 0.040 mag, resulting in a distance of 3.733 $$\pm$$ 0.36 kpc. The mass function MF for the cluster under study has been constructed using a step function with two power lows, $$\alpha _1$$ and $$\alpha _2$$ , rather than the single power low suggested by Salpeter. In this cluster, the $$\alpha _1$$ and $$\alpha _2$$ are found to be $$-$$ 3.2 $$\pm$$ 0.3 and 2.52 $$\pm$$ 0.1 , respectively. The Gaia archive contains 17 stars flagged for variability, detecting 11 stars classified as eclipsing binaries. Additionally, we identified 62 member stars as blue stragglers. We utilized the galpy Python package to obtain the cluster’s kinematics and the Galactic orbital parameters using 126 stars which have radial velocities data in Gaia DR3 archive, with average value 26.1 $$\pm$$ 2.3 km/s.

Nano Astaxanthin ameliorates myocardial infarction in rats through autophagy

Abstract Acute myocardial infarction (MI), a serious manifestation of ischemic heart disease, remains the culprit for mortality among coronary heart disease patients. Astaxanthin has demonstrated the ability to alleviate inflammation-induced myocardial damage while maintaining a balance between oxidants and antioxidants. This study investigates the cardioprotective potential of astaxanthin (ASX), particularly when encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), in isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. The study involved 48 rats separated into 6 groups. ASX and Nano-ASX (5 mg/kg) were administrated orally for 21 days before MI induction (isoprenaline, 85 mg/kg, subcutaneously). Blood and cardiac tissue samples were taken 24 h following the last isoprenaline injection for biochemical and histopathological investigation. The findings reveal that nano-formulated ASX significantly reduces oxidative stress and cardiac injury markers, including CK-MB, Troponin-I, and LDH. Additionally, it enhances antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH, GPx, and GSH-RD) and decreases inflammatory markers (COX-2 and VEGF). The study further demonstrates that nano-ASX stimulates autophagy by upregulating critical genes such as Beclin-1, ULK1, and LC3B, which are vital for cardiac protection and repair. Histological analysis confirms these biochemical outcomes, showing reduced myocardial damage and inflammation in the nano-ASX-treated groups. This study concludes the potential of ASX nano-formulations as an advanced therapeutic approach for myocardial infarction, leveraging improved bioavailability and targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagic mechanisms.

CCL20 expression is elevated in inflammatory bowel disease and attenuated by vitamin D metabolites

Abstract Intestinal epithelial overexpression of the Th17 cell chemoattractant CCL20 is implicated in inflammatory bowel disease and influenced by NOD2 mutations in Crohn’s disease. Vitamin D metabolites have been shown to ameliorate inflammatory bowel disease. Considering NOD2 mutations in Crohn’s disease, we investigated whether Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration < 20 ng/mL) increases circulating CCL20 levels in inflammatory bowel disease patients and healthy controls and whether active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) downregulates systemic and intestinal CCL20 expression. In a cross-sectional study, serum concentrations of CCL20, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and calcitriol were measured in 170 NOD2-genotyped Crohn’s disease patients, 80 ulcerative colitis patients, and 60 healthy controls. Additionally, the effect of calcitriol on experimentally induced CCL20 expression was examined using human intestinal epithelial HT-29 cells. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed that both the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and vitamin D deficiency were independently associated with elevated CCL20 levels. Compared to healthy controls, Crohn’s disease patients and ulcerative colitis patients exhibited significantly higher circulating CCL20 levels. Unlike in Crohn’s disease patients, vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher CCL20 levels in healthy controls and ulcerative colitis patients, whereas the calcitriol/25-hydroxyvitamin D activation ratios were negatively correlated with serum CCL20 levels in healthy controls and ulcerative colitis patients with sufficient serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status. Furthermore, calcitriol markedly inhibited intestinal epithelial induction of CCL20. In Crohn’s disease patients, cholecalciferol supplementation was associated with lower serum CCL20 levels, which were unaffected by NOD2 mutations. These findings suggest that although vitamin D metabolites may downregulate CCL20 expression in healthy controls and ulcerative colitis patients, this regulatory effect appears to be impaired in Crohn’s disease patients.

Synthesis, characterization and theoretical studies of nitroxoline azo dye metal complexes and their role in mitigation of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract In this work, an azo dye ligand of 2,6-dichloroaniline with nitroxoline (CPAQ), and its Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes have been synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been elucidated applying analytical and spectral tools. According to these results, all complexes proved to have a tetrahedral structure, except Ni(II) complex, which has an octahedral geometry. Analytical results also inferred the formation of Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes in the molar ratio 1M:1L and the remaining complexes in 1M:2L molar ratio. For further insight into the complexes’ geometry, bond lengths, bond angles, and electronic characteristics with respect to the organic ligand were assigned in addition to DFT calculations. HOMO and LOMO calculations show the Co(II) complex is more reactive. The interactions of the target compounds with the Mus musculus ADA enzyme structure (PDB ID: 1a4m) were estimated by applying molecular docking studies. The inhibitory effect of the synthesized compounds on adenosine deaminase enzyme (ADA) activity was tested in-vitro, showing the Co(II) to be the most active.

Transabdominal ultrasound for the characterization and follow-up of cystic pancreatic lesions

Abstract Cystic pancreatic lesions (CPL) pose a diagnostic challenge due to their morphological diversity and malignant potential. Given the limited study data, transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) is currently not established for either primary diagnostics or CPL monitoring. This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of TAUS in the assessment of CPL to that of the reference method, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), to identify patient subgroups suitable for TAUS monitoring. In a monocentric, retrospective analysis, patients with CPL who underwent EUS and TAUS within six months from 01/2016 to 06/2022 were included. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify determinants for the detection of CPL via TAUS. Cross-method morphological assessments were analysed, and a patient-specific algorithm for selecting the appropriate monitoring method was developed. Among 105 patients, CPL were detected by both EUS and TAUS in 90 patients (86%). Patients with “TAUS negative” CPL (n = 15) exhibited greater body mass indices (BMI, p = 0.002) and smaller CPL diameters (p = 0.043). The final multivariate model (BMI, age, CPL diameter) yielded an 85% accuracy in predicting CPL detectability by TAUS. TAUS could be a cost-effective and patient-friendly imaging method for the surveillance of CPL in selected patients.

Integrated decision support system for optimizing time and cost trade offs in linear repetitive construction projects

Abstract Linear repetitive construction projects present unique challenges in optimizing both completion time and cost performance. Traditional scheduling techniques often struggle to effectively address these complexities. This paper aims to enhance project optimization by introducing a metaheuristic-based Time-Cost Trade-off (TCT) framework specifically designed for repetitive project environments. Unlike previous studies that focus solely on single-algorithm applications, this research evaluates two metaheuristic optimization strategies—Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)—within a consistent problem setting. The framework employs both algorithms, which are independently assessed for their effectiveness in tackling the Linear Repetitive Project Time-Cost Trade-off (LRPTCT) problem. The methodology utilizes task decomposition alongside the Line of Balance (LOB) scheduling technique, facilitating a more detailed and adaptable planning process. Each sub-task is systematically evaluated to identify the optimal construction method based on cost-time trade-offs, with scheduling constraints integrated into the fitness functions of both GA and PSO. Results from an in-depth case study reveal significant improvements in project efficiency. Specifically, GA achieved approximately a 3.25% reduction in direct costs, a 20% reduction in indirect costs, and a 7% reduction in total construction costs. In comparison, PSO demonstrated slightly superior cost performance, with a 4% reduction in direct costs and comparable reductions in indirect costs, along with a 20% decrease in total project duration. These findings highlight practical gains in resource utilization and scheduling efficiency. This study presents a structured, comparative analysis of GA and PSO within the LOB-based TCT framework, providing a replicable methodology for optimizing schedules in linear repetitive projects. By bridging the gap between traditional scheduling techniques and advanced optimization algorithms, this research contributes valuable insights for enhancing operational efficiency and informed decision-making in construction project management.

Ag₃PO₄@ZnO kraft lignin composite for optimized photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using response surface methodology

Abstract This research explores the use of kraft lignin (KL), derived from pulping black liquor waste, as a supportive medium for Ag3PO4@ZnO (AZ-NC) p-n heterojunction and design a new cost-effective ternary KL-Ag3PO4@ZnO nanocomposite (AZKL). The aim is to improve its photocatalytic efficiency in treating textile wastewater while tackling environmental issues such as chemical stability, charge carrier separation, and the production of secondary waste during the photocatalytic process. The response surface methodology (RSM) analysis shows that AZKL is highly effective catalyst for methylene blue (MB: 10 - 25 mg/L) dye mineralization, achieving a rapid decolorization (> 98.2% within 40 min) under visible light at a near-neutral pH (7.48) with maintained high catalytic activity across four consecutive cycles. This outstanding performance is driven by the synergistic interplay of AZKL-based photocatalysis and advanced oxidation process using 0.03% H2O2 co-catalyst. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis reveals that MB dye degrades stepwise into intermediates such as N, N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine, hydroquinone, and formic acid, ultimately mineralizing completely into CO₂ and H₂O. The dominant reactive oxygen species driven this multi-step process are identified as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and photogenerated holes (h⁺), with H₂O₂ and superoxide radicals (•O₂⁻) playing secondary roles. The data also highlights the multifunctional role of KL support, which enhances charge carrier separation, captures dye molecules, and prevents Zn2+/Ag+ ion leaching (less than 0.2 ppm) into the treated water during photocatalysis. This is facilitated by the electron-donating polyphenolic hydroxyl groups on the KL surface, which reduce Ag⁺ to metallic silver and stabilize AZ-NC heterojunction under light irradiation, creating Schottky junctions that improve charge transfer efficiency while reducing secondary contamination risks. A practical case study further illustrates the effectiveness of AZKL in treating real textile effluents, as evidenced by the improved biodegradability of residual organic matter, indicated by changes in chemical/biological oxygen demands (COD/BOD) ratios from 2.62 to 1.47 and inhibition tests against E. coli, meeting wastewater discharge standards. The findings emphasize that the AZKL composite could serve as an effective and adaptable photocatalyst for breaking down organic pollutants and treating intricate wastewater systems.