Search Results (4,741)

Background: The implementation of advanced agronomical strategies, including the use of antitranspirant, in order to mitigate the negative effects of environmental stress, particularly heat stress on plants, has become a focal area of research in the Mediterranean basin. This region is characterized by hot and dry summer that affects plant physiology. Methods: The experiment was carried out in Sicily (South Italy) on 12-year-old avocado cv. Hass grafted onto Walter Hole rootstock. Two subplots each of forty homogenous trees were selected and treated (1) with calcium carbonate (DECCO Shield^®) and (2) with water (control) at the following phenological phases: 711, 712 and 715 BBCH. The climatic parameters were recorded throughout the year. Physiological measurements (leaf transpiration, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential) were measured at 105, 131 and 168 days after full bloom. Fruit growth was monitored, and physico-chemical analyses were carried out at harvest. Results: The antitranspirant increased photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and reduced leaf transpiration (−26.1%). Fruit growth rate increased during summer, although no morphological and qualitative difference was observed at harvest. PCA highlighted the positive effect of the calcium carbonate on overall plant physiology. Conclusions: Antitranspirant foliar application reduced heat stress effects by improving physiological responses of avocado trees. Full article

The construction industry is responsible for 39% of global CO₂ emissions related to energy use, with cement responsible for 5–8% of it. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC³), a ternary blended binder system, offers a low-carbon alternative by partially substituting clinker with calcined clay and limestone. This study investigated the use of waste clay brick powder (WBP), a waste material, as a source of calcined clay in LC³ formulations, addressing both environmental concerns and SCM scarcity. Two LC³ mixtures containing 15% limestone, 5% gypsum, and either 15% or 30% WBP, corresponding to clinker contents of 65% (LC³-65) or 50% (LC³-50), were evaluated against general purpose (GP) cement mortar. Tests included setting time, flowability, soundness, compressive and flexural strengths, drying shrinkage, isothermal calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Isothermal calorimetry showed peak heat flow reductions of 26% and 49% for LC³-65 and LC³-50, respectively, indicating a slower reactivity of LC³. The initial and final setting times of the LC³ mixtures were 10–30 min and 30–60 min longer, respectively, due to the slower hydration kinetics caused by the reduced clinker content. Flowability increased in LC³-50, which is attributed to the lower clinker content and higher water availability. At 7 days, LC³-65 retained 98% of the control’s compressive strength, while LC³-50 showed a 47% reduction. At 28 days, the compressive strengths of mixtures LC³-65 and LC³-50 were 7% and 46% lower than the control, with flexural strength reductions being 8% and 40%, respectively. The porosity calculated from the SEM images was found to be 7%, 11%, and 15% in the control, LC³-65, and LC³-50, respectively. Thus, the reduction in strength is attributed to the slower reaction rate and increased porosity associated with the reduced clinker content in LC³ mixtures. However, the results indicate that the performance of LC³-65 was close to that of the control mix, supporting the viability of WBP as a low-carbon partial replacement of clinker in LC³. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate solid-state fermentation (SSF) as a sustainable approach for the simultaneous detoxification of olive pomace (OP) and the production of industrially relevant enzymes. OP, a semisolid byproduct of olive oil extraction, is rich in lignocellulose and phenolic compounds, which limit its direct reuse due to phytotoxicity. A native strain of Aspergillus sp., isolated from OP, was employed as the biological agent, while grape pomace (GP) was added as a co-substrate to enhance substrate structure. Fermentations were conducted at two scales, Petri dishes (20 g) and a fixed-bed bioreactor (FBR, 2 kg), under controlled conditions (25 °C, 7 days). Key parameters monitored included dry and wet weight loss, pH, color, phenolic content, and enzymatic activity. Significant reductions in color and polyphenol content were achieved, reaching 68% in Petri dishes and 88.1% in the FBR, respectively. In the FBR, simultaneous monitoring of dry and wet weight loss enabled the estimation of fungal biotransformation, revealing a hysteresis phenomenon not previously reported in SSF studies. Enzymes such as xylanase, endopolygalacturonase, cellulase, and tannase exhibited peak activities between 150 and 180 h, with maximum values of 424.6 U·g⁻¹, 153.6 U·g⁻¹, 67.43 U·g⁻¹, and 6.72 U·g⁻¹, respectively. The experimental data for weight loss, enzyme production, and phenolic reduction were accurately described by logistic and first-order models. These findings demonstrate the high metabolic efficiency of the fungal isolate under SSF conditions and support the feasibility of scaling up this process. The proposed strategy offers a low-cost and sustainable solution for OP valorization, aligning with circular economy principles by transforming agro-industrial residues into valuable bioproducts. Full article

Objectives: Topical lubricants are the fundamental treatment for dry eye disease (DED). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their efficacy remain unknown. Here, the protective effects of Thealoz^® Duo with 3% trehalose and 0.15% hyaluronic acid are investigated in DED patients by a longitudinal clinical study and subsequent elucidation of the tear proteome and cell signaling changes. Methods: Participants were classified as moderate to severe DED (DRY, n = 35) and healthy (CTRL, n = 23) groups. Specific DED subgroups comprising evaporative (DRYlip) and aqueous-deficient with DRYlip (DRYaqlip) were also classified. Only DED patients received Thealoz^® Duo. All participants were clinically examined before (day 0, T1) and after the application of Thealoz^® Duo at day 28 (T2) and day 56 (T3). Next, 174 individual tear samples from all groups at three time-points were subjected to proteomics analysis. Results: Clinically, Thealoz^® Duo significantly improved the ocular surface disease index at T2 vs. T1 (DRY, p = 1.4 × 10⁻²; DRYlip, p = 9.2 × 10⁻³) and T3 vs. T1 (DRY, p = 2.1 × 10⁻⁵; DRYlip, p = 1.2 × 10⁻⁴), and the tear break-up time at T3 vs. T1 (DRY, p = 3.8 × 10⁻²; DRYlip, p = 1.4 × 10⁻²). Thealoz^® Duo significantly ameliorated expression of inflammatory response proteins (p < 0.05) at T3, which was observed at T1 (DRY, p = 3.4 × 10⁻⁴; DRYlip, p = 7.1 × 10⁻³; DRYaqlip, p = 2.7 × 10⁻⁸). Protein S100-A8 (S100A8), Alpha-1-antitrypsin (SERPINA1), Annexin A1 (ANXA1), and Apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1) were found to be significantly reduced in all the DED subgroups. The application of Thealoz^® Duo showed the therapeutic characteristic of the anti-inflammatory mechanism by promoting the expression of (Metalloproteinase inhibitor 1) TIMP1 in all the DED subgroups. Conclusions: Thealoz^® Duo substantially improved the DED symptoms and restored the functionality of the tear lipid layer to near normal in DRYlip and DRY patients by ameliorating inflammation. Notably, this study unravels the novel mechanistic alterations underpinning the healing effects of Thealoz^® Duo in DED subgroups in a time-dependent manner, which supports the improvement in corresponding clinical attributes. Full article

To enhance the effectiveness of sustainable preservation of modified corn wet distillers’ grains plus solubles (mcWDGS), various additives were tested under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In Experiment I, the mcWDGS was stored under aerobic conditions for 5 days at 25 °C. Treatments included different organic acids applied at 0.3% or 0.6% of fresh matter (FM). In Experiment II, the mcWDGS was ensiled anaerobically for 8 weeks at 25 °C using organic acids, a commercial acid mixture, or a microbial inoculant at 0.2% FM. In aerobic conditions, the best preservability was achieved with propionic and formic acids at 0.6% FM, as indicated by the lowest temperature, pH, and microbial counts on days 3 and 5 (p ≤ 0.01). Under anaerobic storage, the highest lactic acid concentrations were recorded in the control, citric acid, and commercial acid mixture variants (p ≤ 0.01). Acetic acid levels were highest in the control (p ≤ 0.01). The highest NH3-N content was found in the formic acid variant and the lowest in the inoculant variant (p ≤ 0.01). Aerobic stability after ensiling was greatest in the control and propionic acid groups (p ≤ 0.01). Nutritional analysis showed that the citric acid group had the highest dry matter content (p ≤ 0.01), while the control group contained the most crude protein (p ≤ 0.01) and saturated fatty acids (p ≤ 0.05). The propionic acid and commercial acid mixture variants had the highest unsaturated fatty acids (p ≤ 0.05). Antioxidant capacity was also greatest in the control (p ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, mcWDGS can be effectively preserved aerobically with 0.6% FM of propionic or formic acid, and anaerobically via ensiling, even without additives. These findings support its potential as a stable and nutritious feed ingredient. Full article

The global cement industry remains a significant contributor to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, prompting substantial research efforts toward sustainable construction materials. Lithium slag (LS), a by-product of lithium extraction, has attracted attention as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). This review synthesizes experimental findings on LS replacement levels, fresh-state behavior, mechanical performance (compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths), time-dependent deformation (shrinkage and creep), and durability (sulfate, acid, abrasion, and thermal) of LS-modified concretes. Statistical analysis identifies an optimal LS dosage of 20–30% (average 24%) for maximizing compressive strength and long-term durability, with 40% as a practical upper limit for tensile and flexural performance. Fresh-state tests show that workability losses at high LS content can be mitigated via superplasticizers. Drying shrinkage and creep strains decrease in a dose-dependent manner with up to 30% LS. High-volume (40%) LS blends achieve up to an 18% gain in 180-day compressive strength and >30% reduction in permeability metrics. Under elevated temperatures, 20% LS mixes retain up to 50% more residual strength than controls. In advanced systems—autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), one-part geopolymers, and recycled aggregate composites—LS further enhances both microstructural densification and durability. In particular, LS emerges as a versatile SCM that optimizes mechanical and durability performance, supports material circularity, and reduces the carbon footprint. Full article

In this study, the efficacy of super white cement (SWC) to improve organic soils was researched. For stabilization, 10%, 15%, and 20% proportions of SWC were added to organic soil. After improvement with SWC, Atterberg limit testing, standard Proctor tests, triaxial compression tests, and swelling and compressibility tests were performed on the organic soil. Proctor tests showed that stabilization of organic soil with SWC increased maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) values. After stabilization, the unconfined compressional strength values of the soil increased. This increase continued until the 28th day and had a reducing trend after improvement with SWC, linked to time. In addition to the reaction between SWC and OS, the time-dependent behavior of OS also contributed to this behavior. With the increase in SWC proportions, the cohesion intercept and internal friction angle values rapidly increased until the 56th day. This increase began to reduce after the 56th day. After stabilization, the swelling percentage and compressibility values for the soil reduced. The addition of SWC within organic soil appeared to improve the engineering properties of the soil. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary hydroxytyrosol (HT) addition on piglets during the nursery phase across two experiments. In the first, 72 weaned male piglets (~26 days old, 7.3 ± 0.5 kg) were assigned to one of four diets containing 0, 5, 10, or 50 mg HT/kg feed. Growth performance, serum biochemistry, histological and behavioral parameters, and meat lipid profiles were assessed. In the second study, the apparent digestibility of diets containing 0, 25, or 50 mg HT/kg feed was evaluated using 15 male piglets (21.5 ± 1.5 kg) through total excreta collection. Results revealed that HT influenced serum glucose and gamma-glutamyl transferase, histological inflammation, and active behaviors. HT modified lipid profiles, reduced capric, lauric, linolenic, arachidonic, cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic fatty acid concentrations, and increased the nervonic acid profile. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, energy, and protein increased with HT use up to 50 mg/kg of feed. These findings demonstrate that HT positively impacts piglet efficiency, changing the fatty acid profile with increased nervonic acid, highlighting its potential as a dietary additive for improving nursery pig production. Full article

There has been growing interest in constructing mid- and high-rise wooden buildings in recent years. To ensure the feasibility of these structures, it is necessary to provide evidence that their long-term reliability can be guaranteed. While long-term testing is typically necessary, a continuous monitoring system for the moisture content of wood materials used in buildings has been proposed as an alternative. The proposed method measures the change in the local moisture content using the equilibrium moisture content calculated from the temperature and humidity measured using temperature and humidity sensors. The study used Japanese cypress specimens with dimensions of 50 mm, 75 mm, and 100 mm cubes and Douglas fir specimens of 50 mm cubes. The moisture content was measured under various external environments. Results showed that this system effectively captured changes in local moisture content, reflecting fluctuations in temperature and humidity in a controlled thermo-hygrostat over a three-day moisture absorption environment (20 °C, 95% humidity). Additionally, it was observed that higher moisture content levels yielded correspondingly higher local moisture content measurements compared to those obtained using the oven-drying method. Full article

Urochloa brizantha (Brizantha) is cultivated under varying altitudinal and management conditions. Twelve full-sun (monoculture) plots and twelve shaded (silvopastoral) plots were established, proportionally distributed at 170, 503, 661, and 1110 masl. Evaluations were conducted 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after establishment. The conservation and integration of trees in silvopastoral systems reflected a clear anthropogenic influence, evidenced by the preference for species of the Fabaceae family, likely due to their multipurpose nature. Although the altitudinal gradient did not show direct effects on soil properties, intermediate altitudes revealed a significant role of CaCO₃ in enhancing soil fertility. These edaphic conditions at mid-altitudes favored the leaf area development of Brizantha, particularly during the early growth stages, as indicated by significantly larger values (p < 0.05). However, at the harvest stage, no significant differences were observed in physiological or productive traits, nor in foliar chemical components, underscoring the species’ high hardiness and broad adaptation to both soil and altitude conditions. In Brizantha, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in stomatal size and density was observed under shade in silvopastoral areas, where solar radiation and air temperature decreased, while relative humidity increased. Nonetheless, these microclimatic variations did not lead to significant changes in foliar chemistry, growth variables, or biomass production, suggesting a high degree of adaptive plasticity to microclimatic fluctuations. Foliar ash content exhibited an increasing trend with altitude, indicating greater efficiency of Brizantha in absorbing calcium, phosphorus, and potassium at higher altitudes, possibly linked to more favorable edaphoclimatic conditions for nutrient uptake. Finally, forage quality declined with plant age, as evidenced by reductions in protein, ash, and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD), alongside increases in fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). These findings support the recommendation of cutting intervals between 30 and 45 days, during which Brizantha displays a more favorable nutritional profile, higher digestibility, and consequently, greater value for animal feeding. Full article

The prevailing environmental conditions before and during the 28 Large Forest Fires (LFFs) that have occurred in the Canary Islands since 1983 are analyzed. These conditions are often associated with episodes characterized by the advection of continental tropical air masses originating from the Sahara, which frequently result in intense heatwaves. During the onset of the LFFs, the base of the subsidence thermal inversion layer—separating a lower layer of cool, moist air from an upper layer of warm, dry air—is typically located at an altitude of around 350 m above sea level, approximately 600 m below the usual average. Understanding these Saharan air advection events is crucial, as they significantly alter the vertical thermal structure of the atmosphere and create highly conducive conditions for wildfire ignition and spread in the forested mid- and high-altitude zones of the archipelago. Analysis of meteorological records from various weather stations reveals that the average maximum temperature on the first day of fire ignition is 30.3 °C, with mean temperatures of 27.4 °C during the preceding week and 28.9 °C throughout the fire activity period. Relative humidity on the ignition days averages 24.3%, remaining at around 30% during the active phase of the fires. No significant correlation has been found between dry or wet years and the occurrence of LFFs, which have been recorded across years with widely varying precipitation levels. Full article

Weeds pose a significant challenge to agricultural productivity, requiring control strategies that are both effective and environmentally sustainable. Therefore, this study evaluated the inhibitory potential of aqueous extracts from Ricinus communis L. leaves to manage the weeds Oryza sativa L. (weedy rice) and Cyperus ferax. Extracts were obtained through pressurized liquid extraction using water as the solvent. Bioassays were conducted during pre- and post-emergence stages by foliar spraying 15 and 30 days after sowing (DAS). The effect of extraction time (1–30 min) on inhibitory efficacy was also assessed. Chemical profiles of the extracts were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography. The extracts significantly inhibited seed germination, with suppression rates reaching 92.7%. Plant growth was also diminished, particularly with earlier treatments (at 15 DAS), resulting in reductions of up to 32% and 53% in shoot length, and 69% and 73% in total dry mass for O. sativa L. and C. ferax, respectively. Mortality rates of O. sativa L. and C. ferax reached 64% and 58%, respectively. Phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, and higher concentrations were observed at shorter extraction times. These findings underscore the potential of R. communis L. leaf extracts as an ecologically sustainable alternative for weed management, providing an effective and natural approach that may reduce reliance on synthetic herbicides and mitigate their environmental impact. Full article

Dietary tannin supplementation represents a potential strategy to modulate rumen fermentation and enhance lactation performance in dairy cows, though responses remain inconsistent. A 21-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of chestnut tannin (CNT) extract on the enteric methane emissions (EME), blood metabolites, and milk production traits in mid-lactation dairy cows. Thirty-six Holstein cows were allocated to three homogeneous treatment groups: control (CNT₀, 0 g/d CNT), CNT₄₀ (40 g/d CNT), and CNT₈₀ (80 g/d CNT). Measurements of EME, dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), and blood and milk parameters were carried out pre- and post-21-day supplementation period. Compared with the no-additive group, the CNT extract reduced methane production, methane yield, and methane intensity in CNT₄₀ and CNT₈₀ (p < 0.001). CNT₄₀ and CNT₈₀ cows exhibited lower blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.019 and p = 0.002) and elevated serum insulin (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001) and growth hormone concentrations (p = 0.046 and p = 0.034), coinciding with reduced aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.016 and p = 0.045), and lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.011 and p = 0.008) activities compared to control. However, CNT₈₀ had higher circulating NEFA and BHBA than CNT₀ (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004) and CNT₄₀ (p = 0.035 and p = 0.019). The blood glucose, albumin, and total bilirubin concentrations were not affected. MY and fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM), MY/DMI, and FPCM/DMI were higher in both CNT₄₀ (p = 0.004, p = 0.003, p = 0.014, p = 0.010) and CNT₈₀ (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, p = 0.008, p = 0.013) cows compared with controls. Feeding CNT₈₀ resulted in higher protein content (p = 0.015) but lower fat percentage in milk (p = 0.004) compared to CNT₀. Milk urea nitrogen and somatic cell counts were significantly lower in both CNT₄₀ (p < 0.001, p = 0.009) and CNT₈₀ (p < 0.001 for both) compared to CNT₀, while milk lactose did not differ between treatments. These findings demonstrate that chestnut tannin extract effectively mitigates EME while enhancing lactation performance in mid-lactation dairy cows. Full article

The rising demand for sustainable protein is driving interest in insects as a raw material for advanced food ingredients. This review collates and critically analyses over 300 studies on the conversion of crickets, mealworms, black soldier flies, and other farmed species into powders, protein isolates, oils, and chitosan-rich fibers with targeted techno-functional roles. This survey maps how thermal pre-treatments, blanch–dry–mill routes, enzymatic hydrolysis, and isoelectric solubilization–precipitation preserve or enhance the water- and oil-holding capacity, emulsification, foaming, and gelation, while also mitigating off-flavors, allergenicity, and microbial risks. A meta-analysis shows insect flours can absorb up to 3.2 g of water g⁻¹, stabilize oil-in-water emulsions for 14 days at 4 °C, and form gels with 180 kPa strength, outperforming or matching eggs, soy, or whey in specific applications. Case studies demonstrate a successful incorporation at 5–15% into bakery, meat analogs and dairy alternatives without sensory penalties, and chitin-derived chitosan films extend the bread shelf life by three days. Comparative life-cycle data indicate 45–80% lower greenhouse gas emissions and land use than equivalent animal-derived ingredients. Collectively, the evidence positions insect-based ingredients as versatile, safe, and climate-smart tools to enhance food quality and sustainability, while outlining research gaps in allergen mitigation, consumer acceptance, and regulatory harmonization. Full article

Atmospheric warming results in increase in temperatures for the mean, the coldest, and the hottest day of the year, season, or month. Global warming leads to a large increase in the atmospheric water vapor content and to changes in the hydrological cycle, which include an intensification of precipitation extremes. Using the GISS-E2.1 climate model, we present the future changes in the coldest and hottest daily temperatures as well as in extreme precipitation indices (under four main Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)). The increase in the wet-day precipitation ranges between 6% and 15% per 1 °C global surface temperature warming. Scaling of the 95th percentile versus the total precipitation showed that the sensitivity for the extreme precipitation to the warming is about 10 times stronger than that for the mean total precipitation. For six precipitation extreme indices (Total Precipitation, R95p, RX5day, R10mm, SDII, and CDD), the histograms of probability density functions become flatter, with reduced peaks and increased spread for the global mean compared to the historical period of 1850–2014. The mean values shift to the right end (toward larger precipitation and intensity). The higher the GHG emission of the SSP scenario, the more significant the increase in the index change. We found an intensification of precipitation over the globe but large uncertainties remained regionally and at different scales, especially for extremes. Over land, there is a strong increase in precipitation for the wettest day in all seasons over the mid and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. There is an enlargement of the drying patterns in the subtropics including over large regions around Mediterranean, southern Africa, and western Eurasia. For the continental averages, the reduction in total precipitation was found for South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, and there is an increase in total precipitation over North America, Asia, and the continental Russian Arctic. Over the continental Russian Arctic, there is an increase in all precipitation extremes and a consistent decrease in CDD for all SSP scenarios, with the maximum increase of more than 90% for R95p and R10 mm observed under SSP5–8.5. Full article