An analytical methodology was developed for the first time in this work enabling the simultaneous enantiomeric separation of the fungicide fenpropidin and its acid metabolite by Capillary Electrophoresis. A dual cyclodextrin system consisting of 4 % (w/v) captisol with 10 mM methyl-beta-cyclodextrin was employed in a 100 mM sodium acetate buffer at pH 4.0. Optimal experimental conditions (temperature 25 degrees C, separation voltage -25 kV, and hydrodynamic injection of 50 mbar x 10 s) allowed the simultaneous separation of the four enantiomers in <10.7 min with resolutions of 3.1 (fenpropidin) and 3.2 (its acid metabolite). Analytical characteristics of the method were evaluated and found adequate for the quantification of both chiral compounds with a linearity range from 0.75 to 70 mg L-1, good accuracy (trueness included 100 % recovery, precision with RSD<6 %), and limits of detection and quantification of 0.25 and 0.75 mg L-1, respectively, for the four enantiomers. No significant differences were found between the concentrations determined and labelled of fenpropidin in a commercial agrochemical formulation. The stability over time (0-42 days) of fenpropidin enantiomers using the commercial agrochemical formulation was evaluated in two sugar beet soils, revealing to be stable at any time in one sample, while in the other a decrease of 45 % was observed after 42 days. Individual and combined toxicity of fenpropidin and its metabolite was determined for the first time for marine organism Vibrio fischeri, demonstrating higher damage caused by parent compound. Synergistics and antagonists' interactions were observed at low and high effects levels of contaminants.

To address the material requirements for grouting reinforcement in fine sand strata, a novel silicate-modified polymer two-component grouting material was designed. In this material, the traditional organic polyol component of the two-component polymer was replaced with an inorganic silicate (water glass) component, along with the addition of tertiary amine catalysts, organotin catalysts, water. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to statistically predict the performance of the modified polymer grouting material. The effects of four parameters (two-component mass ratio, tertiary amine catalyst content, organotin catalyst content, and water content) and their interactions on response variables (gelation time, polymer solids strength, cemented body strength) were investigated. Based on a comprehensive consideration of various performance requirements for grouting materials in loose fine sand strata, multi-objective optimization was employed to determine the optimal formulation of the modified polymer grouting material (A/B ratio of 0.85, tertiary amine catalyst at 2.48 %, organotin catalyst at 0.63 %, and water at 1.87 %). A series of experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the material properties of the optimal formulation, and its mechanical performance and microstructural characteristics were compared with those of traditional polymer grouting materials to verify the proposed formation mechanism of the modified polymer. The results demonstrated that the proposed design method effectively determines the optimal grouting material formulation. The optimized modified polymer grouting material exhibited excellent comprehensive performance. Finally, the optimized modified polymer grouting material was applied in a pavement repair project on a of a highway. After grouting, the structural layer's uniform integrity was significantly restored, the damaged areas were effectively repaired, the modified polymer slurry showed good diffusion, and the repair effect was satisfactory, meeting the engineering requirements for grouting in loose fine sand strata.

This paper presents an efficient two-and-a-half dimensional (2.5D) numerical approach for analysing the long-term settlement of a tunnel-soft soil system under cyclic train loading. Soil deformations from train loads are divided into shear deformation under undrained conditions and volumetric deformation from excess pore water pressure (EPWP) dissipation. A 2.5D numerical model was employed to provide the dynamic stress state owing to the moving train load and the soil static stress state by the gravity effect for the determination of their accumulations. Then, an incremental computation approach combined with the initial strain approach in the framework of the 2.5D model was developed to compute the long-term deformation of the tunnel-soft soil system, considering the influence of the soil hardening due to EPWP dissipation. This approach helps to determine the distribution of the progressive settlement, transverse and longitudinal deformations in the tunnel-soil system, overcoming traditional limitations. A comparison of settlements computed using this approach with measured settlements of a shield tunnel in soft soil shows good agreement, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed approach in analysing train-induced progressive deformation of the tunnel-soil system.

In this research, an energy formulation is proposed for the evaluation of pore pressure generation, incorporating the influence of the initial state of static stresses, both normal and shear, prior to cyclic loading. The proposed model focuses on obtaining a law of evolution of pore pressures under cyclic loading in saturated soils regardless of their susceptibility or not to liquefaction. The energy approach developed in this research extends previous energy based models developed for granular soils (susceptible to liquefaction and without initial static shear stress) incorporating: a) the integration in the formulation and interpretation of both the work dissipated and consumed during the dynamic process; b) the normalization of the formulation considering initial static stresses both normal and shear; c) obtaining and validating the model parameters with conventional tests of cyclic shearing equipment. The proposed model was validated with 116 cyclic simple shear tests under different in situ vertical effective stresses and different combinations of static and cyclic shear stresses. However, the model can be easily calibrated for other soils with cyclic simple shear tests without static shear stress, widely used in laboratories with dynamic equipment.

The application of phosphate-solubilizing microbes (PSMs) as biofertilizers in agricultural systems has not satisfactorily solved the problem of reducing our reliance on chemical phosphorus (P) fertilizers. Ongoing efforts are continually trying to translate promising laboratory results to successful deployment under field conditions, which are typically met with failure. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art research on PSMs and their role in the terrestrial P cycle, including previously overlooked molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning phosphate solubilization. PSMs capable of transforming either organic or complexed inorganic P compounds are discussed. By providing environmentally secure and environmentally friendly ways to increase the accessibility of phosphate, these bacteria effectively transform insoluble phosphate molecules into forms that plants can utilize, encouraging crop growth and increasing nutrient usage effectiveness. The use of PSMs in agriculture sustainably improves crop productivity and has enormous potential for tackling issues with global food security, reducing environmental damage, and promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Furthermore, due to resource shortages, the changing global climate and need to reduce environmental risks associated with the overuse of chemical phosphate fertilizer, PSMs have the potential to be sustainable biofertilizer alternatives in the agricultural sector. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms constitute a cutting-edge field in agriculture and environmental science. In addition, this paper elaborates on the groups and diversity of microbes hitherto identified in phosphate solubilization. Also, factors that had hitherto hindered the reproducibility of lab results in field settings are succinctly highlighted. Furthermore, this paper outlines some biofertilizer formulations and current techniques of inoculation according to the test crop/strain. Finally, laboratory, greenhouse, and field results are presented to acquaint us with the current status of the use of PSM-based biofertilizers.

In conventional agricultural practices, agrochemicals, including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other soil conditioners optimize crop production and combat insect-pest damage to satisfy the food demands of constantly growing global human populations. Long-term usage of expensive agrichemicals contaminates the soils and destroys biodiversity, deteriorating soil fertility, and microbiome-plant ecosystems. In this context, nanotechnology offers effective and powerful tool against factors that limit the legume production due to the compact size, ease of transport and handling, long shelf life, and high efficiency of nanomaterials. Thus, the application of nanoparticles in agricultural sectors are gaining momentum in developing nano-biosensors, nanoformulations (nanofertilizers/nanopesticides- NPs), and plant nutrient management. Indeed, nanotechnology is set to transform crop production systems, because NPs significantly reduce the environmental release of active ingredients. Unlike conventional fertilizers and pesticides, which often fail to reach their target sites and contribute to environmental contamination, NPs offers a more precise and eco-friendly solution. This review provides a broad view of the complex interactions between nanoparticles and phytomicrobiome-legumes, focusing both on the potential benefits and risks associated with the widespread use of nanoparticles. The emerging field of nanotechnology, especially nanoformulations, offers a green alternative to conventional fertilizers and pesticides, optimizing yields and managing legume diseases.

This paper presents an advanced vibration analysis of Al2O3 nanocomposite-reinforced concrete bridge structures resting on an innovative elastic foundation using the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). The primary objective is to investigate the dynamic response of these bridges under various loading conditions, accounting for the reinforcing effects of Al2O3 nanocomposites within the concrete matrix. The formulation incorporates a novel elastic foundation model designed to more accurately simulate realistic boundary conditions and soil-structure interaction. The accuracy and reliability of the CUF-based vibration analysis are further validated using nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques, which enable the detection of potential damage and anomalies in the bridge structures. Moreover, a machine learning (ML) algorithm is employed to predict the vibrational characteristics, facilitating an efficient comparison with the results obtained from CUF and NDT. The combination of theoretical modeling, experimental verification, and ML predictions highlights the robustness of the proposed method. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of using Al2O3 nanocomposites to enhance the mechanical properties of bridge structures, improving their vibrational performance, stability, and longevity. This study provides a comprehensive framework for future applications in bridge engineering, combining high-fidelity numerical methods with state-of-the-art testing and computational techniques.

One of the latest trends in sustainable agriculture is the use of beneficial microorganisms to stimulate plant growth and biologically control phytopathogens. Bacillus subtilis, a Gram-positive soil bacterium, is recognized for its valuable properties in various biotechnological and agricultural applications. This study presents, for the first time, the successful encapsulation of B. subtilis within electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) fibers, which are dip-coated with cellulose derivatives. In that way, the obtained fibrous biohybrid materials actively ensure the viability of the encapsulated biocontrol agent during storage and promote its normal growth when exposed to moisture. Aqueous solutions of the cellulose derivatives-sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose, were used to dip-coat the electrospun PHB fibers. The study examined the effects of the type and molecular weight of these cellulose derivatives on film formation, mechanical properties, bacterial encapsulation, and growth. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to observe the morphology of the biohybrid materials and the encapsulated B. subtilis. Additionally, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the surface chemical composition of the biohybrid materials and verified the successful coating of PHB fibers. Mechanical testing revealed that the coating enhanced the mechanical properties of the fibrous materials and depends on the molecular weight of the used cellulose derivatives. Viability tests demonstrated that the encapsulated B. subtilis exhibited normal growth from the prepared materials. These findings suggest that the developed fibrous biohybrid materials hold significant promise as biocontrol formulations for plant protection and growth promotion in sustainable agriculture.

A numerical model for computing the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and fatigue damage of steel catenary risers (SCRs) was developed. The structural dynamics were accurately simulated using an absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). The Van der Pol wake oscillator is applied to generate the fluctuating lift, which is further transformed into the cross-flow direction by considering the structural deformation. The Randolph-Quiggin (RQ) model and the Coulomb friction 'bilinear' model are employed to simulate the vertical and lateral riser-soil interactions, respectively. After case validations, the effects of riser-soil interaction on the VIV amplitude, frequency, mode, and fatigue of the SCR at different current angles are investigated, and a sensitivity study of different seabed model parameters is discussed. The bands of significant VIV frequencies were broadened by riser-soil interactions, accompanied by more frequency components of disturbance and more abundant vibration modes. Severe fatigue damage cannot be captured by the truncated model, and seabed models that require improvement are ignored. It is suggested that vertical and lateral riser-soil interactions should be considered in the evaluation of VIV fatigue damage for SCRs.

Background Soil-borne plant diseases represent a severe problem that negatively impacts the production of food crops. Actinobacteria play a vital role in biocontrolling soil-borne fungi. Aim and objectives The target of the present study is to test the antagonistic activity of chitinase-producing Streptomyces cellulosae Actino 48 (accession number, MT573878) against Rhizoctonia solani. Subsequently, maximization of Actino 48 production using different fermentation processes in a stirred tank bioreactor. Finally, preparation of bio-friendly formulations prepared from the culture broth of Actino 48 using talc powder (TP) and bentonite in a natural as well as nano forms as carriers. Meanwhile, investigating their activities in reducing the damping-off and root rot diseases of peanut plants, infected by R. solani under greenhouse conditions. Results Actino 48 was found to be the most significant antagonistic isolate strain at p <= 0.05 and showed the highest inhibition percentage of fungal mycelium growth, which reached 97%. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images analysis showed a large reduction in R. solani mycelia mass. Additionally, many aberrations changes and fungal hypha damages were found. Batch fermentation No. 2, which was performed using agitation speed of 200 rpm, achieved high chitinase activity of 0.1163 U mL- 1 min- 1 with a yield coefficient of 0.004 U mL- 1 min- 1 chitinase activity/g chitin. Nano-talc formulation of Actino 48 had more a significant effect compared to the other formulations in reducing percentages of damping-off and root rot diseases that equal to 19.05% and 4.76% with reduction percentages of 60% and 80%, respectively. The healthy survival percentage of peanut plants recorded 76.19%. Furthermore, the nano-talc formulation of Actino 48 was sufficient in increasing the dry weight of the peanut plants shoot, root systems, and the total number of peanut pods with increasing percentages of 47.62%, 55.62%, and 38.07%, respectively. Conclusion The bio-friendly formulations of actinobacteria resulting from this investigation may play an active role in managing soil-borne diseases.