Search Results (12,279)

Long-term tillage management fundamentally reshapes soil’s physical and chemical environment, yet an integrated, predictive characterization of the distinct chemical signatures induced by no-tillage (NT) versus chisel tillage (CT) remains limited. We analyzed an eight-year dataset (2010–2017) from a long-term experiment in Iowa, USA, focusing on pH, available phosphorus (Bray1-P), and macro- and micronutrients (K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn) at two depths (0–5 and 5–15 cm). A convergent multi-method framework combined robust univariate statistics, multivariate ordination (PCA, PERMANOVA), linear mixed-effects models, and machine learning (Random Forest and Firth-penalized logistic regression). Results reveal a clear stratification–homogenization pattern. NT is associated with surface accumulation of Zn (+14%), Fe (+16%), and Cu (+5%), with mild acidification (–0.4 pH units) and high temporal stability. CT favored vertical nutrient redistribution, marked by subsurface K enrichment (up to 6% higher than NT), progressive alkalinization, and greater temporal variability. Predictive modeling highlighted subsurface K and surface Zn/Fe as key discriminators, with Firth regression confirming their complementary effects. These findings indicate that long-term NT and CT are associated with distinct, depth-specific chemical configurations—integrated systems defined by concentration gradients, temporal stability, and element covariation—rather than isolated element changes. This work provides a robust, quantitative framework for diagnosing soil management history and characterizing the pedochemical imprint of tillage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bacteriophages offer a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. However, their therapeutic efficacy is often limited by instability in harsh environmental conditions, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to isolate lytic bacteriophages from wastewater and evaluate the protective capacity of sodium alginate encapsulation against various stressors to enable effective oral delivery. Methods: Four distinct lytic phages (As, Ec, Pa, Gc) were isolated from wastewater and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and PCR, confirming their families (Siphoviridae, Podoviridae, Myoviridae). These phages demonstrated potent lytic activity against diverse bacterial pathogens, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Glutamicbacter creatinolyticus. The phages were encapsulated in 5% sodium alginate via an extrusion method. Stability was assessed under extreme pH (2.0 and 13), at elevated temperature (up to 80 °C), and in simulated gastrointestinal transit. Results: Encapsulation efficiency exceeded 95%. Unencapsulated phages were completely inactivated at pH 2.0 within 10 min, whereas encapsulated phages maintained significant viability (3.06–3.43 log PFU/mL). Encapsulation also significantly enhanced phage survival under extreme alkaline conditions and elevated temperatures. In simulated gastrointestinal transit, encapsulated phages exhibited superior recovery (2.50 log PFU/mL) compared to their free counterparts (≤1 log PFU/mL). Long-term storage evaluations over three months further confirmed the robust stability of the encapsulated formulations at both 4 °C and 21 °C. Conclusions: Sodium alginate encapsulation effectively shields bacteriophages from severe environmental degradation, particularly acidic gastric stress, enhancing their potential for oral delivery. These findings support the development of stable, formulated phage products for diverse practical applications in phage therapy to combat antimicrobial resistance. Full article

As a representative intangible cultural heritage of Tibet, China, Nyemo Xuelai Tibetan paper has maintained its millennium-old inheritance, relying on its unique surface properties and aging resistance. However, at present, there remains a research gap regarding the surface characteristics of Nimu Xuela Tibetan paper and their correlation with aging mechanisms. To reveal their intrinsic mechanisms and provide scientific protection schemes, this study systematically analyzed the surface microstructure, chemical composition, pH variation, and aging resistance of 7 groups of Xuelai Tibetan paper samples using SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR, pH testing, and dry-heat aging experiments (105 °C, 144 h). Combined with traditional crafts, the formation mechanism of properties was clarified, and multi-dimensional protection strategies were proposed. The results show that aging time exerted a highly significant effect on the D65 brightness, pH value, and tensile index of Xuelai Tibetan paper (p < 0.001). The fibers of Xuelai Tibetan paper are flat and ribbon-like, with an aspect ratio of 50–80, forming a tightly intertwined network structure. The core chemical component is cellulose with a relatively low lignin content, and the elemental composition is dominated by carbon and oxygen. Some samples contain calcium-based substances (0%–1.79%) derived from salt lake alkali. After aging, the D65 blue light diffuse reflectance factor (abbreviated as D65 brightness) retention rate of the samples ranges from 84.81% to 92.21%, and the tensile strength retention rate ranges from 30.78% to 90.00%. Calcium-based substances can inhibit the hydrolysis of cellulose glycosidic bonds through a weak alkaline buffering effect, improving aging-resistance stability. The excellent performance of Tibetan paper originates from the synergistic effect of traditional crafts: Stellera chamaejasme as raw material provides the material basis of high cellulose and long fibers; alkaline cooking removes lignin and retains the buffering components; manual beating optimizes the fiber’s interweaving structure; and natural air-drying ensures surface uniformity. Based on this, a multi-dimensional strategy of preventive protection and living inheritance is proposed: cultural relic protection focuses on pH stabilization, controlled storage, and non-destructive cleaning, and craft inheritance achieves sustainable development through raw material standardization, process refinement, and digital training. This study establishes the craft–characteristic–performance correlation mechanism of Xuelai Tibetan paper, verifying the statistical significance of aging-induced property changes and providing a scientific basis for the protection and inheritance of traditional handmade paper. Full article

The generation of high-purity hydrogen via chemical reaction from hydrogen-rich materials is one of the ways in the alternative energy industry. In this approach, the utilization of catalytic materials that possess the capacity to initiate the decomposition of the starting material and the subsequent release of hydrogen is of paramount importance. In this study, nickel/cobalt-plated copper catalysts (NiCo/Cu) are presented, comprising from 4 to 90 wt.% of cobalt as catalytic materials for hydrogen generation via sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) hydrolysis reaction. The NiCo/Cu catalysts were synthesized via electroless deposition from glycine-based baths, utilizing Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ ions as metal sources and morpholine borane (MB) as the reducing compound. The catalytic performance in alkaline NaBH₄ hydrolysis was found to correlate with the cobalt loading in the coating. The maximum rate of hydrogen production, which was determined to be 14.22 L min⁻¹ gcat⁻¹, was achieved at 343 K for a catalyst composed of 90 wt.% Co. The reaction proceeded with the activation energy of 52.5 kJ mol⁻¹, while the catalyst exhibited high durability, preserving nearly 88% of its initial activity after five successive reaction cycles. The combination of nickel and cobalt, along with their synergistic effect and high efficiency in the borohydride hydrolysis reaction, makes them promising catalysts. Full article

Copper smelting slags represent a growing environmental and metallurgical challenge due to their large volumes and their content of unrecovered critical metals such as copper. Although conventional treatment relies mainly on acidic leaching, more sustainable hydrometallurgical routes are required to valorise these residues. In this study, an alternative copper extraction process is proposed based on alkaline glycine complexation and the use of ferromanganese crusts as an unconventional oxidising agent. Leaching tests were performed using two slags (A and B) at ambient conditions. Copper recoveries up to 59.7% (slag A) and 25.7% (slag B) were achieved at 1 M glycine without external oxidants. The addition of ferromanganese crusts (1:1 and 2:1) resulted in marginal increases (up to 61.1% and 29.1%, respectively), attributed to the limited oxidative performance of MnO₂ at near-neutral pH. The results demonstrate that glycine is a viable lixiviant for copper recovery from slags at room temperature and highlights, for the first time, the use of naturally occurring Fe–Mn crusts as oxidants in alkaline leaching systems. This work contributes to the development of more sustainable valorisation strategies for metallurgical slags and offers a basis for future optimisation of alkaline complexation routes. Full article

The growing accumulation of coal beneficiation waste represents a significant environmental and technological challenge while simultaneously creating opportunities for the resource recovery within circular economy frameworks. This study presents the development and process-oriented evaluation of an environmentally safe technology for converting coal beneficiation waste into potassium humate, with the simultaneous recovery of molybdenum compounds via alkaline extraction. The proposed solution is designed to improve resource efficiency, reduce the volume of waste directed to landfilling, and generate a high value-added product for agricultural and technological applications. The process flow includes preliminary characterization and preparation of the waste, determination of moisture, ash, and organic matter content, and the separation of metal-bearing fractions. Alkaline extraction was carried out using potassium hydroxide under controlled temperature and reaction time conditions, followed by purification and concentration of the humate solution. The process management strategy focuses on optimizing key technological parameters, including alkali concentration, solid-to-liquid ratio, temperature, and reaction time, to maximize humate yield while preserving functional groups responsible for biological activity. Comprehensive physicochemical, thermal, and mineralogical analyses confirmed the stability of the aluminosilicate matrix and the suitability of the material for alkaline processing without adverse structural degradation. Biological tests using oat (Avena sativa) demonstrated that potassium humate derived from coal beneficiation waste exhibits higher growth-stimulating effectiveness than a conventional commercial humate. Economic analysis revealed a strong correlation between humic acid content and added value, confirming the feasibility of transforming coal beneficiation waste from an environmental burden into a valuable secondary resource. Full article

This study presents the first integrated quantification of mud diapirism susceptibility in the Membrillal sector of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, through a multidisciplinary approach combining geospatial, geotechnical, hydrogeochemical, and socio-structural analyses. Using GIS-based multicriteria modeling, household surveys (n = 240), and temporal satellite imagery from 2013 to 2024, the research identifies spatial and temporal dynamics of active mud volcano reactivation. Field sampling of vent waters and gases followed ISO/IEC 17025 and APHA–AWWA–WEF standards, revealing high-salinity fluids (TDS = 13,220 mg/L; EC = 20.4 mS/cm; pH = 8.0) with elevated chloride (6996 mg/L) and low sulfate (1.67 mg/L) under reducing conditions, though a significant charge-balance discrepancy (Na⁺ = 8 mg/L) indicates either sample dilution during the collection or presence of unmeasured cationic species, and low free-gas flux constrained by high-density brine sealing. Principal component analysis of 240 georeferenced dwelling surveys yielded dimension-specific reliability (α = 0.68–0.76) and strong spatial correlation (Spearman ρ = 0.61–0.87) between vent proximity and structural damage—46.9% of dwellings exhibited visible cracking, with 27.2% severe (width > 1.5 mm). Satellite differencing documented 233% increase in active vents (3→10) and 35% vegetation reduction correlated with informal settlement expansion into moderate-to-high susceptibility zones. Weighted overlay GIS modeling (validated Kappa = 0.82) classified four hazard classes; high-susceptibility zones (18% of the study area) encompassed all ten active vents. Findings underscore anthropogenic pressurization drivers—primarily surface loading from settlement densification—and the need for continuous InSAR deformation monitoring, piezometric observation, complete hydrogeochemical characterization (including alkalinity and unmeasured cations), and establishing early-warning thresholds for community risk mitigation. Full article

Lupinus angustifolius is an important leguminous ornamental species, but its productivity is often compromised by alkaline soil stress. GsEXPA8, an expansin gene identified in wild soybean (Glycine soja), has been implicated in alkali stress tolerance. In this study, we examined how heterologous expression of GsEXPA8 in lupinus affects its biochemical, molecular, and rhizospheric responses to alkali stress. Under NaHCO₃-induced alkaline conditions, transgenic lines overexpressing GsEXPA8 displayed improved leaf vigor, greater root biomass and length, elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and POD), increased proline accumulation, and reduced malondialdehyde levels compared to the wild type. Expression analysis revealed time-dependent up-regulation of several alkali-responsive genes (LaSOS1, LaNCED3, LaMYB39, LaNAC56, LaNHX6, and LaP5CS). Moreover, the rhizosphere microbial community was significantly restructured, with a marked increase in beneficial microbial taxa such as Pseudomonas and Lysobacter. We also found that the endogenous lupinus homolog LaEXPA8 is alkali-inducible. Overexpression of LaEXPA8 similarly enhanced alkaline tolerance, whereas CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines showed no clear phenotypic alteration, suggesting potential functional redundancy within the expansin family. Notably, LaEXPA8 and GsEXPA8 differed in their temporal regulation of downstream genes, indicating both conserved and distinct regulatory roles. Our results demonstrate that GsEXPA8 improves alkali tolerance in lupinus through integrated mechanisms: promoting root growth, enhancing antioxidant and osmotic adjustment capacity, dynamically modulating stress-related gene expression, and enriching beneficial rhizosphere microbiota. This work provides the critical report of modifying alkali tolerance by manipulating an expansin gene alongside the associated rhizosphere microbiome, offering a combined strategy for breeding stress-resistant ornamentals. Full article

Carbide lime (CL) and powdered glass (PG), as industrial by-products, possess significant potential as eco-friendly soil amendment materials. This paper presents a systematic investigation into the effectiveness and reaction mechanisms of a composite material comprising CL and PG for stabilizing dispersive soils. A systematic experimental program was designed with varying CL (0.5–6.5%) and PG (4–16%) contents, along with curing ages of 1, 7 and 14 days. Macroscopic properties, including dispersibility and permeability, were evaluated through pinhole, mud ball, and permeability tests, while phase composition and microstructural evolution were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results demonstrate a pronounced synergistic effect between CL and PG at optimal ratios: soil dispersibility is markedly improved when CL ≥ 2.5% and PG ≥ 8%, non-dispersive behavior is achieved at all curing ages with CL between 4.5 and 6.5% and PG between 4 and 16 permeability coefficient decreases significantly with increasing material content; for instance, increasing CL from 2.5% to 6.5% (at 16% PG) reduces the permeability coefficient by over 50%. Microstructural analysis reveals that CL supplies Ca²⁺ and an alkaline environment, whereas PG provides reactive SiO₂ and Al₂O₃. Their interaction facilitates ion exchange and pozzolanic reactions, leading to the formation of C–S–H and C–A–S–H gels. These cementitious products effectively fill pores and bond soil particles, thereby enhancing structural stability. This study confirms that the CL-PG composite is an efficient and sustainable soil stabilization material. It provides novel insights into the synergistic mechanisms and optimal dosage range, offering valuable theoretical and practical guidance for the resource utilization of industrial by-products in geotechnical engineering. Full article

One-step hydrothermal synthesis of zeolites is a common synthesis technology for zeolites. Las-NaP1 zeolite was synthesized with fly ash (FA) as the silica-alumina source under low-alkalinity conditions for aqueous adsorption. Furthermore, H-NaP1 modified zeolite, a high-efficiency chloride ion (Cl⁻) adsorbent, was fabricated using hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) and FA as a silica-alumina source. The structure of the material was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS, FT-IR, Zeta, and other techniques. Effects of the synthesis process and adsorption conditions on the adsorption performance of Cl⁻ and its mechanism were systematically studied. The maximum adsorption capacity of H-NaP1 for Cl⁻ (193.57 mg/g) is 12 times that of Las-NaP1 (15.48 mg/g). The adsorption process conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm model. The addition of HGMs effectively inhibited the agglomeration of zeolite particles. This research provided a new idea for the synthesis of efficient dechlorination materials with low alkali and realized the high-value-added utilization of FA. Full article

Live fish transport easily induces severe physiological stress, marked by pronounced oxidative damage and significant mortality, leading to substantial economic losses annually. Here, we evaluated the effects of taurine intake on alleviating stress response during transportation of Culter alburnus. Juvenile fish were fed diets containing 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g/kg taurine for 8 weeks before undergoing 12 h of simulated transport. The results showed that taurine supplementation significantly improved growth performance in a dose-dependent manner. During transportation, the deterioration of water quality and the damage of gill tissue decreased with the increase in concentration. The determination of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) showed that 2.0 g/kg taurine improved antioxidant capacity. The high-concentration taurine group enhanced the activities of immune enzymes such as acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), while the activity of total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS) was inhibited. The antioxidant immune effect of the 0.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg concentration groups was not obvious. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 2.0 g/kg taurine enhanced the antioxidative stress capacity of C. alburnus by upregulating the expression of immune-related genes (TLR5, Il12b) and activating the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway as well as the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway. These findings demonstrated that dietary taurine improved resilience to transport stress in C. alburnus. Full article

Small fruits are increasingly popular among consumers and producers, with blueberries standing out for their flavour, nutritional benefits, and specific growing requirements. However, cultivation can be challenging in areas with alkaline soils, such as the mid-Adriatic region of Italy, where plant growth is limited. Soilless cultivation provides a practical and profitable solution to these issues, albeit with higher initial costs. This study examined Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’ grown in soilless conditions in the Marche region (Italy) using different concentrations of nutrient solutions. Nutrient concentration was measured by electrical conductivity (EC) in fertigation with three treatments—T1 (790 µS cm⁻¹), T2 (890 µS cm⁻¹), and T3 (990 µS cm⁻¹)—compared with irrigation water (EC = 390 µS cm⁻¹). Results showed that T2 produced the highest numbers of wood and flower shoots and the greatest yield. Although nutrient levels did not significantly affect quality parameters, plants with lower nutrient intake (T1) displayed higher anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity. In contrast, those with greater nutrient supply showed higher polyphenol content. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of soilless cultivation to optimize blueberry production under suboptimal soil conditions. Full article

The overreliance on non-renewable phosphate fertilizers necessitates sustainable alternatives for phosphorus recycling in agriculture. This study aimed to characterize and enhance the metabolic activity of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms isolated from compost by eliciting them with two distinct mesoporous silica nanoparticles: standard SBA-15-S and short-pore SBA-15-C. Bacterial strains with broad-spectrum P solubilization and mineralization capacities were isolated from the mesophilic phases of tomato greenhouse and cow manure composts. These isolates received treatment with nanoparticle concentrations of 0.1, 10, and 100 ppm. The results demonstrated that nanoparticle elicitation significantly altered microbial growth, solubilization halos on tricalcium phosphate, and the specific activity of acid, neutral, and alkaline phosphatases in a strain- and nanoparticle-dependent manner. Notably, SBA-15-C at 100 ppm consistently enhanced multiple P-recycling properties across several strains, including Proteus and Myroides species. Principal component analysis revealed distinct behavioral clusters between composting phases and isolation methods. The findings indicate that tailored silicon oxide nanostructures can serve as eustressors to modulate and enhance the P-solubilizing and mineralizing functions of compost-derived microbiota, offering a promising nanobiostimulation strategy for developing enhanced biofertilizers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cells derived from direct chemical reprogramming into osteoblasts represent a promising source for bone regeneration, but the efficiency needs improvement. Here, we systematically evaluated whether the natural compound psoralen (Psr) could enhance this process and explored its therapeutic potential and mechanism of action. Methods: Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were treated with a cocktail of forskolin and phenamil (FP), supplemented with Psr. In vitro differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red S staining, reverse transcription quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot. The bone-regenerative potential of the derived chemically induced osteoblast-like cells (ciOBs) was evaluated in critical-sized calvarial defects, femoral cortical defects and a subcutaneous ectopic implantation model, using micro-computed tomography and histology. Mechanistic insights of Psr were gained by analyzing the adenylyl cyclase 9 (ADCY9)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) axis using inhibitor SQ22536. Results: Psr acted synergistically with the FP cocktail to drive efficient osteogenic reprogramming of MEFs. At an optimal concentration of 25 μM, Psr enabled the most robust induction of early osteogenic markers and generation of mature, mineralizing ciOBs in vitro. In vivo, FP + Psr-induced ciOBs repaired critical-sized calvarial and femoral cortical defects and generated substantial, vascularized bone tissue in ectopic sites. Mechanistically, Psr co-treatment potently activated the ADCY9/cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway, and pharmacological inhibition of this pathway completely abolished the pro-osteogenic effects of Psr. Conclusions: Psr acts as a potent synergistic enhancer of direct chemical reprogramming, generating functional osteoblast-like cells with robust bone-regenerative capacity via activation of the ADCY9/cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Full article

Under high renewable energy penetration, nuclear power units face significant challenges in peak regulation and market clearing due to constraints on minimum technical output and ramping capability. To address this issue, a long-term power system of Guangdong Province in 2035 is taken as the study case, and an energy–reserve co-clearing simulation framework based on Security-Constrained Unit Commitment (SCUC) and Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED) is established to systematically evaluate the clearing performance of nuclear power and the formation mechanism of residual electricity under multiple market scenarios. On this basis, a nuclear power-coupled Alkaline Electrolysis (AEL) hydrogen production pathway is proposed as a peak-shaving utilization option, and an economic assessment model for nuclear-based hydrogen production is developed to quantify the investment performance under different hydrogen production capacities and operating modes. The results indicate that the integration of an AEL hydrogen production system can effectively alleviate the rigidity of nuclear power output. Under the “12-3-48-3” flexible peak-shaving mode, the residual electricity available for hydrogen production increases by approximately 30% compared with a typical peak-shaving strategy. Under scenarios with low electricity prices and green hydrogen prices, when the hydrogen production capacity is configured at 50–100 MW, the investment payback period is approximately six years, and the project exhibits strong economic robustness against variations in the discount rate. These findings demonstrate that nuclear-based hydrogen production is economically feasible in future power systems with high renewable penetration, providing quantitative support for nuclear flexibility enhancement and the coordinated development of low-carbon energy systems. Full article