bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide data reveal bi-direction and asymmetrical hybridization origin of a fern species Microlepia matthewii
Authors: Luo Jun-Jie , Shang Hui , Xue Zhi-Qing , Wang Ying , Dai Xi-Ling , Shen Hui , Yan Yue-Hong
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Natural hybridization is common and plays a crucial role in driving biodiversity in nature. Despite its significance, the understanding of hybridization in ferns remains inadequate. Therefore, it is imperative to study fern hybridization to gain a more comprehensive understanding of fern biodiversity. Our study delves into the role of hybridization in shaping fern species, employing Microlepia matthewii as a case study to investigate its origins of hybridization.

Methods

We performed double digest Genotyping-by-sequencing (dd-GBS) on M. matthewii and its potential parent species, identifying nuclear and chloroplast SNPs. Initially, nuclear SNPs were employed to construct the three cluster analysis: phylogenetic tree, principal component analysis, and population structure analysis. Subsequently, to confirm whether the observed genetic mixture pattern resulted from hybridization, we utilized two methods: ABBA-BABA statistical values in the D-suite program and gene frequency covariance in the Treemix software to detect gene flow. Finally, we employed chloroplast SNPs to construct a phylogenetic tree, tracing the maternal origin.

Results and discussion

The analysis of the nuclear SNP cluster revealed that M. matthewii possesses a genetic composition that is a combination of M. hancei and M. calvescens. Furthermore, the analysis provided strong evidence of significant gene flow signatures from the parental species to the hybrid, as indicated by the two gene flow analyses. The samples of M. matthewii cluster separately with M. hancei or M. calvescens on the chloroplast systematic tree. However, the parentage ratio significantly differs from 1:1, suggesting that M. matthewii is a bidirectional and asymmetrical hybrid offspring of M. hancei and M. calvescens.
Genome-wide identification of the CAD gene family and functional analysis of putative bona fide CAD genes in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Wu Mingzhu , Li Yijun , Liu Zhengtai , Xia Lin , Xiang Yiyu , Zhao Lijie , Yang Xiaobei , Li Zefeng , Xie Xiaodong , Wang Lin , Wang Ren , Xu Sheng , Yang Jun
Published: July 2024

Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) plays a crucial role in lignin biosynthesis, and the gene family encoding various CAD isozymes has been cloned and characterized in numerous plant species. However, limited information regarding the CAD gene family in tobacco is currently available. In this study, we identified 10 CAD genes in Nicotiana tabacum, four in N. tomentosiformis, and six in N. sylvestris. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of these tobacco CADs demonstrate high levels of similarity, whereas the putative protein sequences conservatively possessed two Zn2+ binding motifs and an NADP(H) cofactor binding motif. Both NtCAD1 and NtCAD2 had conservative substrate binding sites, similar to those possessed by bona fide CADs, and evidence from phylogenetic analysis as well as expression profiling supported their role as bona fide CADs involved in lignin biosynthesis. NtCAD1 has two paralogous genes, NtCAD1–1 and NtCAD1–2. Enzyme activity analysis revealed that NtCAD1–1 and NtCAD1–2 had a high affinity to coniferyl aldehyde, p-coumaryl aldehyde, and sinapyl aldehyde, whereas NtCAD2 preferred coniferyl aldehyde and p-coumaryl aldehyde as substrates. The kinetic parameter assay revealed that NtCAD1–2 functions as the most efficient enzyme. Downregulation of both NtCAD1–1 and NtCAD1–2 resulted in reddish-brown stems without significant changes in lignin content. Furthermore, NtCAD1–1, NtCAD1–2, and NtCAD2 showed distinct expression patterns in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as different phytohormones. Our findings suggest that NtCAD1–1 and NtCAD1–2 are involved in lignin biosynthesis, with NtCAD1–2 also participating in both biological and abiotic stresses, whereas NtCAD2 plays a distinct role mainly in responding to biological and abiotic stresses in tobacco.
ROS-mediated thylakoid membrane remodeling and triacylglycerol biosynthesis under nitrogen starvation in the alga Chlorella sorokiniana
Authors: Vijayan Jithesh , Wase Nishikant , Liu Kan , Morse Wyatt , Zhang Chi , Riekhof Wayne R.
Published: July 2024

Many microbes accumulate energy storage molecules such as triglycerides (TAG) and starch during nutrient limitation. In eukaryotic green algae grown under nitrogen-limiting conditions, triglyceride accumulation is coupled with chlorosis and growth arrest. In this study, we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) actively accumulate during nitrogen limitation in the microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. Accumulation of ROS is mediated by the downregulation of genes encoding ROS-quenching enzymes, such as superoxide dismutases, catalase, peroxiredoxin, and glutathione peroxidase-like, and by the upregulation of enzymes involved in generating ROS, such as NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and amine oxidases. The expression of genes involved in ascorbate and glutathione metabolism is also affected under this condition. ROS accumulation contributes to the degradation of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and thylakoid membrane remodeling, leading to chlorosis. Quenching ROS under nitrogen limitation reduces the degradation of MGDG and the accumulation of TAG. This work shows that ROS accumulation, membrane remodeling, and TAG accumulation under nitrogen limitation are intricately linked in the microalga C. sorokiniana.
Non-targeted metabolomics reveals the taste variations during Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. fruit maturation
Authors: Yang Chongcheng , Chen Jiaqi , Zhang Yang , Huang Jianjian , Wang Huachen , Chen Jie
Published: July 2024

Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. is a new kind of underutilized wild fruit tree; the metabolic reasons for its fruit flavor changes are not yet clear. In this study, the pink flesh of this excellent tasting fruit (BR) was used to reveal the metabolic causes of taste variations through five developmental stages. We identified 154 common differential metabolites of different developmental stages based on non-targeted metabolomics analysis. The accumulation of sugar and fatty acids increased significantly after 73 days, while citric acid decreased significantly. Flesh color accumulation mainly occurred 53 days ago, and vitamin accumulation occurred after 93 days. Interestingly, L-sorbose and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid were positively correlated with the sugar–acid ratio but negatively correlated with titratable acids. It indicated that L-sorbose and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid may be taste biomarkers of BR B. ramiflora. The results provided new metabolic lines of evidence for the taste variation during the ripening process of B. ramiflora.
Development of a marital self-disclosure programme for alleviating the fear of cancer recurrence in patients with gastric cancer and undergoing chemotherapy: a modified Delphi method
Authors: Zhou Ye , Che Chong Chin , Chong Mei Chan , Zhao Haiyan
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study aimed to develop a marital self-disclosure programme to alleviate the fear of cancer recurrence in patients with gastric cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Design

Delphi method.

Methods

Data from available literature and stakeholder interviews were utilised to formulate the initial draft of a marital self-disclosure programme aimed to alleviate the fear of cancer recurring in patients with gastric cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. A panel of experts subsequently conducted a two-round modified Delphi method to finalise the programme.

Results

A total of 13 experts participated in the first round of consultation, while 11 experts were involved in the second round, as two experts withdrew due to unavailability. The response rates of both rounds of expert consultation were 100 and 84.62%, respectively, and the expert authority coefficients (Cr) of the programme were 0.83 and 0.84, respectively. The coordination coefficients of the expert opinions were 0.124 (χ2 = 61.214, p = 0.010) and 0.167 (χ2 = 69.668, p = 0.001) for each Delphi round. The average score of the second round was (4.545 ± 0.688) to (5.000 ± 0), with a full score ratio of 0.55–1.00. The coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 0 to 0.031. Outcomes from both rounds of consultations were considered acceptable and credible. The finalised marital self-disclosure programme for alleviating the fear of cancer recurrence in patients with gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy consists of two parts; disclosure guidance for patients and their spouse with nine items, and the structure and themes of marital self-disclosure with 31 items.

Patient or public contribution

After two rounds of expert consultations, the marital self-disclosure programme for patients with gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy is suggested to be scientifically valid and reliable. This programme is anticipated to potentially support patients and their spouses effectively by providing a reliable intervention plan focused on alleviating the fear of cancer recurrence.
A study on the relationship between yoga exercise intervention and the comprehensive well-being of female college students
Authors: Liu Lanjuan , Liu Dandan , Liu Cheng , Si Yanran
Published: July 2024

Background

Due to the influence of theories, tools, and methodologies in studying well-being, sports science has predominantly focused on subjective well-being, with less attention given to psychological well-being and even less to the integrated study of comprehensive well-being. This study aims to analyze the relationship between yoga exercise intervention and the comprehensive well-being of college students and to explore the mechanism of a yoga exercise intervention to improve the comprehensive well-being of female college students.

Methods

With 92 female college students as subjects, the “Comprehensive Well-being Scale” was used, and research methods such as yoga exercise intervention, questionnaire surveys, qualitative analysis, expert interviews, and statistical analysis were employed to investigate the role of a yoga exercise intervention on the comprehensive well-being of female college students.

Results

Among the nine dimensions of comprehensive well-being, the three dimensions of subjective well-being and the two dimensions of psychological well-being (health concern and personality growth) of female college students were significantly improved. Additionally, four other dimensions of psychological well-being also showed significant improvement. Furthermore, the improvement in the life satisfaction of female college students’ subjective well-being was mainly achieved through yoga meditation, while partner yoga posture practice could help individuals gradually form a stable pattern of altruistic behavior.

Conclusion

Yoga exercise intervention can improve the comprehensive well-being of female college students and can be an effective counseling method for college students’ mental health education.
From Chew to Poo—How a Food’s Structure Changes Digestion
Authors: Corstens Meinou N. , Forde Ciarán
Published: July 2024

Have you ever wondered what happens to food inside your body? How does your body know what you have eaten? And why do you feel full after a meal? The digestive tract breaks down the foods we eat, absorbs their nutrients, and sends them to different parts of the body to keep us healthy and full of energy. The body knows how to handle each type of food so that only “leftovers” are turned into poo. A food’s structure determines how fast foods are broken down. The body monitors this and sends messages to the brain to tell us if we feel full or hungry. You might think you are in control, but a food’s structure manipulates how you eat and digest your food. In this article, we explain what is known so far about the effects of a food’s structure.
Behaviours of farmed saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) housed individually or in groups
Authors: Campbell Dana L. M. , Hewitt Leisha , Lee Caroline , Timmerhues Charlotte A. , Small Alison H.
Published: July 2024

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are farmed in Australia primarily for their skins and meat. Commercially, they are raised in group pens as hatchlings and grower crocodiles and then moved to unitised (individual) pens for the final finishing stage when they are several years old. They will exhibit aggressive behaviour towards each other in captivity. Unitised pens can prevent animal injury and teeth marks on the skins but may result in other social restrictions. Research into behavioural housing preferences could assist the industry and inform the process of guideline development for optimal crocodile management and welfare. This study assessed the impacts of two housing systems, unitised or group pens, in 20 commercial finishing crocodiles through measuring behavioural profiles of individuals from video recordings, including housing preference when given a choice. Both pens included water and an above-water shelf, but the crocodiles in unitised pens could also access underneath the shelf. A threat perception test was applied to assess anxiety when housed individually or in groups. However, it was difficult to apply a standardised stimulus to all animals that reliably elicited a behavioural response. Further work would be needed to validate this test for commercial reptiles as the outcomes were not robust. The behavioural observation results showed clear differences in where the crocodiles spent their time across the day and in their activity levels between the pen types. However, interpretation of this variation was confounded by the physical and social differences between the pen types given the inconsistency in shelf access. Behaviours exhibited also differed given there were social opportunities in the group pens where individuals were observed engaged in both aggressive and non-aggressive contact interactions. In the free choice environment, crocodiles spent similar amounts of time in both unitised and group pens, suggesting there were features of both pen types that were attractive to the animals. However, skins were damaged from teeth marks highlighting the physical and economical risks of group housing. Further work could validate behavioural tests to quantify affective state impacts in different housing environments and whether social interactions do provide benefits for improving crocodile welfare.
Characteristics of Early Antibody Mediated Rejection in Antibody Incompatible Living Donor Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Punjala Sai Rithin , Ibrahim Maria , Phillips Benedict Lyle , Stojanovic Jelena , Kessaris Nicos , Shaw Olivia , Dorling Anthony , Mamode Nizam
Published: July 2024

Antibody incompatible transplantation (AIT) may be an only option for highly sensitized patients. Severe form of early antibody mediated rejection (AMR) adversely affects graft survival after AIT. The aim of this study was to identify individuals at risk of AMR. We analyzed 213 living donor AITs performed at our center. Among 120 ABOi, 58 HLAi and 35 DSA + FCXM-negative cases, the rates of early AMR were 6%, 31%, and 9%, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis for graft loss, early AMR had a HR of 3.28 (p < 0.001). The HLAi group had worse death-censored graft survival (p = 0.003). In the HLAi group, Patients with aggressive variant AMR (AAMR) had greater percentage of C3d complement fixing DSA, higher baseline class I and total DSA MFI levels and B-cell FCXM RMF. C1q and C3d complement fixing DSA and strong positivity of baseline B- or T-cell FXCM as predictors of AAMR had 100% sensitivity. Early AMR is of significant clinical concern in AIT as it results in poor graft survival and is not well described in literature. An aggressive variant is characterized by massive rise in DSA levels at rejection. Baseline DSA, C1q, and C3d and baseline FCXM values can be used to risk-stratify candidates for AIT.
Glycolysis Changes in Alloreactive Memory B Cells in Highly Sensitized Kidney Transplant Recipients Undergoing Desensitization Therapy
Authors: Noble Johan , Cabezas Lara , Truffot Aurelie , Dumolard Lucile , Jouve Thomas , Malvezzi Paolo , Rostaing Lionel , Dard Céline , Saas Philippe , Cravedi Paolo , Macek-Jilkova Zuzana
Published: July 2024

Despite the growing use of desensitization strategies, hyperimmune patients remain at high risk of antibody-mediated rejection suggesting that, even when donor-specific antibodies (DSA) are effectively depleted, anti-donor specific B cells persist. We included 10 highly sensitized recipients that underwent desensitization with plasmapheresis and B cell depletion prior to kidney transplantation. We quantified changes in DSA (luminex), total B-cell subsets (flow cytometry), anti-donor HLA B cells (fluorospot), and single-cell metabolism in serially collected samples before desensitization, at the time of transplant, and at 6 and 12 months thereafter. Desensitization was associated with a decrease in DSA and total memory B cell and naive B cell percentage, while plasma cells and memory anti-donor HLA circulating B cells persisted up to 12 months after transplant. At 12-month post-transplantation, memory B cells increased their glycolytic capacity, while proliferative KI67+ plasma cells modified their metabolism by increasing fatty acid and amino acid oxidation capacity and decreasing their glucose dependence. Despite effective DSA depletion, anti-donor B cells persist in kidney transplant recipients. Due to the reliance of these cells on glycolysis, glycolysis-targeting therapies might represent a valuable treatment strategy.
Trajectory Synthesis and Linkage Design of Single-Degree-of-Freedom Finger Rehabilitation Device
Authors: Zhao Ping , Wang Yang , Zhang Yating , Wang Yong
Published: July 2024

For injured and after-stroke patients who temporarily lose their hand’s grasping abilities, assisting them in regaining their index finger mobility is very important in the rehabilitation process. In this paper, a finger rehabilitation device based on one degree-of-freedom (DOF) linkage mechanism is designed, aiming to lead the index finger through the flexion–extension trajectory during grasping tasks. Two types of one-DOF mechanisms, a four-bar linkage and a Watt-I six-bar linkage, are synthesized for the task trajectory. Various algorithms such as PSO, GA, and GA–BFGS are adopted and compared for the synthesis of these two types of mechanisms, among which the Watt-I six-bar linkage obtained with GA–BFGS shows the optimal performance in accuracy. Clinical biomechanical data are utilized to perform static analyses of the mechanisms, and the feasibility of the Watt-I six-bar linkage models is tested, compared, and demonstrated. Finally, the prototype of the six-bar linkage as well as a wearable exoskeleton finger rehabilitation device are designed to show how they are applied in the finger rehabilitation scenario.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Differential Game Guidance Law against Maneuvering Evaders
Authors: Xi Axing , Cai Yuanli
Published: July 2024

To achieve the intelligent interception of different types of maneuvering evaders, based on deep reinforcement learning, a novel intelligent differential game guidance law is proposed in the continuous action domain. Different from traditional guidance laws, the proposed guidance law can avoid tedious manual settings and save cost efforts. First, the interception problem is transformed into the pursuit–evasion game problem, which is solved by zero-sum differential game theory. Next, the Nash equilibrium strategy is obtained through the Markov game process. To implement the proposed intelligent differential game guidance law, an actor–critic neural network based on deep deterministic policy gradient is constructed to calculate the saddle point of the differential game guidance problem. Then, a reward function is designed, which includes the tradeoffs among guidance accuracy, energy consumption, and interception time. Finally, compared with traditional methods, the interception accuracy of the proposed intelligent differential game guidance law is 99.2%, energy consumption is reduced by 47%, and simulation time is shortened by 1.58 s. All results reveal that the proposed intelligent differential game guidance law has better intelligent decision-making ability.
Economic, Social, and Environmental Factors Impacting Resilience and Disturbances of Lithuanian Family Farms
Authors: Kurlavičius Algimantas , Žukovskis Jan , Gozdowski Dariusz , Wójcik-Gront Elżbieta
Published: July 2024

Climate change, changes in the natural environment, changing markets, price volatility, etc. pose tension and threats to the future of European Union farms. The uncertain future of family farms requires farm resilience—the ability to survive, adapt, and grow in the face of turbulent change. The limited resilience of family farms has become an important concern for rural and agricultural policy. The main goal of this work is to identify disturbances affecting Lithuanian family farms, assess their influence, investigate the general resilience of Lithuanian family farms, propose measures to reduce the vulnerability of farms, and increase the general resilience and sustainability. We used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to conduct the research. Survey research was conducted using a semi-structured expert interview in which various types of variables were collected. The survey questionnaire, consisting of 38 groups of questions, was sent by email to 500 randomly selected family farmers in January 2024 and collected in the same month. The statistical analysis of the data from the 205 duly filled-out questionnaires was carried out using correlation analysis. In this article, we apply the concept of general resilience of the family farm in the direction of robustness, adaptability, and transformability. We identify the main factors influencing the general resilience of the family farm and study the main attributes of the resilience of family farms. We find some links between family farm characteristics, vulnerability factors, and general resilience capabilities, and we make several proposals to increase family farms’ resilience. The obtained results prove that higher education, larger farm sizes, higher agricultural sales, and employment of permanent workers are associated with better resilience. Furthermore, increasing environmentally friendly practices positively impacts resilience. Older farms and farmers, longer durations of farming activity, and risk-averse behaviors tend to decrease resilience. Due to local and global circumstances, economic and social changes have occurred very quickly in recent years, so the results obtained in the study may not be valid in the long term. Similar surveys after several years will be necessary to study the resilience of Lithuanian farms, including deeper economic analyses that evaluate factors such as price sensitivity, the level of farm debt, and market access.
Root Exudates Promoted Microbial Diversity in the Sugar Beet Rhizosphere for Organic Nitrogen Mineralization
Authors: Liu Dali , Xu Lingqing , Wang Hao , Xing Wang , Song Baiquan , Wang Qiuhong
Published: July 2024

Rhizosphere environments play a vital role in the nutrient cycling of crops and soil organic nitrogen mineralization. Sugar beet is a highly nitrogen (N)-demanding crop, and it is necessary to explore the relationship between the sugar beet root exudates, the microbial community, and nitrogen utilization. In this study, a special separation method was employed to create rhizosphere (H3) and non-rhizosphere (H2 and H1) environments for sugar beet. After 50 d of cultivation in nearly inorganic-free soil, the microbial diversity and its correlation with root metabolites and N were examined. The results showed that in H3, the inorganic N content was over 23 times higher than in H1 and H2, with a 13.1% higher relative abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria compared to H2 and a 32% higher abundance than H1. The relative abundance of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria was also 18.8% higher than in H1. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between inorganic nitrogen content and serine (Ser) and isoleucine (Ile). The organic nitrogen content exhibited positive correlations with glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), and tyrosine (Tyr) but displayed negative correlations with certain amino acids, organic acids, and glucose. The co-linearity network indicated that the microbial composition in H3 also exhibited higher node connectivity. It can be inferred that under the influence of sugar beet root exudates, the changes in the rhizosphere’s microbial diversity were more intricate, thereby benefiting soil nitrogen cycling and inorganic N accumulation. These findings provide profound insight into sugar beet soil organic nitrogen mineralization and contribute to the sustainable and environmentally friendly development of modern agriculture.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: An Influential Element in Alleviating Salt Stress in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L. Cv Atlas)
Authors: Türkoğlu Aras , Haliloğlu Kamil , Ekinci Melek , Turan Metin , Yildirim Ertan , Öztürk Halil İbrahim , Stansluos Atom Atanasio Ladu , Nadaroğlu Hayrunnisa , Piekutowska Magdalena , Niedbała Gniewko
Published: July 2024

Climate change has intensified abiotic stresses, notably salinity, detrimentally affecting crop yield. To counter these effects, nanomaterials have emerged as a promising tool to mitigate the adverse impacts on plant growth and development. Specifically, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have demonstrated efficacy in facilitating a gradual release of zinc, thus enhancing its bioavailability to plants. With the goal of ensuring sustainable plant production, our aim was to examine how green-synthesized ZnO-NPs influence the seedling growth of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L. Cv Atlas) under conditions of salinity stress. To induce salt stress, solutions with three different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mM) were prepared. Additionally, Zn and ZnO-NPs were administered at four different concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 200 ppm). In this study, plant height (cm), plant weight (g), plant diameter (mm), chlorophyll content (SPAD), K/Na value, Ca/Na value, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD: EU g−1 leaf; CAT: EU g−1 leaf; POD: EU g−1 leaf), H2O2 (mmol kg−1), MDA (nmol g−1 DW), proline (µg g−1 FW), and sucrose (g L−1), content parameters were measured. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of ZnO nanoparticles with identified planes. Salinity stress significantly reduced plant metrics and altered ion ratios, while increasing oxidative stress indicators and osmolytes. Conversely, Zn and ZnO-NPs mitigated these effects, reducing oxidative damage and enhancing enzyme activities. This supports Zn’s role in limiting salinity uptake and improving physiological responses in quinoa seedlings, suggesting a promising strategy for enhancing crop resilience. Overall, this study underscores nanomaterials’ potential in sustainable agriculture and stress management.
Effects of Straw Return and Nitrogen Application Rates on Soil Ammonia Volatilization and Yield of Winter Wheat
Authors: Wan Xuejie , Zhao Le , Wang Ziwei , Che Lin , Xu Yadong , Zhou Yubo , Shi Changhai , Li Lingyan , Liu Yiguo
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of corn straw return and nitrogen application rates on ammonia volatilization and yield enhancement under field conditions, in order to reduce emissions while increasing crop yield. During the winter wheat season, a fissure area design was implemented, comprising three levels of straw return in the main area and three distinct nitrogen fertilizer levels in the subsidiary area, for a total of nine treatments. The results can be summarized as follows: (1) The ammonia emissions flux initially increased followed by a decrease, and was primarily concentrated within the first 14 days after fertilization, with a peak observed at 4–5 days before decreasing. Notably, nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected the cumulative ammonia emissions, ranging from 0.019 to 1.786 kg·hm−2·d−1 and 0.013 to 1.693 kg·hm−2·d−1 across the two seasons. (2) The soil with a higher nitrogen application rate exhibited elevated levels of inorganic nitrogen content and urease activity under the same straw return level. Maintaining a consistent nitrogen application level, the return of straw to the field increased the cumulative ammonia discharge, inorganic nitrogen content, and urease activity. (3) The interaction between straw return and nitrogen fertilizer substantially affected crop yield. Specifically, during the winter wheat season, the optimal combination for reducing ammonia emissions and enhancing yield was observed under straw return (both half or full) combined with 180 kg·hm−2 nitrogen application. Notably, the reduction of soil emissions and winter wheat yield augmentation were feasible through appropriate corn straw return in the preceding season.
Ammonia and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Organic Manure Composting: The Effect of Membrane Cover
Authors: Varga Zsolt István , Shahzad Shaghil , Ramay Muhammad Wajahat , Damak Mariem , Gulyás Miklós , Béres András , Gyuricza Csaba , Székács András , Aleksza László
Published: July 2024

The current scientific literature predominantly focuses on pilot-scale studies concerning the effectiveness of membrane covers in reducing gas emissions during cattle manure composting. Our study centers on the application of a leading market commercial membrane cover (ePTE-TEXcomm) and a locally manufactured one (ProfiCover®) at industrial processing levels, evaluating their efficacy in mitigating gas emission during the fifth day of the thermophilic phase. Taking into account material inhomogeneities, work environment impact, and efficiency, the results are characteristic of industrial-scale processes rarely discussed in the scientific literature. Our results, obtained with a portable gas sampler and FTIR spectroscopy measurements using corresponding standards, indicate that ePTE-TEXcomm manifested a reduction of 90.8% for NH3 and 59.6% for CO2. CH4 emissions increased, suggesting their potential entrapment. N2O and propane equivalent experienced reductions of 23.1% and 44.8%, respectively. On the other hand, ProfiCover® presented emission reductions for NH3 and CO2 of 93.3% and 85.9%, respectively. CH4, contrasting with ePTE-TEXcomm, showed a significant reduction of 55.6%. N2O and propane equivalent followed with reductions of 56.7% and 84.5%, respectively. All of this divergence in performance implies a potential trade-off in emission reduction efficacy between the covers. Knowledge sharing between researchers and industry partners is key to translating these technologies into widespread adoption.
Nanoparticle Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Pisum sativum L. (Green Pea) Analyzed via Dark-Field Microscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, and Principal Component Analysis Combined with Machine Learning
Authors: Candan Feyza , Markushin Yuriy , Ozbay Gulnihal
Published: July 2024

The green pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an economically, nutritionally, and culturally important legume. It is a crop that is subject to various investigations due to its popularity with the development of various protocols in different topics, except for nano-biotechnological studies. This work was carried out to evaluate the uptake, distribution, translocation, and bioaccumulation of the single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) within the economically important plant Pisum sativum morphologically and anatomically with a dark-field microscopy system. Data were analyzed for morphological parameters such as stem, tendril, root length, number, shape, width-length of the stipules, and root-stem-stipule. Our results proved the stimulation for growth and anatomical parameters such as CNTs aggregates and AuNPs particles at paranchyma, cortex, spongia cells, starch formation and accumulation in lenticels, stoma cells, and stomatal pores. In this study, we compared the utilization of the entire available Attenuated Total Reflectance—Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectral range (525–4000 cm−1) for conducting principal component analysis (PCA) without excluding any specific spectral wavenumbers with the spectral range chosen based on larger PCA loadings. The results demonstrate that for both chosen spectral ranges of the PCA score plots, utilizing only the first three principal components (PCs), we effectively visually separated three groups: (1) plants treated with Au NPs, (2) plants treated with CNTs, and (3) control plants without nanoparticle treatment using ATR-FTIR spectral data from combined samples of root, stem, and leaves from the Pisum sativum plant. Our investigation shows that green pea, a species of the Fabaceae family, is low-cost, fast, and non-toxic and requires an environmentally safe process in the area of nanotechnology in bio-application regarding the green synthesis of nanoparticles; it is a step for green mining, phytoremediation, delivering drugs, and biomolecules. Our findings show that green pea and the Fabaceae family have more advantages for the biological synthesis of C-Au nanoparticles and guide soil health, agricultural development, pharmaceuticals, drug delivery science, and other types of medicinal investigations with a new approach, while a lot of economic plants in the Fabaceae family will be available for the green synthesis of more NPs with single and rapid protocols and will be a popular family in nano-biotechnological studies in the next few decades.
Effectiveness of the Sustainable Manure Pile Model for Ammonia Emission and Soil
Authors: Bleizgys Rolandas , Povilaitis Arvydas , Pekarskas Juozas , Naujokienė Vilma
Published: July 2024

In order to reduce odor emissions and surface water pollution while storing manure in field heaps near a barn, there is a challenge in properly designing manure-storage areas. Therefore, it is important to assess what solutions and conditions, considering environmental requirements, should be considered when storing manure in field heaps. The goal of the research is to determine the impact of various factors on the risk of nutrient leaching, soil, and gas emissions from solid manure heaps, considering climatic factors in the environment. Through various scientific studies, a manure pile model has been developed and evaluated for its impact on the risk of potential leaching and odor emissions (using hyperspectral gas emission analysis mass flow method) from manure and the dynamics of the 0–80 cm soil layer properties (nitrate (N-NO3) and nitrite (N-NO2), ammonia (NH3), mineral, and total N). Based on the research results, requirements for manure management and storage during the prohibited fertilization period were established, considering the requirements for nitrates from agricultural sources in Lithuania. An optimal new manure heap model has been identified—a layer of not less than 20 cm of compacted straw (density 150–200 kg m−3) or a 10 cm layer of peat for absorbing manure slurries is formed on the soil surface, the manure heap is surrounded by an earth embankment not less than 30 cm high, the manure heap is covered with a layer of finely chopped straw not less than 10 cm thick, or 5 cm of sawdust, or 5 cm of peat. The manure is stored in the heap for 6–12 months. Following the research results, requirements for manure management and storage during the prohibited fertilization period were established, considering the requirements for nitrates from agricultural sources in Lithuania, applicable to the northern part of the temperate climate zone and applying similar requirements to the relevant countries.
Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Cell Death Influenced by Dietary Lipid Levels in a Fresh Teleost
Authors: He Lingjie , Zhang Yupeng , Cao Quanquan , Shan Hongying , Zong Jiali , Feng Lin , Jiang Weidan , Wu Pei , Zhao Juan , Liu Haifeng , Jiang Jun
Published: July 2024

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, affecting physiological and pathological processes. Fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction is a common pathological condition in aquaculture. However, the exact role and mechanism of ferroptosis in its pathogenesis and progression remains unclear. In this study, an experiment was conducted using different dietary lipid levels in the feeding of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) for 11 weeks. The results revealed that the growth performance and whole-body protein content significantly increased with the elevation of dietary lipid levels up to 12%. The activities of antioxidant enzymes as well as the content of GSH (glutathione) in the liver initially increased but later declined as the lipid levels increased; the contents of MDA (malondialdehyde) and GSSG (oxidized glutathione) demonstrated an opposite trend. Moreover, elevating lipid levels in the diet significantly increased liver Fe2+ content, as well as the expressions of TF (Transferrin), TFR (Transferrin receptor), ACSL4 (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4), LPCAT3 (lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3), and LOX12 (Lipoxygenase-12), while decreasing the expressions of GPX4 (glutathione peroxidase 4) and SLC7A11 (Solute carrier family 7 member 11). In conclusion, the optimal lipid level is 12.2%, determined by WG-based linear regression. Excess lipid-level diets can up-regulate the ACSL4/LPCAT3/LOX12 axis, induce hepatic oxidative stress and cell death through a ferroptotic-like program, and decrease growth performance.
Active Packaging Film Developed by Incorporating Starch Aldehyde–Quercetin Conjugate into SPI Matrix
Authors: Sun Yufeng , Ju Yang , Xie Qinfei , Tao Ran , Wang Lili , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong
Published: July 2024

In this study, soy protein isolate (SPI) films incorporating quercetin-grafted dialdehyde starch (DAS-QR) and DAS/QR, respectively, were developed. The structural, physical, and functional properties of the composite films were determined. The results suggested that DAS-QR and DAS/QR formed hydrogen bonding with the SPI matrix, which improved the structural properties of the films. The light-blocking capacity, thermal stability, hydrophobicity, tensile strength, elongation at break, and antioxidant and antibacterial abilities of SPI films were improved by DAS-QR and DAS/QR. Notably, SPI films incorporated with DAS-QR exhibited better performance than those with DAS/QR in terms of antioxidant (SPI/DAS-QR: 79.8% of DPPH and 62.1% of ABTS scavenging activity; SPI/DAS/QR: 71.4% of DPPH and 56.0% of ABTS scavenging activity) and antibacterial abilities against S. aureus (inhibition rate: 92.7% for SPI/DAS-QR, 83.4% for SPI/DAS/QR). The composite coating film SPI/DAS-QR effectively maintained appearance quality, delayed the loss of weight and total soluble solids, postponed malondialdehyde accumulation, and decreased peroxidase activity and microbial contamination in fresh-cut potatoes. These good performances highlight SPI/DAS-QR as a promising active packaging material for fresh-cut product preservation.
α-Cyclodextrin/Moringin Induces an Antioxidant Transcriptional Response Activating Nrf2 in Differentiated NSC-34 Motor Neurons
Authors: Gugliandolo Agnese , Calì Gabriella , Muscarà Claudia , Artimagnella Osvaldo , Rollin Patrick , Perenzoni Daniele , Iori Renato , Mazzon Emanuela , Chiricosta Luigi
Published: July 2024

Oxidative stress is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases. Different natural compounds mediate neuroprotective effects by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant response. Some isothiocyanates are Nrf2 activators, including Moringin (MOR). In this study, the transcriptional profile of differentiated NSC-34 motor neurons was evaluated after treatment for 48 h and 96 h with concentrations of 0.5, 5, and 10 µM of a new MOR formulation obtained with α-cyclodextrin (α-CD). All the concentrations increased gene expression and cytoplasmic protein levels of Nrf2 at 96 h. However, the highest dose also increased nuclear Nrf2 levels at 96 h. Then, Nrf2 interactors were selected using STRING, and common biological process (BP) terms between the groups were evaluated. α-CD/MOR was able to modulate BP related to responses to oxidative stress, proteostasis, and autophagy. Specifically, the treatment with 10 µM of α-CD/MOR for 96 h induced genes involved in glutathione synthesis and proteasome subunits and reduced the expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, this group showed the lowest levels of the apoptotic markers Bax, cleaved caspase 9, and cleaved caspase 3. These results indicate the beneficial effects of prolonged α-CD/MOR supplementation that are mediated, at least in part, by Nrf2 activation. Then, α-CD/MOR could be a valuable treatment against neurodegenerative diseases, in particular motor neuron degeneration.
Synergistic Mechanisms of Selected Polyphenols in Overcoming Chemoresistance and Enhancing Chemosensitivity in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hon Kha Wai , Naidu Rakesh
Published: July 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite significant advances in medical treatment, chemotherapy as monotherapy can lead to substantial side effects and chemoresistance. This underscores the need for therapeutic approaches that are not only pharmacologically safe but also modulate multiple potent signaling pathways and sensitize cancer cells to overcome resistance to standard drugs. In recent years, scientists have been searching for natural compounds that can be used as chemosensitizers in addition to conventional medications for the synergistic treatment of CRC. Polyphenols represent a diverse group of natural compounds that can target multiple signaling pathways in cancer cells to induce anti-cancer effects. Additionally, polyphenols have been shown to work synergistically with chemotherapeutics and other natural compounds in cancer cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols as chemosensitizers in CRC cells. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully harness the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols combined with chemotherapy or natural compounds in improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Out-of-Stock Prediction Model Using Buzzard Coney Hawk Optimization-Based LightGBM-Enabled Deep Temporal Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Elghadghad Ahmed , Alzubi Ahmad , Iyiola Kolawole
Published: July 2024

Out-of-stock prediction refers to the activity of forecasting the time when a product will not be available for purchase because of an inventory deficiency. Due to difficulties, out-of-stock forecasting models now face certain challenges. Incorrect demand forecasting may result in a lack or excess of goods in stock, a factor that affects client satisfaction and the profitability of companies. Accordingly, the new approach BCHO-TCN LightGBM, which is based on Buzzard Coney Hawk Optimization with a deep temporal convolutional neural network and the Light Gradient-Boosting Machine framework, is developed to deal with all challenges in the existing models in the field of out-of-stock prediction. The role that BCHO plays in the LightGBM-based deep temporal CNNis rooted in modifying the classifier to improve both accuracy and speed. Integrating BCHO into the model training process allows us to optimize and adjust the hyperparameters and the weights of the CNN linked with the temporal DNN, which, in turn, makes the model perform better in the extraction of temporal features from time-series data. This optimization strategy, which derives from the cooperative behaviors and evasion tactics of BCHO, is a powerful source of information for the computational optimization agent. This leads to a faster convergence of the model towards optimal solutions and therefore improves the overall accuracy and predictive abilities of the temporal CNN with the LightGBM algorithm. The results indicate that when using data from Amazon India’s product listings, the model shows a high degree of accuracy, as well as excellent net present value (NPV), present discounted value (PDV), and threat scores, with values reaching 94.52%, 95.16%, 94.81%, and 95.76%, respectively. Likewise, in a k-fold 10 scenario, the model achieves values of 94.81%, 95.60%, 96.28%, and 95.86% for the same metrics.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of Heat Transfer in a Chilled Ceiling System
Authors: Küheylan Cüneyt Deniz , Özkan Derya Burcu
Published: July 2024

Radiant cooling has been growing in recent years due to energy savings and improved comfort and health. The aim of this study was to reduce energy consumption and provide comfort using a chilled ceiling panel in the zone. In the experimental part of this study, a test room was created to investigate the change in the heat transfer performance of a chilled ceiling panel according to different water temperatures, different water flow rates and different heat source values. As a result of the experimental study, it was found that optimum conditions were achieved with a heat rate of 280 Watts and the lowest supply water temperature of 14 °C, with indoor comfort conditions being achieved with water flow rates of 0.93 m3/h. In the theoretical part of this study, a thermal balance was established for ceiling panel cooling applications. An analytical model of the heat transfer between the cold ceiling panel and the room air was also developed. The convection coefficient, convective heat transfer and total heat transfer coefficient were compared using the values obtained from the experiments and those reported in the literature. It was found that the convection coefficient was within the range reported in the literature, and the radiation heat coefficient was within 99.8% of the literature values.
Plant Management and Soil Improvement in Specialty Crop Production
Authors: Chen Xunfeng , Fang Linchuan
Published: July 2024

Specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamental plants, play a crucial role in global agriculture and nutrition [...]
A Study on the Color Prediction of Ancient Chinese Architecture Paintings Based on a Digital Color Camera and the Color Design System
Authors: Lv Guang , Liao Ningfang , Yuan Chang , Wei Lizhong , Feng Yunpeng
Published: July 2024

Color paintings such as painted facades and interiors are important decoration elements of ancient Chinese architectures. The color of the paintings usually fades over time due to exposure to strong light, high humidity, high temperatures, and other environmental factors. In order to restore or reproduce the color appearance of ancient architecture paintings correctly, it was necessary to study the color degradation process of such paintings. To meet the needs of on-site colorimetric measurement of the paintings on ancient Chinese architectures, we propose using a digital color camera and the CDS (Color Design System) to measure and evaluate the colors of such paintings. The CDS is a color order system recommended by the Chinese national technical committee for color standardization (SAC/TC 120) in 2017 (GB/Z 35473-2017). The current version of the CDS atlas contains about 2740 samples which were uniformly distributed on the whole color space, and can be used to set up the colorimetric characterization model for the digital camera. Particularly, the digital CDS lookup table contains over 400 thousand samples, and it can be used to express the color of paintings on ancient Chinese architectures. In the experiment, a digital color camera was used to capture the colors of the paintings on the ancient Chinese architectures of different years based on the CDS and polynomial transform method. Moreover, a linear interpolation method was proposed for calculating and predicting the color degradation of such paintings. The experimental results show that with the increase in years, the color hue of the paintings changes slowly, while the lightness and the chroma of them fade obviously. In the future, more ancient architectures of different years and from different places should be selected as experimental samples to improve the method and the results of the paper.