cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30696256
title: Rose tea for lowering blood pressure and alleviating stress: Sensory analysis and in silico investigations

description: Rose tea has attracted increasing interest for its distinctive sensory properties and potential health benefits, yet the scientific evidence connecting these aspects remains limited. This study examined rose tea from Batu, East Java, through an integrated approach combining sensory evaluation, chemical profiling, physiological stress assessment, and in silico analysis. Sensory evaluation was conducted with forty-three healthy untrained panelists aged 20–24 years, using a 5-point hedonic scale and the rate-all-that-apply method to assess taste, aroma, and color. Water served as the negative control and L-theanine as the positive control. Among the samples evaluated, the preparation dried at 80 °C for 3 hours received the highest preference scores, noted for its floral aroma, balanced taste, and appealing coloration. Chemical analysis of this preferred sample identified phenolics, flavonoids, and key volatiles such as benzeneacetaldehyde, nonanal, and n-hexadecanoic acid, several of which are associated with both sensory attributes and biological activity. Molecular docking suggested that these compounds may interact selectively with the angiotensin-converting enzyme C-domain and with targets related to stress modulation. Short-term physiological assessments supported these findings, showing reductions in heart rate and perceived stress comparable to those induced by L-theanine. These results indicate that the same compounds contributing to consumer-preferred sensory characteristics may also underpin the functional properties of rose tea. Nevertheless, the study is limited by its focus on a narrow demographic, reliance on short-term and computational measures, and the absence of clinical validation. Broader and longer-term studies are required to substantiate the efficacy of rose tea as a nutraceutical beverage.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30696256.v1
title: Rose tea for lowering blood pressure and alleviating stress: Sensory analysis and in silico investigations

description: Rose tea has attracted increasing interest for its distinctive sensory properties and potential health benefits, yet the scientific evidence connecting these aspects remains limited. This study examined rose tea from Batu, East Java, through an integrated approach combining sensory evaluation, chemical profiling, physiological stress assessment, and in silico analysis. Sensory evaluation was conducted with forty-three healthy untrained panelists aged 20–24 years, using a 5-point hedonic scale and the rate-all-that-apply method to assess taste, aroma, and color. Water served as the negative control and L-theanine as the positive control. Among the samples evaluated, the preparation dried at 80 °C for 3 hours received the highest preference scores, noted for its floral aroma, balanced taste, and appealing coloration. Chemical analysis of this preferred sample identified phenolics, flavonoids, and key volatiles such as benzeneacetaldehyde, nonanal, and n-hexadecanoic acid, several of which are associated with both sensory attributes and biological activity. Molecular docking suggested that these compounds may interact selectively with the angiotensin-converting enzyme C-domain and with targets related to stress modulation. Short-term physiological assessments supported these findings, showing reductions in heart rate and perceived stress comparable to those induced by L-theanine. These results indicate that the same compounds contributing to consumer-preferred sensory characteristics may also underpin the functional properties of rose tea. Nevertheless, the study is limited by its focus on a narrow demographic, reliance on short-term and computational measures, and the absence of clinical validation. Broader and longer-term studies are required to substantiate the efficacy of rose tea as a nutraceutical beverage.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30112820
title: Assessing the agroforestry potential of selected native tree species in Rwanda

description: The deliberate integration of trees into crop and livestock farming systems has garnered significant attention for its ability to deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits. In Rwanda, this agroforestry approach is increasingly embraced because of its capacity to conserve the soil, produce food, feed, and wood products, and provide other essential ecosystem services. However, the limited integration and undervaluation of indigenous tree species in Rwandan farming practices reveal a critical gap in the sustainability of this practice. This study evaluated the agroforestry potential of nine native tree species by examining their compatibility with beans and maize, and their growth outside forest environments. Among the species tested, <i>Pterygota mildbraedii</i> exhibited the highest mean annual height growth (0.27 m yr<sup>−1</sup>), while Erythrina abyssinica recorded the largest diameter increment (0.30 cm yr<sup>−1</sup>). Tree presence significantly reduced crop yield (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), with compatibility varying among species in the following order: <i>Ficus thonningii</i>, <i>Markhamia platycalyx</i>, <i>Podocarpus falcatus</i>, <i>Maesopsis eminii</i>, and <i>Polyscias fulva</i>. While further studies are needed, these compatibility levels indicate that integrating one or more of the tested species into farming systems may be feasible if the benefits from tree products and ecosystem services outweigh any crop competition.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30112820.v1
title: Assessing the agroforestry potential of selected native tree species in Rwanda

description: The deliberate integration of trees into crop and livestock farming systems has garnered significant attention for its ability to deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits. In Rwanda, this agroforestry approach is increasingly embraced because of its capacity to conserve the soil, produce food, feed, and wood products, and provide other essential ecosystem services. However, the limited integration and undervaluation of indigenous tree species in Rwandan farming practices reveal a critical gap in the sustainability of this practice. This study evaluated the agroforestry potential of nine native tree species by examining their compatibility with beans and maize, and their growth outside forest environments. Among the species tested, <i>Pterygota mildbraedii</i> exhibited the highest mean annual height growth (0.27 m yr<sup>−1</sup>), while Erythrina abyssinica recorded the largest diameter increment (0.30 cm yr<sup>−1</sup>). Tree presence significantly reduced crop yield (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), with compatibility varying among species in the following order: <i>Ficus thonningii</i>, <i>Markhamia platycalyx</i>, <i>Podocarpus falcatus</i>, <i>Maesopsis eminii</i>, and <i>Polyscias fulva</i>. While further studies are needed, these compatibility levels indicate that integrating one or more of the tested species into farming systems may be feasible if the benefits from tree products and ecosystem services outweigh any crop competition.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28028453
title: Organic carbon sequestration potential of Slovenian agricultural soil and the impact of management practices on SOC stock

description: Improving soil management is crucial for mitigating climate change by increasing soil organic carbon (SOC). This study addresses the question of whether Slovenian agricultural soils can increase SOC stocks and achieve the 4per1000 initiative (4p1000.org). We calculated the SOC stocks, soil carbon sequestration (SCS) potential of the fine soil fraction (&lt;20 µm) (C<sub>sd</sub>) and the SCS potential of bulk soil for different agricultural uses in Slovenia. In addition, we conducted agricultural land management scenarios to determine a possible increase in SOC stocks. The results showed an average SOC stock of 94.7 t ha<sup>−1</sup> in the agricultural soils of Slovenia. High C<sub>sd</sub> values were mainly found in croplands, intensive orchards and vineyards. The C<sub>sd</sub> (0–30 cm) amounts to 16.3 Mt SOC for the entire country. In addition, our results on SCS potential were compared with similar assessments from other European countries, where the range of bulk soil SCS potential was between 0.03 and 2.8‰ SOC change yr<sup>−1</sup>. With the current management of agricultural land in Slovenia, the SCS is almost balanced (+0.1‰). Different management scenarios showed that efficient fertilizer use, no-till, vegetation cover with biodiverse crop rotation and keeping residues on the surface lead to a significant SOC stock increase by 19.6 t ha<sup>−1</sup> in 20 years, which supports the 4per1000 initiative target (10.5‰).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28028453.v1
title: Organic carbon sequestration potential of Slovenian agricultural soil and the impact of management practices on SOC stock

description: Improving soil management is crucial for mitigating climate change by increasing soil organic carbon (SOC). This study addresses the question of whether Slovenian agricultural soils can increase SOC stocks and achieve the 4per1000 initiative (4p1000.org). We calculated the SOC stocks, soil carbon sequestration (SCS) potential of the fine soil fraction (&lt;20 µm) (C<sub>sd</sub>) and the SCS potential of bulk soil for different agricultural uses in Slovenia. In addition, we conducted agricultural land management scenarios to determine a possible increase in SOC stocks. The results showed an average SOC stock of 94.7 t ha<sup>−1</sup> in the agricultural soils of Slovenia. High C<sub>sd</sub> values were mainly found in croplands, intensive orchards and vineyards. The C<sub>sd</sub> (0–30 cm) amounts to 16.3 Mt SOC for the entire country. In addition, our results on SCS potential were compared with similar assessments from other European countries, where the range of bulk soil SCS potential was between 0.03 and 2.8‰ SOC change yr<sup>−1</sup>. With the current management of agricultural land in Slovenia, the SCS is almost balanced (+0.1‰). Different management scenarios showed that efficient fertilizer use, no-till, vegetation cover with biodiverse crop rotation and keeping residues on the surface lead to a significant SOC stock increase by 19.6 t ha<sup>−1</sup> in 20 years, which supports the 4per1000 initiative target (10.5‰).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30317206
title: Commodity organizations as drivers of sustainable agricultural transformation: a cross-cultural perspective

description: This study identified producer-led commodity organization initiatives and roles in advancing country sustainability missions and SDG 2: Zero hunger by promoting environmental, social and economic sustainable agriculture for food security and climate adaptability. The NVivo 14 content analysis of Corporación Arrocera Nacional and the Pennsylvania Soybean Board newsletters and social media posts from 2017 to 2020 identified motivation, innovation stage, and crop type influencing spatiotemporal unique initiatives and revealed context-independent initiatives in each sustainability dimension to guide the participatory development of organization sustainability indicators in other contexts. These organizations used effective communication strategies to support the development of local knowledge for targeted sustainability initiatives, but varied in actively inviting a participatory process through these communication platforms to address critical sustainability issues. Although sustainability advances were made by each organization, these key stakeholder communications lacked a unified vision of sustainability to support buy-in by not explicitly framing initiatives as sustainability strategies and not presenting indicators of success toward SMART sustainability goals. Eleven functional roles—liaison, steward, supporter, certifier, educator, trainer, recruiter, innovator, investor, advocate, negotiator—illustrate structural components of commodity organizations that facilitate adaptability to crises and are effective at developing sustainable agricultural infrastructure in local contexts.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30317206.v1
title: Commodity organizations as drivers of sustainable agricultural transformation: a cross-cultural perspective

description: This study identified producer-led commodity organization initiatives and roles in advancing country sustainability missions and SDG 2: Zero hunger by promoting environmental, social and economic sustainable agriculture for food security and climate adaptability. The NVivo 14 content analysis of Corporación Arrocera Nacional and the Pennsylvania Soybean Board newsletters and social media posts from 2017 to 2020 identified motivation, innovation stage, and crop type influencing spatiotemporal unique initiatives and revealed context-independent initiatives in each sustainability dimension to guide the participatory development of organization sustainability indicators in other contexts. These organizations used effective communication strategies to support the development of local knowledge for targeted sustainability initiatives, but varied in actively inviting a participatory process through these communication platforms to address critical sustainability issues. Although sustainability advances were made by each organization, these key stakeholder communications lacked a unified vision of sustainability to support buy-in by not explicitly framing initiatives as sustainability strategies and not presenting indicators of success toward SMART sustainability goals. Eleven functional roles—liaison, steward, supporter, certifier, educator, trainer, recruiter, innovator, investor, advocate, negotiator—illustrate structural components of commodity organizations that facilitate adaptability to crises and are effective at developing sustainable agricultural infrastructure in local contexts.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28183597
title: Effects of mulching, terracing, and efficient irrigation on soil salinity reduction in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley

description: This study investigates the effects of mulching, terracing and efficient irrigation methods on soil salinity and agricultural sustainability in the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan. We focus on a semi-arid region and investigate how integrated soil management techniques can mitigate soil degradation while improving crop productivity and water efficiency. Over a 10-year period, we have conducted field experiments to quantify changes in soil salinity, moisture retention and crop yields. The results show that organic mulching significantly lowers soil salinity and stabilizes soil moisture, while terracing reduces runoff and erosion on slopes. Efficient irrigation methods, especially the use of low mineralization water, also helped to control salinity and improve water use efficiency. The combined application of these practices led to a significant improvement in soil health and fertility, demonstrating their effectiveness in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These results emphasize the need for integrated soil management strategies to combat soil salinization and support sustainable agriculture in drylands.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28183597.v1
title: Effects of mulching, terracing, and efficient irrigation on soil salinity reduction in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley

description: This study investigates the effects of mulching, terracing and efficient irrigation methods on soil salinity and agricultural sustainability in the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan. We focus on a semi-arid region and investigate how integrated soil management techniques can mitigate soil degradation while improving crop productivity and water efficiency. Over a 10-year period, we have conducted field experiments to quantify changes in soil salinity, moisture retention and crop yields. The results show that organic mulching significantly lowers soil salinity and stabilizes soil moisture, while terracing reduces runoff and erosion on slopes. Efficient irrigation methods, especially the use of low mineralization water, also helped to control salinity and improve water use efficiency. The combined application of these practices led to a significant improvement in soil health and fertility, demonstrating their effectiveness in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These results emphasize the need for integrated soil management strategies to combat soil salinization and support sustainable agriculture in drylands.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29957083
title: Synergistic enhancement of sugar beet root physico-mechanical properties using magnetically treated water and potassium nano-fertilizers for sustainable farming

description: Magnetically treated irrigation water (MIW) and potassium nano-fertilizers have emerged as innovative methods to improve plant physico-mechanical properties and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This study investigates the combined effects of MIW and varying potassium fertilization treatments on key physical and mechanical properties of sugar beet roots. A 2 × 5 split-plot design was employed, comparing MIW with non-magnetized irrigation water (NMIW) as a control, and five potassium fertilization regimes: 100% potassium oxide (K<sub>2</sub>O), 75% K<sub>2</sub>O + 25% nano-potassium (Nano K), 50% K<sub>2</sub>O + 50% Nano K, 25% K<sub>2</sub>O + 75% Nano K, and 100% Nano K. Physical properties, including root dimensions, and projected surface area (PSA), were analyzed using image processing. In addition, the volume was measured utilizing the water displacement technique. Mechanical properties, such as firmness and penetration energy, were measured to evaluate their role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Results from two growing seasons showed that the treatments combining MIW with 100% K<sub>2</sub>O and MIW with 75% K<sub>2</sub>O + 25% Nano K consistently achieved the highest values for root diameter, thickness, length, PSA, weight, firmness, and penetration energy. Notably, the MIW + 75% K<sub>2</sub>O + 25% Nano K treatment exhibited significant improvements in both physical and mechanical properties, contributing to enhanced resource efficiency and crop resilience. This approach highlights the potential of MIW and potassium nano-fertilizers to optimize sugar beet cultivation, offering a sustainable strategy to support future agriculture practices while minimizing environmental impact.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29957083.v1
title: Synergistic enhancement of sugar beet root physico-mechanical properties using magnetically treated water and potassium nano-fertilizers for sustainable farming

description: Magnetically treated irrigation water (MIW) and potassium nano-fertilizers have emerged as innovative methods to improve plant physico-mechanical properties and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This study investigates the combined effects of MIW and varying potassium fertilization treatments on key physical and mechanical properties of sugar beet roots. A 2 × 5 split-plot design was employed, comparing MIW with non-magnetized irrigation water (NMIW) as a control, and five potassium fertilization regimes: 100% potassium oxide (K<sub>2</sub>O), 75% K<sub>2</sub>O + 25% nano-potassium (Nano K), 50% K<sub>2</sub>O + 50% Nano K, 25% K<sub>2</sub>O + 75% Nano K, and 100% Nano K. Physical properties, including root dimensions, and projected surface area (PSA), were analyzed using image processing. In addition, the volume was measured utilizing the water displacement technique. Mechanical properties, such as firmness and penetration energy, were measured to evaluate their role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Results from two growing seasons showed that the treatments combining MIW with 100% K<sub>2</sub>O and MIW with 75% K<sub>2</sub>O + 25% Nano K consistently achieved the highest values for root diameter, thickness, length, PSA, weight, firmness, and penetration energy. Notably, the MIW + 75% K<sub>2</sub>O + 25% Nano K treatment exhibited significant improvements in both physical and mechanical properties, contributing to enhanced resource efficiency and crop resilience. This approach highlights the potential of MIW and potassium nano-fertilizers to optimize sugar beet cultivation, offering a sustainable strategy to support future agriculture practices while minimizing environmental impact.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30815261
title: Performance of cowpea varieties under different phosphorus levels and spacing in Tanzania

description: The identification of cowpea varieties that can thrive in P-limited soils and optimal spacing has not yet been addressed in Tanzania. This study evaluated the recently released three cowpea varieties for growth parameters and high yield in different P levels and spacing. Field experiments were conducted over two consecutive rainy seasons, i.e. 2023 and 2024, to assess the effects of P, plant spacing, and variety on growth and yield performance. The experiment was laid out in triplicate under RCBD. The results revealed that P did not significantly affect growth parameters. However, the variety (Vuli-AR2) exhibited a considerable increase in growth and yield performance, even at low P levels, suggesting that its genetic potential traits contribute to higher P-use efficiency. The interaction [P40 kg/ha × (0.4 × 0.2 m) × Vuli-AR2] revealed a significant increase in yield per ha in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, with an average yield of 323.06 ± 12.30 and 376.04 ± 16.15 kg/ha, respectively. Moreover, the interaction [P40kg/ha × (0.4 × 0.2 m) × Vuli-AR2] revealed significantly (<i>p</i> = 0.001) high pod length and seeds per pod in both seasons. The variety Vuli-AR2 demonstrated high agronomic performance under low P levels. Upscaling Vuli-AR2 will maximize cowpea production even under marginal soils.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30815261.v1
title: Performance of cowpea varieties under different phosphorus levels and spacing in Tanzania

description: The identification of cowpea varieties that can thrive in P-limited soils and optimal spacing has not yet been addressed in Tanzania. This study evaluated the recently released three cowpea varieties for growth parameters and high yield in different P levels and spacing. Field experiments were conducted over two consecutive rainy seasons, i.e. 2023 and 2024, to assess the effects of P, plant spacing, and variety on growth and yield performance. The experiment was laid out in triplicate under RCBD. The results revealed that P did not significantly affect growth parameters. However, the variety (Vuli-AR2) exhibited a considerable increase in growth and yield performance, even at low P levels, suggesting that its genetic potential traits contribute to higher P-use efficiency. The interaction [P40 kg/ha × (0.4 × 0.2 m) × Vuli-AR2] revealed a significant increase in yield per ha in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, with an average yield of 323.06 ± 12.30 and 376.04 ± 16.15 kg/ha, respectively. Moreover, the interaction [P40kg/ha × (0.4 × 0.2 m) × Vuli-AR2] revealed significantly (<i>p</i> = 0.001) high pod length and seeds per pod in both seasons. The variety Vuli-AR2 demonstrated high agronomic performance under low P levels. Upscaling Vuli-AR2 will maximize cowpea production even under marginal soils.