Search Results (627)

Sources of renewable energy have attracted considerable attention. Their expanded use will have a substantial impact on both the cost of energy production and climate change. Solar energy is one efficient and safe option; however, solar energy harvesting sites, irrespective of the location, can impact the ecosystem. This experimental study explores the energy available inside and outside of novel miniature energy harvesting cages by measuring light intensity and power generated. Varying light intensity outside the cage has been utilized to study the remaining energy inside the cage of a flexible design, where the heights of the harvesting panels are parameters. Cages are built from custom photovoltaic panels arranged in a staircase manner to provide access to growing plants. The balance between power generation and biological development is investigated. Two different structures are presented to explore the variation of illumination intensity inside the cages. The experimental results show a substantial reduction in energy inside the cages. The experimental results showed up to 24% reduction in illumination inside the cages in winter. The reduction is even larger in summer, up to 57%. The results from the models provide a framework to study the possible impact on a biological system residing inside the cages, paving the way for practical farming with sustainable energy harvesting. Full article

Among the numerous compounds released as a result of human activities, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have attracted particular attention due to their widespread detection in human biological samples and their accumulation across various ecosystems. While early research primarily focused on their effects on reproductive health, it is now evident that EDCs may impact neurodevelopment, altering the integrity of neural circuits essential for cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and social behaviors. These compounds may elicit epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, that result in altered expression patterns, potentially affecting multiple generations and contribute to long-term behavioral phenotypes. The effects of EDCs may occur though both direct and indirect mechanisms, ultimately converging on neurodevelopmental vulnerability. In particular, the gut–brain axis has emerged as a critical interface targeted by EDCs. This bidirectional communication network integrates the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. By altering the microbiota composition, modulating immune responses, and triggering epigenetic mechanisms, EDCs can act on multiple and interconnected pathways. In this context, elucidating the impact of EDCs on neurodevelopmental processes is crucial for advancing our understanding of their contribution to neurological and behavioral health risks. Full article

With the ongoing advancement of industrialization and rapid urbanization, the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has increased significantly. As key precursors of PM_2.5 and ozone formation, VOCs pose a growing threat to the health of ecosystems. Due to their complex and dynamic transformation processes across air, water, and soil media, the ecological risks associated with VOCs have attracted increasing attention from both the scientific community and policy-makers. This study systematically reviews the core literature on the ecological impacts of VOCs published between 2005 and 2024, based on data from the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Utilizing three bibliometric tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix), we conducted a comprehensive visual analysis, constructing knowledge maps from multiple perspectives, including research trends, international collaboration, keyword evolution, and author–institution co-occurrence networks. The results reveal a rapid growth in the ecological impact of VOCs (EIVOCs), with an average annual increase exceeding 11% since 2013. Key research themes include source apportionment of air pollutants, ecotoxicological effects, biological response mechanisms, and health risk assessment. China, the United States, and Germany have emerged as leading contributors in this field, with China showing a remarkable surge in research activity in recent years. Keyword co-occurrence and burst analyses highlight “air pollution”, “exposure”, “health”, and “source apportionment” as major research hotspots. However, challenges remain in areas such as ecosystem functional responses, the integration of multimedia pollution pathways, and interdisciplinary coordination mechanisms. There is an urgent need to enhance monitoring technology integration, develop robust ecological risk assessment frameworks, and improve predictive modeling capabilities under climate change scenarios. This study provides scientific insights and theoretical support for the development of future environmental protection policies and comprehensive VOCs management strategies. Full article

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is widely recognised as a multipurpose crop suitable for human and animal consumption, medicinal, and industrial purposes, making it attractive for introduction into new ranges. Its extracts have been found to have beneficial impacts on various crop species and biological activity against multiple weeds, making their use in agriculture promising. However, concerns have also been raised about moringa’s potential to negatively impact the growth and development of other cultivated and non-cultivated plant species, especially in areas where it has been introduced outside its native range. To understand the positive and negative interactions between moringa and other plants, it is essential to investigate its allelopathic potential. Allelopathy is a biological activity by which one plant species produces and releases chemical compounds that influence the reproduction, growth, survival, or behaviour of other plants with either beneficial or detrimental effects on the receiver. Plants produce and release allelochemicals by leaching, volatilisation, or through root exudation. These biochemical compounds can affect critical biological processes such as seed germination, root and shoot elongation, photosynthesis, enzymatic activities, and hormonal balance in neighboring plants. Therefore, allelopathy is an important driver of plant composition and ecological interactions in an ecosystem. This review explores the positive and negative allelopathic effects of moringa extracts on other plant species, which may help to inform decisions regarding its introduction into new biogeographical regions and incorporation into existing farming systems, as well as the use of moringa plant extracts in agriculture. Full article

Grassland communities consist primarily of perennial herbaceous species, with grasses forming a dominant or significant component. These ecosystems have been utilised for economic purposes since the earliest periods of human history. In the natural environment, they fulfil numerous critical functions that, despite increasing awareness of climate change, often remain undervalued. Grasslands contribute directly to climate regulation, air purification, soil conservation, flood mitigation, and public health—all of which positively affect the well-being of nearby populations. Moreover, they satisfy higher-order human needs known as “cultural” services, providing aesthetic enjoyment and recreational opportunities. These services, in tangible terms, support the development of rural tourism. The objective of this study was to examine the perception of cultural ecosystem services provided by different types of grassland communities—meadows, pastures, and lawns. The study employed a structured questionnaire to evaluate the perceived significance and functions of these communities. Respondents assessed their aesthetic and recreational value based on land-use type. To quantify these dimensions, the study applies the Recreational and Leisure Attractiveness Index (RLAI), the Aesthetic Attractiveness Index (AAI), ranking methods, and contingent valuation techniques. Based on the respondents’ declared WTP (willingness to pay) and WTA (willingness to accept) values, statistically significant differences in the perceived value of land-use types were identified. Lawns were rated highest in terms of recreational attractiveness, meadows in terms of aesthetics, while pastures achieved the highest economic values. Significant differences were also observed depending on respondents’ place of residence and academic background. The results indicate that the valuation of cultural services encompasses both functional and psychological aspects and should be integrated into local land-use and landscape planning policies. Full article

Nanomaterials possess unique physicochemical properties that position them as promising candidates for environmental remediation, particularly in the removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from aqueous systems. Their high surface area, tunable functionality, and strong adsorption capabilities have attracted significant attention. In this context, this paper reviews the mechanisms of nanomaterial-based POP decontamination, also providing a critical overview of the limitations and challenges in applying these methods. Specifically, issues of stability, reusability, and aggregation are discussed, which can lead to performance decay during repeated use. In addition, the practical application requires nanocomposites to enable efficient separation and mitigate agglomeration. Environmental concerns also arise from nanomaterials’ fate, transport, and potential toxicity, which may impact aquatic ecosystems and non-target organisms. When checking for large-scale application feasibility, impurities typically add to production costs, recovery problems, and general infrastructure limitations. In addition to these points, there are no standard guidelines or clear risk assessment procedures for registering a product. Unprecedented cross-disciplinary research between natural, human, and technological studies and outreach programs is needed to facilitate the development and diffusion of the results. The barriers will eventually be breached to move from laboratory success in developing the desperately needed new water purification technologies to field-ready water treatment solutions that can address the global POP contamination problem. Full article

The Maowusu Desert is still suffering from serious ecological and environmental security issues such as wind erosion and desertification, influenced by both natural and human factors. The amendment of aeolian sandy soil with soft rock material presents an effective erosion control strategy, leveraging the complementary structural and compositional properties of both materials to enhance soil stability and rehabilitate degraded environments. However, there are few studies that investigate the effect of soil surface electrochemical properties and particle interaction forces on the structural stability of compound soils with soft rock and sandy soil. This decade-long field study quantified the electrochemical properties and interparticle forces and their synergistic effects on structural stability across five soft rock-to-aeolian sandy soil blend volume ratios (0:1, 1:5, 1:2, 1:1, 1:0) within the 0–30 cm soil profile. The results showed that the soil organic matter (SOM), specific surface area (SSA), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) significantly increased with the incorporation of soft rock material. For five different proportions, with the addition of soft rock and the extension of planting years, the content of SOM increased from 5.65 g·kg⁻¹ to 11.36 g·kg⁻¹, the CEC varied from 4.68 cmol kg⁻¹ to 17.91 cmol kg⁻¹, while the σ₀ importantly decreased from 1.8 to 0.47 c m⁻² (p < 0.05). For the interaction force at 2.4 nm between soil particles, the absolute value of van der Waals attractive force increased from 0.10 atm to 0.38 atm, and the net force decreased from 0.09 atm to −0.30 atm after the incorporation ratios of soft rock from 0:1 to 1:1. There was a significant negative correlation between the resultant net force between the particles of compound soil and the SSA and CEC. These results indicate that the addition of soft rock material positively improves the surface electrochemical properties and internal forces between aeolian sandy soil particles, further enhancing its structural stability. This study establishes a foundational theoretical framework for advancing our mechanistic understanding of aeolian sand stabilization and ecosystem rehabilitation in the Mu Us Desert. Full article

Tomicus yunnanensis Kirkendall and Faccoli, a native bark beetle species and key pest of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. in southwestern China, relies on host-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for host selection. To unravel these mechanisms, we collected VOCs from P. yunnanensis trunks across four infestation stages (healthy, early-infested, weakened, near-dead) using dynamic headspace sampling. Chemical profiling via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 51 terpenoids, with α-pinene as the most abundant component. VOC profiles differed markedly between healthy and early-infested trees, while gradual shifts in compound diversity and abundance occurred from the weakened to near-dead stages. Bioactive compounds were screened using gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and a Y-tube olfactometer. Electrophysiological responses in T. yunnanensis were triggered by α-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene, 2-thujene, and 4-allylanisole. Behavioral tests revealed that α-pinene, 3-carene, and 2-thujene acted as attractants, whereas β-pinene and 4-allylanisole functioned as repellents. These results indicate that infestation-induced VOC dynamics guide beetle behavior, with attractants likely promoting host colonization during early infestation and repellents signaling deteriorating host suitability in later stages. By mapping these chemical interactions, our study identifies potential plant-derived semiochemicals for targeted pest management. Integrating these compounds with pheromones could enhance the monitoring and control strategies for T. yunnanensis, offering ecologically sustainable solutions for pine ecosystems. Full article

Fruit and vegetable production is often impacted by microbial pathogens that compromise the quality of produce and lead to significant economic losses at the postharvest stages. Due to their efficacy, agrochemicals are widely applied in disease management; nevertheless, this practice has led to the appearance of microbial strains resistant to these types of agrochemicals. Additionally, there is growing concern among consumers about the presence of these chemical residues in fruits and the negative impacts they cause on multiple ecosystems. In response, there is a growing need for safe, effective, green, and sustainable disease control technologies. Bionanocomposites, with their unique ability to combine nanomaterials and biopolymers that have attractive properties, represents a promising alternative for postharvest disease control. These technologies allow for the development of functional coatings and films with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, which are critical for extending shelf life and preserving fruit quality. Recent advances have demonstrated that integrating nanoparticles, such as ZnO, TiO₂, Ag, and chitosan-based nanosystems, into biopolymeric matrices, like alginate, pectin, starch, or cellulose, can enhance mechanical strength, regulate gas exchange, and control the release of active agents. This review presents systematized information that is focused on the creation of coatings and films based on bionanocomposites for the management of disease in fruits and vegetables. It also discusses the use of diverse biopolymers and nanomaterials and their impact on the quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Full article

Chaetomium globosum is a widely distributed fungal species recognized for its ability to produce a range of secondary metabolites. This fungus plays a significant ecological role by degrading organic matter and contributing to nutrient cycling in diverse ecosystems. In recent years, C. globosum has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its potential as a biocontrol agent [BCA] against a wide array of diseases in numerous plant species. While the precise mechanisms of C. globosum as a BCA remain poorly understood, interference competition through antibiosis is one of the key mechanisms. Moreover, C. globosum can enhance plant health by promoting nutrient availability, manipulating the rhizosphere microbiome, and inducing plant defense responses. The formulation of C. globosum for agricultural applications has been reported, which can significantly improve stability and efficacy under field conditions. However, despite significant advancements in omics and molecular biology technologies, the biology of C. globosum is understudied. Enhanced research into the genetics and functional genomics of C. globosum could pave the way for its applications in sustainable agriculture. This review summarizes the role of C. globosum as a BCA, focusing on its underlying mechanisms such as genomics and transcriptomics, and the effects of C. globosum application on soil health and the rhizosphere microbiome. Full article

Recreational fisheries increasingly intersect with the habitats of flagship species, i.e., species that attract public attention and drive conservation efforts, raising potential ecological conflicts. This study investigated the spatial coupling between recreational fisheries and three flagship species in the Yangtze River Basin: the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), and the scaly-sided merganser (Mergus squamatus). Drawing on over 10,000 fishing Points of Interest recorded between 2015 and 2024 and over 300 verified species occurrences, this study applied a Random Forest model with spatial integration and a Maximum Entropy model to examine estimated current distributions and forecast interactions from 2025 to 2035. Flagship species habitat suitability was modeled and projected at a spatial resolution of 1 km, while recreational fishing density was resolved on a coarser grid of 1.875° × 1.25° in latitude–longitude dimensions. Results reveal a substantial increase in high-risk overlap zones. For example, high-density fishing areas within high-suitability habitats for the scaly-sided merganser expanded from 0 km² in 2015 to 85,359 km² in 2024. Projections indicate continued intensification of such overlaps, particularly in regions including Ma’anshan–Wuhu, the Taihu–Chaohu–Poyang lake system, and Yibin. These findings offer robust, model-driven evidence of growing spatial conflicts and offer actionable insights for ecosystem-based governance. The methodological framework is transferable and supports broader applications in other regions and species under ecological sustainability goals. Full article

This investigation examines the psychological mechanisms governing human–virtual influencer relationships and their consequential impact on environmentally-conscious consumer behavior within digital marketing ecosystems. Employing theoretical frameworks from computer-mediated communication and social psychology, this study scrutinizes how algorithmically generated social media personalities cultivate para-social relationships that drive sustainable consumption patterns. The research operationalizes five core virtual influencer characteristics—expertise, similarity, attractiveness, familiarity, and para-social interaction—as predictive variables influencing relationship commitment and subsequent eco-conscious brand engagement. Consumer innovativeness functions as a moderating variable within this theoretical model. The data collection encompassed 677 respondents demonstrating active engagement with sustainability-focused virtual influencer content, analyzed through structural equation modeling (EQS 6.4) and the PLS-SEM methodology (SmartPLS 4.0). The empirical analysis reveals significant positive correlations between virtual influencer characteristics and relationship commitment, with similarity and attractiveness demonstrating the strongest predictive validity. Relationship commitment emerged as a significant mediator influencing sustainable brand attitudes, which subsequently affected purchase intentions for environmentally responsible products. Consumer innovativeness demonstrated positive moderating effects across all virtual influencer characteristics, with particularly robust effects observed for attractiveness and para-social interaction within sustainable brand contexts. This research advances the human–AI interaction literature by elucidating the psychological mechanisms through which virtual influencers facilitate consumer relationship formation and drive behavioral outcomes toward sustainable consumption practices. The findings provide empirically validated strategic frameworks for marketers developing virtual influencer campaigns that promote environmental stewardship, emphasizing the cultivation of perceived similarity and attractiveness while incorporating audience innovativeness as a critical segmentation variable in sustainable marketing initiatives. Full article

Local horse breeds, particularly cold-blood types, are often marginalized in economic and social contexts, primarily due to the neglect of their economic, genetic, and cultural potential, as well as their role in preserving the identity of rural areas, local communities, and ecosystems. The valorization of these breeds is a crucial prerequisite for their economic repositioning. The Croatian Posavina horse is a local breed, well adapted to harsh, extensive production systems. Its sustainability is achieved through pasture-based meat production, primarily targeting foreign European markets. Ensuring the sustainability of conservation programs requires a thorough understanding of growth dynamics, carcass traits, and meat quality. This study assessed growth performance and carcass characteristics in a sample of 30 male foals, with ten animals selected for detailed analysis of fatty acid, amino acid, and volatile aromatic compound profiles. At eleven months of age, the foals reached a live weight of 347 kg and a dressing percentage of 60.62%. Color, tenderness, and water-holding capacity parameters were favorable for consumers. The meat’s high protein content (22.37%) and low intramuscular fat (3.61%) make it suitable for health-conscious or sensitive consumer groups. A high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (28.5%) and a nutritionally balanced ω-6/ω-3 ratio (3.46) highlight the meat’s functional properties. The essential-to-non-essential amino acid ratio (0.81) further supports its nutritional value. Sensory analysis confirmed an attractive appearance, desirable texture and flavor, and a rich aromatic profile. The carcass and meat quality results, when compared with the production traits of other horse breeds, indicate that Croatian Posavina foal meat is a high-quality and nutritionally valuable alternative to conventional red meat. With optimized conservation and production strategies, the Croatian Posavina horse holds strong potential for market repositioning within sustainable and functional meat production systems. Full article

The concept of HBIM (Historic/Heritage Building Information Modeling) has attracted growing interest within research communities in recent years, as reflected in an expanding body of literature exploring its potential in data acquisition and modeling, historical evolution documentation, heritage management, and condition analysis. Yet, new challenges arise in extended HBIM capabilities by integration and interoperability with other technologies and environments for comprehensive heritage assessment. In this context, this paper presents a scoping review, based on the PRISMA protocol, of 60 publications from the Scopus database that document research frameworks and applications of IDPs (integrated digital platforms), where HBIM is combined with different systems to enhance data richness, functionality, and analytical evaluation, as well as to exchange, interpret, and use information effectively. The results show three major thematic areas, namely multi-scale analyses based on HBIM and GIS (geographic information systems); multi-source data repositories development; and sensor networks integration with advanced IoT (Internet of Things) systems. The overview outlines how these frameworks foster the development of interoperable, multi-layered, and data-driven ecosystems, advancing HBIM to an operational component in heritage management and enabling predictive diagnostics and real-time monitoring, while current limitations in semantic consistency, automation, and scalability still hinder full implementation. Full article

Coral restoration is essential for recovering depleted populations and reef ecological functions. However, its effect on enhancing fish assemblages remains understudied. This study investigated the integration of 3D-printed and natural Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) out-planting to assess their role in enhancing benthic spatial complexity and attracting fish communities. Conducted between 2021 and 2023 at Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, we employed a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design to test four treatments: natural A. cervicornis, 3D-printed corals, mixed stands of 3D-printed and natural corals, and non-restored controls. Fish assemblages were monitored through stationary counts. Results showed that integrating 3D-printed and natural corals enhanced fish assemblages and their ecological functions. Significant temporal changes in fish community structure and biodiversity metrics were observed, influenced by treatment and location. Herbivore abundance and biomass increased over time, especially in live coral and 3D-printed plots. Reefs with higher rugosity exhibited greater Scarid abundance and biomass post-restoration. Piscivore abundance also rose significantly over time, notably at Tampico site. Fishery-targeted species density and biomass increased, particularly in areas with live and 3D-printed coral out-plants. Fish assemblages became more complex and diverse post-restoration, especially at Tampico, which supported greater habitat complexity. Before restoration, fish assemblages showed a disturbed status, with biomass k-dominance curves above abundance curves. Post-out-planting, this trend reversed. Control sites showed no significant changes. The study demonstrates that restoring fast-growing branching corals, alongside 3D-printed structures, leads to rapid increases in abundance and biomass of key fishery species, suggesting its potential role promoting faster ecosystem recovery and enhanced coral demographic performance. Full article