Search Results (226)

Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.) is a major non-timber forest product in the Amazon, supporting extractivist communities in Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru and contribute to forest conservation. Unlike other extractive products, Brazil nut production has not declined under commercial use and is recognized for its socioeconomic and environmental importance. Precision agriculture has been transformed by the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and artificial intelligence (AI), which enable monitoring efficiency and yield estimation in several crops, including the Brazil nut. This study assessed the potential of using UAV-based imagery combined with YOLOv8 object detection model to identify and quantify Brazil nut fruits in a native forest fragment in eastern Acre, Brazil. A UAV was used to capture canopy images of 20 trees with varying diameters at breast height. Images were manually annotated and used to train the YOLOv8 with an 80/20 split for training and validation/testing. Model performance was evaluated using precision, recall, F1-score, and mean Average Precision (mAP). The model achieved recall above 90%, with an F1-score of 0.88, despite challenges from canopy complexity and partial occlusion. These results indicate that UAV-based imagery combined with AI detection provides an approach for estimating Brazil nut yield, reducing manual effort and improving market strategies for extractivist communities. This technology supports sustainable forest management and socioeconomic development in the Amazon. Full article

Rural communities in developing countries face rising livelihood vulnerability due to climate change, agricultural price volatility, and dependence on linear production systems. This study examines whether circular utilization of cashew by-products can strengthen rural economies through a field-based case study in rural Cambodia. Primary data were collected through on-site observations, semi-structured interviews with farm owners and rural workers, and farm-level economic assessments. The results indicate that cashew apple juice processing is not financially viable as a standalone activity under prevailing wage and market conditions, producing negative net profits across all examined processing volumes. By contrast, integrating cashew apple utilization with other by-products shows more favorable outcomes. Cashew nut shells and pruning residues generate relatively stable supplementary income for farm operators, while cashew apple collection creates additional employment opportunities, particularly during off-harvest periods and low-yield years, helping to stabilize household labor income. Rather than relying on capital-intensive technologies, the observed practices represent low-cost and locally feasible circular economy approaches suitable for medium-sized commercial farm-based systems, with potential analytical transferability to smallholder contexts. Overall, these findings suggest that integrated by-product utilization may reduce income volatility and support sustainable rural community development in similar cashew-producing contexts. Full article

Bartonella henselae is a flea-borne zoonotic bacterium for which domestic cats constitute the principal reservoir. However, contemporary molecular epidemiological data from Portugal remain scarce. This retrospective laboratory study analysed EDTA-stabilised blood samples from apparently healthy cats submitted for routine screening by 74 veterinary centres across mainland Portugal and autonomous regions over an 11-year period (2015–2025). DNA extracts were tested using a species-specific TaqMan qPCR assay for B. henselae with an internal extraction control, and a subset of samples was subsequently confirmed by nested PCR followed by Sanger sequencing (ribC). Among 270 cats, 47 tested positive, yielding a qPCR prevalence of 17.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.1–22.5). Submissions were predominantly from Northern Portugal, and infection status was not statistically associated with the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) level 2 region (p = 0.478). Infection was more frequent in younger cats (median age 2 years, interquartile range [IQR] 1–5; p = 0.037), while sex (p = 0.103) and breed (p = 0.730) were not significantly associated with infection status. These findings support endemic circulation of B. henselae in Portuguese cats at levels comparable to other temperate European regions. The detection of subclinical infection in apparently healthy cats is relevant to transfusion medicine and supports the inclusion of B. henselae qPCR screening in donor selection protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oleosomes, plant-derived lipid nanostructures comprising a triacylglycerol core surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer and interfacial proteins, provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic lipid vesicles. This study compares solvent-free aqueous extractions of oleosomes from five nuts (almond, macadamia, walnut, hazelnut, pine) and five seeds (flaxseed, sunflower, hemp, sesame, canola/rapeseed) to understand how botanical origin influences composition and physicochemical behavior. Methods: Oleosomes were isolated using solvent-free aqueous extraction. Extraction yield, lipid content, protein content, particle size, polydispersity, and zeta potential were determined using standard analytical assays and dynamic light scattering techniques. SDS–PAGE was performed to evaluate interfacial protein profiles and oleosin abundance. Results: Extraction yields ranged from 8.4% (flaxseed) to 59.5% (walnut). Oleosome diameters spanned 424 nm to 3.9 µm, and all oleosome dispersions exhibited negative zeta potentials (–26 to –57 mV). SDS–PAGE revealed abundant 15–25 kDa oleosins in seed oleosomes but relatively sparse proteins in nut oleosomes. Seed oleosomes were smaller and exhibited stronger electrostatic stabilization, while nut oleosomes formed larger droplets stabilized primarily through steric interactions due to lower oleosin content. Conclusions: Variation in oleosin abundance and interfacial composition leads to distinct stabilization mechanisms in nut and seed oleosomes. These findings establish a predictive basis for tailoring oleosome size, stability, and functionality, and highlight their potential as natural nanocarriers for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

Heat and high-irradiance stress increasingly threaten almond production in Mediterranean environments, where rising temperatures and prolonged summer droughts impair photosynthetic performance and yield. This study evaluated the effectiveness of three mineral-based shielding materials: kaolin, basalt powder, and zeolite. We hypothesized that the foliar application of reflective mineral materials would reduce leaf temperature, enhance photosynthetic efficiency, and improve yield without altering nut nutraceutical quality. A two-year field experiment (2024–2025) was conducted using a randomized block design with four materials (untreated control, kaolin, basalt powder, and zeolite). Physiological traits (gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf temperature, and SPAD index), morpho-biometric and biochemical parameters, and yield components were assessed. Kaolin and basalt powder significantly lowered leaf temperature (−1.6 to −1.8 °C), increased stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis, and improved photochemical efficiency (Fv′/Fm′) and electron transport rates. These treatments also enhanced drupe weight, kernel dry matter, and productive yield (up to +32% compared with the control). Zeolite produced positive but less prominent effects. No significant differences were detected in fatty acid profile, total polyphenols, or antioxidant capacity, indicating that the materials did not affect almond nutraceutical quality. Principal component analysis confirmed the strong association between kaolin and basalt powder and improved eco-physiological performance. Overall, mineral shielding materials, particularly kaolin and basalt powder, represent a promising, sustainable strategy for enhancing almond orchard resilience under Mediterranean climate change scenarios. Full article

Legume green manure incorporation offers a potential pathway for sustainable cropping in arid irrigated areas. This study aimed to determine whether water and nitrogen inputs could be concurrently reduced without compromising maize productivity under this practice. A two-year field experiment (2024–2025) was conducted using a split-plot design with three irrigation levels (I1: 4045, I2: 3240, I3: 2430 m³·ha⁻¹) and three nitrogen rates (N1: 360, N2: 288, N3: 216 kg·ha⁻¹). Compared with conventional management (I1N1), 20% co-reduction in water and nitrogen (I2N2) maintained stable leaf area index (LAI), net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r), DM, and GY, while significantly increasing water use efficiency (WUE) by 7.6% and nitrogen use efficiency for grain yield (NUtEg) by 11.7%. Excessive water reduction (I3) or nitrogen reduction (N3) significantly inhibited growth and reduced yield (p < 0.05). Soil water content under I2N2 did not differ significantly from I1N1 in the 0–110 cm profile, and soil total nitrogen remained higher at silking.) Structural equation model (SEM) revealed SWC and STN indirectly affected P_n and T_r via regulating LAI and SPAD (path coefficients: 0.48–0.62), which drove DM accumulation and determined GY (R² = 0.81). These short-term results suggest that moderate water-nitrogen reduction with green manure can sustain yield while improving resource efficiency, offering a promising practice for arid irrigated maize systems, though longer-term validation is needed. Full article

The study presents a sustainable approach to valorizing hazelnut processing by-products, specifically skins and shells, through their conversion into bioactive polyphenol-rich extracts using pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), an environmentally friendly green technology. PHWE yielded extracts with total phenolic contents of 25.4 mg GAE/g dw (shell) and 83.7 mg GAE/g dw (skin), which were incorporated into biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol)/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) films at concentrations of 1–3% (w/v). The resulting composites were comprehensively characterized in terms of structural, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. FTIR, DSC, and XRD analyses demonstrated strong hydrogen bonding, increased thermal stability, and reduced crystallinity due to polyphenol–polymer interactions. Phenolic incorporation enhanced UV-blocking capability, increased antioxidant activity by up to five-fold, and reduced oxygen permeability from 0.048 to 0.015 (cm³·mm·m⁻²·day⁻¹·atm⁻¹) (69% reduction, p < 0.05), compared to neat PVA while maintaining desirable transparency (>70%). Optimal formulations (HSkE-II) exhibited a 39% increase in elongation at break and improved flexibility without compromising film integrity. Application tests using fresh-cut apples, watermelon, and chicken revealed significant reductions in microbial growth (up to ~1.2 log CFU/g), lipid oxidation, and weight loss during storage, confirming the films’ potential for active food packaging. This work highlights an efficient valorization strategy for nut industry by-products and demonstrates their functional integration into sustainable biodegradable packaging systems. Full article

The SBPDN (Steel Bar Prestressed Deformed Normal relaxation) bar, which has ultra-high yield strength yet much lower bond resistance than conventional deformed bars, has been recently proposed to be used as the longitudinal rebar instead of a normal-strength deformed bar to simply realize strong earthquake-resilient concrete components. To facilitate and promote the application of concrete components reinforced with SBPDN rebars to the structures located in earthquake-prone regions, it is indispensable to develop reliable and effective anchoring means and clarify the bond strength of SBPDN bars embedded in concrete and/or grout mortar. This paper presents experimental information on the pull-out tests of fifteen SBPDN bars embedded in grout mortar, along with a discussion on the effective anchorage details and the bond strength of SBPDN bars. The tested SBPDN bars have a nominal diameter of 22.2 mm, the maximum diameter currently available on the market. All SBPDN bars were embedded in high-strength grout mortar with a targeted compressive strength of 60 MPa. The primary experimental variables included the end anchorage details, the diameter of sheath ducts, and the embedded length of the bars. Test results demonstrated that either screwing two nuts and a washer at the end of SBPDN bars or providing a rolling-threaded end region was effective in preventing them from premature slip from grout mortar. If the embedment length was 20 times the bar diameter or longer, the proposed two anchorages could ensure the SBPDN bar to fully develop its specific yielding strength as high as 1275 MPa. In addition, it has also been experimentally revealed that the bond strength of SBPDN bars embedded in grout mortar was much lower than that of conventional deformed bars and varied between 2.84 MPa and 3.98 MPa. Full article

Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) cultivation holds significant ecological and economic importance in Greece and other Mediterranean regions, where it represents a traditional crop with growing commercial demand in mountainous areas. Irrigation is critical for maintaining orchard productivity, especially under Mediterranean conditions where present climate conditions intensify heat stress and late-summer drought. In this study, the effects of different irrigation regimes—full irrigation (FI), deficit irrigation (DI), and no irrigation (NI)—were evaluated over two consecutive years (2017–2018) in an intensively managed chestnut orchard in Greece. FI enhanced fruit yield, nut size, and edible fraction, whereas DI and NI significantly reduced production and fruit set, while increasing nut dry matter and perisperm proportion of chestnuts. Plant physiological parameters, including midday stem water potential and chlorophyll fluorescence, confirmed the strong sensitivity of chestnut trees to water stress. Leaf dry matter, specific leaf weight, and total leaf chlorophyll content demonstrated either steady trends or slight reductions across years and treatments. Year-to-year variation was considerable, driven primarily by different summer temperatures, June to September rainfall, and the number of nuts per tree. Supplemental irrigation during nut development is essential for commercial chestnut production in the Mediterranean increasingly affected by climate. Full article

The effects of milk fat (4%, 7%, and 10%) and sugar (24%, 27%, and 30%) content on the physical and sensory properties of pistachio spread (PS) were assessed. Previously, pistachio pastes (PP) were prepared with three particle sizes (large, medium, and small). Small-sized PP was used for nine PS formulations based on the above milk fat and sugar contents. Instrumental texture and color, rheological properties (20–45 °C), and oil separation (4 °C and 25 °C, 9 months of storage) were analyzed in PP and PS. Textural attributes were also evaluated sensorially in PS samples. The oil separation rate in samples stored for 9 months was <1% for PS (4 °C) and >2% for PP and PS (25 °C). The lightness was lower in large-sized PP and higher in PS samples with sugar and milk fat. All PP and PS samples exhibited non-Newtonian behavior with a yield stress. Firmness, spreadability, and adhesiveness were lower in PS samples containing only milk fat. In contrast, they were higher in PS samples containing only sugar. PS samples with 7% milk fat and 27% sugar scored highest for flavor, taste, and acceptability. This study provides the first systematic evaluation of how particle size, milk fat, and sucrose collectively influence the rheological and textural behavior of clean-label Boz Antep pistachio spreads, offering a solid scientific basis for optimizing additive-free nut-based formulations. Full article

Phytoptus avellanae is a key hazelnut pest, causing the swelling of mixed buds during the autumn–winter period and a compromised nut yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of commercial biopesticides based on Beauveria bassiana and Akanthomyces muscarius in controlling this pest. Specific laboratory and field protocols were developed. In the laboratory, bud galls were disinfected, dissected, immersed for 30 s in a water suspension of the products and in water (control), dried in a laminar flow hood, incubated for 7 days and inspected to assess mite mortality. Intermediate observations were also recorded. Significantly higher mortality was recorded in the treatment with B. bassiana. Infection with B. bassiana was confirmed by a culture in medium and slide-mounting of infected mites. The orchard assay was performed by immersing buds and nuts in the fungal suspensions applied in the laboratory without separating any organ from the plant. Two weeks after application, the treated plant organs were removed and examined to assess mite mortality. The organs treated with B. bassiana showed higher mite mortality than the control for both buds and nuts. Treatments with arthropod pathogenic fungi appear to be promising for inclusion in the control strategy of P. avellanae. Full article

Cyperus esculentus L., commonly known as Yellow Nutsedge or Tiger Nut, belongs to the Sedge family (Cyperaceae), which is widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions around the world. The species is particularly noted for its underground tuber, which is rich in starch and oil, and can be used for both food and industrial purposes. However, cultivated C. esculentus rarely flowers in the field, and when it does, flowering is often accompanied by sterility, significantly hindering the development of superior varieties through sexual hybridization. Our investigation into the causes of pollen abortion in C. esculentus yielded several key findings. Initially, we observed pollen abortion within the anthers using Alexander’s red staining and starch-iodide staining techniques. Further examination through semi-thin sections of the anthers revealed that, although the pollen appeared normal during the pachytene stage, the pollen failed to stain blue in later developmental stages, indicating abnormal development. This was followed by vacuolation, collapse, and degradation of the pollen, ultimately resulting in abortion. Additionally, we monitored chromosome behavior throughout meiosis and observed premature chromosome separation during metaphase II, leading to disarray in the subsequent pseudomonad phase. Chromosomal karyotype analysis and ploidy predictions suggested that the triploid nature of C. esculentus contributes to meiotic disorders, which may explain the phenomenon of pollen abortion. These findings provide valuable insights into the reproductive challenges faced by this species and may inform future breeding efforts aimed at overcoming its sterility. Full article

Environmental problems arising from conventional production models have posed a significant challenge in the search for renewable sources as raw materials for the production of everyday chemical compounds through more sustainable alternatives. The objective of the present work was the electrochemical synthesis of organic acids from the liquid of the natural and technical cashew nut shell (CNSLn and CNSLt), employing chronopotentiometry using a potentiostat and a graphite working electrode. Two concentrations (0.01–0.1% v/v) of CNSLn and CNSLt, two concentrations of NaOH as supporting electrolyte (0.125–2 M), and two current densities (40–60 mA/cm²) were tested in the experiments. Organic acids were detected and quantified by HPLC. To characterize the redox processes occurring in the constituents of CNSL, spectroelectrochemical analysis (FTIR–cyclic voltammetry), FTIR, and chronoamperometry were performed. The maximum concentrations obtained in the treatments were: acetic acid (828.86 mg/L), lactic acid (531.78 mg/L), and formic acid (305.4 mg/L), while other acids present in lower concentrations included oxalic, propionic, citric, and malonic acids. Voltammetry characterizations showed three irreversible oxidation processes in the anodic wave during the first cycle, indicating that the first process involved the formation of the phenoxy radical, the second process the formation of hydroquinones and benzoquinones, and the third process the cleavage of the aromatic ring and the aliphatic chain to form the organic acids. Furthermore, another oxidation pathway was observed, consisting of a fourth process in the second voltammetry cycle, corresponding to the nucleation of the phenoxy radical, evidenced as the formation of the C–O–C bond visible at 1050 cm⁻¹ in the infrared spectrum. From this route, a polymer was formed on the electrode surface, which limited the yield of organic acid synthesis. Finally, this research provides new insights in the field of electrochemistry, specifically in the synthesis of organic acids from CNSL as a renewable feedstock, with the novelty being the production of oxalic, propionic, citric, and malonic acids. Full article

Growing health consciousness drives demand for convenient, nutrient-dense snacks. This study evaluates five Sukkari date-mixed-nut bar formulations (DNB1–DNB5; date/nut ratios 40:60–80:20) through comprehensive biochemical and nutritional analyses. Macronutrient profiling showed that higher date ratios increased moisture and carbohydrates, whereas higher nut ratios enhanced protein, fat, and caloric density. Mineral assays revealed progressive increases in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace elements as date content decreased. The assessment of phytochemicals and antioxidants demonstrated that total phenolics, flavonoids, and radical-scavenging activities peaked in nut-rich bars, declining by ~50% in date-rich bars, underscoring nuts’ dominant antioxidant role. HPLC profiling identified catechol and vanillic acid as the major phenolics, with optimal release and retention at the 60:40 ratio (DNB3). Amino acid (AA) analysis confirmed positive correlations between nut content and total/essential AAs; DNB1–DNB2 achieved favorable essential-to-nonessential AA ratios (0.56–0.59) and higher protein quality indices. Fatty acid (FA) composition analysis revealed that oleic acid was identified as the major constituent across all formulations, coupled with optimal omega-6/omega-3 ratios. GC-MS analysis identified a total of 31 volatiles, mainly benzene derivatives and FA methyl esters. Results also revealed that notable variations attributed to different date/nut ratios significantly alter aroma profiles, with DNB3 yielding the most remarkable diversity of health-associated volatiles. Results from PCA and hierarchical clustering suggest that a single dominant dimension (PC1, 94.47% variance) governs compositional differences among the five date bar formulations, reflecting deliberate variation in ingredient proportions. The evidence suggests that DNB3’s (60:40 Sukkari date to mixed nut ratio) delivers balanced macro-nutrients, robust antioxidants, and diverse bioactives, positioning it as a health-promoting functional snack, aligning with its suitability for athletes, clinical nutrition applications, and health-conscious populations. These findings support the commercial development of optimized date-nut bars as nutrient-dense functional snacks, and future work should focus on scale-up production, shelf-life stability, and assessing in vivo bioavailability. Full article

Background: Contralateral lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents a major clinical challenge, in patients with a clinically contralateral node-negative neck. Individualized risk stratification is crucial to guide decisions on elective contralateral neck dissection. This study aimed to synthesize existing evidence and apply Bayesian Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) to estimate CLNM probability across various clinic-pathological scenarios. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, PubMed Central, and Embase (2000–2024) identified 26 eligible studies. Effect sizes for seven key risk factors—midline-crossing tumours, extranodal extension (ENE), ≥2 ipsilateral lymph nodes, depth of invasion (DOI) >10 mm, perineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion (PNI-LVI), poor differentiation, and floor of mouth subsite—were computed and incorporated into a Bayesian logistic model. Using the No-U-Turn Sampler (NUTS) in RStan, 100,000 virtual patient profiles were simulated to generate posterior probabilities of CLNM. Results: The baseline CLNM risk for lateralized tumours without additional risk factors was 4.2%. Single risk factors increased probability substantially: midline-crossing tumours (31.7%), ENE (27.4%), and ≥2 ipsilateral nodes (24.9%). Combinations of risk factors amplified the risk non-linearly: the presence of a midline-crossing tumour, ENE, and ≥2 ipsilateral nodes yielded a 76.8% CLNM probability, and the presence of all seven risk factors increased it to 93.7%. Risk tiers were classified from minimal (<20%) to very high (>50%) to guide clinical decision-making. Conclusions: This MCS-based model reveals that CLNM risk increases multiplicatively with the presence of various high-risk features. The simulation supports bilateral neck management in high-risk patients and observation in low-risk cases. Prospective validation is needed to integrate this model into routine clinical practice and to guide patient-specific surgical planning. Full article