Search Results (2,027)

Neglected diseases significantly impact the world, and there is a lack of effective treatments, requiring therapeutic alternatives. Thus, the study of the phytochemical and schistosomicidal activity evaluation of Copaifera oblongifolia leaves’ crude extract was conducted. The quercitrin (1) and afzelin (2) were isolated from the crude extract. In the in vitro schistosomicidal activity test, the isolated compounds demonstrated promising results, with 75% mortality at a concentration of 12.5 µM after 72 h. Molecular docking calculations indicated that compounds 1 and 2 could potentially interact with the amino acids of the FAD binding site in the TGR enzyme, a crucial enzyme for the survival of Schistosoma mansoni. These interactions could have binding energies comparable to praziquantel, a preferred drug for treating schistosomiasis. Therefore, in silico and in vitro investigations are crucial for developing new studies that can reveal the antiparasitic potential of compounds of plant origin. Full article

Urochloa brizantha (Brizantha) is cultivated under varying altitudinal and management conditions. Twelve full-sun (monoculture) plots and twelve shaded (silvopastoral) plots were established, proportionally distributed at 170, 503, 661, and 1110 masl. Evaluations were conducted 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after establishment. The conservation and integration of trees in silvopastoral systems reflected a clear anthropogenic influence, evidenced by the preference for species of the Fabaceae family, likely due to their multipurpose nature. Although the altitudinal gradient did not show direct effects on soil properties, intermediate altitudes revealed a significant role of CaCO₃ in enhancing soil fertility. These edaphic conditions at mid-altitudes favored the leaf area development of Brizantha, particularly during the early growth stages, as indicated by significantly larger values (p < 0.05). However, at the harvest stage, no significant differences were observed in physiological or productive traits, nor in foliar chemical components, underscoring the species’ high hardiness and broad adaptation to both soil and altitude conditions. In Brizantha, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in stomatal size and density was observed under shade in silvopastoral areas, where solar radiation and air temperature decreased, while relative humidity increased. Nonetheless, these microclimatic variations did not lead to significant changes in foliar chemistry, growth variables, or biomass production, suggesting a high degree of adaptive plasticity to microclimatic fluctuations. Foliar ash content exhibited an increasing trend with altitude, indicating greater efficiency of Brizantha in absorbing calcium, phosphorus, and potassium at higher altitudes, possibly linked to more favorable edaphoclimatic conditions for nutrient uptake. Finally, forage quality declined with plant age, as evidenced by reductions in protein, ash, and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD), alongside increases in fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). These findings support the recommendation of cutting intervals between 30 and 45 days, during which Brizantha displays a more favorable nutritional profile, higher digestibility, and consequently, greater value for animal feeding. Full article

Host selectivity or preference plays a critical role in enabling parasitic plants to identify suitable hosts and influence plant community dynamics. Phosphorus (P) is known to affect the growth of root hemiparasitic plants and their interaction with single host species, but its role in shaping host selectivity across multiple hosts is unclear. In a pot experiment, we used a grass–legume co-culture design and evaluated whether the root hemiparasitic plant Pedicularis kansuensis exhibits selective parasitism on legumes (Medicago sativa) versus grasses (Elymus nutans) and assessed the impact of soil P availability on this preference. The results showed that P. kansuensis inhibited the growth of both host species, but the magnitude of suppression varied with P availability. Under low P conditions, P. kansuensis preferentially parasitized the tender M. sativa, causing a greater biomass reduction in the legume. In contrast, at high P levels, P. kansuensis decreased its foraging on legumes, shifting its parasitism towards the dominant E. nutans, which potentially led to stronger suppression of grass growth. Our findings demonstrate that soil P availability modulates host selectivity in P. kansuensis, emphasizing the influence of soil nutrient conditions on parasite–host dynamics. This research provides insights into managing the impacts of parasitic plants on plant community structure through nutrient interventions. Full article

Ensuring a sustainable and healthy human environment in university dormitories is essential for students’ learning, living, and overall health and well-being. To address this need, we carried out a series of systematic field measurements of the noise levels at 30 dormitories in three representative major urban universities in a major provincial capital city in China and designed and implemented a comprehensive questionnaire and surveyed 1005 students about their perceptions of their acoustic environment. We proposed and applied a sustainability–health-oriented, multidimensional assessment framework to assess the acoustic environment of the dormitories and student responses to natural sound, technological sounds, and human-made sounds. Using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach combined with the field measurements and student surveys, we identified three categories and six factors on student health and well-being for assessing the acoustic environment of university dormitories. The field data indicated that noise levels at most of the measurement points exceeded the recommended or regulatory thresholds. Higher noise impacts were observed in early mornings and evenings, primarily due to traffic noise and indoor activities. Natural sounds (e.g., wind, birdsong, water flow) were highly valued by students for their positive effect on the students’ pleasantness and satisfaction. Conversely, human and technological sounds (traffic noise, construction noise, and indoor noise from student activities) were deemed highly disturbing. Gender differences were evident in the assessment of the acoustic environment, with male students generally reporting higher levels of the pleasantness and preference for natural sounds compared to female students. Educational backgrounds showed no significant influence on sound perceptions. The findings highlight the need for providing actionable guidelines for dormitory ecological design, such as integrating vertical greening in dormitory design, water features, and biodiversity planting to introduce natural soundscapes, in parallel with developing campus activity standards and lifestyle during noise-sensitive periods. The multidimensional assessment framework will drive a sustainable human–ecology–sound symbiosis in university dormitories, and the category and factor scales to be employed and actions to improve the level of student health and well-being, thus, providing a reference for both research and practice for sustainable cities and communities. Full article

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly polyphagous pest posing a major threat to Poaceae crops, particularly corn (Zea mays), in China. However, its ability to adapt to Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi), an edible and medicinal Poaceae species, under continuous rearing remains insufficiently understood. In this study, FAW survival, development, and reproduction were assessed over eight generations on two cultivars of Job’s tears, ‘Cuiyi 1’ and ‘Puyi 6’. Feeding and oviposition preferences were also examined in FAW populations reared on ‘Puyi 6’ by offering corn and ‘Puyi 6’ as hosts. Sustained rearing for five to eight generations on both cultivars significantly increased population fitness, with greater improvements observed in the ‘Puyi 6’ group. FAW reared on corn or ‘Puyi 6’ for two generations exhibited strong preferences for corn, whereas those reared on ‘Puyi 6’ for five to eight generations showed no significant host preference. These findings suggest that transgenerational adaptation markedly improved FAW performance and acceptance of Job’s tears, underscoring the need for intensified monitoring of FAW dynamics during the cultivation of Job’s tears. Full article

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) is a vital food security crop in sub-Saharan Africa, including Eswatini. The productivity of the crop is low (<600 kg/ha) in the country due to a lack of improved, locally adapted, and farmer-preferred varieties with biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. The objective of the study was to assess the agronomic performance of newly developed elite cowpea mutants to select best-yielding and adapted pure lines for production and genetic improvement in Eswatini. A total of 30 cowpea genotypes, including 24 newly developed advanced mutant lines, their 3 founder parents and 3 local checks, were profiled for major agronomic traits in two selected sites (Lowveld Experiment and Malkerns Research Stations) using a 6 × 5 alpha lattice design with three replications. A combined analysis of variance revealed that the genotype x location interaction effects were significant (p < 0.05) for germination percentage (DG %), days to flowering (DTF), days to maturity (DMT), number of pods per plant (NPP), pod length (PDL), number of seeds per pod (NSP), hundred seed weight (HSW), and grain yield (GYD). Elite mutant genotypes, including NKL9P7, BRR4P11, SHR9P5, and NKL9P7-2 exhibited higher grain yields at 3158.8 kg/ha, 2651.6 kg/ha, 2627.5 kg/ha, and 2255.8 kg/ha in that order. The highest-yielding mutant, NKL9P7, produced 70%, 61%, and 54% more grain yield than the check varieties Mtilane, Black Eye, and Accession 792, respectively. Furthermore, the selected genotypes displayed promising yield components such as better PDL (varying from 13.1 to 26.3 cm), NPP (15.9 to 26.8), and NSP (9.8 to 16.2). Grain yield had significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) with DG %, NSP, and NPP. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that 81.5% of the total genotypic variation was attributable to the assessed quantitative traits. Principal component (PC) 1 accounted for 48.6%, while PC 2 and PC 3 contributed 18.9% and 14% of the overall variation, respectively. Key traits correlated with PC1 were NPP with a loading score of 0.91, NSP (0.83), PDL (0.73), GYD (0.68), HSW (0.58), DMT (−0.60), and DTF (−0.43) in a desirable direction. In conclusion, genotypes NKL9P7, BRR4P11, SHR9P5, NKL9P7-2, Bira, SHR3P4, and SHR2P7 were identified as complementary parents with relatively best yields and local adaptation, making them ideal selections for direct production or breeding. The following traits, NPP, NSP, PDL, GYD, and HSW, offered unique opportunities for genotype selection in the cowpea breeding program in Eswatini. Full article

Despite increasing interest in including indigenous and local people in forest restoration initiatives, their views on which species are most useful, or reasons behind not planting native tree species are often ignored. Focused on south-western Rwanda, this study addressed these knowledge gaps. We carried out 12 focus group discussions with village elders to determine the following: main benefits provided by native forests, the native species they prefer for different uses, and the main barriers to species’ cultivation. Then, considering other key information from the literature, we performed a ranking exercise to determine which native species had the greatest potential for large-scale tree planting initiatives. Our results show that native forests provide 17 benefits to local communities, some of which cannot be replaced by plantations with exotic species. Among the 26 tree species identified as most useful for timber, firewood, medicine and fodder, ten were ranked as with the greatest potential for restoration initiatives. Of these, two had not been included in recent experimental plantations using native species in Rwanda, and none were considered among the priority species for domestication in Africa. Overall, our study highlights the need to better connect the ecological and social dimension of forest reforestation initiatives in multiple contexts. Full article

Plant growth monitoring is a complex and challenging task, which depends on a variety of environmental variables, such as temperature, humidity, nutrient availability, and solar radiation. Advances in optical sensors have significantly enhanced data collection on plant growth. These developments enable the optimization of agricultural practices and crop management through the integration of artificial vision techniques. Despite advances in the application of these technologies, limitations and challenges persist. This review aims to analyze the current state-of-the-art methodologies for using artificial vision and optical sensors in plant growth assessment. The systematic review was conducted following the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Relevant studies were analyzed from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The main findings indicate that data collection in agricultural environments is challenging. This is due to the variability of climatic conditions, the heterogeneity of crops, and the difficulty in obtaining accurately and homogeneously labeled datasets. Additionally, the integration of artificial vision models and advanced sensors would enable the assessment of plant responses to these environmental factors. The advantages and limitations were examined, as well as proposed research areas to further contribute to the improvement and expansion of these emerging technologies for plant growth assessment. Finally, a relevant research line focuses on evaluating AI-based models on low-power embedded platforms to develop accessible and efficient decision-making solutions in both agricultural and urban environments. This systematic review was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). Full article

Food additives are used to prevent food spoilage and extend its shelf life. However, concerns regarding the potential health implications associated with some synthetic additives have prompted research efforts aimed at identifying natural alternatives, such as plant extracts. Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon) is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of ethanolic food-grade extracts from cultivated cardoon and globe artichoke leaves to preserve poultry breast meat during refrigerated storage. A total of seven treatment groups were tested: one control group (no extract) and six active groups with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (w/w) of either cultivated cardoon or globe artichoke leaf extracts. Lipid oxidation, moisture, colour, pH, acidity, and microbial growth were assessed in poultry meat samples over 15 days. Both extracts were effective in extending shelf life, up to 11 days, by delaying lipid oxidation and microbial growth. Cardoon extract (1% w/w) displayed superior antimicrobial efficacy, maintaining microbial counts below 5 Log CFU/g meat until day 15, compared to the control. Cultivated cardoon leaf extract proves promising as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant, extending the shelf life of poultry meat. This presents an opportunity to maintain the quality of meat products, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients and sustainable practices. Full article

CO₂ transport is a crucial part of CCUS. Nonetheless, due to the physical property differences between CO₂ and natural gas and oil, CO₂ pipeline transport is distinct from natural gas and oil transport. Gaseous CO₂ transportation has become the preferred scheme for transporting impurity-containing CO₂ tail gas in purification plants due to its advantages of simple technology, low cost, and high safety, which are well suited to the scenarios of low transportation volume and short distance in purification plants. The research on its physical property and state parameters is precisely aimed at optimizing the process design of gaseous transportation so as to further improve transportation efficiency and safety. Therefore, it has important engineering practical significance. Firstly, this paper collected and analyzed the research cases of CO₂ transport both domestically and internationally, revealing that phase state and physical property testing of CO₂ gas containing impurities is the basic condition for studying CO₂ transport. Subsequently, the exhaust gas captured by the purification plant was captured after hydrodesulfurization treatment, and the characteristics of the exhaust gas components were obtained by comparing before and after treatment. By preparing fluid samples with varied CO₂ content and conducting the flash evaporation test and PV relationship test, the compression factor and density of natural gas under different temperatures and pressures were obtained. It is concluded that under the same pressure in general, the higher the CO₂ content, the smaller the compression factor. Except for pure CO_2, the higher the CO₂ content, the higher the density under constant pressure, which is related to the content of C₂ and heavier hydrocarbon components. At the same temperature, the higher the CO₂ content, the higher the viscosity under the same pressure; the lower the pressure, the slower the viscosity growth slows down. The higher the CO₂ content at the same temperature, the higher the specific heat at constant pressure. With the decrease in temperature, the CO₂ content reaching the highest specific heat at the identical pressure gradually decreases. Finally, BWRS, PR, and SRK equations of state were utilized to calculate the compression factor and density of the gas mixture with a molar composition of 50% CO₂ and the gas mixture with a molar composition of 100% CO₂. Compared with the experimental results, the most suitable equation of state is selected as the PR equation, which refers to the parameter setting of critical nodes of CO₂ gas transport. Full article

Virtual power plants (VPPs) enable the efficient participation of distributed renewable energy resources in electricity markets by aggregating them. However, the profitability of VPPs is challenged by market volatility and regulatory constraints, such as price caps and imbalance penalties. This study examines the joint impact of varying price cap levels and imbalance penalty structures on the bidding strategies and revenues of VPPs. A stochastic optimization model was developed, where a three-stage scenario tree was utilized to capture the uncertainty in electricity prices and renewable generation output. Simulations were performed under various market conditions using real-world price and generation data from the Korean electricity market. The analysis reveals that higher price cap coefficients lead to greater revenue and more segmented bidding strategies, especially under asymmetric penalty structures. Segment-wise analysis of bid price–quantity pairs shows that over-bidding is preferred under upward-only penalty schemes, while under-bidding is preferred under downward-only ones. Notably, revenue improvement tapers off beyond a price cap coefficient of 0.8, which indicates that there exists an optimal threshold for regulatory design. The findings of this study suggest the need for coordination between price caps and imbalance penalties to maintain market efficiency while supporting renewable energy integration. The proposed framework also offers practical insights for market operators and policymakers seeking to balance profitability, adaptability, and stability in VPP-integrated electricity markets. Full article

This online survey aimed to gather consumer opinions on dairy products and production and to identify the potential market for A2 milk (milk containing exclusively β-casein A2, which reduces gastrointestinal discomfort after consumption). The questionnaire included seven sections covering the consumption of dairy products, sociodemographic aspects, awareness and purchase intention of A2 milk, questions about milk as a source of nutrients and health benefits, the environmental impact of milk production, and alternatives to cow milk. Responses from 672 Spanish consumers categorized into clusters (according to their milk consumption and their discomfort after drinking it), gender, age, educational level, and milk taste preference were analyzed using a linear multiple regression model. Dairy consumers not experiencing discomfort after drinking milk (62.6%) and those who preferred the taste of milk over plant-based alternatives (64.0%) demonstrated better knowledge of milk nutrients and its health benefits. Participants’ age, gender, and education level also influenced their perceptions, with older participants, women, and those with university education generally showing better results. In conclusion, clusters impact consumers’ milk perceptions as a nutritional source and its health benefits. The positive perception of milk’s nutritional benefits among dairy consumers experiencing discomfort after drinking milk (17.3%) positions them as a strong target market for A2 milk. Full article

Increasing soil carbon storage is an important strategy for achieving sustainable development. Enhancing soil carbon sequestration capacity can effectively reduce the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which not only contributes to the carbon neutrality goal but also helps maintain ecosystem stability. Based on 146 soil samples collected at plot locations selected across Beijing, we examined relationships between soil organic carbon (SOC) and key characteristics of urban forests, including their spatial structure and species complexity. The results showed that SOC in the topsoil with a depth of 20 cm was highest over forested plots (6.384 g/kg–20.349 g/kg) and lowest in soils without any vegetation cover (5.586 g/kg–6.783 g/kg). The plots with herbaceous/shrub vegetation but no tree cover had SOC values in between (5.586 g/kg–15.162 g/kg). The plot data revealed that SOC was better correlated with the physical structure than the species diversity of Beijing’s urban trees. The correlation coefficients (r) between SOC and five physical structure indicators, including average diameter at breast height (DBH), average tree height, basal area density, and the diversity of DBH and tree height, ranged from 0.32 to 0.52, whereas the r values for four species diversity indicators ranged from 0.10 to 0.25, two of which were not statistically different from 0. Stepwise linear regression analyses revealed that the species diversity indicators were not very sensitive to SOC variations among a large portion of the plots and were about half as effective as the physical structure indicators for explaining the total variance of SOC. These results suggest that urban planning and greenspace management policies could be tailored to maximize the carbon co-benefits of urban land. Specifically, trees should be planted in urban areas wherever possible, preferably as densely as what can be allowed given other urban planning considerations. Protection of large, old trees should be encouraged, as these trees will continue to sequester and store large quantities of carbon in above- and belowground biomass as well as in soil. Such policies will enhance the contribution of urban land, especially urban forests and other greenspaces, to nature-based solutions (NBS) to climate change. Full article

The cosmetic industry faces a critical need to balance commercial innovation with scientific validation, especially regarding the safety and efficacy of raw materials. Plant-derived materials (PDMs) offer a promising alternative to animal-derived ingredients in cosmetics, particularly due to their safety and compliance with vegan and ethical standards. Unlike compounds such as polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is derived from the testis or seminal fluid of Salmonidae species and raises concerns regarding its origin, sustainability, and consumer acceptability, PDMs provide a cleaner, ethically preferable profile. In this study, we evaluated 50 PDM candidates using in vitro cell viability, wound healing, and immunocytochemistry assays, along with primary skin irritation tests in human participants. None of the samples showed harmful effects. Notably, sample Nos. 38 and 42 demonstrated significant wound-healing capacity and upregulated filaggrin expression without causing notable irritation in clinical testing. These findings support the biological activity and safety of specific PDMs as functional cosmetic ingredients. This study presents scientifically validated evidence for plant-based alternatives to animal-derived materials and offers a new milestone in the shift toward sustainable and ethical cosmetic development. By bridging the gap between consumer demand and scientific rigor, this study provides a robust platform for future innovations in vegan cosmetics. Full article

Stink bugs are widespread agricultural pests that damage crops and reduce yield. Their impact is influenced by host plant selection and interactions with natural enemies, particularly egg parasitoids. Understanding these relationships is crucial for improving biological control strategies. This paper investigates the seasonal host plant use and parasitism of Halyomorpha halys, Palomena prasina, and Pentatoma rufipes in South Tyrol, Italy. Over two years, we conducted field surveys at 27 sites, recording stink bug presence across 85 plant species and analyzing egg parasitism rates. Results show that stink bugs exhibit distinct host plant preferences, with H. halys utilizing the broadest range of host plants while P. prasina and P. rufipes showed stronger affinities for specific families such as Sapindaceae and Rosaceae. Parasitism rates varied across species and plant families: Trissolcus japonicus predominantly parasitized H. halys while T. cultratus and two Telenomus species targeted P. rufipes and P. prasina, respectively. Spatial–temporal features and host plant associations significantly influenced species distributions and parasitoid occurrence. These findings emphasize the role of plant–insect interactions in shaping pest and parasitoid dynamics. Integrating plant diversity into pest management strategies could enhance parasitoid effectiveness and reduce stink bug populations, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. Full article