Open Access

There is an urgent need to develop sustainable agricultural land use schemes. Intensive crop production has induced increased greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced nutrient and pesticide leaching to groundwater and streams. Climate change is also expected to increase drought risk as well as the frequency of extreme precipitation events in many regions. Consequently, sustainable management schemes require sound knowledge of site-specific soil water processes that explicitly take into account the interplay between soil heterogeneities and crops. In this study, we applied a principal component analysis to a set of 64 soil moisture time series from a diversified cropping field featuring seven distinct crops and two weeding management strategies. Results showed that about 97 % of the spatial and temporal variance of the data set was explained by the first five principal components. Meteorological drivers accounted for 72.3 % of the variance and 17.0 % was attributed to different seasonal behaviour of different crops. While the third (4.1 %) and fourth (2.2 %) principal components were interpreted as effects of soil texture and cropping schemes on soil moisture variance, respectively, the effect of soil depth was represented by the fifth component (1.7 %). However, neither topography nor weed control had a significant effect on soil moisture variance. Contrary to common expectations, soil and rooting pattern heterogeneity seemed not to play a major role. Findings of this study highly depend on local conditions. However, we consider the presented approach generally applicable to a large range of site conditions.

The rapid increase in the use and development of statistical design of experiments (DoE), particularly in pharmaceutical process development, has become increasingly important over the last decades. This rise aligns with Green Chemistry Principles, seeking reduced resource usage and heightened efficiency. In this study, we employed a comprehensive design of experiments (DoE) approach to optimize the catalytic conversion of 1-decene to n-decanal through direct Wacker-type oxidation using the previously determined efficient PdCl2(MeCN)2 catalytic system. The aim was to maximize selectivity and conversion efficiency. Through systematic variation of seven factors, including substrate amount, catalyst and co-catalyst amount, reaction temperature, reaction time, homogenization temperature, and water content, this study identified critical parameters influencing the process to direct the reaction toward the desired product. The statistical analysis revealed high significance for both selectivity and conversion, with surface diagrams illustrating optimal conditions. Notably, catalyst amount emerged as a pivotal factor influencing conversion, with reaction temperature and co-catalyst amount significantly affecting both conversion efficiency and selectivity. The refined model demonstrated strong correlations between predicted and observed values, highlighting the impact of these factors on both selectivity and conversion.

This research explores the two-phase flow behavior involved in enhanced dense phase carbon dioxide inactivation of <italic>E. coli</italic> DH5α, which has been shown to possess a high microbial reduction efficiency of up to 3.7 ± 0.4 log. We present an experiment in which the liquid sample was pressurized with liquid carbon dioxide to 8.2 MPa and, after saturation, was forced to flow through a mini tube. An experimental setup was developed to visualize the flow patterns (plug, slug and churn flows) occurring in the mini tube by means of high-speed imaging. The values of the wall shear stress were estimated within the mini tube with the help of the gas slug velocities (8–9 m/s) and were compared with threshold shear stress values reported for the disruption of fresh <italic>E. coli</italic> cells. The results suggest that the preliminary pressurization phase may cause a substantial destabilization of the cell wall of <italic>E. coli</italic> DH5α.

Diese Arbeit wertet Leistellendaten von zwei Landkreisen aus und untersucht dabei, welche Veränderung hinsichtlich der mittleren Anzahl und Dauer von Rettungsdiensteinsätzen im Zeitraum der COVID-19-Pandemie aufgeteilt nach Stunden- und Tageskategorien besteht. Anschließend werden die Veränderungen von Anzahl und Dauer beider Landkreise verglichen, um diese auf Unterschiede zu prüfen. Da in der aktuellen Literatur unzureichend dargelegt ist, wie Veränderungen des Einsatzanzahl oder -dauer im Rettungsdienst zwischen Kreisen sowie über die Tage und Tagesstunden verteilt sind, trägt diese Untersuchung dazu bei diese Forschungslücke zu schließen. Die statistische Auswertung der Leitstellendaten umfasst mehrere Schritte, sodass zuerst eine Aufbereitung durchgeführt wird, bevor die mittlere Einsatzanzahl und -dauer für vier Zeiträume sowie die prozentuale Veränderung zwischen einem Zeitraum vor und drei Zeiträumen während der Pandemie ermittelt werden. Im Anschluss wird die Veränderung mittels Kruskal-Wallis-Test beziehungsweise Varianzanalyse nach Welch auf Signifikanz überprüft. Abschließend erfolgt ein qualitativer Vergleich zwischen den Kreisen. Die Untersuchung zeigt, dass hinsichtlich Einsatzanzahl und -dauer zu allen drei Zeitraumen in der Pandemie Zu- und Abnahmen auftreten. Die Anzahl nimmt zum ersten Zeitraum in beiden Kreisen überwiegend ab, sowie zum vierten Zeitraum mehrheitlich zu, während zum zweiten Zeitraum im Lahn-Dill-Kreis eine häufigere Abnahme und im Main-Taunus-Kreis eine geringfügig überwiegende Zunahme vorliegt. Die Einsatzdauer unterliegt zum zweiten Zeitraum im Lahn-Dill-Kreis einer überwiegenden Zunahme und im Main-Taunus-Kreis einer überwiegenden Abnahme, während zum dritten sowie vierten Zeitraum in beiden Kreisen einer Steigerung stattfindet. Im Vergleich beider Gebietskörperschaften zeigen bei der Einsatzanzahl die Veränderungen zum zweiten und vierten Zeitraum und bei der Dauer die Veränderungen zum dritten und vierten Zeitraum mit der Mehrheit der Stundenkategorien Gemeinsamkeiten. Das Pandemiegeschehens sowie die nichtpharmazeutischen Interventionen sowie deren Folgen stellen Faktoren für die Veränderung von Einsatzanzahl und -dauer dar. Die geografische Lage sowie die lokale Ausgestaltung von Rettungsdienst und Krankentransport begründen, zusätzlich zu den oben genannten Aspekten, Unterschiede zwischen den Kreisen.

Current changes in environmental legislation and customer demands set an urge for the development of more sustainable surfactants. Thus, the objective of this work was the development of novel environmentally friendly amino acid surfactants. Combining Diels–Alder cyclization of myrcene with maleic or citraconic anhydride followed by ring opening with amino acids enabled a synthesis route with a principal 100% atom economy. Variation of amino acids resulted in a large structural variety of anionic and amphoteric surfactants. Lysine gave access to either a mono-acylated product bearing a cationic side chain or a bi-acylated gemini surfactant. First, anhydride precursors were synthesized in yields of >90% in a Diels–Alder reaction under microwave radiation and subsequent amino acid coupling in aqueous environment gave fully bio-based surfactants in good yields and purity. Physicochemical characterization showed an enhanced decrease in surface tension upon addition of amino acids to the myrcene–anhydride backbone, resulting in a minimal value of 31 mN·m−1 for gemini–lysine. Foamabilitiy and foam stability were significantly increased at skin-friendly pH 5.5 by incorporation of amino acids. The carboxylic groups of surfactants with arginine were esterified with ethanol to access cationic compounds. Comparative analysis revealed moderate antimicrobial effects against yeast, Gram-positive bacteria, and Gram-negative bacteria.

This study explores the potential of robust, strongly basic type I ion exchange resins—specifically, Amberlyst® A26 OH and Lewatit® K 6465—as catalysts for the aldol condensation of citral and acetone, yielding pseudoionone. Emphasis is placed on their long-term stability and commendable performance in continuous operational settings. The aldol reaction, which traditionally is carried out using aqueous sodium hydroxide as the catalyst, holds the potential for enhanced sustainability and reduced waste production through the use of basic ion exchange resins in heterogeneous catalysis. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations are employed to investigate catalyst deactivation mechanisms. The result of these calculations indicates that the active sites of Amberlyst® A26 OH are cleaved more easily than the active sites of Lewatit® K 6465. However, the experimental data show a gradual decline in catalytic activity for both resins. Batch experiments reveal Amberlyst® A26 OH’s active sites diminishing, while Lewatit® K 6465 maintains relative consistency. This points to distinct deactivation processes for each catalyst. The constant count of basic sites in Lewatit® K 6465 during the reaction suggests additional factors due to its unique polymer structure. This intriguing observation also highlights an exceptional temperature stability for Lewatit® K 6465 compared to Amberlyst® A26 OH, effectively surmounting one of the prominent challenges associated with the utilization of ion exchange resins in catalytic applications.

The internal armed conflict in Colombia has been closely linked to the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the appropriation of territories, including the planting of illicit coca crops. This activity has led to deforestation and the degradation of natural ecosystems, aggravating the problems associated with violence and drug trafficking. Regions with little state presence, such as Catatumbo, were particularly affected. Following the signing of the peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016, a post-agreement scenario emerged that highlighted the need to address complex socio-environmental conflicts in affected regions. This research aims to identify the potential of environmental governance to contribute to peacebuilding and the reduction of deforestation associated with illicit coca cultivation. A qualitative methodological approach was used in this study, which seeks to integrate research methods and techniques such as: documentary review, participant observation, semi-structured and in-depth interviews, and mapping of the current reality through the Theory U 3D mapping tool. The results include the socio-environmental context of the territory of analysis, describing the origins of the conflict of deforestation for illicit crops, where the growing dynamics of transformation of the sowing of illicit crops are related, as well as the dynamics of deforestation in the territory of analysis. Tthe identification and analysis of the most relevant actors that have historically participated in the processes of deforestation for illicit crops, their characterization according to the relations of power, interest and legitimisation legitimization. The forms of participation and conflict resolution in the management of natural resources. Considering as a contextual axis two important processes at a socio-political level in Colombia and the territory under analysis, which correspond to the consolidation of the Comprehensive Rural Reform after the peace agreement and the post-agreement context. Several intervention proposals were proposed from the perspective of environmental governance related to the reconstruction of the social fabric, the reconversion of productive systems, and the resignification of new dynamics of natural resource management. In this sense, the potential of environmental governance is discussed as a useful framework for establishing new relationships based on horizontality in which the actors possess sovereignty over the territory, participation and representativeness in the management of natural resources. Key words: Deforestation, illicit coca crops, environmental governance, forest management, peacebuilding.

Aim: European cities are facing heighten hydrological risks as a result of climate change at the same time as ecological degradation has reduced the environmental capacity to absorb and regulate such fluctuations. Climate forecasts predict more intense convective rainfall and winter flood events in the Wupper Basin in Germany, against a background trend of reduced mean rainfall during the summer months. On 14 July 2021 intense convective rainfall fell at points across Western Germany and led to flash floods in the Wupper Basin, many sites were inundated and the Wupper and Dhünn rivers rose to new record highs. Green-blue infrastructure offers strategies to reduce the impacts of hazards at the same time as providing a range of co-benefits. A study was undertaken to find which green-blue interventions will be most effective at reducing the impacts of hydrometeorological hazards for a study area in the west of the Wupper basin. Furthermore, as landscape features are highly influential in hydrology, the study sought to establish which sites within the landscape can provide maximum results from green-blue interventions, with a minimum of change to current land uses. Region: Europe, peri-urban and rural, undulating, low mountainous landscapes Methods: Literature findings on observed and projected climate data are summarised and long-term rainfall data from the study area is analysed to confirm rainfall trends. A state-of-the-art review is conducted and summarised to form a toolbox of potential interventions. The most recent hazardous hydrometeorological event is analysed to inform the locational priorities of potential interventions. Landscape features that have the most influence on basin hydrology are identified from the literature. These sites are paired with green-blue interventions that are shown to have the highest potential impact on interception, infiltration, runoff and flooding. A series of spatial analyses are carried out to produce maps detailing location and intervention with high potential to reduce the impact of hydrometeorological hazards in the study area. All of the evidence gathered from the literature analysis is combined in an implementation guide for green-blue interventions in the Wupper Basin. Results: The hazards caused by the hydrometeorological extremes of flooding and drought are addressed or minimised through the green-blue interventions that increase interception and infiltration and reduce runoff and flooding. Priority locations are identified as the riparian zone with slope ≤15%, hilltop, lower slope and toe slope, all locations with a slope ≥30% and areas with a high topographic wetness index (TWI). A series of spatial analyses were carried out and suggestions made including potential locations for retention or detention areas and ponds, sites for revegetation and potential locations for implementation of shelterbelts/hedgerows, buffer strips, conservation tillage or strip tillage, reduced mowing intensity or frequency and biochar additions. An implementation guide is created that provides a summary of the highest potential green-blue interventions and landscape locations, and a description of the mechanisms involved in addressing the hydrometeorological hazards. Keywords: Green-blue interventions, hydrometeorological hazard reduction, Wupper Basin hydrology

The paper presents results of the modelling of heat transfer at film boiling of a liquid in a porous medium on a vertical heated wall bordering with the porous medium. Such processes are observed at cooling of high-temperature surfaces of heat pipes, microstructural radiators etc. Heating conditions at the wall were the constant wall temperature or heat flux. The outer boundary of the vapor film was in contact with moving or stationary liquid inside the porous medium. An analytical solution was obtained for the problem of fluid flow and heat transfer using the porous medium model in the Darcy–Brinkman and Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer approximation. It was shown that heat transfer at film boiling in a porous medium was less intensive than in the absence of a porous medium (free fluid flow) and further decreased with the decreasing permeability of the porous medium. Significant differences were observed in frames of both models: 20% for small Darcy numbers at Da < 2 for the Darcy–Brinkman model, and 80% for the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model. In the Darcy–Brinkman model, depending on the interaction conditions at the vapor–liquid interface (no mechanical interaction or stationary fluid), a sharp decrease in heat transfer was observed for the Darcy numbers lower than five. The analytical predictions of heat transfer coefficients qualitatively agreed with the data of Cheng and Verma (Int J Heat Mass Transf 24:1151–1160, 1981) though demonstrated lower values of heat transfer coefficients for the conditions of the constant wall temperature and constant wall heat flux.

To date, the establishment of high-titer stable viral packaging cells (VPCs) at large scale for gene therapeutic applications is very time- and cost-intensive. Here we report the establishment of three human suspension 293-F-derived ecotropic MLV-based VPCs. The classic stable transfection of an EGFP-expressing transfer vector resulted in a polyclonal VPC pool that facilitated cultivation in shake flasks of 100 mL volumes and yielded high functional titers of more than 1 × 106 transducing units/mL (TU/mL). When the transfer vector was flanked by transposon terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) and upon co-transfection of a plasmid encoding for the transposase, productivities could be slightly elevated to more than 3 × 106 TU/mL. In contrast and using mRNA encoding for the transposase, as a proof of concept, productivities were drastically improved by more than ten-fold exceeding 5 × 107 TU/mL. In addition, these VPC pools were generated within only 3 weeks. The production volume was successfully scaled up to 500 mL employing a stirred-tank bioreactor (STR). We anticipate that the stable transposition of transfer vectors employing transposase transcripts will be of utility for the future establishment of high-yield VPCs producing pseudotype vector particles with a broader host tropism on a large scale.