Search Results (4,656)

The current study focuses on a preliminary evaluation of the use of solid residues produced from the distillation of selected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) as fertilizers for alkaline soils. Specifically, the residues of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), helichrysum (Helichrysum Italicum (Roth) G. Don), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) were added in an alkaline and calcareous soil at the rates of 0 (control), 1, 2, 4 and 8%, in three replications (treatments), and the treated soils were analyzed. The results showed that upon application of the residues, soil electrical conductivity (EC), organic C, total N and the C/N ratio significantly increased, especially at the 4 and 8% rates. The same was found for soil available P, K, B, Cu and Mn. The effects of the residues on soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and available Zn and Fe were rather inconclusive, whereas soil available N significantly decreased, which was somewhat unexpected. From the different application rates tested, it seems that all residues could improve soil fertility (except N?) when they were applied to soil at rates of 2% and above, without exceeding the 8% rate. The reasons for the latter statement are soil EC and available Mn: the doubling of EC upon application of the residues and the excessive increase in soil available Mn in treatments with 8% residues raise concerns of soil salinization and Mn phytotoxicity risks, respectively. This work provides the first step towards the potential agronomic use of solid residues from MAP distillation in alkaline soils. However, for the establishment of such a perspective, further research is needed in respect to the effect of residues on plant growth and soil properties, by means of at least pot experiments. Based on the results of the current study, the undesirable effect of residues on soil available N should be investigated in depth, since N is the most important essential element for plant growth, and possible risks of micronutrient phytotoxicities should also be studied. In addition, application rates between 2 and 4% should be studied extensively in order to recommend optimum application rates of residues to producers. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of simultaneously combining therapeutic scapular retraction exercise with and without Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) in amateur female handball players with scapular dyskinesis. Methods: In a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, the sample (n = 34) was randomized into two groups (Group 1 (n = 17) and Group 2 (n = 17)). The intervention consisted of applying a supervised scapular retraction exercise (SRE) program alone or combined with NMES for 4 weeks (2 ss/week). Scapular Static Positioning Assessment parameters (upper and lower horizontal distance of the scapula from the spine (mm)), internal rotation range of motion (degrees), and external rotation strength (newtons and BW%) were measured. Results: A significant interaction was found to favor the group that received the supervised SRE program + NMES (Group 1) in upper horizontal distance (F_1,30 = 30.93 [p < 0.000]; d = 0.65); lower horizontal distance (F_1,30 = 12.79 [p = 0.001]; d = 0.72); ER Strength (N) (F_1,30 = 19.58 [p < 0.000] d = 0.71); and ER Strength (BW%) (F_1,30 = 16.84 [p < 0.000]) d = 0.69), which was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001 for p < 0.05). In the analysis for treatment benefit, the number needed to treat (NNT) was 2 for upper scapular positioning and 4 for external rotation strength. Conclusions: NMES improves the Scapular Static Positioning and ER Strength when combined with an SRE program in amateur female handball players diagnosed with scapular dyskinesis, with clinically relevant effects. These findings, while promising, are based on a small sample and should be confirmed in larger studies. Full article

Pulsed electric field (PEF) and high-pressure processing (HPP) are non-thermal treatments, developed to ensure preservation of food products whilst maintaining taste and valuable nutrients. In this study, we investigated their potential for the inactivation of 3 commercial exogenous pectinases (polygalacturonase, pectin transeliminase, pectin esterase) commonly used in juice processing for clarification of juices. The inactivation of these enzymes after processing is mandatory by European law. Clear apple juice was treated with both non-thermal processing methods, as well as with thermal pasteurization as the standard method. For HPP, 3 pressures (250, 450, and 600 MPa) and different holding times (from 2 to 12 min) were tested. For PEF, 3 electric field intensities (10, 13, and 15 kV/cm) and different specific energy values (from 121 to 417 kJ/kg). Standard thermal pasteurization resulted in a complete inactivation of all tested pectinases. HPP treatment only showed marginal effects on polygalacturonase and pectin transeliminase at the highest pressure and holding times, which are beyond levels used in industrial settings. For PEF, dependence upon high electric field strength and specific energy values was evident; however, here too, the effect was only moderate at the levels attainable within the scope of this study. Assuming a continued linear relationship, usable results could be achieved in an industrial setting, albeit under more extreme conditions. Full article

The Mapleton Falls National Park transmission line corridor in Queensland, Australia, has received a number of vegetation management treatments over the last decade to maintain and protect the infrastructure and to ensure continuous electricity supply. Recent treatments have included ‘mega-mulching’ (mechanical mastication of vegetation to a mulch layer) in 2020 and targeted herbicide treatment of woody vegetation, with the aim of reducing vegetation height by encouraging a native herbaceous groundcover beneath the transmission lines. We measured vegetation structure (cover and height) and composition (species presence in 15 × 2 m plots), at 12 transects, 90 m in length on the transmission line corridor, to determine if management goals were being achieved and to determine how the vegetation and fire hazard (based on the overall fuel hazard assessment method) varied among the treated corridor, the forest edge environment, and the natural forest. The results showed that vegetation structure and composition in the treated zones had been modified to a state where herbaceous plant species were dominant; there was a significantly (p < 0.05) higher native grass cover and cover of herbs, sedges, and ferns in the treated zones, and a lower cover of trees and tall woody plants (>1 m in height) in these areas. For example, mean native grass cover and the cover of herbs and sedges in the treated areas was 10.2 and 2.8 times higher, respectively, than in the natural forest. The changes in the vegetation structure (particularly removal of tall woody vegetation) resulted in a lower overall fuel hazard in the treated zones, relative to the edge zones and natural forest. The overall fuel hazard was classified as ‘high’ in 83% of the transects in the treated areas, but it was classified as ‘extreme’ in 75% of the transects in the adjacent forest zone. Importantly, there were few introduced species recorded. The results suggest that fuel management has been successful in reducing wildfire risk in the transmission corridor. Temporal monitoring is recommended to determine the frequency of ongoing fuel management. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related respiratory disorder characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway, typically resulting in a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation and repeated awakenings from sleep. It is the most common sleep-related respiratory disorder, affecting 9% to 38% of adults. OSA is associated with loss of tone, improper contraction of the tongue, and pharyngeal dilator muscles of the upper airway during sleep. The gold-standard treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, many patients have poor long-term compliance with CPAP. Stimulation of the upper airway with electrical activation of the hypoglossal nerve has emerged as a promising treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who have failed CPAP therapy. Objectives: The present paper aims to review the literature regarding neurostimulation for the treatment of OSA. Conclusions: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) has shown favorable success and low morbidity in the management of moderate-to-severe OSA. Full article

In many developing African countries, milk safety is often managed through traditional methods such as fermentation or boiling over firewood. While these approaches reduce some microbial risks, they present critical limitations. Firewood dependency contributes to deforestation, depletion of agricultural residues, and loss of soil fertility, which, in turn, compromise environmental health and food security. Solar pasteurization provides a reliable and sustainable method for thermally inactivating pathogenic microorganisms in milk and other perishable foods at sub-boiling temperatures, preserving its nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal and microbial performance of a low-cost solar milk pasteurization system, hypothesized to effectively reduce microbial contaminants and retain milk quality under natural sunlight. The system was constructed using locally available materials and tailored to the climatic conditions of the Savanna ecological zone in West Africa. A flat-plate glass solar collector was integrated with a 0.15 cm thick stainless steel cylindrical milk vat, featuring a 2.2 cm hot water jacket and 0.5 cm thick aluminum foil insulation. The system was tested in Navrongo, Ghana, under ambient temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 43 °C. The pasteurizer successfully processed up to 8 L of milk per batch, achieving a maximum milk temperature of 74 °C by 14:00 GMT. Microbial analysis revealed a significant reduction in bacterial load, from 6.6 × 10⁶ CFU/mL to 1.0 × 10² CFU/mL, with complete elimination of coliforms. These results confirmed the device’s effectiveness in achieving safe pasteurization levels. The findings demonstrate that this locally built solar pasteurization system is a viable and cost-effective solution for improving milk safety in arid, electricity-limited regions. Its potential scalability also opens avenues for rural entrepreneurship in solar-powered food and water treatment technologies. Full article

Rose hips are rich in polyphenols, making them a promising ingredient for the development of functional fruit-based beverages. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) extraction treatment on rose hip (RH) pulp to enhance the extraction of polyphenols, carotenoids, and volatile compounds. Additionally, this study examined the impact of adding rose hip berries during different stages of carbohydrate fermentation on the resulting phenolic and aroma profiles. A control wort and four experimental formulations were prepared. Rose hip pulp—treated or untreated with PEF—was added either during fermentation or beforehand, and the volatiles produced were analyzed using GC-MS (in triplicate). Fermentation was carried out over 10 days at 20 °C using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Torulaspora delbrueckii. At a 10:1 ratio, all beverage samples were subjected to physicochemical testing and HPLC analysis for polyphenols, organic acids, and carotenoids, as well as GC-MS analysis for aroma compounds. The results demonstrated that the use of PEF-treated rose hips significantly improved phenolic compound extraction. Moreover, the PEF treatment enhanced the aroma profile of the beverage, contributing to a more complex and appealing sensory experience. This research highlights the rich polyphenol content of rose hips and the potential of PEF-treated fruit as a natural ingredient to improve both the functional and sensory qualities of fruit-based beverages. Their application opens new possibilities for the development of innovative, health-promoting drinks in the brewing industry. Full article

Diamond, renowned for its exceptional electrical, physical, and chemical properties, including ultra-wide bandgap, superior hardness, high thermal conductivity, and unparalleled stability, serves as an ideal candidate for next-generation high-power and high-temperature electronic devices. Among diamond-based devices, Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) have garnered significant attention due to their simple architecture and superior rectifying characteristics. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in diamond SBDs, focusing on both metal–semiconductor (MS) and metal–interlayer–semiconductor (MIS) configurations. For MS structures, we critically analyze the roles of single-layer metals (including noble metals, transition metals, and other metals) and multilayer metals in modulating Schottky barrier height (SBH) and enhancing thermal stability. However, the presence of interface-related issues such as high densities of surface states and Fermi level pinning often leads to poor control of the SBH, limiting device performance and reliability. To address these challenges and achieve high-quality metal/diamond interfaces, researchers have proposed various interface engineering strategies. In particular, the introduction of interfacial layers in MIS structures has emerged as a promising approach. For MIS architectures, functional interlayers—including high-k materials (Al₂O₃, HfO₂, SnO₂) and low-work-function materials (LaB₆, CeB₆)—are evaluated for their efficacy in interface passivation, barrier modulation, and electric field control. Terminal engineering strategies, such as field-plate designs and surface termination treatments, are also highlighted for their role in improving breakdown voltage. Furthermore, we emphasize the limitations in current parameter extraction from current–voltage (I–V) properties and call for a unified new method to accurately determine SBH. This comprehensive analysis provides critical insights into interface engineering strategies and evaluation protocols for high-performance diamond SBDs, paving the way for their reliable deployment in extreme conditions. Full article

In the present work, six biochars were produced from the pyrolysis of poultry manure at 400 °C and 600 °C (PM-B-400 and PM-B-600), and their post-modification with, respectively, iron chloride (PM-B-400-Fe and PM-B-600-Fe) and potassium permanganate (PM-B-400-Mn and PM-B-600-Mn). First, these biochars were deeply characterized through the assessment of their particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity, pH at point-zero charge, mineral composition, morphological structure, and surface functionality and crystallinity, and then valorized as biofertilizer to grow spring barley at pot-scale for 40 days. Characterization results showed that Fe- and Mn-based nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto the surface of the post-modified biochars, which significantly enhanced their structural and surface chemical properties. Moreover, compared to the control treatment, both raw and post-modified biochars significantly improved the growth parameters of spring barley plants (shoot and root length, biomass weight, and nutrient content). The highest biomass production was obtained for the treatment with PM-B-400-Fe, owing to its enhanced physico-chemical properties and its higher ability in releasing nutrients and immobilizing heavy metals. These results highlight the potential use of Fe-modified poultry manure-derived biochar produced at low temperatures as a sustainable biofertilizer for soil enhancement and crop yield improvement, while addressing manure management issues. Full article

Recently, a number of natural biologically active substances have been proven to be attractive alternatives to conventional anticancer medicine or as adjuvants in contemporary combination therapies. Although lignin-based materials were previously accepted as waste materials with limited usefulness, recent studies increasingly report the possibility of their use for novel applications in various industrial branches, including biomedicine. In this regard, the safety, efficiency, advantages and limitations of lignin compounds for in vitro/in vivo applications remain poorly studied and described. This study was carried out to investigate the possibility of using newly synthesized, alkali lignin-based micro-/nano-biopolymer formulations (Lignin@Formulations/L@F) as carriers for substances with antioxidant and/or anticancer effectiveness. Moreover, we tried to assess the opportunity for using an electro-assisted approach for achieving improved intracellular internalization. An investigation was conducted on an in vitro panel of breast cell lines, namely two breast cancer lines with different metastatic potentials and one non-tumorigenic line as a control. The characterization of all tested formulations was performed via DLS (dynamic light scattering) analysis. We developed an improved separation procedure via size/charge unification for all types of Lignin@Formulations. Moreover, in vitro applications were investigated. The results demonstrate that compared to healthy breast cells, both tested cancer lines exhibited slight sensitivity after treatment with different formulations (empty or loaded with antioxidant substances). This effect was also enhanced after applying electric pulses. L@F loaded with Quercetin was also explored only on the highly metastatic cancer cell line as a model for the breast cancer type most aggressive and non-responsive to traditional treatments. All obtained data suggest that the tested formulations have potential as carriers for the electro-assisted delivery of natural antioxidants such as Quercetin. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent and limiting complication of oncological treatment, particularly in patients receiving oxaliplatin. Its onset can significantly affect the quality of life and compromise the continuity of the antineoplastic therapy. Due to the limited efficacy of available pharmacological therapies, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative for symptom management. Case presentation: We report the case of a 75-year-old woman with colorectal adenocarcinoma who developed CIPN following oxaliplatin administration. She underwent a 12-week course of PENS targeting the median nerve, with weekly sessions conducted without interruption of chemotherapy and without adverse effects. The patient showed progressive improvement in neurosensory symptoms, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire. Quantitative sensory testing revealed normalization of thermal and vibratory sensitivity and improved mechanical detection thresholds. The cumulative oxaliplatin dose was maintained throughout treatment. Conclusions: PENS may offer an effective and safe therapeutic option for managing CIPN, enabling symptom control without compromising oncological treatment. This case supports the need for controlled clinical trials to confirm efficacy and establish standardized protocols. Full article

Hydrogen production is increasingly vital for global decarbonization but remains a water- and energy-intensive process, especially in arid regions. Despite growing attention to its climate benefits, limited research has addressed the environmental impacts of water sourcing. This study employs a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate three water supply strategies for hydrogen production: (1) seawater desalination without brine treatment (BT), (2) desalination with partial BT, and (3) freshwater purification. Scenarios are modeled for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, and Spain, representing diverse electricity mixes and water stress conditions. Both electrolysis and steam methane reforming (SMR) are evaluated as hydrogen production methods. Results show that desalination scenarios contribute substantially to human health and ecosystem impacts due to high energy use and brine discharge. Although partial BT aims to reduce direct marine discharge impacts, its substantial energy demand can offset these benefits by increasing other environmental burdens, such as marine eutrophication, especially in regions reliant on carbon-intensive electricity grids. Freshwater scenarios offer lower environmental impact overall but raise water availability concerns. Across all regions, feedwater for SMR shows nearly 50% lower impacts than for electrolysis. This study focuses solely on the environmental impacts associated with water sourcing and treatment for hydrogen production, excluding the downstream impacts of the hydrogen generation process itself. This study highlights the trade-offs between water sourcing, brine treatment, and freshwater purification for hydrogen production, offering insights for optimizing sustainable hydrogen systems in water-stressed regions. Full article

Graphene is considered one of the most promising flexible transparent electrode materials as it has high charge carrier mobility, high electrical conductivity, low optical absorption, excellent mechanical strength, and good bendability. However, graphene-based flexible transparent electrodes face a critical challenge in balancing electrical conductivity and optical transmittance. Here, we present a green and scalable direct ink writing (DIW) strategy to fabricate graphene grid patterns by optimizing ink formulation with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and ethanol. SDS eliminates the coffee ring effect via Marangoni flow, while ethanol enhances graphene flake alignment during hot-pressing, achieving a high conductivity of 5.22 × 10⁵ S m⁻¹. The grid-patterned graphene-based flexible transparent electrodes exhibit a low sheet resistance of 21.3 Ω/sq with 68.5% transmittance as well as a high stability in high-temperature and corrosive environments, surpassing most metal/graphene composites. This method avoids toxic solvents and high-temperature treatments, demonstrating excellent stability in harsh environments. Full article

Indoor horticulture requires a substantial quantity of electricity to meet crops extended photoperiodic requirements for optimal photosynthetic rate. Simultaneously, global electricity costs have grown dramatically in recent years, endangering the sustainability and profitability of indoor vertical farms and/or modern greenhouses that use artificial lighting systems to accelerate crop development and growth. This study investigates the growth rate and physiological development of cherry tomato plants cultivated in a pilot indoor vertical farm at the Agricultural University of Athens’ Laboratory of Farm Structures (AUA) under continuous and disruptive lighting. The leaf physiological traits from multiple photoperiodic stress treatments were analyzed and utilized to estimate the plant’s tolerance rate under varied illumination conditions. Four different photoperiodic treatments were examined and compared, firstly plants grew under 14 h of continuous light (C-14L10D/control), secondly plants grew under a normalized photoperiod of 14 h with intermittent light intervals of 10 min of light followed by 50 min of dark (NI-14L10D/stress), the third treatment where plants grew under 14 h of a load-shifted energy demand response intermittent lighting schedule (LSI-14L10D/stress) and finally plants grew under 13 h photoperiod following of a load-shifted energy demand response intermittent lighting schedule (LSI-13L11D/stress). Plants were subjected also under two different light spectra for all the treatments, specifically WHITE and Blue/Red/Far-red light composition. The aim was to develop flexible, energy-efficient lighting protocols that maintain crop productivity while reducing electricity consumption in indoor settings. Results indicated that short periods of disruptive light did not negatively impact physiological responses, and plants exhibited tolerance to abiotic stress induced by intermittent lighting. Post-harvest data indicated that intermittent lighting regimes maintained or enhanced growth compared to continuous lighting, with spectral composition further influencing productivity. Plants under LSI-14L10D and B/R/FR spectra produced up to 93 g fresh fruit per plant and 30.4 g dry mass, while consuming up to 16 kWh less energy than continuous lighting—highlighting the potential of flexible lighting strategies for improved energy-use efficiency. Full article

This study evaluates the socio-economic impact of rural electrification through photovoltaic (PV) systems in Morocco. As part of the country’s broader energy transition strategy, decentralized renewable energy solutions like PV kits have been deployed to improve energy access in isolated rural areas. Using quasi-experimental econometric techniques, specifically propensity score matching (PSM) and estimation of the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT), the study measures changes in household income, expenditures, and economic activities resulting from PV electrification. The results indicate significant positive effects on household income, electricity spending, and productivity in agriculture and livestock. These findings highlight the critical role of decentralized renewable energy in advancing rural development and poverty reduction. Policy recommendations include expanding PV access with complementary support measures such as microfinance and technical training. Full article