Alternative Production Research Articles

Inhibition of the Growth of Four Phytopathogenic Fungi by Eucalyptus Wood Vinegar

Purpose: The objective of this work aimed to assess the wood vinegar (WV) from the carbonization of Eucalyptus wood in the inhibition in vitro of Fusarium sp., Ganoderma sp., Macrophomina sp., and Sclerotium rolfsii. Method: WV was added to a culture medium and poured onto Petri dishes. After, the fungi were picked up in 1-mm disks and placed in the center of each Petri dish. The experimental design had five treatments, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, with crescent concentrations of WV, respectively, 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, and 20 mL L-1. The variables evaluated were fungal growth, mycelial growth rate index, and percentage of mycelial growth inhibition. Results and Discussion: A gradual decrease in the mycelial growth, in the mycelial growth rate index, and an increase in the percentage of mycelial growth inhibition were determined for all assessed fungi in the concentration of 20 mL L-1 of WV. Hence, the conclusion was that eucalyptus WV presented fungi-toxic properties over the assessed fungi and the product can be considered as an alternative for the chemical control of the incidence of these pathogens in crops and forest plantations. Research Implications: The use of natural products with fungi toxic properties is becoming important for the control of pathogens that attack crops and forest plantations due to the harmful effects of the conventional fungicides on living organisms and the environment. The search for efficient alternative products is therefore a goal to be reached in the field of phytopathology. Originality/ Value: The use of natural products with fungitoxic properties has been gaining ground in the control of pathogens affecting agricultural and forestry crops. This intensifies the search for natural products that are efficient in the biocontrol of phytopathologies.

Antimicrobial Impact of Wood Vinegar Produced Through Co-Pyrolysis of Eucalyptus Wood and Aromatic Herbs

Background: The search for substances that can overcome microorganisms’ resistance and enhance the antimicrobial activity of given products has attracted the attention of researchers. Eucalyptus wood vinegar (WV) is a promising product for developing alternative antimicrobials. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether the production of WV in the co-pyrolysis of eucalyptus wood with aromatic herbs would incorporate compounds from them into WV and if that would enhance its antimicrobial action. Methodology: WV was produced alone and through co-pyrolysis with marjoram (Origanum majorana), Peruvian oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and Turkish oregano (Origanum onites) at a proportion of 25% of herbs to the bone-dry wood weight. The antimicrobial effects were assessed against strains of gram-negative and -positive bacteria, and Candida glabrata. Microorganisms’ colony growth in agar had their absorbances recorded after inoculation and incubation. Chemical characterization of the new products was performed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results: After coproduction, there were relevant chemical changes concerning the original WV. Thymol, for instance, was incorporated into the WV through co-pyrolysis with marjoram, Peruvian and Turkish oregano, and thyme. The coproducts were more efficient than the WV produced only with wood, with thyme-incorporated products having the highest efficiency. This can be attributed to the increase and incorporation of the substances after coproduction, and particularly the role of thymol in enhancing the antimicrobial action. Conclusion: Given the results, the co-production of WV with eucalyptus wood and aromatic herbs has the potential to provide alternative antimicrobial products.

Russian exports amid geopolitical instability: The case of physical and transitional climate risks

The paper examines the impact of physical and transitional climate risks, which to some extend shape the geopolitical situation in the world, on Russian exports. The gravity model of international trade was employed to model the existing relationship. Estimation of the gravity equation by means of the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) method using data on Russian export flows to 72 countries over the period 2010—2021 revealed that climate change and the ambitions of trading partner states towards low-carbon development determine the dynamics of Russian exports. In particular, national physical climate risks have a detrimental impact on Russia’s exports due to the destruction of infrastructure, loss of capital, reduced quality and availability of natural resources, and increased social tensions. Extreme climatic events and climate change measures in trading partner countries spur the development of Russian exports. Namely, physical climate risks of importing countries may increase the demand for key Russian goods for economic recovery purposes. Changes during the transition to a low-carbon economy in trading partner countries also generate opportunities for Russian export growth due to the country’s role as a major supplier of energy and mineral products, as well as technologies for the alternative energy production and electrification of transport

Antioxidant Properties of Freeze Dried Mix Fruits and Vegetables Product ‘Miss Freezy’ Using Lyophilization Method

Background: The proper processing of fruits and vegetable-based food products will improve appearance, taste, bioactivities, and preservation. Freeze-dried (FD) or lyophilization of foods extends shelf life and preserves food's nutritional value and bioactivities. The objective of this study is to compare the antioxidant properties, nutritional value, and vitamins of fresh fruit-vegetables and the combined FD product. Methods: A combination of fruits (mango, papaya, star-fruit, guava, banana, bengkuang), and vegetables (cucumber), called “Miss Freezy” were cleaned with an ozonizer and processed using the lyophilization method. The antioxidant activities measured included 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) assay. While the proximate analysis measured was the determination of water content, ash content, fat content, protein and carbohydrate content, and vitamin C. Results: The value of antioxidant activity in fruit-vegetable combination FD products was higher than in fresh fruit. The median inhibition concentration (IC50) of DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 scavenging activities were guava 48.74 µg/ml, guava 128.39 µg/ml, and banana 155.55 µg/ml, respectively. The results showed that the water content of fresh fruits, and vegetables was greater than FD products and inversely proportional to the level of ash, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin C lower than FD products. Conclusions: Based on the results of antioxidant activities, proximate analysis and vitamin C of the FD product was higher than fresh fruits and vegetables. The FD fruit-vegetable combination product can be used as an alternative snack product that is practical and healthy.

Friends and Foes: Bacteria of the Hydroponic Plant Microbiome

Hydroponic greenhouses and vertical farms provide an alternative crop production strategy in regions that experience low temperatures, suboptimal sunlight, or inadequate soil quality. However, hydroponic systems are soilless and, therefore, have vastly different bacterial microbiota than plants grown in soil. This review highlights some of the most prevalent plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and destructive phytopathogenic bacteria that dominate hydroponic systems. A complete understanding of which bacteria increase hydroponic crop yields and ways to mitigate crop loss from disease are critical to advancing microbiome research. The section focussing on plant growth-promoting bacteria highlights putative biological pathways for growth promotion and evidence of increased crop productivity in hydroponic systems by these organisms. Seven genera are examined in detail, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Rhizobium, Paenibacillus, and Paraburkholderia. In contrast, the review of hydroponic phytopathogens explores the mechanisms of disease, studies of disease incidence in greenhouse crops, and disease control strategies. Economically relevant diseases caused by Xanthomonas, Erwinia, Agrobacterium, Ralstonia, Clavibacter, Pectobacterium, and Pseudomonas are discussed. The conditions that make Pseudomonas both a friend and a foe, depending on the species, environment, and gene expression, provide insights into the complexity of plant–bacterial interactions. By amalgamating information on both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in hydroponics, researchers and greenhouse growers can be better informed on how bacteria impact modern crop production systems.

수학 학습 촉진을 위한 애니메이션 자료 제작 연구: 파이썬 라이브러리 Manim을 기반으로

Objectives The purpose of this study is to propose guidelines for producing animation materials as a way to help students understand the characteristics of mathematics and mathematical concepts and principles, and to in-troduce Manim, an effective mathematics animation material production tool. Methods We investigated animation production principles that can be helpful in the math animation production process, and applied them to already produced math animation materials to find out their suitability as math ani-mation production principles. In addition, the scope of GeoGebra's animation implementation functions, which are used in the production of mathematical materials, was confirmed, and the possibilities of supplementing the limi-tations of various functions revealed here were explored through Manim. and we looked at the process of produc-ing animation materials using Manim and the results. Results As a result of analyzing whether the animation production principles adopted and applied are valid for the production of mathematics animation materials, we found some requirements that should be modified and sup-plemented from the perspective of mathematics education, and derived improved guidelines for the production of mathematics animation materials. GeoGebra, one of the production tools, has an animation composition func-tion, but there were limitations in its implementation functions, such as setting text condition input and repeating the target hiding operation. In comparison, although Manim requires an understanding of basic Python grammar, it was found to have great advantages in producing mathematical animation materials, such as intuitive com-mands, convenient property change function, free expression ordering, and various animation effects. Conclusions Previous animation production research has not sufficiently considered the abstract nature of math concepts. accordingly, the need for improved guidelines that cover the expression of mathematical concepts, and the use of formulas as the main object of animation has emerged. GeoGebra has limitations in its animation com-position function, so the need for it is increasing along with the expansion of new mathematical animation material creation tools that go beyond that function. accordingly, it was confirmed that Manim, which uses simple com-mands as an alternative production tool, is a very specialized tool for creating mathematical animations.

Lifestyle habits and openness to alternative tobacco products: insights from the Minerva Project

Abstract Background Recent studies have suggested that the use of alternative tobacco products (ATPs) is a significant predictor of cigarette smoking, particularly among young individuals. The present study evaluates the association between dietary patterns, specifically junk food consumption, and the willingness to try ATPs among non-smokers. Methods MINERVA (My changINg lifEstyles, our Research, and eVeryone’s heAlth) is an ongoing prospective international cohort study primarily focused on investigating the link between smoking habits and the dietary and lifestyle habits of participants. Subjects are given a web-based survey to report socio-demographic characteristics, dietary and lifestyle habits, smoking habits, and attitudes towards ATPs. This analysis concentrates on respondents from Italy who do not smoke traditional tobacco products. Results The survey included 7,535 respondents from Italy; of these, 40% (2,992 subjects) were non-smokers. Among the non-smokers, 219 (7%) were identified as fast-food consumers (defined as consuming fast-food at least once a week). Fast-food consumers were significantly more likely to consume junk food as snacks (87% vs. 62%) and were less likely to report daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Notably, fast-food consumers were 2.5 times more likely to be willing to try ATPs compared to those who do not consume junk food (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.55, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.68-3.88). Conclusions Junk food consumption has been identified as being associated with an increased willingness to use ATPs among non-smokers. This finding is significant from a public health standpoint, highlighting the crucial influence of unhealthy eating habits in fostering an interest in ATP use. Key messages • The Minerva study evaluates the association between dietary patterns, specifically junk food consumption, and the willingness to try alternative tobacco products among non-smokers. • The study underscores the public health importance of addressing dietary patterns alongside smoking habits.

Exploitation of Biobased Co-Product Streams; Contributing to European Protein Demands Using Ethanol Plant Derived Co-Products

Abstract Europe is short of high-quality protein for animal feed, being only 29% self-sufficient in high-quality protein and relies heavily on imported proteins. But consumer demand is shifting towards more sustainable, home-grown sources of plant-based protein. This presents a significant challenge for the animal feed industry. Establishing a new plant protein crop for Europe would take a decade to create elite, geographically adapted varieties, adopt new agronomic practices, and establish appropriate supply chains. Approximately 9 million tons of European non-GM grains (maize, wheat, barley and rye) are converted annually by fermentation into bioethanol, a renewable fuel. The residue of the grain is currently used as medium-quality protein animal feed (distillers dried grains and solubles (DDGS; approx. 30% crude protein). Mechanically processing to separate the protein from the fibre fraction produces a Super-Pro (>50%crude protein concentration). The process produces commercially viable quantities of high-quality, non-GM grain protein, that can be used as an alternative to imported soybean products, in a time frame significantly ahead of establishing alternative agronomies or developing alternative novel proteins. Processing technology can transform low-quality co-product steams into high-quality alternative animal feed products and merits further investigation as a means of producing sustainable animal feed. Re-engineering grain bioethanol plants into biorefineries allows them to produce a super high protein (>50% crude protein) feed material concurrently with bioethanol, a renewable fuel. Information © The Authors 2024

Level of tobacco dependence and beliefs towards heated tobacco products

Abstract Nicotine dependence affects not only behaviors related directly to smoking, quit attempts or looking for alternative products but also beliefs about smoking. We sought to assess whether the level of tobacco dependence is associated with beliefs and feelings towards heated tobacco products (HTP) and to assess the relationship between tobacco dependence and the motivators to quit HTP use. Random population sample of Polish citizens aged 18+ years, former smokers, current HTP users was recruited. Tobacco dependence was assessed using 5 question; participants were classified into two groups of tobacco dependence (low or high) using a two-stage cluster analysis. An extensive questionnaire on beliefs on HTP use was administered. The χ2 test and logistic regression were used. There were 2,500 participants (62.6% women) of median age=36 years (Q1=29, Q3=45). The median number of years of smoking was 10 (Q1=5, Q3=15) and median number of years of HTP use was 2 (Q1=1, Q3=3). High tobacco dependence was found in 958 (38,3%) participants. Compared to low dependence, high tobacco dependence was related with feeling of strong need for HTP use (69.7% vs. 47.6%, p < 0,001). High level of tobacco dependence was positively related to perceived social pressure against smoking (72.9% vs. 44.9%, p < 0,001), but it did not differentiate perceived social pressure against HTP use. Compared to low tobacco dependence, participants with high tobacco dependence more often indicated fear of illness OR = 1,73 95%CI=1,46-2,07, own resolution OR = 1,32 95%CI =1,12-1,55 and price OR = 1,34 95%CI=1,13-1,59 as possible motivators to quit HTP use. Level of tobacco dependence in former smokers shaped beliefs and feelings towards HTP use. High tobacco dependence contributed to strong need to use HTP and also increased perception of social pressure against smoking, but not against using HTP. It also increased the importance of fear of illness, price and one’s own resolution as motivators to quit HTP use. Key messages • High level of tobacco dependence in former smokers results in stronger perceived social pressure against smoking but not against HTP use. • High tobacco dependence in former smokers is related with stronger need to use HTP.

Productive, Physiological, and Environmental Implications of Reducing Crude Protein Content in Swine Diets: A Review

Pig production is one of the most important providers of high-quality proteins and amino acids (AAs) to human nutrition. In this sector, feeding has an important economic and environmental impact. A strategy to reduce production costs and negative sustainability effects is reducing dietary crude protein (CP) contents with or without AA supplementation. This review addresses the different aspects related to this strategy, particularly the effects on growth performance and pork traits in piglets and growing and finishing pigs, as well as the physiological molecular mechanisms’ underlying effects. Insight is also provided into the effects of dietary CP reduction on the productive performances of alternative pig production systems and breeding boars and sows. Finally, an overview is conducted on the effects of dietary CP reduction on ammonia, odor, and greenhouse gas emissions arising from pig production systems. Overall, CP reduction may lead to production losses, albeit they can be, to some extent, hindered by adequate AA supplementation. Losses are particularly relevant during the post-weaning phase, whereas in finishing pigs, it may bring additional benefits, such as high intramuscular fat contents in some markets or improved gut barrier function with benefits to the animals’ health and welfare, as well as decreased ammonia emissions to the environment.

Reshaping Sports Journalism Through Innovation: An Analysis of L’Équipe Explore’s Strategies, Practices and Output

ABSTRACT Sports journalism practice faces important challenges deriving from the multiplication of platforms, the acceleration of workflows, the emergence of new entrants and the audiences’ shifting consumption habits. In a bid to overcome those challenges and advance innovation across the board, the French newspaper L’Équipe established a specific unit for that purpose: Explore. By focusing on this case study, this research has examined the formats, output and practices deployed by Explore and evaluated its impact within L’Équipe’s offer. The study is informed by content analysis performed on the projects (N = 201) published by Explore over a 32-month timeframe (May 2021–December 2023), ethnographic work and eight semi-structured interviews with its employees. Findings reveal that Explore stands out as a leading “media lab” in sports journalism. Through a broad range of formats and a multifaceted agenda, Explore occupies a unique position in terms of delivering cultural capital. Explore embraces alternative production modes that invest in freedom and research while rejecting hyper-accelerated cycles and clickbait-oriented approaches. Such proposition has resonated with audiences and positioned Explore as a cornerstone of L’Équipe’s commercial strategy. Solutions articulated by Explore contribute to the broader discussion of how sports journalism practice can be reshaped in the digital age.

Ferrates (VI) ; Alternative products in water treatment : their electrochemical synthesis

This study focuses on determining the optimum conditions for the electrochemical generation of ferrates in concentrated NaOH solution. Various operating parameters, including electrolyte concentration, current density, temperature, electrolysis duration, and the composition and form of the anode, were investigated to enhance the yield of electrochemical ferrate (VI) ion production. The synthesized ferrates were characterized using UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopic techniques. Experimental results confirmed the formation of ferrate ions, with optimal synthesis conditions identified as follows: a current density of 11.96 mA/cm², NaOH concentration of 16 M, electrolysis time of 1 hour, temperature of 25°C, and the use of white cast iron as the anode material. These conditions were found to yield the highest efficiency for sodium ferrate production. The spectroscopic analysis effectively verified the presence of ferrate (VI) ions, providing valuable insights into the electrochemical synthesis process. This study contributes to the advancement of ferrate synthesis techniques, potentially offering an efficient route for large-scale production.

Greenhouse gas emissions and net energy production of dark fermentation from food waste followed by anaerobic digestion

There are diverse estimations regarding the carbon reduction effects of alternative hydrogen production technologies. This study assessed the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy balance of a two-stage process combining dark fermentative hydrogen production and anaerobic digestion from food waste using the cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA). The system boundary included collection and transportation, pretreatment and feedstock storage, dark fermentation, H2 purification, anaerobic digestion and heat and power generation and the estimated GHG emission was compared with a single anaerobic digestion of food waste. GHG emission of the biohydrogen production was estimated as 2.48 kg CO₂-eq per kg H₂ without considering avoided emissions from heat and power generation. The environmental impacts were majorly influenced by electricity use. The net energy ratio of the two-stage process was calculated to be 8.18, confirming a net energy gain and the potential GHG emission avoidance for electricity and heat use. Given that the single-stage anaerobic digestion of 16 tons of food waste is replaced by the two-stage dark fermentation process, 76.6 kg CO₂-eq would be avoided. Sensitivity analysis revealed that energy-saving strategies are the most sensitive factors for achieving positive net energy production and low global warming potential.

Agroecological farmer perceptions and opinions towards pest management and biodiversity in the Argentine Pampa region

ABSTRACT Agroecology has recently become an alternative production model that tries to face the negative environmental and socioeconomic consequences of the agricultural model based on excessive agrochemical use and no-tillage practices. It searches for alternatives to pest management so as to increase yields while promoting biodiversity conservation. Our goal was to know the perception and opinion of agroecological farmers of the Pampa region on crop pests, the techniques they use for pest management and their perceptions on biodiversity. A survey was conducted which provided 103 responses. The main pest mentioned was ants. Of farmers surveyed, 64.71% claim that their main pest significantly reduces their yields, 79.42% claim that they monitor their crops for pests, although those with over 25 years of experience tend not to. Farmers have a mostly positive perception of biodiversity, particularly birds even though many identify pigeons and parrots as damaging. These results make it possible to describe the agroecological Pampa farmers and to show some common pest issues that need to be observed to benefit production in the area. The study highlights the importance of biodiversity for these farmers and their willingness to use tools that attract birds that could potentially manage pests.

Boosting electrochemical ammonia synthesis via dynamic nitrogen carriers coupled with electron-rich Lewis acidic sites on TiO2−x nanofiber

In light of the high energy consumption and substantial carbon emissions associated with traditional NH3 production based on the Haber–Bosch process, the aqueous electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) offers a clean and sustainable alternative production route. Nevertheless, activating the NN bonds at room temperature is challenging due to the high bond energy, severely hindering the development and commercialization of the electrochemical NRR. Herein, we report a synergistic strategy for achieving efficient N2 activation at ambient conditions that combines electrolyte engineering with catalytic site-modulated TiO2−x nanofiber electrocatalysts. The synthesized TiO2−x nanofiber electrocatalysts contained abundant intrinsic oxygen vacancies and were further modified with hydroxyl groups to create electron-rich Lewis acidic Ti sites. Additionally, BF3 was engineered into the electrolyte microenvironment, and it could form adducts with N2, serving as a dynamic carrier for N2 transport. The electron-rich Lewis acidic sites and the dynamic carriers exerted a ‘pull–pull’ effect on N2, thereby weakening the NN bonds. Through electrochemical performance evaluation, the designed electrocatalytic scheme achieved an NH3 yield of ∼57.15 μg h−1 mg−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of ∼15.14 %. We anticipate that this methodology will provide new insights into the development of electrochemical ammonia synthesis, particularly in relation to multifaceted design.

The alternative splicing landscape of infarcted mouse heart identifies isoform level therapeutic targets

Alternative splicing is an important process that contributes to highly diverse transcripts and protein products, which can affect the development of disease in various organisms. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents one of the greatest global threats to humans, particularly acute myocardial infarction (MI) and subsequent ischemic reperfusion (IR) injury, which involve complex transcriptomic changes in heart tissues associated with metabolic reshaping and immunological response. In this study, we used a newly developed ONT full-length transcriptomic approach and performed transcript-resolved differential expression profiling in murine models of MI and IR. We built an analytical pipeline to reliably identify and quantify alternative splicing products (isoforms), expanding on the currently available catalog of isoforms described in mice. The updated alternative splicing landscape included transcripts, genes, and pathways that were differentially regulated during IR and MI. Our study establishes a pipeline to profile highly diverse isoforms using state-of-the-art long-read sequencing, builds a landscape of alternative splicing in the mouse heart during MI and IR.

Insecticide resistance in Australian populations of the serpentine leaf miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

AbstractSerpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis, invaded New South Wales and Queensland late 2020. Overseas, L. huidobrensis has a history of developing insecticide resistance and, since its Australian discovery, has caused significant control issues in Australian horticultural industries. Here, we developed bioassay methods to test the response of L. huidobrensis larvae to spirotetramat and L. huidobrensis adults to dimethoate, imidacloprid and chlorantraniliprole. Against two New South Wales and one Queensland collected strains, we found a 33‐fold elevated response against dimethoate and 200‐fold more against imidacloprid than the field‐recommended field rates. Furthermore, we found that a maximum rate of 64‐fold the field‐recommended rate of chlorantraniliprole controlled only 94% of one tested population. Similarly, the maximum rate of spirotetramat tested (64‐fold the field‐recommended rate) only achieved 84%–94% mortality for the same populations. Prior to our study, the efficacy of chlorantraniliprole and spirotetramat against Liriomyza was poorly studied, with only a few reports with chlorantraniliprole against Liriomyza trifolii. Consequently, none of the tested insecticides in this study will likely control Australian invasive L. huidobrensis at the field‐recommended rates. Our results presented here highlight the need to identify and study alternative chemical and biological products and natural enemies for the control of L. huidobrensis in Australian horticulture.

Trends and gender differences 2019-2024 in use of alternative smoking products (excluding e-cigarettes) by teenagers in Ireland

Trends and gender differences 2019-2024 in use of alternative smoking products (excluding e-cigarettes) by teenagers in Ireland

A systematic literature review of life cycle sustainability assessment of mass timber in the construction industry toward circular economy

AbstractLife cycle analysis has been used to evaluate the environmental impacts and economic costs of a range of engineered timber structural materials as well as other materials such as steel and concrete over the last two decades. This study presents a bibliometric analysis and systematic critical review by investigating the life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) of engineered timber products. LCSA is comprised of three main pillars namely, environment, cost, and social impact. The study compares alternative engineering wood products used in building structures such as columns, beams and wall surfaces. The geographical distribution, main sources of research, co-occurrence of keywords were analyzed for 93 peer-reviewed articles and conferences. The United States was the most productive country, contributing almost 23 documents. Australia was next with 12 publications. Most studies compared the LCA and LCC of alternative Mass timber products and concrete or steel. Most studies evaluated cross laminated timber (62%), followed by glued laminated timber (17%), and laminated veneer lumber (9%). A comparison of the economic and environmental aspects indicated that the social aspect are less considered. The review showed that the global warming potential of manufactring1 M3 of cross laminated timber is about 155.6–158.6 kg CO2eq. The majority of the publications reviewed focused on LCA whilst others focussed on the LCC of Mass timber. No research on social life cycle assessment has been conducted as yet. A framework is suggested for future research to identify the best alternative for engineering wood.

Chinese Herbal Medicines as Natural Alternative Products to Antibiotics in Weaned Piglets through Intestinal Microbiota Regulation.

During the growth process of weaned piglets, digestive problems such as gastrointestinal disorders and diarrhea are common. Farmers usually use antibiotics to help piglets grow smoothly. However, the overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance issues. Therefore, this study chose to use plant extracts as feed additives to explore their potential as alternatives to antibiotics. Additionally, Tilmicosin was used as the antibiotic because it is widely used in treating respiratory infections in piglets. Since traditional Chinese medicine often uses natural products, we selected Guizhi Li-Zhong (GLZ) extract as an alternative to antibiotics. The experiment involved 126 piglets, each 4 weeks old, which were randomly assigned to one of four groups: the sham group (basal diet without supplements, 10.3 ± 0.4 kg, n = 31), the low-dose GLZ group (basal diet with 0.05% GLZ, 10.9 ± 0.4 kg, n = 32), the regular-dose GLZ group (basal diet with 0.2% GLZ, 10.6 ± 0.4 kg, n = 32), and the regular-dose Tilmicosin antibiotic group (basal diet with 0.2% Tilmicosin, 10.2 ± 0.3 kg, n = 31). We recorded and compared the survival rate, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and diarrhea incidence among four groups of weaned piglets from the 4th to the 10th weeks of age. Then, we examined the oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in small intestine tissue (jejunum and ileum) through immunohistochemistry and Western blot and compared the gut microbiota in large intestine tissue (colon and rectum) through a next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. Our results showed that weaned piglets supplemented with 0.05% and 0.2% GLZ had better survival rates, growth rates (p < 0.01), and feed conversion ratios (p < 0.01) compared to those receiving sham treatment. Even weaned piglets supplemented with 0.2% GLZ performed better than those supplemented with 0.2% Tilmicosin antibiotics (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of diarrhea and small intestine injury (indicated by oxidative stress-, inflammation-, and apoptosis-related proteins) in piglets supplemented with 0.05% and 0.2% GLZ was lower than in piglets receiving sham treatment (p < 0.05). Even piglets supplemented with 0.2% GLZ had less injury than those supplemented with 0.2% Tilmicosin antibiotics (p < 0.05). The NGS results further showed that GLZ treatment significantly improved beneficial bacteria in weaned piglets (p < 0.05), while antibiotic treatment reduced beneficial bacteria (p < 0.05). In summary, we recommend adding GLZ to the feed as an alternative to antibiotics. This not only effectively reduces intestinal damage but also improves the gut microbiota, thereby promoting the growth of weaning piglets.