Search Results (34)

Examining the changing patterns and underlying mechanisms of soil biomass carbon stocks constitutes a fundamental aspect of soil biology. Despite the potential influence of the sulfur cycle and the life strategies of organisms on community biomass, these factors have rarely been studied in tandem. Biocrusts are model systems for studying soil ecosystems. In this study, metagenomic analysis of biocrusts related to different life strategies from five batches over four consecutive years demonstrated that, in free-living communities, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) synthesis, via assimilatory sulfate reduction (ASR), is primarily coupled with the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate and Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycles. These pathways are affected by the oxidation-reduction potential (Eh), pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient levels. The decomposition of organic carbon (OC) via dissimilatory sulfate reduction (DSR) was accompanied by the production of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which was influenced by the C/S ratio and moisture, whereas the synthesis of MBC by symbiotic communities was found to be affected by Eh and pH, and decomposition was affected by the C/S ratio. The MBC stock was influenced by all strategies, with resource strategies having the greatest impacts during the growing season, and the contribution of chemotrophic energy was most significant in free-living communities. In conclusion, the MBC in biocrusts is associated with both ASR and DSR and is facilitated by the A-, S-, and P-strategies under the regulation of the stoichiometric C/S ratio. The exploration of microbial life strategies and sulfur cycling in biocrusts within arid ecosystems in this study offers a new perspective on the patterns of change in soil biomass carbon stocks. Full article

The specificity of the business of agro-food companies is that their products have little or no impact on the environment. However, environmental pollution of these products is caused by the use of packaging. Therefore, it is necessary to apply the principles of the circular economy in the business of companies. Applying green packaging that has little or no impact on the environment helps in preserving the environment. Companies usually purchase packaging from suppliers and therefore, it is necessary to choose the right supplier from which to purchase green packaging to support the implementation of the circular economy. The aim of this research is to select a green packaging supplier for company X in order to influence the development of a circular economy in the company’s business. Based on this, the following research question is considered in this paper: how can the selection of a green packaging supplier influence the implementation of a circular economy at company X? The research covers ten criteria used in this selection, with which eight suppliers were observed. Because every decision-making process in the economy is characterized by risk and insecurity that affects the uncertainty in decision-making, an intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) was used. Determining the importance of weights was performed directly based on the ratings of the decision-maker (DM) and the steps of the SiWeC (Simple Weight Calculation) method, as well as using the Entropy method. The compromise results of these methods showed that the most important criteria for assessing the life cycle of packaging are transparency and ethics in business. The ranking of suppliers was carried out using the TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method and its results showed that supplier 5 is the first choice for establishing long-term cooperation in the procurement of green packaging. Full article

Ni–P–WC–BN(h) nanocomposite coatings were fabricated on 20CrMnTi substrates using ultrasonic-assisted pulsed electrodeposition. 20CrMnTi is a low-carbon steel that is commonly used in the manufacturing gears and shaft components. To enhance the wear resistance and extend the service life of such mechanical parts, ultrasonic-assisted pulsed electrodeposition was employed as an effective surface modification technique. The microhardness, phase structure, surface morphology, and wear behavior of the coating were also characterized. An orthogonal experimental design was employed to examine the effects of current density, bath temperature, ultrasonic power, and pulse duty cycle on the microhardness and wear behavior of the coatings, aiming to optimize the deposition parameters. The optimal process combination was identified as a current density of 3 A·dm⁻², a bath temperature of 55 °C, an ultrasonic power of 210 W, and a duty cycle of 0.7. Under these conditions, the coatings exhibited enhanced hardness and wear resistance. Based on the optimized parameters, additional tribological tests were conducted under various operating conditions to further evaluate wear performance. The results showed that the dominant wear mechanisms were chemical wear and adhesive wear. This study offers new insights into the fabrication of high-performance nanocomposite coatings and expands the application scope of ultrasonic-assisted pulsed electrodeposition in multiphase composite systems. Full article

The technology of fucoidan extraction significantly affects its properties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dynamic maceration (DM) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on the antioxidant and anticancer properties of fucoidan from Arctic brown algae. Fucus vesiculosus (Fv), Fucus serratus (Fs), Fucus distichus (Fd), and Ascophyllum nodosum (An) were collected from the Barents Sea. The average yield of fucoidan and uronic acid was higher (by 43.2% and 22.0%, respectively) after UAE, while phlorotannin content decreased by 53.7% compared with DM. The fucose level for all algae increased after UAE, while the molecular weight of fucoidans was lower. The highest antioxidant activity was noted for the fucoidan from An and Fv, which were obtained by DM and can be associated with the high concentrations of phlorotannins. The treatment of HeLa G-63 cells with all studied fucoidans for 48 h increased concentration-dependently the number of dead cells. The most promising were Fv and Fs fucoidans with high phlorotannins, low sulfates, and uronic acid extracted by DM. The co-administration of paclitaxel and fucoidan caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The calculated for the first time combinatory effect showed that the simultaneous use of paclitaxel and fucoidan exposure leads to a synergistic interaction. Our results support the rationality of fucoidan use in complex chemotherapy to improve survival, quality of life and immunity in patients with cervical carcinoma. Full article

Metacyclogenesis is a critical process in the Trypanosoma cruzi life cycle. This transition naturally occurs in an insect vector’s gut. Although Triatomine Artificial Urine (TAU) medium is the widely adopted approach to metacyclogenesis in vitro, its efficiency decreases with prolonged epimastigote culture, limiting the availability of metacyclic trypomastigotes for study. We aimed to establish a practical and efficient method for generating high concentrations and purities of metacyclic trypomastigotes in vitro. Epimastigotes of the Dm28c strain were exposed to pH shifts in nutrient-rich (MT-LIT) and nutrient-poor (M16) media, under static or agitated conditions. Both media promoted higher metacyclogenesis rates than TAU, with epimastigotes’ adherence to the substrate being a crucial factor. Metacyclogenesis efficiency varies depending on the strains and culture conditions. Notably, both LIT and M16 at pH 6 produced metacyclic trypomastigotes with infective capacity on Vero cells. Under these conditions, a variety of intermediate forms were observed compared to those induced by TAU metacyclogenesis. Our findings further emphasize the strain-dependent nature of optimal in vitro metacyclogenesis conditions and offer new opportunities for studying the intermediate forms involved in this essential process. Full article

The accumulation of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), causes environmental degradation, affecting human health and plant metabolism. Pb can alter plant physiological processes, including photosynthesis, influencing the structure of chloroplasts and leaf tissues. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing lead concentrations in soil on gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and the anatomy of leaf tissues in Inga vera subsp. affinis and Inga laurina. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design in a 2 × 6 factorial scheme, with Pb concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg dm⁻³. I. vera subsp. affinis and I. laurina maintained stable photosynthetic parameters even under high Pb concentrations. Regarding photosynthetic pigments, I. vera subsp. affinis exhibited high levels of chlorophyll a and b, even at the highest Pb concentration. Additionally, I. laurina showed a greater accumulation of carotenoids and phenolic compounds at higher Pb doses. In leaf tissues, Pb did not alter thickness. These results suggest that both species possess adaptation mechanisms to heavy metal stress, enabling the maintenance of photosynthetic activity and ensuring the completion of their life cycle under adverse conditions. Full article

The production of organic meat and dairy products relies on limited organic protein meal supplies. Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) may sustainably increase organic protein meal supplies. Using grain production trial data, research literature, and camelina feeding trial results, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fossil energy impacts were modeled for inclusion of 10% camelina meal in swine finishing diets using life cycle analysis (LCA). Two key grain production scenarios were examined: field trial relay (FTR) camelina and a higher yielding as expected relay (AER) camelina, with a baseline monocrop soybean (MCS). At the grain production stage, the FTR, AER, and MCS scenarios emitted 0.65, 0.43, and 0.13 kg of CO₂ eq./kg DM grain harvested, respectively. At the meal production stage, 0.61, 0.40, and 0.15 kg of CO₂ eq. were emitted per kg of protein meal from the FTR, AER, and MCS scenarios, respectively. GHG emissions from the finishing phase of pork production were 1.43, 1.38, and 1.31 kg CO₂ eq./kg live weight pigs produced for the FTR, AER, and MCS scenarios, respectively. Findings were similar for fossil energy use. The higher environmental burdens from camelina grain production due to reduced yields of both camelina and soybean resulted in negative environmental performance in camelina-amended diets. Full article

Smallholders play a key role in specialty coffee production. Implementing industrial ecology coffee (IEC) practices is crucial for sustainable coffee production (SCP), aiming to add value, achieve zero waste, and respect the environment. For that purpose, this study used life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the environmental impact of coffee production, specifically focusing on the global warming potential (GWP) of dry methods (DMs). Data were collected from pilot plant operations in Bondowoso, Indonesia, covering the process from cherry beans (CBs) to coffee powder (CP). A unique aspect of this study is assessing the impact of the DMs: Natural, Anaerobic, Hydro honey, Lactic, and Carbonic Maceration, which were often overlooked in previous research. Observations and experimental results served as primary data for input calculations in LCA. As a result, it was found that for the studied DMs, inputting 150 kg per batch of CBs produced approximately 22.4–22.8 kg of CP. The LCA revealed that for one kg of CP produced by the DMs, GWP ranged from 0.676 kg to 1.168 kg of CO_2-eq, with Natural being the least polluting and Lactic having the highest environmental impact. This study also suggests potential improvements in by-products for novel food and fuel applications. Full article

Today, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and skeletal muscle atrophy (SMA) have become increasingly common occurrences. Whether the onset of T2DM increases the risk of SMA or vice versa has long been under investigation. Both conditions are associated with negative changes in skeletal muscle health, which can, in turn, lead to impaired physical function, a lowered quality of life, and an increased risk of mortality. Poor nutrition can exacerbate both T2DM and SMA. T2DM and SMA are linked by a vicious cycle of events that reinforce and worsen each other. Muscle insulin resistance appears to be the pathophysiological link between T2DM and SMA. To explore this association, our review (i) compiles evidence on the clinical association between T2DM and SMA, (ii) reviews mechanisms underlying biochemical changes in the muscles of people with or at risk of T2DM and SMA, and (iii) examines how nutritional therapy and increased physical activity as muscle-targeted treatments benefit this population. Based on the evidence, we conclude that effective treatment of patients with T2DM-SMA depends on the restoration and maintenance of muscle mass. We thus propose that regular intake of key functional nutrients, along with guidance for physical activity, can help maintain euglycemia and improve muscle status in all patients with T2DM and SMA. Full article

Document management systems (DMS) have become an important topic regarding digital transformation in organizations because they enable paperless business, speed up processes, lower business costs, and support sustainability activities in organizations. DMSs should be considered as green technology and also as technology crucial for green digital transformation. Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for organizations and society, and DMSs, along with paperless business, can contribute to the sustainable orientation of organizations. However, the problem with DMS implementations is that they often fail and that DMS users often use DMSs at a basic level, which means that, among other things, they still prefer to print documents rather than use electronic documents. A framework that can contribute to a better implementation and a higher level of use of DMSs, which both lead to a more green digital transformation of the organization, represents an organization’s maturity. We used the Process and Enterprise Maturity Model (PEMM) to assess the organization’s maturity level concerning the DMS’ life cycle. Findings are presented from the research study. The research study was based on a questionnaire and collected data from DMS users. The research study showed that an organization’s maturity impacts the DMS’ life cycle. Organizations that manage the DMS’ life cycle will better cope with digital transformation and sustainability issues related to paperless business. Full article

The aquaculture production of pikeperch has reached commercial scale in a number of European countries, but the high mortality of early life cycle stages and minor understanding of nutritional requirements are still major bottlenecks. To investigate the fate of fatty acids during early development, weaning and rearing, pikeperch larvae and juveniles from a commercial recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) were sampled over 2 months for morphometric data, as well as fatty acid composition, with a total of 6 sampling days, with four to five replicates per sampling day and between 1 and 25 pikeperch larvae per individual sample, depending on larval biomass. The biomass of sampled pikeperch larvae varied from 0.1 to 420 mg (dry mass DM), depending on the age of the larvae, and the initial length of the pikeperch larvae was about 4.5 mm. Our data confirm that, accompanied by an exponential increase in dry mass, total fatty acids (TFAs) in larval tissues increased with the beginning of exogenous feed uptake and were depleted between days 13 and 25 post hatch, most likely associated with the weaning and metamorphosis of the larvae. We conclude that all fatty acid classes may serve as metabolic fuel during metamorphosis, but the ultimate fatty acid composition is strongly impacted by the available feed. The chosen diet probably caused a lack of alpha-linolenic (18:3n-3; ALA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA) during larval development and a shortage of vaccenic (18:1n-7), alpha-linolenic (18:3n-3; ALA) and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6; ARA) in juvenile pikeperch. This led to low DHA/EPA ratios 13 days post hatch, a high EPA/ARA ratio at days 41 and 56 post hatch and a fluctuating ratio of alpha-linolenic acid to linoleic acid (18:2n-6; LA). A temporary lack of essential fatty acids can cause dysfunctions and eventually mortalities in pikeperch larvae and juveniles. Despite high larval growth rates, the biochemical composition of the first fed Artemia and microdiets was most likely not sufficient and in need of improvement. We suggest that deficiencies must be compensated, e.g., through the substitution of the offered Artemia with more suitable live feed organisms, such as freshwater rotifers, and the enrichment of current microdiets in order to prevent high mortalities during pikeperch rearing and weaning. Full article

The recruitment process is a fundamental step in population life cycles that determines survival, population demographic structure, and dynamics. The success of recruitment events repeated over successive years greatly affects the survival of long-lived gorgonian populations. Here, we report the recruitment process of the precious, heavily harvested Mediterranean gorgonian Corallium rubrum (red coral) on both settlement tiles and natural substrates over different Mediterranean areas. Red coral is a gonochoric internal brooder that reproduces in early summer. Lecithotrophic planulae settle 15–30 days after release in semi-dark environments at depths between 15 and 800 m. In autumn, 0.58–0.68 mm-wide recruits can be observed on the vaults of small crevices and caves and on rocky cliffs and boulders. Owing to their small size, there is limited knowledge of C. rubrum recruitment in the field. In this study, we examined the recruitment density and distribution in Canadells (Banyuls sur Mer, France) and Calafuria (Livorno, Italy) and compared these findings with those collected over different Mediterranean areas. Red coral exhibited high recruitment values ranging from 0.43 to 13.19 recruits dm⁻². The distribution pattern of recruits, examined at a small spatial scale via nearest-neighbor distance analysis, revealed a significantly higher patch frequency on the natural substrate than on settlement tiles, presumably because of the scarcely available spots of free space on the former substrate, which are crowded by competitor species. Full article

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) represents an acute, severe complication of relative insulin deficiency and a common presentation of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) primarily and, occasionally, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents. It is characterized by the biochemical triad of hyperglycaemia, ketonaemia and/or ketonuria, and acidaemia. Clinical symptoms include dehydration, tachypnoea, gastrointestinal symptoms, and reduced level of consciousness, precipitated by a variably long period of polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. The present review aims to summarize potential pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of DKA. A literature review was conducted using the Pubmed/Medline and Scopus databases including articles published from 2000 onwards. Diagnostic challenges include differentiating between T1DM and T2DM, between DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), and between DKA and alternative diagnoses presenting with overlapping symptoms, such as pneumonia, asthma exacerbation, urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, acute abdomen, and central nervous system infection. The mainstays of DKA management include careful fluid resuscitation, timely intravenous insulin administration, restoration of shifting electrolyte disorders and addressing underlying precipitating factors. However, evidence suggests that optimal treatment remains a therapeutic challenge. Accurate and rapid diagnosis, prompt intervention, and meticulous monitoring are of major importance to break the vicious cycle of life-threatening events and prevent severe complications during this potentially fatal medical emergency. Full article

Obesity, a chronic disease with multifactorial etiopathogenesis, is characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Obesity prevalence is growing globally at an alarming rate. The overwhelming majority of obesity cases are caused by inappropriate lifestyles, such as overconsumption of food and inadequate physical activity. Metabolic and biochemical changes due to increased adiposity resulted in numerous comorbidities, increased all-cause mortality, and reduced quality of life. T2DM (type 2 diabetes mellitus) and obesity have many common pathogenetic points and drive each other in a vicious cycle. The aim of this article is to review obesity management guidelines and highlight the most important points. Management of both obesity-related and T2DM complications incur enormous expenses on healthcare systems. It is, therefore, paramount to provide streamlined yet custom-tailored weight management in order to avoid the negative ramifications of both diseases. Efficient obesity treatment leads to better diabetes control since some antidiabetic medications support weight reduction. Obesity treatment should be overseen by a multi-disciplinary team providing indispensable information and individually tailored regimens to patients. Weight management should be multimodal and consist chiefly of MNT (medical nutrition therapy), physical activity, and lifestyle changes. A comprehensive approach to obesity treatment may give tangible results to quality of life and comorbidities. Full article

The topic of the article addresses the management of the document management system (DMS), which represents one of the important steps for organizations to speed up the implementation of business processes, achieve better control over documents, and ensure safer operations. When implementing and using DMS, the importance of the organization’s maturity shall not be forgotten, as it gives the organization a framework to evaluate and improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the organization’s DMS, which can contribute to better decision-making and increased productivity. On the other hand, sustainable-oriented organizations are likely to show interest in choosing, implementing, and using DMS. In the article, the impact of an organization’s maturity and the role of sustainability on the DMS lifecycle are researched. Results are presented based on a case analysis of Company X. Supporting the case analysis, structured interviews with the project leader on the clients’ and the project leader on the providers’ side have been performed, which shall give a deeper insight into DMS implementation and the importance of sustainability and organizational maturity, resulting in more successful DMS implementation and use. Full article