Search Results (16,165)

Woody biomass is often promoted as a low-carbon energy source in global decarbonization efforts. However, LCA (life cycle assessment) evaluations of woody biomass-to-energy systems show very different environmental performance. Variations in technology and methodology across investigations can cause these inconsistencies. This review paper analyzes methodologies of LCAs of woody biomass conversion routes such as combustion, combined heat and power, gasification, pyrolysis, torrefaction-assisted systems, and new bioenergy with carbon capture configurations. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect, identifying 4272 records, of which 98 studies were retained for detailed analysis following the application of defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Functional unit selection, from biomass mass per unit to power or heat per unit, is highly variable, affecting comparability. Forest carbon stock fluctuations, infrastructure, and end-of-life treatment are inconsistently included in cradle-to-grave system boundaries. Static GWP100 methods are often used in biogenic carbon removal without considering temporal carbon dynamics. The importance of pretreatment steps like drying, pelletizing, and torrefaction cannot be overstated, even though they have a direct impact on the quality of the fuel, the efficiency of transportation, and the effectiveness of the conversion process downstream. The large range of stated emission levels for comparable technologies is further influenced by logistics assumptions, plant scale, and allocation mechanisms in cogeneration systems. The review synthesizes these methodological differences and proposes a harmonization methodology to increase woody biomass LCA transparency and comparability. By identifying important sources of outcome variability, this study helps policymakers, project developers, and industry stakeholders evaluate biomass energy investments and bring clarity to environmental decisions. Full article

Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, AD1) is the most important fiber crop for the world’s textile industry. The genetic base of Upland cotton is narrow, and the introgression of germplasm from other species into Upland cotton can broaden its genetic diversity, including the introduction of new qualitative traits. The objectives of this study were to determine the inheritance, allelism, and linkage relationships of the red anther trait introduced into Upland from the red anther donor G. armourianum (D2-1) through crosses involving a synthetic tetraploid A1D2-1. After two generations of backcrossing to Upland cotton, followed by inbreeding, homozygous red-anthered plants (RA) were selected and used for crosses with two Upland lines, the Upland standard TM-1, the multiple recessive marker line T582, and the multiple dominant marker line T586. All Upland cotton parents, except the RA parents and T586 (possessing yellow anthers), had cream anthers. The anther color of the F₁ plants was red, indicating that the red anther trait is dominant. In nine of ten F₂ populations and four of five testcross populations, the segregation of anther color followed a 3:1 and 1:1 ratio, respectively, as expected under a one-gene model. In three F₂ populations with a total of 885 plants between RA with green leaf and T586 with red leaf (R₁ on chromosome D07), no double recessive genotype (yellow/cream anther and green leaf) was observed, indicating the allelic relationship between R₁ and red anther allele, designated R₁^a. The recombination frequency between R₁^a and cluster-1 (cl₁) on D07 was estimated to be 0.112 in 256 F₂ plants of a cross between RA and T582 based on the maximum likelihood estimation. This new red anther trait and its associated new gene allele provide an important genetic source for understanding the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and may have utility for improving resistance to anther-feeding insects in cotton. Full article

Agricultural biomass fly ash (BFA) has attracted increasing interest as a liming material and nutrient source for acidic soils, although its effects on trace element availability and plant accumulation remain insufficiently understood. This study characterized agricultural BFA and evaluated its short-term effects on soil chemical properties, nutrient and trace element availability, and trace element concentrations in maize biomass. Unlike previous studies focusing primarily on biomass ash characterization or crop performance, this study integrates biomass fly ash characterization with post-harvest soil properties, nutrient and trace element availability, and trace element accumulation in maize biomass. A 60-day greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in an acidic loamy sand using BFA and commercial agricultural lime (CAL) applied at rates corresponding to 0.5×, 1.0×, and 1.5× soil hydrolytic acidity. Both amendments increased soil pH, reduced hydrolytic acidity, and increased base saturation, although CAL produced a stronger liming effect. BFA supplied substantially more K and Mg and increased soil total carbon and electrical conductivity, while CAL was more effective in increasing Ca availability. Changes in soil trace element availability were generally limited, although Zn and Cr increased after BFA application. Trace element responses in maize biomass were element-specific: concentrations of Fe, Cu, Co, and Cd increased, Mn decreased, and Zn and Ni showed no consistent dose-dependent pattern. Nevertheless, the concentrations measured in maize remained within ranges commonly reported for plants grown on uncontaminated soils. PCA supported the contrasting effects of the amendments, associating BFA more strongly with nutrient availability, total carbon, and electrical conductivity and CAL with soil deacidification and Ca enrichment. Under the conditions of this short-term pot experiment, agricultural BFA improved selected chemical properties of acidic soil without causing pronounced increases in trace element accumulation in maize biomass. Field-scale and long-term studies, including chromium speciation, are required before broader agricultural application can be recommended. Full article

Agricultural nonpoint source pollution mainly causes lake eutrophication in China, largely affected by variations in crop distribution. To analyze the multiscale relationships between the long-term evolution of cropping patterns and lake water quality at the macro scale, this study analyzed nationwide datasets for 2000 and 2020 covering 420 relatively large lakes. We systematically examined the spatial restructuring of six major food and cash crops—wheat, rice, maize, soybean, peanut, and rapeseed—and evaluated their multiscale associations with lake total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations and how these associations changed over time. The results showed the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the spatial distributions of the six major crops underwent substantial restructuring. The dominant production areas of rice, wheat, and maize were maintained or further reinforced, whereas soybean, rapeseed, and peanut exhibited varying degrees of regional redistribution and localized concentration. (2) Lake water quality differed between the flood and non-flood seasons. TN exhibited pronounced seasonal differences between the two study periods, whereas temporal changes in TP were generally limited; both nutrients nevertheless showed marked regional heterogeneity among the five major lake regions. (3) The crop–water quality relationship exhibits significant scale dependence and crop-specific variations. The XGBoost model demonstrated a certain degree of out-of-field (OOF) predictive capability for both TN and TP, with OOF R² values of 0.448 and 0.447, respectively. For TN, the highest OOF R² values were observed in the 1000–2000 m buffer zone in both 2000 and 2020; the optimal prediction scale for TP shifted from 1000–2000 m in 2000 to 2000–5000 m in 2020. SHAP results showed that corn maintained a high and relatively stable predictive importance in the TN model, followed by wheat, peanuts, and rice; in the TP model, corn and rapeseed were the crop predictors with the highest relative SHAP importance. PDP results further indicate that there are generally nonlinear or non-monotonic relationships between different crop coverage proportions and TN and TP. (4) Pronounced spatial heterogeneity was observed across the five lake regions. The Eastern Plain Lake Region was characterized by associations involving multiple crops, whereas maize was the most prominent crop in the Northeast Plain and Mountain Lake Region. In the Inner Mongolia–Xinjiang Plateau Lake Region, maize predominated, with wheat and rapeseed also showing notable importance. In the Tibetan Plateau Lake Region, TN was associated with multiple crops, whereas TP was primarily related to maize and rapeseed. The Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau Lake Region exhibited particularly strong scale-dependent differences. This study provides a nationwide analytical framework for comparing the scale differences and regional variations in the statistical associations between the spatial distribution of crops and lake water quality at the specific crop level. The findings can provide a scientific basis for formulating differentiated agricultural nonpoint source pollution control strategies that are adapted to the evolving characteristics of crop planting structures. Full article

Hypertension is the most common comorbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD), affecting roughly 80–85% of patients overall and an even higher proportion in nondialysis CKD G3–G5. This narrative review examines whether, and under what clinical conditions, fruits, vegetables, and legumes can be used safely in adults with hypertensive CKD, especially nondialysis CKD G3–G5, as well as moderate to severe loss of kidney function, paying close attention to the gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, gut-derived uremic toxins, potassium bioavailability, and modifiable clinical risk factors. The clinical effect of plant foods on serum potassium cannot be predicted from total potassium content alone. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2024 guidelines explicitly advise individualized potassium management and emphasize limiting foods rich in bioavailable potassium, especially processed foods, rather than reflexively restricting fruits and vegetables. Across CKD studies, the association between dietary potassium and serum potassium is weak or inconsistent, and the risk of hyperkalemia is modified by kidney function, bowel function, metabolic acidosis, diabetes and hyperglycemia, medications, food processing, and the food matrix itself. Potassium bioavailability varies substantially according to the food matrix, preparation method, portion size, and processing method; some minimally processed plant foods may provide less readily absorbable potassium than potassium-rich processed foods, juices, or potassium additives. Fruits, vegetables, and legumes also provide fiber, resistant starch, and polyphenols that can support saccharolytic fermentation, short-chain fatty acid production, bowel transit, and lower concentrations of some gut-derived uremic toxins. However, blood-pressure and kidney-outcome benefits in CKD are supported more strongly by observational and selected alkali-diet trials than by large microbiome-focused randomized studies. In hypertensive CKD, fruits, vegetables, and legumes should not be universally restricted simply because they contain potassium. A safer and more evidence-aligned strategy is individualized, food-source-aware prescribing that prioritizes minimally processed plant foods, accounts for preparation method and portion size, corrects constipation and acidosis, reviews potassium-raising medications and additives, and monitors serum potassium according to baseline risk. Full article

Galium odoratum (L.) Scop., commonly known as sweet woodruff, is a perennial European woodland herb traditionally used as a medicinal and aromatic plant. Its characteristic sweet, hay-like scent is mainly linked to coumarin, which is formed from glycosidically bound melilotoside precursors during wilting and drying. However, the phytochemistry of G. odoratum extends beyond coumarin. The species also contains iridoid glycosides, coumarin-related melilotosides, caffeoylquinic acids, flavonoids, and volatile constituents. This review summarizes current knowledge on traditional use, phytochemical constituents, metabolite dynamics, biological and ecological relevance, toxicology, and potential applications. Seasonal variation, organ-specific differences, post-harvest metabolism, and differences in analytical methodology affect analytical interpretation of the available data. Reported biological activities are mainly based on isolated constituents, in vitro studies, animal models, or non-standardized extracts, and no convincing clinical evidence is available for defined G. odoratum preparations. Potential applications require standardized plant material, controlled processing, sustainable sourcing, and safety assessment, while the valorization of processing residues may provide an additional route toward more resource-efficient utilization of the species. Overall, G. odoratum should be regarded as a chemically diverse species rather than merely as a source of coumarin aroma. Full article

The tropical fruits velvet tamarind, baobab, and African locust beans are used as foods and in beverages for medicinal purposes. They are important sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This research focused on the bioactive composition in the fruit pulps and seeds of these African plant species. Spectrophotometric analysis of the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays), the quantification and profile of phenolic compounds, hydrosoluble vitamins B and C (HPLC), and fatty acids (GC-FID), and the toxicological analysis of amygdalin (HPLC) and elements (XRF) were assessed. The fruit velvet tamarind exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity, with seed content higher than pulp, primarily due to naringin (54.45 mg/100 g). Baobab presented the second highest TPC and TFC content and antioxidant capacity, with pulp being higher than seed, mainly due to vitamin C (79.97 mg/100 g) and rutin (47.92 mg/100 g). Several bioactive compounds were quantified, such as vitamin C, various hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, chlorogenic, ferulic), hydroxybenzoic acids (gallic, vanillic), and polyphenols (quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, naringin, procyanidin, kaempferol), as well as fatty acids from the ω-3 and ω-6 series. Amygdalin was not detected in any seeds, and Cd content was higher than 0.05 mg/kg of dry weight. Full article

Soybean production commonly faces challenges including severe pod abscission, incomplete seed filling, and uncoordinated source–sink relationships that limit yield potential. Plant growth regulator application may influence source–sink relationships and thereby affect soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) yield formation. This three-year field study (2023–2025) evaluated the effects of four spray programs on soybean yield, quality, total above-ground biomass partitioning, and endogenous hormone dynamics under Xinjiang’s irrigated production conditions. The four treatments were an untreated control (CK), naphthaleneacetic acid alone (NAA; 300 g ha⁻¹), naphthaleneacetic acid plus prohexadione-calcium (NPC; 300 + 450 g ha⁻¹), and naphthaleneacetic acid plus prohexadione-calcium and iron chlorin e6 (NCE; 300 + 450 + 45 g ha⁻¹). The spray programs were applied at the fourth-trifoliolate and full-pod stages. Results showed that NCE treatment consistently produced the greatest yield increases (13.1–14.4%) compared with the control. This response was associated with greater middle-node pod retention, increased 100-seed weight (3.6–6.4%), and improved reproductive organ biomass allocation (44.7–53.3% at maturity vs. 40.9–45.7% in controls). NCE significantly elevated leaf trans-zeatin content (37.1–91.9%) within 24 h after application and improved seed protein concentration by up to 11.2%, while seed residues of all applied compounds remained well below safety thresholds (<0.05 mg kg⁻¹). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between trans-zeatin levels and both reproductive biomass allocation (r = 0.74–0.90, p < 0.01) and grain yield (r = 0.86–0.96, p < 0.01). These findings indicate that NCE was the best-performing of the four tested spray programs under Xinjiang’s irrigated production conditions, although the individual contributions and possible interactions of the three compounds require further factorial evaluation. Full article

Minor leaks in the reactor coolant system (RCS) can provide early warning of degradation that may progress towards safety-relevant failures in nuclear power plants. Their timely localization remains difficult because they generate weak thermal-hydraulic perturbations and labeled leak data are rarely available. Here, we present MATCA-TM, a physics-informed zero-shot framework that combines a Multi-scale Attention Temporal Convolutional Autoencoder (MATCA) with theoretical response-template matching for early leak localization. The framework learns multivariate temporal dependencies solely from normal operating data, enabling reconstruction residuals to highlight subtle anomalies caused by leaks. Physics-informed templates constructed from thermal-hydraulic response characteristics then provide a physically motivated basis for localizing leak sources. On the II + CPR1000 simulation platform, which represents a CPR1000 pressurized water reactor model, MATCA-TM achieved 65.3% localization accuracy for an equivalent leakage diameter of 6.7 × 10⁻³ cm and outperformed the evaluated machine learning and deep learning baselines under the same protocol. By combining data-driven representation learning with domain physics, MATCA-TM provides a physics-informed, simulation-validated approach to diagnosing incipient RCS leaks and a basis for further validation under plant-relevant operating conditions. Full article

Nursery decisions influence the condition of seedlings before outplanting, but their practical value depends on whether those traits remain evident during early field establishment. We evaluated Pinus douglasiana Martínez seedlings grown under eight combinations of container volume, fertilization, and irrigation regime. Seedlings were conditioned for six months in the nursery and then assessed after 12 months under field conditions. Container volume was the clearest source of variation. Compared with 1 L containers, 5 L containers produced seedlings with larger root collar diameter, greater shoot, root, and total biomass, and higher Dickson quality index. Total biomass was 2.2-fold greater in 5 L stock. Final survival was retained as a descriptive field variable and averaged 76.7% in 5 L treatments and 27.5% in 1 L treatments. Correlations based on treatment means associated total biomass with field diameter and descriptive survival, although these patterns were exploratory because only eight treatment means were available. Proline increased mainly under non-continuous irrigation, indicating a water-related nursery response, but it was not aligned with biomass production or first-year field performance. The treatment-level PCA separated biomass and field-growth variables from proline and lignification. These results show that larger containers improved the structural condition of P. douglasiana planting stock, although nursery costs, planting-site constraints, and longer monitoring should be considered before operational adoption. Full article

Lupins have been cultivated since ancient times. Poland ranks second in the world in terms of lupin cultivation area (second only to Australia), particularly for narrow-leaved lupin. It is used in various industries. The purpose of this review is to analyze data on the chemical composition of narrow-leaved lupin in comparison with other species of this genus, as well as to identify its potential applications. The literature data characterize narrow-leaved lupin in terms of its content of protein, lectins, fat, carotenoids, phytosterols, fiber, sugars, alkaloids, vitamins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, volatile organic compounds, and micro- and macronutrients. Due to its interesting qualitative and quantitative composition, this species may play a significant role in human nutrition—not only as an alternative source of protein, but above all as a source of health-promoting compounds. Studies conducted on humans and animals have demonstrated a wide range of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering effects. In addition, in vitro studies suggest anticancer effects. Among the tangible outcomes of research and commercialization efforts is the availability on the consumer market of food and cosmetic products containing lupin. Due to its properties, this species has a wide range of applications. However, to meet the requirements of various industrial sectors, a collaborative approach is necessary among plant breeders, scientists, and industry representatives working to improve this species. Only through joint efforts can the use of narrow-leaved lupin be expanded. Full article

Quercetin is one of the most abundant plant flavonoids and an intensively studied bioactive compound belonging to the class of functional heterocyclic compounds with outstanding biological activities, due to its numerous biological, pharmacological and therapeutic effects. This paper presents the main information on the chemical structure, dietary sources, absorption, metabolism and bioavailability of quercetin, highlighting the role of the intestinal microbiota in the formation of metabolites responsible for an important part of its effects. The limitations related to stability and bioavailability are analyzed as well as modern formulation strategies and advanced delivery systems aimed at improving the efficacy of the compound. The major biological activities of quercetin are also summarized, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, metabolic and anticancer effects. Unlike previous reviews, which have generally addressed these topics separately, the present work integrates the gut-microbiota-mediated metabolism, cellular senescence, advanced delivery systems, combined therapies, and safety and regulatory considerations within a unified translational framework. Overall, this review emphasizes the need to relate the multifunctional biological potential of quercetin to its pharmacokinetic limitations, formulation performance and clinically achievable exposure while highlighting the need for standardized formulations and further clinical studies to validate its therapeutic benefits. Full article

This examines the development of the saltpeter industry in Chile after the War of the Pacific (1879–1883), a conflict between Chile and a Bolivian–Peruvian alliance. Chile’s victory meant the annexation of the territories of Antofagasta and Tarapacá, effectively controlling the production of sodium nitrate and the global saltpeter monopoly. Industrial development was reflected through changes in foreign and Chilean capitals, technologies, and work practices. In Tarapacá, the most important investments in the 19th century were British and German. In Antofagasta, Chilean, English, German, and Croatian investments were prominent in the 19th and 20th centuries. And since 1926, American capitals have occupied the spotlight. The dominant technologies were the Shanks system between 1880–1926, the Guggenheim from 1926–1954, and the introduction of Solar Evaporation in the 1950s. Work evolved from manual artisanal labor without legal protection to mechanization under social laws. Saltpeter represented, in the social and economic history of Chile, the rise of the proletariat, communal social movements, a strong labor press, and a series of strikes and massacres. From the saltpeter era sprouted powerful literature, poetry, and music throughout the 20th century until today. The nitrate industry reached its peak between 1881 and 1917. During this period, it had to confront competition from synthetic nitrate and ceased to be the main source of revenue for the national treasury of Chile. This was followed by a period of decline and crisis from 1918 to 1931, the latter intertwined with the global financial crisis. Various state and business measures made it possible for a small number of nitrate oficinas (processing plants and settlements) in Tarapacá and Antofagasta to continue operating until the nationalization of the nitrate industry in 1971. The nitrate industry took place during the first globalization of liberalism, one that brought flows of capital, migration from Europe to the American Continent, changes to marine navigation, and the opening of various markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Nitrate became the most effective fertilizer for agriculture and replaced guano in crop production. In order to analyze this topic, we will utilize the results of the main monographic studies, texts used for historical and political context, and works with interpretative theses about specific periods of nitrate production. Full article

The pollution generated during the synthesis and processing of synthetic fibers demands new raw materials for the textile industry. Natural fibers are a good solution due to their increased comfort while wearing, and their biodegradability. However, the use of some of these fibers, such as cotton or ramie, comes with limitations like competition with edible plants for land and water during cultivation, and the pollution generated during their processing. Thus, finding other sources of fibers that do not compete with plants for food seems to be a good solution. Pineapple fibers represent a good example of synergy, with the fruit being intended for food while the leaves, once considered waste, can be valorized as fibers. This paper describes the progress in research on obtaining pineapple fibers and their properties depending on their mode of preparation. The technical progress in preparing pineapple fibers is emphasized. Their application in textile materials, alone or as composites, is presented. According to the literature, pineapple fibers may also be applied in other fields besides the textile industry. Moreover, the fact that waste is the raw material for these fibers represents a great asset, and the development of new technologies for their production and application is recommended. Full article

The development of nuclear fusion as a viable energy source will require the manufacturing of large-scale and complex components capable of withstanding extreme operational conditions. The RODAS project will address this challenge by developing and validating advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly additive manufacturing and Hot Isostatic Pressing, to fabricate demonstrator components representative of those needed in ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) and EU-DEMO (European Demonstration Power Plant) reactors. The project will focus on the production and qualification of fusion-relevant materials such as EUROFER97, CuCrZr, and AISI 316L (ITER-grade), using various additive manufacturing techniques adapted to large-scale applications. Through a coordinated effort among Spanish public research institutions and private technology centers and companies, RODAS will establish specifications, develop hybrid manufacturing routes, and implement non-destructive testing methods to ensure the integrity and performance of the produced components. Additionally, it will explore strategies for future in-service repair using remotely operated systems. The project will significantly strengthen the technological capabilities and international competitiveness of the Spanish industrial sector in the field of nuclear fusion. Full article