Search Results (164)

Alfalfa is a high-quality forage crop whose viscoelastic properties strongly influence the performance of baling, pickup, and stacking operations. In this study, small alfalfa block specimens were tested using a universal testing machine to investigate stress relaxation and creep behaviors under different moisture contents (12%, 15%, 18%), densities (100, 150, 200 kg/m³), and maximum compressive stresses (8, 12, 16 kPa). Experimental data were fitted using viscoelastic models for parameter analysis. Results indicated that the relaxation response consisted of a rapid attenuation followed by a slow stabilization phase. The five-element Maxwell model achieved a higher fitting accuracy (coefficient of determination, R² > 0.997) than the three-element model. The creep process exhibited three stages, including instantaneous elastic deformation, decelerated creep, and steady-state deformation, and it was accurately represented by the five-element Kelvin model (R² > 0.998). Increasing moisture content reduced stiffness, while moderate moisture improved viscosity and shape retention. Higher density enhanced blocks compactness, stiffness, and damping characteristics, resulting in smaller deformation. The viscoelastic response to compressive stress showed moderate enhancement followed by attenuation under overload, with the best recovery and deformation resistance observed at 12 kPa. These findings elucidate the viscoelastic behavior of alfalfa blocks and provide theoretical support and engineering guidance for evaluating bale stability and optimizing pickup–clamping parameters. Full article

This study examines how varying the isolated pea protein (IPP) levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50%) together with key extrusion conditions, including moisture level, barrel heating profile, and screw rotation speed, affect the physicochemical attributes and textural characteristics of high-moisture meat analogs (HMMAs). Results indicated that increased IPP content reduced the fiber structure, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, cutting strength, and integrity index of HMMAs. Processing conditions resulted in pronounced changes in both the physicochemical attributes and texture of HMMAs. The increase in moisture content resulted in a decrease in HMMA fiber structure and textural properties. In contrast, increases in barrel temperature and screw speed were associated with higher TPA values, greater cutting strength in both vertical and parallel orientations, and an improved integrity index in HMMAs. Furthermore, the gelation behavior of IPP played a critical role in the formation of the fibrous structure, with optimal gel strength and water retention achieved under specific extrusion conditions. These findings underscore the importance of protein gelation in structuring IPP-based meat analogs and provide insights into the gel-based mechanisms underlying their textural properties. Overall, the optimum IPP content to produce HMMAs in this experiment was 30%, and the process variables were 55% moisture content, barrel temperature of 160 °C, and screw speed of 250 rpm. Full article

Wood stains are developed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and durability of wood by improving water repellency (WR) and protecting surfaces from biological decay and UV degradation. However, limited information is available on whether these performance characteristics are adequate to ensure the long-term protection of commercially used stains. This study evaluated 55 commercial wood stains, categorized by solvent type (water- or oil-based) and pigment transparency (semi-transparent or opaque), focusing on WR, color retention, and fungal decay resistance under both laboratory and outdoor conditions. Initial WR correlated with reduced moisture uptake but was insufficient to prevent fungal growth and decay. This suggests that the presence and effectiveness of additives, such as fungicides, are necessary to enhance the decay resistance. In the field-scale test, the opaque water-based stain WBO1 exhibited the best performance in maintaining WR (>90%) and color retention (∆E < 8.0) at both test sites, and suppressing discoloration fungal growth, despite its relatively low decay resistance in the laboratory test. These findings indicate that the color retention of pigments, which effectively block UV radiation, is important for the long-term durability of wood stains. This study underscores the need for improved stain formulations that more accurately reflect long-term outdoor performance. Full article

This study examined the effects of hot-air drying (HAD), infrared drying (IRD), and microwave-infrared combined drying (MICD) on the drying characteristics and quality of citrus peels. Increasing temperature and microwave power significantly shortened drying time, with MICD showing the highest efficiency due to its volumetric heating mechanism. MICD also exhibited the highest effective moisture diffusivity and lowest activation energy, indicating enhanced moisture migration, but caused structural collapse and color deterioration. In contrast, HAD and IRD better preserved color and oil gland integrity. Under optimal conditions, MICD and IRD retained higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, accompanied by superior antioxidant activity. Electronic nose and PCA analyses revealed better volatile flavor retention in HAD and IRD, while microstructural observations showed that IRD produced more uniform and intact tissues. Correlation analysis indicated strong associations among color, flavor retention, and antioxidant activity. The entropy-weight comprehensive evaluation identified IRD at 70 °C as the optimal drying method, balancing efficiency, bioactive compound preservation, and flavor quality. These findings provide practical guidance for selecting energy-efficient drying technologies to enhance the quality of dried citrus peels. Full article

Spices play a crucial role in shaping the characteristic flavor of marinated meat products. This study systematically compared the effects of physical crushing, vacuum nano-collision, and steam explosion on the physical and flavor characteristics of star anise and cinnamon. The vacuum nano-collision treatment effectively reduced particle size to below 15 nm, promoting faster flavor release and improving both moisture retention and solubility. Hydrocarbons, alcohols, and aldehydes were identified as the dominant volatile compounds. Among the non-volatile components, crushed cinnamon contained the highest shikimic acid concentration (1510.1 ± 25.45 μg/kg), while star anise treated with vacuum nano-collision reached the highest level of shikimic acid (893.10 ± 23.99 μg/kg). However, the main active components of these two spices did not show significant differences between the two treatment methods. Steam explosion treatment resulted in the lowest levels of both volatile and non-volatile compounds. Flavor profiling and electronic tongue analyses further revealed that the flavor characteristics of the crushed and nano-collision groups were similar, but distinctly different from those obtained with steam explosion. Overall, these results provide new insights into the development of efficient spice processing technologies and offer practical guidance for optimizing flavor quality in marinated meat products. Full article

Hydrogels have gained significant attention as effective vehicles for transdermal applications offering significant advantages in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Their unique polymeric network structure enables efficient encapsulation and controlled release of active ingredients, making them ideal for therapeutic drug delivery systems (TDDs) and topical skincare formulations. In pharmaceutical approaches, hydrogels facilitate the transdermal transport of therapeutic agents into systemic circulation, improving bioavailability and patient compliance. In cosmetics, they enhance skin hydration and support the delivery of bioactive compounds, contributing to improved product performance and user satisfaction. Among various hydrogel-forming polymers, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) stands out as the most often used polymer in this field due to its biocompatibility, moisture-retention properties, and ability to penetrate the skin. This review explores the dual role of HA-based hydrogels in pharmaceutical and cosmetic application, detailing their structural characteristics, preparation methods, and mechanisms of active ingredient loading and release. Furthermore, the review presents the details on hydrogels and how they are used as TDDs. Special attention is given to hyaluronic acid (HA) in this field, and this review discusses the properties, preparation methods, and applications of HA-based hydrogels as a delivery system, including methods of loading the actives and the releasing of these actives from them. Full article

This study compared needle-plate electrohydrodynamic drying (EHD) at 20, 25, and 30 kV to natural drying (ND) of Astragalus membranaceus slices, analyzing drying characteristics, quality, and mechanisms. Discharge diagnostics revealed filamentous discharge, with reactive nitrogen/oxygen species concentration and ion wind speed increasing with voltage. Within the 20–30 kV range, drying rate and effective moisture diffusivity significantly increased with electric field strength. At 30 kV, drying rate was 1.73 times ND’s, and diffusivity was 5.1 times higher. Quality was optimal at 25 kV: rehydration rate was 1.18 times ND’s; calycosin and astragaloside IV contents were 1.38 and 1.14 times ND’s, respectively; shrinkage was reduced to 0.68 times ND’s; and browning was significantly inhibited (BI = 0.46 times ND’s), yielding the color closest to fresh samples. Polysaccharide content was slightly lower (0.97 times ND’s). In summary, EHD, particularly at 25 kV, markedly enhances drying efficiency and improves key quality attributes (rehydration, bioactive compound retention, color, reduced shrinkage), despite a minor negative effect on polysaccharides. This work clarifies the EHD mechanism and supports its application in drying traditional Chinese medicines. Full article

Soil moisture plays a key role in the critical zone of the Earth and has extensive value in the understanding of hydrological, agricultural, and environmental processes (among others). Long-term (in situ) monitoring of soil moisture measurements is generally not practical; however, short-term measurements are often found. Limited soil moisture measurements can be employed to develop a numerical model for long-term and accurate soil moisture estimations. A key input variable to the model is precipitation, which is also not easily accessible, particularly at a finer spatial resolution; hence, publicly available remote sensing data can be used as an alternative. This study, therefore, aims to develop a numerical model HYDRUS-1D to estimate soil moisture in the data-scarce state of the Northern Territory, Australia, with a land cover of shrubland and a Tropical-Savannah type climate. The HDYRUS-1D is based on the numerical solution of Richards’ equation of variably saturated flow that relies on information about the soil water retention characteristics. This study utilized the van Genuchten model parameters, which were optimized (against measured soil moisture) through parameter optimization with initial estimates obtained from the HYDRUS catalogue. Initial estimates from different sources can differ for the same soil texture (e.g., loamy sand) and can induce uncertainties in the calibrated model. Therefore, a comprehensive uncertainty analysis was conducted to address potential uncertainties in the calibration process. The HYDRUS-1D was calibrated for a period between March 2012 and February 2013 and was independently validated against three different periods between March 2013 and October 2016. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) were used to assess the efficiency of the model in simulating the measured soil moisture. The model exhibited good performance in replicating measured soil moisture during calibration (RMSE = 0.00 m³/m³, MAE = 0.005 m³/m³, and R = 0.70), during validation period 1 (RMSE = 0.035 m³/m³ and MAE = 0.023 m³/m³, and R = 0.72), validation period 2 (RMSE = 0.054 m³/m³ and MAE = 0.039 m³/m³, and R = 0.51), and validation period 3 (RMSE = 0.046 m³/m³ and MAE = 0.032 m³/m³, and R = 0.61), respectively. Remotely sensed precipitation data were used from the CHRS-PERSIANN, CHRS-CCS, and CHRS-PDIR-Now to assess their capabilities in estimating soil moisture. Efficiency evaluation metrics and visual assessment revealed that these products underestimated the soil moisture. The CHRS-CCS outperformed other products in terms of overall efficiency (average RMSE of 0.040 m³/m³, average MAE of 0.023 m³/m³, and an average R of 0.68, respectively). An integrated approach based on numerical modelling and remote sensing employed in this study can help understand the long-term dynamics of soil moisture and soil water balance in the Northern Territory, Australia. Full article

Urban densification intensifies the heat island effect, threatening ecological security. Green spaces, as crucial spatial elements in regulating the urban thermal environment, remain poorly understood in terms of their morphological characteristics and regulatory mechanisms, with a lack of systematic quantification and recognition of diurnal variations. This study, focusing on Shanghai’s main urban area, constructs physiological, physical, and morphological variables of green spaces based on high-resolution remote sensing data and the MSPA landscape morphology analysis framework. By integrating machine learning models with the SHAP interpretation algorithm, it analyses the influence mechanism of green spaces on Land Surface Temperature (LST) and its non-linear characteristics from the perspective of diurnal variation. The results indicate the following: (1) Green spaces exhibit pronounced diurnal variation in LST influence. Daytime cooling is primarily driven by vegetation cover, vegetation activity, and surface albedo through evapotranspiration and shading; night-time cooling depends on soil moisture and green space spatial structure and is achieved via thermal storage-radiative heat dissipation and cold air transport. (2) Green space indicators exhibit pronounced nonlinearity and threshold effects on LST. Optimal cooling efficiency occurs under moderate vegetation activity and moderate humidity conditions, whereas extreme high humidity or high vegetation activity may induce heat retention effects. (3) Day–night thermal regulation mechanisms differ markedly. Daytime cooling primarily depends on vegetation transpiration and shading to suppress surface warming; night-time cooling is dominated by soil thermal storage release, longwave radiation dissipation, and ventilation transport, enabling cold air to diffuse across the city and establishing a stable, three-dimensional nocturnal cooling effect. This study systematically reveals the distinct diurnal cooling mechanisms of high-density urban green spaces, providing theoretical support for refined urban thermal environment management. Full article

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) has been shown to enhance perceived saltiness in food products; however, it is also associated with a pungent and spicy flavour. The objective of this study was to assess the encapsulation of AITC with maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA) using spray-drying (SD) and freeze-drying (FD) techniques, with and without the addition of a surfactant. Furthermore, the different encapsulated formulations were evaluated for their impact on sensory properties when added to soups. In total, twelve different treatments were investigated. The physicochemical characteristics (i.e., encapsulation efficiency, surface oil content, capsule morphology, and moisture content) and sensory properties (i.e., hedonic scales and rate-all-that-apply) of the encapsulated AITC particles were analyzed. Gas chromatography revealed low AITC retention in all FD formulations, while SD formulations with surfactants achieved up to 136.71 mg AITC/g powder. Sensory trials were conducted on eight formulations added to tomato soup (0.500 mg AITC/100 mL) (SD trial: n = 79, and FD trial: n = 93). FD resulted in relatively low AITC retention (with and without surfactants), while SD with surfactants led to higher AITC retention. None of the formulations significantly impacted the saltiness perception of the soups. FD soups significantly enhanced thickness, creaminess, and tomato flavour, increasing overall liking. This is the first study to evaluate the sensory properties and cross-modal interactions of encapsulated AITC. Further studies are needed to continue exploring the sensory properties, its release behaviour, overall stability, and shelf life of encapsulated AITC. Full article

Understanding the interactions among ecosystem services (ESs) and their spatiotemporal dynamics is pivotal for sustainable ecosystem management, particularly in arid regions where water scarcity imposes significant constraints. This study focuses on the Ili River Valley, a representative arid region, to investigate the evolution of ESs, their trade-offs and synergies, and the underlying driving mechanisms from a water-resource-constrained perspective. We assessed five key ESs—soil retention (SR), habitat quality (HQ), water purification (WP), carbon sequestration (CS), and water yield (WY)—utilizing multi-source remote sensing and statistical data spanning 2000 to 2020. Employing the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model, Spearman correlation analysis, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and the Geodetector method, we conducted a comprehensive analysis at both sub-watershed and 500 m grid scales. Our findings reveal that, except for SR and WP, the remaining three ESs exhibited an overall increasing trend over the two-decade period. Trade-off relationships predominantly characterize the ESs in the Ili River Valley; however, these interactions vary temporally and across spatial scales. Natural factors, including precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture, primarily drive WY, CS, and SR, whereas anthropogenic factors significantly influence HQ and WP. Moreover, the impact of these driving factors exhibits notable differences across spatial scales. The study underscores the necessity for ES management strategies tailored to specific regional characteristics, accounting for scale-dependent variations and the dual influences of natural and human factors. Such strategies are essential for formulating region-specific conservation and restoration policies, providing a scientific foundation for sustainable development in ecologically vulnerable arid regions. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play a crucial role in acid-curd cheese production by driving milk protein coagulation and forming metabolites that determine texture, safety, and flavor. This study investigated the effect of enzymatic lactose hydrolysis using β-D-galactosidase (Maxilact LX5000) on the quality of full-fat curd cheeses (16.5% and 20.8% dry matter) produced without whey separation. Cheeses were manufactured with or without prior lactose hydrolysis, inoculated with a mesophilic Flora Danica starter culture, and stored for 28 days at 4 °C. Chemical composition, sugar profile (HPLC), pH, LAB viability, textural properties (hardness, adhesiveness, and water-holding capacity), and sensory attributes were determined. Lactose hydrolysis completely eliminated lactose and increased glucose and galactose concentrations, without significant changes in protein, fat, or pH level. In our data, lactose was undetectable in hydrolyzed samples across storage, glucose/galactose exhibited only minor fluctuations, and LAB counts and pH remained stable, indicating a largely stable sugar profile and limited microbial activity under refrigeration. Hydrolyzed samples showed improved texture, especially higher hardness and moisture retention in low-dry-matter variants, while sensory characteristics were comparable to the control and free from excessive sweetness. These results demonstrate that enzymatic lactose hydrolysis is an effective tool for producing lactose-free curd cheese without compromising quality. This process can be recommended for sustainable whey-free cheese manufacture aimed at lactose-intolerant consumers. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the thermal stability and decomposition mechanisms of IPN hydrogels based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a copolymer network of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate–poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGDA–PEGMA). Using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG) and multi-approach kinetic analysis (Friedman and Ozawa–Flynn–Wall isoconversion methods, nonparametric kinetics, Shestaka-Berggren model), the influence of composition on the processes of dehydration, thermal destruction, and the distribution of activation energy by degrees of conversion was investigated. The constructed three-dimensional kinetic “landscapes” made it possible to identify characteristic features of the behavior of various samples, including differences in the rate and mechanisms of destruction. It was found that an increase in the content of PVA enhances moisture binding and shifts the T_max of dehydration to higher temperatures, while an increase in the concentration of PEGDA forms a denser network that limits moisture retention and accelerates thermal decomposition. Calculation of diffusion coefficients using the Fick model showed a decrease in D with an increase in network density, which reflects an increase in resistance to moisture mass transfer. The combination of the data obtained demonstrates the multistage nature of thermal destruction and allows for the targeted selection of hydrogel compositions for biomedical, environmental, and materials science applications, including drug delivery systems, sorbents and heat-resistant coatings. Full article

Straw return is essential for improving soil fertility, recycling organic matter, and sustaining productivity in rice–wheat systems. This study focuses on the conceptual design and systematic analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of straw return methods and their classification. We proposed and analyzed 36 technical models for straw return by integrating spatial distribution (depth and horizontal placement) with temporal variability (decomposition period managed through mulching or decomposers). The models of straw return were categorized into five classes: mixed burial, even spreading, strip mulching, deep burial, and ditch burial. Field experiments were conducted in Babaiqiao Town, Nanjing, China, using clay loam soils typical of intensive rice–wheat rotation. Soil properties (bulk density, porosity, and moisture content) and straw characteristics (length and density) were evaluated to determine their influence on decomposition efficiency and nutrient release. Results showed that shallow incorporation (0–5 cm) accelerated straw breakdown and microbial activity, while deeper incorporation (15–20 cm) enhanced long-term organic matter accumulation. Temporal control using mulching films and decomposer agents further improved moisture retention, aeration, and nutrient availability. For the rice–wheat system study area, four typical straw return modes were selected based on spatial distribution and soil physical parameters: straw even spreading, rotary plowing, conventional tillage with mulching, and straw plowing with burying. This study added to the growing body of literature on straw return by providing a systematic analysis of the parameters influencing straw decomposition and the incorporation. The results have significant implications for sustainable agricultural practices, offering practical recommendations for optimizing straw return strategies to improve soil health. Full article

Water stress represents one of the most critical limiting factors affecting plant distribution, growth rate, biomass accumulation, and crop yield across diverse growth stages. Variations in species’ drought tolerance fundamentally shape global biodiversity patterns by influencing survival rates, distribution ranges, and community composition under changing environmental conditions. This study investigated the physiological responses of six plant species (Haloxylon ammodendron (H.A.), Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. (N.T.B.), Sympegma regelii Bge. (S.R.B.), Tamarix chinensis (T.C.), Potentilla fruticosa (P.F.R.), and Sabina chinensis (Linn.) Ant. (S.C.A.)) to varying water stress levels through controlled water gradient experiments. Four treatment levels were established: W1 (full water supply, >70% field water holding capacity); W2 (mild stress, 50–55%); W3 (moderate stress, 35–40%); and W4 (severe stress, 20–25%). Height growth and leaf mass per area decreased significantly with increasing water stress across all species. S.C.A. consistently exhibited the highest leaf mass per area among the six species, while H.A. showed the lowest values across all treatments. Leaf water content declined progressively with intensifying water stress, with T.C. and P.F.R. showing the most pronounced reductions (T.C.: 16.53%, 18.07%, and 33.37% under W2, W3, and W4, respectively; P.F.R.: 19.45%, 28.52%, and 36.08%), whereas N.T.B. and H.A. demonstrated superior water retention capacity (N.T.B.: 2.44%, 6.64%, and 9.76%; H.A.: 1.44%, 4.39%, and 5.52%). Water saturation deficit increased correspondingly with declining soil moisture. Diurnal leaf water potential patterns exhibited a characteristic V-shaped curve under well-watered (W1) and mildly stressed (W2) conditions, transitioning to a double-valley pattern with unstable fluctuations under moderate (W3) and severe (W4) stress. Leaf water potential showed linear relationships with air temperature and relative humidity, and a quadratic relationship with atmospheric water potential. For all six species, the relationship between pre-dawn leaf water potential and soil water content followed the curve equation y = a + b/x. Under water-deficient conditions, S.C.A. exhibited the greatest water physiological changes, followed by P.F.R. Both logarithmic and power function relationships between leaf and soil water potentials were highly significant (all F > 55.275, all p < 0.01). T.C. leaf water potential was the most sensitive to soil water potential changes, followed by S.C.A., while H.A. demonstrated the least sensitivity. These findings provide essential theoretical foundations for selecting drought-resistant plant species in arid regions of the Qaidam Basin. This study elucidates the response mechanisms of six distinct drought-tolerant plant species under water stress. It provides critical theoretical support for selecting drought-tolerant species, designing community configurations, and implementing water management strategies in vegetation restoration projects within the arid Qaidam Basin. Furthermore, it contributes empirical data at the plant physiological level to understanding the mechanisms sustaining species diversity in arid ecosystems. Full article