Search Results (5,015)

Understanding interactions among ecosystem services (ESs) is vital for ecological conservation and governance. As a newly established national-level New Area in China, Xiong’an New Area holds significant ecological importance. This study first explores its long-term spatiotemporal changes in ESs using an “assessment-attribution-correlation-zoning” framework. Results show that net primary productivity (NPP) remained stable from 1990 to 2023; soil conservation (SC) and habitat quality (HQ) improved from 2018 to 2023; carbon storage (CS) declined significantly from 2010 to 2015; and water yield (WY) decreased continuously from 1990 to 2023. Rainfall was the key natural driver, while GDP and road network density were critical anthropogenic factors. Correlations among the five ESs weakened: synergies between soil conservation–water yield, soil conservation–carbon storage, soil conservation–habitat quality, water yield–carbon storage, and habitat quality–carbon storage diminished, and the water yield–habitat quality synergy turned into a trade-off. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in ESs. Carbon storage–habitat quality, carbon storage–soil conservation, habitat quality–soil conservation, net primary productivity–habitat quality, water yield–soil conservation, and net primary productivity–water yield showed low-low clustering; net primary productivity–carbon storage, net primary productivity–soil conservation, and water yield–habitat quality exhibited low-high clustering; and water yield–carbon storage showed high-high clustering. Finally, ESs were classified into six bundles via self-organizing maps, with the carbon–ecology maintenance bundle being the largest. These findings provide a basis for scientific ecosystem management and sustainable development in Xiong’an. Full article

There is a growing trend in food fortification to use natural products to improve quality during production and processing. We study the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU), applied at different processing times to fresh raw cow’s milk supplemented with dried plant material (DPM), on the gel fermentation kinetics and the physicochemical profile of yogurt during storage. The results showed a significant reduction in milk fermentation with the application of HIU after inoculation (INOC). The counts of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus increased with the use of HIU, producing a synergistic effect in the presence of DPM due to the phenolic acids and flavonoids present. Syneresis was reduced and the water holding capacity (WHC) significantly increased in gels obtained with milk to which DPM had been added and which was sonicated after INOC. This led to the formation of a denser and more homogeneous protein network that retained more serum during storage. The luminosity of gels produced with milk sonicated at 40 °C increased, improving their appearance. However, saturation was reduced, shifting the yellow color to a neutral hue. In gels produced with non-sonicated milk, the fat separated, forming a yellow upper layer. HIU applied after INOC in milk to which DPM had been added reduced the milk processing time, producing stable and better-quality yogurts during refrigerated storage. Full article

The natural phenolic compound p-coumaric acid supports honey bee health by enhancing detoxification, immunity and longevity. It also possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties relevant to human health. While commonly detected in honey and pollen, it is absent from nectar and sucrose-based supplements typically used in beekeeping. Concerns have been raised whether supplemental saccharide feeding deprives bees of this essential phytochemical. In this study, we quantified p-coumaric acid in various bee-derived products and in supplementary sucrose syrup before and after feeding to bees, using HPLC-HRMS analysis. Although fresh sucrose syrup contained negligible amounts of p-coumaric acid, syrup stored in capped combs exhibited levels comparable to or higher than those in honey. We identified propolis in combs as the primary source of p-coumaric acid, diffusing into both honey and sucrose syrup during storage. Our findings demonstrate that supplemental feeding with sucrose syrup does not diminish the bees’ access to this key phytochemical and underscore the importance of a propolis-rich environment in bee health management. Full article

This study investigates the viability of using Ammonia as a carbon-free fuel for heat generation in terms of both reactive Nitrogen and Carbon emissions and production cost. As a carbon-free, environmentally friendly energy carrier, Ammonia has the potential to play a significant role in the sustainable, clean energy supply of the future. However, a major drawback of the steady combustion of ammonia for process heat generation is the extremely high levels of NO_x emissions it produces. In this pilot-scale study, the experimental results show that, through the oscillating combustion of NH₃, NO_x emissions can be reduced by as much as 80%. Production costs were compared to evaluate the economic feasibility of Ammonia-based heat; the results reveal the economic challenges associated with using Ammonia compared to natural gas, even when accounting for the development of CO₂ pricing. Only in terms of Carbon Capture and Storage requirements is Ammonia-based heat economically advantageous. This study also scrutinizes the economies of the production of gray and green Ammonia. Considering CO₂ certificate costs, the cost of green ammonia would be competitive in the near future. Full article

Anthocyanins, a group of naturally occurring flavonoid compounds, have garnered increasing attention due to their wide-ranging biological activities that suggest their considerable potential to be utilized not only as natural food colorants but also as functional additives that can enhance food preservation and contribute to the development of health-promoting functional foods. Additionally, their sensitivity to environmental factors such as pH and temperature makes anthocyanins promising candidates for use in intelligent packaging systems, particularly as natural indicators for monitoring food freshness and quality throughout storage and distribution. Despite challenges related to their stability and regulatory acceptance, continued research into anthocyanins remains crucial for advancing sustainable, clean-label food technologies and reducing reliance on synthetic additives. To fully leverage their economic and health potential, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various plant sources of anthocyanins, their chemical composition, extraction methods, and roles in different applications. Moreover, integrating anthocyanins into food and intelligent packaging systems presents various technical and regulatory challenges that are also summarized in this review. Full article

The increasing demand for safe and durable feed materials highlights the need for processing methods that simultaneously enhance physical quality and reduce microbiological contamination. Extrusion technology offers a promising solution by combining thermal and mechanical effects that improve binding performance while inactivating fungal spores present in cereal grains. In this study, maize, barley, sorghum, soybean, and wheat grains naturally contaminated with fungal spores were subjected to extrusion prior to pelleting. The physical properties of the resulting pellets, including bulk density, physical density, and kinetic durability, were evaluated and compared with those obtained from ground (non-extruded) grains. Pellets containing extruded grains generally exhibited higher physical density, with the highest value recorded for pellets containing extruded mould-infected sorghum grain (1179.82 kg·m⁻³) and the lowest for pellets containing healthy soybeans (1063.63 kg·m⁻³). The kinetic durability of extruded cereal pellets increased on average by 4.02%, enhancing their resistance to mechanical stress during transport and storage. Microbiological analyses confirmed a significant reduction in fungal colony-forming units (CFUs) after extrusion and pelleting, ranging from 27% to 65%, depending on the cereal type. The most pronounced reduction was observed in maize-based pellets contaminated with mould spores, decreasing from 1.70 × 10⁵ to 6.03 × 10⁴ CFU·g⁻¹. These results demonstrate that extrusion is an effective method for producing cereal-based feed materials with improved physical quality and enhanced microbiological safety, contributing to more sustainable feed production. Full article

To clarify the characteristics of CO₂–formation water–rock reactions in tight sandstones and their effects on CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efficiency and storage efficiency, this study takes the tight oil reservoirs of the Changqing Jiyuan Oilfield as the research object. A variety of experimental techniques, including ICP-OES elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, were employed to systematically investigate the mechanisms and main influencing factors of water–rock reactions during CO₂ geological storage. The study focused on analyzing the roles of mineral composition, reservoir pore structure, and formation water chemistry in the reaction process. It explored the potential impacts of reaction products on reservoir properties. Furthermore, based on the experimental results, a coupled reservoir numerical simulation of CO₂ injection for EOR and storage was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the influence of mineralization processes on CO₂ EOR performance and long-term storage efficiency. Results show that the tight sandstone reservoirs in Jiyuan Oilfield are mainly composed of calcite, quartz, and feldspar. The dominant water–rock reactions during CO₂ formation–water interactions are calcite dissolution and feldspar dissolution. Among these, calcite dissolution is considered the controlling reaction due to its significant effect on the chemical composition of formation water, and the temporal variation in other elements shows a clear correlation with the calcite dissolution process. Further analysis reveals that water–rock reactions lead to permeability reduction in natural fractures near injection wells, thereby effectively improving CO₂ EOR efficiency, enhancing sweep volume, and increasing reservoir recovery. At the end of the EOR stage, mineralized CO₂ storage accounts for only 0.53% of the total stored CO₂. However, with the extension of time, mineralized storage gradually increases, reaching a substantial 31.08% after 500 years. The study also reveals the effects of reservoir temperature, pressure, and formation water salinity on mineralization rates, emphasizing the importance of mineral trapping for long-term CO₂ storage. These findings provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the joint optimization of CO₂ EOR and geological sequestration. Future research may further focus on the dynamic evolution of water–rock reactions under different geological conditions to enhance the applicability and economic viability of CO₂ storage technologies. Full article

The usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in control loops and rule-based frameworks is a novel approach in automation and decision-making processes. Large Language Models (LLMs) are redefining conventional rule-based systems by introducing intuitive natural language interfaces, drastically changing the creation of rules, and minimizing operational complexity. Unlike static controllers, AI-enhanced systems can autonomously evolve with real-time environmental changes, achieving optimal performance without manual intervention. By allowing non-experts to modify rules through natural language commands, LLM can change the control system management. These advancements not only improve adaptability and operational efficiency but also reduce downtime through proactive error detection and self-correction mechanisms. AI-powered systems allow refining operations, thus accelerating response speeds and increasing reliability. The synergy between rule-based logic and AI-driven intelligence provides a new approach for autonomous systems, improving their capability of context-specific decision-making. In this paper, an approach is presented to control a storage system by natural language commands. The comparison of the Hungarian and English language interpretations is discussed. Full article

Energy shortage is a significant global concern due to the heavy reliance of industrial and residential sectors on energy. As fossil fuels diminish, there is a pressing shift towards alternative energy sources such as solar and wind. However, the intermittent nature of these renewable resources, such as the absence of solar energy at night, necessitates robust energy storage solutions. This study focuses on enhancing the performance of a thermal storage unit by employing multiple fin configuration with solar salt (NaNO₃-KNO₃) as a phase change material (PCM) and Duratherm 630 as a heat transfer fluid (HTF). Notably, W-shaped and trapezoidal fins achieved reductions in melting time from 162 min to 84 min and 97 min, respectively, while rectangular fins were the least effective, albeit still reducing melting time to 143 min. Reduction in thermal gradients due to well-developed thermal mixing significantly reduced phase transition duration. Impact of fins geometries on localized vortexes generation within the unit was identified. W-shaped and trapezoidal fins were notably efficacious because of greater heat transfer area and better heat distribution through conduction and convection. Full article

The specialization of tea gardens represents a significant pathway to enhancing the international competitiveness of agriculture. However, it may also disrupt the supply–demand balance of ecosystem services. This study addresses this gap by focusing on the specialized tea zone of Anxi as a case study. Using the InVEST model, we quantitatively assessed four key ecosystem services between 1990 and 2020: carbon storage, habitat quality, water yield, and soil conservation. The findings reveal that tea gardens perform relatively well in terms of carbon storage and habitat quality. However, their capacity for water conservation is limited, and soil conservation is highly susceptible to human disturbance. Dynamic transitions between tea gardens and forests have exerted considerable influence on changes in ecosystem services, with policies and practices aimed at converting tea plantations back to forest demonstrating a positive role in ecological restoration. Finally, guided by the principles of nature-based solutions, this study proposes targeted strategies to provide scientific support and practical references for sustainable development in specialized agricultural regions. Full article

Ready-to-cook (RTC) meat products provide convenience but are more susceptible to quality degradation during refrigerated storage. This study examined the effects of 1%, 2%, and 3% chitosan coating on the quality parameters and shelf life of pretreated seekh kabab samples compared with non-coated seekh kabab (NC-SK) samples stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The results show that the chitosan-coated seekh kabab (CC-SK) samples had higher lightness and stable redness values during storage compared with the NC-SK samples. The moisture loss was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the NC-SK samples on days 21 and 28. The chitosan coating effectively retarded lipid oxidation, protein oxidation, and total viable basic nitrogen formation and preserved the natural pH during storage from days 14 to 28 compared with the NC-SK samples (p < 0.05). After 21 days, the total viable count, Enterobacteriaceae, LAB, and S. aureus counts were higher (p < 0.05) in the NC-SK samples than in the CC-SK samples. The sensory scores of the NC-SK samples fell below the acceptable limit compared with those of the CC-SK samples on day 28. A combined effect of refrigeration temperature and chitosan coating enables long storage time, prevents microbial growth, and minimizes lipid oxidation. Full article

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are rapidly gaining popularity in cosmetics and regenerative medicine due to their biocompatibility, natural origin and promising bioactive properties. Nevertheless, the absence of standardized guidelines for their characterization has resulted in an inconsistent, unregulated landscape. This compromises product reproducibility, consumer safety, and scientific credibility. Here, a comprehensive set of minimal characterization guidelines for PDEVs is proposed to include physical and chemical profiling, molecular marker identification, cargo analysis, and stability assessment under storage and formulation conditions. Functional validation through cellular uptake assays, activity tests, and advanced in vitro or ex vivo models that replicate realistic skin exposure scenarios is pivotal. Requirements for transparent labelling, reproducible sourcing, batch-to-batch consistency, and biological activity substantiation to support claims related to skin regeneration, anti-aging, and microbiome modulation are also required. By establishing a harmonized baseline for quality and efficacy evaluation, these guidelines aim to elevate the scientific standards and promote the safe, ethical, and effective use of PDEV-based ingredients in cosmetic and biomedical applications. Full article

Although aging is an irreversible process, the rate of aging can be delayed by a reasonable diet. As a nutrient-dense natural product, royal jelly (RJ) has an enormous potential for applications in medicine and health promotion. However, the exact physiological activity of RJ with varying freshness and concentration has not been fully clarified, and more investigation is needed to determine their precise contributions. Here, fresh RJ (just produced recently) and RJ stored for 2 weeks at −20 °C, 4 °C or 25 °C were tested at concentrations of 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 μg/mL on Caenorhabditis elegans. Fresh RJ, with concentrations of 100 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL, could extend the lifespan of C. elegans by 16.37%, 9.53% and 4.32%, while RJs stored at 4 °C and 25 °C were ineffective. In terms of body length, treatment with fresh RJ significantly enlarged the body size by around 48%. Although RJ stored at 4 °C and 25 °C could also promote nematode growth, its activity diminishes as storage temperature increases. RJs stored at −20 °C and 4 °C with concentrations of 100 μg/mL significantly increased the pumping rate of nematodes by 58% and 50%. But non-fresh RJ or low-concentration RJ (≤25 μg/mL) had no effects on the motility of C. elegans. In addition, fresh RJ could improve the reproductive capacity of C. elegans, with the highest increase reaching approximately 25%. Even when stored at 25 °C, RJ also significantly enhanced the reproductive capacity of C. elegans, increasing it by approximately 14.8%. Moreover, qPCR showed that RJ could significantly affect the expression of multiple genes associated with aging and vitality. Fresh RJ significantly up-regulated bec1 and hsp16.2 3.19- and 2.80-fold, while RJ stored at 25 °C significantly up-regulated sod3 and gpd1 3.80- and 3.40-fold. Our results suggested that the activity of RJ on C. elegans is related to its freshness and concentration, while RJ also contains active components that are independent of freshness. Therefore, it is necessary to explore effective methods for accurately assessing the freshness of RJ. Full article

Consisting of phospholipids, sperm membranes surround the head and tail, playing essential roles in maintaining cellular structural integrity and functions. Their characteristics directly influence sperm fertility and cryopreservation outcomes. This minireview provides a summary of how sperm fertility and freezability are affected by the characteristics of its cell membranes. The primary emphasis is on the molecular and cellular anatomy as well as the physiology of sperm membranes and their attributes associated with fertility determinants or biomarkers for fertility and freezability. It also explores how this knowledge can guide the development of extenders to improve sperm freezability and enhance reproductive technologies in mammals. By providing integrity, fluidity, and selective permeability, the membranes play vitally important roles in sperm motility, which is required for successful fertilization. Cryopreservation, which involves freezing and thawing of sperm for storage or ART, alters the integrity and functionality of the sperm membranes. Sperm freezability, its viability following freezing and thawing, is influenced by several properties of the sperm cell membranes, such as lipid composition, cholesterol content, and structures and functions of the membrane proteins. This review provides concise information about the nature of sperm membranes. It highlights the importance of understanding specific biophysical and biochemical features, including lipid composition, protein distribution, and membrane phase behavior. Particular attention is given to parameters such as the cholesterol–phospholipid ratio and membrane phase transition temperature (Tm). A deeper understanding of these factors can contribute to the identification of reliable fertility biomarkers and the optimization of cryopreservation techniques used in ART and animal breeding programs. Furthermore, this review underscores the need for comprehensive investigations into the molecular and cellular architecture of sperm cells. Such studies are essential for advancing both fundamental and applied aspects of reproductive biology in food-producing animals, endangered species, and humans. Full article

The European industries are transitioning from natural gas usage to renewable gases to enhance climate neutrality and energy security—therefore, hydrogen and ammonia gases could be great alternatives to natural gas. Hydrogen can be produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy or from natural gas with carbon capture. Moreover, ammonia, composed of hydrogen and nitrogen, could also act as an energy carrier and storage medium. This study investigates the combustion process and efficiency of the hydrogen-enriched NH₃ and CH₄ blends using nonthermal plasma assistance. The experiments were performed with a gas burner with a thermal power of 1.30 kW using fully premixed gas blends. The nonthermal plasma was created with a high-voltage and high-frequency generator at 120 kHz and 8.33 kV. Time-resolved chemiluminescence data for OH* and NH₂* were captured using an ICCD camera, an MIR emission spectrometer and a thermal irradiance flux meter. The results indicated that nonthermal plasma enhances the flame stability and increases the infrared radiation intensity. The MIR spectroscopy showed an intensity increase of 13% for ammonia-hydrogen blends under plasma assistance and heat flux measurements showed a 15% increase for the 70% ammonia and 20% hydrogen mixture. These results demonstrate that plasma-assisted combustion can enhance the efficiency and stability of low-carbon fuel blends, facilitating their integration into current infrastructure while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Full article