Average Growth Research Articles

Spatio-temporal Variation in Monthly Vegetation NPP and Its Responses to Climate and Terrain Factors in Chang-Zhu-Tan Green Heart Area

The Chang-Zhu-Tan ecological Green Heart area is the largest urban agglomeration Green Heart area in China. To clarify the spatiotemporal changes and driving factors of net primary productivity （NPP） of vegetation in the Chang-Zhu-Tan Green Heart area, an improved Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach （CASA） model was used to estimate the monthly vegetation NPP from 2011 to 2020 based on measured and remote sensing data. With the help of ArcGIS 10.2 software, linear regression and spatial partial correlation analysis were used to explore the spatiotemporal variations in monthly vegetation NPP and its responses to climate and terrain factors. The results showed that the monthly vegetation NPP in the Chang-Zhu-Tan Green Heart area showed an overall trend of first increasing and then decreasing, with an average vegetation NPP growth rate （measured in C, the same below） of 5.75 g·（m2·month）-1 from January to July and a monthly decrease rate of 2.64 g·（m2·month）-1 from August to December. The spatial distribution of monthly vegetation NPP in the Green Heart area showed a significant difference, with a coefficient of variation ranging from 34.52% to 48.76%. The high values of vegetation NPP in each month were concentrated in the ecological core areas of the central and eastern parts in the Green Heart area, whereas the low values were mainly distributed along the Xiangjiang River in the western part and in the narrow and elongated areas in the southern part of the Green Heart Area. The impact of climate and terrain factors on the monthly NPP of vegetation in the Green Heart area had both positive and negative inhibitory effects. Among climate factors, solar radiation was the major controlling factor for monthly vegetation NPP changes. The impact of terrain factors on vegetation NPP was relatively weak, with slope orientation having a greater positive impact on vegetation NPP than altitude and slope.

Adaptation of plantations to drought events in arid and semi-arid regions: Evidence from tree resilience

Increasing drought frequency and severity pose a significant risk to global forest plantations, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Developing drought-adaptive plantations is particularly important for vegetation restoration in the context of climate warming. Despite the importance of drought response and adaptation, systematic research on these aspects for major tree species remains limited. Here, we collected 467 tree ring cores from eight paired sites of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (a broad-leaved species) and Pinus tabulaeformis C. (a coniferous species) plantations across a typical semi-arid region of the Loess Plateau (LP) to discern the climate-growth patterns of both species using linear mixed models. We employed hypothesis testing to analyze the differences in tree resilience metrics, including drought resistance and recovery ability, and linear mixed models combined with partial least squares path analysis to clarify the driving factors of tree resilience between R. pseudoacacia and P. tabulaeformis. Our findings demonstrated that Palmer Drought Severity Indices is the key limiting climate factor, without spatial variation, on the growth of R. pseudoacacia and P. tabulaeformis, explaining 47.7 % and 69.8 % of the variables effect percentage, respectively. Compared to P. tabulaeformis, R. pseudoacacia is more limited by atmospheric drought stress and soil moisture, with 11.0 % and 17.9 % of the explained effect percentage, respectively. R. pseudoacacia exhibited lower drought resistance ability, evidenced by a lower resistance (the average value is 0.62) and a higher average growth reduction (0.20) than P. tabulaeformis (0.85 and 0.17, respectively). In contrast, R. pseudoacacia had higher drought recovery ability, evidenced by a higher recovery (the average value is 1.19), a shorter recovery period (1.0), and a faster average recovery rate (0.14), than P. tabulaeformis (1.07, 2.0, and 0.08, respectively). Importantly, all tree resilience metrics for both species exhibited spatial consistency across the LP. Tree characteristics had a stronger effect on drought resistance and recovery ability in R. pseudoacacia than in P. tabulaeformis. Soil properties improved R. pseudoacacia drought resistance ability and reduced its drought recovery ability, but had weaker effects on P. tabulaeformis. Additionally, tree size and age strongly influence tree resilience in R. pseudoacacia through preceding year tree growth of drought events and climate sensitivity. These findings underscore the complementary drought resilience of broad-leaved and coniferous species, emphasizing the necessity for adaptive plantations and diversified tree species plantations as a strategic response to the anticipated increase in drought frequency and severity in arid and semi-arid regions.

Genome-wide association study identified QTLs and genes underlying early seedling vigour in aus rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Early seedling vigour (ESV) is a key trait that enhances early establishment, stress tolerance, and grain yield in rice, especially in direct-seeded rice (DSR) systems. The aus varietal groups is known for its high seedling vigour. The screening of aus diversity panel for ESV traits and subsequent genome-wide association study (GWAS) can lead to the identification of genetic components of ESV. Here, we report the genetic variation in seven ESV traits along with days to 50% flowering and grain yield in a panel of 181 aus accessions evaluated under field conditions. We observed significant variations in the studied traits. The vegetative vigour, scored visually, was significantly correlated with most of the traits, suggesting its impact on overall plant performance. Comparative analysis of aus genetic groups revealed significant variations, and the subpopulation that includes early maturing drought tolerant genotypes was the most vigorous, and thus ideal for donor selection. GWAS using 918, 863 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers identified 14 significant QTLs, including seven novel ones, linked to vegetative vigour, average growth rate and seedling biomass. Candidate genes like OsPDR1, NCKAP1, and OsSAUR10, involved in jasmonic acid biosynthesis, ABA signaling, and brassinosteroid pathways, were identified to be associated with ESV regulation. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of ESV in aus rice, identifying promising germplasm and genes that could improve seedling vigour and yield in DSR systems. Future research should validate these findings and integrate them into breeding programs for enhanced rice performance in various environments.

An Investigation of Silty Sediment Erodibility Considering the Effects of Upward Seepage and Slope Gradient

The phenomenon of extensive erosion of silty submarine slopes in the Yellow River delta has been well documented in numerous studies. Due to poor drainage and high compressibility, silty sediments are particularly prone to pore pressure buildup and accumulated seepage under wave and current action, which can influence sediment erodibility (e.g., the critical bed shear stress and the erosion rate under various bed shear stresses). To date, there remains a lack of parametric formulation to quantitatively characterize the erodibility of silty sediments with the coupled effects of the hydraulic gradient of upward seepage and the slope gradient. In this study, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted to explore the erodibility of silt sediments from the Yellow River delta under varying hydraulic gradients of upward seepage and slope gradients. The results reveal that both upward seepage and increased slope gradients can enhance the erodibility of silty sediments. Specifically, as the seepage gradient increases from 0.1 to 0.8, the critical Shields parameter required for initiating silty particle motion decreases linearly, with a reduction rate of 0.01 per 0.1 increase in the seepage gradient, independently of changes in slope gradient. Additionally, the erosion coefficient of silty sediments grows exponentially with rising seepage gradients, with its average growth rate accelerating with increasing slope inclination. For flat sediment beds, the erosion coefficient influenced by upward seepage can be up to five times that in the absence of seepage. An empirical formula for calculating the critical Shields parameter and an erosion model incorporating upward seepage gradient and slope effects were developed through multiple regression analysis, providing an experimental basis for numerical simulations of scour in silty submarine slopes under combined waves and currents.

Age and sex as key determinants of multiple sclerosis incidence in Spain: a comprehensive analysis using the global burden of disease database (1990-2019).

To explore trends in multiple sclerosis incidence rates in Spain between 1990 and 2019. We use data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to calculate age-standardised incidence rates of multiple sclerosis and identify significant changes over time using the Joinpoint regression model. We also use the Age-Period-Cohort model to understand the separate influences of age, historical period, and birth cohort on these trends. Between 1990 and 2019, Spain reported 31,152 cases of multiple sclerosis, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%, slightly higher in men (1.40%) than in women (1.28%). Joinpoint analysis revealed non-parallel trends of incidence between sexes, with men experiencing increases and declines along five differentiated periods, while women showed increasing rates until 2015, followed by stabilization. The incidence of multiple sclerosis increased over time in both sexes achieving an average annual increase of 1.6% for men and 1.4% for women. Individuals born in the early to mid-20th century experienced a different trajectory compared to later generations. For both sexes, their MS risk steadily climbed from the mid-20th century, reaching a peak in the 1970s and 1980s for men and potentially later in the 1990s for women. This peak was then followed by a plateauing of risk in subsequent years. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into MS incidence trends in Spain, highlighting sex disparities, age effects, and generational patterns. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of age, period, and cohort effects, as well as regional and environmental factors contributing to risk of new cases of multiple sclerosis.

Analysis of the survival of agricultural exporting firms in Peru, 2009-2019

Background At the international level, the survival of exporting companies represents a critical issue in a context of heightened uncertainty and intensified competition within the framework of the country’s commercial opening. This is a context in which different companies are born and die as a result of the interaction between the market and other factors. The objective of this research was to analysis of the survival of exporting agricultural companies in Peru, 2009-2019. To this end, data from the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (Promperu) was utilised. Methods The methodological contribution of the research is based on the quantitative approach, of basic type with a descriptive elk; being the population that involves a total of data of the agricultural exporting companies of Peru in the period 2009-2019 and the sample is census and the non-parametric statistical technique used was the Kaplan Meier estimate for the estimation of the survival rate. Results Exports of Peru’s non-traditional agricultural sector in FOB value have had an average annual growth of 12% in terms of FOB value and 9% in terms of volume exported; the entry rate of new agro-exporting agricultural companies reached an average growth of 2.3% and the exit rate reached an average of 2.2% in the period 2009-2019. Conclusions The survival of exporting companies in the non-traditional agricultural sector is critical, where 89% of them survive only one year, while in the second year only 75% survive and in the sixth year only 33% survive.

An Efficiency Analysis of Sugarcane Farming in India: An Interstate Comparison of Performance with Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Index

Background: This paper aims to evaluate the agricultural production of sugarcane in major sugarcane-producing states of India. Even though agriculture’s share of India’s GDP is decreasing, it still plays a significant role in the labor force by accounting for a sizable number of jobs. Recognizing the importance of sugarcane farming and the variations in resource availability among the states is crucial. The study highlights the importance of enhancing production management and resource allocation to increase sugarcane production and optimize inputs. Methods: The present research employs sophisticated statistical techniques, including Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI), to investigate the influence of variables such as land area and labor utilization on the efficacy of sugarcane cultivation at the state level spanning from 2017 to 2022. It uses DEA to analyze the connection between various agricultural inputs and the efficiency of food grain production and provides recommendations for improved resource allocation among Indian states. Result: The results of the investigation indicate that the mean efficiency of sugarcane cultivation across India is approximately 84.2%. Notably, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have demonstrated the highest levels of efficiency in terms of input utilization in sugarcane farming. Conversely, Bihar and Uttarakhand have emerged as the least efficient states in this regard. Furthermore, an analysis using the Malmquist productivity index indicates that Uttar Pradesh has exhibited the most significant average productivity growth, with Maharashtra and Gujarat following closely behind. Conversely, states such as Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Tamil Nadu have demonstrated only marginal enhancements in productivity. The study’s insights on sustainable sugarcane production and enhanced farmer-level regulatory frameworks have the potential to greatly benefit sugarcane-producing states. By implementing these ideas, we can work towards boosting revenue and reducing poverty in rural areas.

Growth and Biochemical Characteristics of Microalgae Chlorella vulgaris Grown on Various Combinations of Fish Waste Hydrolysate and Seaweed Hydrolysate

Background: to utilize the fish waste and seaweed as a media for the growth of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and carbon sequestration. Methods: Culture of Chlorella vulgaris in the fish waste and seaweed hydrolysate, analysed the cell density, biomass, chlorophyll, carotenoid content, carbon-di-oxide sequestration and proximate of microalgae (Protein, Carbohydrate, Lipid and Ash). Result: In the combination of fish acid hydrolysate and sargassum sp., acidhydrolysate, the respective peak values of cell density, average specific growth rate, biomass, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid contentand carbon-di-oxide sequestrated recorded are 4.26±0.06×106 cells/ml, 0.58 µ/day, 1.98±0.04 g/l, 5.59±0.09 µg/ml and 3.69±0.04 µg/ml, 3.64±0.05 µg/ml, 3.73±0.07 g/l/d in 3:6 combination. Corresponding protein, carbohydrate, lipid and ash content observed in the resultant algae are 51.77±0.6%, 15.4±0.2%, 10±0.53 and 7.08±0.4% respectively.

Climate Change and Human Activities Contribute to the Enhancement Recovery of Grassland Productivity in Xinjiang

ABSTRACTGrasslands, as a vital component of arid and semi‐arid terrestrial ecosystems, play a pivotal role in carbon cycling and ecosystem functioning. Climate change and human activities significantly affected grassland productivity. Understanding the main driving factors and their contribution rates is of great significance for the protection and sustainable development of grasslands. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the changes in grassland productivity and their driving factors in Xinjiang. This study investigated the spatiotemporal characteristics and underlying driving factors of grassland actual net primary productivity (AcNPP) in Xinjiang from 2000 to 2022, utilising the Carnegie‐Ames‐Stanford Approach and geospatial detectors. Employing the nonlinear Random Forest technique, we assessed the dual impacts of climate change and human activities on grassland productivity. Our findings revealed that grassland productivity in Xinjiang exhibited fluctuating growth during this period, with an average annual AcNPP growth rate of 0.33 g C m−2 year−1. Comprehensive evaluation revealed that soil type, precipitation, and soil moisture content were the key determinants of the spatial distribution of AcNPP, with higher values in mountainous regions and lower in basins. The study further revealed that climate change, human activities, and their combined effects contributed to the recovery of 60.97% of grasslands in Xinjiang. However, human activities were the primary drivers of grassland degradation, with a contribution rate reaching 67.71%. Further analysis indicated that water conditions, particularly precipitation and soil moisture content, were the main forces driving grassland changes in Xinjiang. Although grazing management strategies, such as rotational stocking and deferred stocking, facilitated grassland recovery in 36.71% of areas impacted by human activities, grazing remains a significant anthropogenic factor contributing to grassland degradation. These findings provide valuable scientific insights for the effective management and conservation of Xinjiang's grassland ecosystems.

Evaluating Agricultural Production Efficiency in Jiangsu and Anhui Provinces: A Three-Stage DEA and Malmquist Index Approach

This study assesses the agricultural production efficiency of Jiangsu and Anhui Provinces from 2018 to 2022, with a focus on the impact of the Yangtze River Delta Regional Integration Development Plan. Utilizing a three-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model and the Malmquist index, the research controls for environmental factors and analyzes efficiency changes dynamically. The results indicate that Jiangsu achieved a higher rate of technological progress, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0066, which drove its overall productivity gains. In contrast, Anhui demonstrated substantial potential in scale efficiency, reflecting opportunities for future productivity improvements through optimized resource allocation. The regional integration plan appears to have played a pivotal role in advancing agricultural productivity in Jiangsu by facilitating technology-driven improvements. Findings suggest that while Jiangsu should continue to enhance its technological capabilities, Anhui could focus on harnessing its scale efficiency potential to bridge the productivity gap between the two provinces. These insights underscore the significance of regional integration policies in fostering balanced agricultural development, promoting both technological progress and scale efficiency across different regional contexts.

Degrowth between normativism and reality

This article addresses the increasing debates over the limitations of high-growth models that have contributed to environmental degradation and polycrises. Based on a comprehensive literature review, we look into the basic characteristics and differences between the alternative degrowth and similar new development models; examine the paradigm through the lens of its critics; and look into its viability. The analysis highlights that while degrowth presents a theoretically compelling alternative to traditional growth models, it faces significant practical challenges in implementation, particularly due to its reliance on deep systemic changes and shifts in public values. In the empirical section, we test the hypothesis that countries with better sustainable development progress are more successful than those prioritizing economic outcomes. To do this, we show graphically and analyze the correlation between the average GDP growth and changes in the sustainable development measure using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. We rank countries based on their sustainable development and economic performance, averaging these rankings to identify potential degrowth leaders over the past 20 years. Our findings indicate that, while theoretically appealing, the degrowth model faces significant challenges in practice, with no statistical evidence supporting a negative correlation between degrowth and sustainable development progress.

Increasing competition for water resources in the food and energy industries.

Exploring the mechanisms of competition for water resources in the regional food and energy industries,taking effective countermeasures in advance will help to promote the sustainable development of the regional food and energy industries. Based on the theory of water footprint, this paper quantifies the water footprint of grain and energy in Shanxi Province, China, and the competition index of energy-grain industry to water resources. Through the ratio of grain blue water and energy water footprint to total water consumption in the region, this study coupled the characteristics of their proportional changes to obtain a competition index that can characterize the competition relationship between regional food and energy industries for water resources. The results showed that (1) In 2000-2021, although the grain yield increased by 81.1%, the grain water footprint only increased by 11.2%, with an average annual growth of 1.0%. The proportion of blue, green and gray water footprints changed from 14.1%, 54.3% and 31.6% in 2000 to 18.8%, 41.2% and 39.9% in 2021, respectively. (2) The energy water footprint increased at an average annual rate of 10.8%, an increase of 544.7% over the period. The coal, natural gas and thermal water footprints in 2021 have increased by a factor of 2.7, 109.2 and 4.0, respectively, compared to 2000. Coal's share of the energy water footprint is 70.6%. (3) The average value of the food and energy industry's competition index for water resources is 0.77, increasing from 0.42 in 2000 to 0.94 in 2021, an average annual increase of 4.3%. These results show that the future sustainable development of the region is facing the major challenge. Therefore, from the perspective of reducing the demand for crop and energy water footprint, some suggestions are put forward to effectively promote the healthy development of the region.

Analisis Kinerja Keuangan pada Pemerintah Daerah Kabupaten Sanggau Tahun Anggaran 2018-2023

This study aims to analyze the Financial Performance of Sanggau Regency in 2018-2023 seen from (1) Decentralization Ratio, (2) Effectiveness Ratio, (3) Expenditure Efficiency Ratio, (4) Growth Ratio, (5) Independence Ratio, (6) Harmony Ratio (Operating Expenditure and Capital Expenditure), (7) Dependency Ratio. This study used a quantitative descriptive analysis technique method using secondary data. The data used is sourced from the financial statements of the Sanggau Regency Government for the 2018-2023. Based on the results of the study, the Regional Government of Sanggau Regency has not been able to increase its PAD revenue. Judging from the average ratio of the degree of decentralization of 7,88%, it is considered insufficient in increasing PAD. The average effectiveness ratio is 111,29% with very effective criteria. The average efficiency ratio of 93,04% is still less efficient. The average growth ratio of -2,78% has not been able to increase PAD growth. For the independence ratio, it is still not independent seen from the average of 9,63%. The regency regional Government agrees that the allocation of funds for operating expenditure is greater than capital expenditure. The average dependency ratio is 81,69% in the high criteria, the role of the central government in providing transfer assistance still dominates. It is expected that the local Government of Sanggau can increase PAD more,and make priority scale of allocation of regional expenditure.

Spatial differentiation and functional zoning of carbon budget: evidence from Jiangxi Province

Regional carbon budget and compensation are one of the current research hotspots, which is of great practical significance for dealing with climate change and promoting the coordinated development of low carbon. Based on energy consumption and land use data, a carbon budget and carbon compensation measurement model was established to analyze the change characteristics and spatial differentiation of the carbon budget of 11 prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi Province from 2010 to 2020 and carry out functional zoning, and further calculate the carbon compensation value of each prefecture-level city. The results showed that (1) during the study period, the carbon emissions in Jiangxi Province showed an increasing trend, with an average annual growth rate of 6.00 million tons, showing a spatial distribution pattern of “high in the west and low in the east.” The province was mainly represented by net carbon sources. (2) During the study period, the forest land in Jiangxi Province was the main carbon sink. The carbon sink absorption capacity declined from 60.56 million tons in 2010 to 59.69 million tons in 2020. (3) The regional difference in the economic contribution coefficient of prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi Province is relatively tiny. The ecological support coefficient has apparent spatial heterogeneity, showing a spatial distribution feature of “high in the south and low in the north.” (4) The 11 prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi Province could be divided into four regions: the carbon sink functional area, low-carbon optimization area, total carbon control area, and carbon intensity control area. By calculating the carbon compensation value and according to the difference in the carbon compensation value, the 11 prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi province are divided into four high-compensation areas, three low-compensation areas, and four compensated areas. The larger the carbon budget is, the higher the carbon compensation amount; conversely, the smaller the budget, the more carbon compensation amount can be obtained. According to the above conclusions, 11 prefecture-level cities should improve emission reduction mechanisms and strengthen the management of forest land utilization. Meanwhile, Jiangxi Province should formulate differentiated development, and compensation strategies should be developed to promote low-carbon, coordinated, and sustainable development among regions.

First Report of Diaporthe sp. from the D. arctii Species Complex Causing Postharvest Decay of European Pear in West Virginia, United States.

In November 2022, a European pear (Pyrus communis L.) 'Shenandoah' presenting brown discoloration and softening of the tissue over 75% of the fruit surface was found in cold storage at the USDA Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, West Virginia. Two of the 24 'Shenandoah' pears displayed the disease symptoms described. Following surface sanitation with 70% ethanol, tissue was taken at the margin of the lesion area, transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 25°C under continuous light. The isolate was hyphal-tip purified and propagated on PDA at 25°C. A growth assay using 7 mm plugs on PDA showed average daily growth of 14.5 mm over 7 days. Colonies appeared cream to light tan darkening with age. Elliptical, guttiferous, and aseptate α-conidia with mean dimensions of 8.74 µm (± 0.13 µm) by 3.7 µm (± 0.05 µm), n = 60, were observed on oatmeal agar after 25 days. β-conidia were filiform with mean dimensions of 24.4 µm (± 0.42 µm) by 1.34 µm (± 0.03 µm), n = 60. Fungal DNA was extracted using a CTAB protocol from one isolate (WV22SR1P5), and five genomic loci were amplified: internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF1), beta-tubulin (TUB), histone H3 (HIS), and calmodulin (CAL) (Udayanga et al. 2014) (GenBank accession nos. OR504473, OR504505, OR504506, PP213454, and PP213453 respectively). Additionally, part of the MAT1-1-1 gene was amplified (GenBank PP806137), but the MAT1-2-1 gene could not be detected (Santos et al. 2010). Based on a maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree of concatenated genes (ITS-TEF1-TUB-HIS-CAL) from published isolates (Dissanayake et al. 2024; Gomes et al. 2013; Gomzhina et al. 2021; Moodispaw et al. 2023; Udayanga et al. 2015), WV22SR1P5 was most closely related to a Diaporthe sp. in the D. arctii species complex, Section Sojae, reported to cause disease on cucumber that has not yet been given a Latin binomial (Moodispaw et al. 2023). The WV22SR1P5 isolate was deposited in the USDA-ARS Culture Collection (NRRL# 64834). Organic European pears 'Bartlett' were surface sanitized with 70% ethanol and dried in a laminar flow hood. Fruits were wounded with a cork borer (4 mm diameter x 4 mm depth) and inoculated with a 4-mm mycelial plug of 7- to 10-day-old culture of WV22SR1P5 grown on PDA. Inoculated fruit were placed in fruit trays in plastic bins and stored at 25°C for 7 days in the dark. As a control, fruits were wounded and sterile PDA plugs were placed in wounds under the same conditions. Five fruits were used per treatment group, and the entire test was repeated for a total of two replications. Lesion development was observed within 72 hours and expanded to an average of 44 mm by day 7. Lesions were not observed on control fruit. Lesion appearance on inoculated pears matched the decay symptoms on the original pear selected from cold storage. Fungal isolates obtained from inoculated pears were morphologically and molecularly identified as the same Diaporthe sp. by sequencing of TEF1 and TUB loci. The related species D. eres and D. rudis were recently reported to cause fruit rots on European pear in northern Italy (Bertetti et al. 2018) and in Oregon, United States (KC et al. 2019), respectively. D. sojae isolates have been associated with pear shoot canker in Asian pear trees (Pryus pyrifolia) in China (Guo et al. 2020). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a Diaporthe sp. in the D. arctii species complex causing postharvest decay of European pear in the United States and West Virginia, specifically.

What Explains Differences in Minimum Wage Growth Between EU Member States?

Abstract There are considerable differences in minimum wage growth between EU member states with national minimum wages. Potential sources for these differences are discrepancies in economic fundamentals and institutional differences in how minimum wages are adjusted. Using a novel dataset based on macroeconomic data, institutional information on minimum wage setting and data on economic policy orientation and elections, the article tests whether growth differences in the minimum wage of 21 EU member states during the time period 2000 to 2020 can be explained by a catch-up dynamic in new EU member states, by different growth models of EU member states or by differences in the actors that are responsible for the adjustment of minimum wages. The results show that across the entire sample and irrespective of actors, minimum wage growth follows consumer price inflation and wage growth most closely. Higher than average minimum wage growth rates in EU member states stem from overshooting inflation during the period of EU accession, reducing wage inequality and increasing the Kaitz index. Actors also mattered for minimum wage growth. Adjustments by social partner consensus led to higher minimum wage growth than the benchmark of indexed minimum wages, introducing a distributive element to minimum wage adjustments.

Multi-objective optimization prediction model for building parameters of photovoltaic windows based on NSGA II-BP

This article simulates the indoor useful daylight illuminance (UDI), energy consumption, and power generation of photovoltaic (PV) window buildings using EnergyPlus simulation software. Extensive data on these simulation parameters are obtained using parametric simulation software and combined with actual meteorological data. The factors significantly influencing PV window building performance are determined based on ANOVA. A model is developed to predict energy consumption, power generation, and UDI of PV window buildings using a back propagation neural network. For better lighting quality, lower energy consumption, and greater power generation, NSGA-II is introduced to optimize the windows' performance with multi-objective parameters. Moreover, the resulting energy saving rate, annual average power generation growth rate, and UDI growth rate are compared with the initial values to evaluate the effectiveness of the optimal solution. The results demonstrate that the energy saving rate of the building is 18.23 %, and the growth rates of the useful daylight illuminance and power generation reach 41.6 % and 5.12 %, respectively, compared to the initial values.

Dietary Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Powder on Growth and Blood Parameters of Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp)

Aims: The present study evaluated the effect of different levels of Withania somnifera root powder in fish formulated diets on the growth performance of economically important freshwater fish species in Asia Cyprinus carpio and compare the hematological changes occurred in fishes fed with control feed and herbal formulated diet. Study Design: The experiment was planned with the size group of 30.0±1.0g. Fish of the respective size group of Cyprinus carpio were subjected to different herbal formulated diets at a concentration 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% of Withania somnifera root powder extract through their diet, while the control group received a standard diet without any supplementation. Duration of Study: The study was conducted over a period of 4 weeks. Methodology: During which growth parameters such as Average Daily Growth, Specific Growth Rate and Absolute Growth Rate were monitored at regular (10 days) intervals. The blood samples were collected at 4th week from each group to assess hematological parameters including Red Blood Cell count, White Blood Cell count, Hemoglobin, Total Cholesterol and Total serum protein levels. The overall results revealed that the inclusion of Withania somnifera extract in the diet of Cyprinus carpio significantly influenced both growth and blood parameters. Results: Fish exposed to Withania somnifera extract exhibited enhanced growth performance compared to the control group, with increased Average Daily Growth, Specific Growth Rate and Absolute Growth Rate. Moreover, hematological analysis revealed positive effects on the blood parameters of treated fish, including improvements in Red Blood Cell count, White Blood Cell count, Hemoglobin, Total Cholesterol and Total serum protein levels. Conclusion: The overall results revealed that the inclusion of Withania somnifera extract in the diet of Cyprinus carpio significantly influenced both growth and blood parameters.

Bibliometric Insights into Microplastic Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems

Microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems has emerged as a significant environmental concern, warranting comprehensive investigation, and understanding. This study employs bibliometric analysis to systematically review and synthesize the existing literature on microplastic pollution in freshwater environments from 2013 to 2023. The exponential growth in research output was uncovered by analyzing 885 documents sourced from the Web of Science database, with an average annual growth rate of 73.13% and an average document citation of 30.17. Our findings highlight the dominance of primary and secondary microplastics as pollutants, their ecological consequences, and the resultant socio-economic implications. Notably, the Science of the Total Environment and Environmental Pollution journals emerge as leading publication venues, while China, Germany, and the USA lead in research contributions, underlining the global nature of microplastic pollution research. The analysis further outlines the most commonly cited works, identifying pivotal studies that have shaped current understanding and future research directions. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape on microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems, helping researchers to identify knowledge gaps and emerging trends. These insights can guide future research directions and inform policymakers and stakeholders on where scientific efforts should be concentrated to better understand and address the impacts of microplastic pollution.

Appropriate water and nitrogen supply regulates the dynamics of nitrogen translocation and thereby enhancing the accumulation of nitrogen in maize grains

To improve nitrogen uptake and grain quality in maize, this study explores the dynamic processes of nitrogen accumulation, distribution, and translocation under varying water and nitrogen supplies, aiming to optimize water-nitrogen management practices. Field trials were conducted in Karamay, Xinjiang, in 2022 and 2023, with different irrigation levels (75 % ETc, 100 % ETc, 125 % ETc) and nitrogen application rates (0, 93, 186, 279 kg Nhm−2). The effects of water and nitrogen supply on nitrogen accumulation and distribution in aboveground maize organs were analyzed, and the dynamic characteristics of maize nitrogen accumulation were examined using the characteristic parameters of the Richards nitrogen accumulation equation. The results showed that beyond the W2N2 treatment (irrigation at 100 % ETc and nitrogen application of 186 kg N hm−2), increases in irrigation and nitrogen did not significantly enhance nitrogen accumulation per plant. Under W2N2, high levels of nitrogen were accumulated in maize leaf, stem, bract, cob, and grain. The nitrogen transfer among different organs and their contribution to grain nitrogen showed the following hierarchy: leaf > stem > cob > bract, with the contribution rates to grain nitrogen ranging from 26.16 % to 56.23 % over the two years. The Richards model accurately quantified the dynamic relationship between water-nitrogen supply and crop nitrogen accumulation, with the coefficient of determination (R²) ranging from 0.9864 to 0.9999 and the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) from 0.70 % to 6.51 %. Optimal water-nitrogen supply significantly reduced the accumulated temperature required for maize to enter the rapid nitrogen accumulation phase and achieve maximum growth rates, while extending the duration of the rapid growth phase and increasing both the maximum growth rate and the average growth rate during this period. Grain nitrogen accumulation was positively correlated with nitrogen accumulation rates, as well as nitrogen accumulation and translocation in various organs. Under suitable irrigation and nitrogen application, the interactive effects of water and nitrogen (W × N) significantly increased both nitrogen accumulation and nitrogen accumulation rates, laying a foundation for nitrogen translocation to grains in the late growth stages and enhancing grain nitrogen accumulation. Thus, appropriate water and nitrogen supply can significantly influence nitrogen accumulation, distribution, and translocation processes in maize, regulating grain nitrogen accumulation. This study provides valuable information for nitrogen accumulation regulation and grain quality improvement in maize in Xinjiang and other regions with similar climatic conditions.