Search Results (30,959)

(1) Background: The increasing soil and water pollution in agriculture is mainly due to the uncontrolled use of synthetic fertilizers. As the responsibility to adopt sustainable agricultural practices grows, biofertilizers may offer a solution to reduce the use of chemical inputs and improve crop productivity. This study focused on evaluating the physiological effects of Trichoderma asperellum, Bacillus sp., and seaweed extracts (Ulva lactuca and Solieria spp.) on the cultivation of serrano pepper plants. (2) Methods: Five treatments were carried out: control (T1), T. asperellum (T2), Bacillus sp. (T3), seaweed extract (T4), and their combination (T5). The microbial inoculants were applied to the root zone, while the seaweed extracts were applied to the foliage. Leaf samples were collected at the end of the vegetative phase to evaluate physiological and agronomic traits. (3) Results: The application of T3 significantly increased leaf area (12.34%), biomass (11.91%), and yield (10.7%) while decreasing the SPAD, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents. T4 resulted in the highest nitrate reductase activity, while T5 resulted in the peak total chlorophyll content. No significant differences were observed in nitrate reductase activity between T4 and the control or in the carotenoid content between T1, T2, T4, and T5. (4) Conclusions: Bacillus sp. demonstrated agronomic benefits despite a decrease in pigments, supporting its application in the sustainable production of peppers. Full article

This study evaluated marbling and meat quality traits in lambs of three genotypes under a uniform high-energy fattening regimen. Male lambs (6–7 months old, n = 12 per group) from purebred Kazakh Finewool (control) and two independent Suffolk × Kazakh Finewool F₁ crossbred lines (Groups 1 and 2) were fed identical diets and raised under the same conditions. Meat samples were analyzed for composition, fatty acid profile, micronutrients, color, visual marbling, and microbiological safety. Group 2 crossbreds had significantly higher intramuscular fat (~9.0%) than the controls (~6.5%) (p < 0.05), with corresponding increases in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc levels were also higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05), while other nutrients were similar across groups. All samples had normal pH (~5.7–5.8) and high water activity (~0.985) and met microbial safety standards. Visual marbling was more pronounced in crossbreds, and meat color remained bright red with no significant group differences in redness (a value). These findings suggest that crossbreeding Kazakh Finewool with Suffolk sheep, combined with controlled grain fattening, enhances marbling and nutritional traits without compromising safety or appearance, offering a viable approach to improving lamb meat quality. Full article

Control over chemical reactivity remains a fundamental challenge in synthesis chemistry, where targeting a specific reactant represents the ultimate goal. While photoactivation is a well-established approach for selective excitation, electron-induced chemistry offers a complementary pathway with high efficacy. In this study, we investigate the effects of low-energy electron irradiation on prototypical chlorobenzene/water molecular films, demonstrating that chlorobenzene can be selectively dissociated via a resonant process occurring at ~1 eV. At higher electron energies (>6 eV), multiple reaction pathways become accessible, including the fragmentation of both water and chlorobenzene molecules. Our study provides a perspective strategy for achieving reagent-specific control in complex molecular assemblies via low-energy electrons, offering new insights into electron-driven surface chemistry and reaction dynamics at the molecular level. Full article

Background: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. Fluoride has long been recognized as a cornerstone of caries prevention through enamel remineralization, inhibition of demineralization, and antibacterial activity. However, controversies persist regarding systemic exposure, potential health risks, and ethical debates over community water fluoridation. Previous reviews often focused on isolated interventions, whereas a critical synthesis of mechanisms, clinical efficacy, safety, and public health perspectives is still lacking. Methods: This narrative review synthesized peer-reviewed publications from 2000 to 2025 retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and leading dental journals. Emphasis was placed on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and major policy documents. Evidence was thematically appraised across mechanisms of action, clinical applications, comparative efficacy, safety, and sociocultural considerations. Results: Fluoride consistently shows preventive and therapeutic benefits across multiple delivery forms, including toothpaste, varnishes, mouthrinses, supplements, and silver diamine fluoride, with particular advantages for high-risk groups such as children, orthodontic patients, and older adults. Nonetheless, study heterogeneity, variations in protocols, and concerns regarding fluorosis and possible neurodevelopmental effects highlight persistent uncertainties. Comparative analyses reveal trade-offs between efficacy and acceptance, for example, the high caries-arrest rate of silver diamine fluoride compared with its esthetic drawback. Emerging alternatives such as nano-hydroxyapatite, fluoride-containing bioactive glass, and probiotic-based approaches are promising but currently supported by limited clinical data. Conclusions: Fluoride remains central to caries prevention, yet its optimal use requires balancing benefits against risks, addressing cultural and socioeconomic barriers, and tailoring strategies to individual and community contexts. This narrative synthesis underscores the need for well-designed multicenter randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies to refine safe exposure thresholds, evaluations of novel biomaterials and delivery systems, and the incorporation of patient-reported outcomes to guide future evidence-based policies and clinical practices. Full article

The present study showed that it is possible add value to eucalyptus harvest waste, obtained in large quantities, from the cellulose industries, without known economic use, for the production of an activated biochar. The biochar, produced from the impregnation of eucalyptus harvest waste with H₃PO₄, and subsequently pyrolyzed at 600 °C for 1 h, was successfully used as a bioadsorbent in the removal of paracetamol, an emerging pollutant present in wastewater. The biochar showed a high specific surface area with micro- and mesopores and functionalized surface. The optimal conditions for the removal of paracetamol achieve an efficiency around 88–93%. The Langmuir and the pseudo-first-order models best fit the experimental data, with a maximum adsorption capacity of approximately 27.8 mg g⁻¹, at 25 °C. The thermodynamic showed that adsorption occurred spontaneously, endothermally and randomly at the solid–liquid interface. In addition, the bioadsorbent showed excellent reusability and no significant difference in adsorption capacity was observed in more complex aqueous matrices. Thus, the activated biochar produced in this study proved to be an efficient, low-cost and environmentally friendly bioadsorbent, capable of removing paracetamol from contaminated water, with great potential for use in water treatment plants, on a large scale and economically, contributing to the improvement of water quality and minimizing residual biomass in the environment. Full article

Urban forests are natural habitat areas within urban ecosystems that enhance physical, mental, and social well-being. By integrating natural and cultural values into the urban landscape, these areas offer individuals opportunities to interact with nature and engage in various recreational activities. Recreational activities increase physical activity levels, help reduce stress, strengthen mental health, and foster social interaction, thereby significantly protecting and improving public health. This study aims to evaluate the recreational performance of urban forests—an essential component of the urban ecosystem—through a multidimensional approach. In this context, ecological (topography, vegetation, water resources, soil structure, climate), physical (accessibility, infrastructure, area size), social (activity diversity, usage intensity, community events), and cultural (landscape values, urban identity, conservation status of cultural landscapes) factors were considered as key indicators. Bursa Atatürk Urban Forest was selected as the study area, and the methodology integrated SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis with weighted multi-criteria decision-making techniques. In addition, the qualitative data obtained were supported by statistical analysis methods to reveal the relationships among the criteria quantitatively. Through this holistic approach, the recreational performance of the urban forest was evaluated scientifically, leading to the conclusion that the area’s strengths should be preserved, its weaknesses improved, and its cultural landscape values managed sustainably. The study provides a valuable decision-support framework capable of guiding strategic planning for the future. Full article

This study investigates the potential of Pinus pinaster subsp. atlantica bark, a forestry by-product from northern Portugal, as a source of phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was used to optimize recovery, assessing the effects of solvent composition (water, ethanol, and 50:50 water–ethanol), extraction time (15 or 30 min), and temperature (90, 110, or 130 °C) using a one-variable-at-a-time approach. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) profiling characterized the polyphenol composition. The results showed that solvent choice strongly influenced extract composition and bioactivity, with hydroethanolic and ethanolic extracts exhibiting the highest antioxidant activities in DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC assays. Optimal conditions—50:50 water–ethanol, 130 °C, 15 min—yielded 11.13% (w/w) extract, 3.10 mg GAE/mL total phenolics, and 2.01 mg CE/mL condensed tannins, comparable to commercial extracts such as Pycnogenol^®. MAE proved effective, rapid, and solvent-efficient, enhancing phenolic recovery without degrading extract quality. These findings highlight the potential of P. pinaster bark extracts for biomedical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications, supporting the sustainable valorization of forestry residues and aligning with circular economy principles. Full article

Organic annual vegetable farming systems often rely on intensive tillage for weed management due to the prohibition of synthetic herbicides. Regenerative organic agriculture aims to improve soil health and reduce the frequency and intensity of soil tillage by using cover crops as high-residue mulches to suppress weeds. In southern coastal California, the moderate climate supports year-round vegetable production, discouraging many growers from integrating cover crops into their operation and leaving sustainability-minded growers with few strategies to produce organic vegetables outside of reliance on tillage. This study evaluates standard organic tillage practices versus high-residue cover-crop mulch system on squash, peppers, and eggplant over two seasons. We assessed treatment effects on soil health indicators, weed pressure, and crop production. Soil under the cover-crop system improved soil organic matter, organic carbon and nitrogen, microbially active carbon, and water infiltration compared to bare soil. Weed biomass was substantially lower under the high-residue mulch due to persistent surface cover. Crop yield was 82%, 169%, and 189% higher in the cover-crop plots for squash, pepper, and eggplant, respectively. These findings demonstrate that high-residue cover-crop systems can enhance soil health, reduce weed pressure, and substantially increase yields, providing evidence-based strategies for implementing regenerative organic practices in vegetable systems. Full article

This study focused on the development and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)- and konjac glucomannan (KGM)-based composite films enriched with natural bioactive additives. A PK (PVA/KGM) matrix with the optimum tensile strength was selected, and five film formulations were prepared by incorporating Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME), red dragon fruit extract (DFE), and thyme essential oil (TEO). TEO was also introduced via a Pickering emulsion (PE) technique. The total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of extracts and films were determined, where AME exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (TPC: 243 mg GAE/g; FRSA: 81.7%). The additive-free PK film displayed limited antioxidant activity (18%), while antioxidant capacity significantly improved with extract and EO incorporation. The PK-A film (AME-added) demonstrated the highest tensile strength and lowest water vapor permeability, supported by increased local crystallinity detected in XRD. Color analysis indicated dominant red-violet tones in AME films and greenish-yellow tones in DFE films. FTIR confirmed that no new chemical bonds were formed between active compounds and the polymer matrix. DSC thermograms revealed consistent melting peaks (~150 °C) for all films, while Tg varied from 37 to 73 °C depending on additive type, reflecting plasticization effects of extracts and the counterbalancing effect of essential oil. The most hydrophobic (76.8°) and opaque sample was PK-ADO, prepared via the PE technique. Overall, natural extracts improved the structural, thermal, barrier, and antioxidant properties of PK films. Full article

In this study, MnO₂-CNTs composite support was prepared by citric acid reduction method, and then, Pt nanoparticles were loaded on the surface by ethylene glycol reduction method to obtain a series of Pt/xMnO₂-CNTs catalysts. Structural characterization (TEM, XRD, HRTEM) showed that Pt nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the surface of the catalyst with an average particle size of 3.6 nm. Electrochemical tests show that when the content of MnO₂ is 20 wt.%, the Pt/_20wt.%MnO₂-CNTs catalyst has the best methanol oxidation performance, and its mass activity and long-term stability are 4.0 times and 5.41 times that of commercial Pt/C, respectively. The in situ FTIR results showed that MnO₂ promoted the dissociation of water through synergistic effect, generated abundant OH species, accelerated the oxidation of CO intermediates, and inhibited the poisoning of Pt sites. In this study, it is clear that the excellent performance of Pt/xMnO₂-CNTs is due to multiple synergistic effects. Modified carbon nanotubes facilitate proton conduction, Pt nanoparticles effectively activate methanol, and MnO₂ modulates reaction intermediates via its bifunctional mechanism. This comprehensive mechanism understanding provides a theoretical basis for the design of high-performance catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells. Full article

Both climate change and human activities have had a significant impact on hydrological processes. Quantification of affecting factors on river regime changes is scientifically essential for understanding hydrological processes and sustainable water resources management in the basins. This study investigates the features of variations in meteorological and hydrological variables in the Liuhe River Basin (LRB) from 1956 to 2020 based on various observed records and statistical methods. It then quantitatively identifies the possible impacts of climate variability and human activities on runoff in the LRB using the empirical methods and the Budyko framework. The results show that (1) the runoff demonstrates a significantly decreasing trend over the past 65 years, but the rainfall has no obvious trend with significant interannual fluctuations, and potential evapotranspiration exhibits a weekly decreasing trend, particularly in summer. (2) The runoff series can be divided into two periods, i.e., the baseline (1956–1969) and change (1970–2020) periods, and the change period can also be divided into two stages, i.e., stage I (1970–1999) and stage II (2000–2020). (3) Human activities are the dominant factors in the runoff decline in the LRB, with the contribution rates being greater than 80% in the change period, particularly for stage II. The analysis of this study can provide a reference for the rational utilization of water resources in the LRB. Full article

This study focuses on the possibility of cleaning of industrial wastewater with catalytically active magnetic nanoparticles. Cobalt ferrite synthesized by the co-precipitation method was used, as prepared or after surface modification with a silica precursor. Electronic absorption spectra were recorded and analyzed to obtain the phenol degrading rate for various experimental design variants. Treating with pristine magnetic nanoparticles under simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet radiation resulted in similar degrading rates for 4 g/L and 8 g/L pristine nanoparticles, while, for silanized nanoparticles, the degrading rates were slightly increased. Along with ultraviolet irradiation and magnetic nanoparticles, hydrogen peroxide was also added, which led to significant enhancement of phenol degradation, for both pristine and silanized nanoparticles. It is proposed that photo-Fenton processes, triggered by metal ions at the nanoparticle surface and water photolysis and sustained by hydrogen peroxide decomposition, occurred to gradually decompose phenol to simpler compounds. Full article

ERF family transcription factors are crucial regulators in plants, playing a central role in abiotic stress responses and serving as important targets for stress-tolerant crop breeding. Populus davidiana × P. bolleana, an elite hybrid poplar cultivar artificially selected in northern China, holds significant research value encompassing ecological restoration, economic industries, genetic resource development, and environmental adaptability. This study identified that PdbERF109 expression was significantly upregulated in P. davidiana × P. bolleana response to salt treatment. Furthermore, transgenic poplar lines overexpressing PdbERF109 (OE) were generated. Salt stress assays demonstrated that PdbERF109 overexpression significantly enhanced salt tolerance in transgenic poplar. Compared to wild-type (WT) plants, PdbERF109-OE lines exhibited a significant enhancement in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, with increases of 2.3-fold, 1.2-fold, and 0.5-fold for superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), respectively, while the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were markedly reduced by 39.89% and 40.03%, indicating significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity and reduced oxidative damage. Concurrently, PdbERF109 overexpression reduced the natural leaf relative water loss (%). Meanwhile, yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed that the PdbERF109 protein specifically binds to GCC-box and DRE cis-acting elements. This study established PdbERF109 as a positive regulator of salt stress responses, highlighting its potential as a target gene for improving plant tolerance to high salinity, providing a promising candidate gene for the molecular breeding of salt-tolerant crops. Full article

This study analyzed the use of a toolbox to evaluate the impact of agricultural activity on the water quality/status classification of a hydro-agricultural reservoir (Lage reservoir, Southern Portugal). The framework integrated the quantification of a group of 51 pesticides and ecotoxicological endpoints with organisms from different trophic categories (the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri, the microalga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and the crustaceans Daphnia magna and Thamnocephalus platyurus) at two sampling points in the reservoir (Lage (L) and Lage S (LS)) between 2018 and 2020. Over the three-year study, we quantified 36 of the 51 pesticides analyzed in the Lage reservoir. Total concentrations increased successively from 0.95 µg L⁻¹ to 1.99 and 2.66 µg L⁻¹. Among these, the pesticides most frequently detected were terbuthylazine (100% of detection) and metolachlor (83% of detection), with maximum concentrations of 115.6 and 85.5 µg L⁻¹, respectively. Samples from the LS site showed higher toxicity, where A. fischeri presented 30 min EC₅₀ values of 39–51%. Microalgae growth was consistently inhibited, correlating with agricultural activity, mainly the application of herbicides and insecticides, while D. magna feeding rates revealed no inhibitory effects in the Lage samples. The results highlight that although the detected pesticide levels were below regulatory limits, they still induced toxic effects in the tested organisms. The potential ecological status of the reservoir was classified as moderate, and the integration of the proposal toolbox allowed refinement of the classification of water status. The results demonstrated that this integrated approach, combining multiple assessment methods, establishes a more robust water quality evaluation methodology, allowing it to be used as a tool complementary to the WFD methodology. This proposal not only identified existing pollution impacts but also enabled (1) early detection of the toxic effects of emerging contaminants to prevent ecological damage; (2) proactive management through specific actions to restore water status; and (3) improved sustainable water use. Full article

The transition toward renewable-powered greenhouse agriculture offers opportunities for reducing operational costs and environmental impacts, yet challenges remain in managing fluctuating energy loads and optimizing agricultural inputs. While second-life lithium-ion batteries provide a cost-effective energy storage option, their thermal and electrical characteristics under real-world greenhouse conditions are poorly documented. Similarly, although plasma-activated water (PAW) shows potential to reduce chemical fertilizer usage, its integration with renewable-powered systems requires further investigation. This study develops an adaptive monitoring and modeling framework to estimate the thermal resistances (R_u, R_c) and internal resistance (R_int) of second-life lithium-ion batteries using operational data from greenhouse applications, alongside a field trial assessing PAW effects on beefsteak tomato cultivation. The adaptive control algorithm accurately estimated surface temperature (T_s) and core temperature (T_c), achieving a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.31 °C, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.25 °C, and a percentage error of 0.31%. Thermal resistance values stabilized at R_u ≈ 3.00 °C/W (surface to ambient) and R_c ≈ 2.00 °C/W (core to surface), indicating stable thermal regulation under load variations. Internal resistance (R_int) maintained a baseline of ~1.0–1.2 Ω, with peaks up to 12 Ω during load transitions, confirming the importance of continuous monitoring for performance and degradation prevention in second-life applications. The PAW treatment reduced chemical nitrogen fertilizer use by 31.2% without decreasing total nitrogen availability (69.5 mg/L). The NO₃⁻-N concentration in PAW reached 134 mg/L, with an initial pH of 3.04 neutralized before application, ensuring no adverse effects on germination or growth. Leaf nutrient analysis showed lower nitrogen (1.83% vs. 2.28%) and potassium (1.66% vs. 2.17%) compared to the control, but higher magnesium content (0.59% vs. 0.37%), meeting Japanese adequacy standards. The total yield was 7.8 kg/m², with fruit quality comparable between the PAW and control groups. The integration of adaptive battery monitoring with PAW irrigation demonstrates a practical pathway toward energy efficient and sustainable greenhouse operations. Full article