Search Results (452)

Due to the growing issue of plastic pollution over recent decades, it is essential to establish well-defined and appropriate methodologies for their extraction from diverse environmental samples. These particles can be found in complex agricultural matrices such as compost, sediments, agricultural soils, sludge, and wastewater, as well as in less complex samples like tap and bottled water. The general steps of MPs extraction typically include drying the sample, sieving to remove larger particles, removal of organic matter, density separation to isolate polymers, filtration using meshes of various sizes, oven drying of the filters, and polymer identification. Complex matrices with high organic matter content require specific removal steps. Most studies employ an initial drying process with temperature control to prevent polymer damage. For removal of organic matter, 30% H₂O₂ is the most commonly used reagent, and for density separation, saturated NaCl and ZnCl₂ solutions are typically applied for low- and high-density polymers, respectively. Finally, filtration is carried out using meshes selected according to the identification technique. This review analyzes the advantages and limitations of the different methodologies to extract microplastics from different sources, aiming to provide in-depth insight for researchers dedicated to the study of environmental samples. Full article

The development of deep coalbed methane (buried depth > 2000 m) in the Yan’an block of Ordos Basin is limited by low permeability, the pore structure of the coal reservoir, and the gas–water occurrence relationship. It is urgent to clarify the key control mechanism of pore structure on gas migration. In this study, based on high-pressure mercury intrusion (pore size > 50 nm), low-temperature N₂/CO₂ adsorption (0.38–50 nm), low-field nuclear magnetic resonance technology, fractal theory and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, quantitative characterization of multi-scale pore–fluid system was carried out. The results show that the multi-scale pore network in the study area jointly regulates the occurrence and migration process of deep coalbed methane in Yan’an through the ternary hierarchical gas control mechanism of ‘micropore adsorption dominant, mesopore diffusion connection and macroporous seepage bottleneck’. The fractal dimensions of micropores and seepage are between 2.17–2.29 and 2.46–2.58, respectively. The shape of micropores is relatively regular, the complexity of micropore structure is low, and the confined space is mainly slit-like or ink bottle-like. The pore-throat network structure is relatively homogeneous, the difference in pore throat size is reduced, and the seepage pore shape is simple. The bimodal structure of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance shows that the bound fluid is related to the development of micropores, and the fluid mobility mainly depends on the seepage pores. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed that the specific surface area of micropores was strongly positively correlated with methane adsorption capacity, and the nanoscale pore-size dominated gas occurrence through van der Waals force physical adsorption. The specific surface area of mesopores is significantly positively correlated with the tortuosity. The roughness and branch structure of the inner surface of the channel lead to the extension of the migration path and the inhibition of methane diffusion efficiency. Seepage porosity is linearly correlated with gas permeability, and the scale of connected seepage pores dominates the seepage capacity of reservoirs. This study reveals the pore structure and ternary grading synergistic gas control mechanism of deep coal reservoirs in the Yan’an Block, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of deep coalbed methane. Full article

Background: The short strand-related sequence (SRS) gene family is a class of plant-specific transcription factors related to a group of genes known as the short internode (SHI) or SRS/STY gene family, which plays important roles in regulating plant growth and development and stress responses. Although the SRS genes have been studied in many plants, in cucurbit crops, they have thus far only been identified in cucumber. Methods: In the Cucurbitaceae database from melon (Cucumis melo), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), wax gourd (Benincasa hispida), moschata pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), a total of 60 SRS genes were identified in seven Cucurbitaceae crops, which were classified into three subfamilies. Results: The same subfamily showed conserved motifs and gene structures. The differences in the number of SRS genes in different Cucurbitaceae crops implied likely gene loss or duplication events during evolution. Analysis of promoter cis-regulatory elements indicated that these SRS genes may be involved in hormone response, growth and development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants. Most of the CmSRS genes in melons were expressed in the roots, with a few expressed in the leaves and ovaries. In addition, CmSRS expression was induced by biotic (wilt and powdery mildew) and abiotic (drought and salt) stresses. Subcellular localization of CmSRS proteins showed predominant expression in the nucleus. Conclusions: A total of 60 Cucurbitaceae SRS genes are present in the genomes of seven Cucurbitaceae crops. These cucurbit SRS genes seem to have maintained similar characteristics and functions during the evolutionary process. These results lay the foundation for the study of biological functions of SRS genes in Cucurbitaceae crops. Full article

Due to increasing environmental concerns and the constant development of the bottling industry, research into the environmental impact of beverage packaging processes is crucial. The aim of this article is to determine the environmental impact, in selected aspects, of automated beverage bottling and packaging processes using life cycle analysis (LCA). The analysis covers key process stages, such as filling, packaging and internal transport, in the context of raw material consumption, but also energy and waste generation. This work focuses primarily on the impact of changing the raw material used for bottle and shrink film production on the environmental impact of the studied technical facility within the adopted system boundaries and on analyzing scenarios for the management of these post-consumer materials. This research has shown that the stage associated with the greatest negative environmental impact is the shrinking of the film around the bottles. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that recycling plastic film and bottle waste is a more environmentally friendly solution than landfill disposal. The analysis shows that using recycled materials in the tested production line allows for the reduction of harmful emissions and a reduction in the overall environmental footprint of the tested system. Full article

Protein and amino acid content are the crucial quality parameters in bottle gourd, and traditional measurement methods for detecting those parameters are complicated, time-consuming, and costly. In this study, we employed NIRS along with machine learning and neural network-based methods to model and predict protein and free amino acids (FAAs) of bottle gourd. Specifically, the content of protein and FAAs were measured through conventional methods. Then a near-infrared analyzer was utilized to obtain the spectral data, which were processed using multiple scattering correction (MSC) and standard normalized variate (SNV). The processed spectral data were further processed using feature importance selection to select the feature bands that had the highest correlation with protein and FAAs, respectively. The models for protein and FAAs estimation were developed using support vector regression (SVR), ridge regression (RR), random forest regression (RFR), and fully connected neural networks (FCNNs). Among them, ridge regression achieved the optimal performance, with determination coefficients (R²) of 0.96 and 0.77 on the protein and FAAs test sets, respectively, and root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.23 and 0.5, respectively. Based on this, we developed a precise and rapid prediction model for the important quality indices of bottle gourd. Full article

This research assesses the impacts of five cleaner production (CP) profiles of soap products and the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of liquid detergent production lines. A simulation model was built to depict the “As-Is” condition, and then the overall equipment effectiveness was calculated. Results showed high rejection rates and bottlenecks, resulting in long average cycle times and waiting times, as well as low production rates and machine utilization. Consequently, lean, agile, and resilient actions were utilized to enhance the OEE of the line’s processes. The improvement results showed that the bottle placement, filling, labeling, and taping processes were enhanced by 237%, 4.67%, 5.41%, and 26.02%, respectively. Moreover, the smallest percentages of availability, quality, and performance were 97.46%, 99.82%, and 81.56%, respectively, indicating a considerable enhancement in the performance of the line’s processes. Further, cleaner production assessment was performed on soap products to estimate environmental profile indices for raw material, energy, product, waste, and packaging. The estimated overall environmental index was 107.93, with liquid waste contributing the largest index value. Therefore, a proposal for a water treatment system was suggested and then assessed. In conclusion, lean, agile, and resilient actions were found to be effective in enhancing the OEE of production processes. Moreover, cleaner production provided valuable support to decision-makers in determining the appropriate actions for improving the OEE and environmental performance of the technological processes and products of detergent production lines. Full article

Consumer demand for low-alcohol acidic beers is driving the use of non-conventional yeasts in the brewing process. In this study, the addition of mixed berries and fermentation with L. thermotolerans L31 are performed in crafting a low-alcohol acidic beer. Four different beers were brewed in the primary stage with either Saccharomyces cerevisiae or L. thermotolerans and with or without added berry mixture. Beer was fermented for 8 days at 20 °C, stored, and bottled. pH, density, alcoholic content, bitterness, and color of final beer were analyzed for all samples using analytical methods. Volatile compounds, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity were also evaluated. Sensory analysis was performed and correlated (PCA) with the analytical results. The obtained data indicated that beers brewed with L. thermotolerans were significantly more acidic and less bitter than S. cerevisiae beers. No difference in alcoholic content was found. Fruity aroma-associated compounds were present in L. thermotolerans beers, which correlated with the sensory analysis. Fruit beers were also redder and showed higher anthocyanin content and stronger antioxidant activity due to the presence of anthocyanins such as cyanidin, delphinidin, and malvidin from fruit, and other antioxidant compounds. Full article

Recycling plastic waste has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. One of the biggest challenges in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling is the requirement to return bottles in their original, undeformed state. This necessitates storing large volumes of waste and takes up substantial space. Therefore, this paper seeks to address this issue and introduces a novel AIoT-based infrastructure that integrates the PET Bottle Identification Algorithm (PBIA), which can accurately recognize bottles regardless of color or condition and distinguish them from other waste. A detailed study of Azure Custom Vision services for PET bottle identification is conducted, evaluating its object recognition capabilities and overall performance within an intelligent waste management framework. A key contribution of this work is the development of the Algorithm for Citizens’ Trust Level by Recycling (ACTLR), which assigns trust levels to individuals based on their recycling behavior. This paper also details the development of a cost-effective prototype of the AIoT system, demonstrating its low-cost feasibility for real-world implementation, using the Asus Tinker Board as the primary hardware. The software application is designed to monitor the collection process across multiple recycling points, offering Microsoft Azure cloud-hosted data and insights. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating this prototype on a large scale at minimal cost. Moreover, the algorithm integrates the allocation points for proper recycling and penalizes fraudulent activities. This innovation has the potential to streamline the recycling process, reduce logistical burdens, and significantly improve public participation by making it more convenient to store and return used plastic bottles. Full article

Consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for high-quality extra virgin olive oils (HQ-EVOOs) with specific sensory or nutraceutical properties, and originating from particular botanical or geographical origins. Regarding geographic origin, Italy is one of the main producers, with many local production areas, each characterized by its own distinctive typicity. The aim of this study is the chemical, sensory, and nutraceutical profiling of HQ-EVOO produced over two production years in Montespertoli (province of Florence) by 12 producers involved in the “MontEspertOlio” project, funded by the Tuscan Region. Oils were produced based on a production process previously defined and specifically applied to this territory. The shelf-life of the oil was also evaluated over a 12-month period. Legal quality parameters were analyzed according to EU regulation. Phenolic compounds, tocopherols, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds were analyzed using HPLC-DAD, HPLC-FLD, HS-SPME-GC-MS, and GC-FID, respectively. Finally, sensory analysis was conducted using the Panel Test method. Results showed that Montespertoli HQ-EVOO is characterized by distinctive sensory and chemical traits that fully match consumer preferences, even across two production years characterized by different growing conditions. The shelf-life performance was excellent over 12 months, also showing a protective effect of greater bottle sizes against oxidation. Full article

This article describes the case of the personal items found in common graves dated between 1939 and 1956 after the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), located in Paterna’s cemetery (Spain). It was important in this study to know the state of the conservation of the objects and to obtain clues about their origin and use just as in a forensic study. This would allow the moral restitution of the historical memory of the victims of the war conflict. The multi-technique strategy has included light and electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Materials of the early 20th century used in pencil sharpeners, glasses, cutlery, lighters, rings, and buttons or medications contained in small bottles and boxes have been identified and have enabled the lives of their owners to be reconstructed during their imprisonment and execution. All these objects exhibited a thin layer of adipocere, a well-known compound in forensic science formed during the decomposition of human and animal corpses. Interestingly, rare corrosion processes have been identified in two of the objects analyzed, which are linked to their proximity to the decomposing corpses of the deceased. Copper sulfides and/or sulfates have been identified in the lighter, and scholzite, a zinc and calcium phosphate, has been identified in the glasses. Full article

Non-conformities—deviations from established standards or procedures—can significantly impact product quality and process performance. Although various tools and methodologies exist, current research lacks an integrated, deferred, and corrective approach to non-conformance management that bridges day-to-day operations with systematic quality control. The proposed tool aims to address this gap by providing a practical framework that combines batch data processing using the “Daily Challenge” tool with structured problem solving and corrective strategies. It serves as a comprehensive decision-making tool for systematically managing deviations. The methodology begins with identifying non-conformities through data collection and direct observation, followed by focused reporting and active discussion during departmental meetings. Issues are then categorized based on their frequency, operational impact, and resource requirements to determine the appropriate resolution path—whether through immediate correction or detailed analysis using structured tools such as the “Daily Challenge” sheet. It integrates well-established methodologies such as 5M and PDCA into a structured, daily workflow for resolving non-conformities. Implemented solutions are evaluated for effectiveness with ongoing monitoring to ensure continuous improvement. A key feature of this system is the use of the “Daily Challenge” form, which facilitates documentation, accountability, and knowledge retention—helping to reduce the recurrence of similar situations. The case studies illustrate the methodology through two examples: a labeling issue involving the omission of quantity information on product labels due to operator oversight and the management of production downtime caused by equipment and sensor failures. Although a standard existed, the errors revealed the need for reinforced procedures. Corrective actions included revising procedures, retraining personnel, repairing and recalibrating equipment, enhancing maintenance protocols, and using visual documentation to enhance process understanding. The “Daily Challenge” tool provides a replicable framework for managing non-conformities across various industries, aligning operational practices with quality assurance goals. By integrating structured analysis, clear documentation, and corrective strategies, it fosters a culture of continuous improvement and compliance. Full article

Aquatic floating debris detection is a key technological foundation for ecological monitoring and integrated water environment management. It holds substantial scientific and practical value in applications such as pollution source tracing, floating debris control, and maritime navigation safety. However, this field faces ongoing challenges due to water surface polarization. Reflections of polarized light produce intense glare, resulting in localized overexposure, detail loss, and geometric distortion in captured images. These optical artifacts severely impair the performance of conventional detection algorithms, increasing both false positives and missed detections. To overcome these imaging challenges in complex aquatic environments, we propose a novel YOLOv8-based detection framework with integrated polarized light suppression mechanisms. The framework consists of four key components: a fisheye distortion correction module, a polarization feature processing layer, a customized residual network with Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) attention, and a cascaded pipeline for super-resolution reconstruction and deblurring. Additionally, we developed the PSF-IMG dataset (Polarized Surface Floats), which includes common floating debris types such as plastic bottles, bags, and foam boards. Extensive experiments demonstrate the network’s robustness in suppressing polarization artifacts and enhancing feature stability under dynamic optical conditions. Full article

Recent advances in visual programming tools for algorithmic modelling have significantly expanded the possibilities for designing industrial products. This study analyses the capacity and adaptability of Grasshopper, a graphical algorithm editor integrated with Rhinoceros 3D, as a parametric design tool in the development of product platforms. Three case studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of parameter configuration in product families: perfume bottles, outdoor furniture, and desk organisers. The analysis provided insight into the ability of Grasshopper to (1) automate the generation of product variants within platforms; (2) enable the flexible creation of scalable, customised design alternatives; and (3) improve efficiency in the platform design process in terms of time and technical resources. The results show that Grasshopper provides strong capabilities for customising geometric parameters compared to traditional modelling in Rhinoceros 3D. However, its adaptability is more limited when customisation involves interdependent parameters, such as those related to ergonomics or usability, due to the difficulty of translating these requirements into algorithmic structures. In addition, the initial definition of parameters and constraints may restrict modifications in later design phases. These findings underline the need for algorithm models that support iterative adjustments and flexible reconfiguration throughout all phases of the design process. Full article

In the field of enhanced oil recovery (EOR), particularly for water control in high-temperature reservoirs, there is a critical need for effective in-depth water shutoff and conformance control technologies. Polymer-based in situ-cross-linked gels are extensively employed for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), yet their short gelation time under high-temperature reservoir conditions (e.g., >120 °C) limits effective in-depth water shutoff and conformance control. To address this, we developed a hydrogel system via the in situ cross-linking of polyacrylamide (PAM) with phenolic resin (PR), reinforced by silica sol (SS) nanoparticles. We employed a variety of research methods, including bottle tests, viscosity and rheology measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) scanning, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) measurement, contact angle (CA) measurement, injectivity and temporary plugging performance evaluations, etc. The composite gel exhibits an exceptional gelation period of 72 h at 130 °C, surpassing conventional systems by more than 4.5 times in terms of duration. The gelation rate remains almost unchanged with the introduction of SS, due to the highly pre-dispersed silica nanoparticles that provide exceptional colloidal stability and the system’s pH changing slightly throughout the gelation process. DFT and SEM results reveal that synergistic interactions between organic (PAM-PR networks) and inorganic (SS) components create a stacked hybrid network, enhancing both mechanical strength and thermal stability. A core flooding experiment demonstrates that the gel system achieves 92.4% plugging efficiency. The tailored nanocomposite allows for the precise management of gelation kinetics and microstructure formation, effectively addressing water control and enhancing the plugging effect in high-temperature reservoirs. These findings advance the mechanistic understanding of organic–inorganic hybrid gel systems and provide a framework for developing next-generation EOR technologies under extreme reservoir conditions. Full article

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of viticulture in the Tacoronte-Acentejo Designation of Origin was the primary goal of this research, aiming to examine and quantify the environmental impacts generated by viticulture and winemaking processes. Data for the investigation were collected through tailored questionnaires administered to viticulturists and winemakers affiliated with the Regulatory Council of the Tacoronte-Acentejo Designation of Origin. These surveys were designed to gather detailed information on the inputs used in both viticulture and winemaking processes, encompassing all stages of production. The results were classified into the following four environmental impact categories: carbon footprint, human toxicity, depletion of fossil energies, and ozone layer depletion. In viticulture, the major contributors to environmental impact included vehicle fuel consumption, pesticide application, and the use of copper sulfate. In the winery phase of production, electricity consumption and glass bottle production were the primary factors with significant environmental implications. These findings provide valuable insights for vineyard and winery managers in favor of implementing more sustainable practices, such as reducing fuel for vehicles and machinery and the use of pesticides in the vineyard phase, and reducing glass bottle usage and electricity consumption in the winery phase. Through this research, they will be able to focus their efforts on the inputs that generate the greatest environmental impacts in order to reduce them. Full article