Search Results (1,735)

Rice (Oryza sativa) plays a fundamental role in the Ecuadorian diet. This study evaluated traceability and contamination by heavy metals in two rice-producing areas of Ecuador. Microwave-assisted digestion was used to process samples from rice agrosystems including irrigation water, soil, roots, stems, and leaves. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was employed for elemental analysis. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) were measured in samples collected in Daule and Ventanas. In soils, the concentrations of As (1.50–2.82 mg/kg) and Cd (1.22–1.45 mg/kg) exceeded the internationally recommended safety thresholds. In irrigation water, the content of As (0.85–1.12 mg/L), Pb (0.25–0.38 mg/L), and Cr (0.37–0.53 mg/L) surpass the international/national permissible limits. However, the limits established by Ecuadorian legislation indicate that As in soils did not exceed contamination thresholds. Additionally, the bioaccumulation of As and Pb in roots from Daule and Ventanas, respectively, was observed, along with the movement of Pb to aerial parts in Daule. Finally, preliminary As found in commercial rice grains suggest a potential health concern to the Ecuadorian population. These findings highlight the need for stricter heavy metal restrictions for rice agrosystems and effective agricultural pollution mitigation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The objective of this in vitro study was to compare and evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effectiveness of Endosal, Octenisolv, and Endoxal against intracanal Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: The study sample consisted of 84 extracted single-rooted human teeth, which were divided into seven groups (12 roots in each group): Group 1—Endoxal, Group 2—Octenisolv, Group 3—Endosal, Group 4—15% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Group 5—2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Group 6—0.9% sterile saline solution (NaCl), and one positive control group where no irrigant was used. The roots were sterilized within an autoclave for 30 min at 121 °C and then contaminated with E. faecalis bacteria, after instrumentation and removing the smear layer from canals. The root canals were irrigated using a side-vented needle, and then ISO size 40 H-file was used to obtain fine dentine chips. Aliquots taken from the canals were plated on blood agar broth and the plates were incubated for 36 h. Results: In this study, significant differences were observed between the antimicrobial activity of Endoxal, Octenisolv, Endosal, 2% NaOCl, and sterile saline solution. Conclusions: The compound irrigants Endosal, Endoxal, and a novel irrigant containing disodium edetate and octenidine, which were evaluated in this study, exhibited relatively good antimicrobial properties against Enterococcus faecalis. The use of Endosal, Octenisolv or Endoxal appears promising, yet their clinical efficacy remains to be confirmed through further studies. Full article

Objective: Root canal irrigation plays a critical role in achieving effective chemomechanical disinfection during endodontic therapy. Conventional syringe irrigation, typically using sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and chlorhexidine, is limited by its delivery method and often fails to adequately penetrate complex canal anatomies, compromising disinfection. Advancements such as ultrasonic and multisonic irrigation systems aim to address these limitations. This scoping review compares the clinical effectiveness of ultrasonic irrigation techniques with conventional syringe irrigation, focusing exclusively on in vivo studies conducted within the oral environment. Methods: A comprehensive scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed, full-text articles published in English between 2015 and 2025 were screened by four independent reviewers based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible studies were thematically analyzed. Results: Of 312 records screened, eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Ultrasonic irrigation was associated with improved clinical outcomes, particularly greater reductions in bacterial load and endotoxins; however, findings regarding its effect on postoperative pain were inconsistent, with some studies reporting a benefit while others observed no significant difference. These outcomes were attributed to mechanisms such as acoustic streaming and cavitation, which enhance irrigant penetration, promote fluid dynamics, and facilitate debridement in anatomically complex regions. Conclusions: Ultrasonic irrigation appears to hold promise for enhancing the efficacy and efficiency of root canal treatment. Existing in vivo studies suggest potential clinical advantages over conventional syringe irrigation, underscoring the need for further high-quality clinical research to more definitively establish its benefits. Full article

The coupling of partial root-zone drying (PRD) with nitrogen forms exerts an interactive “water-promoted fertilization” effect, which enhances rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and development, improves water use efficiency (WUE), mediates the expression of aquaporins (AQPs), and alters root water conductivity. In this study, gene cloning and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies were employed to construct overexpression and knockout vectors of the OsPIP2;1 gene, which were then transformed into rice (cv. Meixiangzhan 2). Three water treatments were set: normal irrigation (CK); partial root-zone drying (PRD); and 10% PEG-simulated water stress (PEG), combined with a nitrogen form ratio of ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺) to nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻) at 50:50 (A50/N50) for the coupled treatment of rice seedlings. The results showed that under the coupled treatment of PRD and the aforementioned nitrogen form, the expression level of the OsPIP2;1 gene in roots was upregulated by 0.62-fold on the seventh day, while its expression level in leaves was downregulated by 1.84-fold. Overexpression of OsPIP2;1 enabled Meixiangzhan 2 to maintain a higher abscisic acid (ABA) level under different water conditions, which helped rice reduce water potential and enhance water absorption. Compared with the CK treatment, overexpression of OsPIP2;1 increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of rice under PRD by 26.98%, effectively alleviating tissue damage caused by excessive accumulation of O₂⁻. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of OsPIP2;1-overexpressing rice showed correlations under PRD and A50/N50 nitrogen form conditions, with WUE exhibiting a significant positive correlation with transpiration rate, chlorophyll content, nitrogen content, and Rubisco enzyme activity. Overexpression of OsPIP2;1 could promote root growth and increase the total biomass of rice plants. The application of the OsPIP2;1 gene in rice genetic engineering modification holds great potential for improving important agricultural traits of crops. This study provides new insights into the mechanism by which the AQP family regulates water use in rice and has certain significance for exploring the role of AQP genes in rice growth and development as well as in response to water stress. Full article

The joint adoption of agronomic practices has often been employed to maximize the efficiency of production inputs, especially water and nutrients. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a highly demanding crop in both water and nutrients. This study aimed to determine the most appropriate strategy for irrigation frequency and planting fertilization depth in potato cultivated in amended soil, in order to maximize plant growth, tuber yield, and tuber quality. Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons, with irrigation frequencies of daily irrigation and irrigation every 4, 7, and 10 days, and planting fertilization depths of 10 and 20 cm. Irrigation frequency significantly affected agronomic traits, water consumption, potato growth, and tuber quality. Treatments did not influence root development across different soil layers. Irrigation intervals of 1 and 4 days promoted greater plant growth. A 7-day irrigation interval enhanced specific gravity and soluble solids in tubers, while a 10-day interval increased tuber dry matter content by up to 18% compared to daily irrigation (IF1). Decreasing irrigation frequency reduced the irrigation depth without affecting yield and average tuber mass, and improved water productivity. Water productivity increased by up to 32% under the 10 day irrigation interval (IF10) compared to IF1. Therefore, reducing irrigation frequency is a promising strategy to improve water use efficiency in potato cultivation. Full article

Tillage practices can significantly impact soil structure and pore size distribution and connectivity, consequently affecting the shape of the soil water retention curve (SWRC) and its related estimated hydraulic parameters in the top layer of soil. This study investigated the effect of no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) practices on SWRCs and their soil hydraulic parameters, estimated by the Brooks–Corey (BC) function at 0–15 and 15–30 cm depths within sugarbeet and corn planting rows in clay loam and sandy loam soils, respectively. Soil water retention curves were measured using the evaporative method (HYPROP). Measured SWRC results were modeled for both untilled and tilled soils using the BC function for each depth in both soils. In clay loam, results indicated that all soil parameters of the BC function, water contents at 330 (θ₃₃₀) and 15,000 (θ_15,000) hPa, and plant available soil water content (AW) were not significantly affected by the type of tillage at either soil depth. The lack of difference in results between NT and CT may be due to considerable soil disturbance, primarily by the harvest process of sugarbeet roots. However, in sandy loam, results indicated that differences occurred in SWRC’s estimated parameters between the NT and CT practices. Averaged across 4 years and two soil depths, the pore size distribution index (λ) and saturated water content (θ_s) were significantly larger under CT than under NT due to greater soil loosening and disturbance caused by multiple passes of the CT process, thereby developing more soil macroporosity. However, the θ₃₃₀ and AW were significantly larger in NT than in CT due to reduced soil disturbance and improved soil structure under NT compared to CT practices. Regardless of tillage, measurements of SWRC are important for determining better irrigation management practices, enabling producers to optimize crop productivity, while saving water and sustaining water quality. Full article

Urban agriculture in space-constrained cities requires compact, reproducible propagation systems. Therefore, the aim of this Technical Note is to design, implement, and functionally validate a low-cost, modular hydroponic chamber (SSHG) for early-stage vegetative propagation. This system couples DHT11-based temperature/RH monitoring with rule-based actuation—irrigation 4×/day and temperature-triggered ventilation—under the control of an Arduino Uno microcontroller; LED lighting was not controlled nor analyzed. Two 15-day trials with basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) yielded rooting rates of 61.7% (37/60) and 43.3% (26/60) under a deliberate minimal-input configuration without nutrient solutions or rooting hormones. Environmental summaries and spatial survival maps revealed edge-effect patterns and RH variability that inform irrigation layout improvements. The chamber, bill of materials, and protocol are documented to support replication and iteration. Thus, the SSHG provides a transferable baseline for educators and researchers to audit, reproduce, and improve small-footprint, controlled-environment propagation. Beyond its technical feasibility, the SSHG contributes to sustainability by leveraging low-cost, readily available components, enabling decentralized seedling production in space-constrained settings, and operating under a minimal-input configuration. In line with widely reported hydroponic efficiencies (e.g., lower water use relative to soil-based propagation), this open and replicable platform aligns with SDGs 2, 11, 12, and 13. Full article

Hydroelectricity, one of the oldest and most potent forms of renewable energy, not only provides low-cost electricity for the grid but also preserves nature through flood control and irrigation support. Forecasting hydroelectricity generation is vital for utilizing alleviating resources effectively, optimizing energy production, and ensuring sustainability. This paper provides an innovative approach to hydroelectricity generation forecasting (HGF) of a 138 MW hydroelectric power plant (HPP) in the Eastern Mediterranean by taking electricity productions from the remaining upstream HPPs on the Ceyhan River within the same basin into account, unlike prior research focusing on individual HPPs. In light of tuning hyperparameters such as number of trees and learning rates, this paper presents a thorough benchmark of the state-of-the-art tree-based machine learning models, namely categorical boosting (CatBoost), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and light gradient boosting machines (LightGBM). The comprehensive data set includes historical hydroelectricity generation, meteorological conditions, market pricing, and calendar variables acquired from the transparency platform of the Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST) and MERRA-2 reanalysis of the NASA with hourly resolution. Although all three models demonstrated successful performances, LightGBM emerged as the most accurate and efficient model by outperforming the others with the highest coefficient of determination (R²) (97.07%), the lowest root mean squared scaled error (RMSSE) (0.1217), and the shortest computational time (1.24 s). Consequently, it is considered that the proposed methodology demonstrates significant potential for advancing the HGF and will contribute to the operation of existing HPPs and the improvement of power dispatch planning. Full article

This study reports on green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), focusing on their physicochemical characterization, photocatalytic properties, and agricultural applications. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 337.3 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.400, indicating moderate polydispersity and nanoparticle aggregation, typical of biologically synthesized systems. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) showed predominantly spherical particles with an average diameter of ~28 nm, exhibiting slight agglomeration. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition of zinc and oxygen, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identified a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with a dominant (002) plane and an average crystallite size of ~29 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy displayed a distinct near-band-edge emission at ~462 nm and a broad blue–green emission band (430–600 nm) with relatively low intensity. The ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) absorption spectrum of the synthesized ZnONPs exhibited a strong absorption peak at 372 nm, and the optical band gap was calculated as 2.67 eV using the Tauc method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed both similarities and distinct differences to the pigeon extract, confirming the successful formation of nanoparticles. A prominent absorption band observed at 455 cm⁻¹ was assigned to Zn–O stretching vibrations. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that raw pigeon droppings contained no Zn signals, while their extract provided organic biomolecules for reduction and stabilization, and it confirmed Zn²⁺ species and Zn–O bonding in the synthesized ZnONPs. Photocatalytic degradation assays demonstrated the efficient removal of pollutants from sewage water, leading to significant reductions in total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS). These results are consistent with reported values for ZnO-based photocatalytic systems, which achieve biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels below 2 mg/L and COD values around 11.8 mg/L. Subsequent reuse of treated water for irrigation yielded promising agronomic outcomes. Wheat and barley seeds exhibited 100% germination rates with ZnO NP-treated water, which were markedly higher than those obtained using chlorine-treated effluent (65–68%) and even the control (89–91%). After 21 days, root and shoot lengths under ZnO NP irrigation exceeded those of the control group by 30–50%, indicating enhanced seedling vigor. These findings demonstrate that biosynthesized ZnONPs represent a sustainable and multifunctional solution for wastewater remediation and agricultural enhancement, positioning them as a promising candidate for integration into green technologies that support sustainable urban development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Root canal therapy (RCT) aims to eliminate intracanal infection and promote periapical healing through mechanical instrumentation and chemical disinfection. Conventional irrigants, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), are effective but may exhibit limited penetration into anatomically complex root canal systems and carry the risks of cytotoxicity if extruded beyond the apical foramen or into surrounding periodontal tissues. In this pilot study, we evaluated the clinical effectiveness and safety of underwater discharge plasma (UDP) as a biocompatible alternative to NaOCl for root canal irrigation. Methods: A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 30 patients who required root canal treatment. Patients were randomly allocated to the UDP (n = 15) or NaOCl (n = 15) group. All treatments were performed by a single operator following standardized protocols. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and periapical healing was evaluated using the Periapical Index (PAI) at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months. Statistical analyses included the Friedman test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Fisher’s exact test. Interobserver agreement for radiographic readings was evaluated using quadratic-weighted Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results: A total of 28 patients completed the study. VAS scores significantly decreased over time in both groups (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between the groups at any time point (p > 0.05). At 4 months, radiographic healing was observed in 71.4% and 92.9% of patients in the UDP and NaOCl groups, respectively (p > 0.05). PAI score changes and clinical success rates were comparable between groups. No adverse effects or thermal damage was reported when using UDP. Conclusions: UDP demonstrated short-term clinical efficacy and safety comparable to that of NaOCl. Thus, UDP may serve as a biocompatible alternative for root canal disinfection. Further large-scale and long-term studies are warranted to confirm its clinical utility. Full article

Vineyard sustainability increasingly focuses on transitioning from traditional soil management practices, such as tillage and herbicides, to environmentally friendly methods like cover cropping and mulching. While this strategy works in cool climates with abundant rainfall, its application in warmer areas is not advisable due to potential disadvantages, such as water and nutrient competition from cover crops, which may outweigh the benefits. We examine the pros and cons of vineyard tillage, including data on evaporation rates from wet and dry tilled soils. We explore methodologies to quantify competition between vine roots and grass roots, focusing on distinguishing native versus spontaneous vegetation, duration and extent of cover cropping, species used in sown mixtures, and cover crop water use rates. Novel soil management practices are discussed as alternatives to traditional green manuring, such as mid-row rolling and sub-row sward mulching. The review updates recent approaches for establishing native or sown under-vine cover crops, which, with irrigation, might control native weeds while colonizing shallow soil, allowing grapevine roots to penetrate deeper, moistened soil layers. Promising grasses include creeping species such as Glechoma hederacea, Trifolium subterraneum, and Hieracium pilosella. Finally, we describe three soil management protocols: two suited to dry farm conditions and one involving blue water availability, which may mitigate cover crop competition for water and nutrients while maintaining benefits such as reduced soil erosion, increased soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, and improved machinery access. Full article

The primary objective of this study is to assess the techno-economic feasibility of an innovative solar energy generation system with a rainwater collection feature to generate electrical energy and meet irrigation needs in agriculture. The proposed system is designed for an agricultural area (Gonyeli, North Cyprus) with high solar potential and limited rainfall. In the present study, global rainfall datasets are utilized to assess the potential of rainwater harvesting at the selected site. Due to the lack of the measured rainfall data at the selected site, the accuracy of rainfall of nine global reanalysis and analysis datasets (CHIRPS, CFSR, ERA5-LAND, ERA5, ERA5-AG, MERRA2, NOAA CPC CMORPH, NOAA CPC DAILY GLOBAL, and TerraClimate) are evaluated by using data from ground-based observations collected from the Meteorological Department located in Lefkoşa, Northern Cyprus from 1981 to 2023. The results demonstrate that ERA5 outperformed the other datasets, yielding a high R-squared value along with a low mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE). Based on the best dataset, the potential of the rainwater harvesting system is estimated by analyzing the monthly and seasonal rainfall patterns utilizing 65 different probability distribution functions for the first time. Three goodness-of-fit tests are utilized to identify the best-fit probability distribution. The results show that the Johnson and Wakeby SB distributions outperform the other models in terms of fitting accuracy. Additionally, the results indicate that the rainwater harvesting system could supply between 31% and 38% of the building’s annual irrigation water demand (204 m³/year) based on average daily rainfall and between 285% and 346% based on maximum daily rainfall. Accordingly, the system might be able to collect a lot more water than is needed for irrigation, possibly producing an excess that could be stored for non-potable uses during periods of heavy rainfall. Furthermore, the techno-economic feasibility of the proposed system is evaluated using RETScreen software (version 9.1, 2023). The results show that household energy needs can be met by the proposed photovoltaic system, and the excess energy is transferred to the grid. Furthermore, the cash flow indicates that the investor can expect a return on investment from the proposed PV system within 2.4 years. Consequently, the findings demonstrate the significance of this system for promoting resource sustainability and climate change adaptation. Besides, the developed system can also help reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience in areas that rely on water and electricity. Full article

Soil secondary salinization is a major limiting factor of sustainable agricultural production in arid and semi-arid irrigation zones, yet predictive tools for regional water–salt dynamics remain limited. The Yichang Irrigation District, located within the Hetao Irrigation Area, has experienced persistent salinity challenges due to shallow groundwater tables and intensive irrigation. In this study, we aimed to simulate long-term soil water–salt dynamics in the Yichang Irrigation District and evaluate the effectiveness of different engineering and management scenarios using the SaltMod model. Field monitoring of soil salinity and groundwater levels during summer and fall (2022–2024) was used to calibrate and validate SaltMod parameters, ensuring accurate reproduction of seasonal soil salinity fluctuations. Based on the calibrated model, ten-year scenario simulations were conducted to assess the effects of changes in soil texture, irrigation water quantity, water quality, rainfall, and groundwater table depth on root-zone salinity. Our results show that under baseline management, soil salinity is projected to decline by 5% over the next decade. Increasing fall autumn leaching irrigation further reduces salinity by 5–10% while conserving 50–300 m³·ha⁻¹ of water. Sensitivity analysis indicated groundwater depth and irrigation water salinity as key drivers. Among the engineering strategies, drainage system improvement and groundwater regulation achieved the highest salinity reduction (15–20%), while irrigation regime optimization provided moderate benefits (~10%). This study offers a quantitative basis for integrated water–salt management in the Hetao Irrigation District and similar regions. Full article

To identify highly virulent Beauveria bassiana strains against Tuta absoluta and evaluate their biocontrol potential, four strains were phylogenetically characterized via ITS sequence analysis of rDNA and assessed for virulence against second-instar T. absoluta larvae. Foliar spray and root irrigation methods were used to establish B. bassiana endophytic colonization in tomato plants, with untreated plants serving as controls. A population life table was constructed to quantify the impact of colonized plants on larval development, fecundity, and key demographic parameters. Results showed variation in virulence among the four B. bassiana strains Bb1Bm, Bb2Bm, Bb1M, and BbC with Bb1Bm exhibiting the highest pathogenicity (85.00% corrected mortality at 1 × 10⁸ spores/mL). Maximum endophytic colonization in tomato leaves was observed 14 days post-inoculation with both foliar spray and root irrigation treatments. Life table analyses revealed that T. absoluta feeding on colonized plants exhibited significantly reduced survival rates, shorter adult lifespans, and lower female fecundity compared to controls. Key population parameters, including net reproductive rate (R₀), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ), were significantly reduced, while mean generation time (T) was significantly prolonged. These findings highlight the dual role of B. bassiana in T. absoluta management, demonstrating its potential as both a direct pathogen and an endophytic biocontrol agent capable of disrupting pest population dynamics. Full article