Search Results (6,329)

Urbanization is a driving force of landscape transformation. One of the ecosystems most vulnerable to urban expansion processes is montane forests located in high altitude mountainous regions. Despite their significance for biodiversity, regulation of the hydrological cycle, stability, prevention of soil erosion, and potential for organic carbon storage, these forest ecosystems show high vulnerability and risk due to the global urbanization process. We analyzed the potential variations produced by land cover change in some attributes related to soil organic matter in transitional forest fragments due to the expansion of a predominantly urban matrix landscape. We identified and characterized a fragment of a high montane evergreen forest in the Western Cordillera of the Northern Andes located in the urban limits of Quito. Then, we comparatively analyzed the variations in the attributes associated with soil organic carbon: soil organic matter, density, texture, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pH. We also considered the following soil coverages: forest, eucalyptus plantations, and grassland. We viewed the latter two as hinge coverages between forests and urban expansion. Finally, we estimated variations in soil organic carbon stock in the three analyzed coverages. For the montane forest fragment, we identified 253 individuals distributed among 18 species, corresponding to 10 families and 14 genera. We found significant variations in soil attributes associated with organic matter and an estimated 66% reduction in the carbon storage capacity of montane soils when they lose their natural cover and are replaced by Eucalyptus globulus plantations. Urban planning strategies should consider the conservation and restoration of natural and degraded peri-urban areas, ensuring sustainability and utilizing nature-based solutions for global climate change adaptation and mitigation. Peri-urban agroforestry systems represent an opportunity to replace and restore conventional forestry or crop plantation systems in peri-urban areas that affect the structure and function of ecosystems and, therefore, the goods and services derived from them. Full article

Traditional sausage in the Republic of Kosovo has been produced for centuries as a traditional method of preserving the nutritional value of meat. In sausage fermentation, natural microbiota such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Micrococcaceae usually participate; these are not only critical for ensuring product safety and flavor development but also represent significant biotechnological potential. The purpose of this study was to analyze traditional fermented sausage, in terms of production practices and hygiene, throughout the production and storage phases. Samples in three stages of production and maturation were analyzed for microbiota, pH, and water activity level. Our results show that the main changes in the bacterial populations from 0 to 7 days of storage included increases in the total numbers of viable mesophilic aerobic bacteria (LAB) and Micrococcaceae (MC). However, the Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms (EC) count showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in 1.60 ± 1.62 lg cfu/g by day 14. In conclusion, the number of EC in the traditional sausage was decreased during storage, while LAB and MC were stable, data that indicate the safety and quality of this product. No differences regarding the production practices and storage of traditional sausage were observed, based on the data from the butchers who participated in this study. Full article

This study investigates the energy consumption and losses associated with the gas production process in a condensate gas reservoir-type gas storage system. The energy consumption linked to each unit and key equipment was determined by HYSYS simulation, followed by a sensitivity analysis and exergy analysis. The findings reveal that the condensate oil stabilization tower is the primary energy-consuming equipment, responsible for 70.61% of the total energy consumption (3.82 × 10⁵ kJ·h⁻¹/1%). The temperature of the condensate reboiler is identified as the most significant influencing factor. Furthermore, the equipment exhibiting the highest exergy loss is the J-T valve (1.2 × 10⁷ kJ·h⁻¹), which contributes to 25.23% of the total loss. Consequently, to mitigate energy consumption in the gas production system, it is crucial to control the temperature of the condensate oil reboiler. Enhancing efficiency will rely on recovering the pressure energy loss associated with the J-T valve. The field gas gathering system lacks sub-unit energy consumption measurement and flow measurement for key process fluids. This study can provide methodological and data references for optimizing the operation of this condensate oil–gas reservoir-type storage facility. Full article

Background/Objectives: Composite resins are widely used in restorative dentistry due to their aesthetic properties and ease of handling. Preheating prior to light polymerization has been proposed to improve flowability, degree of conversion, and mechanical properties. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of preheating on the microhardness of three nanoparticulate composite resins—IPS Empress Direct (Ivoclar), Filtek Z350 XT (3M-ESPE), and Forma (Ultradent)—when cured with a high-power LED light. Methods: Sixty disc-shaped samples (n = 20 per material) were fabricated and divided into preheated and non-preheated groups. After polishing and 24 h storage in distilled water at 37 °C, samples were subjected to Knoop microhardness testing under a 300 g load for 15 s. Statistical analysis was conducted using R software. Results: Preheating produced a significant increase in surface microhardness for IPS Empress Direct (32.8%) and Filtek Z350 XT (5.8%) (p < 0.05 for both), whereas Forma showed no significant change. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this in vitro study, preheating can enhance the mechanical performance of specific composite resins by increasing microhardness; however, the effect is material-dependent. Full article

To promote soil carbon (C) sequestration and alleviate climate change, it is crucial to understand how vegetation types affect soil organic C (SOC) storage and stability in riverine wetlands. This study investigates the characteristics of SOC fractions and storage among different vegetation types and evaluates their soil C sequestration potential. Soil samples were collected and analyzed from four vegetation types (Typha orientalis, Tamarix chinensis, Avena sativa, and Phragmites australis) in wetlands at the junction of the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. Soil particulate organic C, dissolved organic C, and microbial biomass C contents of Avena sativa and Phragmites australis communities were higher than those of Tamarix chinensis and Typha orientalis communities (p < 0.001). Typha orientalis communities exhibited the highest SOC stability (4.31 ± 0.38), whereas Tamarix chinensis communities showed the lowest (1.34 ± 0.17) (p < 0.001). Soil organic C storage of Avena sativa (2.81 ± 0.32 kg m⁻²) and Phragmites australis (2.53 ± 0.06 kg m⁻²) communities was higher than that of Tamarix chinensis (0.88 ± 0.06 kg m⁻²) and Typha orientalis (1.35 ± 0.13 kg m⁻²) communities (p < 0.001). Soil electrical conductivity (EC) was significantly correlated with SOC fractions of Typha orientalis and Phragmites australis communities, while soil water content and particle size composition affected SOC fractions of Avena sativa communities (p < 0.05). Soil particle size composition affected the SOC storage of Typha orientalis, Tamarix chinensis, and Avena sativa communities (p < 0.05). Soil pH, water content, and EC influenced the SOC storage of Typha orientalis, Tamarix chinensis, and Phragmites australis communities (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that Avena sativa and Phragmites australis communities play a vital role in maintaining C sink potential and ecological function in the Yellow River wetland. Nonetheless, the Typha orientalis community had greater C sequestration in the long term due to its high SOC stability. This research suggests that the effects of vegetation types should be considered when exploring the soil C cycle in riverine wetlands. Full article

Mosses are key players in semi-arid ecosystems; however, the functional roles of mosses on hydrologic buffering and water quality have hardly been assessed. In the present study, the water storage, saturation dynamics, and ion release experiment of a set of four moss species (Hypnum lacunosum, Homalothecium lutescens, Dicranum scoparium, and Tortella tortuosa) was performed by a more simplified immersion and drainage procedure with water chemistry analyses. All species reached a sorption equilibrium between 10 and 20 min, with pleurocarpous taxa retaining 20–35% more water than acrocarpous species and possessing water-holding capacities (WHCs) between 300% and 700% of dry weight. Species-specific differences in water chemistry (pH, EC, and TDS) were observed: Tortella tortuosa presented the greatest ionic flux, and Hypnum lacunosum presented little variation in pH and electrical conductivity. These findings imply that the mosses operate as micro-scale buffers regulating both water quantity and water quality, and thereby the soil stability, infiltration, and drought resilience. The combined hydrological and biogeochemical view offers a novel understanding of bryophyte ecohydrology and highlights the significance of mosses in the practice of watershed management and climate-change mitigation. Full article

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for cervical cancer, but its efficacy is significantly limited by hypoxia—oxygen deficiency in the tumour microenvironment. The aim of this study was to present strategies to counteract hypoxia in PDT using the latest nanotechnologies. Based on a review of the literature available in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering the period from January 2024 to March 2025, nine original in vivo studies were identified that investigated the use of nanoparticle-based strategies to overcome hypoxia and enhance the efficacy of PDT in cervical cancer. A variety of approaches to improve tumour oxygenation are described, including the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) with manganese oxide (MnO₂), the use of bimetallic nanozymes (e.g., Au₂Pt), and FeOOH structures and oxygen storage and control systems (e.g., endoperoxides). Strategies to reduce oxygen consumption by cancer cells, such as nitric oxide (NO) release or inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, are also discussed. The review shows that appropriately designed nanoparticles can effectively counteract hypoxia, enhancing the efficacy of PDT by intensifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and modulating HIF-1α factor expression. The strategies presented here have the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cervical cancer, especially under conditions of limited oxygen availability. Full article

The search for natural alternatives to sodium nitrite in meat products is driven by concerns about consumer health and the need to maintain product quality and safety. In this study, the effect of sodium nitrite reduction on the quality parameters of canned pork meat with 1% lyophilized cell-free supernatant (CFS) from L. paracasei B1, during 30 days of storage, was assessed. Reduction of sodium nitrite content led to measurable changes in the color, texture, and oxidative stability of canned pork; however, the presence of 1% CFS helped preserve color, alleviated the negative impact on textural parameters, and limited lipid oxidation, thereby counteracting the typical consequences of nitrite reduction. Among the tested variants, S_75, containing 75% of the standard nitrite dose, showed the best overall balance between color retention, textural integrity, and oxidative stability. Samples without nitrite (S_0) exhibited a noticeable increase in lightness (L*) and decrease in redness (a*) over time, accompanied by a shift towards yellow-brown hues (b*, C*, H°). Importantly, the total color difference (ΔE) was least pronounced in the S_75 variant, with values of approximately 2.5 after 1 day and 2.7 after 30 days, which was markedly lower than in S_50 (ΔE ≈ 6.0 and 3.9) and S_0 (ΔE ≈ 7.9 and 8.5), thereby confirming superior color retention and overall stability during storage. Texture analysis showed that initial hardness and chewiness were higher in nitrite-free samples (S_0), suggesting that the complete omission of nitrite may negatively affect product structure. Nevertheless, all variants softened during storage, and samples with higher nitrite content, particularly S_75, retained better elasticity and cohesiveness. Lipid oxidation, expressed as TBARS values, progressed fastest in samples completely depleted of nitrite (S_0), increasing from 0.31 mg MDA/kg (day 1) to 1.35 mg MDA/kg (day 30), which confirms the antioxidant role of sodium nitrite. Interestingly, the presence of 1% CFS in the variants with reduced nitrite content partially mitigated this effect, as TBARS values in S_75 increased only from 0.29 to 0.46 mg MDA/kg, and, in S_50, from 0.45 to 0.66 mg MDA/kg, compared to the nitrite-free variant. This suggests that CFS may also have contributed to antioxidant protection. Fatty acid profiles remained relatively consistent across methods. Microbiological analysis revealed no significant differences between groups. These results demonstrate that partial nitrite reduction combined with CFS is effective, highlighting the potential of CFS as a promising functional additive in clean label meat preservation. Furthermore, reducing the sodium nitrite content in canned pork products may contribute to improved consumer health by reducing exposure to potentially harmful nitrosamine precursors. Full article

The advancement of efficient energy conversion and storage technologies is fundamentally linked to the development of electrochemical systems, including fuel cells, batteries, and electrolyzers, whose performance depends on key electrocatalytic reactions: hydrogen evolution (HER), oxygen evolution (OER), oxygen reduction (ORR), carbon dioxide reduction (CO₂RR), and nitrogen reduction (NRR). Beyond catalyst design, the electrolyte microenvironment significantly influences these reactions by modulating charge transfer, intermediate stabilization, and mass transport, making electrolyte engineering a powerful tool for enhancing performance. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of how fundamental electrolyte properties, including pH, ionic strength, ion identity, and solvent structure, affect the mechanisms and kinetics of these five reactions. We examine in detail how the electrolyte composition and individual ion contributions impact reaction pathways, catalytic activity, and product selectivity. For HER and OER, we discuss the interplay between acidic and alkaline environments, the effects of specific ions, interfacial electric fields, and catalyst stability. In ORR, we highlight pH-dependent activity, selectivity, and the roles of cations and anions in steering 2e⁻ versus 4e⁻ pathways. The CO₂RR and NRR sections explore how the electrolyte composition, local pH, buffering capacity, and proton sources influence activity and the product distribution. We also address challenges in electrolyte optimization, such as managing competing reactions and maximizing Faradaic efficiency. By comparing the electrolyte’s effects across these reactions, this review identifies general trends and design guidelines for enhancing electrocatalytic performance and outlines key open questions and future research directions relevant to practical energy technologies. Full article

Integrating renewable energy requires robust, large-scale storage solutions to balance intermittent supply. Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in geological formations, such as salt caverns, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, or aquifers, offers a promising way to store large volumes of energy for seasonal periods. This review focuses on the biological aspects of UHS, examining the biogeochemical interactions between H₂, reservoir minerals, and key hydrogenotrophic microorganisms such as sulfate-reducing bacteria, methanogens, acetogens, and iron-reducing bacteria within the gas–liquid–rock–microorganism system. These microbial groups use H₂ as an electron donor, triggering biogeochemical reactions that can affect storage efficiency through gas loss and mineral dissolution–precipitation cycles. This review discusses their metabolic pathways and the geochemical interactions driven by microbial byproducts such as H₂S, CH₄, acetate, and Fe²⁺ and considers biofilm formation by microbial consortia, which can further change the petrophysical reservoir properties. In addition, the review maps 76 ongoing European projects focused on UHS, showing 71% target salt caverns, 22% depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, and 7% aquifers, with emphasis on potential biogeochemical interactions. It also identifies key knowledge gaps, including the lack of in situ kinetic data, limited field-scale monitoring of microbial activity, and insufficient understanding of mineral–microbe interactions that may affect gas purity. Finally, the review highlights the need to study microbial adaptation over time and the influence of mineralogy on tolerance thresholds. By analyzing these processes across different geological settings and integrating findings from European research initiatives, this work evaluates the impact of microbial and geochemical factors on the safety, efficiency, and long-term performance of UHS. Full article

The rising demand for clean energy, especially hydrogen, has heightened the need for efficient storage materials. Perovskites, with their unique structures, show great promise for hydrogen storage and optical uses. To identify promising candidates for hydrogen storage materials, the mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of four ordered vacancy double perovskite structures X₂MH₆ (Ba₂BeH₆, Ba₂MgH₆, Ca₂BeH₆, and Sr₂MgH₆) were predicted using density functional theory. These materials were confirmed to be stable, and their hydrogen storage capacity, mechanical properties, electronic structures, and optical performance were thoroughly analyzed. Ca₂BeH₆ demonstrated the highest gravimetric (6.32%) and volumetric (32.29 g·H₂/L) hydrogen storage capacity, showcasing its exceptional potential. It should be noted that the hydrogen storage capacities reported here are theoretical estimates based solely on structural models, and this study does not assess the practical storage and delivery performance of these materials. Its mechanical stiffness and near-isotropic properties further enhance its practicality. Electrical studies revealed all four materials are semiconductors, all of them are direct semiconductors. Optical properties were analyzed via dielectric functions, offering key insights for designing advanced hydrogen storage and optical materials. Full article

The increasing demand for functional beverages sparked greater interest in health-promoting craft drinks, highlighting the need to optimize production parameters and assess their stability. This study aimed to develop, optimize, and characterize a grape juice-flavored naturally carbonated water kefir, evaluating its sensory qualities, physicochemical and microbiological stability. Fermentation conditions (F1) were optimized using Central Composite Rotational Design, leading to the selection of 24 h at 30 °C with (6.5% w/v) brown sugar, ensuring efficient pH reduction to safe levels. Sensory analysis selected grape juice as the flavoring agent, and a mixture design coupled with the desirability function determined the optimal formulation as 50% kefired water, 46.4% grape juice, and 3.6% water, resulting in high overall sensory desirability. During 42 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C), the beverage exhibited progressive sugar consumption from residual metabolic activity, a dynamic antioxidant profile characterized by increases in total phenolic compounds and FRAP activity, stability in ABTS activity, and decline in DPPH activity. Lactic acid bacteria counts remained stable during storage, while acetic acid bacteria and yeast populations decreased. Furthermore, pH (~3.30) and alcohol content (~1.86 °GL) remained stable, although the latter requires clear labeling in compliance with regulations for similar fermented beverages. Full article

Background: Static cold storage is the standard method of kidney preservation following donation after circulatory death (DCD). A previous study on rodent models demonstrated the efficacy of storing DCD kidneys at 22 °C in an extracellular-type solution (ETK). We evaluated the efficacy of storing warm-ischemic kidneys at 22 °C in MHC-inbred miniature swine. Methods: After 2 h warm ischemia, the kidneys were preserved in ETK for one hour at either 4 °C or 22 °C and then subjected to ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) for 2 h (n = 3 in each group). The same warm-ischemic kidneys, preserved in ETK (n = 3 in each group) or intracellular-type solution (UW; n = 2 in each group) at either 4 °C or 22 °C, were transplanted into MHC-matched recipients. Results: Compared with kidneys preserved at 4 °C, those preserved at 22 °C showed significantly better physiological and metabolic indices during ex vivo NMP. Furthermore, renal function was significantly higher in transplanted kidneys, and graft biopsies on postoperative day 4 showed more localized necrosis in the renal tubules when kidneys were stored at 22 °C. In contrast, recipient animals with kidneys stored in UW solution did not survive for more than 7 days. Conclusions: Two-hour warm-ischemic kidneys from miniature swine showed improved preservation at 22 °C than at 4 °C when an extracellular-type solution was used. Full article

Wound healing in oral surgery is influenced by systemic conditions (aging, diabetes) and habits (smoking, alcoholism), which can hinder the natural regenerative capacity of the oral mucosa. The human amniotic membrane (hAM), long recognized for its wound-healing properties, has gained attention as a valuable biomaterial in regenerative dentistry. Its biological composition—including epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells, collagen, growth factors, cytokines, and proteins with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties—supports anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, immunomodulatory, and pro-epithelializing effects. These elements work synergistically to enhance tissue repair, reduce scarring, and promote rapid healing. The hAM can be preserved through cryopreservation, dehydration, or freeze-drying, maintaining its structural and functional integrity for diverse clinical uses. In oral surgery, the hAM has been applied with significant success to surgical wound coverage, treatment of periodontal and bone defects, and implant site regeneration, as well as management of complex conditions like medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Clinical studies and meta-analyses support its safety, efficacy, and adaptability. Despite its proven therapeutic benefits, the hAM remains underutilized in dentistry due to challenges related to its preparation and storage. This review aims to highlight its potential and encourage broader clinical adoption in regenerative oral surgical practices. Full article

This paper presents the design and implementation of an Intelligent Home Energy Management System in a smart home. The system is based on an economically decentralized hybrid concept that includes photovoltaic technology, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and a hydrogen refueling station, which together provide a reliable, secure, and clean power supply for smart homes. The proposed design enables power transfer between Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Home-to-Vehicle (H2V) systems, allowing electric vehicles to function as mobile energy storage devices at the grid level, facilitating a more adaptable and autonomous network. Our approach employs Double Deep Q-networks for adaptive control and forecasting. A Multi-Agent System coordinates actions between home appliances, energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and hydrogen power devices to ensure effective and cost-saving energy distribution for users of the smart grid. The design validation is carried out through MATLAB/Simulink-based simulations using meteorological data from Tunis. Ultimately, the V2H/H2V system enhances the utilization, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of residential energy systems compared with other management systems and conventional networks. Full article