Search Results (1,354)

Intercropping systems are beneficial for resource utilization; however, the spatial proximity of companion species leads to competition for shared resources, particularly light. A walnut–potato intercropping model was established to understand the photosynthetic and physiological mechanisms underlying yield and marketability responses. Three intercropping treatments were established based on the number of potato ridges between walnut tree rows: B1 (three ridges), B2 (five ridges), and B3 (seven ridges). All intercropping and monoculture (CK) plots used an identical double-row planting pattern per ridge. Results showed that ridge density induced significant physiological changes and yield impacts. Compared to CK, B3 significantly reduced soluble protein content, net photosynthesis (Pn), and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT), while B1 and B2 showed intermediate, non-significant reductions. Peroxidase (POD) activity increased progressively with ridge number (B3 > B2 > B1 > CK), indicating dose-dependent shade stress. Intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) was significantly elevated under all intercropping treatments, suggesting a predominantly non-stomatal, biochemical limitation on photosynthesis rather than water stress. Yield was highest in CK, followed by B1 and B2—which were statistically comparable to CK—while B3 yielded the least due to severe shading. Marketability declined sharply in B3, with fewer than half of tubers reaching commercial grade. Multivariate analysis showed distinct clustering of yield-associated variables (Pn, protein, marketability) separate from shade-stress indicators (POD, Ci) across treatments. These findings provide practical and scientific evidence to optimize walnut–potato intercropping configurations under the arid conditions. Full article

Background: The influence of surface sealants on the color stability of composite resin restorations remains controversial. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of two surface sealants on the color stability of a nanohybrid composite resin exposed to staining beverages. Methods: Ninety specimens of Enamel Plus HRi Bio Function (BF2) composite resin were divided into three groups: without sealant, with Embrace™ WetBond™ Seal-n-Shine™, and with Ena Bond Seal. Specimens were immersed in black tea, Coca-Cola^®, red wine, orange juice, coffee, or distilled water for 40 h. Color measurements were obtained before and after immersion using the OptiShade colorimeter in accordance with the CIELAB color system. Results: Significant differences were observed according to both the staining solution and the surface sealant applied (p < 0.001). Red wine produced the highest color changes in all groups, while coffee and black tea also caused clinically perceptible discoloration. The Seal-n-Shine™ group exhibited the highest ΔE values and greater color variation compared with the control group. In contrast, the Ena Bond Seal group exhibited chromatic behavior closer to that of the unsealed composite resin. Conclusions: Color stability was significantly influenced by both the staining solution and the applied surface sealant. Full article

As urban energy demand increases and available roof space remains limited, balcony photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a promising distributed renewable energy solution. This study aims to evaluate the multidimensional benefits of these systems in urban residential applications from a dual-carbon perspective. A combination of experimental tests and numerical simulations was used to investigate the effects of installation tilt angles and vertical self-shading in high-rise buildings. A comprehensive assessment model was constructed, integrating technical power generation gains, economic returns, and environmental carbon reduction benefits. The results demonstrate that when comprehensively balancing generation gains, economic viability, and structural safety, the practical optimal installation tilt angle for balcony PV systems is around 30°. The Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is calculated at 0.050–0.061 USD/kWh. Furthermore, a standard 800 W system operating under Beijing’s climate conditions can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 12.68 tons over its 25-year lifecycle. Therefore, balcony PV systems deliver significant technical, economic, and environmental benefits, serving as a highly feasible strategy to promote low-carbon and sustainable development in high-density cities. Full article

This study examined the effect of east–west orientation of willow tree (Salix alba L.) rows on soil biological activity and weed dynamics in a temperate maize (Zea mays L.) intercropped agroforestry (AF) system in Eastern Hungary. The experiment evaluated how the year (2022, 2023), location (distance from the rows), and irrigation (IR) influenced spatial patterns of earthworm (EW) parameters and weed cover. The study aimed to assess how willow-based AF systems influence soil biological and weed community dynamics under varying IR and row spacing, in comparison with monoculture cropland (MC) systems, and to evaluate their potential role in climate change adaptation in arable farming. Both soil sampling for the EW survey and vegetation studies were conducted along perpendicular transects extending from the tree rows to measure EW abundance and biomass, as well as total weed cover. Experimental results revealed clear spatial gradients in EW distribution and weed abundance near the tree rows, driven by litter input, shading, moisture, and reduced disturbance. These effects were intensified under IR at narrower row spacings. No significant differences were observed between AF-South (shaded), AF-Center, and MC plots; however, significantly higher EW abundance and biomass were found on the AF-North (sunny) side. As for the location, significantly greater total EW abundance was found at AF-North (105.0 individual m⁻²) compared with the MC plots. AF systems enhance soil biological activity and shape weed dynamics through spatial ecological gradients influenced by tree row spacing and irrigation, supporting their role as sustainable land-use systems while emphasizing the need for site-specific management and further long-term optimization. Full article

Agrivoltaics is an important pathway for promoting the coordinated development of clean energy production and agricultural utilization. However, the structural characteristics of flexible agrivoltaic (AV) systems may significantly alter field light and thermal conditions, while their effects on crop growth and yield formation remain unclear. To address this issue, a flexible AV system in Sihong County, Jiangsu Province, was selected as the study site, and continuous field monitoring combined with crop measurements was used to evaluate changes in microclimate, wheat physiological responses, and yield performance. The results showed that the flexible AV system significantly changed the field microclimate. During the wheat growing season, the monthly average solar radiation intensity under and between PV panels decreased by 62.0% and 56.9%, respectively, compared with that in the open field. The array also showed a certain thermal regulation effect, with heat preservation during the overwintering stage and cooling during the later growth stage. Shading reduced wheat net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, but adaptive responses such as increased leaf area and chlorophyll content were observed. Wheat yield within the flexible AV system was significantly lower than that in the open field, with reductions of 43.4% and 47.2% in 2024 and 41.8% and 44.6% in 2025 for the areas under and between PV panels, respectively. Overall, light reduction under high coverage conditions remained the main factor limiting wheat yield. These results provide a theoretical basis for structural optimization and crop selection in flexible AV systems. Full article

Buildings account for a significant share of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, creating an urgent need for advanced energy retrofit technologies. This review critically examines the role of plasma-modified textile polymer materials in improving the energy efficiency and durability of building retrofit systems. Various textile polymers, including polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, PET), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), and fiber-reinforced composites, are evaluated in relation to plasma surface engineering approaches, including atmospheric plasma, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), and plasma jet treatment. Reported studies demonstrate that plasma treatment significantly alters surface morphology and chemistry, resulting in increased surface roughness, enhanced wettability, improved coating adhesion, and superior hydrophobic behavior. Water contact angles increased from approximately 70° to 145° depending on polymer type and plasma conditions, while reflective coating performance improved with solar reflectance enhancements of approximately 10–15%. Plasma-treated reflective roofing and shading textiles also showed reductions in building cooling energy demand of approximately 18–25% and roof temperature decreases of 10–15 °C. Furthermore, plasma-induced surface activation improved durability, ultraviolet (UV) resistance, and weather stability of textile membranes used in facade and roofing applications. The review also discusses industrial challenges related to scalability, plasma aging effects, energy consumption, and long-term performance. Plasma-modified systems demonstrate strong potential for multifunctional, lightweight, and sustainable building envelope technologies for future energy-efficient construction. Full article

Small Mediterranean islands relying on the sun–sea–sand (3S) tourism model face growing climate risks that threaten their tourism-dependent economies. This study evaluates climate suitability for 3S tourism on the Island of Vis by integrating the Climate Index for Tourism (CIT) with land- use and land-cover (LU/LC) spatial analysis. The integration is operationalized by overlaying CIT-derived seasonal suitability windows with LU/LC-based spatial vulnerability maps, enabling identification of micro-zones where natural buffers (forest cover and elevation) can offset thermal discomfort during peak heat stress periods. Observed data reveals declining ideal 3S conditions from July to October, with the island already exceeding 50 days per year of Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) above 35.1 °C, increasing by 0.7 days per year. Regional climate models tend to exhibit a cold bias over small Adriatic islands, largely related to their limited spatial horizontal resolution (12.5 km grid spacing). However, they robustly reproduce the direction of recent and projected warming trends. Future projections indicate that the annual number of strong heat stress days with PET above 35.1 °C increase from approximately one per year in the reference period to six under RCP4.5 and nine under RCP8.5, with both scenarios reducing ideal peak-summer conditions while extending favorable periods into transitional seasons. Spatial analysis shows that coastal zones have higher sealed surfaces and less forest cover, reducing natural shade and cooling capacity, while the island interior offers higher elevations, forest buffers, hiking trails, and a UNESCO Global Geopark. Drawing on social–ecological resilience theory, we conceptualize the island’s tourism system as an adaptive unit whose long-term viability depends on spatially diversified resource use and temporally extended seasonality. The integrated analytical framework identifies not only when conditions deteriorate but where alternative tourism resources exist, enabling more targeted adaptation planning and supporting diversification toward outdoor tourism forms. The novelty of this study lies in the systematic spatial integration of bioclimatic suitability assessments (CIT and PET) with LU/LC analysis at the micro-island scale. Such an approach moves beyond temporally focused climate–tourism indices to produce actionable, location-specific adaptation strategies. Full article

Amid rapid urbanization and the expansion of higher education campuses, the physical and psychological well-being of college students has garnered increasing scientific attention. Although outdoor activities are crucial for student health, participation rates are heavily constrained by outdoor thermal comfort (OTC). This study investigates the OTC of university students in Xi’an, China, utilizing the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) to assess thermal perceptions across four distinct open spaces and to propose localized bioclimatic design interventions. The results reveal four key findings: (1) The meteorological correlates of thermal sensation vary significantly by spatial typology; relative humidity (RH) and air temperature (Ta) dominate in sunken spaces (HB), whereas solar radiation (G), globe temperature (Tg), and wind velocity (Va) are the primary correlates in sports squares (CS) and activity squares (SH). (2) Thermal benchmarks exhibit remarkable spatial heterogeneity during summer. The Neutral UTCI (NUTCI) varied widely from 17.11 °C in hard-paved squares (SH) to 26.13 °C in shaded bridge areas (JG), with the corresponding neutral zones (NUTCIR) shifting accordingly. (3) Significant variations in thermal adaptation exist even within identical macro-climates, underscoring the necessity of microclimate-specific design. (4) Targeted bioclimatic strategies—including optimized vegetation deployment, shading structures, localized sprinkler systems, and permeable paving—are proposed. These findings provide actionable guidelines for urban planners and landscape architects to optimize campus environments, thereby encouraging outdoor engagement and enhancing student well-being. Full article

Curved photovoltaic (PV) systems provide greater architectural form adaptability for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications. However, the combined effects of external shading and self-shading result in degradation in power output. In this work, the effectiveness of static reconfiguration techniques for performance optimization of curved BIPV systems under complex partial shading conditions was comparatively evaluated. Employing a 6 × 6 total-cross-tied (TCT) curved PV system with a 120° central angle as the case study, this work simulated the curved irradiance distribution and the corresponding I–V/P–V characteristics through an experimentally proven simulation model. A comparative investigation was performed to evaluate the performance enhancement achieved by three static reconfiguration strategies under the complex combined self-shading and external shading conditions. The results indicate that, compared with the original TCT topology without reconfiguration, the proposed static reconfiguration strategies increased the maximum power output up to 58% by effectively mitigating current mismatch under complex shading conditions. Different static reconfiguration strategies exhibit differentiated advantages when addressing specific shading patterns. Overall, static reconfiguration is demonstrated to be a viable optimization approach for curved BIPV systems without introducing additional electrical complexity, and the selection of specific strategies should be determined by the local shading conditions. Full article

Scrutiny over land-based photovoltaic systems (LPV) infringing on agricultural land is increasing with heightened demand for electricity. As a solution, we investigated the electricity generation potential of installing photovoltaic panels on embankments of, and floating in, ~800 irrigation reservoirs covering ~11,300 ha in Arkansas. We compared floating photovoltaic systems (FPV) to LPV using a techno-economic feasibility study that quantified (1) the difference in surface area requirements and installation cost per MW, (2) reduced wave action on embankment erosion with FPV compared to uncovered reservoirs, and (3) evaporation water savings from photovoltaic panel shading. Sensitivity analyses on water area coverage and investor adoption were also performed. Assuming a 5-MW FPV, covering 25% of surface water, and comparing it to a 100-MW LPV, the annual added electricity cost was estimated at 8.99 USD (7.80–10.54) per household (max. +0.7%). With economies of size, larger than 5-MW FPV systems installed on all reservoirs could quadruple photovoltaic capacity compared to 2025 without agricultural land use diversion. Policy options analyzed included (1) subsidizing FPV using a fee on electric bills, (2) continuing federal photovoltaic investment tax credits to lessen installation cost differences between FPV and LPV, (3) encouraging renewable energy portfolio standards, or (4) using funding sources targeted at water savings. Full article

The increasing importance of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the context of the energy transition, together with the need to improve their efficiency, has driven the adoption and development of intelligent and advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques. Among these approaches, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm stands out due to its simplicity, ease of implementation, low number of control parameters, robustness, and fast convergence capability, making it widely applied in modern MPPT systems. However, the performance of PSO in MPPT applications depends on the appropriate selection of both algorithm control parameters and implementation/configurations parameters. The control parameters include the cognitive (C₁) and social (C₂) learning factors, as well as the inertia factor (w), which directly influence swarm dynamics and the balance between exploration and exploitation mechanisms, that is, between global and local search. On the other hand, configuration parameters such as the number of particles and the initialization strategy affect the initial population diversity, the convergence speed toward the maximum power point, and the computational cost of the algorithm, defining the trade-off between speed and accuracy. Despite the extensive research in this field, there is still no clear consensus regarding the most suitable PSO parameter configuration for MPPT applications. This paper presents a statistical analysis of PSO parameter selection in MPPT applications, identifying the most frequently adopted parameter configurations and trends reported in the literature. The findings provide useful guidelines for researchers to select the PSO parameters according to different operating conditions, particularly under partial shading and irradiance variations. From a sustainability perspective, improving MPPT performance contributes to maximizing PV energy harvesting, reducing energy losses, and enhancing the reliability of PV systems, thereby supporting the transition toward more sustainable energy generation. Full article

Medicinal plants grown outside their native forest habitat may produce phytochemical profiles that differ from wild-harvested material, yet the ecological mechanisms underlying these differences remain poorly synthesized across disciplines. This review proposes that the forest understory functions as a multi-signal elicitation system in which canopy light filtering, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and above-ground biotic interactions collectively shape secondary metabolite profiles. AMF-mediated induced systemic resistance and above-ground biotic interactions operate through confirmed jasmonate-mediated pathways. Sunfleck-driven reactive oxygen species signaling is hypothesized but untested, and the red-to-far-red ratio modulated phytochrome B pathway characterized in Arabidopsis remains unconfirmed in shade-tolerant species. Using three saponin-rich medicinal plants (Panax vietnamensis, Panex quinquefolius, and Paris polyphylla) as case studies, we formalize this as a testable chemical terroir hypothesis with three falsifiable predictions. We also translate it into an ecological co-cultivation design principle with three production levels and a two-step operational framework, and identify priority experiments, analytical methods, and implementation challenges needed for validation. These contributions bridge forest ecology and medicinal plant science while identifying critical evidence gaps requiring resolution before field implementation. Full article

Tracking agrivoltaic (TAV) systems represent a significant form of agrivoltaics, which optimize solar energy capture through the dynamic adjustment of photovoltaic (PV) panel tilt angles. However, there is limited research on the effects of TAV systems on the three-dimensional spatial distribution of the light environment within PV arrays and their impacts on agricultural production. Therefore, a comparative experiment was conducted between wheat production under a TAV system and traditional open-field cultivation. Solar radiation intensity sensors were deployed to continuously monitor the dynamic changes in solar radiation under and between the PV panels throughout the entire growth period. Simultaneously, a light environment model for the TAV system was constructed, and the photosynthetic parameters of wheat leaves, as well as yield, were measured. The results indicated that the light environment within the system exhibited significant gradient attenuation, with average light capture rates of 43.2% and 46.1% for the inter-panel and under-panel measurement points, respectively. The model results confirmed that the synergistic adjustment of panel tilt angle and solar altitude angle significantly affected the shading effects, leading to notable spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the light environment during the winter solstice, spring equinox, and summer solstice. This heterogeneity showed as regular variations in shadows and radiation, collectively forming a dynamic light–thermal environment that influences crop growth. Wheat yields under and between the panels decreased by 11.5% and 6.6%, respectively, compared to the open-field control, with yields of 4625.9 kg·hm⁻² and 4883.6 kg·hm⁻². Additionally, the photosynthetic characteristics of the leaves effectively reflected the yield differences. Overall, the comprehensive benefit assessment demonstrates that the TAV system can effectively mitigate the reduction in wheat yield in PV farmlands. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing the light environment in AV systems. Full article

Matcha, a finely milled powdered green tea originating from Japan, is characterized by a unique cultivation method in which tea plants are shaded prior to harvest. This practice enhances the accumulation of chlorophyll, caffeine, L-theanine, and other bioactive compounds. In addition, specialized post-harvest processing, including careful hand-picking, gentle steaming, drying, and traditional stone grinding, helps preserve the nutritional and biochemical integrity of the tea leaves. This review examines the relationship between cultivation and processing techniques and the resulting bioactive composition of matcha. It also summarizes current scientific evidence regarding the potential health-promoting properties of matcha and its major constituents. The analysis is based on available scientific literature, including both in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the biological activity of matcha and green tea catechins. Particular attention is given to studies evaluating their effects on metabolic parameters such as glucose levels, lipid profile, body weight regulation, and gut microbiota composition. In addition, the potential influence of matcha-derived compounds on neurological function, systemic physiological processes and anticancer potential is discussed. Furthermore, matcha is increasingly recognized as a functional food ingredient and has been incorporated into a variety of products, including bakery goods, dairy products, functional beverages, and nutraceutical formulations. The collected findings suggest that matcha may exert a broad spectrum of beneficial biological effects due to its high concentration of polyphenols, amino acids, and antioxidants. Nevertheless, despite promising experimental and preclinical data, further well-designed clinical studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and long-term health effects associated with regular matcha consumption. Full article

This study systematically reviews the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in supporting design decisions to improve energy efficiency in educational buildings, with particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia’s hot-arid climate. A PRISMA-based Systematic Literature Review was conducted using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and the Saudi Digital Library for studies published between 2020 and 2025. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed articles and high-quality conference papers addressing AI/ML applications in building energy performance, optimization, or design decision-making in educational or comparable buildings. Studies published before 2020, non-peer-reviewed sources, irrelevant studies, papers focused solely on non-educational buildings without transferable findings, and studies lacking full-text access were excluded. The search identified 594 records, of which 37 studies met the eligibility criteria, resulting in a final sample of 37 reviewed sources. The review shows that ML models, hybrid methods, and multi-objective optimization techniques are increasingly used to improve energy performance and support early-stage design. The most influential variables include envelope properties, glazing, shading, lighting efficiency, HVAC systems, and renewable energy integration. However, major gaps remain, particularly the limited application of AI-driven optimization in Saudi educational buildings and the lack of real-world validation in hot-arid settings. This review provides a concise foundation for future AI-assisted design strategies aligned with sustainable educational building development and Saudi Vision 2030. Full article