Search Results (1,127)

During large-scale pavement construction, the preparation of SBS-modified asphalt typically produces large amounts of harmful fumes. The emergence of deodorants can effectively alleviate the problem of smoke emissions during the asphalt manufacturing process. On the basis of ensuring the original road performance, exploring more suitable dosages and types of deodorant is urgently needed. Five commercial deodorants were evaluated using an asphalt smoke collection system, and UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV) was employed to screen the deodorants based on smoke concentration. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to quantitatively analyze changes in harmful smoke components before and after adding two deodorants. Subsequently, the mechanisms of action of the two different types of deodorants were analyzed microscopically using fluorescence microscopy. Finally, the performance of bitumen and asphalt mixtures after adding deodorants was evaluated. The results showed that deodorant A (reactive type) and D (adsorption type) exhibited the best smoke suppression effects, with optimal addition rates of 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Deodorant A reduced benzene homologues by nearly 50% and esters by approximately 40%, while deodorant D reduced benzene homologues by approximately 70% and esters by approximately 60%, without producing new toxic gases. Both deodorants had a minimal impact on the basic properties of bitumen and the road performance of asphalt mixtures, with all indicators meeting technical specifications. This research provides a theoretical basis for the effective application of deodorants in the future, truly enabling a transition from laboratory research to large-scale engineering applications in the construction of environmentally friendly roads. Full article

The prevention of biofilm formation and algal biodeterioration on building materials, particularly on cultural heritage sites, is a growing concern. Due to regulatory restrictions on conventional algicidal biocides in Europe, natural alternatives such as essential oils are gaining interest for their potential use in heritage conservation. This study evaluates the anti-algal activity of Salvia officinalis and Equisetum arvense (essential oils, hydrolates, and extracts) against a mixed culture of five green algae species (Bracteacoccus minor, Stichococcus bacillaris, Klebsormidium nitens, Chloroidium saccharophilum, and Diplosphaera chodatii). The plant materials were processed using hydrodistillation and solvent extraction, followed by chemical characterization through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biological efficacy was assessed by measuring algal growth inhibition, changes in biomass colour, chlorophyll a concentration, and fluorescence. S. officinalis yielded higher extract quantities (extraction yield: 23%) than E. arvense and contained bioactive compounds such as thujone, camphor, and cineole, which correlated with its strong anti-algal effects. The essential oil of S. officinalis demonstrated the highest efficacy, significantly inhibiting biofilm formation (zones of inhibition: 15–94 mm) and photosynthetic activity at 0.5% concentration (reduction in chlorophyll a concentration 90–100%), without causing visible discolouration of treated surfaces (∆E < 2). These findings highlight the potential of S. officinalis essential oil as a natural, effective, and material-safe algicidal biocide for the sustainable protection of cultural heritage sites. Full article

The Junggar Basin contains a large amount of coal resources and is an important coal production base in China. The coal seam in Zhundong coalfield has a large single-layer thickness and high content of inertinite, but large particle Fe-sulphide minerals are associated with coal seams in some mining areas. A series of economic and environmental problems caused by the combustion of large-grained Fe-sulphide minerals in coal have seriously affected the economic, clean and efficient utilization of coal. In this paper, the ultra-thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation in the Yihua open-pit mine of the Zhundong coalfield is taken as the research object. Through the analysis of coal quality, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer test of major elements in coal, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry test of trace elements, SEM-Raman identification of Fe-sulphide minerals in coal and LA-MC-ICP-MS test of sulfur isotope of marcasite, the coal quality characteristics, main and trace element characteristics, macro and micro occurrence characteristics of Fe-sulphide minerals and sulfur isotope characteristics of marcasite in the ultra-thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation are tested. On this basis, the occurrence state and genesis of large particle Fe-sulphide minerals in the ultra-thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation are clarified. The main results and understandings are as follows: (1) the occurrence state of Fe-sulphide minerals in extremely thick coal seams is clarified. The Fe-sulphide minerals in the extremely thick coal seam are mainly marcasite, and concentrated in the YH-2, YH-3, YH-8, YH-9, YH-14, YH-15 and YH-16 horizons. Macroscopically, Fe-sulphide minerals mainly occur in three forms: thin film Fe-sulphide minerals, nodular Fe-sulphide minerals, and disseminated Fe-sulphide minerals. Microscopically, they mainly occur in four forms: flake, block, spearhead, and crack filling. (2) The difference in sulfur isotope of marcasite was discussed, and the formation period of marcasite was preliminarily divided. The overall variation range of the δ³⁴S value of marcasite is wide, and the extreme values are quite different. The polyflake marcasite was formed in the early stage of diagenesis and the δ³⁴S value was negative, while the fissure filling marcasite was formed in the late stage of diagenesis and the δ³⁴S value was positive. (3) The coal quality characteristics of the thick coal seam were analyzed. The organic components in the thick coal seam are mainly inertinite, and the inorganic components are mainly clay minerals and marcasite. (4) The difference between the element content in the thick coal seam of the Zhundong coalfield and the average element content of Chinese coal was compared. The major element oxides in the thick coal seam are mainly CaO and MgO, followed by SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃ and Na₂O. Li, Ga, Ba, U and Th are enriched in trace elements. (5) The coal-accumulating environment characteristics of the extremely thick coal seam are revealed. The whole thick coal seam is formed in an acidic oxidation environment, and the horizon with Fe-sulphide minerals is in an acidic reduction environment. The acidic reduction environment is conducive to the formation of marcasite and is not conducive to the formation of pyrite. (6) There are many matrix vitrinite, inertinite content, clay content, and terrigenous debris in the extremely thick coal seam. The good supply of peat swamp, suitable reduction environment and pH value, as well as groundwater leaching and infiltration, together cause the occurrence of large-grained Fe-sulphide minerals in the extremely thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation in the Zhundong coalfield. Full article

There is limited knowledge about the benefits of functional textile in arthritis management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of wearing functional socks in patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Patients were randomized into an experimental group (n = 23) and control group (n = 18). The intervention involved wearing functional textile socks for 12 weeks. Sock composition was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. Outcome measures included the Numeric Rating Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and RAND-36 (Estonian version). At week 12, the experimental group showed significantly lower metatarsophalangeal and toe joint pain (p = 0.001), stiffness (p = 0.005), and ankle stiffness (p = 0.017) scores than the control group. Improvements were also observed in HAQ-DI reaching (p = 0.035) and activity (p = 0.028) scores. RAND-36 scores were higher in physical functioning (p = 0.013), social functioning (p = 0.024), and bodily pain (p = 0.006). Role limitations due to physical problems improved in the experimental group but worsened in the control group (p = 0.029). In conclusion, wearing functional socks led to some statistically significant improvements in foot and ankle pain and stiffness, physical function, and health-related quality of life. However, the effect sizes were small, and the clinical relevance of these findings should be interpreted with caution. Full article

The most important bauxite deposits in Türkiye are located in the Seydişehir (Konya) and Akseki (Antalya) regions, situated along the western Taurus Mountain, with a total reserve of approximately 44 million tons. Some of the bauxite deposits have been exploited for alumina since the 1970s. In this study, bauxite samples, collected from six different deposits were examined to determine their mineralogical and chemical composition, as well as their REE content, with the aim of identifying which bauxite types are enriched in REEs and assessing their economic potential. The samples included massive, oolitic, and brecciated bauxite types, which were analyzed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductive coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM-EDX), and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA). Massive bauxites were found to be more homogeneous in both mineralogical and chemical composition, predominantly composed of diaspore, boehmite, and rare gibbsite. Hematite is the most abundant iron oxide mineral in all bauxites, while goethite, rutile, and anatase occur in smaller quantities. Quartz, feldspar, kaolinite, dolomite, and pyrite were specifically determined in brecciated bauxites. Average oxide contents were determined as 52.94% Al₂O₃, 18.21% Fe₂O₃, 7.04% TiO₂, and 2.69% SiO₂. Na₂O, K₂O, and MgO values are typically below 0.5%, while CaO averages 3.54%. The total REE content of the bauxites ranged from 161 to 4072 ppm, with an average of 723 ppm. Oolitic-massive bauxites exhibit the highest REE enrichment. Cerium (Ce) was the most abundant REE, ranging from 87 to 453 ppm (avg. 218 ppm), followed by lanthanum (La), which reached up to 2561 ppm in some of the massive bauxite samples. LREEs such as La, Ce, Pr, and Nd were notably enriched compared to HREEs. The lack of a positive correlation between REEs and major element oxides, as well as with their occurrences in distinct association with Al- and Fe-oxides-hydroxides based on FESEM-EDS and EPMA analyses, suggests that the REEs are present as discrete mineral phases. Furthermore, these findings indicate that the REEs are not incorporated into the crystal structures of other minerals through isomorphic substitution or adsorption. Full article

Rye regeneration in anther cultures is problematic and affected by albino plants. DNA methylation changes linked to Cu²⁺ ions in the induction medium affect reprogramming microspores from gametophytic to sporophytic path. Alternations in S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), glutathione (GSH), or β-glucans and changes in DNA methylation in regenerants obtained under different in vitro culture conditions suggest a crucial role of biochemical pathways. Thus, understanding epigenetic and biochemical changes arising from the action of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ that participate in enzymatic complexes may stimulate progress in rye doubled haploid plant regeneration. The Methylation-Sensitive Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism approach was implemented to identify markers related to DNA methylation and sequence changes following the quantification of variation types, including symmetric and asymmetric sequence contexts. Reverse-Phase High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) connected with mass spectrometry was utilized to determine SAM, GSH, and glutathione disulfide, as well as phytohormones, and RP-HPLC with a fluorescence detector to study polyamines changes originating in rye regenerants due to Cu²⁺ or Zn²⁺ presence in the induction medium. Multivariate and regression analysis revealed that regenerants derived from two lines treated with Cu²⁺ and those treated with Zn²⁺ formed distinct groups based on DNA sequence and methylation markers. Zn²⁺ treated and control samples formed separate groups. Also, Cu²⁺ discriminated between controls and treated samples, but the separation was less apparent. Principal coordinate analysis explained 85% of the total variance based on sequence variation and 69% of the variance based on DNA methylation changes. Significant differences in DNA methylation characteristics were confirmed, with demethylation in the CG context explaining up to 89% of the variance across genotypes. Biochemical profiles also demonstrated differences between controls and treated samples. The changes had different effects on green and albino plant regeneration efficiency, with cadaverine (Cad) and SAM affecting regeneration parameters the most. Analyses of the enzymes depend on the Cu²⁺ or Zn²⁺ ions and are implemented in the synthesis of Cad, or SAM, which showed that some of them could be candidates for genome editing. Alternatively, manipulating SAM, GSH, and Cad may improve green plant regeneration efficiency in rye. Full article

Due to widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), the assessment of their potential harm to microalgal photosynthesis is crucial, as microalgae, together with cyanobacteria, contribute to approximately 50% of global oxygen production. This study investigated photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and the expression of photosynthesis-related genes and proteins in green alga Chlorella vulgaris after 72 h exposure to citrate- and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-stabilized AgNPs, as well as silver ions (AgNO₃), at concentrations allowing 75% cell survival (EC₂₅). All treatments impaired photosynthetic performance. The most pronounced decreases in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic rate, alongside elevated energy dissipation, were observed after exposure to AgNP-CTAB and AgNO₃. AgNP-citrate had milder effects and induced compensatory responses, reflected in an increased performance index and upregulation of photosynthesis-related proteins. AgNP-CTAB induced the strongest downregulation of gene and protein expression, likely due to its higher EC₂₅ concentration and cationic surface promoting interaction with photosynthetic structures. Although AgNO₃ caused fewer molecular changes, it significantly disrupted photosynthetic function, suggesting a direct effect of Ag⁺ ions on photosynthesis-related proteins. Overall, the results highlight the role of AgNPs’ surface coatings and dosage in determining their phytotoxicity, with photosystem disruption and oxidative stress emerging as key mechanisms of action. Full article

Calendula officinalis L. is a widely used medicinal plant whose secondary metabolism and morphology are influenced by light. This study evaluated the effects of 2 and 4 h end-of-day (EOD) red/far-red (R:FR) and green (G) light on the growth, physiology, and phytochemical profile of hydroponically grown C. officinalis under a constant red/blue light background, compared with a red/blue control without EOD treatment. Morphological, physiological (gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence), biochemical (chlorophyll, anthocyanin), and chemical composition (attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)) were evaluated. EOD G 2 h enhanced photosynthetic pigments, anthocyanins, and biomass, while control plants showed higher phenolic content. EOD R:FR induced stem elongation but reduced pigment and metabolite accumulation. GC-MS revealed organ-specific metabolic specialization, with flowers displaying greater chemical diversity than leaves. EOD G favored sesquiterpene diversity in flowers, while EOD R:FR increased nitrogen-containing compounds and unsaturated fatty acids. Vibrational data supported these shifts, with spectral signatures of esters, phenolics, and lipid-related structures. Bioactive compounds, including α-cadinol and carboxylic acids, were identified across treatments. These findings demonstrate that EOD light modulates physiological and metabolic traits in C. officinalis, highlighting EOD G as an enhancer of biomass and phytochemical richness for pharmaceutical applications under controlled conditions. Full article

This work presents the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of physicochemical and biological properties of two new aminoporphyrazine derivatives bearing magnesium(II) cations in their cores and peripheral pyrrolyl groups. The synthesis was carried out in several stages, using classical methods and the Microwave-Assisted Organic Synthesis (MAOS) approach. The obtained compounds were characterized using spectral techniques: UV-Vis spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The porphyrazine derivatives were tested for their electrochemical properties (CV and DPV), which revealed four redox processes, of which in compound 7 positive shifts of oxidation potentials were observed, resulting from the presence of free phenolic hydroxyl groups. In spectroelectrochemical measurements, changes in UV-Vis spectra associated with the formation of positive-charged states were noted. Photophysical studies revealed the presence of characteristic absorption Q and Soret bands, low fluorescence quantum yields and small Stokes shifts. The efficiency of singlet oxygen generation (Φ_Δ) was higher for compound 6 (up to 0.06), but compound 7, despite its lower efficiency (0.02), was distinguished by a better biological activity profile. Toxicity tests using the Aliivibrio fischeri bacteria indicated the lower toxicity of 7 compared to 6. The most promising result was the strong photodynamic activity of porphyrazine 7 against the Methicillin-resistant Stapylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain, leading to a more-than-5.6-log decrease in viable counts after the colony forming units (CFU) after light irradiation. Compound 6 did not show any significant antibacterial activity. The obtained data indicate that porphyrazine 7 is a promising candidate for applications in photodynamic therapy of bacterial infections. Full article

Mining waste presents significant environmental and public health risks due to the potential release of toxic substances when improperly managed. In this study, four tailings samples were taken to evaluate the environmental risks in the Ponce Enríquez mining area in Ecuador. Chemical characterization and X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) were used to analyze the content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) of interest (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for mineralogical characterization. The contamination index (IC) was calculated to assess the potential hazard associated with the content of PTEs in the mining wastes. To assess environmental risks, leaching tests were carried out to evaluate the potential release of PTEs, and Acid-Base Accounting (ABA) tests were conducted to determine the likelihood of acid mine drainage formation. The results revealed that the PETs concentration exceeded the maximum permissible limits in all samples, according to Ecuadorian regulations: As, Pb, and Cd were identified as critical contaminants. Mineralogically, quartz was the dominant phase, followed by carbonates (calcite, dolomite and magnesite), phyllosilicates (chlorite and illite), and minor amounts of pyrite and talc. The IC indicated high to very high contamination risk levels, with As being the predominant contributor. Although leaching tests met the established limits for non-hazardous mining waste, the ABA test showed that all samples had a high potential for long-term acid generation. These results underscore the need for implementing management strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts and the development of plans to protect local ecosystems and communities from the adverse effects of mining activities. Full article

A simple and fast analytical method was developed and applied to assess the effect of two forms of zinc fertilization on a pecan tree cultivar in Uruguay: fertigation and foliar application with a specially formulated fertilizer. Zinc content was determined in 36 leaf samples from two crop cycles: 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. Fresh samples were dried, ground, and sieved. Analytical determinations were performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS, considered a standard method) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXRF, the proposed method). In the first case, sample preparation was carried out by microwave-assisted digestion using 4.5 mol L⁻¹ HNO₃. In the second case, pellets (Φ 13 mm, 2–3 mm thick) were prepared by direct mechanical pressing. Figures of merit of both methodologies were adequate for the purpose of zinc monitoring. The results obtained from both methodologies were statistically compared and found to be equivalent (95% confidence level). Based on the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry, both procedures were evaluated using the Analytical Greenness Metric Approach (AGREE and AGREEprep) tools. It was concluded that EDXRF was notably greener than FAAS and can be postulated as an alternative to the standard method. The information emerging from the analyses aided decision-making at the agronomic level. Full article

The identification of melatonin in grapes has led to the publication of numerous studies on melatonin in wines, and the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data on melatonin concentrations in wines. In this context, international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed were searched for relevant articles (437) up to 29 March 2025. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. A total of 15 studies from eight countries, involving various wine types and analytical methods, were included in the meta-analysis. Considerable analytical variation was observed across studies, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with either mass spectrometry (MS) or fluorescence (FL) detection was shown to be the most accurate and sensitive method for quantifying melatonin. The highest concentrations were found in Spanish red Tempranillo wine, Romanian white Noah wine, and Romanian rosé Lidia wine. Red wines, particularly those produced from Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) grapes, were the most frequently studied. The results of this work provide a clearer picture of melatonin levels in wine. Further research is needed to explore the implications of melatonin content in wine for human health and the wine industry. Full article

Swine wastewater (SW) has a high chemical oxygen demand (COD) content and is difficult to degrade; an effective strategy to address this issue is through biodegradation, which poses negligible secondary pollution risks and ensures cost-efficiency. The objectives of this study were to isolate an effective COD-degrading strain of SW, characterize (at the molecular level) its transformation of SW, and apply it to practical production. A strain of Corynebacterium xerosis H1 was isolated and had a 27.93% ± 0.68% (mean ± SD) degradation rate of COD in SW. This strain precipitated growth in liquids, which has the advantage of not needing to be immobilized, unlike other wastewater-degrading bacteria. Based on analysis by Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), this bacterium removed nitrogen-containing compounds in SW, with proteins and lipids decreasing from 41 to 10% and lignins increasing from 51 to 82%. Furthermore, the enhancement of the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with strain H1 improved COD removal in effluent, with reductions in the fluorescence intensity of aromatic protein I, aromatic protein II, humic-like acids, and fulvic acid regions. In addition, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis, SBR_H1 successfully colonized some H1 bacteria and had a higher abundance of functional microbiota than SBR_C. This study confirms that Corynebacterium xerosis H1, as a carrier-free efficient strain, can be directly applied to swine wastewater treatment, reducing carrier costs and the risk of secondary pollution. The discovery of this strain enriches the microbial resource pool for SW COD degradation and provides a new scheme with both economic and environmental friendliness for large-scale treatment. Full article

In this article, a multidisciplinary methodological approach for studying a wooden panel painting is applied. The theoretical framework, within which this research has arisen, is the application of state-of-the-art non-destructive techniques for addressing issues concerning the constituting parts and composing materials of the artwork. Hereby, a post-Byzantine icon was studied, which was dated back to 1836. It is a painting executed on a wooden panel, with a decorated wooden frame attached. The artifact was thoroughly investigated through the application of infrared thermography (IRT), multispectral imaging (MSI), and macroscopic X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (MA-XRF). These analyses provided crucial information about the verso of the painting (i.e., the wooden panel and the frame) and allowed for the revelation of important details of the recto of the painting, which were not visible due to the presence of an old, decayed varnish. Additionally, through the detailed mapping of the distribution of various chemical elements on the recto of the painting and the frame, it was possible to identify the materials used and techniques employed. It is therefore shown that, when combined, the non-destructive methodologies in consideration can provide adequate information referring to the materiality and state of preservation of panel paintings, permitting the conservator to proceed to a tailored conservation treatment. Full article

Arsenic exposure in children and adults has been associated with respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, and decreased lung function. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between environmental arsenic exposure and serum pneumoproteins and lung function. A cross-sectional study was conducted including 175 children exposed to arsenic by drinking water (range: 7.4 to 91 µg/L) and soil (range: 4.76 to 35.93 mg/kg), from some Yaqui villages. Arsenic was analyzed in dust and urine using field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and ICP/OES, respectively. Serum was analyzed for Clara Cell protein (CC16) and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) using immunoassays, and lung function was evaluated by spirometry. The results showed that increased arsenic in drinking water was associated with reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (β = −0.027, p = 0.0000) whereas, contrary to expectations, arsenic in dust was associated with increased FEV₁/FVC (β = 0.004, p = 0.0076). Increased urinary arsenic was associated with reduced % predicted FEV₁ (β = −0.723, p = 0.0152) and reduced FEV₁/FVC ratio (β = −0.022, p = 0.0222). Increased serum MMP-9 was associated with reduced FEV₁/FVC ratio (β = −0.017, p = 0.0167). Children with % predicted FEV₁ values less than 80 had the lowest levels of CC16 (Median 29.0 ng/mL, IQR 21.3, 37.4, p = 0.0148). As a conclusion, our study evidenced an impairment in lung function in children exposed to low arsenic levels. Full article