Search Results (52)

Accurate estimation of topsoil moisture (TSM) is essential for optimizing agricultural practices, particularly in the context of precision farming. This study evaluates the use of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery from TerraSAR-X (X-band) and Radarsat-2 (C-band) for estimating TSM over bare agricultural soils, at both plot and intra-plot spatial scales. The experiment was conducted over a 420 km² area in southwest France, comprising 29 agricultural plots with varying topography, soil texture, and land management practices. Extensive in situ measurements of TSM, soil texture, and surface roughness were collected over multiple dates. A random forest regression model was developed to estimate soil moisture, using radar backscatter coefficients, incidence angles, soil texture components (clay, silt, sand), and roughness parameters (Hrms, correlation length) as input features. The modeling approach was applied at multiple spatial scales by extracting satellite signals within circular buffers of varying radius (5 to 30 m), as well as at the plot scale. Results indicate that estimation performance improves with increasing buffer size, with the best results achieved at the 30 m intra-plot scale (R² > 0.8, RMSE < 4 m³·m⁻³), outperforming plot-scale estimates. Both C-band and X-band data provided reliable results, with a slight advantage when combining data from multiple incidence angles. The inclusion of surface roughness and soil texture significantly improved model accuracy, underlining the importance of accounting for local soil properties in radar-based moisture retrieval. The intra-plot variability of TSM was found to be substantial, often exceeding inter-plot differences, highlighting the necessity for high spatial resolution in moisture monitoring. This study demonstrates the value of combining ground observations with multi-frequency SAR data and machine learning for high-resolution soil moisture mapping. The approach supports more precise water management strategies and contributes to sustainable agricultural development through informed decision-making. Full article

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) such as rolled cover crops are increasingly adopted in rainfed vineyards to reduce soil degradation and drought risk, but their effectiveness depends on local soil physical conditions. We compared spontaneous inter-row vegetation managed by mowing (Control) with a cereal-based rolled cover crop (C-R) in two vineyards of the Oltrepò Pavese (Northern Italy) with contrasting texture, structure, and slope: Canevino (CNV) and Santa Maria della Versa (SMV). From 2021 to 2025, continuous soil moisture monitoring was combined with field measurements of saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s) and bulk density, interpreted using temporal indicators (MRD, ITS) and a drought index (SWDI) calibrated to field moisture thresholds. During wet phases, average saturation at 50 cm was consistently higher at SMV (about 78 to 84 percent) than at CNV (about 68 to 75 percent). Under water-limited conditions, management contrasts were most evident at SMV: at 50 cm during the post-termination dry phase, saturation remained around 70 percent under C-R versus about 64 percent under the Control, and K_s was higher under C-R (8.32 × 10⁻⁶ m/s in topsoil) than under the Control (7.39 × 10⁻⁶ m/s). At CNV, SWDI at 50 cm indicated a moderate improvement in one agronomic year (median −1.2 under C-R versus −5.3 under the Control in 2021 to 2022), while a full tillage operation in 2024 defined a disturbed phase that was interpreted separately. SWDI occasionally suggested severe drought levels not fully matching field evidence, highlighting the need for site-calibrated reference thresholds in structured fine-textured soils. Overall, soil physical properties set the hydrological envelope, while rolled cover management can enhance buffering and preserve conductive pathways during dry phases; therefore, NbS performance should be evaluated with site-adapted monitoring and cautious inference from temporally autocorrelated time series. Full article

The sustainable management of Northern China’s vulnerable agro-pastoral ecotone requires a clearer understanding of how tillage systems affect crop productivity through local soil-climate interactions. Therefore, this study was conducted to quantify and compare the long term effects of different tillage practices on soil hydrothermal regimes, resource use efficiency, and maize yield stability in a semi-arid agroecosystem. A long term five-year field experiment with maize was conducted in this ecotone to assess three tillage methods: no tillage (NT), deep ploughing (DP), and conventional rotary tillage (RT). Seasonal monitoring included soil moisture, temperature, bulk density, and straw cover. Analyses focused on soil water use efficiency (WUE), the production efficiency per soil thermal unit (PEsoil), and pathways affecting theoretical calculated yield. Results show that relative to RT and DP, NT consistently elevated soil water content within the 0–30 cm profile during the growing season, with the most marked increases from pre-sowing to the V12 stage. This water-conserving effect was stronger in wet years, highlighting the role of precipitation in NT’s performance. DP also retained more soil water than RT, particularly in deeper layers, though its effect was less pronounced than NT’s. Regarding temperature, NT lowered the daily mean soil temperature and accumulated growing degree days (GDD) in early growth phases, a result of residue cover buffering thermal changes. Despite reduced heat accumulation, NT achieved the greatest efficiencies for both heat and water use (PEsoil and WUE), showing increases of 62.03% and 16.64% over RT, respectively, without yield penalty. Key mechanisms include permanent straw mulch under NT, which curtails evaporation, promotes water infiltration, and stabilizes soil structure, thereby modulating hydrothermal dynamics. Structural equation modeling indicated that soil water content, ear number per hectare, and hundred-kernel weight directly and positively determined final yield. Tillage methods exerted indirect effects on yield by modifying soil physical traits and microclimatic conditions. In this semi-arid setting, both NT and DP outperformed RT in conserving soil water, moderating soil temperature, and boosting resource use efficiency. These practices present viable strategies for strengthening crop resilience and sustaining productivity amid climatic variability. Full article

Urban leaf litter represents an underutilized biomass resource with potential applications in sustainable building materials. This study investigates the suitability of dried, comminuted leaves collected from municipal green areas as a loose-fill thermal insulation material. The material was characterized in terms of thermal conductivity, settlement behavior, fire reaction, resistance to mold growth, water vapor diffusion, hygroscopic sorption, and short-term water absorption. Tests were conducted following relevant DIN and ISO standards, with both untreated and flame-retardant-treated samples examined. Results indicate that the thermal conductivity of leaf-based insulation (λ = 0.041–0.046 W/m·K) is comparable to other bio-based loose-fill materials such as cellulose and wood fiber. Optimal performance was achieved for particles sized 2–16 mm, showing settlement below 1%. All variants, including untreated material, fulfilled the fire resistance requirements of class E, while selected treatments further improved fire resistance. The material exhibited moderate vapor permeability (μ ≈ 4–5), low water absorption, and moisture buffering behavior similar to that of other bio-based insulation materials. Resistance to mold growth was satisfactory under standardized conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate that leaf litter can serve as an effective and environmentally favorable loose-fill insulation material, offering an innovative recycling pathway for urban green waste. Full article

Life-cycle assessment is crucial for evaluating materials’ environmental impact and guiding the development of low-carbon and sustainable buildings. However, conventional LCA methods often overlook critical impacts during the operation and maintenance stage. To address this gap, this study proposes an improved framework using four composite indicators to enable systematic evaluation of six wall materials across China’s five climate zones. Using a university teaching building in the Hot Summer and Cold Winter Zone as a case study, this study quantitatively analyzed the economic viability and carbon reduction potential of each material. Results indicate that lower thermal conductivity does not necessarily imply superior economic and carbon reduction performance. Factors including the material carbon emission factor, cost, and thermal properties, must be comprehensively considered. Buffering materials also exhibit climate dependency—WPM and BWPM (moisture-buffering plastering mortars) perform better in hot–humid zones than temperate zones. All five buffer materials reduce operational energy consumption; WPM and BWPM stand out with 15.7% and 16.7% life-cycle cost savings and 17.3% and 18.0% carbon emission reductions, respectively. This study addresses the limitations of traditional LCC/LCA and provides theoretical and practical support for scientific material selection and low-carbon building design. Full article

Steep olive orchards in northwest Syria are experiencing severe land degradation as a result of unsustainable uphill–downhill tillage, which accelerates erosion and reduces productivity. To address this problem, three tillage systems, no-till natural vegetation strips (NVSs), contour tillage, and uphill–downhill tillage, were evaluated at two research sites, Yakhour and Tel-Hadya, NW Syria. The adoption of no-till NVSs significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM) at both sites, outperforming uphill–downhill tillage. While contour tillage resulted in lower SOM levels than NVSs, it still performed better than the conventional uphill–downhill practice. Contour soil flux (CSF) was lower in Yakhour, where mule-drawn tillage on steep slopes (31–35%) was practiced, compared to higher CSF values in Tel-Hadya, where tractor tillage was applied on gentler slopes (11–13%), which highlights the influence of slope steepness on soil fluxes. Over four years, net soil flux (NSF) indicated greater soil loss under tractor tillage, confirming that mule-drawn tillage is less disruptive. Olive trees with no-till NVSs benefited from protected root systems, improved soil structure through SOM accumulation, reduced erosion risk, and improved surface runoff buffering, which resulted in increased water infiltration and soil water retention. This study was carried out using a participatory technology development (PTD) framework, which guided the entire research process, from diagnosing problems to co-designing, field testing, and refining soil conservation practices. In Yakhour, farmers actively identified the challenges of degradation. They collaboratively chose no-till natural vegetation strips (NVSs) and contour tillage as key interventions, valuing NVSs for their ability to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and pests, and increase olive productivity. The farmer–scientist co-learning network positioned PTD not only as an outreach tool but also as a core research method, enabling locally relevant and scalable strategies to restore soil functions and combat land degradation in northwest Syria’s hilly olive orchards. Full article

Humidity-regulating materials (HRMs) represent a promising class of passive, energy-efficient materials capable of autonomously modulating indoor environmental conditions, particularly in hot and humid regions where conventional HVAC systems account for up to 50% of building energy consumption. While prior reviews have focused on material classification and performance metrics, a systematic synthesis of performance optimization strategies and quantitative application outcomes remains lacking. This review addresses this gap by consolidating advances in HRM enhancement through material compounding, physical modification, and chemical functionalization, resulting in performance improvements such as a 70% increase in moisture absorption with 3% fiber addition, a 1.2-fold enhancement in adsorption capacity via pore optimization, and up to 50% energy savings in building applications. Furthermore, the integration of HRMs into radiant cooling systems elevates the dew point temperature difference by 181%, effectively mitigating condensation risks. Simulation tools—ranging from 1D to 3D multiphysics models—have advanced predictive accuracy for coupled heat and moisture transfer, supporting optimized material design and system integration. By systematically summarizing performance metrics, enhancement mechanisms, and real-world applications, this work provides a quantitative and structured reference for the development and deployment of next-generation HRMs in sustainable building systems. Full article

Background. Inhalable monoclonal antibodies were explored as therapeutics for respiratory viral infections due to their high specificity, which, however, can become a drawback if virus mutational escape occurs. Serum-derived polyclonal antibodies for prophylaxis reflect the diverse response of the immune system, reducing susceptibility to virus mutations and targeting multiple epitopes. Objectives. The aim of this work was the development of inhalable powders containing serum of rats immunized against SARS-CoV-2. Methods & Results. In a preliminary screening, combinations of sugar and an amino acid outperformed single excipients in terms of retention of protein size and residual moisture content. Four formulations were further developed on neat and albumin-depleted serum: HPβCD/L-leucine in water, HPβCD/L-leucine in phosphate buffer (KP), trehalose/L-leucine in water and HPβCD/glycine in KP. These were subsequently evaluated for aerosol performance and protein stability. All spray-dried formulations afforded respirable particles (MMAD ≤ 5 µm, FPF 70–80%), with L-leucine reducing hygroscopicity and particle aggregation while improving aerosol dispersibility. Conclusions. Albumin did not positively affect aerodynamic properties but provided greater protection of immunoglobulin activity (approximately 80% and 90% in albumin-depleted and neat serum, respectively). Buffer selection had no remarkable impact on the considered parameters. L-leucine with HPβCD offered the best balance of aerodynamic performance and protein stabilization. Full article

Effective reservoir operation demands a careful balance between flood risk mitigation, water supply reliability, and operational stability, particularly under evolving hydrological conditions. This study applies deep reinforcement learning (DRL) models—Deep Q-Network (DQN), Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), and Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG)—to optimize reservoir operations at the Soyang River Dam, South Korea, using 30 years of daily hydrometeorological data (1993–2022). The DRL framework integrates observed and remotely sensed variables such as precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture to guide adaptive storage decisions. Discharge is computed via mass balance, preserving inflow while optimizing system responses. Performance is evaluated using cumulative reward, action stability, and counts of total capacity and flood control violations. PPO achieved the highest cumulative reward and the most stable actions but incurred six flood control violations; DQN recorded one flood control violation, reflecting larger buffers and strong flood control compliance; DDPG provided smooth, intermediate responses with one violation. No model exceeded the total storage capacity. Analyses show a consistent pattern: retain on the rise, moderate the crest, and release on the recession to keep Flood Risk (FR) < 0. During high-inflow days, DRL optimization outperformed observed operation by increasing storage buffers and typically reducing peak discharge, thereby mitigating flood risk. Full article

The appropriate selection of renovation plaster properties is essential for ensuring the durability and effectiveness of conservation works. This study focused on the design and characterization of cement-based renovation mortars modified with synthetic zeolites with different Si/Al ratios. It was assumed that high-silica zeolites would provide more favorable mechanical and hygric performance than low-silica types. Owing to their porous structure and pozzolanic reactivity, zeolites proved to be effective additives, enhancing both the microstructure and functionality of the mortars. The modified mixtures exhibited increased total porosity, higher capillary absorption, and improved moisture transport compared with the reference mortar based on CEM I 52.5R. Dynamic vapor sorption tests confirmed that the zeolite-containing mortars achieved Moisture Buffer Values (MBV) above 2.0 g/m², which corresponds to the “excellent” moisture buffering class. Electrical resistivity measurements further demonstrated the relationship between denser microstructure and enhanced durability. At the frequency of 10 kHz, the electrical resistivity of the reference mortar reached 43,858 Ω·m, while mortars with 15% ZSM-5 and 15% Na-A achieved 62,110 Ω·m and 21,737 Ω·m. These results show that the addition of high-silica zeolite promotes the formation of a denser and more insulating matrix, highlighting the potential of this method for non-destructive quality assessment. The best overall performance was observed in mortars containing the high-silica zeolite ZSM-5. A 35% replacement of cement with ZSM-5 increased compressive strength by 10.5% compared with the reference mortar R (4.3 MPa). Frost resistance tests showed minimal mass loss (0.03% at 15% and 1.79% at 35% replacement), and ZSM-5 mortars also maintained integrity under salt crystallization. These improvements were attributed to the reaction of reactive SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ from the zeolites with Ca(OH)₂, leading to the formation of additional C-S-H. A higher Si/Al ratio promoted a denser, fibrous C-S-H morphology, as confirmed by SEM, which explains the improved strength and durability of mortars modified with ZSM-5. Full article

The wool of sheep consists of structurally intricate natural fibres that can be processed and manufactured into a range of products. It is prized for its insulation, moisture-buffering capability, flame resistance, and biodegradability. These features arise from its unique fibre architecture and specialised protein composition, which set it apart from most other natural and synthetic fibres. However, despite these novel characteristics, wool fibre variation hampers its uses and reduces its ability to compete with other fibres. This review summarises our current knowledge of wool fibre biology. It begins with a description of wool’s functional properties and performance attributes, then explores the structural foundations of these properties, the molecular basis of fibre trait variation, and prospects for improving fibre quality using genetic approaches. Particular attention is given to the wool keratin and keratin-associated protein genes, their spatiotemporal expression patterns, and genetic polymorphism that may influence fibre characteristics. Opportunities for the genetic improvement of sheep are discussed, including the use of genetic modification and marker-assisted selection. Challenges in interpreting gene–trait associations, particularly from high-throughput omics studies, are highlighted, along with the need for functionally validated genetic markers. Potential trade-offs between wool characteristics and other production and reproductive traits are considered, emphasising the need for balanced breeding approaches. By integrating insights from structural biology, molecular genetics, and breeding strategies, this review provides a foundation for wool fibre improvement. Full article

This study aims to address the challenge of balancing historical preservation and sustainable material selection in ancient building renovations, particularly in regions with unique climatic conditions like Hunan Province. The research proposes a hybrid model integrating Genetic Algorithm-optimized Extreme Gradient Boosting (GA-XGBoost) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. The GA-XGBoost component optimizes hyperparameters to predict material performance, while the LSTM network captures temporal dependencies in environmental and material degradation data. A multi-objective optimization framework is developed to simultaneously prioritize preservation integrity and green performance. The methodology is validated through a case study on an ancient architectural complex in Rucheng, Hunan Province. Key results demonstrate that the hybrid model achieves superior accuracy in material selection, with an 18–23% reduction in embodied energy (compared to conventional AHP-TOPSIS methods) and a 21.9% improvement in prediction accuracy (versus standalone XGBoost with default hyperparameters). A multi-objective optimization framework is developed to simultaneously prioritize preservation integrity and green performance, with Pareto-optimal solutions identifying material combinations that balance historical authenticity (achieving 92% substrate compatibility) with substantial sustainability gains (18–23% embodied energy reduction). The model also identifies optimal material combinations, such as lime-pozzolan mortars with rice husk ash additives, which enhance moisture buffering capacity by 28% (relative to traditional lime mortar benchmarks) while maintaining 92% compatibility with original substrates (based on ASTM C270 compatibility tests). The findings highlight the model’s effectiveness in bridging heritage conservation and modern sustainability requirements. The study contributes a scalable and interpretable framework for green material selection, offering practical implications for cultural heritage projects worldwide. Future research directions include expanding the model’s applicability to other climate zones and integrating circular economy principles for broader sustainability impact. Preliminary analysis indicates the framework’s adaptability to other climate zones through adjustment of key material property weightings. Full article

The vital role of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in tea plant growth is well established; however, the mechanisms underlying how increasing cultivation chronosequence (CC) influences AM fungal distribution remain unclear. An investigation was conducted to investigate the temporal dynamics of AM fungal indices and soil properties across a 100-year tea CC (10-, 30-, 60-, and 100-year CC) in Xinyang Maojian tea (Camellia sinensis L.) plantations (Xinyang, Henan Province, China). Principal coordinate analysis was conducted to reveal the significant reorganization of AM fungal indices during early-to-mid stages (PCoA1: 89.2%, p < 0.05), with triphasic development. Mycorrhizal colonization (MC), hypha biomass (hypha), and spore density (SD) surged by 100% during 10–30 years; SD peaked at 60 years (164 spores g⁻¹) before declining, while glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) accumulated significantly only at 100 years (p < 0.05). Concurrently, soil acidification (pH decreased from 6.37 to 4.84) and phosphorus depletion (AP from 119.6 mg kg⁻¹ to 32 mg kg⁻¹) intensified by 60 years, contrasting with the significant accumulations of soil organic organisms (SOM) (from 10.6 g kg⁻¹ to 36.4 g kg⁻¹), electrical conductivity (EC) (from 0.019 to 0.050 mS·cm⁻¹), and microaggregate accumulation (MAR) (from 25.8% to 40.3%) during the period. The linear regression model was performed to validate the significant effects (p < 0.05) of CC on the AM indices (MC, SD, hypha, and GRSP) and soil physiochemical characteristics (EC, moisture, and SOM). Variance partitioning attributed 97.4% of the total variation, while interactions among cultivation ages, nutrient characteristics (SOM and AP), and non-nutrient characteristics (pH, EC, moisture, and aggregates) accounted for 23.0%. To identify the driving factors of AM fungi indices, Pearson correlation and redundancy analysis (RDA) were performed, and EC (26.5%) and pH (20.9%) were identified as the paramount regulators of hyphal integrity and colonization efficiency. It was found that 60 years worked as a critical transition point for targeted interventions (e.g., organic amendments and pH buffering) to mitigate rhizosphere dysfunction and optimize mycorrhizal services in perennial monocultures. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable building solutions has directed attention toward bio-based materials, among which mycelium bio-composites (MBCs) have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional insulation materials. Grown from fungal mycelium and lignocellulosic waste, MBCs offer low embodied energy, biodegradability, and effective hygrothermal performance. This review assesses the current state of the art in MBC fabrication and hygrothermal properties, encompassing both laboratory-scale and industrial methods. MBCs demonstrate thermal conductivity values in the range of 0.036–0.06 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, moisture buffering capacity comparable to plant-fiber composites, and up to 70% lower embodied carbon than conventional materials. Key challenges are identified, including process standardization, scalability, and durability under real-world conditions. These composites also offer moisture buffering, compostability, and design flexibility. Moreover, recent advancements in additive manufacturing and microstructural optimization suggest a path toward broader adoption of MBCs in construction. By highlighting critical technical and scientific developments, this review identifies targeted research priorities, including the development of standardized fabrication protocols, quantitative lifecycle assessment of MBCs across varying climates, and strategies to scale up production while maintaining mechanical and hygrothermal consistency. Full article

Preserving historical porous materials requires careful monitoring of surface humidity to mitigate deterioration processes like salt crystallization, mold growth, and material decay. While microclimate monitoring is a recognized preventive conservation tool, its role in detecting surface-specific moisture risks remains underexplored. This study evaluates the relationship between indoor microclimate fluctuations and surface moisture dynamics across 13 historical sites in Northern Italy (Lake Como, Valtellina, Valposchiavo), encompassing diverse masonry typologies and environmental conditions. High-resolution sensors recorded temperature and relative humidity for a minimum of 13 months, and eight indicators—including dew point depression, critical temperature–humidity zones, and damp effect indices—were analyzed to assess the moisture risks. The results demonstrate that multivariate microclimate data could effectively predict humidity accumulation. The key findings reveal the impact of seasonal ventilation, thermal inertia, and localized air stagnation on moisture distribution, with unheated alpine sites showing the highest condensation risk. The study highlights the need for integrated monitoring approaches, combining dew point analysis, mixing ratio stability, and buffering performance, to enable early risk detection and targeted conservation strategies. These insights bridge the gap between environmental monitoring and surface moisture diagnostics in porous heritage materials. Full article