Abstract Nanoparticle-reinforced polymer nanocomposites offer tunable mechanical properties, yet the impact of nanoparticle surface configurations on mechanical and viscoelastic properties remains underexplored. Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate how smooth, corrugated, and porous nanoparticles affect the molecular dynamic behaviors of polymer chains, as well as stiffness and damping properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites. Our results show that all nanoparticle-PMMA systems enhance Young’s and shear moduli, with porous nanoparticles providing the greatest improvements. Stronger interfacial interactions further amplify these effects. A quasi-linear correlation is observed between shear modulus and Debye–Waller factor-based molecular stiffness, with porous nanoparticles exhibiting higher shear moduli due to their unique structural confinement effect. Local molecular stiffness analysis reveals pronounced dynamic heterogeneity, leading to heterogeneous strain distributions under shear deformation. Small amplitude oscillatory tests demonstrate simultaneous enhancements in stiffness and damping, overcoming the conventional tradeoff. These findings highlight the potential of tailoring nanoparticle surface configurations for designing polymer nanocomposites with superior mechanical performance.
Eva Caly-Simbou, Marie Veronique Nomenjanahary, Stéphanie Javegny
et al.
Abstract Objectives The Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) encompasses phytopathogenic bacteria responsible for bacterial wilt, a devastating disease affecting a wide range of agriculturally important crops. In the South-West Indian Ocean, lineage I-18 of R. pseudosolanacearum has emerged as a particularly destructive pathogen, posing a serious threat to regional food security. In this context, we report the complete genome sequence of isolate RUN2161, collected in Mayotte. This first genome from this island provides a valuable resource for unraveling the evolutionary and epidemiological mechanisms driving the emergence and spread of highly epidemic strains in agriculture.. Data description The genome of strain RUN2161 from Mayotte was sequenced using Illumina short reads and Nanopore long reads. A hybrid assembly was performed resulting in a complete genome of 5,989,529 bp with a G + C content of 66.7%. Functional annotation identified 5,268 CDS, 12 rRNAs, 61 tRNA genes, and 4 ncRNAs, assembled into one chromosome, one megaplasmid and one plasmid. Accessory plasmids are uncommon in RSSC. The RUN2161 plasmid contains Type IV secretion system genes, commonly found on conjugative plasmids, but less commonly, it also carries Type II secretion system genes involved in secretion of toxins and degradative enzymes, which could contribute to epidemiological success.
Levent Gülüm, Süheyla Esin Köksal, Emrah Güler
et al.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical, bioactive, and technological properties of pasta made from durum wheat semolina that was partially replaced with Acorn flour at levels of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The incorporation of Acorn flour had a substantial impact on the nutritional composition of the pasta, resulting in increases in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity in comparison with the control sample. The highest values for TPC and TFC were found in the samples containing 20% and 30% Acorn flour (p<0.05), demonstrating the functional potential of this formulation. However, an increase in the quantity of Acorn flour used in the pasta production process resulted in a noticeable darkening of the pasta's colour. This observation is consistent with the findings of previous research conducted on the use of non-traditional flours. While the increased amounts of Acorn flour resulted in enhanced nutritional and antioxidant profiles, the darker appearance and alterations in texture may have implications for sensory and visual acceptability. The present findings are corroborated by extant literature, which demonstrates that functional flours such as buckwheat, chickpea, lentil, chia, and sorghum have exhibited analogous trends in enhancing bioactive compounds and altering technological properties. Incorporation of Acorn flour at levels ranging from 10% to 20% optimises the health benefits of pasta while maintaining its desirable sensory and structural characteristics. Presented research contributes to the valorization of non-wood forest product (NWFP) resources and the development of innovative functional pasta products using sustainable ingredients.
Green production is crucial in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring food safety, and protecting the rural ecological environment. Farmers, as the main decision makers of agricultural production, and their green production behaviors (GPBs), directly determine the process of agricultural green development. Based on the survey data of 656 apple growers in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces in 2022, this paper uses a graded response model to measure the information acquisition ability (IAA) of farmers and constructs an ordered Logit model to empirically explore the influence mechanisms of IAA, green benefit cognition (GBC), and new technology learning attitude (NTLA) on farmers’ GPBs. The results show the following: (1) IAA has a significantly positive impact on the adoption of GPBs by farmers, and farmers with a high IAA are more conscious to adopt green production technologies; (2) in the process of IAA affecting farmers’ adoption of GPBs, GBC plays a positive mediating role; (3) NTLAs have a positive moderating effect on the process of GBC affecting farmers’ GPB adoption; (4) there are generational, educational and regional differences in the impact of IAA on farmers’ GPBs. Policy makers should improve rural information facilities, strengthen agricultural technology promotion and training, improve farmers’ IAA and benefit awareness level, and formulate relevant policies to mobilize farmers’ enthusiasm for learning new technologies.
Gurlaz Kaur, David R. Quilici, Rebekah J. Woolsey
et al.
Starvation is a complex physiological state that induces changes in protein expression to ensure survival. The insect midgut is sensitive to changes in dietary content as it is at the forefront of communicating information about incoming nutrients to the body via hormones. Therefore, a DIA proteomics approach was used to examine starvation physiology and, specifically, the role of midgut neuropeptide hormones in a representative lepidopteran, Manduca sexta. Proteomes were generated from midguts of M. sexta fourth-instar caterpillars, starved for 24 h and 48 h, and compared to fed controls. A total of 3047 proteins were identified, and 854 of these were significantly different in abundance. KEGG analysis revealed that metabolism pathways were less abundant in starved caterpillars, but oxidative phosphorylation proteins were more abundant. In addition, six neuropeptides or related signaling cascade proteins were detected. Particularly, neuropeptide F1 (NPF1) was significantly higher in abundance in starved larvae. A change in juvenile hormone-degrading enzymes was also detected during starvation. Overall, our results provide an exploration of the midgut response to starvation in M. sexta and validate DIA proteomics as a useful tool for quantifying insect midgut neuropeptide hormones.
Bu araştırma, Isparta koşullarında 11 kırmızı mercimek çeşidinin (Çiftçi, Özbek, Kafkas, Tigris, Fırat-87, Evirgen, Seyran-96, Çağıl, Altıntoprak, Şakar ve Kırmızı-51) verim ve bazı verim öğeleri bakımından değerlendirilmesi amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Çalışma 2018-2021 yılları arasında iki yıl süreyle, tesadüf bloklarında bölünmüş parseller deneme desenine göre 3 tekrarlamalı olarak kurulmuş, varyans analizleri yapılmış, önemlilik olduğu belirlenen faktörlerde elde edilen ortalamalar Tukey testi ile karşılaştırılmıştır. İki yıllık ortalamalara göre bitki boyu 21,75-28,01 cm, ilk bakla yüksekliği 10,21-15,91 cm, bitkide bakla sayısı 31,31-49,48 adet, tane sayısı 36,06-64,76 adet, bitki verimi 2,41-5,17 g, tane verimi 139,61-257,73 kg da-1, bin tane ağırlığı 29,50-38,32 g, hasat indeksi %30,03-49,31, su alma kapasitesi 0,019-0,033 g tane-1 ve protein oranı %26,83-29,75 arasında değişim göstermiştir. Sonuç olarak tane verimi ve verime katkısı yüksek özellikler bakımından Evirgen, Çağıl ve Seyran-96 çeşitlerinin ön plana çıktığı belirlenmiştir.
Eketa Devi, Ranjitha Gracy T. Kalaivendan, Gunaseelan Eazhumalai
et al.
The present study focused to modify the functionality of arrowroot starch (ARS) by a novel atmospheric pressure pin-to-plate cold plasma. The top electrode consists of multiple pins arranged in such a way to shower corona discharge of electrons to provide effective modification. Arrowroot starch (10 g) was exposed to the cold plasma processed at three input voltages (190, 210, 230 V) for 5–15 min and studied for the changes in intrinsic viscosity average molecular weight (MWv), powder flow properties (bulk and tapped density, Hausner's ratio, Carr's index), functional (water and oil binding capacity, pH, gel hydration, turbidity), rheological (pasting and steady shear flow), thermal (DSC) and structural (FTIR, XRD, SEM) properties. With cold plasma treatment, MWv of the ARS was increased evincing the cross-linking phenomenon which has also shown in increase in peak viscosity of the starch pastes (4.33%–11.98%). The steady shear viscosity at 50 s−1 of the plasma-treated starch also increased remarkably (15.44%–223.83%) than the untreated. Inclusion of acidic and hydrophilic functionalities along with surface etching of starch observed under SEM have resulted in the pH reduction (from 5.41 ± 0.03 to 4.01 ± 0.01), Increase in water (22.5% rise in 230–15) and oil binding (8.46% in 230–15), swelling volume (50% increase) and solubility index (240% increase), reduction in paste turbidity. The increase in % of crystallinity in the plasma-treated arrowroot starch was associated with the increase in gelatinization enthalpy showing the thermal stability of plasma-indued crosslinking of arrowroot starch. This proves that cold plasma can be a potential green modification technology to produce clear, highly viscous, more hydrating, shear, and thermally stable starches.
Agriculture (General), Nutrition. Foods and food supply
Ubaldo Jorge Augusto de Filipe André, Ana Paula Sarmento do Santos, Onelis Portuondo Savón
et al.
Context: Today, quite a few environmental problems require swift responses toward adjustment, mitigation, and sustainability. Accordingly, how could university students acquire effective environmental education so they can play their social roles in balance with environmental protection?
Aim: To recommend methodological actions to contribute to student education at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the University of Namibe, Angola.
Methods: Consequently, this study took from qualitative methods of social research. Methods and techniques, such as analysis-synthesis, inductive-deductive, and documentary review for processing information about environmental education and climate change in university education.
Results: Five methodological guidelines for environmental education were established. They were inserted in subject Physics II, in the first year of the Marine Biology Bachelor Degree, with six general actions that link theory and practice, through the teaching process in the degrees of Oceanography, Marine Biology, and Marine Resources. The study demonstrated the fulfillment of learning objectives related to Sustainable Development Goals No. 13 and 14, based on UNESCO (2017) guidelines.
Conclusions: There is a potential for students to acquire environmental information through methodological actions by the staff, in terms of subject preparation at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the University of Namibe.
Tayachew Nega, Nigus Gabbiye Habtu, Assefa Tesfaye
et al.
The performance of gasification for Injera baking was explored in this study, as well as the effects of moisture content, and primary and secondary airflow rates. Primary air is used in the reactor of a biomass gasifier, which creates syngas that is burned by secondary air on the mitad's bottom side. An average temperature of averaged 185°C at the center and 170°C away from the center was observed; the size of the cone determines the temperature distribution on the metal surface. The reactor's narrower cone diameter allowed for a greater temperature only in the center and a more variable baked Injera eye appearance. The cone diameter has been reduced to 0.15 m of the mitad diameter to improve the temperature distribution on the mitad surface. The gasifier temperature is 800°C when the air/fuel ratio is 5.8 kg/kg and the moisture content of the wood is 16%. Gasification is improved by heating the primary air and changing the air-fuel ratio. The findings revealed that pre-heated air is more efficient for gasification and saves money on baking and fuel. Fuel efficiency (0.45) and time savings (0.12) were discovered in the new gasifier. Between gasification temperatures of 650 and 800°C, an effective Injera baking temperature (170–185°C) on the mitad surface was attained. Following the tests, the average specific wood fuel consumption (1.414 g/kg), char residue (317 g), and average Injera baking time were calculated. For each test of one baking cycle, this was found at the burning rate capability of both stoves, which is 6 kg/hr. Therefore, the fuel consumption and burning rate of fuel are depending on the amount of airflow rate.
Migratory soaring birds exhibit spatiotemporal variation in their circannual movements. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how different winter environments affect the circannual movement patterns of migratory soaring birds. Here, we investigated annual movement strategies of American white pelicans <i>Pelecanus erythrorhynchos</i> (hereafter, pelican) from two geographically distinct wintering grounds in the Southern and Northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). We hypothesized that hourly movement distance and home range size of a soaring bird would differ between different geographic regions because of different thermals and wind conditions and resource availability. We calculated average and maximum hourly movement distances and seasonal home ranges of GPS-tracking pelicans. We then evaluated the effects of hour of the day, seasons, two wintering regions in the Southern and Northern GOM, human footprint index, and relative pelican abundance from Christmas Bird Count data on pelican hourly movement distances and seasonal home ranges using linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models. American white pelicans moved at greatest hourly distance near 1200 h at breeding grounds and during spring and autumn migrations. Both wintering populations in the Northern and Southern GOM exhibited similar hourly movement distances and seasonal home ranges at the shared breeding grounds and during spring and autumn migrations. However, pelicans wintering in the Southern GOM showed shorter hourly movement distances and smaller seasonal home ranges than those in the Northern GOM. Hourly movement distances and home ranges of pelicans increased with increasing human footprint index. Winter hourly movements and home ranges of pelicans differed between the Northern and Southern GOM; however, the winter difference in pelican movements did not carry over to the shared breeding grounds during summers. Therefore, exogenous factors may be the primary drivers to shape the flying patterns of migratory soaring birds.
Marc Orts‐Porcar, Alejandro Ororbia, Caroline Fina
et al.
Abstract Background Oesophageal pneumatosis (OP) is defined as the presence of gas within the oesophageal wall. The description of this condition in veterinary medicine is currently lacking. The pathogenesis of alimentary tract pneumatosis remains unclear. Current literature describes that access of gas into the oesophageal wall may occur by one or a combination of the following mechanisms: mucosal disruption, increased intra or extra‐luminal pressure or dissection of gas from an extra‐oesophageal source. Objectives The aim of this multi‐centric case series was to describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of OP in dogs. Methods Three adult dogs were included. One dog presented with gastrointestinal signs and general malaise while the other two presented with spontaneous facial and cervical subcutaneous emphysema. Results CT revealed different degrees of intramural gas along the oesophageal wall in all cases. The first dog was diagnosed with emphysematous gastritis based on the presence of gastric pneumatosis paired with compatible clinicopathological and endoscopic findings. This dog was successfully treated with antibiotics. The remaining two dogs were diagnosed with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and required no surgical or medical treatment. Conclusions In all cases with OP, there was concurrent gastric pneumatosis. Gas extensively and circumferentially distributed with a banded shape along the oesophageal wall was present in patients with presumed mural gas dissection because of pneumomediastinum. Conversely, a focal and mild amount of mural gas with a tubular shape was identified in the distal segment of the oesophagus in the patient with emphysematous gastritis.
Sergiu Bogdan POP, Nicolae POP, Marius MILUȚ
et al.
The paper aims to conduct a research, in order to analyze how to systematically register properties in the integrated system of cadastre and land book of buildings on the territory of three cadastral sectors belonging to the administrative-territorial unit Mediaș, Sibiu County. The objective of the work is represented by the accomplishment of the systematic cadastral works in the analyzed area. The instrument used to carry out the geodetic and topographic works necessary to carry out this project is the Leica TC (R) 407 total station, which is part of the TPS400 range. The verification of the support network was performed both from a planimetric point of view using the conditional measurements method and altimetrically using the trigonometrical leveling at long distance method. Two new points were included, the compensation of their coordinates was made using the indirect measurements method. In the present paper, the real estate fund cadastre was made, the evidence and the systematic inventory were made, from a quantitative, qualitative and legal point of view of the 56 buildings from the 3 cadastral sectors afferent to the studied administrative-territorial unit. Following the work, it is found that the method of registration in the Land Book through the Systematic Cadastre is an efficient solution and an alternative to the Sporadic Cadastre addressed at national level that facilitates field work, time and allows the determination of land areas in cadastral sectors. with better accuracy.
José J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, Melanie L. J. Stiassny, Raoul J. C. Monsembula Iyaba
et al.
The ichthyofauna of the Lulua River, a large right bank tributary of the Kasai River in central Africa, is among the most poorly documented in the Kasai ecoregion. To remedy this lack of knowledge, sampling was carried out between 2007 and 2014 along the main channel and in many tributaries. A total of 201 species distributed in 81 genera, 24 families, and 12 orders are reported from the lower reaches of the Lulua. The species richness reported in this study represents a substantially improved documentation of the Lulua ichthyofauna (historically estimated at only 79 species). Here, 129 species are recorded for the first time, bringing the total number of known species to 208. Among these, five have recently been described: <i>Raiamas brachyrhabdotos</i> Katemo Manda, Snoeks, Choca Manda, and Vreven 2018, <i>Distichodus kasaiensis</i> Moelants, Snoeks, and Vreven, 2018, <i>Distichodus polli</i> Abwe, Snoeks, Choca Manda, and Vreven 2019, <i>Epiplatys atractus</i> Van Der Zee, Mbimbi, and Sonnenberg 2013, and <i>Hypsopanchax stiassnyae</i> Van Der Zee, Sonnenberg, and Mbimbi 2015; numerous additional taxa are currently under investigation. Recognized here as a continental hotspot of ichthyofaunal diversity, the Lulua is under extreme threat from exploitation of forest products for building materials, deforestation for shifting agriculture and charcoal exploitation, destructive fishing practices, and mining, all of which are rapidly increasing in the watershed. The present study provides baseline documentation for use in conservation planning and future developmental projects in the Kasai ecoregion in general and Lulua River basin in particular.
Charlotte Bureau, Nadège Lanau, Mathieu Ingouff
et al.
Abstract Background The clear visualization of 3D organization at the cellular level in plant tissues is needed to fully understand plant development processes. Imaging tools allow the visualization of the main fluorophores and in vivo growth monitoring. Confocal microscopy coupled with the use of propidium iodide (PI) counter-staining is one of the most popular tools used to characterize the structure of root meristems in A. thaliana. However, such an approach is relatively ineffective in species with more complex and thicker root systems. Results We adapted a PI counter-staining protocol to visualize the internal 3D architecture of rice root meristems using multiphoton microscopy. This protocol is simple and compatible with the main fluorophores (CFP, GFP and mCherry). The efficiency and applicability of this protocol were demonstrated by screening a population of 57 enhancer trap lines. We successfully characterized GFP expression in all of the lines and identified 5 lines with tissue-specific expression. Conclusions All of these resources are now available for the rice community and represent critical tools for future studies of root development.
Patricia Dörr de Quadros, Luiz Fernando Wurdig Roesch, Paulo Régis Ferreira da Silva
et al.
O uso de inoculantes na cultura do milho tem sido cada vez mais valorizado, em vista dos benefícios que pode trazer à cultura, como a fixação biológica do nitrogênio e o aumento da quantidade de raízes. Isto pode melhorar a absorção de água e nutrientes pela planta, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento do milho, principalmente em períodos de seca. Este estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar, em condições de campo, as características agronômicas e o rendimento de grãos de híbridos de milho, inoculados, ou não, com uma mistura de três espécies de Azospirillum (A. brasilense, A. lipoferum, A. oryzae). Foram avaliados o teor relativo de clorofila nas folhas, a altura de planta, a senescência foliar, os componentes de rendimento de grãos, o teor de N, a matéria seca da parte aérea das plantas e o número mais provável de bactérias diazotróficas na rizosfera das plantas. A inoculação manteve o teor de clorofila significativamente maior até o estádio R3 das plantas, para os três híbridos testados, aumentou o rendimento da matéria seca da parte aérea, dos híbridos AS 1575 e SHS 5050, o peso de 1000 grãos, para o híbrido P32R48 e altura, para o AS 1575. Houve interação entre os genótipos de milho e as bactérias inoculadas, visto que, cada híbrido testado respondeu de forma diferente à inoculação. A inoculação de Azospirillum em milho demonstrou estimular o desenvolvimento das plantas no período vegetativo, aumentando a probabilidade de obter-se um estande de plantas uniforme, maior resistência ao estresse e maior concentração de clorofila nas folhas.
Pedro Aguiar Neto, Leilson C. Grangeiro, Alessandra M. S. Mendes
et al.
Com o objetivo de avaliar o crescimento e o acúmulo de nutrientes por cultivares de cebola experimentos foram desenvolvidos na estação experimental de Bebedouro (Petrolina, PE) pertencente à Embrapa Semiárido, no período de maio a outubro de 2009 e em Baraúna, RN, em área comercial, no período de junho a outubro de 2009. O delineamento utilizado em cada experimento foi em blocos casualizados completos, com quatro repetições em esquema fatorial 2 x 6. Os tratamentos resultaram da combinação de duas cultivares de cebola (IPA 11 e Texas Grano 502) e seis épocas de coleta (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 e 90 DAT). Em cada coleta foram utilizadas seis plantas por repetição. A cebola, cultivares IPA 11 e Texas Grano, apresentou crescimento inicial lento intensificando-o a partir dos 30 dias após o transplantio. Maiores incrementos na matéria seca total, da parte aérea e do bulbo, ocorreram no período de 60 a 75 DAT. Os nutrientes foram absorvidos pela cebola na seguinte ordem: Ca > K > N > Mg > P e Ca > N > K > Mg > P para "Texas Grano 502" e "IPA 11" em Petrolina e K > Ca > N > Mg > P e N > K > Ca > Mg > P para "Texas Grano 502" e "IPA 11" em Baraúna. As cultivares Texas Grano 502 e IPA 11 exportaram mais nutrientes em Baraúna.
Arto Kalevi Huuskonen, Maiju Pesonen, Hilkka Kämäräinen
et al.
The objective of this study was to determine beef production traits of purebred Holstein-Friesian (Hol) and Hol×beef breed crossbred bulls. The data collected from slaughterhouses included observations of 87323 purebred Hol, 783 Hol×Aberdeen angus (Hol×Ab), 621 Hol×Blonde d’Aquitaine (Hol×Ba), 562 Hol×Charolais (Hol×Ch), 349 Hol×Hereford (Hol×Hf), 1691 Hol×Limousin (Hol×Li) and 570 Hol×Simmental (Hol×Si) bulls. For estimating valuable cuttings also a separate dataset was collected and included observations of 8806 purebred Hol, 57 Hol×Ab, 29 Hol×Ba, 22 Hol×Ch, 15 Hol×Hf, 111 Hol×Li and 58 Hol×Si bulls. Crossbreeding Hol cows with late maturing breeds (Ba, Ch, Li, Si) had favorable effects on carcass gain, conformation and proportion of high value joints of the progeny when compared to purebred Hol bulls. No advantages in proportion of valuable cuttings seemed to be obtained by crossbreeding with Ab or Hf breeds, while the improvements in gain and conformation were intermediate compared to the late maturing crossbreds.
The objective of the paper is the verification of the fulfilment of the purposes of Basel II, Pillar 3 – market discipline during the recent financial crisis. The objective of the paper is to describe the current state of the working out of the project that is focused on the analysis of the market participants’ interest in mandatory disclosure of financial information by a commercial bank by means of advanced methods of web log mining. The output of the realized project will be the verification of the assumptions related to the purposes of Basel III by means of the web mining methods, the recommendations for possible reduction of mandatory disclosure of information under Basel II and III, the proposal of the methodology for data preparation for web log mining in this application domain and the generalised procedure for users’ behaviour modelling dependent on time. The schedule of the project has been divided into three phases. The paper deals with its first phase that is focusing on the data pre-processing, analysis and evaluation of the required information under Basel II, Pillar 3 since 2008 and its disclosure into the web site of a commercial bank. The authors introduce the methodologies for data preparation and known heuristic methods for path completion into web log files with respect to the particularity of investigated application domain. They propose scientific methods for modelling users’ behaviour of the webpages related to Pillar 3 with respect to time.
¡Escriba en orden los nombres de las bebidas que se dan a continuación y determine cuáles puede beber a cualquier hora y cuáles debe limitar!
This 1-page fact sheet was written by Emily Minton and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, May 2012.