Green Mixture Research Articles

Transition-Metal-Free Photoredox Phosphonation of Aryl C-N and C-X Bonds in Aqueous Solvent Mixtures.

Herein, we present an efficient and mild methodology for the synthesis of aromatic phosphonate esters in good to excellent yields using 10H-phenothiazine, an inexpensive commodity chemical, as a photoredox catalyst. The reaction exhibits wide functional group compatibility enabling the transformation in the presence of ketone, amide, ester, amine, and alcohol moieties. Importantly, the reaction proceeds using a green solvent mixture primarily composed of water, thus lowering the environmental footprint of this transformation compared to current methods. The transformation also proceeds under atmospheric conditions, which further differentiates it from current methods that require inert atmosphere. Mechanistic work using fluorescence quenching experiments and radical trapping approaches support the proposed mechanism.

Optimization of green sand mould process parameters using Taguchi approach in conjunction with Grey relational analysis

The condition of the mould cavity in sand casting is critical for foundrymen to achieve high-quality castings. Since the last few decades, optimization of green sand mixture has played a critical role in defect minimization. Experiments were carried out in this study using varying percentages (by weight) of sand additions such as water, molasses, bentonite, and fly ash. Green compression strength, permeability, compatibility, and mould hardness have all been tested as a result of the subsequent green sand mould qualities. To tackle this multi-response optimization issue, the Taguchi strategy was used, followed by Grey relational analysis (GRA). An attempt was made to achieve an ideal level of green sand combination process parameters in order to generate the best quality attributes of the green sand mould. The L18orthogonal array design by Taguchi, the Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio, and analysis of variance were used to evaluate the effect of chosen green sand mould process factors and their levels on the produced mould qualities. Among the other sand process factors, bentonite was determined to have the greatest effect. Through confirmation trials, a new experiment was undertaken at the ideal parametric combination to forecast and validate increase of quality features. As a result, GRA may be a complete decision-making tool for selecting the proper grade to improve the quality attributes of sand in the foundry business.

Physicochemical regeneration of industrial spent activated carbons using a green activating agent and their adsorption for methyl orange

Thermal regeneration of spent activated carbons (SACs) is widely used in industry. However, low specific surface areas (SBET) of regenerated activated carbons (RACs) are achieved after thermal regeneration, constraining the adsorption of contaminants. Herein, a green chemical mixture of K2CO3 and KCl compared to conventional activating agents was used to regenerate SAC1 and SAC2, all prepared from plants and used to adsorb compounds in pharmaceutical and food factory respectively. Two kinds of RAC were used for the adsorption of methyl orange (MO). The SBET value of SAC1 after regeneration increased from 592 m2 g−1 to 1830 m2 g−1 with an abundance of micropores, and the SBET of SAC2 after regeneration increased from 3 m2 g−1 to 1802 m2 g−1 consisting of mesopores. A high carbon yield of 73% for RAC was achieved due to the presence of a KCl activating agent. A maximum MO adsorption capacity (Qm) of 733.73 mg g−1 and 755.73 mg g−1 was achieved for RAC1 and RAC2, respectively. After five cycles of adsorption-regeneration, the Qm of RAC1 and RAC2 was 577.66 mg g−1 and 567.63 mg g−1, and the SBET was 1122 m² g−1 and 1101 m² g−1, respectively. This work shows that the combination of K2CO3 and KCl can be used as an activating agent to achieve high specific surface area and carbon yield.

High Efficiency In Vitro Wound Healing of Dictyophora indusiata Extracts via Anti-Inflammatory and Collagen Stimulating (MMP-2 Inhibition) Mechanisms.

Dictyophora indusiata or Phallus indusiatus is widely used as not only traditional medicine, functional foods, but also, skin care agents. Biological activities of the fruiting body from D. indusiata were widely reported, while the studies on the application of immature bamboo mushroom extracts were limited especially in the wound healing effect. Wound healing process composed of 4 stages including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. This study divided the egg stage of bamboo mushroom into 3 parts: peel and green mixture (PGW), core (CW), and whole mushroom (WW). Then, aqueous extracts were investigated for their nucleotide sequencing, biological compound contents, and wound healing effect. The anti-inflammatory determination via the levels of cytokine releasing from macrophages, and the collagen stimulation activity on fibroblasts by matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) inhibitory activity were determined to serve for the wound healing process promotion in the stage 2–4 (wound inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling of the skin). All D. indusiata extracts showed good antioxidant potential, significantly anti-inflammatory activity in the decreasing of the nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-1 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion from macrophage cells (p < 0.05), and the effective collagen stimulation via MMP-2 inhibition. In particular, CW extract containing high content of catechin (68.761 ± 0.010 mg/g extract) which could significantly suppress NO secretion (0.06 ± 0.02 µmol/L) better than the standard anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (0.12 ± 0.02 µmol/L) and their MMP-2 inhibition (41.33 ± 9.44%) was comparable to L-ascorbic acid (50.65 ± 2.53%). These findings support that CW of D. indusiata could be an essential natural active ingredient for skin wound healing pharmaceutical products.

Green strength properties of waterjet abrasive waste as potential composition in green mould by Taguchi and ANOVA approach

The sand casting process still continues today due to the cost-effectiveness of materials and processes. There is a wide variety of castings related to composition and size, but silica sand is widely available from coastal line mining and has a negative impact on the environment. Moreover, waste from waterjet cutting of non-ferrous and ferrous metals is practically unhazardous and may potentially be used in sand casting mould. The aim of this paper is to optimize the proportion of coal dust, water and bentonite added to the silica sand mixture and the waterjet cutting abrasive waste as a new way of handling waste with the potential to be used in sand casting manufacturing. The method used was L9 orthogonal array optimization and the composition was qualitatively measured using a green compression strength test and a green shear strength test. Factors were evaluated using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to find the the critical factors while confirmation test was conducted for the optimal material proportion. The study concluded that the ideal ratio for silica sand mixture with waterjet abrasive waste is bentonite-12%, coal dust-5%, and water-7% for green compression strength while bentonite-12%, coal dust-6%, water-7% for green shear strength. With proper selection, the incorporation of waterjet abrasive waste into the green sand mixture is promising to potentially be used in green sand mould casting without undermine the quality of mould.

Strategic Planning for Carbon Capture and Storage Implementation in the Electricity Sector of Greece: A TIMES Based Analysis

This paper presents a roadmap performed in 2010 as part of a European project for the modelling of carbon capture and storage technology, and various scenarios with different taxations and permit prices for the CO2 emissions considering the Greek national plans, then the gradual decommissioning of various lignite or other units of electricity power plants. In addition, this study presents a first check, 10 years after its writing, of the current situation of the Greek energy system, regarding the correspondence of the roadmap designed in 2010 to what has been finally executed during this period, including the possibility of other energy sources complimenting or substituting the national strategic energy plans. For this purpose, the integrated MARKAL-EFOM system (TIMES) was employed to model the Greek energy system and evaluate its development over time, until 2040, by analyzing three different scenarios with respect to taxation and permit prices for carbon emissions. The results obtained show that, if this study had been considered and executed by the different stakeholders during that period, then the implementation of CCS in the new licensed power plants from 2010 and onwards could reduce the use of lignite and imported hard coal power production in a much smoother and beneficial way in the next years, and until the present, without compromising any major power plants. This implementation would also make the transition to a lignite free economy in Greece much faster and better, while complimenting the EU regulations and also enhancing the possible greater use of alternative energy sources in the green energy mixture.

Fmoc-Removal with Pyrrolidine Expands the Available Solvent Space in Green Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis

Green binary solvent mixtures with a polarity and viscosity close to that of DMF perform similarly in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). However, while coupling reactions readily proceed in solvents of significantly lower polarity than that of DMF, a high solvent polarity is essential for Fmoc-removal using piperidine, which limits the options for green SPPS solvents. Herein, we report our efforts to expand the available solvent polarity space for green SPPS. We identified pyrrolidine as an efficient base to enable Fmoc-removal in less polar solvent mixtures that also favor coupling reactions, such as dimethyl sulfoxide/ethyl acetate (1:9) and N-butylpyrrolidone/1,3-dioxolane (2:8 and 4:6). Employing less polar binary solvent mixtures in combination with pyrrolidine gave crude peptide purities comparable to or better than for DMF with piperidine in the SPPS of challenging peptide targets. An evaluation of base-dependent side reactions such as diketopiperazine (DKP) and aspartimide formation showed increased side-product formation when using pyrrolidine on DKP- and aspartimide-prone sequences. However, the scaled-up syntheses (5 and 7.5 mmol, respectively) of the peptide therapeutics dasiglucagon (29-mer) and bivalirudin (20-mer) gave good crude peptide purities and purity profiles amenable to SPPS optimization. Pyrrolidine therefore represents a useful alternative to piperidine for Fmoc-removal in an expanded solvent space for green SPPS.

Anti‐inflammation of bioactive compounds from ethanolic extracts of edible bamboo mushroom (Dictyophora indusiata) as functional health promoting food ingredients

SummaryThe edible bamboo mushroom Dictyophora indusiata, which is rich in food nutrients and has medicinal values, has been investigated for nutrition compositional analysis. Then, three parts (whole mushroom: WE; peel and green mixture: PGE; and core: CE) were determined for antioxidant, MMP‐2 inhibition, and anti‐inflammatory properties. WE depicted the highest bioactive contents among others. The CE and WE with non‐cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts gave high MMP‐2 inhibitory activity (44.93% and 30.32%, respectively), compared with l‐ascorbic acid (50.65%). For the anti‐inflammatory activity, all D. indusiata extracts significantly inhibited the nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α secretion compared with the LPS treatment in all‐time intervals (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, WE extract containing various bioactive compounds (polyphenolic, monosaccharide, mucopolysaccharide, allantoin, and alkaloid contents) showed similar anti‐inflammatory activity to the standard diclofenac. It can be concluded that WE could be served as functional food ingredients and potential to be health‐promoting products.

The application of anisole in greener solid-phase peptide synthesis protocols – Compatibility with green bases in Fmoc removal and new green binary mixture for coupling

As a step toward green Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), we explored the compatibility of the green bases morpholine, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and NaOH with the green solvent anisole as a replacement for the traditionally used hazardous piperidine in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) for the Fmoc removal step. Green Fmoc cleavage protocols were optimized for the Fmoc-Ala-NH-Rink resin model and subsequently verified for other Fmoc-amino acids. Only Gly required a modified NaOH-based protocol with the addition of 5 % water. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of basic treatment on the notorious aspartimide formation as an undesired side product of SPPS. We also introduced a new green solvent mixture, anisole/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (4:1) for acylation step, which did not cause racemization. The applicability of these new green protocols was shown during SPPS of the pentapeptides Leu-enkephalin and Aib-enkephalin using polystyrene (PS)-based resins. Additionally, we identified the new sequence-dependent side products that formed after treatment with NaOH in anisole/ethanol (EtOH) (1:1).

Strong Polyamide-6 Nanocomposites with Cellulose Nanofibers Mediated by Green Solvent Mixtures.

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as a bio-based reinforcement has attracted tremendous interests in engineering polymer composites. This study developed a sustainable approach to reinforce polyamide-6 or nylon-6 (PA6) with CNFs through solvent casting in formic acid/water mixtures. The methodology provides an energy-efficient pathway towards well-dispersed high-CNF content PA6 biocomposites. Nanocomposite formulations up to 50 wt.% of CNFs were prepared, and excellent improvements in the tensile properties were observed, with an increase in the elastic modulus from 1.5 to 4.2 GPa, and in the tensile strength from 46.3 to 124 MPa. The experimental tensile values were compared with the analytical values obtained by micromechanical models. Fractured surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscopy to examine the interface morphology. FTIR revealed strong hydrogen bonding at the interface, and the thermal parameters were determined using TGA and DSC, where the nanocomposites’ crystallinity tended to reduce with the increase in the CNF content. In addition, nanocomposites showed good thermomechanical stability for all formulations. Overall, this work provides a facile fabrication pathway for high-CNF content nanocomposites of PA6 for high-performance and advanced material applications.

Assessment of a Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Bottom Ash as a Candidate Pozzolanic Material: Comparison of Test Methods

New generations of green concretes are often consuming large amounts of industrial waste, as recycled or manufactured aggregates and alternative binders substituting ordinary Portland cement. Among the recycled materials that may be used in civil engineering works, construction and demolition waste (C&amp;DW), fly ashes, slags and municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ashes (MSWI BA) are those most diffused, but at the same, they suffer due to a large variability of their properties. However, the market increasingly asks for new materials capable of adding some specific features to construction materials, and one of the most interesting is the pozzolanic activity. Hence, this work deals with an experimental study aimed at assessing the technical feasibility of using an industrial waste comprised largely of MSWI BA, with small quantities of C&amp;DW and electric arc furnace slag (EAFS), in green cement-based mixtures (cement paste and mortars). The aim of the work is to achieve the goal of upcycling such waste and avoiding its disposal and landfilling. Particularly, the test methods for assessing the pozzolanic activity of this waste are discussed, analyzing the efficacy of indirect methods such as the strength activity index (SAI), the conductivity test and the efficiency factor (k), together with a direct method based on lime consumption.

Superior adsorptive removal of brilliant green and phenol red dyes mixture by CaO nanoparticles extracted from egg shells

Superior adsorptive removal of brilliant green and phenol red dyes mixture by CaO nanoparticles extracted from egg shells

Aroma Profile, Microbial and Chemical Quality of Ensiled Green Forages Mixtures of Winter Cereals and Italian Ryegrass

The objective of this study was to evaluate the aroma profile, microbial and chemical quality of winter cereals (triticale, oats, barley and wheat) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., IRG) plus winter cereal mixture silages detected with an electronic nose. Four commercial mixtures (mixture A (40% of two cultivars of winter triticale + 30% of two cultivars of winter oats + 20% of winter barley + 10% of winter wheat), mixture B (50% of two cultivars of winter triticale + 40% of winter barley + 10% of winter wheat), mixture C (55% of three types of Italian ryegrass + 45% of two cultivars of winter oat), mixture D (40% of three types of Italian ryegrass + 30% of two cultivars of winter oat + 15% of two cultivars of winter triticale + 10% of winter barley + 5% of winter wheat)) were harvested, wilted and ensiled in laboratory-scale silos (n = 80) without additives. Both the principal component analysis (PCA) score plot for aroma profile and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classification revealed that mixture D had different aroma profile than other mixture silages. The difference was caused by the presence of high ethanol and LA in mixture D. Ethyl esters such as ethyl 3-methyl pentanoate, 2-methylpropanal, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and ethyl-3-methylthiopropanoate were found at different retention indices in mixture D silage. The low LA and higher mold and yeast count in mixture C silage caused off odour due to the presence of 3-methylbutanoic acid, a simple alcohol with unpleasant camphor-like odor. At the end of 90 days fermentation winter cereal mixture silages (mixture A and B) had similar aroma pattern, and mixture C was also similar to winter cereal silages. However, mixture D had different aromatic pattern than other ensiled mixtures. Mixture C had higher (p &lt; 0.05) mold and yeast (Log10 CFU (colony forming unit)/g) counts compared to mixture B. Mixture B and C had higher acetic acid (AA) content than mixture A and D. The lactic acid (LA) content was higher for mixture B than mixture C. In general, the electronic nose (EN) results revealed that the Italian ryegrass and winter cereal mixtures (mixture D) had better aroma profile as compared to winter cereal mixtures (mixture A and B). However, the cereal mixtures (mixture A and B) had better aroma quality than mixture C silage. Otherwise, the EN technology is suitable in finding off odor compounds of ensiled forages.

Novelty of synergistic and cytotoxicity activities of silver nanoparticles produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been recognized for their unique physical and chemical properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have identified themselves as one of the most shows potential nanoparticles in biomedical and biological applications, including anticancer, drug delivery, and antimicrobial agents. The release of [Ag +], which is toxic to microorganisms, could be responsible for AgNPs’ bactericidal properties. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (NPs) using lactic acid bacteria could be a good environmentally friendly substitute for physical and chemical methods. Lactobacillus acidophilus was identified by biochemical and molecular methods and rummage sale for the green mixture of AgNPs. The AgNPs produced within the L. acidophilus culture medium were characterized by color change after L. acidophilus development by 1 mM AgNO3 at 37 °C. The NPs configuration was established by UV–visible at 434 nm. Characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) proved that the sphere-shaped poly-dispersed AgNPs were in the scope variety of 19–25 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed high levels of AgNP-steadying proteins and other subordinate metabolites. X-ray deflection exposed a face-centered cubic deflection spectrum by a crystal-like countryside. The antimicrobial action of AgNPs was verified against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis), and a fungus (Candida albicans). The objective of this study was to investigate the biosynthesis of silver NPs using Lactobacillus and it is antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities of synthesized nanoparticles. The E. coli and S. enterica were highly susceptible, which were (21 and 20 mm), whereas S. aureus and C. albicans were the least susceptible, which were (10 and 9 mm). The findings on the cytotoxicity of AgNPs against Caco, A549, and HepG2 cell lines of cancer showed that the concentrations giving half-maximal responses were 5, 15, and 30 mg/ml, respectively. This study presents a well-organized and rapid method of synthesizing stable AgNPs using L. acidophilus with high antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Sonochemical preparation of SnS and SnS2 nano- and micropowders and their characterization

Sonochemical production of tin(II) and tin(IV) sulfides is investigated. Different conditions of syntheses are examined: used solvent (ethanol or ethylenediamine), source of tin (SnCl2 or SnCl4), the molar ratio of thioacetamide to the tin source, and time of sonication. The obtained powders are characterized by the X-ray diffraction method (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and the Tauc method. Raman and FT-IR measurements were performed for the obtained samples, which additionally confirmed the crystallinity and phase composition of the samples. The influence of experimental conditions on composition (is it SnS or SnS2), morphology, and on the bandgap of obtained products is elucidated. It was found that longer sonication times favor more crystalline product. Each of bandgaps is direct and most of them show typical values – c.a. 1.3 eV for SnS and 2.4 eV for SnS2. However, there are some exceptions. Synthesized powders show a variety of forms such as needles, flower-like, rods, random agglomerates (SnS2) and balls (SnS). Using ethanol as a solvent led to powders of SnS2 independently of which tin chloride is used. Sonochemistry in ethylenediamine is more diverse: this solvent protects Sn2+ cations from oxidation so mostly SnS is obtained, while SnCl4 does not produce powder of SnS2 but Sn(SO4)2 instead or, at a higher ratio of thioacetamide to SnCl4, green clear mixture.

Ефективність біологізованої технології вирощування картоплі за краплинного зрошення в умовах Півдня України

Goal. To study the effectiveness of a set of methods of biologized potato growing technology in the conditions of drip irrigation in the South of Ukraine to minimize the use of mineral fertilizers, chemical plant protection products, and obtain environmentally friendly products. Methods. Laboratory field — to determine yields; mathematical and statistical — to assess the reliability of the results; calculation and comparison — to determine economic efficiency. Results. The results of researches on the efficiency of biological technology of cultivation of potatoes in the conditions of irrigation in the South of Ukraine are submitted for consideration. It was found that potato grown on green manure legume mixture provided 3.06 t/ha, or 16.7% higher yield of tubers than black fallow. With the use of the generally accepted technology of growing potato with the use of mineral fertilizers and chemical plant protection products, the highest yield of tubers was: for fallow — 22.30 t/ha, for green manure — 23.85 t/ha. Technologies using organic nutrition and plant protection led to a decrease in tuber yield by 6.1–6.96 t/ha. Biological technology of potato cultivation provided a much higher conditional net profit (186.82–232.62 thousand UAH/ha) than the generally accepted (85.75–99.45 thousand UAH/ha) due to the higher selling price of organic products. Conclusions. The highest conditional net profit — 232.62 thousand UAH/ha and the highest profitability of production — 190.1% was provided by the technology of growing potato with the use of biological nutrition and biological plant protection on the background of green manure.

SÍNTESE, CARACTERIZAÇÃO E AVALIAÇÃO DE BIOCARVÃO PRODUZIDO A PARTIR DE RESÍDUO RUMINAL BOVINO DE FRIGORÍFICO PARA SUBSTITUIÇÃO PARCIAL DO CIMENTO EM CONCRETO

Nowadays, the cement industry faces several challenges, such as: fossil fuels reservation exhaustion, raw material scarcity, growing demand for building materials, as well as crescent environmental concerns, like air pollution and climate changes. The cement production is directly related to CO₂ emission, one of the main greenhouse gases. Therefore, this search’s objective is to demonstrate the biochar as a potential additive to replace cement in concrete, improving hydration due to its internal healing andnucleation effects. The biochar was prepared by bovine ruminal residue pyrolysis for 1 and 2% replacement of concrete cement. Immediate analyzes were also carried out to get information about biochar’s composition. It was observed in the compressive strength tests, a considerable increase in concrete strength with biochar’s partial replacement. During pyrolysis, the carbon from biomass raw material is sequestered in the chemical structure of the biochar produced that would be released into the atmosphere through decomposition or degradation of biomass. Using material produced by waste to partially substitute cement is an economic and sustainable strategy to achieve green concrete mixtures.

Scrutiny of the supramolecular structure of bio-sourced fructose/glycerol/water ternary mixtures: Towards green low transition temperature mixtures

This work deals with fully green ternary mixtures composed of three low cost, bio-sourced and safe molecules, namely Fructose (F), Glycerol (G), and Water (W), able to interact to each other by H-bonds. Through an eco-friendly approach, we prepared a series of FGW mixtures differing in their composition in order to identify the combinations exhibiting a long-lasting macroscopic homogeneity. To well understand how water interferes in such as mixtures, we focused on thermal transitions, changes in viscosity and activation energies, and on internal organization at the molecular scale through NOESY and PFG-NMR experiments. It resulted that, as a function of the water content, the FGW mixtures can be defined either i) as a cooperatively H-bonded supramolecular structure in which water is actively involved in the interactions, thus leading to stable solvents designed as low transition temperature mixtures (LTTM), or ii) as aqueous solutions due to the diluting effect of water which disrupts the H-bonded organization and promotes the overall mobility. This comprehensive study is a prerequisite for a further industrial implementation of such eco-designed solvents in various applicative attractive domains, as in cosmetic field.

Influence of Vineyard Inter-Row Groundcover Vegetation Management on Arthropod Assemblages in the Vineyards of North-Eastern Italy.

Simple SummaryHabitat simplification and use of pesticides in vineyard agro-ecosystems simplified arthropod communities, reducing natural pest control. In this context, habitat management practices could be useful strategies to provide fundamental sources for sustaining natural enemies. The effects of habitat management practices on pests and beneficial arthropods were evaluated in vineyards of North-eastern Italy through different field experiments. We reduced mowing frequency of inter-row spontaneous grasses, compared different timing of mowing of a green manure mixture, and different green manure mixtures. The abundance of key natural enemies (e.g., predatory mites, parasitic wasps and spiders) and some grapevine leafhoppers increased when the grass mowing frequency was reduced. Many beneficial arthropods increased in numbers in organic vineyards. Late mowing of green manure favored spiders and parasitic wasps but not herbivores associated with grapevines. The experiments on the comparison of green manure mixtures did not significantly affect the arthropod communities. Groundcover management practices could enhance beneficial arthropod abundance, but the adoption of this practice should be carefully evaluated when pests occur. In this study, the effects of habitat management practices on both pests and beneficial arthropods were evaluated in vineyards of North-eastern Italy through different field experiments: (1) mowing of inter-row spontaneous grasses in conventional and organic vineyards, (2) different timing of mowing of a green manure mixture, and (3) comparing different green manure mixtures. The first experiment followed a split-plot design, while randomized block design was used in the second and third experiment. In each experiment arthropods were sampled using different methods: leaf sampling, beating and sweep net sampling. Non-mowed spontaneous grasses in inter-rows of vineyards favored the abundance of natural enemies (e.g., predatory mites, parasitic wasps and spiders), and sometimes grapevine leafhoppers. Many arthropod species were recorded in higher numbers in organic vineyards. Late mowing of green manure favored beneficial arthropods (e.g., spiders and parasitic wasps), while it did not influence herbivore density. Groundcover management practices, aimed at increasing plant biodiversity in vineyards, could be a useful tool to enhance beneficial arthropod abundance, although the adoption of this practice should be carefully evaluated when pests occur. Semi-natural areas can contribute to create a more pest-stable agro-ecosystem and should be integrated with appropriate ecological infrastructures surrounding vineyards.

Deep Eutectic Solvents for Boosting Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion: A Review and Perspective

AbstractThe pursuit of sustainable energy utilization arouses increasing interest in efficiently producing durable battery materials and catalysts with minimum environmental impact. As green, safe, and cheap eutectic mixtures, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) provide tremendous opportunities and open up attractive perspectives as charge transfer and reaction media for electrochemical energy storage and conversion (EESC). In this review, the fundamental properties of DESs are first summarized. Then, the important roles that DESs play in various EESC technologies including advanced electrolytes for batteries/supercapacitors, media for the preparation of electrode materials and catalysts, and extracting agents for battery recycling are systematically reviewed. A particular focus is placed on the fundamental understanding of structure–composition–property–performance relationships. Finally, the challenges for the controllable design of DESs for EESC applications and future developments are presented. This review is expected to shed light on developing advanced DESs for next‐generation EESC systems.