Search Results (1,063)

Water deficit represents a major environmental constraint that severely limits the growth and yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Although inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate drought-induced stress, the efficacy of specific strains, such as Priestia aryabhattai CMAA 1363, remains to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated the morpho-agronomic and biochemical responses of common bean to seed inoculation with P. aryabhattai CMAA 1363 under two contrasting irrigation regimes: 100% (well-watered) and 40% (water-restricted) of available water capacity (AWC) under greenhouse conditions. Water restriction significantly compromised plant performance, reducing plant and pod length, root dry biomass, and yield components (pod and grain counts, and total grain mass). Conversely, bacterial inoculation enhanced vegetative traits, increasing plant length by approximately 15% and root dry biomass by approximately 25% compared to non-inoculated controls. Notably, under severe water deficit (40% AWC), inoculated plants achieved a 20% increase in total grain mass per plant relative to their non-inoculated counterparts. Biochemical profiling indicated that inoculation effectively attenuated oxidative stress, as evidenced by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and modulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while water-stressed plants adapted by accumulating total soluble sugars and increasing peroxidase (POD) activity. Overall, P. aryabhattai CMAA 1363 promotes vegetative development, preserves grain production under drought, and orchestrates antioxidant defense mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a sustainable bioinput to improve common bean resilience in water-limited agricultural systems. Full article

Microbial degumming offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical methods for ramie fiber production, but industrial application is constrained by low efficiency stemming from limited mechanistic insight. This study systematically investigates the process using Pectobacterium carotovorum HG-49. Strain HG-49 showed a lag phase of 0–4 h, a logarithmic phase of 6–10 h, and peak biomass at 12 h. Pectin (97.05%) and water-soluble substances (98.45%) were nearly fully removed, whereas hemicellulose removal was only 73.54%, rendering it the primary residual gum component. Pectinase activity peaked at 120.75 U/mL, while mannanase (35.85 U/mL) and xylanase (30.20 U/mL) reached roughly one-quarter of that level; cellulase activity remained minimal. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that 6–12 h constituted the main gum degradation phase. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and micro-FTIR showed progressive decreases in pectin, hemicellulose, and lignin absorption peaks with degumming. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed increased crystallinity from 72.07% to 80.02%, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed elevated degradation temperature from 417 °C to 435 °C. Collectively, these data confirm progressive removal of gummy substances and enhanced cellulose purity. Transcriptomic profiling further revealed that low abundance and reduced expression of hemicellulases significantly limited degumming performance. Therefore, enhancing efficiency should focus on: supplementing pectin-rich substrates to accelerate bacterial proliferation and enzyme production, broadening the hemicellulase spectrum and enhancing catalytic activities and establishing effective pretreatment protocols for ramie bast. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for improving microbial degumming efficiency and advancing industrial feasibility. Full article

Green undersown crops (GUCs) are increasingly promoted as a sustainable management strategy to improve soil quality and ecosystem services in Mediterranean orchards, particularly in the calcareous, low-organic-matter soils typical of Eastern Spain. In this context, soil quality is understood as the soil’s overall functional capacity, integrating physical structure, chemical balance, and biological activity, whereas soil fertility refers specifically to the soil’s ability to supply nutrients to plants; soil quality therefore encompasses a broader set of ecosystem functions beyond nutrient provision. However, their effects on the calcareous, low-organic-matter soils typical of Eastern Spain remain insufficiently quantified. This study evaluates the effects of seeded undersown (grasses, legumes, and flower mixtures), spontaneous vegetation, and herbicide-managed bare soil on topsoil (0–15 cm) physicochemical and biological indicators in 54 plots across three irrigated persimmon orchard sites (Granja, Cargol, and Alginet) over 18 months of treatment in the València region (Eastern Spain). Seasonal sampling was conducted at the START (early winter) and END (late spring) of the experiment period. Soil measurements at both sampling times included soil organic matter (SOM), nitrogen (N), C/N ratio, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil respiration rate (RR), collembolan abundance, mite abundance, and the QBS-ar index of soil arthropods. Legumes increased SOM by +1.12%, grasses by +0.22%, whereas flower mixtures (−0.44%) and spontaneous vegetation (−1.36%) showed SOM reductions associated with rapid biomass turnover. RR increased under all GUCs (+0.06 to +0.16 g CO₂ m⁻² h⁻¹), and QBS-ar improved markedly under grasses (+26.6) and spontaneous vegetation (+36.7). EC decreased across all treatments (−16 to −84 µS cm⁻¹). These results were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA). Four PCA components explained 74% of the total variance, revealing functional gradients driven by SOM, N, EC, RR and mesofauna. After 18 months, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) increased by +45–60% under legumes, water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) by +30–50% under legumes and flower mixtures, and the enzyme activities (EA) by +20–40% under all GUCs. Herbicide-managed soils showed reduced biological activity and detectable residues of glyphosate and oxyfluorfen. PCA and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to identify functional gradients and treatment separation. GUCs significantly increased SOM, MBC, EA, and mesofauna abundance compared with herbicide treatments, which showed reduced biological activity and detectable residues of glyphosate and oxyfluorfen. Legumes and flower mixtures produced the strongest improvements in biological functioning due to higher MBC, WSOC, EA and RR. PCA and LDA confirmed clear separation between GUCs and herbicide-managed soils based on multivariate differences in SOM, N, EC, RR, MBC, WSOC and mesofauna indicators. Overall, GUCs modulated soil chemistry and biodiversity and enhanced soil functioning and biological quality, supporting their adoption as a sustainable management strategy in Mediterranean orchards. Legume-based covers are recommended for rapid biological activation, whereas grass-based covers favour longer-term SOM stabilisation. These findings highlight their role as key tools for improving soil resilience in Mediterranean persimmon orchards. Full article

Tomato is a high-value crop whose productivity and quality are threatened by climate change in semi-arid Mediterranean areas. This study examined the effects of environment, deficit irrigation (DI), and genotype on tomato yield as well as sensory and antioxidant characteristics. Field experiments were conducted over two consecutive seasons (2023–2024) at two sites in eastern Sicily differing in soil texture (clayey and sandy). Five genotypes—including two old local landraces of long shelf-life tomato and three hybrids—were subjected to three irrigation regimes based on the replenishment of crop evapotranspiration (ETc): 33% (I33, low irrigation rate), 66% (I66, moderate irrigation rate), and 99% (I99, high irrigation rate, control). Yield was maximized in clayey soil (+55% in 2023 and +44% in 2024) and under the I99 regime (48.48 Mg ha⁻¹). Among the genotypes, the most productive were the hybrids HL1 (‘Lycomech’, high-lycopene tomato) and MP (‘Febo’, mini-plum tomato), with yields exceeding 40 Mg ha⁻¹. Overall, old landraces showed lower productivity. Sensory quality (total solids—TS; total soluble solids—TSS; titratable acidity—TA; TSS/TA) and antioxidant quality (total phenols—TPs; flavonoids—Flavs; antioxidant activity—AA) were superior in sandy soil. Regarding irrigation, the highest overall quality was achieved with the I33 regime. The moderate irrigation regime in I66 limited the yield reduction compared to I33 and improved TSS, reducing sugars, TPs, Flavs, vitamin C, and AA compared to I99, although lycopene content decreased. Among the tomato cultivars examined, old local landraces, specifically the ‘Vulcano’ landrace, demonstrated greater stability and drought resilience than the three hybrids, maintaining their sensory and antioxidant quality across different environments and water regimes. Multivariate data analysis, using principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering, was conducted to assess the impact of experimental factors on the studied traits and to identify groupings based on similarities. In conclusion, local landraces of long shelf-life tomato appear better adapted to conditions of low soil water availability than the new hybrids. DI restoring the 66% ETc offers a viable compromise between fruit quantity and quality for these old genotypes, potentially facilitating their reintroduction into sustainable, low-input cropping systems in Mediterranean regions. DI also represents a viable agronomic option for the new hybrids, enabling the maintenance of satisfactory yield and fruit quality levels while simultaneously saving significant amounts of irrigation water. Full article

Underwater concrete infrastructure is gradually damaged by water scouring, chloride ingress, freeze–thaw cycles, and fatigue loading, so reliable in situ repair materials are increasingly needed. Conventional cement-based repair materials are often unsuitable for underwater use because they disperse in water, bond weakly to wet substrates, and show limited durability. Polymer-modified cementitious materials can reduce these problems by combining cement compatibility with polymer film formation and interfacial strengthening. Water-soluble polymers mainly improve fresh-state cohesion and anti-washout performance through adsorption, bridging, and flocculation regulation. In comparison, polymer emulsions and latexes are more effective after hardening, improving bonding, crack resistance, and durability through polymer films and organic–inorganic networks. For self-leveling underwater repair, the flow spread should reach at least 130 mm. For vertical repair with a 20 mm layer, a yield stress of about 360 Pa is needed to prevent sagging. Therefore, performance should not be judged by strength alone, but by constructability, interfacial water films, and pore connectivity. Future studies should consider responsive polymers, multi-component modification, standardized tests, and low-carbon binders. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the enrichment in the soluble protein and bioactive components of wheat bread by Polish bee pollen or bee bread addition, applying a previously reported recipe. The research phase included a baking trial and laboratory analyses, including water and soluble protein content, total acidity, crumb color of the fresh bread, sensory evaluation and texture profile (TPA) (fresh and after 4 days of storage). The bioactivity of 80% ethanol extracts (1% w/v) of used additives and enriched breads was assessed in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant activity. The results confirmed that both additives (at percentages: 1%, 3%, and 5%) enhanced bread’s properties in a dose-dependent manner, and the bread with 5% bee bread addition achieved the highest acidity, a 3.7-fold increase in soluble protein content, a 10-fold increase in iron-reducing capacity, and a 6-fold increase in antiradical activity compared to the control. Moreover, in texture tests, the same variant demonstrated the most effective delay in the staling process, maintaining the highest softness after 4 days. However, consumers rated the bread with 5% bee bread variant too intense in flavor. In general, the technological repeatability of the fortification degree of wheat bread with Polish bee products with the recipe used was confirmed; however, the quality of raw additives can deteriorate sensory qualities. Full article

Avocado seeds represent an underutilized agro-industrial by-product rich in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the impact of convective drying (45–75 °C, 3–9 mm thickness, 0.5–2.5 m s⁻¹ air velocity) on the mass transfer kinetics, techno-functional properties, and phytochemical stability of the seed matrix. The Midilli model accurately described dehydration kinetics, with effective diffusivities around 10⁻⁹ m² s⁻¹. Principal Component Analysis of the evaluated parameters revealed trade-offs between drying efficiency and phytochemical preservation. While the lignocellulosic fiber matrix remained relatively stable, preserving its hydration and oil retention capacities independently of thermal severity, prolonged processing times resulted in lower phenolic acid content and promoted non-enzymatic browning. Crucially, high air velocities were associated with higher retention of thermolabile bioactives, potentially due to accelerated moisture removal and shorter cumulative thermal exposure. A multi-response desirability approach established three optimized processing scenarios, yielding a phytochemical-rich concentrate (45 °C, 3 mm, 2.5 m s⁻¹), a highly soluble ingredient (75 °C, 8.7 mm, 0.5 m s⁻¹), and a water-retaining bulking matrix (75 °C, 7.4 mm, 0.5 m s⁻¹). These findings demonstrate that convective drying thermodynamics can be strategically modulated to tailor avocado seed waste into specialized functional ingredients for the circular bioeconomy. Full article

Accessory proteins of SARS-CoV-2 play crucial roles in viral pathogenesis, yet their structural properties remain elusive. ORF7b, a small accessory protein comprising only 43 amino acids, is widely assumed to parallel the structure–function relationships of its SARS-CoV ortholog based solely on sequence homology. In this study, we challenge this paradigm through direct physicochemical and structural characterization. Sequence analysis and electrostatic profiling reveal that the SARS-CoV-2 protein is a macromolecular polyanion with a net charge of −4 at neutral pH, featuring a diffuse negative surface that is highly responsive to pH changes. Complete 3D structures generated via ab initio modeling display a helical core flanked by two highly fluctuating, disordered termini. Residue Interaction Network (RIN) topology and Normal Mode Analysis (NMA) identified specific hinges governing these flexible extremities. Furthermore, the calculated dipole moment vector is tilted outward by 24°, misaligning with the central axis. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that while the soluble structure is highly stable in water, it undergoes severe distortions and insufficient solvation within a membrane-mimetic environment. Thermodynamic association profiles and verified interactomic data from BioGRID reveal a strong propensity for ORF7b to participate in liquid–liquid phase transitions alongside human and viral partners. Taken together, these unique properties suggest that ORF7b operates as a dynamic peripheral membrane protein rather than a sedentary transmembrane component, providing a fresh framework for future therapeutic targeting. Overall, these in silico findings shift the current paradigm on ORF7b2 topology and provide a robust, physically grounded framework that identifies specific molecular priorities for future in vitro and in vivo validation. Full article

Plasma-activated water (PAW) is an eco-friendly seed priming agent, yet its efficacy depends on plasma activation conditions that remain insufficiently defined. This study characterized the physicochemical properties of PAW generated at different activation times (15–120 s) and evaluated their effects on germination and biochemical responses of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds, in comparison with non-primed and distilled water-primed controls. Increasing plasma activation time elevated electrical conductivity and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS; e.g., H₂O₂ and NO₃⁻), while lowering pH, with NO₂⁻ peaking at intermediate durations. PAW priming induced a dose-dependent hormetic response, with PAW30 exhibiting the highest germination and seedling vigor. This improvement was associated with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced oxidative damage, and increased α-amylase activity and soluble sugar accumulation, indicating improved metabolic activation. In contrast, longer activation times, particularly PAW120, increased oxidative stress markers and reduced the magnitude of germination and seedling vigor improvement relative to PAW30. Principal component analysis (PCA) further supported coordinated relationships among PAW properties, biochemical responses, and germination traits. Collectively, the results support a redox-associated hormetic response to PAW priming and identify PAW30 as the most effective activation condition for improving germination and early seedling growth in hot pepper. Full article

Oat milk (OM) has gained popularity as a plant-based dairy alternative; however, conventional filtration-based production removes oat pulp, leading to β-glucan loss and processing waste. This study investigated the effects of particle size reduction by different grinding techniques on the powder properties and in vitro digestion characteristics of oat powder (OP), and it evaluated the applicability of superfine OP to filtration-free OM production. OP was prepared at three particle sizes: coarse, fine, and superfine, using a blender, ultra-centrifugal mill, and ball mill, respectively. Decreasing particle size improved hydration properties, including water absorption capacity, swelling capacity, and water solubility. During in vitro digestion, OP-superfine showed higher dialyzable protein fraction, β-glucan extractability, and digestion extract viscosity than OP-coarse, indicating an enhanced release of proteins and viscosity-contributing soluble components. When applied to OM, OP-superfine increased viscosity, Brix, turbidity, and suspension stability, while particle size had only a minor influence on pH. Sensory evaluation showed that OM prepared with OP-superfine had reduced grittiness and throat-feel intensity while maintaining relatively high sweetness. These findings suggest that superfine grinding is a promising strategy for producing filtration-free OM with improved digestion-related properties, physical stability, and sensory quality. Full article

The oxidative potential (OP) of atmospheric particulate matter serves as an effective indicator for assessing the health risks posed by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Existing studies have mainly focused on conventional particulate matter including PM_2.5, whereas systematic investigations into the OP of road dust in coal–resource–based cities are still limited. Taking Huainan City, China as the study area, this paper explored the characteristics and influencing factors of OP in water–soluble fractions of road dust from different functional zones. The results indicated that the OP of water-soluble fractions in road dust from Huainan City was 0.162 ± 0.079 pmol/min/μg, with the value in the coal mining zone being significantly lower than that in the commercial and industrial zones. The average concentration of water–soluble organic carbon (WSOC) was 67.3 ± 59.4 mg/kg, with lower levels observed in the coal mining and power plant zones. WSOC was primarily dominated by fulvic acid–like (C1) and tryptophan–like (C2) components. C1 prevailed in coal mining, power plant, and other functional zones, whereas C2 was dominant in commercial, park and residential zones. Overall, the WSOC showed a mixed-source signature dominated by endogenous sources and characterized by a low degree of humification. The total concentration of water–soluble heavy metals in road dust was 43.46 mg/kg, dominated by Fe, Sr, Cu, Ba, and Mn, with relatively lower concentrations observed in the industrial and coal mining zones. The influencing factors of OP exhibited differentiation among functional zones: in industrial zones, it was regulated by As, Mn, TC (total carbon), WSOC and its fluorescent components, while in non-industrial zones, it was closely associated with Co, TC, and WSOC. These findings indicate that road dust toxicity and its key chemical drivers in coal mining and power plant zones of coal resource–based cities exhibit distinctive characteristics. This study provides a scientific basis for the precise management of road dust pollution and the prevention of associated health risks. Full article

To support drilling gas influx control, saline aquifer CO₂ sequestration and CCUS development under the dual carbon goals, this study proposes a high-precision calculation method for the solubility of high-temperature, high-pressure, CO₂-rich natural gas in formation water. An activity–fugacity coupling model is established: fugacity coefficients of gas components are solved via the dimensionless Helmholtz free energy equation of state, and liquid-phase activity coefficients are characterized by the Pitzer electrolyte model. Comparative experiments with three natural gas and three formation water samples are carried out at 393.15–453.15 K and 5–100 MPa to analyze the influences of temperature, pressure, salinity and CO₂ content on solubility for model verification. The overall relative error between calculated and experimental data is below 10% (max 4.5%). Solubility rises rapidly with pressure then plateaus, declines with salinity, and grows with CO₂ content; CO₂ solubility far exceeds that of alkanes. This efficient, widely applicable model cuts engineering costs and guides safe oil-gas exploitation and CCUS deployment. Full article

Recently, there has been a significant expansion of additive technologies, especially Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). This article aims to upgrade a commercial 3D printer to develop viscous polymeric materials, as this option is not currently available. The FFF method is primarily used with thermoplastics and elastomers in filament form. However, materials derived from various water-soluble acrylates offer significant potential, with advantages including environmental friendliness and desirable mechanical and visual properties. The possibility of using a viscous polymer as a carrier for metal material prior to sintering is also a significant factor. The aim of the text is to present the preparation of a 3D printer suitable for printing the above materials. The main requirement was to modify the selected printer with minimal interference with HW and SW. We mainly focused on adjusting the print head. A new prototype for the printing of viscous polymeric materials was visualized. Furthermore, the individual components were designed and printed; a functional system capable of processing these materials was assembled. Full article

Cutin, a natural polyester, has attracted attention as a precursor for bio-based materials mimicking plant cuticles, particularly in food packaging. Most studies focus on polycondensation of hydrolyzed cutin fractions or combining cutin hydrolysates with other components; however, cutin precipitation, conditions affecting it, and cutin isolate film properties, without addition of other filmogenic material, remain insufficiently understood. Owing to the pH-dependent solubility of cutin, which progressively decreases as pH is lowered from strongly alkaline to acidic conditions, this study investigates the influence of pH on cutin dispersion formation and characteristics, and evaluates the impact of these dispersion properties on the formation and performance of self-assembled cutin isolate films, with a view to developing films with improved water-barrier and moisture-resistance properties. The influence of three plasticizers, glycerol, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol 400, at two concentrations was also evaluated. Results demonstrated that pH is the primary factor influencing cutin isolate dispersion characteristics and film performance, with decreasing pH promoting cutin precipitation and particle aggregation, thereby inducing changes in film structure. The strongest effects were observed for swelling, solubility, and tensile strength, followed by water vapor permeability, elongation at break, and thickness. Plasticizer type mainly affected moisture content and significantly influenced permeability and thickness, while concentration of plasticizer primarily impacted permeability. Interactions between pH and plasticizer significantly influenced most properties. Films prepared from cutin dispersions at pH 6.5 and pH 5 with polyethylene glycol (10%) showed the best balance of mechanical and barrier properties. Additionally, films prepared from the cutin solutions at pH 12 with glycerol (20%) exhibited good mechanical performance and high solubility, suitable for specific applications. Full article

Oat (Avena sativa L.) silage fermentation often fails due to insufficient lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and low water-soluble carbohydrate content. We investigated the effects of Compound Radix Pulsatillae (CRP; 40 g/kg FM) alone or combined with a commercial LAB inoculant (containing L. plantarum, L. buchneri, and Enterococcus faecium, CRP_LA) on oat silage after 60 days. Compared to control (CK), both CRP and CRP_LA increased dry matter and water-soluble carbohydrate retention while reducing fiber components and ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.05). CRP_LA exhibited superior fermentation quality (lowest pH 4.82, highest lactic acid 47.83 g/kg DM). Using 16S rRNA sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics integrated with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified a brown module strongly associated with CRP_LA treatment. Six hub metabolites, belonging to flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and nucleotide derivatives, were significantly elevated in CRP_LA silage and showed strong correlations with Lactobacillus abundance and fermentation quality parameters. Correlation-based network analysis revealed that these hub metabolites positively correlated with Lactobacillus abundance, lactic acid, and water-soluble carbohydrate retention, while negatively correlating with spoilage microorganisms (Enterobacter, Acinetobacter, Leuconostoc) and ammonia nitrogen. This multi-omics study provides a metabolite-centric molecular map of the silage microecosystem reshaped by CRP and LAB co-fermentation. The identified hub metabolites—with predicted antimicrobial, antioxidant, and plant-protective functions—represent potential quality markers for functional silage additive development. Mechanistic validation via targeted metabolite supplementation or pathway-specific gene expression analysis is warranted in future studies. Full article