Esters of α-1,3-glucan: designed enzymatic polysaccharides as new matrices for sustainable packaging and membrane applications.

An intelligent pH indicator film based on Anemarrhena asphodeloides polysaccharide/sodium alginate incorporating black rice anthocyanins for monitoring pork freshness.

A synergistic approach to the photodegradation of polydimethylsiloxane-based composites upon photoaging was implemented by using La(III) complexes of Schiff base ligands with a silicon-containing spacer as fillers. The analysis methods were spectral, nanomechanical, and morphological. The results show that the accelerated oxidative degradation of the polydimethylsiloxane matrix is due to the combined actions of radicals, fragments, and photoproducts derived from the photolysis of the La(III) complexes and the water vapors in the photoaging chamber. Compared to the undoped polydimethylsiloxane, the photo-excited radical intermediates and photoproducts of the La(III) complexes, with aromatic or quinone structures, in ground or in excited state, have acted as photocatalysts and as new sources for reactive intermediates and for the generation of reactive oxygen species. Infrared, electron spin resonance, and nanomechanical investigations revealed that the chemistry of the photoaged surfaces comprises oxygen–containing species, photoreaction products, and an extended siloxane network with embedded ligand fragments. The key role of La(III) complexes in promoting the generation of reactive species is described. The study highlights the unexplored potential of La(III) complexes of Schiff base ligands bearing a silane/siloxane spacer as potential catalysts in the photodegradation of polymers and plastics.

Abstract Edible films based on Allium purees, such as onion ( Allium cepa L.) and garlic ( Allium sativum L.), are a promising alternative for food packaging due to their high levels of polysaccharides, bioactive compounds, and intrinsic flavor, which enhance the sensory and functional properties of packaged foods. However, large-scale production is essential for these packaging materials to reach the final consumer. In this study, film-based purees were developed from hydrothermally pretreated onion and garlic, with or without carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), using both continuous casting and laboratory-scale bench casting methods. The properties of films produced by continuous casting were compared to those obtained by bench casting. Films containing CMC exhibited a more cohesive structure and improved mechanical performance (Tensile Strength (TS) increased by approximately 79%), higher contact angles (increased by approximately 112%), while water vapor permeability (WVP) and water solubility decreased by approximately 27% and 8.5%, respectively ( p < 0.05 for all parameters), indicating better barrier properties. CMC also increased thermal stability, while the heat sealability of the films was unaffected by the production method. All films demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, regardless of their production method. These findings highlight the potential of CMC-enriched Allium-based edible films for packaging fatty foods prone to lipid oxidation. Hydrothermal pretreatment of whole Allium purees enhanced antioxidant properties, resulting in films with high antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the successful application of continuous casting demonstrates the feasibility of scaling up production, supporting the development of commercially viable bio-based packaging solutions. Graphical Abstract

ABSTRACTIn south Florida, climatic variation and ongoing hydrologic alterations are predicted to impact the growth and ecophysiological performance of tree species. Understanding how tree growth rates vary across temporal and landscape‐scales in relation to climate and hydrology will help us better understand and predict how tree species, and thus landscapes will respond to increasing variability in regional climates. Here, we used dendrochronology and stable isotopes (δ13C) to examine tree growth rates and intrinsic water‐use efficiencies (iWUE) of Taxodium ascendens, T. distichum, and Pinus elliottii in relation to climate and hydrology at the southern ends of their distributions. Specifically, we cored 20–26 individuals of each tree species growing in south Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve to estimate annual growth rates and iWUE. From these samples, we built tree‐ring chronologies and determined δ13C. Then we evaluated how both growth rates and iWUE vary with climatic and hydrological conditions through time and across the landscape. Although overall climate–growth correlations were weak, water depth proved influential. Taxodium ascendens and T. distichum grew most rapidly during summers (June–September) when seasonal standing water depths increase. In contrast, P. elliottii grew faster in springs (April–May) when seasonal standing water depths are the lowest. Relative location within the landscape was not an important factor driving tree growth. The iWUE of all species increased significantly with rising mean annual temperature and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), while precipitation and water depth had differential effects on each species' iWUE. Overall, our results highlight the complexity of factors driving tree growth rates and iWUE of these tree species at the southern ends of their distributions, as well as the potential for future climate‐driven changes in tree growth and performance across south Florida's natural ecosystems.

ABSTRACT This study presents a low‐temperature optical gas sensing platform based on tin dioxide (SnO 2 ) thin films deposited on porous silicon (por‐Si) substrates. The por‐Si scaffold was fabricated electrochemically, followed by SnO 2 deposition via RF magnetron sputtering. Integrating SnO 2 with por‐Si significantly improves gas sensing performance by increasing surface area, enhancing SnO 2 /Si heterojunction effects, and enabling better adsorption kinetics and energy‐efficient operation compared to pristine SnO 2 films. Ellipsometry was used to monitor real‐time thickness and refractive index changes during exposure to water, ethanol, propanol, and ammonia vapors. The sensing behavior strongly depends on molecular size and polarity, with alcohol producing larger optical responses. Additionally, applying an alternating voltage greatly enhanced ammonia adsorption, attributed to NH 4 + ion formation and displacement of surface‐bound water, demonstrating an effective electrical modulation strategy for improving selectivity. Surface morphology and crystal structure were confirmed by AFM, SEM, and XRD, revealing nanocrystalline rutile‐phase SnO 2 with high roughness. UV–vis spectroscopy and contact‐angle measurements indicated hydrophilic and optically responsive surfaces. Density Functional Theory simulations supported experimental findings by providing molecular‐level insight into adsorption mechanisms. The sensing mechanism is based on adsorption‐induced changes in the effective optical thickness and refractive index of the surface layer, enabling surface‐sensitive detection of vapor molecules. These results highlight SnO 2 /por‐Si heterostructures as promising candidates for miniaturized, selective, and low‐power gas sensing applications.

Forest canopy, air temperatures and air humidity ( , , and ) play a central rol in regulating energy and gas exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere. Although often treated as independent drivers of canopy processes, and are dynamically coupled to via surface energy fluxes and atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) development. We investigated how plant physiology mediates this coupling. Using data from a tropical ecosystem, we studied a process-based forest model dynamically coupled with an ABL growth model to simulate diurnal interactions between the canopy and the atmosphere. We systematically varied plant traits related to water use and thermal regulation to assess their effects on coupling and feedback. We focused on three metrics: the slope of the relationship, the peak of reached during the day and the lag between the maximum and , indicating hysteresis. Conservative water use, by reducing transpiration, leads to greater canopy warming, which intensifies sensible heat flux and accelerates ABL growth. This, in turn, raises near-surface air temperature and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), amplifying thermal and water stress. In contrast, greater water use enhances evaporative cooling and slows ABL development, thereby moderating these feedback. Surprisingly, the slope of the relationship is quite insensitive to plant water-use syndromes. This insight extends beyond modeling. Empirical studies often treat and VPD as independent drivers of transpiration, photosynthesis, or stomatal conductance. Our results challenge this assumption, showing that these variables are influenced by plant function itself. is not a passive outcome but an active mediator of energy, water, and carbon exchange, regulated by a feedback loop involving leaf physiology and atmospheric dynamics. Studies using or the relationship-whether from remote sensing or field data-as a proxy for forest stress or function, must account for this coupling.

ABSTRACT There has been increasing interest in blow sampling for monitoring multiple aspects of cetacean biology and physiology. Yet some limitations remain, including the lack of a fully validated dilution marker for the standardization of hormone concentrations to account for variation in water vapor and environmental water content of breaths. This study investigated both urea and total protein as potential dilution markers in beluga whale blow utilizing trained aquarium belugas. Samples were obtained in conjunction with paired blood samples during monthly clinical draws, in the morning and afternoon, and during opportunistic biological challenge events for physiological validation. Despite previous studies' success with urea in large whales, neither urea nor total protein demonstrated consistent results, nor a clear advantage over the other. In addition, some evidence that a dilution marker may not be necessary within aquaria was noted, and conditions of blow collection within aquaria vs. the field are important considerations for study design and data interpretation.

ABSTRACT Poly(hydroxybutyrate‐ co ‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends were produced for application in biodegradable mulch films. Pure films and blends in the proportions of PHBV (P) and TPS (T) (80P20T, 70P30T, and 60P40T wt.:wt.) were prepared by melt mixing. SEM micrographs revealed a two‐phase morphology of the blends, with the change from droplets to co‐continuous phases as the percentage of TPS increased. Blends were more flexible compared to PHBV film. Young's modulus decreased by up to 67% versus pure PHBV with increased amount of TPS and a slight increase in elongation at break was observed. All blends were less hydrophilic compared to pure TPS, with a decrease in the rate of water vapor permeation, water and moisture absorption. Partial solubilization of TPS in the blends occurred after 14 days in water, but solubilization was lower than the pure TPS. A lower melting temperature was achieved, especially at the 70P30T ratio (157°C) compared to PHBV (167°C), promoting a lower processing temperature. Therefore, this set of results indicates that the properties of the materials might be adjusted for the intended application according to the blend composition.

Development of bio-based intelligent film using purple yam (Dioscorea alata L.) anthocyanin and starch for yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) freshness assessment.

ABSTRACT This study spatially interpolates isotope data from nine stations in northwest China based on the LMDZ (Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique-Zoom) model, analyzes the contribution of different water vapor sources to precipitation in the region through a ternary mixing model, and simulates the trajectory of air mass transport in the region by combining with the HYSPLIT model. The results show that δ18O and δ2H in precipitation in northwest China are impoverished in winter and enriched in summer, and Xi'an, Yan'an, and Lanzhou show the characteristics of low summer and high winter due to the influence of the southeast monsoon. Spatially, they are relatively impoverished in the mountainous regions and enriched in the oasis and desert regions. Shaanxi station (45.56 %), Yinchuan (36.05 %), and Lanzhou (24.7 %) are influenced by the southeast monsoon in summer, and the rest of the stations are mainly from westerly water vapor (Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and Caspian Sea, etc.). All the water vapor in winter originates from the westerly wind belt. The contribution of external water vapor is the largest, exceeding 70 % at most stations, followed by plant evapotranspiration water vapor with 0.4–39.3 %, and surface evapotranspiration water vapor with the smallest contribution of 0.1–2.2 %. In addition, the strength of westerly belt transport affected the isotopic enrichment of external water vapor, and vegetation cover significantly regulated the rate of water vapor recirculation. This study not only offers new insights into the application of isotope modeling techniques in hydrology and water resources, but also provides crucial reference for optimizing water resource management and allocation in this region.

The preparation, structural characterization and properties analysis of novel konjac glucomannan (KGM)/soy protein isolate (SPI)/fatty acid (KS-FA) films were carried out in this paper. KS-FA films exhibited higher crystallinities than KS film. Moreover, incorporating fatty acids significantly affected the surface roughness and morphologies of KS film. KS-FA films had significantly (p < 0.05) higher water contact angle values than KS film. The rheological properties of the film-forming solution, thermal stabilities, mechanical, water vapor barrier and water resistance properties of KS film were also improved after incorporating appropriate concentrations of fatty acids. There were a 21.3-percent increase of glass transition temperature value, a 17-percent increase of water contact angle value, a 14.5-percent decrease of water solubility value, a 43-percent decrease of water vapor permeability value, a 1.08-fold increase of tensile strength value, and a 1.52-fold increase of elongation at break value in KS film with 0.7% lauric acid when compared with those of KS film. Furthermore, molecular docking and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses suggested that KS-FA films were formed through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. These findings highlight fatty acid-modified KGM/SPI films as promising biodegradable food packaging materials.

In this study, barley biomass from the brewing industry was used to obtain fraction-rich arabinoxylans, polysaccharides that, due to their chemical and structural properties, can form films. The effect of adding three plasticizers at a concentration of 20% w/w on the mechanical, optical, and barrier properties of the thermoplasticized films was evaluated. Tensile strength (TS) and percent elongation (%E) tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and water vapor permeability (WVP) were evaluated by gravimetric methods, the ΔE and color index (CI) were calculated with the chromatic coordinates of the CIE-L*a*b system, and structural morphology was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR-ATR). The results show that plasticizers decrease the TS values and increase the %E, obtaining more flexible films compared to films made without plasticizers. The structural characteristics of plasticizers directly influence the CI of films. The values corresponding to %E and PVA were higher in the arabinoxylan films thermoplasticized with glycerol. Films’ stability was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that there are significant differences when the films are coated with polylactic acid.

Abstract We present results from 1D simulations using PlanetCARMA for Venus in which, for the first time, a sophisticated 1D cloud microphysics model has simultaneously incorporated simplified diurnally varying photochemistry, parameterized diurnally varying solar heating, interactive radiative cooling, and 1D radiative-dynamical feedback. The model basis is a state-of-the-art bin-resolved microphysics scheme. It also incorporates simplified photochemical production and loss rates for sulfuric acid and water vapors that have been extracted from the predictions by current state-of-the-art photochemical models in the literature. The radiative transfer model is a two-stream delta-scaled scheme. Convective mixing in this model is calculated using a Richardson number parameterization of the eddy diffusion coefficient. We find that the simulated clouds and upper hazes compare favorably with in situ and remote sensing measurements of the clouds. We find a measurable ∼400 day oscillation in the photochemical clouds. This 1D model can serve as a baseline of comparison for future work to explore effects of 3D mesoscale dynamics feedbacks on the Venus cloud structure.

Abstract In 2023, the biogeographic Amazon experienced temperature anomalies of 1.5°C above the 1991–2020 average from September to November. These conditions were driven by high sea surface temperature in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, together with reduced moisture advection from the Atlantic, causing large vapor pressure and water deficits in the second semester of 2023. Here, we evaluate the response of the Amazon carbon cycle to this extreme event across different spatial scales. We combined atmospheric CO 2 mole fractions and eddy covariance flux data from the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO, −2.1441, −58.99), low‐latency simulations by Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs), an atmospheric inversion, and remote sensing data. We find that in 2023 the Amazon region was, including fires, a net carbon source of 0.01–0.17 PgC. Fire emissions (0.15 [0.13–0.17] PgC) were within typical variability of the 2003–2023 period, thus we attribute the weak carbon source to reduced vegetation uptake during the dry season (August–October). A stronger‐than‐normal vegetation uptake early in the year (January–April), consistent across data streams and spatial scales, mitigated the total carbon losses by the end of the year. We find a shift from carbon sink to source in May and a peak source in October. Our findings show a reduced vegetation carbon uptake over the Amazon region, leading to a weak carbon source that contributed up to 30% of the net carbon loss in the tropical land in 2023.

Abstract. Long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) measurements are essential for understanding the carbon cycle, detecting trends in atmospheric composition, and assessing the efficiency of climate change mitigation strategies. However, observational gaps over large geographic areas such as the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME), a well-known regional GHG hotspot, are likely to increase uncertainties in estimations of their sources and sinks. Here, we describe a new Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) observatory for solar absorption spectroscopy measurements that has been operating in Nicosia, Cyprus, since September 2019. The site helps bridge a regional observational gap in the EMME, a strategic location at the crossroads of air masses from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Using near-infrared (NIR, InGaAs detector) solar absorption spectra, TCCON-Nicosia measures total column average dry-air mole fractions (Xgas) of key trace gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen fluoride (HF), water vapor (H2O), and semi-heavy water (HDO). These continuous observations, spanning more than 4 years, are presented along with a description of the quality control procedures, compliant with the TCCON standards, to ensure total column atmospheric data with minimal errors. In 2023, observations were extended into the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral region with the addition of a liquid-nitrogen-cooled InSb (LN2-InSb) detector enabling the retrieval of additional trace gases such as formaldehyde (HCHO), carbonyl sulfide (OCS), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ethane (C2H6), herewith further contributing to the global Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). To tie the TCCON Nicosia with the WMO reference scale, an AirCore (AC) campaign conducted in June 2020 over Cyprus provided vertical in situ profiles, which were converted into total column quantities (AC.Xgas) and compared to TCCON observations (Xgas). The TCCON/in situ comparison showed agreement well within their respective uncertainty budget.

The widespread use of conventional plastic packaging poses significant environmental challenges. As a sustainable alternative, bioplastics derived from cellulose sourced from agricultural waste are gaining interest. This study explores the development of biodegradable bioplastic films derived from durian rind cellulose, with glycerol used as a plasticizer. Cellulose was isolated from durian rind using chemical extraction methods, resulting in a 29% yield with 70.2% purity. Bioplastic films were synthesized by incorporating varying amounts of glycerol into the cellulose matrix. The successful integration of cellulose and glycerol were confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Morphology analysis revealed that increasing glycerol disrupted the dense fiber structure, leading to more flexible and visually transparent films. This was consistent with colorimetric analysis, which showed increased transparency with higher glycerol concentrations. Glycerol addition also resulted in greater water vapor permeability and water absorption, attributed to the plasticizer’s hydrophilic nature. Biodegradability tests indicated that all bioplastic samples fully degraded within 10 days in soil, with faster degradation occurring at higher glycerol levels. In food packaging trials using sponge cake as a model, the bioplastic films effectively prevented mold growth over 10 days. However, moisture loss led to a reduction in water activity and an increase in product hardness. Conversely, samples wrapped in commercial polyethylene (PE) plastic retained moisture and texture but showed significant mold growth. These findings demonstrate the potential of durian rind cellulose as a sustainable raw material for biodegradable packaging, and highlight the critical role of glycerol concentration in tailoring film properties for food applications.

The growing need to enhance food quality and extend shelf life is driving an increased demand for antimicrobial active packaging solutions. Antimicrobial films based on gelatin (GEL) were synthesized through the incorporation of Satureja kermanshahensis jamzad , “Marzeh Kermanshahi” (MK) in Persian, essential oil nanoemulsion (MKEO‐NE) and various amounts of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs; 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 wt%). The tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) of the films were the highest, while the water vapor permeability (WVP) and water solubility (WS) were the lowest when 3 wt% SeNP was used. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) findings have revealed good compatibility between the GEL matrix and the integrated MKEO‐NE and SeNPs. Based on the findings from differential scanning calorimeter analysis, the glass transition temperature ( T g ) of the neat GEL film (65°C) decreased to 38°C upon the addition of MKEO‐NE. Conversely, incorporating SeNPs at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 5% resulted in a 13°C increase in the T g value of the films. The GEL/MKEO‐NE/SeNPs film showed potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus , Staphylococcus aureus , and Escherichia coli . The high ultraviolet (UV) barrier, antimicrobial functions, and antioxidant activity make the GEL/MKEO‐NE/SeNPs film coating a versatile and valuable solution for active food packaging applications.

Abstract The present study proposes an optical fiber sensor for humidity measurement. The sensor fabrication utilizes a femtosecond laser technique to expose the fiber core region to specific dimensions. The core exposing section of the fiber becomes sensitive to environmental conditions. The humidity variations in the surroundings of the sensing zone have a greater influence on the optical power propagation in the fiber. As the humidity level increases, it leads to the accumulation of water vapors over the sensor section to create variable refractive index values between air to water. In the results, a variation in optical power intensity is noted at the sensor output. The obtained sensor response supports the sensor design for effectively measuring the humidity level from (20% to 80%) either in ascending or descending levels. The sensor, with a capability for 60% humidity variation, exhibits a significant sensitivity of 1.078 μW/%. The R2 values for humidity level variation are found to be approximately 0.9878, indicating a very linear response. Furthermore, the sensor has a rapid time response of 0.1 sec to detect the humidity level variations. The sensor's humidity measuring capability with significant sensitivity, linearity, and fast response is competing with existing traditional techniques of humidity measurement.

Large amount of tritium, which is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen and is hazardous to all living things, enter the environment from anthropogenic sources, including accidents at nuclear power plants. Monitoring of tritium in water and air is very important for assessing environmental and radiation risks. Our study is devoted to the development of an infrared (IR) spectroscopy-based trace method for monitoring tritium isotopologues of water (HTO and T2O). The main objective is to estimate the sensitivity of IR spectroscopy for detecting low concentrations of HTO and T2O in water vapors, which is critical for the operational monitoring of radioactive contamination. The transmission of the tritium isotopologues is simulated by line-by-line method at different concentrations. The spectroscopic data from theoretical calculations and experimental measurements, including absorption line parameters from spectra.iao.ru and HITRAN2020 databases, are used in the simulation. The line broadening coefficients were refined with the use of the authors’ technique. The main results of this work include: improved line broadening parameters, which provide an increase in the simulation accuracy; revealed optimal spectral regions for detecting HTO (1227–1236 and 2219–2226 cm−1) and T2O (930–990 and 1092–1100 cm−1) in the atmospheric transparency window 8–12 μm; estimated detection threshold for tritium isotopologues at a level of 0.01–0.05% of the concentration of the main isotopologue H216O. The results open up opportunities for creating real-time tritium monitoring systems. Promising areas for further research are adaptation of the method to field conditions with allowance for the atmospheric effect and integration of spectroscopic data into climate models. The work contributes to the development of environmental monitoring and radiation safety methods.