Search Results (620)

Young barley, derived from the early vegetative stage of Hordeum vulgare L., constitutes a plant-based functional ingredient whose phytochemical profile differs markedly from that of mature grain. Two principal commercial forms exist—dried grass powder and juice-derived products—differing in matrix composition and bioactive compound concentration. This narrative review critically evaluates the current knowledge on the phytochemical composition, biological activity, and translational relevance of young barley preparations considered as a functional plant food. The phytochemical spectrum is dominated by C-glycosyl flavones, particularly saponarin and lutonarin, alongside phenolic acids, chlorophylls, enzymatic antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Experimental evidence implicates the modulation of redox homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic regulators as the primary biological mechanisms. In vitro studies additionally demonstrate antiproliferative activity in human cancer cell lines and immunomodulatory properties mediated by polysaccharide-rich fractions, extending the biological profile of young barley beyond classical antioxidant activity. Although preclinical models consistently demonstrate antioxidant and metabolic effects, high experimental doses and limited preparation standardization restrict the direct extrapolation to human supplementation contexts. Available clinical trials suggest modest improvements in selected lipid, glycemic, and oxidative stress markers; yet, most are small in scale and brief in duration. Agronomic variables including fertilization strategy and soil composition represent additional, underappreciated sources of phytochemical variability and safety concern. Overall, the current evidence supports the biological plausibility of young barley as a functional plant food; yet, the clinical data remain preliminary. Future research should prioritize preparation standardization, dose–response characterization, and agronomic transparency to strengthen translational reliability. In conclusion, young barley preparations represent a biologically plausible functional plant food ingredient with preliminary clinical support, pending confirmation from adequately powered, standardised randomised controlled trials. Full article

The high energy consumption of conventional mixers equipped with active mixing elements necessitates the development of more efficient technologies for mixing bulk materials and feed mixtures. This study presents a gravity-driven mixing approach based on the rotation of an inclined cylindrical chamber, eliminating the need for active mixing elements. During chamber rotation, the mixture components move toward both end walls while simultaneously undergoing a circular motion along the inner cylindrical surface. This movement intensifies the mixing process and reduces energy consumption, thereby providing an energy-efficient gravity-based mixing approach that operates without active mixing elements. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the key physical and mechanical properties of the sapropel, organic fertilizer, and compound feed (formulation K-60-1). The measured values were as follows: velocity on an inclined steel surface, 0.65–1.21 m/s; coefficient of friction, 0.40–0.91; bulk density, 453–1166 kg/m³; and angle of repose, 36–39°. The experimental results confirmed the validity and adequacy of the developed analytical relationships. A structural and technological design of the gravity mixer was developed, and an experimental prototype was manufactured. Analytical relationships were obtained to determine the critical rotational speed of the chamber, particle movement velocity, and the power required for the mixing process. Under optimal operating conditions, the mixture uniformity reached 95.7% after 4 min of mixing. The mixer productivity was 0.95 t/h, while the specific energy consumption was 0.5 kWh/t, which is 2.5 times lower than that of conventional mixers equipped with active mixing elements. The obtained results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed gravity-based mixing method for the preparation of feed and organomineral mixtures under the operating conditions of small-scale farms. Full article

Across human history, water has sustained communities while also shaping religious imagination as a symbol of life, danger, purification, and renewal. This review examines how water acquires religious meaning through symbolic associations, ritual uses, theological interpretations, sacred landscapes, and material water infrastructures across more than five millennia, drawing on examples from ancient civilizations, long-standing Asian traditions, Indigenous religions of the Americas and the Caribbean, and the three major Abrahamic religions. The study explores how rivers, springs, rain, floods, wells, sacred basins, and ritual waters have been understood as signs of creation, purification, fertility, healing, divine presence, destruction, and renewal, while also remaining part of everyday practices of settlement, agriculture, health, and communal life. The comparative analysis highlights recurring patterns and cultural differences. In some traditions, water appears as a primordial substance from which life emerges; in others, it functions as a medium of moral cleansing, ritual preparation, communal prayer, or sacred geography. The study argues that the religious meaning of water is best understood through the interaction of four closely related dimensions: symbolic interpretation, ritual practice, sacred or culturally charged landscapes, and material water infrastructures. By bringing these dimensions together, the article uses the concept of hydraulic heritage to connect religious water symbolism with sacred basins, wells, springs, hammams, monastic water systems, irrigation rituals, and other inherited water-related landscapes and practices. These connections offer a culturally grounded perspective for contemporary discussions on environmental ethics, water protection, and societies’ responsibility toward natural resources. Full article

Rapid dissolution of conventional fertilizers causes low nutrient-use efficiency and serious leaching losses, contributing to agricultural non-point source pollution. In this study, biomass-based slow-release fertilizer beads were prepared by ionic crosslinking of potato starch (ST), chitosan (CS), and corn-straw biochar (BC), using potassium nitrate (KNO₃) as the model nutrient. The effects of ST/CS ratio and BC incorporation on bead structure, swelling, nutrient loading, release kinetics, and soil-column leaching were systematically investigated. Biochar incorporation formed a more compact and interconnected porous network and reduced the equilibrium swelling ratios of ST90/CS10, ST80/CS20, and ST70/CS30 from 188%, 176%, and 164% to 168%, 136%, and 104%, respectively. Although BC slightly decreased KNO₃ loading capacity, it markedly slowed nutrient release; ST80/CS20/BC20 released 31.09%, 50.09%, and 81.82% of loaded KNO₃ at 24, 72, and 504 h, respectively, which were 28.40%, 25.27%, and 11.30% lower than those of ST80/CS20. Kinetic fitting indicated that BC reduced the apparent release rate and promoted diffusion-controlled release behavior. Soil-column experiments further showed that the beads reduced NO₃⁻-N and K⁺ leaching compared with free KNO₃, with ST80/CS20/BC20 showing the best balance between nutrient loading and release control. These results suggest that starch–chitosan–biochar beads are a promising biodegradable matrix for slow-release fertilizer applications. Full article

Background: Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age and represent a significant cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, and reduced quality of life. Contemporary management has evolved toward individualized, uterus-sparing approaches, incorporating pharmacological and minimally invasive strategies alongside traditional surgical methods. Methods: This narrative review was conducted based on a comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published between January 2010 and December 2025. The search strategy combined Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms related to uterine fibroids and their management. Eligible studies included clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses focusing on pharmacological, minimally invasive, and surgical treatments in adult women. The review was prepared in accordance with the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) recommendations to improve methodological transparency and quality of reporting. Results: A total of 97 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Minimally invasive techniques, including uterine artery embolization (UAE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), demonstrate high efficacy in symptom control and improvement of quality of life, with shorter recovery times and lower complication rates compared to conventional surgery. However, their impact on fertility remains variable and requires careful patient selection. Pharmacological therapies, particularly GnRH analogues and antagonists, effectively reduce bleeding and fibroid volume, although their long-term use is limited by side effects. Conclusions: The management of uterine fibroids should be individualized, taking into account symptom severity, fibroid characteristics, patient age, and reproductive plans. Minimally invasive and pharmacological treatments represent effective alternatives to surgery in appropriately selected patients, while surgical approaches remain essential in advanced or refractory cases. Future research should focus on optimizing personalized treatment strategies and evaluating long-term outcomes, particularly regarding fertility and recurrence. Full article

Advanced maternal age is a significant social and clinical issue associated with the natural decline in a woman’s ovarian reserve. This prospective, single-center study included women with primary infertility who presented to the Gyncentrum Clinic in Katowice and analyzed 77 ovarian follicles. The study group consisted of patients of advanced reproductive age with diminished ovarian reserve, who underwent hormonal stimulation in preparation for oocyte retrieval. Each metaphase II (MII) oocyte was fertilized in vitro and cultured individually in a time-lapse incubator. Follicular fluid obtained during oocyte retrieval was collected separately from each follicle and used for non-invasive biochemical analysis of prognostic factors using a Multiplex assay. The concentrations of interleukin 10 (IL-10), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) were evaluated. The analysis showed that lower concentrations of GM-CSF and CNP were associated with an increased probability of oocyte fertilization, whereas higher levels of IL-10 and G-CSF had the greatest impact on blastocyst formation. This model was supported by continuous embryo monitoring. An eightfold increase in the likelihood of blastocyst formation was observed when early embryo cleavage occurred between 25 and 27 h after insemination. Furthermore, prolonged duration of the first cytokinesis reduced the probability of blastocyst development, while an extended cell cycle at the two-blastomere stage significantly affected further embryo development. These findings may support non-invasive embryo selection strategies. Full article

This study investigated the impact of matrixless silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) stabilized with Ag cations on Longidorus elongatus in substrates amended with a soil-enhancing fertilizer derived from sewage sludge, using a pot experiment with cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as the test plant. Seedling substrates were prepared by mixing granulated sewage sludge (A1, A2) with peat (P) at 25%, 50%, and 75% (mass fraction), while AgNPs were applied at a dose of 23.8 mL per pot. Plant performance was evaluated using biometric and physiological parameters, whereas nematode communities were extracted using the Baermann method and classified into trophic groups. The results demonstrated that substrate amendments significantly modified soil chemical properties, nematode abundance, and plant growth responses. AgNP exposure led to a substantial reduction in L. elongatus abundance, from 38–42 to 3–5 individuals per 100 cm³ relative to control substrates. The strongest reduction was observed under conditions of increased silver availability, indicating its significant role in limiting nematode population development. Overall, the combined application of sewage sludge-based fertilizers and AgNPs substantially influenced soil–plant–nematode interactions. These findings indicate that AgNPs may serve as an effective tool for regulating plant-parasitic nematodes within organically amended substrates, while simultaneously influencing plant growth and soil chemical dynamics. Full article

In this study, the amination-based modification of kraft lignin (KL) was implemented through phenolization treatment combined with the Mannich reaction to synthesize the aminated lignin (APKL) with high nitrogen content. Afterward, the chemical structural changes and reaction mechanism of KL during the modification process were surveyed in depth using diverse analytical techniques. The results revealed that the phenolization treatment markedly raised the active site number in KL from 5.79 to 25.5 mmol/g, which led to a significant increase in the chemical reactivity of KL. Meanwhile, the amine group was successfully grafted onto the best phenolized kraft lignin (PKL) after the Mannich reaction. Furthermore, the effects of amination reagent, reactant mass ratio, temperature and time on the nitrogen content of APKL were systematically examined to optimize the reaction conditions for amination. Using FTIR, molecular weight and elemental analyses, the optimal amination conditions were determined as a reaction temperature of 75 °C, reaction time of 3 h and PKL₆/arginine/formaldehyde mass ratio of 3:21:28. Under these parameters, APKL₁₀ with a higher nitrogen content of 19.2% and lower C/N ratio of 2.46 was acquired. In addition, TG and SEM results revealed that the obtained APKL₁₀ possessed a flake-like structure and outstanding thermal stability, which was beneficial for its subsequent application as a slow-release soil fertilizer. More importantly, the soil column leaching test confirmed that the as-prepared APKL₁₀ had excellent nitrogen slow-release properties in the soil. As a result, this kraft lignin derivative generated by phenol treatment followed by amination-based modification could serve as an efficient nitrogen fertilizer, providing a long-term nitrogen source for plant growth in soil. Full article

Rapid and cost-effective estimation of soil total nitrogen (TN) is essential for soil fertility assessment and nutrient management. However, the performance of laboratory visible–near-infrared (Vis–NIR) models is shaped not only by preprocessing and modeling strategy but also by sample preparation and the soil’s compositional background. In this study, TN prediction was evaluated using 376 topsoil samples from two contrasting datasets: Mollisols from the black-soil region of Northeast China and Ultisols from Qiyang County, Hunan Province, southern China. Spectra acquired over 350–2500 nm for three particle-size fractions were preprocessed using Savitzky–Golay smoothing combined with standard normal variate (SNV), first-derivative, or second-derivative transformations, and modeled using partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). Model development used a 5 × 5 nested cross-validation followed by evaluation on a sample-grouped held-out test set. Among all combinations, XGBoost with first-derivative preprocessing on the 0.25 mm fraction produced the best performance, with test R² values of 0.91 for Mollisol and 0.78 for Ultisol. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) and principal component analysis (PCA) consistently identified informative spectral regions at 430–480 and 1330–1450 nm for Mollisol and at 585–635, 820–900, and 2180–2240 nm for Ultisol. Prediction errors were larger in the sampled Ultisol dataset and increased with DCB-extractable Fe and mineral backgrounds. A second-stage log-domain residual correction incorporating ancillary soil properties further reduced the Ultisol RMSE from 0.30 to 0.27 g kg⁻¹. These findings support the 0.25 mm, first-derivative, XGBoost workflow as a robust laboratory Vis–NIR approach for TN prediction and indicate that composition-aware residual correction can improve prediction in oxide- and mineral-rich soils. Full article

The pollution of water, including salt and fresh water, has become an emergency problem. Pollutants come from different sources and have various characteristics, starting from industry and fertilizers used in agriculture, sewage related to human living, and other sources. Diverse sources of pollution require a comprehensive approach to water purification. One possible approach may be the use of appropriate sorbents. Currently, one of the most promising materials used is zeolites. This is because they can come from various sources, including waste raw materials such as fly ash, and, therefore, allow for the use of a circular economy approach. Moreover, these materials can be modified, which enables their selective use for selected types of pollutants. Eventually, these materials become economically viable options. The main aim of this article is to present and analyze possible solutions to water pollution based on zeolite materials. For this purpose, a critical literature review was prepared. The review reveals that zeolites perform particularly well in ion-exchange-driven removal of inorganic contaminants, while their effectiveness for organic micropollutants under realistic conditions is often limited. The identified trade-offs between removal efficiency, regeneration stability, and scalability indicate that zeolites are best applied as function-specific rather than universal sorbents. From a sustainability perspective, this targeted applicability is supported by advantages, such as low material cost, long service life, and the possibility of using naturally occurring or waste-derived precursors, which, together, enable resource-efficient water treatment processes, reduced reliance on energy-intensive technologies, and the valorization of industrial byproducts within circular economy frameworks. Full article

Miscanthus (Panicum virgatum L.), a biomass material known for its rapid growth and high biomass yield, is considered a suitable resource for producing biobased materials. Nevertheless, the dense and complex structure of Miscanthus hinders its full utilization. In this study, alkaline sulfite pretreatment of Miscanthus was carried out to separate the cellulosic fiber fraction and sulfonated lignin. Then, the fiber fraction was used to prepare biobased seedling pots via the wet foaming technique, and the maximum compressive strength of the prepared seeding pot could reach 1317 kPa. The surface coating of the seeding pot with wood wax oil further improved its hydrophobicity and water resistance. Furthermore, the resulting seedling pot with good biodegradability can be used to replace the petroleum-based plastic seedling pot, which could reduce plastic pollution. In addition, the fractionated sulfonated lignin was directly utilized as a fertilizer, showcasing a 6% increase in root and stem height of cabbage and a 15% rise in biomass (dry weight), compared to the humic acid treatment group. Therefore, this work offers a promising and sustainable strategy for the comprehensive utilization of Miscanthus, which can also be a beneficial reference for the better use of other kinds of lignocellulosic biomass. Full article

Foliar preparations are used in potato cultivation, and their use can affect starch properties, which are important for food production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of preparations (biostimulants, fertilizers) during the growing season of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), cultivar Concordia, on selected physicochemical, thermal, and rheological properties of starch. Eight commercial preparations (Basfoliar 12-4-6+S + ADOB PK (ADOB), Asahi SL, BlueN^®, Megafol^®, Quantis™, Qultivo, Rizoderma TSI, and Rizofos) were foliarly applied during the growing season. Potato starch was isolated using a laboratory method. Starch from potatoes grown without foliarly preparations served as a control sample. The research methodology included determination of amylose content and mean starch granule diameter. Thermodynamic characterization of gelatinization and retrogradation was performed using a DSC (differential scanning calorimeter), viscometric pasting characterization was performed with a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA), and flow curves were determined. A statistically significant effect of the type of foliar biostimulant/fertilizer applied on amylose content, starch grain size distribution, and rheological properties of the tested starches was observed. Amylose content ranged from 31.7% (BlueN) to 36.3% (ADOB). Starch from potatoes grown with ADOB had the largest grains, with the largest number of grains having a diameter >40 µm. The tested starches generally did not differ in terms of the onset, peak, and end temperatures of gelatinization determined using DSC. Similarly, slight differences were observed in the pasting temperature determined viscometrically. The RVA analysis showed that the highest maximum viscosity value was observed for starch obtained from the raw material stimulated with the Megafol preparation (3744 mPa·s), and the paste based on starch isolated from potatoes grown with the Asahi biostimulant was characterized by the highest rheological stability at 95 °C. The starch pastes obtained from the raw material stimulated with the Megafol and Quantis preparations were characterized by the lowest values of the consistency coefficient (15.7 Pa·sⁿ), and the control starch had the highest value of this parameter (21.7 Pa·sⁿ). Full article

The complexity of physicochemical properties in iron ore tailings has led to extensive and varied study avenues. Moreover, changes in these features resulting from source discrepancies have complicated the identification of consistent patterns in study findings, thereby hindering the standardization and advancement of resource exploitation technologies. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the utilization pathways for iron tailings. It identifies the mainstream recovery processes for rare earth minerals, a relatively less-researched direction. It also describes research progress on the use of iron tailings for the preparation of fertilizers and soil conditioners, as well as their application as cementitious materials or aggregates in building materials and mine backfilling engineering. It incorporates various activation methods for the preparation of cementitious materials from iron tailings into a unified comparative framework and quantifies the key performance indicators of different activation pathways through a summary table. It also summarizes studies on the ecological reclamation of tailings ponds based on bioremediation techniques. The essential physicochemical properties of iron deposits are meticulously analyzed, and this is followed by a specialized overview of the principal treatment techniques, critical performance indicators, and their foundational mechanisms. The current application of various technical approaches is examined to identify key problems, and future development opportunities are outlined. Full article

Modern agriculture faces major challenges due to rapid population growth, climate change, and environmental constraints. Advanced polymeric systems for controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) are essential to address these challenges. Urea is one of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers; however, its agronomic efficiency is limited by volatilization and losses. In this study, we report a sustainable strategy to encapsulate urea using a matrix derived from industrial sulfur waste and vegetable oil, improving agronomic efficiency while valorizing industrial residues and renewable resources. Through inverse vulcanization, a sponge-like polymer (Bp-SF) was synthesized. Two urea-loaded bio-composites (Bp-SF25U and Bp-SF32U) were also prepared. FT-IR analysis confirmed urea encapsulation and the formation of polymeric structures from sunflower oil. SEM revealed a porous morphology, while contact angle measurements confirmed the hydrophobic nature of the polymer matrix. Release kinetics showed sustained nitrogen release for more than 77 days, reaching approximately 60% cumulative release, governed by diffusion, with a fraction of urea retained within the matrix, potentially enabling prolonged nutrient availability. Pot experiments with maize showed that a lower dose of encapsulated urea (79 mg) produced similar plant growth responses to a higher dose of free urea (92 mg), indicating improved nitrogen use efficiency. These sulfur cross-linked biopolymers represent a promising strategy to enhance urea efficiency while supporting greener fertilization strategies aligned with circular economy principles. Full article

The severe continuous cropping obstacles in Morchella cultivation, driven primarily by soil microecological imbalance, critically constrain the sustainable development of the industry. To address this challenge, this study evaluated the efficacy of rotary tillage, calcium cyanamide (CaCN₂), and organic fertilizer, applied individually and in combination, in mitigating these obstacles and explored the underlying microbial mechanisms. The soil was treated on 5 August 2024, and soil samples were collected on 5 October 2024. Four treatments were established: continuous cropping control (CK), rotary tillage (XGX), rotary tillage combined with calcium cyanamide (MPD), and rotary tillage combined with calcium cyanamide and organic fertilizer (MPX). Soil chemical properties were analyzed in conjunction with metagenomic sequencing to characterize the responses of soil properties and microbial communities, including both eukaryotic and bacterial taxa. The results indicated that the MPD treatment showed a relatively pronounced effect in enhancing key soil fertility indicators, including soil organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), available potassium (AK), and total phosphorus (TP). All amendments significantly altered microbial community structures. Specifically, the integrated MPX treatment effectively reduced the relative abundance of the pathogenic fungus Olpidium while maintaining higher overall microbial diversity. It also significantly promoted the abundance of Morchella itself and beneficial bacterial phyla such as Actinomycetota and Pseudomonadota. Redundancy analysis identified AN and AK as the primary drivers of eukaryotic community variation, whereas Availa-ble phosphorus (AP) and potential of hydrogen (pH) were the key factors shaping the bacterial community. The results indicated that MPD was the showed relatively pronounced effectiveness in rapidly improving soil fertility and suppressing pathogenic fungi. In contrast, MPX showed relatively better performance in optimizing microbial community structure, enhancing microbial diversity, and strengthening overall ecological stability. These two treatments exhibited distinct advantages in soil chemical improvement and microbial community regulation, respectively, thereby providing alternative practical strategies and a theoretical basis for the ecological management of continuous-cropping obstacles in Morchella cultivation. It should be noted that this study did not include treatments with calcium cyanamide alone, organic fertilizer alone, or their combined application without rotary tillage. This is primarily because rotary tillage is a standard land preparation practice in Morchella cultivation, and the use of soil amendments without accompanying tillage is rarely adopted under practical production conditions. Full article