Search Results (295)

Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness of seed bioactivation using electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in agriculture. This article presents the results of the remote application of an EMF TOR device in the cultivation of barley Hordeum vulgare L. Laboratory studies and field tests were conducted, showing a positive effect on the growth and development of plants both when treating dry seeds before sowing and when treating sown seeds in the field. The optimal time period for EMF treatment was determined: treating air-dried seeds with EMFs before sowing for 10–15 min increased germination by 5–18% and the growth rate of seedlings by 2–3 times. The maximum observed effect occurred during the treatment period from 7:00 to 11:00. As a result of changing the balance of phytohormones, the further stimulation of the root system and the assimilation surface of plants was noted due to a 1.5-fold increase in the content of auxins. The density of productive stems, ear length, seed set, and 1000 seed weight increased, which ultimately led to an increase in yield by more than 10% and, in some varieties, to a decrease in the protein content in grains compared to the control variant (by 3–22%), bringing them closer to brewing conditions. Full article

Planting tomatoes in enclosed facilities requires manual pollination assistance. Chemically-assisted pollination poses environmental pollution and food safety hazards. Contact vibration pollination is inefficient, ineffective, and prone to plant damage. This study developed a non-contact tomato pollination device based on pulse airflow, and conducted an experimental investigation on it. Firstly, a non-contact tomato pollination device based on pulse airflow was designed, based on the reciprocating motion of tomato flowers under the action of pulse airflow. Subsequently, this study took the coverage rate of pollen on the stigma as an indicator, and the optimal pulse airflow parameters were determined, which were a velocity of 1.22 m·s⁻¹, airflow angle of −19.69°, and pulse frequency of 25.64 Hz. Finally, comparative experiments were conducted between the pollination effect of tomatoes based on pulse airflow and other assisted pollination methods. The results show that tomato flowers produce a composite reciprocating vibration under the coupling effect of the inflorescence elastic force and the pulse airflow force, and the coverage of pollen on the stigma is 11.2% higher than assisted pollination using stable airflow. The use of a pulse airflow pollination method can increase the fruit setting rate by 13.21%, increase the weight per fruit by 11.46%, and increase the weight of fruits per bunch by 33.33%. Compared with chemically-assisted fruit setting, no chemical agents were used to ensure a fruit setting rate similar to chemical methods, and the number of seeds per fruit increased by 74.8. Compared with vibration pollination, it eliminated plant damage and increased the fruit setting rate by 4.45%, and improved efficiency by 18.6%. The results indicated that the pollination method based on pulse airflow is environmentally friendly, high-quality, and efficient. This study breaks through the theoretical and parameter limitations of traditional airflow pollination devices, and provides a theoretical base for the development of clean pollination equipment in facility agriculture. Full article

Vegetable oil is regarded as a medium that can replace kerosene in electrical discharge machining (EDM) hole processing due to its renewability and environmental friendliness. Meanwhile, numerical simulation serves as an effective means to study the behavior of the gap flow field during EDM processing. Based on this, this study explored the influence of hole size and different vegetable oil dielectrics (sunflower seed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil) on the movement of electro-corrosion residues in the processing gap. The simulation results demonstrate that the viscosity of the oil affects the escape rate of the particles. In holes of 1 mm and 4 mm of size, the escape rate of canola oil at any time period is superior to that of sunflower seed oil and soybean oil. In a 1 mm hole, its average escape rate reached 19.683%, which was 0.24% and 0.19% higher than that of sunflower seed oil and soybean oil, respectively. Subsequently, experiments were conducted in combination with the simulation results to explore the influence of current, pulse width, and pulse interval on hole processing. This further confirmed the application potential of vegetable oil in electrical discharge micro-hole processing and provided theoretical support and experimental basis for optimizing the green manufacturing process. Full article

The valorization of agri-food waste has emerged as a global priority. In this context, fruit seed waste is being investigated for oil extraction due to its richness in bioactive compounds with remarkable health benefits. This review (2020–2025) focuses on the current state of eco-friendly extraction techniques for obtaining high-yield oils enriched with compounds such as tocopherols, polyphenols, fatty acids, phytosterols, and carotenoids. A comparison of the present method with conventional extraction techniques reveals several notable distinctions. Conventional methods are generally characterized by prolonged extraction times, elevated temperatures, and high amounts of solvents and/or energy. The findings of this review suggest that the extraction methodologies employed exerts a substantial influence on the yield and bioactive composition of the oil, which in turn affects its health-promoting properties. Furthermore, the results have demonstrated that alternative methodologies (microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, electric pulse extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, subcritical extraction, and combinations thereof) have analogous oil yields in comparison with conventional methods. In addition, these oils present a superior bioactive profile with feasible potential in industrial and health applications. The novelty of this work lies in its emphasis on the valorization of fruit seed waste, as well as its sustainable approach. This sustainable approach utilizes experimental design strategies, the implementation of developments that employ comprehensive ecological metrics, and the latest trends in the application of artificial intelligence. Full article

In the continuous pursuit of minimally invasive interventions while ensuring a radical excision of lesions, Radio-Guided Surgery (RGS) has been for years the standard for image-guided surgery procedures, such as the Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy (SLN), Radio-guided Seed Localization (RSL), etc. In RGS, the lesion has to be identified precisely, in terms of position and extension. In such a context, going beyond the current one-point probes, introducing portable but high-resolution cameras, handholdable by the surgeon, would be highly beneficial. We developed and tested a novel compact, low-power, handheld gamma camera for radio-guided surgery. This is based on a particular position-sensitive Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) technology—the FBK linearly graded SiPM (LG-SiPM). Within the camera, the photodetector is made up of a 3 × 3 array of 10 × 10 mm² SiPM chips having a total area of more than 30 × 30 mm². This is coupled with a pixelated scintillator and a parallel-hole collimator. With the LG-SiPM technology, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of readout channels to just eight, simplifying the complexity and lowering the power consumption of the readout electronics while still preserving a good position resolution. The novel gamma camera is light (weight), and it is made to be a fully stand-alone system, therefore featuring wireless communication, battery power, and wireless recharge capabilities. We designed, simulated (electrically), and tested (functionally) the first prototypes of the novel gamma camera. We characterized the intrinsic position resolution (tested with pulsed light) as being ~200 µm, and the sensitivity and resolution when detecting gamma rays from Tc-99m source measured between 134 and 481 cps/MBq and as good as 1.4–1.9 mm, respectively. Full article

The utilization of magnetic fields in agricultural contexts has been demonstrated to exert a beneficial effect on various aspects of crop development, including germination, growth, and yield. The present study investigates the impact of magnetic biostimulation on seeds of purple maize (Zea mays L.), variety INIA 601, cultivated in Cajamarca, Peru, with a particular focus on their physical characteristics, yield, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that seeds treated with pulsed (8 mT at 30 Hz for 30 min) and static (50 mT for 30 min) magnetic fields exhibited significantly longer cobs (16.89 and 16.53 cm, respectively) compared with the untreated control (15.79 cm). Furthermore, the application of these magnetic fields resulted in enhanced antioxidant activity in the bract, although the untreated samples exhibited higher values (110.56 µg/mL) compared with the pulsed (91.82 µg/mL) and static (89.61 µg/mL) treatments. The geographical origin of the samples had a significant effect on the physical development and the amount of total phenols, especially the antioxidant activity in the coronet and bract. Furthermore, a total of fourteen phenols were identified in various parts of the purple maize, with procyanidin B2 found in high concentrations in the bract and crown. Conversely, epicatechin, kaempferol, vanillin, and resveratrol were found in lower concentrations. These findings underscore the phenolic diversity of INIA 601 purple maize and its potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries, suggesting that magnetic biostimulation could be an effective tool to improve the nutritional and antioxidant properties of crops. Full article

Seed quality is vital for agricultural productivity, as it directly influences the crop yield and resilience to environmental stressors. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment in enhancing the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seed quality, seedling growth, and microbial safety. Tomato seeds were treated with PEFs at energy levels ranging from 1.07 to 17.28 J, and several parameters were assessed, including the germination rate, normal seedling development, tolerance to cold and salinity stress, electrical conductivity, and microbial inactivation. The highest germination rate (72.81%) was observed at 15.36 J on the seventh day of germination, whereas the highest normal seedling rate (94.62%) was recorded at 17.28 J (p ≤ 0.05). The germination under cold stress (5 days at 24 °C) was highest, with a 46.67% germination observed at both 1.92 and 10.88 J. PEF-treated seeds exposed to 100 and 200 mM of NaCl exhibited significantly improved germination compared to the controls (p ≤ 0.05). The electrical conductivity (EC) was more influenced by the incubation time than by the PEF intensity, as the EC of all samples showed a significant increase from 4 to 8 h. The samples treated with 17.28 J exhibited the highest germination rates under salt stress, reaching 62.00 ± 0.90% and 50.00 ± 0.60% under 100 mM and 200 mM of NaCl, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). The initial mean counts of the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and the total mold and yeast—4.00 ± 0.03 and 3.06 ± 0.03 log cfu/g, respectively—were reduced to undetectable levels by the application of 17.28 J, with higher energy levels yielding greater inactivation. These findings demonstrate that the PEF is a promising technique for enhancing seed quality, promoting seedling vigor, and reducing microbial contamination, supporting its application in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Dry bean, the fourth-largest pulse crop in Canada is increasingly impacted by climate variability, needing efficient methods to support cultivar development. This study investigates the potential of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and multispectral imaging (MSI) for high-throughput phenotyping of dry bean traits. Image data were collected across two dry bean field trials to assess plant height, lodging and seed yield. Multiple LiDAR-derived features accessing canopy height, crop lodging and digital biomass were evaluated against manual height measurements, visually rated lodging scale and seed yield, respectively. At the same time, three MSI-derived data were used to estimate seed yield. Classification- and regression-based machine learning models were used to estimate key agronomic traits using both LiDAR and MSI-based crop features. The canopy height derived from LiDAR showed a good correlation (R² = 0.86) with measured plant height at the mid-pod filling (R6) stage. Lodging classification was most effective using Gradient Boosting, Random Forest and Logistic Regression, with R8 (physiological maturity stage) canopy height being the dominant predictor. For seed yield prediction, models integrating LiDAR and MSI outperformed individual datasets, with Gradient Boosting Regression Trees yielding the highest accuracy (R² = 0.64, RMSE = 687.2 kg/ha and MAE = 521.6 kg/ha). Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at the R6 stage was identified as the most informative spectral feature. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of integrating UAV-based LiDAR and MSI for accurate, non-destructive phenotyping in dry bean breeding programs. Full article

Direct-writing submicron copper circuits on glass with laser precision—without lithography, vacuum deposition, or etching—represents a transformative step in next-generation microfabrication. We present a high-resolution, maskless method for metallizing glass using ultrashort pulse Bessel beam laser processing, followed by silver ion activation and electroless copper plating. The laser-modified glass surface hosts nanoscale chemical defects that promote the in situ reduction of Ag⁺ to metallic Ag⁰ upon exposure to AgNO₃ solution. These silver seeds act as robust catalytic and adhesion sites for subsequent copper growth. Using this approach, we demonstrate circuit traces as narrow as 0.7 µm, featuring excellent uniformity and adhesion. Compared to conventional redistribution-layer (RDL) and under-bump-metallization (UBM) techniques, this process eliminates multiple lithographic and vacuum-based steps, significantly reducing process complexity and production time. The method is scalable and adaptable for applications in transparent electronics, fan-out packaging, and high-density interconnects. Full article

Here, research on seed-borne virus diseases of cool-season pulses caused by bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) in Australia’s grain cropping regions since the 1940s is reviewed. A historical approach is taken towards all past studies involving the main cool-season pulse crops grown, lupin, faba bean, field pea, lentil and chickpea, and the minor ones, narbon bean, vetches and Lathyrus species. The main emphasis adopted is on describing what these studies revealed concerning BYMV biology, epidemiology and management. The field and glasshouse experimentation that enabled the development of effective phytosanitary, cultural and host resistance control strategies, supported by many image illustrations from past investigations, is emphasized. This review commences by providing brief background information and describing past studies on BYMV symptom and sequence variants, and alternative BYMV hosts. Next, as the lupin/BYMV pathosystem has been investigated in much greater depth than any other cool season pulse/BYMV pathosystem combination in Australia, what past studies using it have found is covered considerable detail under a series of nine different sub-headings. Finally, what is known about the less thoroughly investigated cool-season pulse/BYMV pathosystems, especially those involving faba bean, field pea and lentil, is reviewed under seven different sub-headings. Recommendations are provided concerning future research priorities. Full article

The demand for plant-based proteins has grown significantly due to their sustainability and lower environmental impact compared to animal proteins. Shifting from animal-based to plant-based diets, particularly those incorporating protein-rich legumes like beans and peas, can substantially reduce the climate footprint of food production. Underutilized legumes, which are often critical in resource-poor regions, hold immense potential for enhancing food security, nutrition, and agricultural development. Despite their importance, information about these legumes remains limited and region-specific. The shift towards plant proteins is further driven by the growing popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets, alongside mounting concerns over the environmental impacts of livestock farming. Consequently, plant proteins are increasingly favored over their animal-based counterparts in the food industry. Scientists are now exploring novel plant protein sources and developing superior-quality proteins with enhanced functional and nutritional characteristics using cutting-edge technologies. While traditional plant protein sources like wheat and soy present challenges such as allergenicity, pulses like peas, beans, chickpeas, and lentils are gaining prominence due to their agronomic and nutritional advantages. It is anticipated that ongoing research will address the existing knowledge gaps regarding the nutritional and health benefits of fodder seeds such as field bean and field pea seeds, broadening their application across diverse food industries. In this context, the present review focuses on the potential of field bean and field pea as valuable sources of food and functional ingredients. Despite their benefits, current knowledge about these crops is limited to specific geographic areas where they hold cultural or local significance. Full article

Faba bean is a high-protein legume that can be successfully grown in most climates around the world. It is one of the most popular pulses cultivated in Poland. Its seeds are a source of plant protein, used most often in feed production. Field experiments and laboratory seed analyses were carried out in 2022 and 2023 to assess the effect of the application of nitrogen-fixing bacteria on the yield and seed quality of a low-tannin faba bean cultivar. The factor was tested at four levels: control, seed inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae, foliar spraying with Methylobacterium symbioticum, and seed inoculation and spraying (double application). The application of N-fixing bacteria had a positive effect on faba bean seed yield. In 2022, plants responded most effectively to a double application, increasing seed yield by 25.4%, while, in 2023, the highest seed yield was obtained after inoculation (12.3% increase). Although the single application of bacteria caused a decrease in seed protein content, the double application (inoculation and spraying) significantly enhanced seed protein content. The protein productivity per hectare was compensated by the higher seed yield and increased by 41.7% in 2022 and 14.9% in 2023 compared to plots where N-fixing bacteria were not applied. This work shows that it is possible to use different strains of N-fixing bacteria in faba bean cultivation and this can significantly improve yields while reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which supports sustainable production. Full article

Forage legumes, besides their use as ruminant feed supplements, contribute to other agricultural, forestry and natural ecosystems’ sustainability around the world. Our objective in this summary is to emphasize that versatility in the face of biotic, abiotic and socio-economic variability is among the most important traits that forage legumes contribute to sustaining human populations in those diverse ecosystems. Forage legumes could contribute even more to agroecosystems if we 1. consider ecosystem services as well as food, feed and fuel production; 2. more fully exploit what we already know about forage legumes’ multiple uses; and 3. focus greater attention and energy exploring and expanding versatility in currently used and novel versatile species. To draw attention to the importance of this versatility to sustainable grasslands, here we review multiple legumes’ roles as forage, bioenergy, pulses (legume seeds for human consumption), pharmaceuticals and cover crops as well as environmental services, in particular soil health, C sequestration and non-industrial organic N. The major points we single out as distinguishing sustainable versatile forage legumes include (1) multiple uses; (2) adaptation to a wide range of edaphoclimatic conditions; (3) flexible economic contributions; and (4) how genomics can harness greater legume versatility. We predict that, because of this versatility, forage legumes will become ever more important as climates change and human pressures on sustainable agro-environments intensify. Full article

In general, there are three methods for extracting oil from various sources: mechanical, solvent, and pre-press-solvent. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, with extraction efficiency depending on key factors such as the extraction technique, the properties of the plant component matrix, and the solvent used. Factors like temperature, pressure, and time also play a role. Researchers have consistently sought to replace or complement these methods to reduce residual oil in products. This study introduces new oil extraction methods that have gained attention in recent years, including the microwave, pulsed electric field, ultrasound, supercritical fluid, enzymatic, ohmic, and combined methods to enhance efficiency. The research demonstrates that these methods increase oil extraction efficiency and bioactive compound extraction from plant sources, resulting in improved oil quality. Most methods also reduce extraction time, offering researchers and industrialists a variety of options for their oil extraction needs. However, the study notes contradictions in the results, such as varying acidity levels in the oil, which may be attributed to raw materials and study conditions. In the end, it was determined that ultrasound, pulsed electric field, and enzyme methods can be used industrially to extract oil from olives, while supercritical fluid can be used to extract oil from certain seeds. Full article

We reported on a nanosecond regenerative amplified laser with a repetition rate of 1 kHz by employing laser diodes (LDs) with distinct wavelengths as both the seed laser and the pump source and utilizing Nd:YAG as the gain medium. The single-pulse energy was 1.58 mJ and the pulse duration was adjustable, ranging from 1 to 5 ns. Combining two oppositely oriented BBO crystals for second harmonic generation (SHG) and an LBO crystal for third harmonic generation (THG), a 355 nm laser with a single-pulse energy of 257 μJ was attained, corresponding to a THG efficiency of 16.2%. Full article