Search Results (465)

The global production of lemons and limes amounts to approximately 16 million tonnes annually, making these fruits among the most significant contributors to global citrus production. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential conversion of citrus waste derived from lemons into functional porous carbon biochar. The results of thermal analysis of the obtained materials provided valuable insights into the carbonization mechanism of the examined raw materials, which offers a sustainable alternative to conventional carbon sources. The physicochemical and thermal properties of the resulting carbon materials were characterized through analysis of phase transformations of carbonates, structural and elemental composition changes resulting from the preceding treatment process, and electrical conductivity. Research demonstrated that the carbonization of the material must be preceded by an oxidation stage, enabling effective reinforcement of the carbon structure. The oxidation process also directly impacts the reduction of other elemental species. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups that vary in position and intensity depending on the selected process parameters. It was demonstrated that optimal processing conditions encompass preliminary oxidation of the material at 140 °C, followed by carbonization at 700 °C. Full article

We undertook a preliminary clinical study to compare the efficacy of lime essential oil shampoo with a conventional 2% miconazole/chlorhexidine formulation, both in combination with pulse oral itraconazole, in cats with dermatophytosis caused by M. canis. Sixteen affected cats were randomly assigned to receive either lime essential oil shampoo or a 2% miconazole/chlorhexidine formulation. All cats were bathed twice weekly and received itraconazole (5 mg/kg once daily) using a pulse regimen (1 week for every 2 weeks) for 56 days. Clinical assessments, including cytological, direct hair examinations, Wood’s lamp evaluation, total skin lesion score (TLS), and fungal pathogen score (FPS), were performed on days 0, 28, 42, and 56. Hematological and biochemical analyses were conducted on days 0, 28, and 56. By day 56, no significant differences were observed between groups in the cytological, direct hair examination, or Wood’s lamp results. Both groups had significant reductions in TLS and FPS on days 28, 42, and 56 compared to day 0 (p < 0.05). No cutaneous or systemic adverse effects were observed. These findings suggest that lime essential oil shampoo has clinical efficacy comparable to the conventional formulation and may represent a safe natural alternative for the topical management of feline dermatophytosis. Full article

To identify the optimal substitution ratio of biogas slurry to chemical fertilizer, this study determined the cumulative nitrogen use efficiency (CNUE) of wheat and carbon pool in Lime concretion black soil. The following treatments were applied: control (CK), conventional chemical nitrogen fertilizer application (CN), optimized chemical fertilizer application (ON), and biogas slurry replacing 15% (ONL15%), 30% (ONL30%), and 50% (ONL50%) of fertilizer. The results indicated that CNUE was the highest in the ONL30% treatment and 67.26–80.26% higher in the ONL15%, ONL30%, and ONL50% treatments than it was the CN treatment. The soil dissolved organic carbon of 2023–2024 increased by 11.93–22.93% compared to that in the CN treatment, and the highest particulate organic carbon content was observed in ONL30% treatment. In 2024, the carbon pool management index was 22.20, 42.42, and 29.34% higher in ONL15%, ONL30%, and ONL50% treatments than it was in CN treatment, respectively. In summary, biogas slurry replacing 30% of fertilizer regulated the carbon pool in Lime concretion black soil and improved the yield, quality, and cumulative nitrogen use efficiency of wheat, which was the optimal substitution ratio of biogas slurry to chemical fertilizer in the Northern Anhui Plain of China. Full article

Saudi Natural Pozzolan (SNP) can be processed and used in construction as a partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Its use as a supplementary cementitious material supports more sustainable and eco-friendly building practices. This study investigates various treatment methods for enhancing the reactivity of SNPs, including thermal, mechanical, thermo-mechanical, mechano-thermal, and chemical techniques. The activity of 18 different treated SNP mixtures was evaluated using the Strength Activity Index (SAI). Results identified the optimum conditions for each treatment: thermal treatment at 600 °C, mechanical treatment through 6 h of grinding, and chemical treatment with a 9% addition of hydrated lime. The SAI results demonstrated that a 6 h mechanical treatment was the most effective method for activating the raw pozzolan. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that phases such as quartz, anorthite, and aluminate are significant contributors to pozzolanic activity. The XRD analysis was further supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which examined microstructural changes. This study highlights the potential of maximizing the utilization of extensive pozzolan resources in the Harrat region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Treated SNP can be applied in various industries, such as mining backfills, brick industry, and pozzolanic concrete, as a sustainable and environmentally friendly material. Full article

Phosphorus (P) characteristics significantly affect crop yield and P use efficiency (PUE). It is unclear whether different types of acidic phosphate fertilizers can enhance the availability of phosphorus in liming soil and soybean yields. In this field experiment in 2022 and 2023 in Xinjiang, China, four phosphate fertilization treatments, including no phosphate fertilization (CK), application of monoammonium phosphate (MAP), application of urea phosphate (UP), and application of a mixture of monoammonium phosphate and urea phosphate (8:2, M8U2), were designed. Then, the impacts of the four phosphate treatments on the PUE, growth, and yield of the high-oil soybean variety Kennong 23 under drip irrigation were explored. The results showed that the application of phosphate fertilizers significantly increased the soil inorganic P, available P, and total P content compared with CK, promoting the growth and yield formation of soybeans. The soil Ca2-P content of the UP treatment was higher than that of the MAP treatment. The soil Ca8-P content of the M8U2 treatment was higher than that of the MAP treatment, but the soil phosphorus fixation was lower. The soil available P content, soybean plant P accumulation, leaf photosynthetic capacity, and dry matter accumulation all reached the maximum in the M8U2 treatment. The soybean yield, net revenue, and PUE of the M8U2 treatment were 6.04%, 9.37%, and 14.16% higher than those of the MAP treatment, and 7.64%, 16.59%, and 23.50% higher than those of the UP treatment, respectively. Therefore, the combined application of acidic phosphate fertilizers (MAP and UP) can increase soil available P content and plant P absorption in liming soil and stimulate photosynthesis, enhancing soybean yield and PUE. This study will provide a technical reference for the P reduction and soybean yield enhancement in arid areas. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the physiological responses and yield of Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia) cultivated at high density under three soil moisture tension (SMT) levels: low (L = −0.010 MPa), medium (M = −0.035 MPa), and high (H = −0.085 MPa). Measurements included water status, sap flow, photochemical activity, gas exchange, and fruit yield during the dry and early rainy seasons. The leaf water potential (Ψ_L) and relative water content (RWC) were higher in the L and M treatments than in H, with an overall improvement at the onset of the rainy season. From the dry to the rainy season, sap flow decreased by 25.3, 16.0, and 1.9 L day⁻¹ in L, M, and H plants, respectively. Plants with higher soil water availability (L and M) maintained better water status during the dry season, which favored photochemistry and gas exchange, reflected in a greater shoot growth and fruit yield (54.5 and 53.4 kg plant⁻¹, respectively). In contrast, H SMT significantly reduced water relations and photosynthetic activity, leading to yield loss. Short-term rainfall (six days) was insufficient to restore physiological performance. Maintaining SMT around −0.035 MPa during the dry season optimizes yield while reducing water use. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in cocoa poses a regulatory challenge for cacao producers in regions with naturally elevated soil Cd, such as Indonesia. This study evaluated the potential of soil-based and plant-based solutions to reduce Cd uptake in cacao. The efficacy of soil amendments was tested with two experiments: (1) a 12-week soil incubation tested lime, biochar, and lime–biochar mixtures at five rates on sandy clay loam and (2) a field trial evaluating zeolite applied at three rates (300, 600, and 900 kg ha⁻¹) with heat or alkali pretreatments. A third experiment evaluated the potential of four cacao genotypes and their rootstock–scion interactions to mitigate Cd uptake over the course of a 12-month nursery trial in Cd-augmented soil. In the incubation study, some lime and biochar treatments produced numerically lower soil Cd concentrations than the control (0.25 mg kg⁻¹), with final means as low as 0.15 mg kg⁻¹, but these differences were not statistically significant in this experiment. Application of zeolite in the field significantly reduced leaf and bean Cd levels (leaf: 0.35–0.50 mg kg⁻¹; bean: 0.25–0.75 mg kg⁻¹) compared to the control (p < 0.01). In the nursery experiment, average increases in leaf Cd concentrations from 6 to 12 months after spiking were lowest in rootstock MCC01 (1.46 mg kg⁻¹; p < 0.001) compared to higher increases in MCC02 (4.16 mg kg⁻¹) and Sulawesi 1 (3.53 mg kg⁻¹), indicating reduced Cd uptake by MCC01 across scions, while scion and interaction effects were not significant. Targeted soil amendments and specific rootstock–scion combinations are promising strategies to reduce Cd concentrations in cacao systems. Full article

Post-harvest forest residue management and liming practices can significantly affect soil quality. This study evaluated the impacts of burnt pine harvest residues and lime application methods (surface-applied vs. incorporated) on the chemical and physical properties of a Dystric Cambisol in Southern Brazil. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm) and analyzed for pH, exchangeable acidity, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, macroporosity, microporosity, and bulk density. The results showed that changes were more pronounced in the 0–10 cm layer and mainly affected chemical attributes. Incorporated lime increased pH from 4.7 to 5.1, increased base saturation from 17% to 36%, and reduced Al saturation from 45% to 13% in the 0–10 cm layer. Burnt residues alone did not significantly alter soil properties, whereas lime incorporation led to improved chemical conditions and enhanced soil structure, especially in the surface layer. The treatments that maintained pine residues on the surface favored biological processes in the topsoil, while the burning of these residues had variable impacts on soil structure and nutrient availability. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating lime to optimize soil rehabilitation following pine harvesting in subtropical forest systems. Full article

The transition toward a circular economy requires innovative strategies for valorizing industrial by-products. This study investigates the potential of steelmaking furnace slag (SFS) as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal and recovery of nickel and copper ions from aqueous systems. The slag was characterized using XRF, XRD, SEM, FTIR, and thermal analyses, confirming the presence of reactive phases such as lime, periclase, and calcium silicates. Batch adsorption experiments revealed high sorption capacities (up to 147 mg·g⁻¹) and were best described by the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. FTIR and SEM analyses demonstrated the formation of nickel and copper hydroxide/oxide phases, confirming surface precipitation mechanisms. Subsequent thermal treatment produced NiO- and CuO-enriched oxide systems with photocatalytic and antibacterial potential, while hydrometallurgical recovery using ammonia solutions achieved desorption efficiencies of 90–97%. The results highlight the dual role of SFS as an efficient sorbent for wastewater pre-treatment and as a secondary source of valuable metals, contributing to sustainable materials management and circular economy goals. Full article

The increased prevalence of mental health issues in the workplace affects employees’ well-being and organisational success, necessitating proactive interventions such as employee assistance programmes, stress management workshops, and tailored wellness initiatives. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are transforming mental health risk prediction using behavioural, environmental, and workplace data. However, the “black-box” nature of many AI models hinders trust, transparency, and adoption in sensitive domains such as mental health. This study used the Open Sourcing Mental Illness (OSMI) secondary dataset (2016–2023) and applied four ML classifiers, Random Forest (RF), xGBoost, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and AdaBoost, to predict workplace mental health outcomes. Explainable AI (XAI) techniques, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), were integrated to provide both global (SHAP) and instance-level (LIME) interpretability. The Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) was applied to address class imbalance. The results show that xGBoost and RF achieved the highest cross-validation accuracy (94%), with xGBoost performing best overall (accuracy = 91%, ROC AUC = 90%), followed by RF (accuracy = 91%). SHAP revealed that sought_treatment, past_mh_disorder, and current_mh_disorder had the most significant positive impact on predictions, while LIME provided case-level explanations to support individualised interpretation. These findings show the importance of explainable ML models in informing timely, targeted interventions, such as improving access to mental health resources, promoting stigma-free workplaces, and supporting treatment-seeking behaviour, while ensuring the ethical and transparent integration of AI into workplace mental health management. Full article

This study presents an integrated digital and archaeometric investigation of the Roman fortress of Sacidava, located in Dobrogea, Romania. Combining 3D digital reconstruction and advanced material analysis, the research explores both the original architecture and the preserved state of the site. Using Autodesk Fusion 360, a complete 3D model was developed, digitally restoring the fortress as it likely appeared in the 4th century AD and enabling the generation of precise plans, sections, and photogrammetric elevations. Mortar samples from the eight towers of the Sacidava fortress were examined through scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), revealing phyllosilicate-rich matrices, carbonated lime residues, and heterogeneous microstructures. The most severe degradation was found in the towers facing the Danube (E2, F, G), which was strongly influenced by humidity and salt crystallization, while the southern towers (A–C) retained more stable textures. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) treatments visibly improved the surface condition by reducing roughness and sealing active pores. For the first time, chromatic parameters were correlated with environmental factors, such as pH, moisture, and salt content. ImageJ-based pseudo-computed tomography (pseudo-CT), principal component analysis (PCA), and dendrogram analyses confirmed a clear pattern of deterioration near the ancient port area, where increased acidity and moisture coincided with darker surface coloration and deeper microstructural alteration. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable, high-performance, and structurally reliable construction materials has intensified research on natural fibre-reinforced composites (NFCs). Among these, hemp stands out due to its high cellulose content, low density, excellent tensile strength, and renewability, making it a promising reinforcement for cementitious and other inorganic matrices, including lime- and geopolymer-based systems. This review focuses exclusively on structural and civil engineering applications, while polymer-based composites are mentioned only for comparative context regarding adhesion and durability. A comprehensive bibliometric and technical analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of hemp fibre treatment methods in improving fibre–matrix adhesion, mechanical performance, and long-term durability. A systematic search covering major scientific databases from 2014 to 2024 identified global research trends, key treatment techniques, and their performance outcomes. Both chemical (alkaline, silane, acetylation, alkyl ketene dimer—AKD) and physical (plasma, ozone) modification strategies were critically assessed for adhesion, mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and resistance to environmental cycling. Quantitative results indicate that combined alkaline–AKD treatments produce the most consistent improvement, increasing compressive strength by approximately 30% and flexural strength by up to 25% compared with untreated composites. Physical surface treatments were also found to enhance roughness and interfacial bonding without degrading fibre integrity. Unlike previous reviews that address natural fibres in general, this article specifically targets hemp fibre treatments for inorganic matrices, correlating modification mechanisms with the structural performance indicators relevant to civil engineering. By integrating bibliometric mapping of research evolution, keyword networks, and technological gaps, this review provides a quantitative and engineering-oriented synthesis that highlights its original contribution to sustainable and resilient construction materials. The findings emphasise the need for standardised testing protocols and performance-based evaluations to enable the broader structural application of hemp-based composites in modern construction. Full article

A field study was conducted on the plants of two grapevine cultivars, ‘Solaris’ and ‘Regent’, grafted onto an SO 4 rootstock (V. berlandieri × V. riparia) and characterized by strong growth and yield. The effect of twelve treatments on the concentration of macroelements in leaf blades in the véraison phase, as well as selected soil parameters, was assessed in the sixth, seventh and eighth year of their application. The following treatments were tested: control (no fertilization), NPK (mineral fertilization 70 kg N/ha; 40 kg P/ha; 120 kg K/ha), mycorrhizal substrate (AMF—arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), NPK + AMF, manure before planting, NPK + manure before planting, BioIlsa, NPK + BioIlsa, BF-Ecomix, NPK + BF-Ecomix, Ausma, NPK + Ausma. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of the two cultivars after long-term use of mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers, biofertilizers and biostimulants under Polish conditions in soil with a low organic matter (SOM) content prone to acidification. AMF, organic fertilizers and biostimulants were not a sufficient alternative to mineral fertilizers, especially with regard to N supply. BF-Ecomix treatment increased the content of Mg in the soil and the soil pH value. Regular use of NPK fertilization increased the concentration of leaf N and K, but did not improve the nutritional status of plants with P, despite doubling its content in the soil compared to control. NPK fertilizers worsened the availability and accumulation of Mg and caused soil acidification, but resulted in a slight increase in total soil N and SOM. No significant differences were noted in the mineral status of both cultivars under the same fertilization treatments but liming improved the leaf Ca status in ‘Solaris’. Fertilization of grapevines, which have started to be cultivated in Poland due to the warming climate, requires further study. Mineral fertilization should not be routine, but rather constantly readjusted, taking into account the soil fertility and mineral status of plants, in order to use the nutrients more effectively and avoid their unfavorable effects on plants and soil. Full article

The treatment of olive mill wastewater (OMW) remains a major environmental challenge due to its high organic load and phenolic content. This study investigates a combined approach using lime pretreatment and limestone (LS)-based adsorption for cost-effective and sustainable OMW remediation. Locally sourced limestone was used in both micro- and nanoscale forms, while lime (CaO) was produced by calcination. The materials were characterized using X-ray Diffraction pattern (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Point of Zero Charge (pH_PZC) analyses to evaluate surface properties relevant to adsorption. Lime pretreatment achieved notable reductions in total suspended solids (TSS, 99%), chemical oxygen demand (COD, 43%), and total phenolic content (TPC, 48%). Subsequent adsorption with nano-limestone (particles obtained through high-energy ball milling, followed by sieving, with a size distribution 400–500 nm) further enhanced pollutant removal, achieving up to 72% COD and 89% TPC reduction in batch experiments. Column studies confirmed the synergistic effect of mixed particle sizes, yielding 65% COD and 76% TPC removal. The combined process demonstrates the potential of lime–limestone composites as locally available and eco-friendly materials for OMW treatment. While promising, the results represent laboratory-scale findings; further optimization and long-term assessments are recommended for field applications. Full article

In arid and water-stressed regions, groundwater desalination plants are critical for ensuring reliable potable water supplies, making improvements in their operational efficiency and cost effectiveness a priority for utilities. In many such facilities, lime and soda ash softening remain common pretreatment practices, which increase chemical consumption and sludge generation, prompting the need for alternative low-chemical strategies. This study evaluates the technical, operational, and economic implications of transitioning a full-scale brackish groundwater desalination plant, from lime–soda ash softening (old plan) to a low-chemical pretreatment strategy based on antiscalant dosing (new plan) upstream of reverse osmosis (RO). Key parameters, including pH, total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness, silica, iron, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS), were measured and compared at multiple locations within the treatment plant under both the old and new plans. Removing lime and soda ash caused higher levels of hardness, alkalinity, and silica in the water before RO treatment, increasing the risk of scaling. Operationally, the feed pressure increased from 11.43 ± 0.16 bar (old plan) to a peak of 25.50 ± 0.10 bar in the new plan, accompanied by a decline in water production. Chemical cleaning effectively restored performance, reducing feed pressure to 13.13 ± 0.05 bar, confirming that fouling and scaling were the primary, reversible causes. Despite these challenges, the plant consistently produced water that complied with Saudi Standards for Unbottled Drinking Water (e.g., pH = 7.18 ± 0.09, TDS = 978.27 ± 9.26 mg/L). Economically, the new strategy reduced operating expenditure by approximately 54% (0.295 → 0.135 $/m³), largely due to substantial reductions in chemical and sludge handling costs, although these savings were partially offset by higher energy consumption and more frequent membrane maintenance. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of systematic performance evaluation during operational transitions, providing guidance for utilities seeking to optimize pretreatment design while maintaining compliance, long-term membrane protection, and environmental sustainability. Full article