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Search Results (1,313)

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32 pages, 2479 KiB  
Article
Development of Sustainable Artificial Lightweight Aggregates with Binary Mixtures of Waste Rich in Aluminosilicate and Carbonate in Kaolinitic Clay
by José Anselmo da Silva Neto, Marcos Alyssandro Soares dos Anjos, Ricardo Peixoto Suassuna Dutra, Maelson Mendonça de Souza and Cinthia Maia Pederneiras
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2017; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052017 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1
Abstract
In Brazil, artificial lightweight aggregates (LWAs) are predominantly produced in the Southeast Region using clay as the primary raw material. However, clay extraction has significant environmental impacts and limits access to LWAs in the North and Northeast regions, resulting in high costs and [...] Read more.
In Brazil, artificial lightweight aggregates (LWAs) are predominantly produced in the Southeast Region using clay as the primary raw material. However, clay extraction has significant environmental impacts and limits access to LWAs in the North and Northeast regions, resulting in high costs and hindering sustainable construction solutions. This study addresses these challenges by developing sustainable LWAs in the Northeast Region using raw materials from the metropolitan area of João Pessoa, Paraíba, namely chamotte (CHT), which is rich in aluminosilicates, and eucalyptus firewood ash (EFA), which is rich in carbonates, combined with kaolinitic clay (KC). Sixty-four binary mixtures were produced, demonstrating diverse properties in density, water absorption, and compressive strength. EFA-rich mixtures achieved the highest expansion (80%) and lowest density (1.20 g/cm3), while CHT-rich mixtures provided superior strength (>10 MPa) and deformation (>20 GPa). These properties highlight their suitability for diverse applications, from structural uses to landscaping, enhanced by distinct color variations. Statistical optimization identified the residue content and sintering temperature as key factors, confirming the technical viability of incorporating up to 80% industrial waste into sustainable LWA production. Therefore, the results confirm the technical feasibility of producing LWAs using CHT and EFA in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa/Paraíba, achieving properties comparable to commercial LWAs. By incorporating up to 80% industrial waste, this study reduces dependence on non-renewable resources, decreases CO2 emissions and transportation costs, and promotes sustainable practices. The findings offer a scalable, eco-friendly solution to resource-limited regions’ material scarcity. Full article
31 pages, 1788 KiB  
Review
The Myth That Eucalyptus Trees Deplete Soil Water—A Review
by Priscila Lira de Medeiros, Alexandre Santos Pimenta, Neyton de Oliveira Miranda, Rafael Rodolfo de Melo, Jhones da Silva Amorim and Tatiane Kelly Barbosa de Azevedo
Forests 2025, 16(3), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16030423 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 141
Abstract
The increase in demand for timber and global eucalyptus cultivation has generated controversy regarding its potential impact on water resources, especially in regions with limited water availability, with the myth that “eucalyptus dries out the soil” being spread. In this regard, this review [...] Read more.
The increase in demand for timber and global eucalyptus cultivation has generated controversy regarding its potential impact on water resources, especially in regions with limited water availability, with the myth that “eucalyptus dries out the soil” being spread. In this regard, this review study addresses the factors that influence water consumption by eucalyptus, providing solutions to reduce, mitigate, or even avoid any impact on water resources at a given site. In this manuscript, the authors reviewed 200 works published from 1977 to 2024 to survey all information to confirm if the factual background allows someone to state if eucalyptus can deplete soil water. With a solid scientific basis, many research studies show that eucalyptus’ water demand is comparable to that of native forest species and crops worldwide and that species, age, edaphoclimatic conditions, and forest management practices mainly influence water consumption. On the other hand, it is a hasty conclusion that some eucalyptus species can contribute to reduced soil water. Effectively, without proper management, the environmental impacts of a eucalyptus plantation are the same as those of poorly managed crops. Indeed, if cultivated with proper agroclimatic zoning and correct management practices, the growth of eucalyptus culture is an environmentally correct activity. By adopting measures such as maintaining sufficient native forest cover to ensure ecosystem services, cultivation based on zoning maps, and considering local specificities (e.g., deeper, sandier soils are preferable), selection of species appropriate to the carrying capacity of each region, adoption of lower planting densities, and reduced rotation, eucalyptus cultivation will not negatively affect water resources. Sustainable eucalyptus cultivation has several economic and environmental benefits, in addition to positive social impacts on surrounding communities in terms of employment and family income, and its sustainable management can guarantee its viability, demystifying the idea that eucalyptus trees cause water scarcity. The works reviewed herein demonstrated no solid ground to sustain the eucalyptus’ water depletion myth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
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13 pages, 2311 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning Algorithms and Nondestructive Methods for Estimating Wood Density in Planted Forest Trees
by Rafael Gustavo Mansini Lorensani and Raquel Gonçalves
Forests 2025, 16(2), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020376 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 252
Abstract
Inferring forest properties is crucial for the timber industry, enabling efficient monitoring, predictive analysis, and optimized management. Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods have proven to be valuable tools for achieving these goals. Recent advancements in data analysis, driven by machine learning (ML) algorithms, have [...] Read more.
Inferring forest properties is crucial for the timber industry, enabling efficient monitoring, predictive analysis, and optimized management. Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods have proven to be valuable tools for achieving these goals. Recent advancements in data analysis, driven by machine learning (ML) algorithms, have revolutionized this field. This study analyzed 492 eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus sp.), aged 3 to 7 years, planted in São Paulo, Brazil. Data from forest inventories were combined with results from ultrasound, drilling resistance, sclerometric impact, and penetration resistance tests. Seven machine learning algorithms were evaluated to compare their generalization capabilities with conventional statistical methods for predicting basic wood density. Among the models, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) achieved the highest accuracy, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 89% and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 10.6 kg·m−3. In contrast, the conventional statistical model, using the same parameters, yielded an R2 of 33% and an RMSE of 26.4 kg·m−3. These findings highlight the superior performance of machine learning in the nondestructive inference of wood properties, paving the way for its broader application in forest management and the timber industry. Full article
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17 pages, 7747 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profile Analysis of the NF-Y Transcription Factor Gene Family in Eucalyptus grandis
by Juan Li, Chaoyan Gong, Li Zhuang, Guangyou Li, Jianmin Xu and Zhaohua Lu
Forests 2025, 16(2), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020361 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 201
Abstract
The nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factor family identified in plant organisms consists of NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC subunits, known for their pivotal role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stress. Despite extensive studies on the NF-Y gene family across [...] Read more.
The nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factor family identified in plant organisms consists of NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC subunits, known for their pivotal role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stress. Despite extensive studies on the NF-Y gene family across various species, the understanding of the NF-Y gene family in Eucalyptus is incomplete. This study aimed to identify 31 EgrNF-Y genes (7 EgrNF-YA, 16 EgrNF-YB, and 8 EgrNF-YC) in Eucalyptus grandis, all displaying conserved core regions. The chromosome distribution analysis showed that these genes were unevenly distributed on 11 chromosomes. The protein interaction analysis revealed EgrNF-YA1/A4/A6 as central within the EgrNF-Y protein network, interacting extensively with other EgrNF-Y proteins. Prediction of promoter cis-elements suggested that the expression of EgrNF-Y genes may be affected by various hormonal and abiotic stresses. Tissue-specific expression patterns indicated the widespread presence of all 30 EgrNF-Y genes across different tissues. EgrNF-YB1 and EgrNF-YB11 are implicated in regulating E. grandis flowering, whereas the upregulated expression of EgrNF-YB6/B11/B13 under phosphorus deficiency is involved in phosphorus absorption and utilization. This study lays a foundation for further understanding of the evolutionary diversity of the NF-Y gene family and serves as a reference for future studies in woody plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Molecular Biology)
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13 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Toxicity of Fixed Oils, Essential Oils and Isolated Chemicals to Hetorhabditis amazonensis and Steinernema rarum
by Alixelhe Pacheco Damascena, Luis Moreira de Araujo Junior, Luiza Akemi Gonçalves Tamashiro and Dirceu Pratissoli
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010015 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 180
Abstract
Non-target organisms are not well studied. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of seven essential oils, two fixed oils, d-limonene and eugenol on the mortality, behavior and infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (ENPs). The oils were diluted at 1% ( [...] Read more.
Non-target organisms are not well studied. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of seven essential oils, two fixed oils, d-limonene and eugenol on the mortality, behavior and infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (ENPs). The oils were diluted at 1% (v/v) in water with Tween® 80 PS at 0.05% (v/v), and water with Tween® alone was used as the control treatment. In the mortality test, 2 mL of solution containing 50 µL of the nematode suspension, 20 µL of oil/compounds solution isolated with Tween 80, and 1930 µL of water were placed in plastic containers. After four days, the number of dead juveniles was counted. In the bioassay of the behavior of the EPNs, the frequency of lateral body beats of the infective juveniles in liquid medium was analyzed after exposure to the solutions. In the infectivity test, after contact of the EPNs with oils and essential oil chemical compounds, the juveniles were washed and applied to second-instar Spodoptera eridania larvae. All oils and isolated compounds caused mortality in H. amazonensis and S. rarum, with Ocimum canum and the isolated compound eugenol showing the highest efficacy against H. amazonensis and O. canum, Eucalyptus citriodora, Zingiber officinale, Salvia sclarea and the isolated compound eugenol being the most effective against S. rarum. There was a reduction in the number of lateral beats of H. amazonensis and S. rarum for all treatments, with the exception of Cymbopogon winterianus in H. amazonensis and Annona muricata in S. rarum. The infectivity of H. amazonenis and S. rarum on S. eridania was reduced when exposed to the solutions, with the exception of the isolated compound d-limonene in both species, soursop for H. amazonenis and rosemary for S. rarum, which were classified as non-toxic to the species tested. The results obtained in this study may be useful for the choice of oils and essential oil chemical compounds with potential use in integrated pest management programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
15 pages, 4497 KiB  
Article
Innovative Antifungal and Food Preservation Potential of Eucalyptus citriodora Essential Oil in Combination with Modified Potato Peel Starch
by Nabila Khan, Saeeda Fatima and Muhammad Bilal Sadiq
Foods 2025, 14(4), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14040602 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 707
Abstract
The quest for natural preservation systems is on the rise due to health hazards associated with synthetic preservatives. The current study explores a significant research gap by investigating the antifungal potential of Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil (EO) and modified potato peel starch (M-PPS)-based [...] Read more.
The quest for natural preservation systems is on the rise due to health hazards associated with synthetic preservatives. The current study explores a significant research gap by investigating the antifungal potential of Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil (EO) and modified potato peel starch (M-PPS)-based coatings to control the fungal contamination in peanut kernels, providing a sustainable food preservation system. Potato peel starch was extracted by water steeping and modified by autoclaving. E. citriodora EO was extracted from leaves by steam distillation and chemically characterized using a gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The antifungal potential of EO was evaluated by radial growth inhibition assay (RGI). EO completely inhibited the growths of Penicillium griseofulvum and Aspergillus niger at a concentration of 3.125 µL/mL, which was marked as the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). EO induced cellular leakage from fungal cells, and hyphae became pitted, indicating the strong antifungal potential of EO. EO (2 ×MIC)-treated rice seeds showed complete inhibition of A. niger after 7 days of incubation, and in the control treatments, all the rice seeds were contaminated (100% contamination index). M-PPS and EO-based coatings controlled the growth of P. griseofulvum in peanut kernels. After incubation for 7 days, control treatments were fully contaminated with fungal growth, whereas the M-PPS and EO-based coatings restricted the growth of fungi in peanut kernels. The M-PPS and EO-based preservation system can be used for the preservation of perishable food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Packaging and Preservation)
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11 pages, 1780 KiB  
Article
Production, Characterization Physical, Chemical, and Structural Analysis of Biochar Fines for Bio-Reinforcement in Composite Materials
by Josinaldo Dias, Amanda Conceição, Fabíola Martins Delatorre and Paula Siqueira
Processes 2025, 13(2), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020504 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 587
Abstract
Several polymeric compounds are obtained from synthetic organic solids containing petrochemical derivatives. Biochar fines are considered waste and an alternative bio-reinforcement in composite materials, potentially serving as a possible substitute for non-renewable polymers based on petrochemical derivatives. In this context, the present study [...] Read more.
Several polymeric compounds are obtained from synthetic organic solids containing petrochemical derivatives. Biochar fines are considered waste and an alternative bio-reinforcement in composite materials, potentially serving as a possible substitute for non-renewable polymers based on petrochemical derivatives. In this context, the present study focuses on analyzing the properties of biochar fines obtained from the pyrolysis of Eucalyptus sp. biomass, aiming to support the use of this waste in the fabrication of a composite using biochar as a bio-reinforcement. The biochar was produced through pyrolysis in a muffle furnace at a final temperature of 800 °C, with a heating rate of 5 °C min−1 and a residence time of 60 min. The characterization of the obtained fines involved proximate analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the material has a high fixed carbon content, high density, and good thermal resistance, making it stand out for use in composites. Full article
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14 pages, 4992 KiB  
Article
Investigation into Adhesion of Coatings and Adhesives of Eucalyptus and Grey Poplar for Building Applications
by Csilla Csiha, Tamás Hofmann and Omar Saber Zinad
Forests 2025, 16(2), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020287 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 331
Abstract
This study investigated the bonding strength and chemical composition (as an influencing factor of adhesion) of red eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) (EUW) and grey poplar (Populus canescens) (GPOW) wood surfaces, comparing their suitability for indoor and outdoor wood-building applications. The [...] Read more.
This study investigated the bonding strength and chemical composition (as an influencing factor of adhesion) of red eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) (EUW) and grey poplar (Populus canescens) (GPOW) wood surfaces, comparing their suitability for indoor and outdoor wood-building applications. The research focused on adhesion strength using different coatings and adhesives, including lasure and 2K lacquer. The results showed that whilst both wood species had a conveniently high cellulose content, GPOW had a higher cellulose content (48.21%) than EUW (45.18%). However, EUW demonstrated superiority in tensile shear strength tests when using structural adhesives. Additionally, EUW exhibited stronger pull-off adhesion with 2K lacquer (5.25 MPa) compared with GPOW (3.42 MPa), suggesting that whilst both reached the expectations, EUW was more appropriate for high-stress indoor applications like flooring or wall cladding. EUW and GPOW performed well with lasure, achieving comparable adhesion strengths. EUW had a density of 1020 kg/m3 vs. 575 kg/m3 for GPOW and stronger bonding capabilities than GPOW, which suggests that it is equally suitable for wood applications inside and outside buildings. The study concluded that whilst both wood species met expectations and proved to be suitable for doors, windows, and other wood-building product applications, GPOW was suitable for the production of cellulose-based products, while EUW was worth relying on for its excellent adhesion to coatings and adhesives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wood Testing, Processing and Modification)
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16 pages, 3204 KiB  
Article
Ultraviolet-A Radiation (UVA) as a Stress and the Influence of Provenance and Leaf Age on the Expression of Phenolic Compounds by Eucalyptus camaldulensis ssp. camaldulensis
by Santosh Khanal, Simone J. Rochfort and Martin J. Steinbauer
Plants 2025, 14(3), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030493 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 636
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) represents a significant abiotic stress, affecting green plants. Phenolic compounds have been suggested as components involved in plant photoprotective adaptation. We used a unique combination of experimental (LED lighting and leaf tagging) and analytical (unbiased, or untargeted, metabolomics) approaches to [...] Read more.
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) represents a significant abiotic stress, affecting green plants. Phenolic compounds have been suggested as components involved in plant photoprotective adaptation. We used a unique combination of experimental (LED lighting and leaf tagging) and analytical (unbiased, or untargeted, metabolomics) approaches to study the effects of high (approximating mid-summer) and low (approximating winter) levels of UVA on the expression of phenolic compounds. These consisted of river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis ssp. camaldulensis) of five provenances. The geographically separated provenances used in our study spanned the lowest and highest latitudes of the range of this subspecies. The concentrations of gallotannins and ellagitannins (i.e., hydrolysable tannins) increased most under high levels of UVA, but responses only differed slightly among provenances. The most substantial changes in the composition of phenolic compounds were associated with leaf age. Overall, 3-month-old (herein, termed ‘young’) leaves had substantially different phenolic compositions to 6- and 12-month-old (‘old’) leaves. Hydrolysable tannins were more abundant in young leaves, whereas pedunculagin, catechin, and kaempferol galloyl glucoses were more abundant in old leaves. High levels of UVA altered the expression of phenolic compounds, but our experimental saplings were unlikely to experience photoinhibition because they were not exposed to high levels of light and low temperatures, nor were they nitrogen-limited. We expect that changes in phenolic compounds would have been more pronounced if we had induced photoinhibition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Phenolic Compounds: From Biosynthesis to Functional Profiling)
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24 pages, 13025 KiB  
Article
Modelling LiDAR-Based Vegetation Geometry for Computational Fluid Dynamics Heat Transfer Models
by Pirunthan Keerthinathan, Megan Winsen, Thaniroshan Krishnakumar, Anthony Ariyanayagam, Grant Hamilton and Felipe Gonzalez
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(3), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17030552 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 705
Abstract
Vegetation characteristics significantly influence the impact of wildfires on individual building structures, and these effects can be systematically analyzed using heat transfer modelling software. Close-range light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data obtained from uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) capture detailed vegetation morphology; however, the [...] Read more.
Vegetation characteristics significantly influence the impact of wildfires on individual building structures, and these effects can be systematically analyzed using heat transfer modelling software. Close-range light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data obtained from uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) capture detailed vegetation morphology; however, the integration of dense vegetation and merged canopies into three-dimensional (3D) models for fire modelling software poses significant challenges. This study proposes a method for integrating the UAS–LiDAR-derived geometric features of vegetation components—such as bark, wooden core, and foliage—into heat transfer models. The data were collected from the natural woodland surrounding an elevated building in Samford, Queensland, Australia. Aboveground biomass (AGB) was estimated for 21 trees utilizing three 3D tree reconstruction tools, with validation against biomass allometric equations (BAEs) derived from field measurements. The most accurate reconstruction tool produced a tree mesh utilized for modelling vegetation geometry. A proof of concept was established with Eucalyptus siderophloia, incorporating vegetation data into heat transfer models. This non-destructive framework leverages available technologies to create reliable 3D tree reconstructions of complex vegetation in wildland–urban interfaces (WUIs). It facilitates realistic wildfire risk assessments by providing accurate heat flux estimations, which are critical for evaluating building safety during fire events, while addressing the limitations associated with direct measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue LiDAR Remote Sensing for Forest Mapping)
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17 pages, 3998 KiB  
Article
Increasing Carbon Sequestration, Land-Use Efficiency, and Building Decarbonization with Short Rotation Eucalyptus
by Kate Chilton, Otavio Campoe, Nicholas Allan and Hal Hinkle
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031281 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 631
Abstract
Global construction activity remains the least responsive large economic sector to the exigencies of global climate change. The focus has centered on operating emissions of buildings, while upfront embodied emissions in building materials remain unabated. Softwood timber, a commonly used building material, can [...] Read more.
Global construction activity remains the least responsive large economic sector to the exigencies of global climate change. The focus has centered on operating emissions of buildings, while upfront embodied emissions in building materials remain unabated. Softwood timber, a commonly used building material, can remove and store atmospheric carbon in buildings for decades. However, the upfront climate benefits of using softwoods in building frames are limited due to the multi-decadal growth and harvest cycles of forest plantations. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that fast-growing Eucalyptus is a superior carbon sequestration feedstock for building materials compared to slow-growing softwoods. We quantified the relative carbon benefits of Eucalyptus to a group of commonly used North American softwoods in an all-carbon-pools, risk-adjusted model that compares the net present value of carbon flows over a 100-year period. Using a novel carbon benefit multiple metric, the analysis shows that short-rotation, high-yield Eucalyptus plantations are 2.7× to 4.6× better at sequestering atmospheric carbon than softwoods, depending on the various risk perception scenarios. The results indicate that building decarbonization can be enhanced by using fast-growing and high-yielding Eucalyptus species plantations. Full article
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13 pages, 2466 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Using Biomass-Activated Carbon Nanosheets Derived from Eucalyptus Leaves
by Sankar Sekar, Atsaya Shanmugam, Gokilapriya Senthilkumar, Kiruthiga Thangasami, Hyun Jung, Youngmin Lee and Sejoon Lee
Materials 2025, 18(3), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030670 - 3 Feb 2025
Viewed by 538
Abstract
Carbonaceous-based metal-free catalysts are promising aspirants for effective electrocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, we synthesized mesoporous-activated carbon nanosheets (ELC) from biomass eucalyptus leaves through KOH activation. The microstructure, structural, and textural characteristics of the prepared materials were characterized by FE-SEM, Raman, XRD, and BET [...] Read more.
Carbonaceous-based metal-free catalysts are promising aspirants for effective electrocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, we synthesized mesoporous-activated carbon nanosheets (ELC) from biomass eucalyptus leaves through KOH activation. The microstructure, structural, and textural characteristics of the prepared materials were characterized by FE-SEM, Raman, XRD, and BET measurements. The high temperature (700 °C) KOH-activated ELC nanosheets exhibited an interconnected nanosheet morphology with a large specific surface area (1436 m2/g) and high mesoporosity. The ELC-700 catalyst exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic HER performance with a low overpotential (39 mV at 10 mA/cm2), excellent durability, and a Trivial Tafel slope (36 mV/dec) in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte. These findings indicate a new approach for developing excellent biomass-derived electrocatalysts for substantially efficient green hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)
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29 pages, 7209 KiB  
Article
A Methodology for the Feasibility Assessment of Using Crop Residues for Electricity Production Through GIS-MCD and Its Application in a Case Study
by Fernando Bruno Dovichi Filho, Laura Vieira Maia de Sousa, Electo Eduardo Silva Lora, José Carlos Escobar Palacio, Pedro Tavares Borges, Regina Mambeli Barros, René Lesme Jaen, Marcelo Risso Errera and Quelbis Roman Quintero
Agriculture 2025, 15(3), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15030334 - 3 Feb 2025
Viewed by 655
Abstract
Over recent decades, human activities have essentially depended on fossil fuels. The last Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports recommend a shift to renewables and a more energy-efficient economy. To fulfill the potential of bioenergy, tools are required to overcome the complexities of [...] Read more.
Over recent decades, human activities have essentially depended on fossil fuels. The last Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports recommend a shift to renewables and a more energy-efficient economy. To fulfill the potential of bioenergy, tools are required to overcome the complexities of the decision-making processes for viable projects. This work presents a decision-making tool to select the most feasible biomass residues and a case study of the state of Minas Gerais, in Brazil. Among the 13 evaluated criteria, eucalyptus residues demonstrated the highest potential for electricity production, followed by sugarcane bagasse and coffee husks. The choice of Minas Gerais as a case study is important due to its diverse agricultural landscape and the potential for biomass residue generation. The presented methodology uses the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM). Thirteen criteria were required to enable the best choice of biomass residue alternatives for electricity generation, which experts in the bioenergy field evaluated. The technical criterion was shown to be the one with the highest degree of importance. The results of the study identified that CO2eq emissions (11.46%) and electricity demand (ED) were the most relevant sub-criteria for prioritizing the viability of agricultural waste. Eucalyptus was ranked as the most promising biomass, followed by sugarcane bagasse and coffee husks. In addition, the use of GIS tools made it possible to map the regions with the greatest potential in Minas Gerais, providing a robust approach to identifying strategic sites for bioenergy. Full article
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14 pages, 2561 KiB  
Article
Wood Species Differentiation: A Comparative Study of Direct Analysis in Real-Time and Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
by Ilena Isak, Harriet Laura Newson and Tripti Singh
Forests 2025, 16(2), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020255 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 831
Abstract
This study reports for the first time the fingerprinting extractives analysis of the indigenous wood species of Podocarpus totara from New Zealand, Eucalyptus saligna from Australia and Pinus radiata imported from California, USA and grown in New Zealand. We evaluated the use of [...] Read more.
This study reports for the first time the fingerprinting extractives analysis of the indigenous wood species of Podocarpus totara from New Zealand, Eucalyptus saligna from Australia and Pinus radiata imported from California, USA and grown in New Zealand. We evaluated the use of analytical techniques for wood species discrimination. We compared the chemical fingerprinting of extractive compounds obtained using traditional chromatographic techniques with direct analysis in real-time–time of flight-mass spectrometry (DART-TOF-MS) with the auxiliary of chemometrics and principal component analysis. The traditional wet chemistry analysis of wood extracts provided a comprehensive characterisation of all extractive components. However, the more eco-friendly, sustainable and faster DART-TOF-MS technique effectively distinguished between wood species when heartwood and sapwood samples were combined. Notably, neither wet chemistry nor DART-TOF-MS could clearly differentiate between heartwood and sapwood within the same wood species. DART-TOF-MS analysis demonstrates potential as a reliable quality control tool for identifying wood species necessary in commercial and timber trading markets as well as for detecting the illicit trade of counterfeit wood products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wood Science and Forest Products)
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24 pages, 2001 KiB  
Review
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Holistic Strategies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Integral Wellbeing
by Karina Caballero-Gallardo, Patricia Quintero-Rincón and Jesus Olivero-Verbel
Plants 2025, 14(3), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030400 - 29 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1475
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a variety of ancient therapies with origins in cultures such as those of China, Egypt, Greece, Iran, India, and Rome. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies these integrative therapies into five categories: (1) mind–body therapies, (2) [...] Read more.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a variety of ancient therapies with origins in cultures such as those of China, Egypt, Greece, Iran, India, and Rome. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies these integrative therapies into five categories: (1) mind–body therapies, (2) biological practices, (3) manipulative and body practices, (4) energy medicine, and (5) whole medical systems, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. This review explores the role of biological practices utilizing aromatic plants, particularly through inhalation aromatherapy and massage with essential oils, as effective complementary strategies within health systems. The review compiles information on the most commonly used plants and essential oils for holistic health maintenance from a complementary and alternative perspective. Given their accessibility and relative safety compared to conventional treatments, these therapies have gained popularity worldwide. Furthermore, the integration of essential oils has been shown to alleviate various psychological and physiological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, neuropathic pain, nausea, and menopausal symptoms. Among the studied plants, lavender has emerged as being particularly notable due to its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects and its designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “Generally Recognized as Safe”. Other essential oils under investigation include eucalyptus, damask rose, sandalwood, vetiver, calamus, frankincense, chamomile, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, orange, sage, rosemary, garlic, and black pepper. This study emphasizes the potential benefits of these aromatic plants in enhancing patient well-being. Additionally, it underscores the importance of conducting further research to ensure the safety and efficacy of these therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Plant Extracts)
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