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In chili cultivation, obstacles to continuous cropping significantly compromise crop yield and soil health, whereas crop rotation can enhance the microbial environment of the soil and reduce disease incidence. However, its effects on the diversity of rhizosphere soil microbial communities are not clear. In this study, we analyzed the composition and characteristics of rhizosphere soil microbial communities under chili continuous cropping (CC) and chili–cotton crop rotation (CR) using high-throughput sequencing technology. CR treatment reduced the alpha diversity indices (including Chao1, Observed_species, and Shannon index) of bacterial communities and had less of an effect on fungal community diversity. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct compositional differences in bacterial and fungal communities between the treatments. Compared with CC, CR treatment has altered the structure of the soil microbial community. In terms of bacterial communities, the relative abundance of Firmicutes increased from 12.89% to 17.97%, while the Proteobacteria increased by 6.8%. At the genus level, CR treatment significantly enriched beneficial genera such as RB41 (8.19%), Lactobacillus (4.56%), and Bacillus (1.50%) (p < 0.05). In contrast, the relative abundances of Alternaria and Fusarium in the fungal community decreased by 6.62% and 5.34%, respectively (p < 0.05). Venn diagrams and linear discriminant effect size analysis (LEfSe) further indicated that CR facilitated the enrichment of beneficial bacteria, such as Bacillus, whereas CC favored enrichment of pathogens, such as Firmicutes. Fusarium solani MG6 and F. oxysporum LG2 are the primary chili root-rot pathogens. Optimal growth occurs at 25 °C, pH 6: after 5 days, MG6 colonies reach 6.42 ± 0.04 cm, and LG2 5.33 ± 0.02 cm, peaking in sporulation (p < 0.05). In addition, there are significant differences in the utilization spectra of carbon and nitrogen sources between the two strains of fungi, suggesting their different ecological adaptability. Integrated analyses revealed that CR enhanced soil health and reduced the root rot incidence by optimizing the structure of soil microbial communities, increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria, and suppressing pathogens, providing a scientific basis for microbial-based soil management strategies in chili cultivation. Full article

Soil salinization and selenium (Se) deficiency threaten global food security. This study developed a composite bioinoculant combining ACC deaminase-producing Serratia liquefaciens and biogenically synthesized nano-selenium (SeNPs) to alleviate saline–alkali stress and enhance Se nutrition in rice (Oryza sativa L.). A strain of S. liquefaciens with high ACC deaminase activity was isolated and used to biosynthesize SeNPs with stable physicochemical properties. Pot experiments showed that application of the composite inoculant (S3: S. liquefaciens + 40 mmol/L SeNPs) significantly improved seedling biomass (fresh weight +53.8%, dry weight +60.6%), plant height (+31.6%), and root activity under saline–alkali conditions. S3 treatment also enhanced panicle weight, seed-setting rate, and grain Se content (234.13 μg/kg), meeting national Se-enriched rice standards. Moreover, it increased rhizosphere soil N, P, and K availability and improved microbial α-diversity. This is the first comprehensive demonstration that a synergistic bioformulation of ACC deaminase PGPR and biogenic SeNPs effectively mitigates saline–alkali stress, enhances soil fertility, and enables safe Se biofortification in rice. Full article

As an efficient clean energy technology, water electrolysis for hydrogen production has its efficiency limited by the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics, which drives the demand for the development of high-performance anode OER catalysts. This work constructs bimetallic (Al, Mn) co-doped nanoporous spinel CoFe₂O₄ (np-CFO) with a tunable structure and composition as an OER catalyst through a simple two-step dealloying strategy. The as-formed np-CFO (Al and Mn) features a hierarchical flaky configuration; that is, there are a large number of fine nanosheets attached to the surface of a regular micron-sized flake, which not only increases the number of active sites but also enhances mass transport efficiency. Consequently, the optimized catalyst exhibits a low OER overpotential of only 320 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻², a minimal Tafel slope of 45.09 mV dec⁻¹, and exceptional durability. Even under industrial conditions (6 M KOH, 60 °C), it only needs 1.83 V to achieve a current density of 500 mA cm⁻² and can maintain good stability for approximately 100 h at this high current density. Theoretical simulations indicate that Al and Mn co-doping could indeed optimize the electronic structure of CFO and thus decrease the energy barrier of OER to 1.35 eV. This work offers a practical approach towards synthesizing efficient and stable OER catalysts. Full article

This paper examines the wettability and interactions between ceramic and composite materials soldered with Bi-based solder containing 11 wt.% of silver and 3 wt.% titanium using indirect electron beam soldering technology. The Bi11Ag3Ti solder, with a melting point of 402 °C, consisted of a bismuth matrix containing silver lamellae. Titanium, acting as an active element, positively influenced the interaction between the solder and the joined materials. SiC and Ni-SiC substrates were soldered at temperatures of 750 °C, 850 °C, and 950 °C. Measurements of wettability angles indicated that the lowest value (20°) was achieved with SiC substrates at 950 °C. A temperature of 750 °C appeared to be the least suitable for both substrates and was entirely unsuitable for Ni-SiC. It was also observed that the Bi11Ag3Ti solder wetted the SiC substrates more effectively than Ni-SiC substrates. The optimal working temperature for this solder was determined to be 950 °C. The shear strength of the joints soldered with the Bi11Ag3Ti alloy was 23.5 MPa for the Al₂O₃/Ni-SiC joint and 9 MPa for the SiC/Ni-SiC joint. Full article

The genus Sonchus (Asteraceae) comprises 98 species, including 17 predominantly herbaceous taxa native to the Mediterranean region. These plants have long been utilized as traditional wild food sources due to their high nutritional value, as they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the taxonomy, geographic distribution, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, historical significance, and pharmacological properties of Sonchus species. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 1980 to 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools. A bibliometric analysis of 440 publications (from 1856 to 2025) reveals evolving research trends, with S. oleraceus, S. arvensis, and S. asper being the most extensively studied species. The review provides detailed taxonomic insights into 17 species and 14 subspecies, emphasizing their ecological adaptations and biogeographical patterns. Additionally, it highlights the cultural and medicinal relevance of Sonchus since antiquity while underscoring the threats posed by environmental degradation and changing dietary habits. Sonchus oleraceus and S. tenerrimus dominate the culinary applications of the genus, likely due to favorable taste, wide accessibility, and longstanding cultural importance. The comprehensive nutritional profile of Sonchus species positions these plants as valuable contributors to dietary diversity and food security. Finally, the study identifies current knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to support the conservation and sustainable utilization of Sonchus species. Full article

Divinylisoprene rubber, a copolymer of butadiene and isoprene, is used as raw material for rubber technical products, combining isoprene rubber’s elasticity and butadiene rubber’s wear resistance. These properties depend quantitatively on the copolymer composition, which depends on the kinetics of its synthesis. This work aims to theoretically describe how the monomer mixture composition in the butadiene–isoprene copolymerization affects the activity of the TiCl₄–Al(i-C₄H₉)₃ catalytic system (expressed by active sites concentration) via kinetic modeling. This enables development of a reliable kinetic model for divinylisoprene rubber synthesis, predicting reaction rate, molecular weight, and composition, applicable to reactor design and process intensification. Active sites concentrations were calculated from experimental copolymerization rates and known chain propagation constants for various monomer compositions. Kinetic equations for active sites formation were based on mass-action law and Langmuir monomolecular adsorption theory. An analytical equation relating active sites concentration to monomer composition was derived, analyzed, and optimized with experimental data. The results show that monomer composition’s influence on active sites concentration is well described by a two-step kinetic model (physical adsorption followed by Ti–C bond formation), accounting for competitive adsorption: isoprene adsorbs more readily, while butadiene forms more stable active sites. Full article

The incorporation of phase change material (PCM) can enhance wall thermal performance and indoor thermal comfort, but practical applications still face challenges related to high costs and potential leakage issues. In this study, a novel dual-biomass-based shape-stabilized PCM (Bio-SSPCM) was proposed, wherein waste cooking fat and waste reed straw were, respectively, incorporated as the PCM substance and supporting material. The waste fat (lard) consisted of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acid glycerides, exhibiting a melting point about 21.2–41.1 °C and a melting enthalpy value of 40 J/g. Reed straw was carbonized to form a sustainable porous biochar supporting matrix, which was used for the vacuum adsorption of waste fat. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared dual-Bio-SSPCM exhibited excellent thermal performance, characterized by a latent heat capacity of 25.4 J/g. With the addition of 4 wt% of expanded graphite (EG), the thermal conductivity of the composite PCM reached 1.132 W/(m·K), which was 5.4 times higher than that of the primary lard. The thermal properties of the Bio-SSPCM were characterized using an analog T-history method. The results demonstrated that the dual-Bio-SSPCM exhibited exceptional and rapid heat storage and exothermic capabilities. The dual-Bio-SSPCM, prepared from waste cooking fat and reed straw, can be considered as environmentally friendly construction material for energy storage in line with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

This study evaluates the replacement of petroleum-based naphthenic oil with four types of soybean-derived alternatives—virgin soybean oil (SBO), epoxidized SBO (ESBO), expired SBO, and recycled SBO—in styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites. The materials were tested in both staining rubber (SR) and non-staining rubber (NSR) systems to assess processing characteristics, mechanical performance, and environmental durability. Among the alternatives, SBO demonstrated the best overall performance, improving processability and tensile strength by over 10%, while ESBO enhanced ozone resistance by 35% due to its epoxide functionality. Expired and recycled SBOs maintained essential mechanical properties within 90% of virgin SBO values. The full replacement of CH450 with SBO in tire prototypes resulted in burst strength exceeding 1000 kPa and stable appearance after 5000 km of road testing. To validate industrial relevance, the developed green tire was exhibited at the 2025 Taipei International Cycle Show, attracting interest from international buyers and stakeholders for its eco-friendly composition and carbon footprint reduction potential, thereby demonstrating both technical feasibility and commercial viability. Full article

This study investigates the concept of landscape services (LS), which integrate environmental and sociocultural dimensions of sustainable development. Recognizing landscapes as essential to daily life and well-being, the research aims to support sustainable spatial planning by analyzing both their potential and their actual use. The study has three main objectives: (1) to assess the potential of 16 selected landscape types to provide six key LS through expert evaluation; (2) to determine actual LS usage patterns among the local community (residents); and (3) to identify agreements and discrepancies between expert assessments and resident use. The services analyzed include providing space for daily activities; regulating spatial structure through diversity and compositional richness; enhancing physical and mental health; enabling passive and active recreation; supporting personal fulfillment; and fostering social interaction. Expert-based surveys and participatory mapping with residents were used to assess the provision and use of LS. The results indicate consistent evaluations for forest and historical urban landscapes (high potential and use) and mining and transportation landscapes (low potential and use). However, significant differences emerged for mountain LS, rated highly by experts but used minimally by residents. These insights highlight the importance of aligning expert planning with community needs to promote sustainable land use policies and reduce spatial conflicts. Full article

An increasing global population, rising energy demands, and the shift toward a circular bioeconomy are driving the need for more resource-efficient waste management. The increase in the world population—now exceeding 8 billion as of 2024—results in an increased need for alternative proteins, both human and feed grade proteins, as well as for biopolymers and bioenergy. As such, agricultural, forest, and marine waste biomass represent a valuable feedstock for production of food and feed ingredients, biopolymers, and bioenergy. However, the lack of integrated and efficient valorization strategies for these diverse biomass sources remains a major challenge. This literature review aims to give a systematic approach on the recent research status of agricultural, forest, and marine waste biomass valorization, focusing on cascade processing (a sequential combination of processes such as pretreatment, extraction, and conversion methods). Potential products will be identified that create the most economic value over multiple lifetimes, to maximize resource efficiency. It highlights the challenges associated with cascade processing of waste biomass and proposes technological synergies for waste biomass valorization. Moreover, this review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential of waste biomass valorization in the context of sustainable and circular bioeconomy. Full article

The scarab species Protaetia brevitarsis, an edible insect, has been used in traditional medicine, as animal feed, and for converting agricultural organic wastes into biofertilizer. The intestinal tract, which contains a diverse array of microbiota, including viruses, plays a critical role in animal health and homeostasis. We previously conducted a comparative analysis of the gut microbiota of third-instar larvae of P. brevitarsis obtained from five different farms and found significant differences in the composition of the gut bacterial microbiota between farms. To better understand the gut microbiota, the composition of DNA viruses in the hindgut contents of P. brevitarsis larvae obtained from five farms was investigated using metagenomic sequencing in this study. The β-diversity was significantly different between metagenomic data obtained from the five farms (PERMANOVA, pseudo-F = 46.95, p = 0.002). Family-based taxonomic analysis indicated that the relative abundance of viruses in the gut overall metagenome varied significantly between farms, with viral reads comprising approximately 41.2%, 15.0%, 4.3%, 4.0%, and 1.6% of metagenomic sequences from the farms Tohamsan gumbengi farm (TO), Secomnalagum gumbengi (IS), Gumbengi brothers (BR), Kyungpook farm (KB), and Jhbio (JH), respectively. More than 98% of the DNA viruses in the hindgut were bacteriophages, mainly belonging to the Siphoviridae family. At the species level, Phage Min1, infecting the genus Microbacterium, was detected in all farms, and it was the most abundant bacteriophage in intestinal microbiota, with a prevalence of 0.9% to 29.09%. The detected eukaryotic DNA viruses accounted for 0.01% to 0.06% of the intestinal microbiota and showed little or no relationship with insect viruses. Therefore, they most likely originated from contaminated feed or soil. These results suggest that the condition of substrates used as feed is more important than genetic factors in shaping the intestinal viral microbiota of P. brevitarsis larvae. These results can be used as reference data for understanding the hindgut microbiota of P. brevitarsis larvae and, more generally, the gut virome of insects. Full article

The purpose of this work was to obtain specialized enrichment cultures from an original extreme acidophilic consortium of extremely acidophilic microorganisms and to study their microbial community composition and biotechnological potential. At temperatures of 25, 35, 40 and 50 °C, distinct enrichments of extremely acidophilic microorganisms used in the processes of bioleaching sulfide ores were obtained using nutrient media containing ferrous sulfate, elemental sulfur and a copper sulfide concentrate as nutrient inorganic substrates, with and without the addition of 0.02% yeast extract. The microbial community composition was studied using the sequencing of the V3–V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA genes. The different growth conditions led to changes in the microbial composition and relative abundance of mesophilic and moderately thermophilic, strict autotrophic and mixotrophic microorganisms in members of the genera Acidithiobacillus, Sulfobacillus, Leptospirillum, Acidibacillus, Ferroplasma and Cuniculiplasma. The dynamics of the oxidation of ferrous iron, sulfur, and sulfide minerals (pyrite and chalcopyrite) by the enrichments was also studied in the temperature range of 25 to 50 °C. The study of enrichment cultures using the molecular biological method using the metabarcoding method of variable V3–24 V4 fragments of 16S rRNA genes showed that enrichment cultures obtained under different conditions differed in composition, which can be explained by differences in the physiological properties of the identified microorganisms. Regarding the dynamics of the oxidation of ferrous ions, sulfur, and sulfide minerals (pyrite and chalcopyrite), each enrichment culture was studied at a temperature range of 25 to 50 °C and indicated that all obtained enrichments were capable of oxidizing ferrous iron, sulfur and minerals at different rates. The obtained enrichment cultures may be used in further work to increase bioleaching by using the suitable inoculum for the temperature and process conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the influence of shade and thickness on the polymerization of SDR^® flow+, a low-viscosity bulk-fill composite, by assessing its degree of conversion (DC). Methods: An in vitro study was conducted using SDR^® flow+ composite resin. Specimens were prepared at two thicknesses (2 mm and 4 mm) and four shades (Universal, A1, A2, A3). Polymerization was performed using a high-intensity LED curing unit. The DC was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Results: Both shade and thickness significantly influenced DC. Thicker specimens (4 mm) exhibited reduced polymerization compared to thinner specimens (2 mm). Darker shades, particularly A3, demonstrated the lowest DC values due to their higher chroma, which limits light penetration. In contrast, the Universal shade achieved higher DC values, even at increased depths, likely due to its greater translucency. Conclusions: Shade and thickness play a critical role in the polymerization of bulk-fill composites. Ensuring adequate polymerization is essential for the longevity of pediatric restorations. Further in vivo research is needed to confirm these findings and assess their clinical implications. Full article

The effects of long-term adjustments in body weight on the lipid balance in patients with severe obesity are not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate a non-invasive lipidomic approach to identifying biomarkers that could help predict which patients may require additional therapies before and after weight loss. Using mass spectrometry, 275 lipid species were analysed in non-obese controls, patients with severe obesity, and patients one year after bariatric surgery. The results showed that severe obesity disrupts lipid pathways, contributing to lipotoxicity, inflammation, mitochondrial stress, and abnormal lipid metabolism. Although weight loss improved these disturbances, surgery did not fully normalise the lipid profiles of all patients. Outcomes varied depending on their baseline liver health and genetic differences. Persistent alterations in cholesterol handling, membrane composition, and mitochondrial function were observed in partial responders. Elevated levels of sterol lipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids emerged as markers of complete metabolic recovery, identifying candidates for targeted post-surgical interventions. These findings support the use of lipidomics to personalise obesity treatment and follow-up. Full article

Porous intermetallic compounds have the properties of porous materials as well as a combination of covalent and metallic bonds, and they exhibit high porosity, structural stability, and corrosion resistance. In this work, a porous TiNi₃ intermetallic compound was fabricated through reactive synthesis of elemental powders. Next, detailed studies of its phase composition and pore structure characteristics at different sintering temperatures, as well as its corrosion behavior against an alkaline environment, were carried out. The results show that the as-prepared porous TiNi₃ intermetallic compound has abundant pore structures, with an open porosity of 56.5%, which can be attributed to a combination of the bridging effects of initial powder particles and the Kirkendall effect occurring during the sintering process. In 1 M KOH solution, a higher positive corrosion potential (−0.979 V_SCE) and a lower corrosion current density (1.18 × 10⁻⁴ A∙cm⁻²) were exhibited by the porous TiNi₃ intermetallic compound, compared to the porous Ni, reducing the thermodynamic corrosion tendency and the corrosion rate. The corresponding corrosion process is controlled by the charge transfer process, and the increased charge transfer resistance value (713.9 Ω⋅cm²) of TiNi₃ makes it more difficult to charge-transfer than porous Ni (204.5 Ω⋅cm²), thus decreasing the rate of electrode reaction. The formation of a more stable passive film with the incorporation of Ti contributes to this improved corrosion resistance performance. Full article