Search Results (2,103)

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) has a propensity to accumulate cadmium (Cd), especially in its leaves, which can have a detrimental impact on yield, quality, and product safety. The development of low-accumulation cultivars is a vital mitigation approach; however, the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. In this study, through pot experiments, the physiological mechanisms responsible for the differential Cd accumulation between the low-accumulating tobacco line CF986 and the high-accumulating Yuyan5 were explored. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the organ-specific Cd distribution, chemical speciation, subcellular compartmentalization, and photosynthetic responses across a gradient of Cd exposure. In comparison with Yuyan5, CF986 accumulated significantly higher amounts of Cd in the roots and stems, but substantially lower amounts in the leaves. Specifically, the Cd content in the leaves of CF986 was only 64.32–68.74% of that in Yuyan5 across different Cd exposure levels. The organ-specific Cd distribution pattern in CF986 followed the order: leaf > stem > root. Moreover, the proportion of Cd partitioned to the leaves was lower in CF986 compared to Yuyan5, while the roots and stems exhibited enhanced Cd retention, with Cd levels in stems reaching up to 2.04 times higher than those in Yuyan5. Analysis of the chemical forms and subcellular distribution of Cd indicated that the mobile Cd fractions in the stems of CF986 were significantly reduced compared to Yuyan5. A larger proportion of Cd was immobilized in the stem cell-wall fraction, which enhanced Cd retention and restricted xylem-mediated transport to the leaves. Cd exposure did not significantly affect the concentration of foliar photosynthetic pigments in CF986; however, it notably inhibited the activity of the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center. At higher Cd levels, the photoprotective thermal dissipation gradually failed, with a decrease of up to 41.36% in Φ_NO for CF986 compared to CK under Cd4.0 treatment. This research unveiled a stem barrier mechanism, whereby Cd translocation to the leaves is restricted through chemical and subcellular sequestration in the stem. This mechanism provides a novel perspective on both plant heavy metal allocation and the assurance of crop safety. Full article

The mineral composition of Ilex paraguariensis is strongly shaped by the physicochemical characteristics and natural fertility of the soils in which it is cultivated. This study evaluated macro- and microelement concentrations in fresh leaves from fourteen rural properties in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and examined how soil texture, pH, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and aluminum saturation influence nutrient availability and foliar accumulation. Soil, leaf, and environmental data were analyzed using ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficients, Bayes factors, and principal component analysis (PCA). Sandy and dystrophic soils with low CEC and reduced organic matter showed greater variability in micronutrient retention and favored leaching, resulting in higher fluctuations in foliar Cu, Zn, and Mn. In contrast, clayey eutrophic soils with high CEC and higher organic matter promoted greater nutrient stability and more homogeneous foliar concentrations of K, Mg, and P. PCA confirmed that differences in soil geochemistry, particularly in Se, Cr, Mn, and Zn availability, were reflected in leaf composition. Chromium remained low in leaves despite elevated soil levels, indicating restricted uptake and translocation. Overall, the results demonstrate that edaphic conditions govern the nutritional profile of I. paraguariensis, emphasizing the need for region-specific soil management to maintain leaf quality in emerging cultivation areas. Full article

To investigate the effect of a polysaccharide-based composite film (ASC) composed of Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharide (its molecular weight was approximately 4.07 kDa, and the monosaccharide composition was predominantly glucose and galacturonic acid), sodium alginate, and calcium chloride on the storage quality of shrimp surimi, this study compared the preservation efficacy of the ASC film with that of treatments using chitosan, potassium sorbate, ascorbic acid, sodium alginate, Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharide, and distilled water. Samples were stored at 4 °C for 12 days, and evaluations were conducted by measuring film structural characteristics and quality indicators of shrimp surimi. Results showed that the ASC groups (where Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharide was added at 20%, 30%, and 40% of the sodium alginate mass, designated as ASC 20%, ASC 30%, and ASC 40%) significantly outperformed the control group across all quality indicators. The ASC 30% group demonstrated the best overall preservation performance, effectively delaying oxidative browning, protein degradation, lipid oxidation, and microbial growth in shrimp surimi. The ASC 40% group exhibited particularly strong antibacterial effects, while the ASC 20% group also showed stable preservation performance. The composite film combines the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharide with the barrier and moisture-retention properties of sodium alginate, forming a stable three-dimensional network structure through calcium chloride cross-linking. It is superior to single/individual chemical preservatives in terms of film-forming ability, functionality, and safety, providing a natural, effective, and environmentally friendly preservation approach for shrimp surimi and other aquatic products. It also offers a theoretical foundation and practical reference for the development of natural preservation technologies in the food industry. Full article

The hotel sector is widely perceived as offering poor working conditions, contributing to persistent labor shortages within the industry. Transforming management practices in line with humanistic management principles has been suggested as one way to address these challenges. However, limited research has examined how hotel employees themselves perceive humanistic management relative to more traditional managerial practices and other approaches used to attract and motivate staff. This scoping study addresses this gap by surveying hotel employees in Austria, a tourism-intensive economy, to assess the perceived value of humanistic management practices. The findings show that although adopting humanistic management alone cannot fully resolve issues related to employee attraction and retention, it nonetheless has a significant positive effect on employees’ perceptions of employer attractiveness. Several humanistic practices valued by employees can be implemented without substantial increases in operational costs. These results suggest that hotel managers, even in data-driven decision environments, should integrate humanistic management practices while maintaining competitive remuneration. For policymakers in tourism-dependent destinations, the findings highlight the need to strengthen regulations that encourage more humanistic working conditions in hotels, thereby improving the overall quality of employment and enhancing the sector’s long-term attractiveness. Full article

Genetically modified (GM) forage crops engineered to accumulate elevated levels of lipids offer potential benefits for ruminant nutrition and greenhouse gas mitigation. However, robust and reproducible workflows for producing, harvesting, and preserving GM forage biomass under containment remain a critical bottleneck, particularly where regulatory constraints preclude field-scale evaluation. Here, we describe a controlled-environment workflow for the repeated cultivation, harvesting, and ensiling of GM high-metabolizable-energy (HME) perennial ryegrass and corresponding null controls. Plants were grown under greenhouse containment, subjected to multiple regrowth cycles, and harvested biomass was wilted and ensiled using small-scale laboratory silos. Silage fermentation characteristics, total lipid content, and fatty acid (FA) composition were assessed following short- and long-term storage. Over 16 months, approximately 130 kg dry matter (DM) of each genotype was produced across multiple harvests and ensiling batches. Seasonal variation strongly influenced herbage composition, with water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations 4–5-fold higher in spring–summer than autumn–winter. Following ensiling, HME silage consistently retained elevated FA content compared with null controls (4.85% vs. 2.75% DM) and higher gross energy (18.1 vs. 17.5 MJ kg⁻¹ DM). FA profiling indicated that major FA classes in HME were preserved across storage durations. After 342 days of storage, HME silage maintained 76% higher FA content, 4% greater DM digestibility, and 0.3–0.8 MJ kg⁻¹ DM higher metabolizable energy. Both genotypes exhibited good fermentation quality, with pH consistently below 4.1 and adequate lactic acid production. This study does not evaluate animal performance or methane mitigation outcomes but establishes a practical and reproducible methodology for generating characterized GM silage material under containment suitable for subsequent in vivo studies, addressing a key translational gap between GM forage development and animal-based evaluation. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a proven and promising technology for recovering energy from biowastes, such as pig slurry (PS) from the fattening/finishing phase. The mechanisms of AD are widely studied, and nowadays, it is of the utmost importance to investigate strategies that give end-users the confidence to choose this technology and to adapt it to their reality, promoting the energy transition and circular economy. This study investigated how collection and storage period affect PS samples, and how hydraulic retention time (HRT) (15 versus 20 days) influences AD performance and stability. Seasonality was the primary factor influencing feedstock characteristics. Samples presented no significant differences during the storage period. A 20-day HRT led to higher digestate pH, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), and free ammonia nitrogen (FAN) concentrations, which can cause process instability and methanogenesis inhibition. However, 20-day HRT led to a specific methane production that was 7% higher and to a methane quality (expressed in % v/v CH₄) that was 6% higher than 15-day HRT. Overall, methane quality, digestate pH, TAN, and FAN values may be considered key points that need to be monitored to prevent the AD system from being compromised. Nevertheless, these results provide the operational freedom to choose either HRT, allowing reduced reactor volume and investment. Full article

The growing volume of decommissioned wind turbine blades, primarily made of glass fibre-reinforced polymers (GFRP), poses major recycling challenges. This study explores a microwave (MW)-assisted thermochemical recycling to recover high-quality fibres from GFRP waste. Two routes were evaluated: (i) a dry route using direct MW heating, and (ii) a semi-wet route involving solvent pre-swelling followed by microwave pyrolysis. The dry route suffered from poor heating due to GFRP’s inherently low dielectric loss, whereas the semi-wet route enabled more effective resin degradation. Five swelling agents were tested: acetic acid (AcOH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), an AcOH/H₂O₂ mixture, dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Among these, DMSO achieved 92% resin removal in 9 min at 350 °C. Recycled fibres retained 1.48 ± 0.41 GPa strength (81% of virgin). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of pyrolysis oils revealed predominantly phenolic products with limited bisphenol A (BPA) retention. To demonstrate practical relevance, the semi-wet method was applied to real wind blade waste, where recovered fibres retained 72% of their tensile strength versus virgin fibres. These results indicate that the process remains effective for industrially aged GFRP. This study confirms the feasibility of MW-based semi-wet recycling and offers insights to support future process refinement, which will ultimately contribute to more sustainable end-of-life solutions for GFRP waste. Full article

Background: South Africa faces the world’s highest HIV burden, disproportionately affecting women, alongside rising Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Weight gain associated with preferred dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy may worsen obesity and T2D risk. This process evaluation explored the implementation of a 12-month time-restricted eating (TRE) intervention for weight management in women with HIV and overweight/obesity in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Methods: Using the RE-AIM framework, the study investigated the implementation journey. Data were collected from three groups: RCT participants, healthcare workers (n = 21), and fieldworkers (n = 3). Methods included structured informal interviews with TRE participants throughout the intervention and semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) with a subset (n = 19) at 12 months. IDIs and focus group discussions were conducted with healthcare staff. Results: Implementation faced significant contextual challenges, including high food insecurity, economic constraints, and high crime levels. Cultural norms around food hospitality also posed barriers. Despite this, TRE was highly feasible and acceptable. Participants reported positive behavioural changes, establishing eating routines and consuming healthier foods. Perceived health benefits included improved appetite control, wellbeing, sleep, and weight management. Key facilitators were the intervention’s flexibility and, importantly, the non-judgmental, empathetic support from fieldworkers, which drove engagement and retention. Healthcare workers expressed willingness to integrate TRE into existing HIV counsellor-led services, and nearly all participants desired to continue TRE post-intervention. Conclusions: This process evaluation demonstrates that TRE is a contextually suitable and acceptable intervention from an implementation perspective. Its success in practice, however, depends on mitigating complex multi-level barriers through a flexible program design and high-quality, relationship-focused support integrated into existing healthcare infrastructure. Trial registration: PACTR202302484999720, 8 February 2023. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is limited empirical evidence on the feasibility of inclusive, community-based exercise programs for older adults with long-term mobility disabilities. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a community-based high-intensity functional training (HIFT) intervention. Methods: This single-group pre–post feasibility trial was delivered across four community-based HIFT facilities. Thirteen participants enrolled, and 10 (mean age 69.8 ± 6.7 years; 60% female) completed baseline assessments, two onboarding sessions, and thrice-weekly group-based workouts across 16 weeks. Physical function was assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), and standardized tests of mobility, balance, and strength. Exploratory outcomes included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, work capacity, and quality of life (QOL). Results: Recruitment, retention, and attendance rates were 38%, 77%, and 58% (80% including make-up sessions), respectively. The intervention was safe and well-tolerated, with one fall-related adverse event. Self-reported functional outcomes demonstrated small to large effects, with large improvements in participant-identified functional activities (d = 1.03–1.54) and fall efficacy (d = 0.97), and a small effect for standardized physical function (d = 0.36) Endurance improved substantially (d = 1.01), while mobility, balance, and strength outcomes reflected maintenance or small to moderate gains (d = 0.08–0.55). BMI remained stable (d = 0.05), work capacity increased with moderate to large effects (d = 0.61–1.43), and QOL improved modestly (d = 0.20). Exit interviews reinforced high acceptability, highlighting individualized adaptations, supportive trainers, and the group-based context as motivating contextual factors. Conclusions: A community-based HIFT program is feasible and acceptable for older adults with mobility disabilities. Full article

Climate change is steadily reshaping hydrological regimes, and one of its clearest consequences is the growing disruption of the biogeochemical pathways that govern water quality across river basins. More frequent high-intensity rainfall events, prolonged dry spells, and shifts in seasonal runoff patterns are altering the timing and magnitude of nutrient, organic matter, sediment, and contaminant fluxes. These pulses of material often originate from short-lived episodes of enhanced connectivity between soils, groundwater, and surface waters, making water-quality responses more variable and harder to anticipate than in previous decades. This review describes the ecohydrological mechanisms underlying these changes, focusing on threshold behaviors, the functioning of transitional zones such as riparian corridors and floodplains, and the cumulative effects of legacy pollution. We also discuss the capacity of nature-based solutions (NbS) to buffer climatic pressures. Although NbS can improve retention and moderate peak flows, their performance proves highly sensitive to hydrological variability and landscape context. In the final part, we describe tools that can strengthen adaptive water-quality management, including high-frequency monitoring, event-focused early-warning systems, and modeling approaches that integrate hydrology with biogeochemical processing. This article addresses ecohydrological pathways for water quality under climate change and presents nature-based solutions for regulating pollutant flows within a general framework. Data from North America and Europe, among other areas, are used as primary examples. However, it is important to remember that the issues and proposed solutions vary depending on landscape conditions and climatic zones, which vary across the globe. This article provides an overview of the most common solutions. Full article

This study introduces a multidimensional mathematical model and a robust numerical algorithm with second-order accuracy for modeling the complex coupled processes of heat and moisture transfer with gas-pressure-driven flow, based on time-fractional differential equations (with Caputo derivatives of order 0 < α ≤ 1), which capture the memory effects and anomalous diffusion inherent in heterogeneous porous media. The proposed model integrates conductive and convective heat transfer; moisture diffusion and phase change; and pressure dynamics within the pore space and their bidirectional couplings. It also incorporates environmental interactions through boundary conditions for heat and moisture exchange with the ambient air; internal heat and moisture release; transient influx of solar radiation; and material heterogeneity, where all transport coefficients are spatially variable functions. To solve this nonlinear and coupled system, we developed a high-order, stable finite-difference scheme. The numerical algorithm employs an alternating direction-implicit approach, which ensures computational efficiency while maintaining numerical stability. We demonstrate the algorithm’s capability through numerical simulations that monitor and predict the spatiotemporal evolution of coupled transport temperature, moisture content, and pressure fields. The results reveal how heterogeneity, diurnal solar radiation, and internal sources create localized hot spots, moisture accumulation zones, and pressure gradients that significantly influence the overall dynamics of storage and drying processes. Full article

Background: Truck drivers constitute a high-risk occupational group due to irregular schedules, prolonged sedentary work, fatigue, and limited access to healthcare, contributing to adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Although mobile health (mHealth) tools offer potential to support driver health, sustained engagement remains a persistent challenge. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to identify behavioural, technological, and contextual determinants influencing truck drivers’ compliance, retention, and long-term engagement with digital health interventions. Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, six eligible studies were identified and thematically synthesised across technology acceptance, behaviour change, and persuasive system design perspectives. Results: Across studies, sustained engagement was facilitated by self-monitoring, real-time feedback, goal-setting, coaching support, and simple, flexible system design. In contrast, technological complexity, high interaction demands, limited digital literacy, privacy concerns, misalignment with irregular schedules, and fatigue consistently undermined engagement and retention. Autonomy, trust, and voluntary participation emerged as cross-cutting determinants supporting continued use. Based on the synthesis, an integrative framework was developed to explain how behavioural, technological, and contextual factors interact to shape truck drivers’ compliance, engagement, and retention with mHealth. Despite generally moderate to high study quality, the evidence base remains fragmented and dominated by short-term evaluations. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of context-sensitive, user-centred design to support effective digital health interventions in the trucking sector. Full article

Paris polyphylla (Chonglou), a medicinal herb documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and a key component of formulas such as Yunnan Baiyao, is a rare and endangered plant prized for its bioactive steroidal saponins, notably polyphyllin I (PPI) and II (PPII). However, its pharmacological potential is hampered by inefficient extraction and unreliable compound identification. Herein, we developed a sustainable and efficient extraction strategy using ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvents (DES), optimized via an L₉(3⁴) orthogonal experimental design. Extraction efficiencies across the seven Paris species ranged from 2.04% to 16.51%, achieved by systematically optimizing key parameters such as the choline chloride-to-ethanol molar ratio (1:1.8), material-to-liquid ratio (1:20 g mL⁻¹), and extraction time (100 min). By ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis, PPI and PPII were quantified using specific retention times and characteristic fragment ions, revealing content ranges of 3.282–21.452 mg g⁻¹ and 4.201–17.975 mg g⁻¹, respectively. This methodology provides a robust platform for quality control and standardization of Paris-derived medicines, while paving the way for sustainable utilization and in-depth study of its steroidal saponins. Full article

Non-point source pollution poses a severe threat to the water quality of the Li River. This study conducted field monitoring of pollution loads from different land-use types on Maozhou Island in the Li River during the 2023 rainy season. Runoff water quality from vegetable plots, orchards, and bamboo forests consistently exceeded standards, with vegetable plots being the primary source of pollution. Their total phosphorus (TP) concentration exceeded standards by nearly 25 times, contributing the highest annual load. The transport of pollutants (TP, total nitrogen(TN), chemical oxygen demand(COD_Cr)) was closely correlated with suspended solids (SS), with the finest particles (<5 μm) identified as the primary carrier exhibiting the strongest pollutant enrichment capacity (e.g., in vegetable fields, the correlation coefficient r between < 5 μm particles and TP was >0.85, p < 0.01). Rainfall patterns significantly influenced pollutant concentrations; TN and TP levels increased with preceding dry days, while phosphorus output from vegetable plots decreased with rising average rainfall temperature. Compared to bamboo forests, vegetable plots and orchards exhibited lower soil adsorption capacity. This study recommends a connectivity-based strategy prioritizing the interception of heavily enriched fine particulate matter (<5 μm) through runoff control and enhanced wetland retention functions. These findings underscore the importance of controlling fine particulate matter for reducing non-point source pollution and maintaining ecological health in the Lijiang River basin. Full article

Land degradation issues are getting complicated worldwide. Kazakhstan’s land use has sharply deteriorated over several decades, necessitating comprehensive assessment and restoration. Farmlands in Kazakhstan are grappling with multiple challenges related to climate change, intense anthropogenic disturbances, and aggressive industrial agricultural practices involving monoculture crop production. Soil depletion is widespread in Kazakhstan due to flood erosion and drought expansion, causing desertification. The land sustainability of farmland improvement, including the soil, geology, and water retention assessment, is currently under investigation through our project activities in North Kazakhstan. Nature-based methods for forest plantation along contour strips and topography-based design landscapes are rarely applied or are absent in many rural areas these days. The land use issues have resulted in the loss of the soil moisture protective functions and a reduction in agricultural efficiency. Geodesy geomatics tools were applied for a topography investigation with digital elevation, digital terrain model preparation, and potential retention ponds’ location identification for managed aquifer recharge introduction. The combination of effective water accumulation methods, considering topography, with the development of protective forest shelterbelts should enhance the land use strategies for sustainable development. This strategy is expected to reduce soil erosion, promote moisture accumulation, by improving the soil’s quality as a sponge in water collection, and increase crop yields. Alongside this, a system for developing the retention ponds with managed aquifer recharge locations for proper water collection to improve the agrolandscapes was presented. Full article