Search Results (2,590)

The Yellow River Delta (YRD), as a key area for the economic development of the Bohai Rim region, significantly impacts soil fertility and plant growth through soil salinization content. Accurately determining the spatial distribution of soil salinization in the YRD is vital for regional salinity management and agricultural development. In this study, we constructed and evaluated three soil salinization indices—NDSI, SI, and S5—using measured soil conductivity data and three machine learning methods: Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and XGBoost. The results indicate that the Support Vector Machine achieved the best inversion effect on regional salinization levels, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) value of 0.88. The salinization level in the YRD has shown an increasing trend over the years, decreasing spatially from north to south, from east to west, and from the coast inland. From 2003 to 2009, salinization was primarily concentrated in northern and eastern coastal areas, while from 2009 to 2021, it gradually expanded inland. The salinized area increased from 538.4 km² in 2003 to 761.5 km² in 2021, particularly between 2009 and 2015, with a 47.95% increase. The main factors influencing salinization in the YRD were distance from the Bohai Sea, seasonal average potential evapotranspiration, and seasonal average normalized vegetation index, with interaction-driven effects being stronger than single-factor effects. This study provides crucial scientific support for sustainable salinization management and ecological restoration in the Bohai Sea region. Full article

Environmental degradation is a pressing issue, particularly in resource-dependent regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. While significant research has explored the environmental impacts of economic growth and resource use globally, limited attention has been given to the unique dynamics in the GCC, including the role of ICT development, trade openness, and FDI inflows. This research examines how information and communication technology (ICT) development, economic growth, trade openness, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and electricity consumption influenced environmental degradation in GCC countries from 1990 to 2022. Using panel data analysis, the study finds that ICT expansion and increased electricity consumption significantly contribute to higher CO₂ emissions, exacerbating environmental degradation. Economic growth follows the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) pattern, where environmental harm initially increases with growth but can decline as economies diversify and adopt cleaner technologies. Trade openness and FDI inflows, particularly in resource-intensive industries, also contribute to environmental degradation, supporting the pollution haven hypothesis. However, these factors present opportunities for sustainable development if paired with stricter environmental regulations and cleaner technology adoption. The study highlights the need for GCC policymakers to prioritize renewable energy investments, enforce stronger environmental policies, and promote energy efficiency to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Recommendations for future research include exploring other environmental factors and assessing the role of technological innovations in reducing emissions. Full article

Chemical weed control is a significant agricultural concern, and reliance on a limited range of herbicide action modes has increased resistant weed species, many of which use C4 metabolism. As a result, the identification of novel herbicidal agents with low toxicity targeting C4 plants becomes imperative. An assessment was conducted on the impact of 3-cyanobenzoic acid on the growth and photosynthetic processes of maize (Zea mays), a representative C4 plant, cultivated hydroponically over 14 days. The results showed a significant reduction in plant growth and notable disruptions in gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence due to the application of 3-cyanobenzoic acid, indicating compromised photosynthetic activity. Parameters such as the chlorophyll index, net assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (g_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i), maximum effective photochemical efficiency (F_v′/F_m′), photochemical quenching coefficient (q_P), quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (ϕ_PSII), and electron transport rate through PSII (ETR) all decreased. The A/PAR curve revealed reductions in the maximum net assimilation rate (A_max) and apparent quantum yield (ϕ), alongside an increased light compensation point (LCP). Moreover, 3-cyanobenzoic acid significantly decreased the carboxylation rates of RuBisCo (V_cmax) and PEPCase (V_pmax), electron transport rate (J), and mesophilic conductance (g_m). Overall, 3-cyanobenzoic acid induced substantial changes in plant growth, carboxylative processes, and photochemical activities. The treated plants also exhibited heightened susceptibility to intense light conditions, indicating a significant and potentially adverse impact on their physiological functions. These findings suggest that 3-cyanobenzoic acid or its analogs could be promising for future research targeting photosynthesis. Full article

Aiming at the large-scale nonlinear deformation of the roadway in Liangjia Coal Mine, Shandong Province, the mudstone of the 1602 working face is taken as the research object. A high-precision mudstone weathering test system integrating monitoring and control was developed, and the weathering tests of expanded mudstone were carried out at 10 °C, 20 °C, 30 °C and 40 °C. The results show that the hygroscopic curves of expanded mudstone demonstrate a nonlinear growth trend at different temperatures, and the influence of temperature on the hygroscopic curves is less than 20%. From the overall law, it can be roughly divided into three stages: the strong hygroscopic stage, the hygroscopic deceleration stage and the stable hygroscopic stage. The maximum expansion rates of the samples were 4.1%, 5.3%, 6.2% and 6.8%, respectively, and the water content and expansion rates corresponding to different ambient temperature and humidity were generally “concave”. The mechanical tests show that the mechanical properties of mudstone decrease as the ambient temperature increases, and the corresponding compressive strength decreases by 16~50%. The linear degradation is obvious, and the gradual expansion of peak strain indicates that the plasticity of the rock increases and the elastic modulus decreases linearly. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), per capita GDP, renewable energy consumption, and urbanization on India’s $C{O}_2$ emissions over the period 1990–2023. In the context of rapid economic growth and urbanization, India faces major challenges related to environmental sustainability. Using the ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) model and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), this research analyzes the complex relationships between these factors and $C{O}_2$ emissions. The results highlight the existence of an N-shaped EKC curve with two inflection points at GDP values. This study highlights the essential role of renewable energy consumption in reducing emissions and improving access to electricity in promoting sustainable development. The findings provide valuable insights into economic and energy policies, highlighting the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection. Full article

The veal niche market is gaining momentum in Brazil. Locally known as ‘Vitelão’, veal refers to the meat from calves slaughtered up to 12 months of age. In this study, we assessed the Galician Blond × Nelore cross as a candidate to produce veal. The aim of this study was to establish criteria for selecting 12-month-old calves suitable for slaughter. To find the best fit, we adjusted various growth models for calves up to 12 months of age. Once the best fit was determined, the selected growth model was then used to calculate the relative and instantaneous growth rates to evaluate the slaughtering potential at 12 months. Our study reveals that, under present conditions, the Logistic model is the best fit for characterizing and functionally analyzing growth from birth to 12 months of age in Galician Blond crosses with Nelore. Calves resulting from this cross experience rapid growth in their first 12 months of life, making them an excellent choice for producing high-quality veal while maintaining rusticity and adaptability to extreme environments. The results of this study could contribute to enhancing the growth management systems of Galician Blond and Nelore crosses in Brazilian grazing production systems. Additionally, they can be incorporated into genetic improvement programs as a tool for selecting animals with greater precocious growth without altering adult weight. Full article

Accurate prediction of amino acid requirements in fast-growing broilers is crucial for cost-effective diet formulation and reducing nitrogen excretion to mitigate environmental impact. This study developed a dynamic model to predict standardized ileal digestible amino acid requirements throughout broiler growth using a factorial approach and the comparative slaughter technique, considering maintenance, growth, and gender factors. The model was based on an experiment were designed using 480 15-day-old Arbor Acres chickens randomly assigned to 10 groups. A linear equation was derived using established growth and protein deposition curves to calculate maintenance and growth coefficients. Models for five essential amino acids under different amino-acid-to-protein ratios were created (R² > 0.70). The model effectively estimated daily amino acid needs and specific time intervals. Comparisons with NRC (1994), BTPS (2011), and Arbor Acres manual (2018) showed higher predicted requirements for lysine, methionine, valine, and threonine than Arbor Acres (2018) and BTPS (2011), significantly exceeding NRC (1994). Arginine predictions aligned with BTPS in early stages, but were slightly lower in later stages. This supports the further development of dynamic amino acid models. Full article

Rutin is a widely known plant secondary metabolite that exhibits multiple physiological functions. The present study focused on screening for synergistic antibacterial combinations containing rutin, and further explored the mechanisms behind this synergy. In vitro antibacterial test results of rutin showed that the ranges of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) are 0.125–1 and 0.125–2 mg/mL, respectively. However, rutin and amikacin have a significant synergistic effect, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) range of 0.1875–0.5. The time bactericidal curve proved that the combination of rutin and amikacin inhibited bacterial growth within 8 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that a low-dose combination treatment could disrupt the cell membrane of Escherichia coli (E. coli). A comprehensive analysis using alkaline phosphatase (AKP), K⁺, and a protein leakage assay revealed that co-treatment destroyed the cell membrane of E. coli, resulting in the significant leakage of AKP, intracellular K⁺, and proteins. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and red–green cell ratio analysis indicated severe damage to the E. coli cell membrane following the co-treatment of rutin and amikacin. This study indicates the remarkable potential of strategically selecting antibacterial agents with maximum synergistic effect, which could significantly control antibiotic resistance. Full article

The present study aims to evaluate the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of A2 yoghurts (made with A2A2 β-CN milk), in comparison with Control yoghurts (elaborated from conventional milk, a mixture of A1 and A2 β-CN milk). The pH, acidity, water-holding capacity, spontaneous syneresis, firmness and color of yoghurts were monitored during their cold storage (4 °C) for 35 days. Two independent sensory tests (with expert judges and consumers) were also performed. The A2 yoghurts showed only minor differences in some of their physicochemical and sensory characteristics compared to those made with conventional milk. At specific storage times, the A2 yoghurt exhibited higher levels of acidity, luminosity (L*) and firmness, compared to the Control. No differences were observed in the growth curves of the starter (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus) during the yoghurt production, nor in the water-holding capacity or spontaneous syneresis of the two types of gels. Regarding the sensory evaluation of samples, the A2 yoghurts were described as firmer and more adherent (by the expert panel), and brighter and more homogeneous (by the consumers) than the Control. In all cases, both consumers and expert sensory panels showed a preference for the A2 yoghurts. Therefore, these results demonstrate the suitability of A2A2 β-CN milk for producing yoghurts with similar characteristics to those obtained with conventional milk. Full article

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical angiogenesis biomarker associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer. This study leverages pre-biotinylated FcγRI interactions with IgG1-type monoclonal antibodies to develop a sensitive VEGF detection method. Utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology, we characterized the binding dynamics of immobilized biotinylated FcγRI to an IgG1-type antibody, Bevacizumab (AVT), through kinetic studies and investigated suitable conditions for sensor surface regeneration. Subsequently, we characterized the binding of FcγRI-captured AVT to VEGF, calculating kinetic constants and binding affinity. A calibration curve was established to analyze the VEGF quantification capacity and accuracy of the biosensor, computing the limits of blank, detection, and quantification at a 95% confidence interval. Additionally, the specificity of the biosensor for VEGF over other protein analytes was assessed. This innovative biomimetic approach enabled FcγRI-mediated site-specific AVT capture, establishing a stable and reusable platform for detecting and accurately quantifying VEGF. The results indicate the effectiveness of the plasmonic sensor platform for VEGF detection, making it suitable for research applications and, potentially, clinical diagnostics. Utilizing FcγRI-IgG1 antibody binding, this study highlights the industrial and clinical value of advanced biosensing technologies, offering insights to enhance therapeutic monitoring and improve outcomes in anti-VEGF therapies. Full article

Background: In recent years, significant resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics has been observed. A biofilm is a structure that significantly aids the survival of the microbial population and also significantly affects its resistance. Methods: Thyme and clove essential oils (EOs) were subjected to chemical analysis using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Furthermore, the antimicrobial effect of these EOs was tested in both the liquid and vapor phases using the volatilization method. The effect of the EOs on growth parameters was monitored using an RTS-8 bioreactor. However, the effect of the EOs on the biofilm formation of commonly occurring bacteria with pathogenic potential was also monitored, but for less described and yet clinically important strains of Arcobacter spp. Results: In total, 37 and 28 compounds were identified in the thyme and clove EO samples, respectively. The most common were terpenes and also derivatives of phenolic substances. Both EOs exhibited antimicrobial activity in the liquid and/or vapor phase against at least some strains. The determined antimicrobial activity of thyme and clove oil was in the range of 32–1024 µg/mL in the liquid phase and 512–1024 µg/mL in the vapor phase, respectively. The results of the antimicrobial effect are also supported by similar conclusions from monitoring growth curves using the RTS bioreactor. The effect of EOs on biofilm formation differed between strains. Biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was completely suppressed in an environment with a thyme EO concentration of 1024 µg/mL. On the other hand, increased biofilm formation was found, e.g., in an environment of low concentration (1–32 µg/mL). Conclusions: The potential of using natural matrices as antimicrobials or preservatives is evident. The effect of these EOs on biofilm formation, especially Arcobacter strains, is described for the first time. Full article

Toll receptors play important roles in the development and innate immunity of insects. Previously, we reported the immunological function of BmToll9-2 in silkworm, Bombyx mori, larvae. In this study, we focused on the role of BmToll9-2 as a regulator in the Toll signaling pathway. The expressions of most signaling genes in the Toll pathway, as well as immune effectors, were reduced after the RNAi of BmToll9-2. Coincidentally, hemolymph from BmToll9-2-silenced larvae exhibited decreased antibacterial activity in the growth of Escherichia coli, demonstrated either by growth curve or inhibitory zone experiments. The oral administration of heat-inactivated E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus following the RNAi of BmToll9-2 up-regulated the expression of most signaling genes in the Toll pathway and downstream immune effectors. The above results indicate that BmToll9-2 is positively involved in the Toll signaling pathway. As a positive regulator, BmToll9-2 is shown to be activated preferentially against E. coli and, in turn, positively modulates the humoral immune response in antibacterial activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Right ventricular pacing is an effective and safe treatment option for patients experiencing symptomatic bradycardia. However, some individuals may develop left ventricular dysfunction as a consequence. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), which is not present in a healthy adult heart, is upregulated in cardiomyocytes in response to various stress stimuli. This study aimed to explore the potential of GDF-15 as a biomarker for chronic right ventricular pacing. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional cohort study analyzed data from 265 consecutive patients (60.4% male) with either single- or dual-chamber pacemakers, all lacking pre-existing heart failure, who attended the outpatient department for routine follow-up. Chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing was defined as pacing exceeding 40% over the past year. Serum samples were collected, and GDF-15 levels were measured using a commercially available immunoassay (R&D Systems Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). Student’s t-test was utilized to assess group differences, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate diagnostic performance. Results: When stratifying patients by pacing burden, GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in those with pacing over 40% compared to those with 40% or less (789 ± 293 pg/mL vs. 1186 ± 592 pg/mL; p < 0.001). The ROC analysis indicated that GDF-15 serves as a marker for chronic RV pacing, yielding an area under the curve of 0.713 (95% confidence interval 0.650–0.776; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests that GDF-15 may be a valuable biomarker for chronic right ventricular pacing. Full article

This paper proposes a novel time-varying discrete grey model (TVDGM(1,1)) to precisely forecast solar energy generation in the United States. First, the model utilizes the anti-forgetting curve as the weight function for the accumulation of the original sequence, which effectively ensures the prioritization of new information within the model. Second, the time response function of the model is derived through mathematical induction, which effectively addresses the common jump errors encountered when transitioning from difference equations to differential equations in traditional grey models. Research shows that compared to seven other methods, this model achieves better predictive performance, with an error rate of only 2.95%. Finally, this method is applied to forecast future solar energy generation in the United States, and the results indicate an average annual growth rate of 23.67% from 2024 to 2030. This study advances grey modeling techniques using a novel time-varying approach while providing critical technical and data support for energy planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: We aimed to determine the proportion of bacterial etiology in pediatric acute epididymitis (AE) and to compare the predictive accuracy of C-reactive protein (CRP) and urinalysis. Methods: Pediatric patients diagnosed with AE in National Taiwan University Hospital from 2009 to 2018 were retrospectively identified. Patient profiles, including clinical symptoms, physical findings, laboratory data, and treatment types, were collected. Patients were categorized into acute bacterial epididymitis (ABE) or acute non-bacterial epididymitis (ANBE) groups based on the presence or absence of bacterial growth in urine cultures. The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients with ABE and those who received antibiotic therapy. The secondary endpoint was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CRP and urinalysis for ABE. Results: The final cohort comprised of 289 patients, of whom 216 (74.7%) received antibiotics. Urine culture was obtained for 167 (57.8%) patients, and 52 (31.1%) were positive for a bacterial source. The median CRP and positive rate for urinalysis were significantly higher in the ABE group compared to the ANBE group (CRP: 3.68 vs. 0.25 mg/dL; p < 0.001; urinalysis: 41% vs. 23%; p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated CRP was significantly associated with AE (odds ratio [OR], 61.96; p < 0.001), whereas positive urinalysis was not (OR, 2.09; p = 0.33). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for CRP was higher than that for urinalysis (0.82 vs. 0.72). Conclusions: Serum CRP proved to be a more accurate and reliable tool than urinalysis for predicting pediatric ABE. This could provide guidance to practitioners when prescribing antibiotics in the future. Full article