Search Results (810)

To prepare a modified asphalt with excellent road performance, thermoplastic polyurethane/graphene oxide (TPU/GO) incorporating dynamic disulfide bonds was developed as an additive and the synergistic effect of TPU and GO on asphalt was evaluated. Modified asphalts with different TPU/GO contents (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%) were prepared and TPU-modified asphalts were also prepared as control groups. The compatibility between TPU/GO and asphalt was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy (FM) and the dispersion of GO in TPU and asphalt was observed by emission scanning electron microscope (SEM). The road performance of modified asphalts was also assessed in this study. The FM results show that TPU/GO has good compatibility with asphalt, and the SEM results reveal that GO can be uniformly dispersed in TPU matrix, so that GO can also be evenly dispersed in asphalt and avoid the problem of GO aggregation in asphalt. The results also demonstrate that TPU/GO-modified asphalt comprehensively utilizes the respective advantages of TPU and GO. TPU/GO-modified asphalt has excellent low-temperature performance compared with base asphalt. The 5 °C ductility of 8%TPU/GO-modified asphalt is 440% higher than that of base asphalt and the BBR test also showed that the stress relaxation capacity of TPU/GO-modified asphalt is also significantly stronger than that of base asphalt. Moreover, the introduction of GO in asphalt can improve the creep recovery rate and complex modulus compared with TPU-modified asphalt, indicating better high-temperature rutting resistance. Comprehensive performance evaluation indicates that 8% TPU/GO-modified asphalt is the optimal dosage for engineering applications, balancing high-temperature rutting resistance, storage stability, anti-aging performance, and low-temperature behavior. Full article

In this study, we evaluated the physiological effects of fermented metabolites derived from puffed grains (z), fermented using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NPKE6, a strain isolated from Korean water kimchi. In vitro assays showed that NPKE6-FM significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) and digestive enzyme activities (α-amylase, protease), suggesting its strong biofunctional potential. To confirm its in vivo efficacy, we established two inflammatory disease models—ulcerative colitis and liver injury—in male C57BL/6 mice. Colitis was induced by oral administration of 1% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, 1 mL), while liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen (APAP, 300 mg/kg) three times per week for 4 weeks. In disease-induced control groups, elevated serum biomarkers (AST, ALT, ALP) and reduced antioxidant activity were observed. Experimental groups received 10 or 50 mg/kg/day of NPKE6-FM for 4 weeks. Treatment significantly restored antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6. In the colitis model, NPKE6-FM alleviated DSS-induced tissue damage, evidenced by improved colon length, weight, and histological scores. Gene expression analysis showed downregulation of iNOS and COX-2 in colon tissues and Akt and MCP-1 in liver, indicating molecular anti-inflammatory effects. Although liver histopathology did not show marked improvement, biochemical and gene expression results supported its protective role. In summary, NPKE6-FM demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo, indicating its potential as a functional food additive to prevent or alleviate inflammatory conditions such as colitis and liver injury. Full article

Maize silage can play a key role in policies aimed at stabilising local energy systems, as it constitutes a critical renewable feedstock for European biogas plants. By providing a dense and predictable source of chemical energy, it supports balance and reliability in the agricultural energy sector. To convert this potential into stable energy production, operators require kinetic models that translate routine silage quality indicators into concrete guidance for digester operation and control. Therefore, the aim of this article was to evaluate the batch kinetics of anaerobic digestion (AD) of maize silage and to select an adequate model for describing biochemical methane potential (BMP) profiles and associated energy recovery in the context of start-up, organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and feedstock preparation. Ten batches of silage (A–J) were examined, covering a realistic range of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dry and volatile solids, ash, protein–fat–fibre fractions, fibre composition (NDF, ADF and ADL), derived fractions (hemicellulose, cellulose, and residual organic matter (OM)), C/N ratio and macro-/micronutrient profiles, including trace elements relevant to methanogenesis (Ni, Co, Mo, and Se). BMP tests were carried out in batch mode, and the resulting curves were fitted using the modified Gompertz and a first-order kinetic model. Methane yields of approx. 100–120 m³ CH₄/Mg fresh matter (FM) and 336–402 m³ CH₄/Mg volatile solids (VS), with CH₄ contents of 52–57% v/v, were typical for energy-grade maize silage. Kinetic and energetic behaviours were governed mainly by residual OM and hemicellulose (shortening the lag phase and increasing the maximum methane production rate), the ADL/cellulose ratio (controlling the slower hydrolytic tail), EC and Na/Cl/S (extending the lag phase), and C/N together with Ni/Co/Mo/Se (stabilising methanogenesis). The modified Gompertz model reproduced BMP curves with a pronounced lag phase and asymmetry more accurately (lower error and better information criterion values), and its parameters directly support start-up design, OLR ramp-up and energetic performance optimisation in bioenergy reactors. The novelty of this work lies in combining batch BMP tests, comparative kinetic modelling and detailed silage characterisation to establish quantitative links between kinetic parameters and routine maize silage quality indicators that are directly relevant for biogas plant operation and renewable energy production. Full article

Petroleum contamination significantly impacts soil microbial communities and vegetation; however, the long-term effectiveness of phytoremediation remains poorly understood. This study evaluated soil microbiological activity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations, and physiological responses five years after the remediation of a petroleum spill site in central Poland. Following a pipeline failure in June 2020 that released diesel fuel and gasoline into the riparian habitat, the contaminated area underwent remediation using Urtica dioica L. as the primary phytoremediator. Soil samples from five plots along a contamination gradient were analyzed for microbial abundance (total bacteria, fungi, fluorescent Pseudomonas sp.), PAH fractions (C6–C12, C13–C16, C17–C35), and physicochemical properties. Chlorophyll fluorescence (JIP test) on two species was used to assess plant photosynthetic efficiency. Results revealed that successful PAH degradation required high fungal abundance rather than optimal soil fertility. Plots with 8–9-fold higher fungal populations achieved 69–81% reduction in heavy PAHs (C17–C35), while the Control plot, despite superior physicochemical properties, maintained high contamination due to low fungal colonization. Urtica dioica exhibited exceptional tolerance (stable maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) and elevated photosynthetic performance index (PIabs)) across all contamination levels, whereas Poa trivialis L. showed significant stress responses. The principal component analysis confirmed that soil texture influences fungal establishment, with sandy soils favoring aerobic degradation despite lower nutrient retention. These findings demonstrate that phytoremediation success depends critically on fungal-mediated biodegradation rather than baseline soil quality alone. Full article

Frequent agricultural and pastoral activities in northern China’s agro-pastoral ecotone have resulted in severe soil salinization. Although phytoremediation is currently the recommended remediation strategy, plant growth is often hindered by microbial deficiencies, nutrient limitations, and high salt content. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are prevalent in saline soils and have been shown to facilitate the growth of various forage grasses. However, highly efficient “AMF strain–leguminous forage grass” remediation systems are currently lacking in this area. This study examined the impact of nine AMF strains sourced from the Bank of Glomeromycota in China (BGC) on the growth and salt tolerance mechanisms of Medicago sativa and Astragalus adsurgens via pot experiment. The results showed that all the strains, except Funneliformis mosseae BGC NM04A (Fm-2), exhibited significant promotion of the growth of both leguminous forage species. Specifically, the growth of M. sativa increased by 157% to 354%, and that of A. adsurgens increased by 15.2% to 252%. The impact of different strains on plant-soluble sugar and protein content was found to vary, with Rhizophagus intraradices BGC BJ09 (Rin) and Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL 43194 (Rir-1) having particularly pronounced effects. Most of the AMF strains enhanced the uptake of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in the shoots of both plant species. Additionally, all strains except for Fm-2 exhibited a significant increase in the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in M. sativa shoots. In contrast, only Claroideoglomus etunicatum BGC GZ03C (Ce-1) and Rir-1 demonstrated a substantial increase in the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in A. adsurgens. Following a comprehensive assessment, several highly effective combinations were identified: M. sativa in combination with Ce-1, F. mosseae BGC HUN01A (Fm-1), or Rir-1; and A. adsurgens with Rir-1 or Fm-1. These “forage–AMF strain” combinations have been demonstrated to alleviate salt stress by enhancing mycorrhizal effects, regulating ion homeostasis, and optimizing osmotic regulatory substances. Our findings have clarified the intraspecific and interspecific differences in AMF in mitigating salt stress, emphasizing the potential of AMF as a sustainable strategy to improve the stress resistance and productivity of leguminous forages in the saline agro-pastoral ecotone. Full article

Objective: Physical exercise is an effective supportive strategy in oncology, yet its implementation remains limited, particularly in patients with metastatic breast cancer. This prospective pilot program aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week supervised multicomponent exercise program on quality of life, functional capacity, and biological parameters in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Methods: Prospective single-arm pilot program. In total, 44 women with early or metastatic breast cancer were enrolled; 29 completed the full intervention and assessments. The program consisted of supervised aerobic, resistance, mobility, and neuromuscular training three times per week. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Strength, body composition, functional mobility (Functional Movement Screen, FMS), 6 min walk test (6MWT), and laboratory markers (RDW, HDL, and cholesterol profile) were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Results: Significant improvements were observed in global quality of life (+19.5%, p = 0.002), physical function (p = 0.006), emotional function (p = 0.003), and fatigue reduction (p = 0.007). The FMS total score increased significantly (p = 0.001), and 6MWT distance improved by 110 m (p < 0.001). Biochemical analyses showed a significant reduction in RDW (p = 0.005), a pro-inflammatory marker, and an increase in HDL cholesterol (p = 0.007). The intervention was well tolerated, with no exercise-related serious adverse events and high adherence to the supervised program. Conclusions: A 12-week supervised exercise program is feasible and beneficial for women with breast cancer, including those with metastatic disease. It is associated with improvements in quality of life, functional mobility, and selected markers of systemic inflammation. These findings should be considered exploratory and support the integration of structured exercise into routine oncologic care, pending confirmation in larger controlled studies. Full article

The whiting, Merlangius merlangus, is a key cold-temperate demersal species in the Black Sea, yet information on its essential habitats and demographic structure remains limited for effective regional management. This study combined fishery-independent bottom trawl surveys with in situ hydrographic observations to identify autumn hotspots of recruits and adults along the southern Black Sea and to assess their relationships with environmental gradients. A stratified random survey (10–125 m) was conducted in autumn 2024, with data collected from 66 hauls. The population showed a strong female bias, with females comprising 67.9% of individuals (F:M = 2.12:1), significantly deviating from a 1:1 sex ratio. Length–weight relationships indicated positive allometric growth in females (b = 3.16), isometric growth in males (b = 3.03), and overall positive allometry for the combined population (b = 3.15). The relative condition factor (Kn) was close to unity (1.01 ± 0.10), suggesting stable body condition during the survey period. Generalized Additive Models with a Tweedie distribution revealed that depth–temperature interactions were the primary drivers of distribution for both recruits and adults, explaining 74.7% and 69.5% of deviance, respectively. Recruits concentrated at 40–75 m within 10–15 °C, while adults extended beyond 100 m, associated with the upper Cold Intermediate Layer. These findings highlight hydrographically dynamic nursery and feeding habitats, underscoring the need for adaptive, habitat-based spatial management of this shared Black Sea stock. Full article

Fibromyalgia (FM) is associated with increased suicidal behavior (SB). This critical review integrates the ideation-to-action models—Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS), Three-Step Theory (3ST), and Integrated Motivational–Volitional (IMV) Model—with clinical and neuropsychological correlates to discriminate between suicidal ideation (the motivational component) and suicidal action (the volitional component) in FM. Ideation is related to hopelessness, perceived burden, thwarted belongingness, and entrapment, as well as to pain/interference, sleep disturbances, fatigue, mood, pain catastrophizing, and attentional pain vigilance. The transition to action is associated with impulsivity, executive dysfunction (including inhibitory control, flexibility, and decision-making under ambiguity/risk), acquired capability due to repeated exposure to pain and medical procedures, and access to lethal means. Suicidal planning is conceptualized as high-severity ideation, while action includes preparatory behaviors and suicide attempts. Evidence from Spanish instruments is synthesized—Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale (PSRS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (Item 9 of the BDI-II), and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire—Revised (SBQ-R)—pointing out overlaps with pain/depression and the lack of specific validation in FM. Prospective cohorts, standardization of definitions/windows, comparable neuropsychological batteries, and mechanistic trials on motivational and volitional targets and interventions focused on pain reduction are proposed. Full article

To elucidate the modification and pre-swelling mechanisms of instant bituminous modifiers and their contribution to bituminous materials’ performance, this study investigates an instant ultra-high-performance bitumen modifier (SHVE-M). Fluorescence microscopy (FM), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), physical property tests, viscoelastic properties tests, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and mixture pavement performance tests were employed to systematically characterise the instant modified bitumen (SHVE-MB) and its mixture (SHVE-MBM). The results indicate that SHVE-M forms a stable “bitumen phase–polymer spherical phase” structure. ImageJ-win64 analysis revealed that SHVE-M exhibits a modifier area fraction of 46.68% and an average area fraction of 0.22‰, while SHVE-MB achieves a modifier area fraction of 17.54% and an average area fraction of 0.18‰. This morphology is supported by a large molecular size (LMS) content of 43% in SHVE-M. In terms of physical properties, the SHVE-MB (prepared via 10 min shearing) exhibited a penetration of 46.2 dmm, a softening point of 91.7 °C, and a ductility of 34.3 cm. These values are highly comparable to the conventional wet-process HVE-MB (prepared via 4 h maturation), with negligible differences of 0.5 dmm, 1.7 °C, and 1.4 cm, respectively. Quantitatively for viscoelasticity, SHVE-MB achieved a dynamic viscosity of 425,283.4 Pa·s at 60 °C and an elastic recovery rate of 92.1%, paralleling the 414,623.7 Pa·s and 93.6% of HVE-MB. Regarding mixture performance, the high-temperature dynamic stability (DS) of SHVE-MBM reached 7974 times/mm, approaching the 8256 times/mm of HVE-MBM. The water stability was excellent with a splitting tensile strength ratio (TSR) of 97.4% (vs. 98.0% for HVE-MBM). Furthermore, the low-temperature fracture toughness (K_IC) reached 39.8 N/mm^1.5, significantly outperforming SBS-MBM (27.9 N/mm^1.5) and remaining close to HVE-MBM (43.9 N/mm^1.5). These findings indicate that SHVE-MB effectively bridges the performance gap between instant and traditional high-viscosity modified bitumen, and the pre-swelling mechanism of SHVE-M is well characterized in this study. Full article

Stropharia rugosoannulata is efficiently cultivated using agricultural and forestry wastes, such as sawdust and straw, and has gained popularity in China for its rich nutrition and excellent taste. However, traditional cultivation methods, which lack nitrogen supplementation, often result in low yields and poor fruiting body quality. This study evaluated the effects of protein-rich supplements (PRSs)—feather meal (FM), soybean meal (SM), and their mixture (FS)—on substrate properties, yield, and nutritional quality. PRS significantly increased substrate total nitrogen (TN), reduced the C/N ratio, and improved fruiting body yield, with FM achieving the highest yield (6.80 kg·m⁻²). Moreover, FM and FS significantly enhanced the contents of crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein, crude polysaccharides, total amino acids (TAAs), essential amino acids (EAAs), and umami amino acids (p < 0.05). Additionally, FS significantly enhanced antioxidant activity and 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity of crude polysaccharides (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the potential of PRS to optimize S. rugosoannulata cultivation, offering a cost-effective strategy to improve commercial production. Full article

Improving both the high- and low-temperature performance of asphalt is still difficult in modern pavement applications. This performance imbalance has motivated the development of new modification strategies that can enhance temperature stability while maintaining construction workability. In this research, a low-molecular-weight elastic polyolefin (POL) with inherent compatibility was introduced as a novel asphalt modifier. POL was incorporated at five dosages (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight of asphalt) to investigate its effects on the fundamental physical, rheological, and low-temperature properties of the asphalt. The rheological behavior was characterized by dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR), while the modification mechanism and dispersion morphology were analyzed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and fluorescence microscopy (FM). The results reveal that POL markedly improves the high-temperature performance and workability of asphalt, with the rutting factor increasing by two- to eightfold. POL modification improved the thermal stability of asphalt, shifting the maximum decomposition temperature from 455.2 °C for the base binder to 461–463 °C, while the total mass loss remained nearly constant at 80–83%. Microscopic observations confirm that POL forms a physically blended network within the asphalt matrix, exhibiting a green fluorescent structure that becomes progressively continuous with increasing dosage. The most homogeneous dispersion and optimal compatibility occur at a POL dosage of 6%, beyond which phase segregation emerges and low-temperature properties deteriorate. Accordingly, a 6% POL dosage is recommended for achieving balanced performance. These findings provide theoretical and practical guidance for the development of balanced performance and thermally stable POL-modified asphalt materials. Full article

Salt stress is a severe threat to medicinal plants, adversely affecting their growth, yield, and quality. As a key antioxidant tripeptide, glutathione (GSH) confers salinity stress resilience in plants. However, how GSH shapes the plant tolerance to salt stress remains a mystery, especially in medicinal plants, including Pogostemon cablin. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of exogenous GSH on P. cablin seedlings under salt conditions. The results showed that GSH significantly improved seedling quality under both normal and salt conditions, evidenced by the increased shoot and root dry weight, plant height, and root length. Moreover, GSH effectively protected the photosynthetic system against salt-mediated damage via raised chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, quantum yield of photosystem II [Y (II)], and PSII maximum efficiency (Fv/Fm). Furthermore, GSH stimulated the antioxidant defense system, including GSH, AsA, SOD, CAT, APX, POD, and GR, to restrain salt-induced malondialdehyde production and ROS burst. In addition, GSH treatment promoted the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including total polyphenol and flavonoid. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the activation of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway significantly enhanced salt tolerance in P. cablin. Notably, several key regulatory genes within this pathway, including PAL, 4CL, C4H, CHI, ANS, F3′H, and CYP93, were significantly upregulated 24 h following GSH application under salt conditions. Therefore, exogenous GSH alleviates salt-induced oxidative stress in P. cablin via enhancing the antioxidant defense system and flavonoid biosynthetic activation. These findings provide valuable insights into the dual defense strategies of GSH for conferring salt resistance in plants. Full article

In view of the depletion of high-grade magnesite resources in China, this study presents a comparative analysis of two industrial fused magnesia products produced via a flotation–fusion route. A low-grade magnesite (DSQLM-3, MgO 41.48 wt.%) was upgraded by reverse flotation to a concentrate (FDSQLM-3, MgO 47.55 wt.%) with >97% SiO₂ removal. Two fused magnesia samples (FM-1 from natural high-grade ore DSQLM-1; FFM-3 from concentrate FDSQLM-3) were produced under identical arc-furnace melting (2800 °C, 4 h), followed by natural cooling. Although FFM-3 showed higher MgO (97.61 vs. 97.25 wt.%), its bulk density was comparable to FM-1 (3.45 vs. 3.46 g/cm³). XRD/Rietveld refinement and SEM-EDS indicated that CMS dominated the Ca–silicate assemblage in FM-1, whereas β/γ-C₂S was observed in FFM-3, coinciding with a higher CaO/SiO₂ (C/S) ratio (2.85 vs. 0.68). Image analysis further showed higher grain boundary microcrack metrics in FFM-3. These observations are consistent with reports in the literature stating that the β → γ transformation of C₂S during cooling involves ~12% volume expansion that can contribute to cracking; however, cooling history and composition were not independently controlled in this industrial comparison, so the relationships are interpreted as data-supported associations rather than isolated causality. The results suggest that beneficiation strategies may benefit from managing residual oxide balance (especially C/S ratio) in addition to reducing total impurities. Mechanical and thermomechanical properties were not measured and should be evaluated in future work. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding Red kojic rice (RKR) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of Litopenaeus vannamei fed a diet with fishmeal replacement by soybean meal. Shrimps (initial mean weight = 1.88 ± 0.03 g) were fed six experimental diets for 8 weeks, including a normal fishmeal control group (FM), a soybean meal-replaced fishmeal group (H0), and four soybean meal-replaced fishmeal groups supplemented with 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4% RKR, respectively, which are designated as H1, H2, H3, and H4, respectively. Each group had three replicates, with 30 shrimp per replicate. The results showed that the final average weight (FWG), weight gain rate (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) of H2 group were significantly higher than those of H0, H3, and H4 groups (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of H2 group was significantly lower than that of H0 and H4 groups (p < 0.05). In contrast to the H0 group, the blood ACP activity in the H2 group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The blood lysozyme (LYZ) activity in H3 group was significantly higher than that in H1 group (p < 0.05), while the opposite was true for phenoloxidase (PO). The activities of trypsin and amylase in hepatopancreas of H3 group were significantly higher than those of H0 and H1 groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the FM group, the hepatopancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in H0, H3, and H4 groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with the H0 group, the hepatopancreatic MDA levels in H1 and H2 groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Analysis of gene expression levels in hepatopancreas revealed that antioxidant (gpx, sod, cat, gst, nrf2, trx, and ho-1), non-specific immune (tnf-α, il-1β, and ifn-γ), and digestive (trypsin and α-amylase) genes were suppressed in the H0 group but enhanced by RKR supplementation. Similar expression patterns of those genes were observed in the intestine. Microbial community analysis showed reduced diversity and altered composition in the H0 group, which were partially restored by RKR. Network analysis showed “small-world” property in microbial co-occurrence network. Metabolomic analysis revealed that among the differential metabolites, Bismurrayaquinone A and Harmol exhibit highly significant differences. Correlation analysis revealed that beneficial bacteria Rhodococcus_C and Oceanobacillus in H2 group exhibited higher richness and showed significant correlation. In conclusion, supplementation of 0.5–2% RKR promoted the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of shrimp fed a diet with fishmeal replacement by soybean meal. The optimal RKR supplementing content is 1%. Full article

We used chlorophyll fluorescence techniques to investigate seasonal variations in photosystem II (PSII) quantum yield in five-year-old saplings of the sclerophyllous Peumus boldus Molina (evergreen) and Colliguaja odorifera Molina (semideciduous) planted in a semiarid site with a Mediterranean-type climate. Chlorophyll fluorescence rise kinetics (OJIP) were monitored monthly for one year (September 2024 to September 2025). With this information, we estimated the relative deviation of the performance index (PI_ABS) of each species from the average PI_ABS in each season (denoted as ∆PI_ABS). P. boldus was associated with destruction of PSII reaction centers and incapacity for electron transport, i.e., higher values of parameters ABS/RC (effective antenna size of an active reaction center) and F₀ (minimal fluorescence), whereas C. odorifera was associated with higher photosynthetic performance i.e., higher values of PI_ABS, PI_TOT (total performance index), F_V/F₀ (ratio between variable and minimal fluorescence), and F_V/F_M (maximum quantum yield of primary PSII photochemistry). P_IABS exhibited a 52 and 38% reduction (i.e., −∆PI_ABS) during spring and winter in P. boldus, but an increase (i.e., +∆PI_ABS) of 52 and 37% in the same seasons for C. odorifera. P. boldus was considerably more depressed during the winter–spring season than the summer months. This suggests that PSII function in P. boldus is more sensitive to low temperatures in winter and spring than the lack of water and high temperatures during summer. Full article