Search Results (70,578)

Water scarcity and spatial variability in soil fertility are key constraints to stable grain production in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. However, the interaction mechanisms between regulated deficit irrigation and soil fertility influencing yield formation and water-nitrogen use efficiency in winter wheat remain unclear. In this study, a two-year field experiment (2022–2024) was conducted to investigate the effects of two irrigation regimes—regulated deficit irrigation during the heading to grain filling stage (D) and full irrigation (W)—under four soil fertility levels: F1 (N: P: K = 201.84: 97.65: 199.05 kg ha⁻¹), F2 (278.52: 135: 275.4 kg ha⁻¹), F3 (348.15: 168.75: 344.25 kg ha⁻¹), and CK (no fertilization). The results show that aboveground dry matter accumulation, total nitrogen content, pre-anthesis dry matter and nitrogen translocation, and post-anthesis accumulation significantly increased with fertility level (p < 0.05). Regulated deficit irrigation promoted the contribution of post-anthesis dry matter to grain yield under the CK and F1 treatments, but suppressed it under the F2 and F3 treatments. However, it consistently enhanced the contribution of post-anthesis nitrogen to grain yield (p < 0.05) across all fertility levels. Higher fertility levels prolonged the grain filling duration by 18.04% but reduced the mean grain filling rate by 15.05%, whereas regulated deficit irrigation shortened the grain filling duration by 3.28% and increased the mean grain filling rate by 12.83% (p < 0.05). Grain yield significantly increased with improved fertility level (p < 0.05), reaching a maximum of 9361.98 kg·ha⁻¹ under the F3 treatment. Regulated deficit irrigation increased yield under the CK and F1 treatments but reduced it under the F2 and F3 treatments. Additionally, water use efficiency exhibited a parabolic response to fertility level and was significantly enhanced by regulated deficit irrigation. Nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP) declined with increasing fertility level (p < 0.05); Regulated deficit irrigation improved NPFP under the F1 treatment but reduced it under the F2 and F3 treatments. The highest NPFP (41.63 kg·kg⁻¹) was achieved under the DF1 treatment, which was 54.81% higher than that under the F3 treatment. TOPSIS analysis showed that regulated deficit irrigation combined with the F1 fertility level provided the optimal balance among yield, WUE, and NPFP. Therefore, implementing regulated deficit irrigation during the heading–grain filling stage under moderate fertility (F1) is recommended as the most effective strategy for achieving high yield and efficient resource utilization in winter wheat production in this region. Full article

Biodiesel, as one of the alternatives to fossil fuels, faces significant challenges in large-scale industrial production due to its high production costs. In addition to raw material costs, catalyst costs are also a critical factor that cannot be overlooked. This review summarizes various methods for preparing biodiesel catalysts from solid waste. These methods not only enhance the utilization rate of waste but also reduce the production costs and environmental impact of biodiesel. Finally, the limitations of waste-based catalysts and future research directions are discussed. Research indicates that solid waste can serve as a catalyst carrier or active material for biodiesel production. Methods such as high-temperature calcination, impregnation, and coprecipitation facilitate structural modifications to the catalyst and the formation of active sites. The doping of metal ions not only alters the catalyst’s acid-base properties but also forms stable metal bonds with functional groups on the carrier, thereby maintaining catalyst stability. The application of microwave-assisted and ultrasound-assisted methods reduces reaction parameters, making biodiesel production more economical and sustainable. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for the reuse of solid waste and ecological protection, emphasizes the development potential of waste-based catalysts in biodiesel production, and offers unique insights for innovation in this field, thereby accelerating the commercialization of biodiesel. Full article

The production of bionanocomposite films based on carboxymethyl derivatives of starch and cellulose with sodium montmorillonite (MMT-Na) as a filler was described. The developed films with high absorbency can be used in the preparation of adhesive dressings for wounds oozing as a result of abrasions or tattoos. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and potato starch were used as the raw materials for film manufacturing. Citric acid was used as a crosslinking agent and glycerol as a plasticizer. The following parameters were evaluated for the obtained films: solubility in water, swelling behavior, moisture absorption, and mechanical durability (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus). This study revealed that filler concentration has a significant influence on the stability, durability, and moisture absorption parameters of films. The best nanocomposite with a high absorption capacity was a two-component film CMS/CMC containing 5 pph of sodium montmorillonite and can be used as a base material for wound dressing, among other applications. Full article

True slime molds (Eumycetozoa) remain under-explored globally, particularly in water-logged forest habitats. Despite evidence suggesting a high biodiversity potential in the Knyszyn Forest of north-eastern Poland, no systematic effort had previously been undertaken there. In the present survey, plant substrates from eight swampy sub-compartments were incubated for over four months, resulting in the detection of fifteen slime mold species. Four of these taxa are newly reported for northern and north-eastern Poland, while several have been recorded only a handful of times in the global literature. These findings underscore how damp, nutrient-rich conditions foster Eumycetozoa and demonstrate the effectiveness of moist-chamber culturing in revealing rare or overlooked taxa. Current evidence shows that, although slime molds may occasionally colonize living plant or fungal tissues, their influence on crop productivity and tree vitality is negligible; they are therefore better regarded as biodiversity indicators than as pathogens or pests. By establishing a replicable framework for studying water-logged environments worldwide, this work highlights the ecological importance of swamp forests in sustaining microbial and slime mold diversity. Full article

Steel is an important product in many engineering sectors; however, steelmaking remains one of the largest ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ emitters. Therefore, new governmental policies drive the steelmaking industry toward a cleaner and more sustainable operation such as the gas-based direct reduction–electric arc furnace process. To become carbon neutral, utilizing more scrap is one of the feasible solutions to achieve this goal. Addressing knowledge gaps regarding scrap heterogeneity (size, shape, and composition) is essential to evaluate the effects of increased scrap ratios in basic oxygen furnace (BOF) operations. This review systematically examines heat and mass transfer correlations relevant to scrap melting in BOF steelmaking, with a focus on low Prandtl number fluids (thick thermal boundary layer) and dense particulate systems. Notably, a majority of these correlations are designed for fluids with high Prandtl numbers. Even for the ones tailored for low Prandtl, they lack the introduction of the porosity effect which alters the melting behavior in such high temperature systems. The review is divided into two parts. First, it surveys heat transfer correlations for single elements (rods, spheres, and prisms) under natural and forced convection, emphasizing their role in predicting melting rates and estimating maximum shell size. Second, it introduces three numerical modeling approaches, highlighting that the computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD–DEM) offers flexibility in modeling diverse scrap geometries and contact interactions while being computationally less demanding than particle-resolved direct numerical simulation (PR-DNS). Nevertheless, the review identifies a critical gap: no current CFD–DEM framework simultaneously captures shell formation (particle growth) and non-isotropic scrap melting (particle shrinkage), underscoring the need for improved multiphase models to enhance BOF operation. Full article

Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose risks to human health through ingestion and inhalation. This review synthesizes current practices to reduce exposure and toxicity by examining major exposure routes and dietary interventions. More than 130 papers were analyzed to achieve this aim. The findings show that microplastics contaminate a wide range of food products, with particular concern over seafood, drinking water, plastic-packaged foods, paper cups, and tea filter bags. Inhalation exposure is mainly linked to indoor air quality and smoking, while dermal contact poses minimal risk, though the release of additives from plastics onto the skin remains an area of concern. Recommended strategies to reduce dietary exposure include consuming only muscle parts of seafood, moderating intake of high-risk items like anchovies and mollusks, limiting canned seafood liquids, and purging mussels in clean water before consumption. Avoiding plastic containers, especially for hot food or microwaving, using wooden cutting boards, paper tea bags, and opting for tap or filtered water over bottled water are also advised. To mitigate inhalation exposure, the use of air filters with HyperHEPA systems, improved ventilation, regular vacuuming, and the reduction of smoking are recommended. While antioxidant supplementation shows potential in reducing microplastic toxicity, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. This review provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for minimizing daily microplastic exposure. Full article

The historical use of toxic chemicals to cause intentional harm has evolved from blister agents in World War I to highly lethal organophosphates and emerging families of chemicals, such as Novichok. In turn, medical or recreational substances like fentanyl, lysergamides, and phencyclidine pose a growing risk of hostile use, particularly related to the rapid proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). A narrative literature review was conducted covering specialized databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, Google Scholar) and sources from international organizations (OPCW, UNODC, ONU), analyzing historical and recent cases of the use of nerve agents in conflicts and the use of NPSs for hostile purposes. The main families of conventional agents (G, V, A series, and Novichok) and NPSs (lysergamides, PCP, fentanyl derivatives) were identified, highlighting their ease of synthesis, high toxicity profiles, and the regulatory gaps that facilitate their illicit production. In this scenario, it is essential to strengthen regulatory frameworks, surveillance systems, and ethical protocols in chemical research, as well as to promote international cooperation to prevent these substances from becoming chemical threats. Full article

Soil salinization severely limits plant growth and productivity. Mulberry (Morus alba L.), an economically and ecologically important tree, is widely cultivated, yet its salt-tolerance mechanisms at the seedling stage remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of two-year-old mulberry (‘Tailai Sang’) seedlings subjected to six NaCl treatments (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mmol L⁻¹) for 28 days. Results showed that growth parameters and photosynthetic gas exchange exhibited dose-dependent declines. The reduction in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was attributed to both stomatal limitations (decreased stomatal conductance) and non-stomatal limitations, as evidenced by a significant decrease in the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) under high salinity. To cope with osmotic stress, seedlings accumulated compatible solutes, including soluble sugars, proteins, and proline. Critically, mulberry seedlings demonstrated effective ion homeostasis by sequestering Na⁺ in the roots to maintain a high K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in leaves, a mechanism that was compromised above 150 mmol L⁻¹. Concurrently, indicators of oxidative stress—malondialdehyde (MDA) and H₂O₂—rose significantly with salinity, inducing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX, and GR), which peaked at 150 mmol L⁻¹ before declining under extreme stress. A biomass-based LC₅₀ of 179 mmol L⁻¹ NaCl was determined. These findings elucidate that mulberry salt tolerance is a coordinated process involving three key mechanisms: osmotic adjustment, selective ion distribution, and a robust antioxidant defense system. This study establishes an indicative tolerance threshold under controlled conditions and provides a physiological basis for further field-based evaluations of ‘Tailai Sang’ mulberry for cultivation on saline soils. Full article

As an efficient clean energy technology, water electrolysis for hydrogen production has its efficiency limited by the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics, which drives the demand for the development of high-performance anode OER catalysts. This work constructs bimetallic (Al, Mn) co-doped nanoporous spinel CoFe₂O₄ (np-CFO) with a tunable structure and composition as an OER catalyst through a simple two-step dealloying strategy. The as-formed np-CFO (Al and Mn) features a hierarchical flaky configuration; that is, there are a large number of fine nanosheets attached to the surface of a regular micron-sized flake, which not only increases the number of active sites but also enhances mass transport efficiency. Consequently, the optimized catalyst exhibits a low OER overpotential of only 320 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻², a minimal Tafel slope of 45.09 mV dec⁻¹, and exceptional durability. Even under industrial conditions (6 M KOH, 60 °C), it only needs 1.83 V to achieve a current density of 500 mA cm⁻² and can maintain good stability for approximately 100 h at this high current density. Theoretical simulations indicate that Al and Mn co-doping could indeed optimize the electronic structure of CFO and thus decrease the energy barrier of OER to 1.35 eV. This work offers a practical approach towards synthesizing efficient and stable OER catalysts. Full article

China’s economy is shifting from an era of rapid expansion to one focused on high-quality development, making it imperative to tackle environmental degradation linked to energy use. Understanding how New Quality Productive Forces (NQPF) interact with energy efficiency, along with the mechanisms driving this relationship, is essential for economic transformation and long-term sustainability. This study establishes an evaluation framework for NQPF, integrating technological, green, and digital dimensions. We apply fixed-effects models, the spatial Durbin model (SDM), a moderation model, and a threshold model to analyze the influence of NQPF on Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency (GTFEE) and its spatial implications. This underscores the necessity of distinguishing it from traditional productivity frameworks and adopting a new analytical perspective. Furthermore, by considering dimensions such as input, application, innovation capability, and market efficiency, we reveal the moderating role and heterogeneous effects of artificial intelligence (AI). The findings are as follows: The development of NQPF significantly enhances GTFEE, and the conclusion remains robust after tail reduction and endogeneity tests. NQPF has a positive spatial spillover effect on GTFEE; that is, while improving the local GTFEE, it also improves neighboring regions GTFEE. The advancement of AI significantly strengthens the positive impact of NQPF on GTFEE. AI exhibits a significant U-shaped threshold effect: as AI levels increase, its moderating effect transitions from suppression to facilitation, with marginal benefits gradually increasing over time. Full article

The 1.9 billion metric tons of steel globally manufactured in 2023 justify the steel industry’s pivotal role in modern society’s growth. Considering the rapid development of countries that have not fully taken part in the global market, such as Africa, steel production is expected to increase in the next decade. However, the environmental burden associated with steel manufacturing must be mitigated to achieve sustainable production, which would align with the European Green Deal pathway. Such a burden is associated both with the GHG emissions and with the solid residues arising from steel manufacturing, considering both the integrated and electrical routes. The valorisation of the main steel residues from the electrical steelmaking is the central theme of this work, referring to the steel electric manufacturing in the Dalmine case study. The investigation was carried out from two different points of view, comprising the action of a plasma electric reactor and a RecoDust unit to optimize the recovery of iron and zinc, respectively, being the two main technologies envisioned in the EU-funded research project ReMFra. This work focuses on those preliminary steps required to detect the optimal recipes to consider for such industrial units, such as thermodynamic modelling, testing the mechanical properties of the briquettes produced, and the smelting trials carried out at pilot scale. However, tests for the usability of the dusty feedstock for RecoDust are carried out, and, with the results, some recommendations for pretreatment can be made. The outcomes show the high potential of these streams for metal and mineral recovery. Full article

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different types of sourdough (I to IV), developed with a specific starter culture (including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Levilactobacillus brevis, and Candida famata), on bread fermentation performance and shelf-life. Real-time tracking of multiple parameters (pH, dough rising, ethanol release, and total titratable acidity) was monitored by a smart fermentation oven. The impact of the different treatments on the lactic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol content of the breads were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. In addition, the bio-preservation capacity of the breads contaminated with fungi was analyzed. The results show that liquid sourdough (D3: Type 2) and backslopped sourdough (D4: Type 3) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in dough rise, dough acidification (lower pH, higher titratable acidity), production of organic acids (lactic and acetic), and presented the optimal fermentation quotient. These findings were substantiated by chemometric analysis, which successfully clustered the starters based on performance and revealed a strong positive correlation between acetic acid production and dough-rise, highlighting the superior heterofermentative profile of D3 and D4. These types of sourdough also stood out for their antifungal capacity, preventing the visible growth of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium commune for up to 10 days after inoculation. Full article

The aim of this paper is to present the results of an experimental and numerical investigation into the degradation of reinforced concrete (RC) specimens subjected to an accelerated corrosion process using impressed current in the presence of chloride ions. The corrosion of the rebars was carried out using three current densities (50, 100, and 200 µA/cm²) and various exposure times. The experimental results characterised the internal degradation of the RC specimens through measurement of the corrosion product thicknesses at the steel–concrete interface; the widths, lengths and orientations of internal concrete cracks; and the external concrete crack widths. In addition, numerical modelling of the corroded RC specimens was conducted to describe the crack patterns. The comparison between the experimental and numerical results demonstrated a high degree of correlation, providing insights into the degradation process of RC specimens due to corrosion. Full article

The increasing demand for rapid, sensitive, and eco-friendly methods for the detection of trace heavy metals in environmental samples, attributed to their serious threats to health and the environment, has spurred considerable interest in the development of sustainable sensor materials. Toxic metal ions, namely, lead (Pb²⁺), cadmium (Cd²⁺), mercury (Hg²⁺), arsenic (As³⁺), and chromium, are potential hazards due to their non-biodegradable nature with high toxicity, even at trace levels. Acute health complications, including neurological, renal, and developmental disorders, arise upon exposure to such metal ions. To monitor and mitigate these toxic exposures, sensitive detection techniques are essential. Pre-existing conventional detection methods, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), involve expensive instrumentation, skilled operators, and complex sample preparation. Electrochemical sensing, which is simple, portable, and eco-friendly, is foreseen as a potential alternative to the above conventional methods. Carbon-based nanomaterials play a crucial role in electrochemical sensors due to their high conductivity, stability, and the presence of surface functional groups. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich product, has emerged as a promising electrode material for electrochemical sensing due to its high surface area, sustainability, tunable porosity, surface rich in functional groups, eco-friendliness, and negligible environmental footprint. Nevertheless, broad-spectrum studies on the use of biochar in electrochemical sensors remain narrow. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the development of biochar-based electrochemical sensors for the detection of toxic heavy metals such as Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺ and the simultaneous detection of multiple ions, with special emphasis on BC synthesis routes, surface modification methodologies, electrode fabrication techniques, and electroanalytical performance. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for integrating BC into next-generation sensor platforms are outlined. Full article

This paper presents an annual, real-world evaluation of the performance and economics of a residential photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with a battery energy storage system (BESS) in southern Poland. The system, monitored with 5 min resolution, operated under time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs. Seasonal variation was significant; self-sufficiency exceeded 90% in summer, while winter conditions increased grid dependency. The hybrid system reduced electricity costs by over EUR 1400 annually, with battery operation optimized for high-tariff periods. Comparative analysis of three configurations—grid-only, PV-only, and PV + BESS—demonstrated the economic advantage of the integrated solution, with the shortest payback period (9.0 years) achieved with financial support. However, grid voltage instability during high PV production led to inverter shutdowns, highlighting limitations in the infrastructure. This study emphasizes the importance of tariff strategies, environmental conditions, and voltage control when designing residential PV-BESS systems. Full article