Search Results (56,046)

A key challenge in precision agriculture is acquiring reliable spatial soil information under varying sampling densities, from sparse surveys to intensive monitoring. The individual predictive soil mapping (iPSM) method performs well in data-scarce conditions but neglects spatial proximity, limiting its predictive accuracy where spatial autocorrelation exists. To overcome this, we developed an enhanced framework, iPSM-Spatial Distance (iPSM-SD), which systematically integrates spatial proximity through multiplicative (MUL) and additive (ADD) strategies. The framework was validated using two contrasting cases: sparse soil organic carbon density data from Yunnan Province (n = 118) and dense soil organic matter data from Bayi Farm (n = 2511). Results show that the additive model (iPSM-ADD) significantly outperformed the original iPSM and benchmark models, including random forest, regression kriging, geographically weighted regression, and multiple linear regression, under sufficient sampling, achieving an R² of 0.86 and reducing RMSE by 46.6% at Bayi Farm. It also maintained robust accuracy under sparse sampling conditions. The iPSM-SD framework thus provides a unified and adaptive tool for digital soil mapping across a wide range of data availability, supporting scalable soil management decisions from regional assessment to field-scale variable-rate applications in precision agriculture. Full article

The reliable joining of dissimilar stainless steel and carbon steel remains a critical challenge in Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding due to complex thermal–metallurgical interactions and the formation of brittle phases at the weld interface. In this study, a Taguchi-based design of experiments was employed to systematically optimize MIG welding parameters for SUS201/S20C dissimilar joints using a SUS201 filler wire, with particular attention to the welding current, voltage, travel speed, and electrode stick-out. The welding process was performed using an automatic welding robot. Tensile specimens were tested on a universal testing machine. Microstructural analysis was performed using a metallurgical microscope. The microstructure reveals that the development of the carbon side’s large ferrite and the stainless steel side’s δ-ferrite both significantly degrade joint quality. Among all process parameters, electrode stick-out is identified as the most influential parameter governing both tensile and bending performance, highlighting a critical process sensitivity that has received limited attention in prior studies. Optimized parameter combinations are required to maximize tensile and flexural responses. The highest tensile strength is 450.96 MPa. These findings advance the understanding of parameter–microstructure–property relationships in dissimilar MIG welding. Future work applying numerical welding simulations and advanced evaluation techniques is recommended. Full article

With the rapid advancement of clean energy, wind farm planning and construction are expanding worldwide, increasing the demand for accurate resource assessments. This study investigates the influence of vertical wind characteristics on wind farm siting and energy production, using measured meteorological data from the Hangjinqi wind farm. Results show that both mean wind speed increase substantially with altitude, indicating that upper layers provide richer and more stable wind resources. The estimated annual energy production of the site reaches 23,500 MWh, with capacity factors ranging from 35% to 42%, well above the national average. Seasonal and diurnal variations are evident: wind speeds strengthen during winter and spring, particularly at night, while turbulence intensity peaks in the daytime and decreases with height. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction also increases with hub height, with the most pronounced seasonal reductions in spring (3367.6–5041.1 tCO₂, +49.7%) and winter (3215.7–5380.0 tCO₂, +67.4%), equivalent to several thousand tons of standard coal per turbine annually. Optimal performance is observed at 100–140 m, demonstrating efficient utilization of mid- to high-altitude resources. Nevertheless, discrepancies in turbine performance at different hub heights suggest untapped potential at higher elevations. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating vertical wind characteristics into wind farm siting decisions, and support the deployment of turbines with tower heights ≥140 m alongside intelligent scheduling and forecasting strategies to maximize energy yield and economic benefits. Full article

In this study, copper–carbon material composites, Cu/CM (where CM is reduced graphene oxide (rGO), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), their mixture, and N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO)), were prepared using a simple method of chemical reduction of copper cations in the presence of CM related to molecular-level mixing methods. Additionally, copper cations from its oxides present in the composites were reduced in an electrochemical cell by depositing them on the surface of a horizontally positioned cathode. The structure and morphology of the Cu/CM composites were studied using electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The thermal stability and elemental analysis were determined for the carbon materials. The resulting Cu/CM composites were used as electrocatalysts in the electrohydrogenation of the aromatic ketone, acetophenone. Cu/rGO and Cu/N-rGO composites with a 1:1 ratio exhibited catalytic activity in this process, increasing the rate of APh hydrogenation and its degree of conversion with the selective formation of a single product, methyl phenyl carbinol (or 1-phenylethanol), compared to the electrochemical reduction of APh on a cathode without a catalyst. The Cu/N-rGO composite demonstrated the highest electrocatalytic activity. Full article

The development of renewable energy has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable economic transformation, offering a pathway to reduce carbon dependence and enhance long-term energy security. As a result, this study examines the influence of supply chain digitalization, economic growth, and environmental stringency policies on renewable energy consumption (REC) across 33 OECD countries from 2000 to 2021. Using the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) approach, the research provides robust, distribution-sensitive insights into how these factors shape renewable energy dynamics. In addition to the main variables, financial development and economic globalization were included as control variables to capture broader macroeconomic effects. The empirical results reveal that supply chain digitalization exerts a negative and consistent influence on REC across all quantiles, suggesting that technological advancement within supply chains may still be heavily dependent on non-renewable energy inputs. Conversely, environmental stringency policies demonstrate a positive and significant impact on REC at all quantiles, indicating that stricter environmental regulations effectively drive the transition toward cleaner energy sources. However, the effect of economic growth varies across quantiles, reflecting a nonlinear relationship—fostering renewable energy use in some instances while increasing conventional energy demand in others. Among the control variables, economic globalization enhances REC, implying that greater international integration facilitates technology transfer and access to green innovations. In contrast, financial development negatively affects REC, suggesting that current financial systems may still prioritize fossil fuel investments. Overall, the study emphasizes the need to align digital transformation strategies, financial reforms, and policy frameworks to strengthen renewable energy development and ensure a sustainable, low-carbon future across OECD nations. Full article

The surface chemistry of biochar plays a pivotal role in the adsorption and stabilization of soil organic carbon (SOC); however, sorption-mediated mechanisms remain insufficiently understood for biochars derived from invasive plants. In this study, Solanum rostratum biomass, an aggressive invasive weed in northern China, was pyrolyzed at 400–600 °C in 2023 to produce biochars with varying surface functionalities and structural features. FTIR, Raman, XPS, and SEM analyses revealed that increasing pyrolysis temperature led to decreased oxygen-containing functional groups and enhanced aromatic condensation, reflecting a transition from hydrogen bonding to π–π and hydrophobic sorption mechanisms. Soil incubation experiments using sandy loam soil showed that biochar produced at 500 °C significantly increased the stable carbon pool (SCP) to 52.4%, compared to 30.6% in unamended soils. It also reduced cumulative CO₂ release from 1.74 mg g⁻¹ to 1.21 mg g⁻¹ soil, indicating improved carbon retention. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that biochar amendments significantly altered community composition and increased deterministic assembly, particularly under 500 °C biochar, suggesting a sorption-driven niche filtering effect. These findings demonstrate that S. rostratum-derived biochar, especially at intermediate pyrolysis temperatures, enhances both carbon sequestration and microbial habitat structure. This has direct implications for improving degraded soils in arid farming regions, offering a dual strategy for invasive biomass management and climate-resilient agriculture. Full article

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are well-known electrophilic agents with antioxidant and anticancer properties, largely attributed to their ability to activate the Nrf2/ARE pathway. Building on previous work with C1-ITC glycosyl derivatives, we designed and synthesized a new series of S-glycosyl isothiocyanates in which the ITC group was repositioned to the C6 carbon of the glucose scaffold. This structural rearrangement yielded stable and synthetically accessible derivatives with markedly enhanced biological profiles. Several compounds showed potent Nrf2 activation at non-cytotoxic concentrations, with CD values comparable to or exceeding those of natural ITCs. In parallel, the new C6-ITC derivatives displayed significant antiproliferative activity against leukemia and solid tumor cell lines. Among them, the phenylsulfone derivative 13 emerged as a particularly promising dual-action molecule, combining strong Nrf2 induction with low-micromolar cytotoxicity. Molecular docking was used as a hypothesis-generating approach and suggested a possible interaction with the STAT3 SH2 domain, although further studies are needed to validate this target. Overall, these results support glucose-based ITCs as a versatile platform for the development of multifunctional antioxidants with complementary anticancer properties. Full article

To address the challenges of low land use efficiency, soil degradation, and high management costs in Ilex asprella cultivation, this study established an I. asprella–Grona styracifolia intercropping system and systematically evaluated its effects on soil nutrient cycling, microbial communities, and crop growth. Field experiments were conducted in Yunfu City, Guangdong Province, with monoculture (LCK for I. asprella, DCK for G. styracifolia) and three intercropping densities (HDT, LDT, MDT). Combining 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomics, we analyzed the functional profile of the rhizosphere microbiome. The results showed that intercropping significantly increased the biomass of G. styracifolia, with the medium-density (MDT) treatment increasing plant length and fresh weight by 41.2% and 2.4 times, respectively, compared to monoculture. However, high-density intercropping suppressed the accumulation of medicinal compounds. In terms of soil properties, intercropping significantly enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and available nitrogen (AN) in the rhizosphere of both plants. Specifically, AN in the I. asprella rhizosphere increased by 18.9%. Soil urease and acid phosphatase activities were also elevated, while pH decreased. Microbial analysis revealed that intercropping reshaped the rhizosphere microbial community structure, significantly increased the Shannon diversity index of bacteria in the G. styracifolia rhizosphere, and enhanced the complexity of the microbial co-occurrence network. Metagenomic analysis further confirmed that intercropping enriched functional genes related to carbon fixation, nitrogen cycling (nitrogen fixation, assimilatory nitrate reduction), and organic phosphorus mineralization (the phoD gene), thereby driving the transformation and availability of soil nutrients. These findings demonstrate that the I. asprella–G. styracifolia intercropping system, particularly at medium density, effectively improves soil fertility and land use efficiency by regulating rhizosphere microbial functions, providing a theoretical basis for the sustainable ecological cultivation of I. asprella. Full article

The increasing environmental impact of the textile industry has led to the development of sustainable production methods. One of the effective approaches is the use of recycled fibers, which helps to save resources, reduce carbon emissions, and support the circular economy. This study investigates the feasibility of producing durable upholstery fabrics incorporating recycled polypropylene (r-PP) and virgin polypropylene (v-PP). Filament yarns with varying r-PP/v-PP blend ratios, produced by the melt spinning process, were used as weft yarns, while commercially available virgin polyester filament yarns were employed in the warp direction for all fabric samples. Performance tests in accordance with the standards were applied to the fabrics and the results were also evaluated statistically. The results show that acceptable performance is achieved in some mechanical properties if similar blend ratios and production parameters are used. In the study, an optimization model was developed to maximize the weft breaking strength using the equations obtained from the regression analyses. With the help of the mathematical model created, the values of other physical and performance properties of the fabric depending on the maximum breaking strength value could be estimated without the need for trial production. The model was solved using Lingo 18.0 optimization software. The solution of the model revealed that the optimum weft yarn blend ratio is 10/90 r-PP/v-PP, and the maximum weft breaking strength value is 562.45 N. Full article

Both organic matter and iron oxide (FeO) dynamics pose key roles in soil cadmium (Cd) bioavailability. However, the microbially driven transformation of soil organic matter and FeO and their linkages to Cd fractions remain unclear under reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) with different organic sources, which limits our mechanistic understanding of Cd immobilization by RSD. To address this gap, we conducted a 45 day microcosm experiment using a paddy soil contaminated with 22.8 mg/kg Cd. Six treatments were established: untreated control (CK), waterlogged (WF), and RSD-amended soils with 0.7% or 2.1% wheat straw (LWD, HWD) or soybean meal (LSD, HSD). We systematically assessed soil Cd fractionation, organic carbon and FeO concentrations, and bacterial community structure, aiming to clarify differences in Cd immobilization efficiency and the underlying mechanisms between wheat straw and soybean meal. For strongly extractable Cd, wheat straw RSD reduced the soil Cd concentrations from 6.02 mg/kg to 4.32 mg/kg (28.2%), whereas soybean meal RSD achieved a maximum reduction to 2.26 mg/kg (62.5%). Additionally, the soil mobility factor of Cd decreased from 44.6% (CK) to 39.2% (HWD) and 32.5% (HSD), while the distribution index increased from 58.5% (CK) to 62.2% (HWD) and 66.8% (HSD). Notably, the HWD treatment increased soil total organic carbon, humus, and humic acid concentrations by 34.8%, 24.6%, and 28.3%, respectively. Regarding amorphous FeO, their concentrations increased by 19.1% and 33.3% relative to CK. RSD treatments significantly altered soil C/N ratios (5.91–12.5). The higher C/N ratios associated with wheat straw stimulated r-strategist bacteria (e.g., Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes), which promoted carbohydrate degradation and fermentation, thereby enhancing the accumulation of humic substances. In contrast, the lower C/N ratios of soybean meal increased dissolved organic carbon and activated iron-reducing bacteria (FeRB; e.g., Anaeromyxobacter, Clostridium), driving iron reduction and amorphous iron oxide formation. PLS-PM analysis confirmed that wheat straw RSD immobilized Cd primarily through humification, whereas soybean meal RSD relied on FeRB-mediated FeO amorphization. These findings suggest that Cd immobilization in soil under RSD may be regulated by microbially mediated organic matter transformation and iron oxide dynamics, which was affected by organic materials of different C/N ratios. Full article

Springs fed by carbonate-fractured/karst aquifers support spring-dependent ecosystems and provide drinking water in the Italian Apennines, where complex hydro-meteorological environments are increasingly affected by prolonged droughts. The aim of this study was to investigate the hydrogeological behavior of two springs (Alzabove and Lupa) on the mountain ridge of Central Italy, using monthly reanalysis datasets to support sustainable water management. The Master Recession Curves based on the 1998–2023 recession periods highlighted a slightly higher average recession coefficient for Lupa (α = −0.0053 days⁻¹) than for Alzabove (α = −0.0020 days⁻¹). The hydrogeological settings of the Lupa recharge area led to a less resilient response to prolonged, extreme droughts as detected via the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) computed at different time scales using ERA-5 Land datasets. The SPEI computed at a 6-month scale (SPEI₆) showed the best correlation with monthly spring discharge, with a 1-month delay time. A parsimonious linear regression model was built using the antecedent monthly spring discharge values and SPEI₆ as independent variables. The best modeling performance was achieved for the Alzabove spring, with some overestimation of spring discharge during extremely dry conditions (e.g., 2002–2003 and 2012), especially for the Lupa spring. The findings are encouraging as they reflect the use of a simple tool developed to support decisions on the sustainable management of springs in mountain environments, although issues related to evapotranspiration underestimation during extreme droughts remain. Full article

This study investigates a 26th Dynasty Ptah–Sokar–Osiris wooden statuette excavated from the Tari cemetery, Giza Pyramids area, to decode ancient Egyptian manufacturing techniques and establish evidence-based conservation strategies of such wooden objects. Using minimal sampling (1.0–2.0 mm²), integrated XRF, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and confocal microscopy distinguished original technological choices from burial-induced alterations. The 85 cm Vachellia nilotica sculpture exhibits moderate structural preservation (cellulose crystallinity index 62.9%) with partial chemical deterioration (carbonyl index 2.22). Complete pigment characterization identified carbon black, Egyptian Blue (cuprorivaite, 55 ± 5 wt %), atacamite-dominated green (65 ± 5 wt %) with residual malachite (10 ± 2 wt %), orpiment (60 ± 5 wt %), red ochre (hematite, 60% ± 5 wt %), white pigments (93 ± 5 wt % calcite), and metallic gold (40 ± 5 wt %). Confocal microscopy revealed sophisticated multi-pigment mixing strategies, with black carbon systematically blended with chromophores for nuanced color effects. Atacamite predominance over malachite provides evidence for chloride-mediated diagenetic transformation over 2600 years of burial. Consistent calcite detection (~ 20–45%) across colored layers confirms systematic ground layer application, establishing technological baseline data for 26th Dynasty Lower Egyptian workshops. Near-complete organic binder loss, severe lignin oxidation, and ongoing salt-mediated mineral transformations indicate urgent conservation needs requiring specialized consolidants, paint layer stabilization, and controlled environmental storage. This investigation demonstrates synchrotron methods’ advantages while establishing a minimally invasive framework for studying polychrome wooden artifacts. Full article

Forest type strongly influences soil microbial community composition and associated carbon cycling, yet its influence on microbial functional traits remains poorly understood. In this study, metagenomics sequencing was used to investigate soil microbial communities and carbon metabolism genes across three forest types: deciduous broadleaf (DBF), mixed coniferous–broadleaf (CBMF), and coniferous forest (CF) at two soil depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) on Lushan Mountain in subtropical China. The results showed that CF exhibited higher bacterial diversity and a distinct microbial composition, with an increase in Actinomycetota and Bacteroidota and a decrease in Acidobacteriota and Pseudomonadota. The Calvin cycle was the dominant carbon fixation pathway in all forests, while the relative abundance of secondary pathways (i.e., the 3-hydroxypropionate bi-cycle and reductive citrate cycle) varied significantly with forest type. Key carbon fixation genes (sucD, pckA) were more abundant in CF and CBMF, with higher levels of rpiA/B and ackA in DBF. Functional profiling further indicated that CF soils, especially in the surface layer, were enriched in glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and carbohydrate esterases (CEs), while CBMF showed a greater potential for starch and lignin degradation. Multivariate statistical analyses identified soil available phosphorus (AP) and pH as primary factors shaping microbial community variation, with AP emerging as being the dominant regulator of carbon-related functional gene abundance. Overall, the prevalence of these distinct genetic potentials across forest types underscores how vegetation composition may shape microbial functional traits, thereby influencing the stability and dynamics of the soil carbon pool in forest ecosystem. Full article

The synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from coal represents a promising strategy for advancing both the efficient, low-carbon utilization of coal resources and the cost-effective production of CDs. To enable the controlled, high-quality conversion of CDs from coal, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the coal chemical structure and the properties of CDs is crucial. This study prepared CDs from nine kinds of coal using a chemical oxidation method, and the correlations between properties of coal-based carbon dots and the original materials were revealed. The results show that the luminescence sites of coal-derived CDs are mostly distributed around 435 nm or 500 nm, where the former one relates to the confined sp² domains and the latter one is associated with the defect structure. Coal with a volatile content of about 20–30% in the nine samples was found to produce higher CD yields, with a maximum mass yield of 19.96%, accompanied by stronger fluorescence intensity. During chemical oxidation processes, the unsaturated double bonds (C=C, C=O) and aliphatic chains firstly break, and then aromatic clusters are formed by dehydrocyclization between carbon crystallites, followed by the introduction of a C–O group. The growth of the C–O group in the CDs contributes to a stronger fluorescence property. Furthermore, strong correlations were found between the carbon skeleton structure of raw coal and photoluminescence characteristics of corresponding CDs, as reflected by Raman parameters A_D1/A_G, I_D1/I_G, and FWHM_D. The findings offer significant insights into the precise modulation and control of coal-based carbon dot structures. Full article

Bee-derived products such as apitoxin, royal jelly, propolis, bee pollen, and honey are increasingly being used as part of cosmetic products because all of them contain a large number of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and regenerative properties, which enable them to be used for therapeutic purposes. The aim of this investigation was to assess the performance of an automated growth-based system in order to make a quantitative examination of the total aerobic viable counts in bee-derived personal care products using NF-TVC vials that contained a nutrient-based medium with dextrose as the carbon source. According to USP general chapter <1223>, pivotal validation criteria such as linearity, equivalence of results, operative range, precision, accuracy, ruggedness, limit of quantification, and limit of detection have demonstrated that the automated system can be used for a reliable total aerobic viable count. Moreover, the actual research demonstrated that polysorbates efficiently block the antimicrobiological potential of bioactive compounds, such as phenols, flavonoids, enzymes, peptides, and fatty acids, which naturally occur in apitoxin, royal jelly, propolis, bee pollen, and honey, allowing for efficient microorganism recovery from the bee-made products tested. Therefore, this AGBS could be applied efficiently within the cosmetic industry to assess the total aerobic viable count in bee-derived products such as capillary treatments, toothpaste, and anti-aging cream, affording several benefits associated with faster product release into the market. Full article