Search Results (1,446)

An in-depth understanding of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of ecosystem service (ES) trade-offs and synergies, along with their driving factors, is crucial for formulating key ecological restoration strategies and effectively allocating ecological environmental resources in the Hulunbuir region. This study employed an integrated analytical approach combining the InVEST model, ArcGIS geospatial processing, R software environment, and Optimal Parameter Geographical Detector (OPGD). The spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors of the interaction of four major ES functions in Hulunbuir area from 2000 to 2020 were studied. The research findings are as follows: (1) carbon storage (CS) and soil conservation (SC) services in the Hulunbuir region mainly show a distribution pattern of high values in the central and northeast areas, with low values in the west and southeast. Water yield (WY) exhibits a distribution pattern characterized by high values in the central–western transition zone and southeast and low values in the west. For forage supply (FS), the overall pattern is higher in the west and lower in the east. (2) The trade-off relationships between CS and WY, CS and SC, and SC and WY are primarily concentrated in the western part of Hulunbuir, while the synergistic relationships are mainly observed in the central and eastern regions. In contrast, the trade-off relationships between CS and FS, as well as FS and WY, are predominantly located in the central and eastern parts of Hulunbuir, with the intensity of these trade-offs steadily increasing. The trade-off relationship between SC and FS is almost widespread throughout HulunBuir. (3) Fractional vegetation cover, mean annual precipitation, and land use type were the primary drivers affecting ESs. Among these factors, fractional vegetation cover demonstrates the highest explanatory power, with a q-value between 0.6 and 0.9. The slope and population density exhibit relatively weak explanatory power, with q-values ranging from 0.001 to 0.2. (4) The interactions between factors have a greater impact on the inter-relationships of ESs in the Hulunbuir region than individual factors alone. The research findings have facilitated the optimization and sustainable development of regional ES, providing a foundation for ecological conservation and restoration in Hulunbuir. Full article

Croatian agricultural legislation acknowledges the significance of radionuclides as pollutants in agricultural lands; however, it lacks specific thresholds or reference values for contamination levels, in contrast to other contaminants. This absence highlights the necessity for a comprehensive assessment of radionuclides across various agricultural systems in Croatia. This study investigates the transfer of radionuclides ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K from soil to agricultural crops throughout Croatia and estimates the consequent annual ingestion dose for the population. The samples collected comprised food crops and animal feed, with corresponding soil samples analyzed to calculate transfer factors. Activity concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs exhibited regional and crop-type variability, reflecting the uneven distribution of fallout and differing soil properties. Transfer factors were found to range from 0.003 to 0.06 for ¹³⁷Cs and from 0.15 to 3.1 for ⁴⁰K, with the highest uptake occurring in kidney beans. The total estimated annual effective ingestion dose was calculated to be a maximum of 0.748 mSv/year for children aged 2–7, predominantly attributable to ⁴⁰K. Given the homeostatic regulation of potassium in the human body, the dose associated with ¹³⁷Cs poses a more significant radiological concern. These findings underscore the need for radionuclide-specific agricultural legislation in Croatia and offer a baseline for recommending reference values and informing future regulations regarding agricultural soil contamination. Full article

The search for sustainable, economically viable, and effective plant protection strategies against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses is a major challenge in modern agricultural practices. Chitosan (CS) is an abundant cationic natural biopolymer known for its biocompatibility, low toxicity, and antimicrobial properties. Its potential use in agriculture for pathogen control is a promising alternative to traditional chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which raise concerns regarding public health, environmental protection, and pesticide resistance. This study focused on the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) through cross-linking with organic molecules, such as tannic acid (TA). Various formulations were explored for the development of stable nanoscale particles having encapsulation capabilities towards low compounds of varying polarity and with potential agricultural applications relevant to plant health and growth. The solution properties of the NPs were assessed using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS and ELS); their morphology was observed through atomic force microscopy (AFM), while analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) measurements provided insights into their molar mass. Their properties proved to be primarily influenced by the concentration of CS, which significantly affected its intrinsic conformation. Additional structural insights were obtained via infrared and UV–Vis spectroscopic measurements, while detailed fluorescence analysis with the use of three different probes, as model cargo molecules, provided information regarding the hydrophobic and hydrophilic microdomains within the particles. Full article

Chronic infected wounds remain a major medical challenge, particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate chitosan-based (CS) sponges enhanced with graphene oxide (GO) as potential antimicrobial wound dressings. The composite sponges were fabricated using microcrystalline CS (MKCh) and 5% (w/w) GO, followed by freeze-drying and γ-sterilization (25 kGy). Physico-mechanical characterization showed that GO incorporation did not significantly alter tensile strength, while absorption and sorption capacities were improved, especially after sterilization. Structural and spectroscopic analyses confirmed increased porosity and molecular interaction between CS and GO. Cytocompatibility was verified in vitro using L-929 fibroblasts, with no cytotoxic effects observed in indirect contact. Antimicrobial activity tests demonstrated that GO-modified dressings exhibited enhanced activity against E. coli and S. aureus, though results were strain-dependent and not uniformly superior to CS alone. Notably, antifungal efficacy against C. albicans was reduced with GO addition. Overall, the developed GO-enriched CS sponges present favorable biocompatibility, mechanical resilience, and selective antimicrobial activity, supporting their potential application in chronic wound management. Further optimization of GO concentration and formulation is warranted to maximize antimicrobial efficacy across a broader spectrum of pathogens. Full article

Rootstocks are widely used in viticulture as an agronomic measure to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. In winegrapes, the aroma is one of the major factors defining the quality of grape berries and wines. In the present work, the grape aroma and wine aroma of Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) grafted on three rootstocks were investigated to inform the selection of rootstocks to utilize. 1103P, 5A, and SO₄ altered the composition of aromatic volatiles in CS grapes and wines. Among them, 5A and SO₄ had less effect on green leaf volatiles in the berries and wines, while 1103P increased green leaf volatile concentrations, up-regulating VvADH2 expression in both vintages. VvLOXA, VvLOXC, VvHPL1, VvADH1, VvADH2, and VvAAT were co-regulated by vintage and rootstock. Orthogonal partial least squares regression analysis (OPLS-DA) showed that the differential compounds in CS/1103P and CS berries were dominated by green leaf volatiles. Furthermore, the concentrations of 1-hexanol in the CS/1103P wines were significantly higher than in the other treatments in the two vintages. 1103P altered the expression of genes in the LOX-HPL pathway and increased the concentration of grape green leaf volatiles such as 1-hexanol and 1-hexanal, while vine vigor also affected green leaf volatile concentrations, the combination of which altered the aromatic composition of the wine and gave it more green flavors. Full article

To rationally utilize and develop agricultural waste products, this research involved the synthesis of degradable high water-absorbing resin through the graft copolymerization of cotton straw (CS) with monomers. Among them, acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (Am) are used as grafting copolymer monomers, cellulose in the straw serves as the network framework, and MBA acts as the crosslinking agent. ⁶⁰Co gamma rays as initiators. Different concentrations of alkaline solution were used to dissolve the cellulose in the straw. Single-factor and orthogonal experiments were conducted to optimize the experimental conditions. various analytical methods such as thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray crystallography (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to characterize the structure and properties of the product. ⁶⁰Co gamma rays as initiators, can reduce the pollution caused by chemical initiators and lower energy consumption. Through this research, agricultural waste can be effectively utilized, reducing environmental pollution, lowering industrial energy consumption, and synthesizing degradable and environmentally friendly high-absorbent resins. The product can be applied to agricultural water retention agent, fertilizer controlled release agent and other aspects. Full article

This study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the content of carnosic acid (CA), 12-O-methyl-carnosic acid (12MCA), carnosol (CS), rosmanol (RO) and 7-O-methyl-epi-rosmanol (7MER) in 61 Lamiaceae plants growing in Greece, using ¹H-qNMR spectroscopy as a simple, rapid and direct method without sample deterioration. For this purpose, methanol extracts from 18 genera (e.g., Salvia, Mentha, Melissa, Ocimum) were analyzed using isolated and fully characterized metabolites, previously identified by our group, as standards. At least one of the target compounds was detected in 22 species, predominantly belonging to the genus Salvia. Notably, 7MER and RO were not detected in any extract. CA, CS and 12MCA were exclusively found in Salvia species, with S. somalensis, S. officinalis and S. fruticosa emerging as the richest sources of these diterpenes. Among them, S. somalensis showed the highest concentration of CA (>30 mg/g), while 12MCA was most abundant in S. microphylla. These results highlight Salvia as the most promising genus for the accumulation of bioactive abietane-type diterpenes. The implementation of ¹H-qNMR for such chemical profiling provides a reliable approach toward the phytochemical standardization of plant extracts, supporting their further use in nutraceutical or pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

The escalating global demand for fresh water, driven by urbanization and industrial growth, underscores the need for sustainable water management, particularly in the water-intensive construction sector. Although prior studies have primarily concentrated on treated wastewater, the practical viability of utilizing untreated wastewater has not been thoroughly investigated—especially in developing nations where treatment expenses frequently impede actual implementation, even for non-structural uses. While prior research has focused on treated wastewater, the potential of untreated or partially treated wastewater from diverse industrial sources remains underexplored. This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating wastewater from textile, sugar mill, service station, sewage, and fertilizer industries into concrete paver block production. The novelty lies in a dual approach, combining experimental analysis with XGBoost-based machine learning (ML) models to predict the impact of key physicochemical parameters—such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Hardness—on mechanical properties like compressive strength (CS), water absorption (WA), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and dynamic modulus of elasticity (DME). The ML models showed high predictive accuracy for CS (R² = 0.92) and UPV (R² = 0.97 direct, 0.99 indirect), aligning closely with experimental data. Notably, concrete pavers produced with textile (CP-TXW) and sugar mill wastewater (CP-SUW) attained 28-day compressive strengths of 47.95 MPa and exceeding 48 MPa, respectively, conforming to ASTM C936 standards and demonstrating the potential to substitute fresh water for non-structural applications. These findings demonstrate the viability of using untreated wastewater in concrete production with minimal treatment, offering a cost-effective, sustainable solution that reduces fresh water dependency while supporting environmentally responsible construction practices aligned with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Additionally, the model serves as a practical screening tool for identifying and prioritizing viable wastewater sources in concrete production, complementing mandatory laboratory testing in industrial applications. Full article

This study evaluated the activity concentrations of radionuclides in honey, bee pollen, bee bread, and propolis from multiple regions in Poland (Europe) to assess the levels of radiological contamination and their implications for public health. Furthermore, the work considers the use of bee products as bioindicators of the state of environmental contamination with radionuclides. The apiaries from which the samples were collected were selected in eight provinces in Poland, and are also complemented by reference data from soil contamination monitoring. Radionuclide measurements included both natural (e.g., ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra) and anthropogenic isotopes (e.g., ¹³⁷Cs). The results show that although the overall activity concentrations were generally low, certain locations exhibited elevated levels of ¹³⁷Cs in bee products, likely reflecting historical deposition in soils. Propolis was best correlated with ¹³⁷Cs deposited in soil compared to the other products studied. The patterns observed substantiate the hypothesis that bee products, predominantly propolis, accurately reflect local radiological conditions, thereby providing a practical and non-intrusive approach to monitoring radionuclide contamination and informing risk management strategies. An assessment of potential health risks indicates that the effective dose is safe and ranges from 0.02 to 10.3 µSv per year, depending on the type of product and consumption. Full article

The growing mismatch between ecosystem service (ES) supply and demand underscores the importance of thoroughly understanding their spatiotemporal patterns and key drivers to promote ecological civilization and sustainable development at the regional level in China. This study investigates six key ES indicators across mainland China—habitat quality (HQ), carbon sequestration (CS), water yield (WY), sediment delivery ratio (SDR), food production (FP), and nutrient delivery ratio (NDR)—by integrating a suite of analytical approaches. These include a spatiotemporal analysis of trade-offs and synergies in supply, demand, and their ratios; self-organizing maps (SOM) for bundle identification; and interpretable machine learning models. While prior research studies have typically examined ES at a single spatial scale, focusing on supply-side bundles or associated drivers, they have often overlooked demand dynamics and cross-scale interactions. In contrast, this study integrates SOM and SHAP-based machine learning into a dual-scale framework (grid and city levels), enabling more precise identification of scale-dependent drivers and a deeper understanding of the complex interrelationships between ES supply, demand, and their spatial mismatches. The results reveal pronounced spatiotemporal heterogeneity in ES supply and demand at both grid and city scales. Overall, the supply services display a spatial pattern of higher values in the east and south, and lower values in the west and north. High-value areas for multiple demand services are concentrated in the densely populated eastern regions. The grid scale better captures spatial clustering, enhancing the detection of trade-offs and synergies. For instance, the correlation between HQ and NDR supply increased from 0.62 (grid scale) to 0.92 (city scale), while the correlation between HQ and SDR demand decreased from −0.03 to −0.58, indicating that upscaling may highlight broader synergistic or conflicting trends missed at finer resolutions. In the spatiotemporal interaction network of supply–demand ratios, CS, WY, FP, and NDR persistently show low values (below −0.5) in western and northern regions, indicating ongoing mismatches and uneven development. Driver analysis demonstrates scale-dependent effects: at the grid scale, HQ and FP are predominantly influenced by socioeconomic factors, SDR and WY by ecological variables, and CS and NDR by climatic conditions. At the city level, socioeconomic drivers dominate most services. Based on these findings, nine distinct supply–demand bundles were identified at both scales. The largest bundle at the grid scale (B3) occupies 29.1% of the study area, while the largest city-scale bundle (B8) covers 26.5%. This study deepens the understanding of trade-offs, synergies, and driving mechanisms of ecosystem services across multiple spatial scales; reveals scale-sensitive patterns of spatial mismatch; and provides scientific support for tiered ecological compensation, integrated regional planning, and sustainable development strategies. Full article

1,3-Diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) is a widely used fluorescent probe for singlet oxygen (¹O₂) detection in photodynamic applications. In this work, we present an integrated experimental and computational analysis to describe its spectroscopic, photophysical, and reactive properties in ethanol, DMSO, and DMF. UV-Vis and fluorescence measurements across a wide concentration range show well-resolved S₀ → S₁ electronic transition of a π → π* nature with small red shifts in polar aprotic solvents. Fluorescence lifetimes increase slightly with solvent polarity, showing stabilization of the excited state. The 2D PES and Boltzmann populations analysis indicate two co-existing conformers (C_s and C₂), with C_s being slightly more stable at room temperature. TD-DFT calculations have been performed using several density functionals and the 6-311+G(2d,p) basis set to calculate absorption/emission wavelengths, oscillator strengths, transition dipole moments, and radiative lifetimes. Overall, cam-B3LYP and ωB97X-D provided the best agreement with experiments for the photophysical data across all solvents. The photophysical behavior of DPBF upon interaction with ¹O₂ can be explained by a small-barrier, two-step reaction pathway that goes through a zwitterionic intermediate, resulting in the formation of 2,5-endoperoxide. This work explains the photophysical properties and reactivity of DPBF, therefore providing a solid basis for future studies involving singlet oxygen. Full article

Background/Objectives: Caesarean section (CS) accounts for over 20% of global births and routinely involves perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) to reduce surgical site infections. While the impact of such prophylaxis on neonatal microbiome development is well described, effects on the maternal gut microbiome remain underexplored. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on how antibiotic prophylaxis during CS affects maternal gut microbiome composition and diversity—an underrepresented, but clinically relevant aspect of maternal–fetal medicine. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), the Cochrane Library, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) through November 2024. Inclusion criteria were defined according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible studies used molecular techniques to report maternal gut microbiome outcomes (alpha- and beta-diversity). The search concentrated on beta-lactam antibiotics. Reference lists were screened, but no additional grey literature was searched. Synthesis followed the Synthesis Without meta-analysis (SWiM) approach. No review protocol was registered. The review received no external funding. Results: Out of 1011 records, three studies (total 286 mothers) met the inclusion criteria. All reported maternal microbiome outcomes secondarily to infant-focused research. Only one study provided pre- and post-birth stool samples. Applied antibiotic regimens, sequencing methods, and reported microbiome metrics for alpha- and beta-diversity varied considerably, thus limiting comparability of results. Due to high heterogeneity, no formal risk of bias was assessed. While taxonomic diversity changes were inconsistent, significant shifts in functional diversity metrics were observed postpartum. Conclusions: Evidence on maternal microbiome disruption following perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in CS is methodologically fragmented and limited by small sample sizes and inconsistent antibiotic protocols. Nonetheless, functional diversity appears sensitive to antibiotic exposure. To improve clinical understanding and safety, maternal-focused studies using standardized protocols are urgently needed. The maternal microbiome may play a key role in both recovery and shaping the newborn’s early microbial environment. Full article

In this study, a UVC photodetector (PD) was fabricated by incorporating CsI into a conventional double-cation perovskite (FAMAPbI₃) to enhance its stability. The device utilized a methylammonium iodide post-treatment solution to fabricate CsFAMAPbI₃ perovskite thin films, which functioned as the primary light-absorbing layer in an NIP structure composed of n-type SnO₂ and p-type spiro-OMeTAD. Perovskite films were fabricated and analyzed as a function of the Cs concentration to optimize the Cs content. The results demonstrated that Cs doping improved the crystallinity and phase stability of the films, leading to their enhanced electron mobility and photodetection performance. The UVC PD with an optimum Cs concentration exhibited a responsivity of 58.2 mA/W and a detectivity of 3.52 × 10¹⁴ Jones, representing an approximately 7% improvement over conventional structures. Full article

Wild-growing edible mushrooms are known to bioaccumulate radionuclides from their environment, particularly the natural isotope potassium-40 (⁴⁰K) and anthropogenic cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs). However, region-specific data for commercially relevant species in north-eastern Poland remain limited, despite the cultural and economic importance of mushroom foraging and export. This study aimed to assess the radiological safety of wild mushrooms intended for human consumption, with particular attention to regulatory compliance and potential exposure levels. In this study, 230 mushroom samples representing 19 wild edible species were analyzed using gamma spectrometry, alongside composite soil samples collected from corresponding foraging sites. The activity concentration of ¹³⁷Cs in mushrooms ranged from 0.94 to 159.0 Bq/kg fresh mass (f.m.), and that of ⁴⁰K from 64.4 to 150.2 Bq/kg f.m. None of the samples exceeded the regulatory limit of 1250 Bq/kg f.m. for ¹³⁷Cs. The highest estimated annual effective dose was 2.32 µSv from ¹³⁷Cs and 0.93 µSv from ⁴⁰K, with no exceedance of regulatory limits observed in any sample. A strong positive correlation was observed between ¹³⁷Cs activity in soil and mushroom dry mass (Spearman’s Rho = 0.81, p = 0.042), supporting predictable transfer patterns. Additionally, the implications of mushroom drying were assessed considering Council Regulation (Euratom) 2016/52, which mandates radionuclide levels in dried products be evaluated based on their reconstituted form. After such adjustment, even the most contaminated dried samples were found to comply with food safety limits. These findings confirm the radiological safety of wild mushrooms from north-eastern Poland and contribute novel data for a region with limited prior monitoring, in the context of current food safety regulations. Full article

This study addresses the challenge of chitosan (CS) being difficult to dissolve in water due to its highly ordered crystalline structure. Chitosan is modified with chloroacetic acid to reduce its crystallinity and enhance its water solubility. Through single-factor experiments, the optimal conditions for preparing carboxymethyl chitosan film (CMCS) were determined: under conditions of 50 °C, a cellulose substrate (CS) concentration of 18.75 g/L, a NaOH concentration of 112.5 g/L, and a chloroacetic acid concentration of 18.75 g/L, the reaction proceeded for 5 h. Under these conditions, the resulting carboxymethyl chitosan film exhibited the best flocculation effect, forming chitosan films in water that had flocculation activity toward mung bean starch protein wastewater. The successful introduction of carboxyl groups at the N and O positions of the chitosan molecular chain, which reduced the crystallinity of chitosan and enhanced its water solubility, was confirmed through analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The prepared carboxymethyl chitosan film (CMCS) was applied in the flocculation recovery of protein. Through single-factor and response surface experiments, the optimal process conditions for flocculating and recovering protein with CMCS were determined: a CMCS dosage of 1.1 g/L, a reaction time of 39.6 min, a reaction temperature of 42.7 °C, and a pH of 5.2. Under these conditions, the protein recovery rate reached 56.97%. The composition and amino acid profile of the flocculated product were analyzed, revealing that the mung bean protein flocculated product contained 62.33% crude protein. The total essential amino acids (EAAs) accounted for 52.91%, non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) for 47.09%, hydrophobic amino acids for 39.56%, and hydrophilic amino acids for 12.67%. The ratio of aromatic to branched-chain amino acids was 0.31, and the ratio of basic to acidic amino acids was 1.68. These findings indicate that the recovered product has high surface activity and good protein stability, foaming ability, and emulsifying properties. Full article