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- Ex situ germination of European acorns: data from 93 batches of 12 Quercus speciesPublication . Medina, María; Reyes-Martín, Marino P.; Levy, Laura; Lázaro-González, Alba; Andivia, Enrique; Annighöfer, Peter; Assaad, Farhah; Bauhus, Jürgen; Benavides, Raquel; Böhlenius, Henrik; Cambria, Vito E.; Carbonero, María D.; Castro, Jorge; Chalatashvili1, Akaki; Chiatante, Donato; Cocozza, Claudia; Corticeiro, Sofia; Lazdina, Dagnija; Dato, Giovanbattista; Sanctis, Michele De; Devetaković, Jovana; Drossler, Lars; Ehrenbergerová, Lenka; Ferus, Peter; Gómez-Aparicio, Lorena; Hampe, Arndt; Hanssen, Kjersti H.; Heinze, Berthold; Jakubowski, Marcin; Jiménez, María N.; Kanjevac, Branko; Keizer, Jan J.; Kerkez-Janković, Ivona; Klisz, Marcin; Kowalkowski, Wojciech; Kremer, Klaus; Kroon, Johan; Montagna, Dario La; Lazarević, Jelena; Lingua, Emanuele; Lucas-Borja, Manuel E.; Łukowski, Adrian; Löf, Magnus; Maia, Paula; Mairota, Paola; Maltoni, Alberto; Mariotti, Barbara; Martiník, Antonín; Marzano, Raffaella; Matías, Luis; Mcclory, Ryan W.; Merino, Manuel; Mondanelli, Lucia; Montagnoli, Antonio; Monteverdi, Maria C.; Moreno-Llorca, Ricardo; Navarro, Francisco B.; Nonić, Marina; Nunes, Luís; Oliet, Juan A.; Patrício, Maria Sameiro; Poduška, Zoran; Popovic, Vladan; Puchałka, Radosław; Rey-Benayas, José M.; Robakowski, Piotr; Sewerniak, Piotr; Szczerba, Marek; Ureña-Lara, Carmen; Vendina, Viktorija; Villar-Salvador, Pedro; Witzell, Johanna; Leverkus, Alexandro B.; BioMed Central (BMC) - Springer NatureKey message We provide data on seedlot germination potential—a key trait related to regeneration—of 12 oak species. Germination was tested at the University of Granada following international protocols with 8985 acorns from 93 batches and 16 countries across Europe. Data on germination probability, acorn origin, mass, and moisture content measured on another 4544 acorns are available at https:// doi. org/ 10. 30827/ Digib ug. 87318. Associated metadata are available at https:// metad ata- afs. nancy. inra. fr/ geone twork/ srv/ fre/ catal og. searc h#/ metad ata/ a742c 6d8- bc37- 4ca2- 8b81- 2447c 5a885 8d.
- Exploring the role of DNA damage response in seed priming to uncover key players for multi-stress tolerancePublication . Macovei, Anca; Pagano, Andrea; Duenas, Conrado; Araújo, Susana de Sousa; Balestrazzi, Alma; ZsuzsannaCombined climatic stressors result in cumulative damage and unpredictable shocks to seed systems. Seed priming, a pre-sowing technique used to enhance seed vigour, is a key tool to face climate change. Priming agents boost the DNA damage response during early seed imbibition, preserving genome integrity and ensuring germination. Based on these premises, to what extent could the DNA damage response support the seed response to multiple stresses? How could seed priming enhance DNA repair to better fight combined stressors? How far are we from understanding the mechanisms for multiple stress tolerance that can contribute to improved resilience in seeds? The state of the art is critically discussed considering the scanty knowledge on this topic, highlighting the complex scenario of multi-factorial stress combinations. Case studies showing the efficacy of seed priming in promoting multiple stress response are reviewed, integrating the role of cross-stress tolerance, target germplasm (from major to orphan crops), and the contribution of advanced omics/phenotyping tools. Expanding current knowledge in seed biology, by focusing on the impact of multiple climatic stressors, is a challenge since there are still relevant open questions concerning the way in which the DNA damage response can be utilized in seeds that must be addressed.
- Optimizing parameters to improve PDMS surface wettability and the thermal conductivity analysisPublication . Neves, Lucas B.; Afonso, Inês S.; Barbosa, Luiz G.; Lima, Rui A.; Ribeiro, J.E.Due to its remarkable characteristics, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in microfluidic devices. However, despite its advantageous physical and chemical properties, its hydrophobic nature poses a challenge when pumping aqueous solutions through microchannels using only capillary forces. Various methods have been proposed to increase the hydrophilicity of PDMS; however, many struggle with hydrophobic recovery within a short time, whereas most commercial devices require long-term stability for storage and distribution. Incorporating surfactants into PDMS has become a promising technique for reducing hydrophobicity and regulating its recovery over time. However, selecting the right surfactant requires a thorough evaluation of its effectiveness, stability, and long-term durability in maintaining hydrophilicity. In this study, three non-ionic surfactants with different critical micelle concentrations and chemical compositions were compared: Triton X-100, Brij L4 (BL4), and Polyethylene Oxide (PEO). For this purpose, different surfactant concentrations, curing temperatures, and types of surfactants were compared. Short- and long-term experiments were conducted, where deionized water droplets were placed on the surface of PDMS mixed with surfactants to access wettability. Additionally, the influence of surfactants on thermal conductivity was analysed, using a Hot Disk 5501 sensor. The Taguchi method results identified the optimal sample as 2.5% PEO cured at 80°C, which achieved a contact angle of 12.8° immediately after curing and maintained superior wettability both at 0 hours and after 3 weeks of curing. For the initial thermal conductivity (0 h), the optimal sample was 0.5% TX-100 at 80°C, and after 3 weeks, BL4 2.5% at 25°C. To identify the best overall sample considering both tests, the Grey Relational Analysis method was applied. Additionally, an ANOVA statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the percentage of influence of each parameter, both in the Taguchi method, in individual tests, and in the Grey Relational Analysis combining both methods.
- Lignin–Quercetin Hybrid Colloidal Particles as Sustainable Pickering Emulsifiers: A Bio-Based and Functional ApproachPublication . Oliveira, Barbara Miqueletti de; Colucci, Giovana; Schreiner, Tatiana B.; Preegel, Gert; Silva, Lucimara Lopes da; Santamaria-Echart, Arantzazu; Barreiro, FilomenaLignin, the second-most-abundant polymer on Earth, has attracted attention for its value-added applications. Colloidal lignin particles can overcome handling and compatibility issues, offer antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV-protective properties, and serve as Pickering stabilizers. Plant extracts rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids (e.g., quercetin), can further enhance lignin-based formulations. In this context, colloidal lignin–quercetin particles (CLQPs) were produced for the first time via antisolvent precipitation and used as Pickering emulsion stabilizers. CLQP dispersions (30 g/L) were prepared by solubilizing lignin and quercetin in 80% (v/v) aqueous acetone solution, followed by precipitation with a pH 8 buffer. A quercetin content of 50% (w/w) (CLQP-50) resulted in predominantly round-shaped lignin–quercetin particles (<1 µm) with a small fraction of quercetin crystals. Both structures contributed to emulsion stabilization, as evidenced by confocal microscopy, a three-phase contact angle of 91.6 ± 0.1°, and a zeta potential of −52.8 ± 2.7 mV. CLQP-50 successfully stabilized Pickering emulsions at a 60/40 oil/water ratio, showing high physical stability (stability index 0.01) and shear-thinning behavior with gel-like consistency. These findings demonstrate the pioneering development of lignin–quercetin hybrid colloidal particles as sustainable and functional Pickering stabilizers, opening new opportunities for advanced cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
- Sustainable green synthesis of metallic nanoparticle using plants and microorganisms: A review of biosynthesis methods, mechanisms, toxicity, and applicationsPublication . Cardoso, Beatriz; Nobrega, Cardoso; Afonso, Inês S.; Ribeiro, J.E.; Lima, Rui A.Green synthesis provides a sustainable approach to producing metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) using biological entities such as plants, algae, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. While extensive research has explored these biosynthetic processes, an integrated review is needed to systematically consolidate knowledge on biosynthesis mechanisms, key synthesis parameters, and the comparative advantages and limitations of green versus chemical synthesis methods. This review addresses these gaps by examining the roles of biological entities and their metabolites in reducing and stabilizing MNPs. Plants use polyphenols and sugars to reduce metal ions, while algae utilize compounds such as chlorophylls and carotenoids. Bacteria produce enzymes like nitrate reductase to reduce metal ions inside and outside the cell. Yeast, for instance, employs nitrate reductase for extracellular synthesis and metallothioneins for intracellular synthesis while fungi use enzymes like laccase and reductase to reduce metal ions and stabilize MNPs. It also examines how reaction factors—such as solvent type, pH, precursor concentration, and temperature—affect size, shape, and stability. The comparative analysis highlights the structural, functional, and environmental differences between green and chemical synthesis, emphasizing that green-synthesized MNPs exhibit improved biocompatibility and biological activity. While green synthesis avoids toxic chemicals and harsh conditions, reducing environmental impact, it may result in broader size distributions and less precise shape control compared to chemical methods. This review also addresses current limitations, including batch variability, differences in biological extracts, and challenges in maintaining consistent MNP properties. It emphasizes the need for advanced characterization techniques for reproducibility and quality control, proposing solutions such as bioprocess engineering, real-time monitoring, and lifecycle assessments to improve industrial scalability. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive resource for researchers and industries seeking to use green synthesis for sustainable, large-scale applications in medical, environmental, and biotechnological fields, supporting global sustainability goals and green chemistry principles.
- Rainwater Piggy Banks and Green Roofs in School Buildings: Integrated Strategies for Sustainable Water ManagementPublication . Chen, Sanlira; Geraldes, Ana Maria; Jabur, Andrea; Vale, Patricia; Morais, Tiago; Silva, FloraThis study evaluates integrated water-saving strategies in two school centres (SC1 and SC2) located in Bragança, Portugal, combining rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS), green roofs (GR), and the replacement of conventional taps with high-efficiency models. Water consumption patterns were analysed, and nine scenarios were simulated to assess their feasibility and economic performance. Scenario 1, which focuses on replacing conventional taps, achieved the highest short-term cost-effectiveness, reducing potable water consumption by approximately 30% and providing a payback period of about one year. Scenario 3, integrating RWHS into conventional roofs with efficient taps, demonstrated the greatest overall benefits, reducing potable water demand by up to 60% and generating annual savings exceeding €7000 + VAT, with payback periods of eight years for SC1 and seven years for SC2. In contrast, scenarios involving extensive GR significantly reduced stormwater runoff but required higher investments and presented longer payback periods, ranging from 17 to 42 years. Overall, the results indicate that combining low-cost efficiency measures with RWHS maximises potable water savings and supports sustainable water management, while GR implementation should be considered selectively, particularly when broader ecological and thermal benefits are prioritised.
- A comprehensive mechanical and physico-chemical characterization of fly ash-based geopolymersPublication . Silva, Ana P. F.; Natal, Ana Paula S.; Oliveira, Isaac; Bezerra, Ana J.B.; Baldo, Arthur P.; Silva, Adriano S.; Diaz de Tuesta, Jose Luis; Peres, José A.; Ferreira, Débora; Gomes, Helder T.This work focuses on developing a predictive optimization method for geopolymer concrete, addressing both mechanical strength and water absorption. Despite numerous formulations proposed in the literature, no systematic method has been established to evaluate these properties simultaneously. This research addresses this gap by employing a Design of Experiments approach to systematically explore the effects of key variables such as NaOH molar concentration, sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide ratio, and alkaline solution-to-fly ash ratio. After 28 days, geopolymer concrete exhibits competitive compressive strength (geopolymer concrete: 25 MPa, reference Ordinary Portland concrete: 27 MPa), and after 365 days, its compressive strength surpasses that of traditional Ordinary Portland concrete (geopolymer concrete: 56 MPa, reference Ordinary Portland concrete: 27 MPa). Moreover, through Response Surface Methodology, an optimization model indicates that geopolymer concrete compressive strength can reach up to 64 MPa, with a strong influence from the alkaline solution-to-fly ash ratio. Additionally, the materials were characterized in terms of crystalline phases, surface chemistry, thermal stability, and surface area to gain a deeper understanding of the behaviour of these materials.
- Synthetic varroacides in honey bee colonies: A comprehensive monitoring program across the European UnionPublication . Steen, Jozef J.M. Van der; Brodschneider, Robert; Brusbardis, Valters; Buddendor, Bas; Carreck, Norman; Danneels, Ellen; Graaf, Dirk C. de; Gratzer, Kristina; Gray, Alison; Hatjina, Fani; Kasiotis, Konstantinos M.; Kilpinen, Ole; Martínez, José Antonio; Murcia-Morales, María; Martinez-Bueno, Maria Jesus; Oller-Serrano, José Luis; Pietropaoli, Marco; Pinto, M. Alice; Quaresma, Andreia; Roessink, Ivo; Tzanetou, Evangelia; Vejsnæs, Flemming; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R.Managing Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies remains a constant challenge for beekeepers, requiring a balance between maintaining mite levels low whilst minimizing the negative impacts of miticide treatments on bee health. Synthetic varroacides such as coumaphos, tau-fluvalinate, and amitraz are widely used due to their convenience, but they can have negative impacts on the colony and persist in hive materials, with residues detectable long after application. To investigate the presence and dynamics of these synthetic varroacides, the INSIGNIA-EU initiative conducted a large-scale monitoring program, covering 312 bee hive sites across the European Union. The study employed the APIStrip—a novel, non-invasive passive sampler based on TENAX® sorbent—which, when placed inside the hive, passively adsorbs chemical residues from the internal hive environment. This approach has demonstrated its effectiveness eliminating the need to sample bees, wax, honey, or pollen, while still providing representative contamination data from a single, standardized analytical matrix. This study reports results from APIStrip analyses deployed across all EU countries for residues of amitraz, tau-fluvalinate, and coumaphos, using a harmonized and validated analytical protocol. Additionally, thymol, regarded as an environmentally friendly alternative, was also included in the evaluation as a reference. Sampling was carried out over nine consecutive two-week periods from May to August 2023, ensuring synchronized data collection and enabling direct comparability of results across sites and time points. The study found these miticides to be pervasive across most EU regions, appearing in more than 85% of samples and greatly outnumbering detections of the natural alternative, thymol. In most cases, notable miticide residue concentrations persisted throughout the entire sampling period.
- Micronucleus assay in buccal and urothelial epithelial cells of wildland firefighters exposed to wildfire smokePublication . Esteves, Filipa; Madureira, Joana; Barros, Bela; Alves, Sara; Vaz, Josiana A.; Oliveira, Marta; Slezakova, Klara; Fernandes, Adília; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Morais, Simone; Bonassi, Stefano; Teixeira, João P.; Costa, SolangeOccupational exposure as a firefighter is classified as carcinogenic to humans. However, information on the biological effects of wildland firefighting remains limited. This study aimed to assess genotoxicity in a group of wildland firefighters and evaluate the contribution of total concentration of urinary hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ΣOHPAHs) to selected endpoints. A group of 59 northern Portuguese wildland firefighters (mean age: 35.5 ± 9.0 years) was evaluated before and during the wildfire season. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, occupational-related information was collected via questionnaire. The micronucleus (MN) assay in buccal and urothelial cells was applied to paired samples to assess the association with exposure, as indicated by urinary ΣOHPAHs levels. The risk of MN formation in urothelial cells was over twofold higher during the wildfire season [Frequency Ratio (FR): 2.13, 95 % CI: 1.99–2.27, p = 0.01]. A 35 % increase in MN frequency in buccal cells was observed during the wildfire season (FR: 1.35, 95 % CI: 0.76–2.40, p > 0.05). Urinary ΣOHPAHs exhibited a significant positive association with MN‰ in urothelial cells (FR:1.04, 95 % CI: 1.01–1.08, p < 0.05). This study provides the first assessment of MN frequency in urothelial cells of wildland firefighters, offering novel evidence of genotoxic risks and potential long-term health impacts associated with wildland firefighting.
- Coolant flow in structured grinding wheels: CFD validation via high-speed imaging and particle trackingPublication . Costa, Sharlane; Souza, Andrews; Neves, Lucas B.; Ribeiro, J.E.; Pereira, Mário; Soares, DelfimEfficient coolant delivery is essential in grinding to control heat generation, minimize tool wear, and preserve workpiece integrity. However, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models commonly used for coolant system design remain rarely validated due to the extreme speeds and complex multiphase flows involved. This work addresses this gap by combining CFD simulations with targeted experiments to evaluate heat removal effectiveness in internally cooled grinding wheels with three channel inclinations: positive, straight, and negative. Transparent resin prototypes enabled high-speed imaging and particle tracking for flow field validation, while grinding tests measured temperature rise and mechanical loads. Results demonstrate that channel inclination strongly affects fluid acceleration, jet coherence, and penetration into the grinding zone, with the positive inclination producing the highest outlet velocities and reducing temperature rise by up to 67%. Particle tracking confirmed CFD predictions within 16% deviation, validating the model’s reliability. By establishing a direct correlation between coolant jet dynamics, heat dissipation, and process performance, this study demonstrates a methodology for the thermal optimization of internal cooling systems in rotating tools. The approach provides a pathway for improving energy efficiency, extending tool life, and reducing coolant consumption in industrial machining processes.