ABSTRACT Soybean straw briquettes were used in this study to explore the impacts of fuel length (10–50 mm) and microwave power (400–800 W) on the heating performances, with incremental steps of 10 mm and 100 W, respectively. The relationships between average heating rate and affect factors (fuel length and microwave power) were established. Also, the changes in the microstructure, specific surface area, and pore size of the soybean straw briquettes were presented. The results indicate that for fuel lengths of 10–50 mm, the average heating rate of the soybean straw briquettes were 20.83–53.53 °C/min. At microwave powers of 400–800 W, the average heating rates were 15.63–38.46 °C/min. After microwave heating, the microstructure of the soybean straw briquettes showed significant improvements. The specific surface area and pore volume exhibited a tendency that initially ascended and thereafter descended, while the average pore size followed the opposite trend when the fuel length or microwave power increased. At 600 W microwave power, 30 mm fuel length, and a final heating temperature of 250°C, the specific surface area and pore volume reached their maximum values of 0.769 m2/g and 0.0034 cm3/g, respectively, while the average pore size was minimized at 11.073 nm. These results demonstrate that microwave pretreatment significantly enhances the thermochemical conversion potential of soybean straw briquettes by optimizing pore structure and heating efficiency. The study provides critical theoretical guidance for scalable, energy-efficient biomass valorization, advancing sustainable bioenergy production aligned with carbon neutrality goals.

Nitrite accumulation in aquaculture systems exerts diverse toxic effects, jeopardizing aquatic animal health and sustainable production. Although dietary amino acid supplementation has shown potential in mitigating stress in fish, the protective role of histidine remains unclear. This study investigated the mechanism by which dietary histidine alleviates nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in grass carp. Our findings reveal that histidine not only ameliorated nitrite-induced alterations in blood parameters but also enhanced the antioxidant capacity. Crucially, histidine attenuated hepatopancreatic and mitochondrial damage by suppressing ferroptosis and coordinating mitochondrial quality control. Mechanistically, histidine attenuated ferroptosis probably by regulating the Nrf2 pathway and iron metabolism. It also maintained mitochondrial homeostasis by promoting fusion, inhibiting fission, and inducing mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin and BNIP3 signaling. These findings highlight histidine's protective effects against nitrite-induced hepatopancreas injury and suggest 10.82 g/kg as the optimal dietary level for enhancing nitrite resistance in grass carp, providing valuable insights for developing antistress aquafeeds.

Microalgae are increasingly recognized as versatile platforms for sustainable production of biofuels and high-value bioproducts such as lipids, carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Rapid progress in synthetic biology is transforming microalgal engineering by enabling precise rewiring of metabolic pathways and overcoming long-standing technical bottlenecks, particularly those related to transformation efficiency, genetic stability and strain scalability. Recent innovations (including CRISPR/Cas genome editing, modular cloning systems, synthetic promoter libraries and dynamic, environment-responsive regulatory circuits) have greatly expanded the genetic toolset available for both model and recalcitrant species. These advances support targeted control of lipid and pigment biosynthesis, improved flux distribution and more robust performance under industrially relevant conditions. When integrated with progress in photobioreactor design, automated cultivation, and process intensification, synthetic biology unlocks new potential for scalable, economically viable microalgal biomanufacturing. This review summarizes these developments, highlights remaining challenges in strain robustness and bioprocess translation, and outlines future pathways toward high-performance microalgal biofactories that can contribute meaningfully to a low-carbon, bio-based economy.

Agriculture is a vital sector in the global economy and has a significant impact on sustainability and societal well-being. In recent years, smart farming policies have become a major focus in efforts to improve agricultural efficiency and productivity while reducing negative environmental impacts. This study aims to analyze implemented smart farming policies and identify the benefits, challenges, and policy implications for promoting sustainable agriculture. This paper is analyzed using William Dunn's concept and literature review. The results of this paper indicate that smart farming policies have significant potential to improve agricultural efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. However, technological, regulatory, and policy challenges must be overcome for smart farming to be widely adopted

Gut microbiota regulates broilers' gastrointestinal functions, digestion, metabolism, and immune responses. Modulating the microbiota in the early stage could present a promising approach for the poultry industry. Embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) constitutes a promising strategy for sustainable broiler production. Our previous research has yielded significant insights into the impact of TM on embryonic thermotolerance, metabolism, post-hatch growth performance, microbial diversity, and immunity. This follow-up study utilized a subset of birds from our previous study to investigate the effects of TM on early cecal microbiota composition, predicted metabolic pathways, and ileum immunity-related genes. A total of 600 fertile Cobb 500 eggs were incubated for 21 d. After candling, 238 eggs underwent TM at 38.5°C with 55% relative humidity (RH) from embryonic day (ED) 12 to 18, then were transferred to a hatcher at 37.5°C from ED 19 to 21, while 236 eggs were incubated at 37.5°C throughout until 21 d. After hatching, 60-day-old unsexed chicks were housed in 12 pens (10 birds/pen, 6 replicates per treatment). The treatments included 1) Control and 2) TM. All birds were raised under standard conditions (22-24°C) for the first 21 d. This study evaluated the effects of embryonic TM on four parameters: the composition of cecal microbiota (relative abundance at multiple taxonomic levels), microbial diversity indices (both alpha and beta diversity), predicted microbial metabolic pathways, and the expression of ileal immune-related genes on days 7, 14, and 21. TM significantly increased (P < 0.05) microbial beta diversity (Bray-Curtis, Jaccard and, unweighted UniFrac) and metabolic microbial pathways at days 7, 14, and 21. In the ileum, at d 7, the mRNA expression of IL10, IL12, IL18, TLR1, TLR2A, TLR4, TLR21, TBK1, TGFb, TGFb3, IFNg, NFkB, and CD3 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the TM group compared to the Control group. There was no significant difference (P < 0.05) between the treatment groups at d 14. However, at d 21, IL4, IL6, AvBD6, and IFNg were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and TLR2A and TGFb3 expression were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the TM group compared to the Control group. Embryonic TM significantly increased cecal microbial diversity and predicted metabolic pathways, thereby improving ileum immunity in the early stages of life in broiler chickens.

Freezing stress is one of the abiotic stresses limiting the growth and development of fall crops, which are an important part of sustainable food production worldwide. To investigate the effect of foliar spraying of nitric oxide (NO) on reducing freezing stress damage in broad bean plants, an experiment was conducted under a controlled environment in 2022. NO at three levels (control [distilled water], 50, and 100 µM) and freezing stress at five levels (0, -4, -8, -12, and -16°C; 2h) were considered as the experimental treatments. The results showed that freezing stress reduced plant survival rate; however, 50 µM NO led to a 92% increase in survival rate compared with the control at -12°C. 50 µM NO also increased the shoot and root dry weight of plants exposed to freezing stress. NO positively affected the net photosynthetic rate (AN) of plants exposed to freezing temperatures. At -8°C, leaf AN increased by 33 and 32%, respectively, when 50 and 100 µM NO were applied, compared with the control. 100 µM NO at -4, -8, and -12°C enhanced stomatal conductance by 34, 33, and 41%, respectively, compared with the control. The maximum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv´/Fm´) was recorded in 100 µM NO at the recovery time of 48h. Generally, NO, especially at temperatures below -8°C, was highly effective in improving the photosynthetic and physiological traits of broad beans. The results are promising for plants exposed to freezing stress, which are damaged by low temperatures during critical seasons, and can be helpful for better understanding the parameters affecting broad bean survival under freezing stress.

This paper presents a problem-based learning (PBL) framework designed to enhance sustainable chemistry education through a simulated student startup model. Implemented in the MSc Sustainable Chemistry programme at UCL, the activity uses polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a case study to explore circular economy principles and green chemistry strategies. Students adopt professional roles within startup teams to collaboratively design sustainable production and recycling processes. Delivered in a flipped classroom format, the model promotes active learning, career awareness, and interdisciplinary skill development. Preliminary results from two pilot cohorts show high engagement and positive student feedback, with many graduates pursuing careers in sustainability-focused roles. While the sample size limits generalisation, the model demonstrates strong potential for broader application. Future directions include scaling to larger cohorts, adapting the framework to laboratory-based modules, and fostering cross-institutional collaboration. This approach offers a flexible and impactful template for embedding sustainability and circularity into chemical education.

This research examines a multinational supply chain inventory problem involving one manufacturer and multiple retailers across a range of carbon emission combinations and an incomplete production system. It aims to identify the optimal strategies for material use, production, delivery, replenishment, and pricing to maximize the integrated total profits under various situations. Three particle swarm optimization techniques are used to solve all the models. Numerical examples and sensitivity analyses on parameter changes are provided. The findings indicate that in a multinational supply chain, currency appreciation in individual retailers’ countries decreases their optimal order quantities and the manufacturer’s optimal material purchase quantity, but increases the optimal quantity for other retailers. In summary, this study offers valuable guidance to enterprises and supply chain decision-makers, especially those operating in a multinational framework, aiming to effectively balance carbon reduction and profitability within the context of global trends in carbon emission reduction.

Demand for clean beauty ingredients is driving discovery of safe, effective, and sustainable actives. Microbes inhabiting polar deserts produce biomolecules adapted to stress, relevant to skin protection and regeneration. To characterize taxonomic diversity and functional potential of Antarctic soil microbiomes from distinct biogeographic regions and identify microbial genes linked to cosmetic efficacy. Public 16S rRNA amplicon datasets from NCBI SRA were compiled and classified into four Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions: North Antarctic Peninsula, East Antarctica, South Victoria Land, and Transantarctic Mountains. Functional profiles were predicted using PICRUSt2 and analyzed for antioxidant, anti-aging, moisturization, skin-barrier, and regeneration pathways via KEGG Orthology terms. Analysis of 406 sequencing runs identified 54,523 amplicon sequence variants from 48 bacterial and 2 archaeal phyla. Actinobacteria dominated (36.1%), followed by Bacteroidetes (13.0%) and Proteobacteria (10.5%). East Antarctica exhibited highest diversity (Shannon index mean 8.97) and evenness (0.87), with region-distinct communities. Functional prediction revealed enriched antioxidant defense, skin-barrier maintenance, moisturization, and photoprotective genes. Taxonomic and functional ordinations partially decoupled, indicating functional convergence amid taxonomic divergence. Antarctic soils are a rich source of microbial functions for cosmetic innovation, especially in East Antarctica. Multi-omics validation, strain isolation, and sustainable production may accelerate development of next-generation clean beauty actives compliant with access and benefit-sharing regulations.

Herbicide-resistant grass weeds, including blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) and silky windgrass (Apera spica‑venti (L.) P.Beauv), pose an escalating challenge to sustainable cereal production in Europe. This study examined temperature‑dependent germination dynamics of herbicide‑resistant (HR) and susceptible (S) biotypes of both species collected from Polish agroecosystems. Germination was tested under five temperatures: constant 5, 10, 15, and 20°C, and alternating 15/5°C. Resistance groups were evaluated using the area under the germination curve (AUC), a cumulative measure that integrates both the speed and extent of germination. In both species, temperature strongly modulated germination dynamics. Multiple‑resistant blackgrass biotypes exhibited higher germination rates at certain temperatures, suggesting distinct physiological responses among resistance types rather than uniform adaptation across temperature ranges. Conversely, multiple-resistant silky windgrass biotypes (e.g., M1235) germinated vigorously at 5°C. Still, they declined at warmer temperatures, achieving the highest AUC at 5°C but the lowest at 20°C (a difference exceeding 74 units), suggesting a temperature-specific shift in dormancy release or germination physiology. Susceptible groups germinated more slowly and consistently across temperatures. These contrasting thermal responses reveal that herbicide-resistant populations can exploit different temperature niches, potentially influencing their emergence timing and competitive ability in the field. Understanding these patterns is essential for developing climate-adapted, resistance-aware weed management strategies, including optimized sowing schedules and integrated, non-chemical control measures.

The increasing demand for natural and eco-friendly personal care products has encouraged innovation in utilizing agricultural waste. This study aimed to formulate bar soap using essential oil extracted from pomelo peel (Citrus paradisi) and evaluate its physicochemical, organoleptic, and antibacterial properties. Two formulations of vegetable oil (coconut, olive, and palm oil) and three concentrations of essential oil (0%, 2%, 4%) were tested using a factorial randomized complete design. Parameters assessed included pH, moisture content, total fatty matter, sensory attributes (texture, aroma, color, and foam), and antibacterial activity against Aeromonas sp.. The results showed that all formulations met the national quality standard (SNI 3532:2021), with the best outcome observed in the soap containing 4% essential oil and Formula 1 (15% coconut, 20% olive, 65% palm oil). This treatment produced soap with optimal pH (8), moisture (15.64%), fat content (81.78%), and favorable texture and foaming performance. However, antibacterial activity was limited, with inhibition zones measuring only 6.0–6.5 mm. The findings support the use of pomelo peel essential oil in sustainable soap production and encourage further research on enhancing its functional efficacy. This study contributes to the valorization of citrus waste and the advancement of natural cosmetics

Abstract This study presents the synthesis of a V 2 O 5 ‐NiO nanosheets composite catalyst via a straightforward hydrothermal method, aiming to explore the relationship between its microstructural features and its performance in the 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation reaction (HMFOR). The analysis revealed a notable increase in the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the V 2 O 5 ‐NiO composite compared to pure V 2 O 5 , indicating an enhanced catalytic capacity. The V 2 O 5 ‐NiO electrocatalyst achieved an impressive 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) conversion rate of 96.7%, demonstrating excellent electrochemical activity. Moreover, the catalyst exhibited remarkable stability, maintaining high conversion efficiencies for both 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to FDCA over multiple cycles. These results emphasize the critical role of oxygen vacancies and the synergistic interaction between V 2 O 5 and NiO in optimizing catalyst performance. This work provides important insights into the design of robust, efficient electrocatalysts, advancing the sustainable production of FDCA from HMF.

Methane (CH4) photooxidation under mild conditions represents a transformative approach for sustainable production of fuel and chemicals, however, it remains challenging due to the persistent requirement for exogenous oxidants. Herein, this study reports a series of well-defined bicluster photocatalysts Cu2POFMn/PCN-n (n = 1/5/8/10, denoting the mass ratio of PCN: Cu2POFMn), constructed by integrating [Cu(µ2-I)]2 (denoted as Cu2) clusters and MnMo6 polyoxometalates (POMs) within ultrathin metal-organic layers (MOLs) anchored on PCN nanoflakes. The optimized Cu2POFMn/PCN-8 photocatalyst achieves efficient CH4 conversion to HCOOH with 10.5mmol gPOF -1 yield and 95% selectivity without any exogenous oxidant. Comprehensive studies demonstrated that the engineered MOLs architecture enables uniform and ordered assembly of complementary catalytic bicluster, where MnMo6 POMs act as electron reservoirs to promote charge separation for in situ H2O2 generation, and Cu2 clusters mimic CH4 monooxygenase to selectively cleave C-H bonds via forming Cu2-O···H···CH3 intermediate. This work highlights the vital role of MOL-directed bicluster assembly for C-H functionalization that bypasses the need for sacrificial oxidants in selective CH4 functionalization.

Two birds with one stone: Constructing confined N-doped carbon catalysts to boost solar-driven interfacial water evaporation and peroxymonosulfate mediating antibiotic wastewater purification.

The black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) is widely used for waste bioconversion and sustainable protein production. However, domestication and prolonged captive rearing can rapidly alter genetic diversity and population structure. This study investigated how selective breeding, genetic drift, and relaxed selection have shaped genomic variation and effective population size in multiple BSF populations. Using genome-wide restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, we analysed population structure, heterozygosity, and selection signatures across 11 BSF populations, including 1 long-term domesticated line, 5 selectively bred lines (Line A to Line E), 3 wild-derived populations, and 2 commercial strains. Despite shared origins, lines LA to LE diverged rapidly within 6years. Principal component analysis and ADMIXTURE clustering (K = 11) revealed that LC to LE retained close genetic affinity, while LA and LB diverged markedly from each other and LC-LE. Demographic reconstructions using Stairway Plot showed that effective population sizes increased during the initial homogenized selective breeding phase (2018-2019) but declined after 2022, consistent with bottlenecks and relaxed selection. Wild-derived populations maintained higher heterozygosity and lower inbreeding coefficients than domesticated lines. Finally, genome-wide analyses identified 133 candidate genes under selection, including signatures of balancing selection and selective sweeps, reflecting divergent evolution under domestication. These findings demonstrate that genetic differentiation occurs rapidly in BSF populations under domestication, driven by artificial selection, relaxation, genetic drift, and environmental adaptation. These results highlight the need for genetic monitoring in breeding programmes, including maintenance of large founder populations, periodic genetic assessment, and genetic rescue to preserve adaptive potential and reduce inbreeding risks.

The selection of a suitable rootstock is critical for sustainable citrus production, particularly in regions facing abiotic constraints like calcareous soils and cold damage. This study aimed to identify viable rootstock alternatives to the standard sour orange (C. aurantium L.) for 'W. Murcott' mandarin cultivation in the calcareous soils of Adana, Turkey. The performance of four rootstocks "Carrizo citrange (C. sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata), Volkameriana (C. volkameriana), sour orange, and Flying Dragon (P. trifoliata var. monstruosa)" was evaluated based on fruit yield, quality parameters, leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv'/Fm'), and gas exchange measurements. The results demonstrated significant rootstock-induced variation across all measured parameters. Volkameriana produced the highest fruit yield (58.33 kg/tree) and exhibited superior leaf chlorophyll content (73.63 SPAD) and photosynthetic rates. However, it yielded fruits with lower total soluble solids (TSS) and higher titratable acidity (TA) compared to other rootstocks. Carrizo citrange provided an optimal balance, ranking second in yield (48.33 kg/tree) while producing the largest fruits (151.13 g) and the highest TSS (13.63%). It also supported high photosynthetic activity and strong juice color intensity (indicated by a positive a* value). Flying Dragon consistently demonstrated the poorest performance across all metrics, including yield, fruit size, and physiological activity, attributed to its sensitivity to calcareous conditions. Sour orange performed reliably in fruit quality. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and yield. In conclusion, while Volkameriana maximizes vegetative growth and yield, Carrizo citrange is recommended as the most suitable rootstock for 'W. Murcott' in this region due to its synergistic combination of high yield, excellent fruit quality, and physiological efficiency.

Ceiba pentandra (Kapok) has gained significant attention as a promising non-edible feedstock for biodiesel production, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of Ceiba pentandra as an efficient biodiesel producer, including various aspects of cultivation, oil extraction, conversion processes, and future development. A scientometric analysis highlights the growing research interest in this area, while the geographical distribution and requirements of the plant site are discussed to illustrate its global availability. The review also discusses Ceiba pentandra's adaptability and growth potential in diverse environments, its oil extraction methodologies, and its suitability for biodiesel production. It evaluates various techniques, examines their efficiency, and analyzes the effects on engine performance. The economic feasibility analysis assesses commercial potential and its role in sustainable development. Furthermore, the role of Ceiba pentandra in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as clean energy and climate action, is explored. Current industry developments and future prospects, including advances in conversion technologies and supply chain optimization, are discussed. The review highlights the need for continued research and investment to realize Ceiba pentandra's potential as a sustainable biodiesel source.

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) provides a green, sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process for synthesizing ammonia and reduces its environmental impact significantly. In this research, we developed a CuSnAu electrocatalyst immobilized onto nickel foam (CuSnAu@NF) using solvothermal methods and galvanic replacement reactions to improve its performance. First, CuSn was synthesized by the solvothermal method. Adding Au atoms (0.2%) to the CuSn structure by galvanic replacement increases the number of active sites for nitrogen adsorption and at the same time prevents the hydrogen evolution reaction. The replacement of Au atoms increased the faradaic efficiency from 7.14 to 60.88%, and the NH3 yield improved from 10.94 μg h-1 cm-2 (1.78 × 10-10 mol s-1 cm-2) at -0.4 V vs RHE to 19.66 μg h-1 cm-2 (3.2 × 10-10 mol s-1 cm-2) at -0.15 V vs RHE. The incorporation of Au decreased the adsorption energies of reaction intermediates, hence accelerating reaction kinetics as determined by DFT simulations. The faradaic efficiency and NH3 yield of the electrocatalyst were satisfactory and consistent throughout multiple runs, exhibiting no degradation of the electrocatalyst. The CuSnAu@NF electrocatalyst demonstrates potential as an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for sustainable ammonia production at ambient conditions.

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a vital role in understanding water and energy cycles in forest ecosystems, particularly in tropical regions where rubber plantations are widespread. In this study, a rubber plantation system was used. By combining meteorological data from flux towers and 30 periods of Landsat-8 image data, we estimated the daily ET of a rubber plantation from 2022 to 2024 using the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) model. Additionally, the study employed the eddy covariance method to validate the accuracy of the daily average ET estimated by the SEBS model in different source areas, in order to explore the model’s applicability. Simultaneously, we examined the key drivers influencing ET in rubber plantations by analyzing meteorological factors and physiological growth indicators. The results indicated that the SEBS model exhibited the highest estimation accuracy (R2 = 0.90, RMSE = 0.43 mm, RE = 15.23%) for the rubber plantation ET in the region 1.5 km away from the flux tower, and the retrieval accuracy of 30 periods of ET was higher (RMSE ≤ 1 mm, RE ≤ 46.84%), indicating that the SEBS model was well-suited for estimating ET in rubber plantations. From 2022 to 2024, the daily average and monthly cumulative ET showed a unimodal distribution, with high summer and low winter values; the average monthly accumulated ET during the wet season (102.75 mm) was found to be significantly greater than that during the dry season (50.61 mm). On the daily and monthly scales, the correlation between atmospheric pressure, temperature, and ET was the most significant. These findings enhance our understanding of rubber plantation water use patterns and support the application of remote sensing models for regional water resource management, offering valuable insights for optimizing irrigation strategies and ensuring sustainable rubber production in tropical regions.

This study presents a comprehensive thermodynamic and environmental assessment of apple cultivation across three major production regions in Türkiye: Antalya, Isparta and Niğde. This study is the first to provide an integrated energy, exergy and environmental assessment of agricultural voltaic systems by conducting a resource efficiency and sustainability assessment for open field apple production in Türkiye. Using a functional unit of one ton of apple production, the analysis integrates cumulative energy consumption (CEnC), cumulative exergy consumption (CExC) and cumulative carbon dioxide emissions (CCO2E) to reveal the sustainability performance of regional farming systems. The results indicate significant spatial variations linked to climatic and operational factors. Niğde exhibited the highest total energy (3098MJ/ton) and exergy (2975MJ/ton) consumptions, mainly due to diesel-powered irrigation and mechanization, resulting in a cumulative carbon footprint of 125kg CO2/ton. Conversely, Antalya recorded the lowest total emissions (33kg CO2/ton) with a balanced energy profile dominated by fertilizers and electricity use. Isparta demonstrated the most thermodynamically efficient and renewable system, achieving the highest cumulative degree of perfection (CDP) (3.80) and Renewability Index (RI) (0.74) values. The integration of agrivoltaic systems (AVS) has further enhanced sustainability across all provinces, particularly in Niğde, by increasing CDP by up to 97%. These findings highlight the significant role that renewable energy integration plays in reducing carbon intensity and increasing resource efficiency in apple cultivation. By providing a region-specific perspective on agricultural thermodynamics, the study provides strategic insights into the transition to sustainable and climate-resilient food production systems in Türkiye.