Search Results (1,376)

Potatoes intended for chip production must meet strict quality requirements. The objective of the study was to determine the optimal cultivation approach most favorable for chip potato cultivars (Beo, Picus, Pirol) through the application of various agronomic treatments, including a biostimulant and a fungicide. In the fresh tuber mass, the following components were determined: dry matter, starch, total and reducing sugars, as well as carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments. The chips were evaluated in terms of organoleptic traits: color, taste, aroma and consistency. All analyses were carried out directly after harvest and after 6 months of storage under constant temperature (8 °C) and relative air humidity (95%). In general, all experimental factors had a significant effect on the parameters studied. The potato cultivars differed significantly in the chemical composition of their tubers. The cultivar ‘Beo’ was characterized by the highest dry matter and starch content and, at the same time, the lowest content of total and reducing sugars (respectively, : 23.9%, 18.4%, 5.77 g kg⁻¹ f.m., 459 mg kg⁻¹ f.m.). The cultivar ‘Pirol’, on the other hand, contained the highest amounts of carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments (a, b and total): 10.31, 1.87, 0.927, 2.80 mg kg⁻¹ f.m., respectively. The preparations Moncut 460 SC (MC) and Supporter^® (SP) used in potato production showed a positive effect on the chemical composition of the cultivars studied. It was demonstrated that the combined use of both agents proved to be the most beneficial in this regard. The chips produced were characterized by high overall quality, averaging 4.6 points after harvest and 4.5 points after storage, fully meeting the standards required for this type of product. Chips fried from the tubers of the ‘Beo’ cultivar received the highest organoleptic scores: color—4.9, consistency—4.6, and taste—4.6 points. Regardless of the experimental factors, the chips were characterized by a very good aroma (5.0 points). The studies conducted generally demonstrated a positive effect of the potato seed treatments used in cultivation on the individual quality traits of the chips. The combined application of the preparations (MC and SP) generally had a significantly positive effect on the organoleptic characteristics of the chips. After long-term storage, the quality of tubers and chips slightly decreased overall, which indicates that appropriate conditions were maintained throughout the storage period and that proper handling of the tubers immediately after harvest was ensured. Full article

This study investigates the effects of agro-waste-based capsules made from grape seeds and cherry pits on the physical, mechanical, thermal and self-healing properties of concrete. Capsule-containing mixtures were compared with a reference concrete after 28 days of water curing using both standardized and non-standardized testing methods. Capsule incorporation reduced workability by up to 91% and altered air content depending on capsule type, increasing it by 47% for grape seed capsules and decreasing it by 65% for cherry pit capsules. Fresh concrete density was reduced by 5.5% and 6.8% for grape seed and cherry pit capsules, respectively, while hardened concrete density decreased by 11% and 9%, implying lighter structures with improved seismic resistance. Compressive strength decreased by 49% for grape seed capsules and 27% for cherry pit capsules. Thermal conductivity was reduced by 32% and 22%, respectively, indicating improved energy efficiency. Concrete with grape seed capsules showed freeze–thaw performance comparable to the reference concrete after 112 cycles, whereas concrete with cherry pit capsules exhibited superior dynamic modulus behavior, suggesting continuous crack healing, despite significant mass loss due to poor capsule–matrix bonding. SEM analysis showed no significant crack reduction, while EDS revealed calcium-rich areas in grape seed capsule concrete, indicating possible crack healing. Overall, agro-waste capsule concrete shows potential for improving seismic resistance and energy efficiency, although further research is required to clarify the self-healing effect. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen fertilization and different types of planting material on the yield and fruit quality of pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus) cv. Smooth Cayenne under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Northern region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, arranged in a factorial scheme with four nitrogen rates, six types of planting material, and two harvest seasons (winter and summer). Based on the results, it can be inferred that slips provided higher yields and heavier fruits, whereas plants derived from crowns and suckers showed lower productivity. Increasing nitrogen rates promoted greater fruit mass and length, higher pulp percentage, and increased production of vegetative propagules. Fruits harvested in the summer showed higher soluble solids content (15.5 °Brix), greater pulp and juice percentages, and lower titratable acidity, which are desirable characteristics for fresh consumption. Despite the seasonal differences, fruit mass ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 kg met commercial standards for both processing and domestic markets. The soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio (15.8) was below the ideal range for fresh consumption. The combination of appropriate planting material and nitrogen fertilization contributes to higher production efficiency, cost reduction, and improved fruit quality. Full article

Phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacteria associated with the Solanum tuberosum L. cultivar ‘Superchola’ were isolated and characterized to improve our understanding of plant growth promotion in agricultural systems. Bacteria were isolated by serial dilutions, and the morphology of the colonies was characterized on nutrient agar culture medium. In addition, morphological identification was achieved by Gram staining. The ability to solubilize phosphate was assessed in Pikovskaya agar culture medium, while molecular identification involved the amplification of the partial 16S rRNA gene using the polymerase chain reaction. In the Píllaro canton, the highest number of colony-forming units per gram of soil was recorded at 9.72 × 10⁹. Among the isolated strains, 62% exhibited circular morphology, 92% had a smooth texture, and 85% displayed entire margins. Notably, 83% of the isolates were Gram-negative, with 50% exhibiting a bacillary form. The most effective phosphate solubilizers were from the Mocha canton, particularly the isolate CC-FCAGP-BSF6, which showed superior solubilization capacity. Molecular identification revealed bacterial isolates from four genera, i.e., Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Lysinibacillus, and Paenibacillus. These strains exhibited significant phosphate solubilization in vitro and resulted in increased leaf area (0.21–0.49, p = 0.038), fresh mass (0.46–0.87, p = 0.014), dry mass (0.092–0.096, p = 0.047), and leaf area index (0.14–0.33, p = 0.026) in the S. tuberosum cultivar ‘Superchola’ in vitro plants. This study identifies bacterial species associated with the rhizosphere of S. tuberosum in Ecuador and highlights their potential for promoting plant growth and solubilizing phosphates. Full article

This study investigates the synergistic influence of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled steel fibers (RSF) on the fresh and hardened performance of eco-efficient fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete (SCC). Twelve C30/37.5 mixtures were produced using demolition waste as coarse RCA at replacement levels of 25, 50, 75, and 100% by mass, combined with RSF recovered from scrap tires at volume fractions of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75%. Fresh properties were assessed in accordance with EFNARC guidelines using slump-flow (T500), V-funnel, L-box, and J-ring tests, while hardened performance was evaluated through compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths at 28 days, together with density and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). Increasing RCA and RSF contents reduced workability, reflected in lower slump-flow diameters and higher T500 and V-funnel times, although most mixtures maintained satisfactory self-compacting behaviour. Compressive strength decreased with RCA content and, to a lesser extent, with higher RSF, with a maximum reduction of about 39% at 100% RCA relative to the control mix, yet values remained structurally acceptable. In contrast, RSF markedly enhanced tensile and flexural responses: at 25% RCA, 0.75% RSF increased splitting tensile and flexural strengths by approximately 41% and 29%, respectively, compared with the corresponding fiber-free mix. RCA reduced density and UPV by about 10–14%, but these reductions were partially mitigated by RSF addition. Overall, the results demonstrate that SCC with moderate RCA (25–50%) and RSF (0.50–0.75%) can achieve a favourable balance between rheological performance and enhanced tensile and flexural behaviour, offering a viable composite solution for sustainable structural applications. Full article

In January 2025, multiple wildfires erupted across the Los Angeles region, fueled by prolonged dry conditions and intense Santa Ana winds. Southern California has faced increasingly frequent and severe wildfires in recent years, driven by prolonged drought, high temperatures, and the expanding wildland–urban interface. These fires have caused major loss of life, extensive property damage, mass evacuations, and severe air-quality decline in this densely populated, high-risk region. This study integrates passive and active satellite observations to characterize the spatiotemporal and vertical distribution of wildfire emissions and assesses their impact on air quality. TROPOMI (Sentinel-5P) and the recently launched TEMPO geostationary instrument provide hourly high temporal-resolution mapping of trace gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), and aerosols. Vertical column densities of NO₂ and HCHO reached 40 and 25 Pmolec/cm², respectively, representing more than a 250% increase compared to background climatological levels in fire-affected zones. TEMPO’s unique high-frequency observations captured strong diurnal variability and secondary photochemical production, offering unprecedented insights into plume evolution on sub-daily scales. ATLID (EarthCARE) lidar profiling identified smoke layers concentrated between 1 and 3 km altitude, with optical properties characteristic of fresh biomass burning and depolarization ratios indicating mixed particle morphology. Vertical profiling capability was critical for distinguishing transported smoke from boundary-layer pollution and assessing radiative impacts. These findings highlight the value of combined passive–active satellite measurements in capturing wildfire plumes and the need for integrated monitoring as wildfire risk grows under climate change. Full article

The uptake and accumulation of heavy metals by wild-grown mushrooms is raising health concerns for consumers worldwide with respect to variability conditioned by species and harvesting site specificity. This study aims to evaluate the concentration of elements (Zn) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg) in wild-growing edible mushroom samples (n = 200) collected from industrial and non-industrial areas in Poland. Over half of the analyzed mushroom samples (51%) exceeded EU limits for Cd, Pb, or Hg. Xerocomellus chrysenteron and X. subtomentosus (XCS) showed the highest accumulation, with median Cd and Pb concentrations of 3.53 mg/kg and 0.63 mg/kg fresh mass, respectively, in industrial areas. Spatial factors, including distance from emission sources and wind direction, significantly influenced element accumulation, with Cd levels in XCS up to 20 times higher than in Suillus species. A high-consumption scenario (96 g/day) indicated a substantial non-carcinogenic risk (HQ > 1) from Cd exposure via XCS consumption, both in industrial (HQ up to 9.01) and non-industrial areas (HQ max = 1.80), with cumulative hazard index (HI) ranging from 1.21 to 11.01. It is imperative to select the optimal regions for mushroom harvesting and to refrain from consuming species that accumulate elements to the greatest extent. Full article

Large-scale wireless sensor networks with electric field energy harvesters (EFEHs) offer self-powered, eco-friendly, and scalable crop monitoring in hydroponic greenhouses. However, their practical adoption is limited by the low power density of current EFEHs, which restricts the reliable operation of external sensors. To address this challenge, this work presents a noninvasive EFEH assembled with hydroponic leafy vegetables that harvests electric field energy and estimates plant functional traits directly from the electrical response. The device operates through electrostatic induction produced by an external alternating electric field, which induces surface charge redistribution on the leaf. These charges are conducted through an external load, generating an AC voltage whose amplitude depends on the dielectric properties of the leaf. A low-voltage prototype was designed, built, and evaluated under controlled electric field conditions. Two representative species, Beta vulgaris (chard) and Lactuca sativa (lettuce), were electrically characterized by measuring the open-circuit voltage (VOC) and short-circuit current (ISC) of EFEHs. Three regression models were developed to determine the relationship between foliar moisture content (FMC) and fresh mass with electrical parameters. Empirical results disclose that the plant functional traits are critical predictors of the electrical output of EFEHs, achieving coefficients of determination of $R^2=0.697$ and $R^2=0.794$ for each species, respectively. These findings demonstrate that EFEHs can serve as self-powered, noninvasive indicators of plant physiological state in living leafy vegetable crops. Full article

The disposal of industrial waste poses a significant environmental challenge, often leading to pollution and degradation of surrounding and terrestrial ecosystems. This study investigates the sustainable valorization of such wastes through the development of one-part geopolymer mortars. Solid sodium silicate was employed as a dry alkali activator for binary blends comprising ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), clay brick powder (CBP), steel slag (SS), and fly ash (FA), with all mixtures cured under ambient conditions. The mortars were evaluated in terms of fresh properties (flow and setting time) and hardened characteristics, including compressive strength, density, water absorption, and porosity. Durability performance was assessed through mass loss, visual degradation, and compressive strength retention following exposure to acidic (H₂SO₄, HCl) and sulfate environments. Microstructural characterization using XRD, SEM, and FTIR provided insight into the mechanisms of gel formation and degradation in aggressive media. The results revealed that incorporating 5% FA into GGBS-based mortars enhanced 28-day compressive strength by 21.7% compared with the control mix. The inclusion of industrial by-products promoted the formation of C–S–H and C–(A)–S–H gels, contributing to a denser and more refined microstructure. Overall, the findings demonstrate that one-part geopolymer mortars offer a promising, eco-efficient, and durable alternative to traditional cementitious systems, while also addressing safety and handling concerns associated with liquid alkaline activators used in conventional two-part geopolymer formulations. Full article

Global warming has increased outbreaks of the tea pest Ectropis grisescens. However, how water and nitrogen management modulates tea plant resistance against this pest through induced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains unclear. This study aimed to (1) characterize how water–nitrogen interactions alter the composition of VOCs in fresh leaves of Camellia sinensis cv. Rougui, and (2) identify key VOCs that mediate repellence against E. grisescens. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and olfactometry under three water and three nitrogen levels, we found that nitrogen effects on VOCs were contingent on water status. Four terpenoids—(+)-dihydrocarvone, myrcene, linalool, and β-ocimene—and one green-leaf volatile ((E)-3-hexenoic acid) significantly repelled E. grisescens, whereas hexanoic acid, 3-oxo-, ethyl ester acted as an attractant. Mechanistically, low-water–moderate-nitrogen and high-water–high-nitrogen treatments reduced repellent terpenoids and increased attractant VOCs, thereby elevating pest preference. These results demonstrate that water–nitrogen coupling shifts the balance between repellent and attractant volatiles, providing a physiological basis for manipulating tea plant resistance through agronomic management. Full article

Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most detrimental root-knot nematodes (RKNs) globally. The restricted application of chemical nematicides has resulted in an increasing inclination towards environment-friendly alternatives. In this study, a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa XR2-39, which was isolated from compost fermentation of edible fungus residue, exhibited effective biocontrol activity against M. incognita. In vitro experiments employing the fermentation filtrate of strain XR2-39 achieved high nematicidal efficacy of second-stage juveniles (J2s), resulting in corrected mortality rates of 97.12% and 100% after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. The fermentation filtrate also demonstrated a high relative hatching inhibition for egg masses (97.87%) and free eggs (100%). In addition, strain XR2-39 exhibited strong capabilities in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production (with a yield of 33.01 mg/L), siderophore production (with a yield of 71.45% unit), and phosphate solubilization (with a dissolved amount of 831.15 mg/L). Pot experiments indicated that the incubation of tomato roots with 20% fermentation broth led to an increase in fresh shoot weight, root weight, shoot length, root length, and stem diameter by 448.57%, 136.36%, 179.29%, 49.39%, and 57.14%, respectively, when compared to the water control. Moreover, the inoculation with 20% fermentation broth significantly decreased tomato root galls, resulting in a gall index of 37.00, which was significantly lower than that of the water-control treatment (77.50). Furthermore, the active compound in the fermentation filtrate remained stable within the pH range of 7.0 to 11.0, maintaining a corrected mortality rate of over 89.0%. It also demonstrated thermostability, as the boiled fermentation filtrate (treated at 120 °C for 2 h) showed a high corrected mortality rate against J2s. Additionally, the active substance displayed strong UV tolerance and storage stability. These characteristics of active compounds make strain XR2-39 a promising biocontrol agent for M.incognita. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of fluoxetine, a widely used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on two aquatic plants: Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrhiza. Additionally, the effect of exogenous serotonin on the level of fluoxetine-induced stress in duckweed will be studied. Increasing presence of antidepressants in surface waters poses ecological risks, and the duckweed species are ideal model organisms for ecotoxicological studies due to their rapid growth and ability to accumulate pollutants. For 14 days, plants were exposed to fluoxetine (0.001–150 mg L⁻¹), followed by a recovery phase in a drug-free medium or a medium supplemented with exogenous serotonin. We analysed morphological/physiological parameters (frond length and area, fresh and dry mass, hydration, stomatal size), the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase), cell viability, and the level of heat-shock proteins. The plants’ ability to remove fluoxetine from the medium was also assessed. High fluoxetine concentrations (50–150 mg L⁻¹) significantly reduced fresh mass (by 63–98% in L. minor and 56–97% in S. polyrhiza), frond area (by 21–48% in L. minor and 11–25% in S. polyrhiza), and cell viability (by 36–94% in L. minor and 49–94% in S. polyrhiza), and induced oxidative stress. Despite this, both species showed high regeneration potential after the stressor’s removal. Serotonin supplementation did not affect morphology but increased antioxidant enzyme activity, improved cell viability, and elevated heat-shock proteins levels. Crucially, serotonin significantly increased the efficiency of fluoxetine removal. The data can provide a basis for predicting fluoxetine removal efficiency in plants with different levels of endogenous serotonin. L. minor and S. polyrhiza exhibit substantial tolerance to fluoxetine, and antioxidative enzymes are sensitive markers of this stress. Full article

Antioxidant intake from natural sources may enhance defense systems against oxidative stress induced by environmental factors such as cigarette smoke. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is an abundant source of antioxidants. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant effects of watercress consumption in people exposed to cigarette smoke in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Forty-five participants (15 non-smokers, 15 non-smokers with self-reported exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), and 15 smokers) aged 20–60 years consumed 60 g of fresh watercress with three meals daily for seven days. Clinical characteristics, lipid profiles, total antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated before and after the intervention. After 7 days of watercress consumption, body mass index (BMI) and hip circumference significantly decreased among non-smokers. Watercress consumption reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in smokers and in SHS-exposed non-smokers; however, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) significantly decreased in SHS-exposed non-smokers. Catalase activity increased, and malondialdehyde levels decreased in all groups. One of the measures of plasma total antioxidant capacity significantly improved in non-smokers. These findings suggest that watercress consumption may improve lipid profiles and mitigate oxidative stress, and that these beneficial effects differ across people with different levels of exposure to cigarette smoke. However, further studies are suggested to clarify these results. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia may be influenced by lifestyle and dietary factors. Emerging evidence suggests that certain foods such as sea vegetables and fruits contain bioactive compounds may help protect against muscle loss. This study investigated the association between sea vegetable and fruit intake and the risk of sarcopenia and physical performance in older adults in Taiwan. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 588 individuals aged ≥65 years recruited from three hospitals (outpatient and home-care settings) in southern Taiwan (2018–2020). Questionnaire, medical chart, and laboratory data were used to examine the associations between demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and nutritional status and sarcopenia, defined as low muscle mass plus reduced strength or poor physical performance. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. The performance variables we measured were grip strength, gait speed, and chair stand time. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors, and linear regression was used to assess the contributions of these factors to performance measures. Results: Sarcopenia was identified in 159 (27.0%) of the 588 participants. Those with sarcopenia had lower education levels, poorer nutritional status, weaker grip strength, and slower mobility. Daily intakes of sea vegetables (adjusted OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.20–0.74) and fresh fruits (adjusted OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16–0.49) were independently associated with reduced risk of sarcopenia. Sea vegetable intake was positively associated with grip strength, while fruit intake was inversely associated with chair stand time. Conclusions: Dietary factors and nutritional status were significantly associated with sarcopenia risk and physical performance. Sarcopenia prevention strategies might want to include promoting the consumption of sea vegetables and fruits. Full article

Climate change or even the natural occurrence of periods of low suitability for the production of forage species are obstacles to maintaining adequate animal nutrition. Indoor green fodder production is an alternative to this problem; however, advances in technologies capable of improving this system still need to be studied in depth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of hydroponic green fodder production of millet and sorghum under varying monochromatic light supplementation and nicotinamide application. Eight treatments were defined by lighting (LS—Led Full Spectrum; LS + Ultraviolet LED; LS + Red LED; LS + Blue LED), and combined with the application of nicotinamide (with and without) at a concentration of 200 mg L⁻¹. Cultivation under conditions of light supplementation with UV radiation or monochromatic lights results in increased light intensity by modifying the wavelength spectrum received by the plant, modification of the quality of photons received in relation to the energy level that leads to luminous stress and, consequently, lower green fodder development concerning height and fresh mass. Nicotinamide acts as a bioprotectant, attenuating the stressful effects and enabling greater productive efficiency in the production of hydroponic green fodder, particularly in vertical cultivation, which provides increased height and fresh mass for millet and sorghum green fodder. In contrast, the stress resulting from light supplementation can be used as a tool to increase carotenoid levels in plants and may be indicated for production systems that have this objective for biofortification of forages with bioactives with antioxidant effects. Full article