Growth Characteristics Research Articles

Role of Albitbr bio-stimulant application on growth, yield and quality characteristics of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) cultivars under open field conditions

Climate change coupled with the indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides are causing tremendous challenges on the production potentials of crops and also health of the people of the world. As part of the sustainable production strategy, the current study was conducted at the experimental station Vniccok, Russia during summer of 2024 using a bio-stimulant “Albitbr on tomato crop. In the experiment, four different cultivars were treated with seven different doses of the bio-stimulant (control, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 50 L/ha). The highest significant leaf area (115.23 cm2) and yield of tomato fruits (83.35 t/ha) were obtained from Fenaric and Malets cultivars, respectively. Application of the bio-stimulant also resulted in a significant effect on leaf area, total yield, titratable acidity (TA) as well as total soluble solids (TSS)/TA with the highest leaf area (119.88 cm2), total yield (78.81 t/ha) being produced from the bio-stimulant dose of 2.5 L/ha, whereas the highest values of TA (0.28 %) and TSS/TA (21.72) were obtained from 0.1 L/ha and 50 L/ha, respectively.

Analyzing sorbitol biosynthesis using a metabolic network flux model of a lichenized strain of the green microalga Diplosphaera chodatii.

Diplosphaera chodatii, a unicellular terrestrial microalga found either free-living or in association with lichenized fungi, protects itself from desiccation by synthesizing and accumulating low-molecular-weight carbohydrates such as sorbitol. The metabolism of this algal species and the interplay of sorbitol biosynthesis with its growth, light absorption, and carbon dioxide fixation are poorly understood. Here, we used a recently available genome assembly for D. chodatii to develop a metabolic flux model and analyze the alga's metabolic capabilities, particularly, for sorbitol biosynthesis. The model contains 151 genes, 155 metabolites, and 194 unique metabolic reactions participating in 12 core metabolic pathways and five compartments. Both photoautotrophic and mixotrophic growths of D. chodatii were supported by the metabolic model. In the presence of glucose, mixotrophy led to higher biomass and sorbitol yields. Additionally, the model predicted increased starch biosynthesis at high light intensities during photoautotrophic growth, an indication that the "overflow hypothesis-stress-driven metabolic flux redistribution" could be applied to D. chodatii. Furthermore, the newly developed metabolic model of D. chodatii, iDco_core, captures both linear and cyclic electron flow schemes characterized in photosynthetic microorganisms and suggests a possible adaptation to fluctuating water availability during periods of desiccation. This work provides important new insights into the predicted metabolic capabilities of D. chodatii, including a potential biotechnological opportunity for industrial sorbitol biosynthesis.IMPORTANCELichenized green microalgae are vital components for the survival and growth of lichens in extreme environmental conditions. However, little is known about the metabolism and growth characteristics of these algae as individual microbes. This study aims to provide insights into some of the metabolic capabilities of Diplosphaera chodatii, a lichenized green microalgae, using a recently assembled and annotated genome of the alga. For that, a metabolic flux model was developed simulating the metabolism of this algal species and allowing for studying the algal growth, light absorption, and carbon dioxide fixation during both photoautotrophic and mixotrophic growth, in silico. An important capability of the new metabolic model of D. chodatii is capturing both linear and cyclic electron flow mechanisms characterized in several other microalgae. Moreover, the model predicts limits of the metabolic interplay between sorbitol biosynthesis and algal growth, which has potential applications in assisting the design of bio-based sorbitol production processes.

Coexistence of Giant Hydatid Cyst and Hepatocellular Carci-noma: A Case Report and Literature Review

From a global perspective, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hydatid cyst disease are both common; however, the endemic and zoonotic nature of hydatid cysts (due to Echinococcus larvae) makes the simultaneous detection of the two conditions a rare occurrence. In this case report, in a 43-year-old male patient, we aim to draw attention to the potential coexistence of HCC and liver hydatid cysts by presenting a case in which HCC tissue was detected in the cyst wall—removed by emergency surgery due to cyst perforation. Hydatid lesions in the liver may exhibit tumor-like growth characteristics. Consequently, identifying a hydatid cyst concomitant with HCC can be challenging, particularly when HCC has developed within the cystic structure. Careful assessment of resected tissues and detailed diagnostic approaches can facilitate the identification of such cases, even if the risk of HCC in patients with hydatid cysts is marginal. It may be advisable to suggest periodic monitoring with HCC-related markers and liver imaging methods.

In ovo sodium butyrate administration differentially impacts growth performance, intestinal barrier function, immune response, and gut microbiota characteristics in low and high hatch-weight broilers

BackgroundHatch weight (HW) affects broiler growth and low HW (LHW) often leads to suboptimal performance. Sodium butyrate (SB) has been shown to promote growth through enhanced intestinal health. This study investigated how broilers with different HW responded to in ovo SB injection and whether SB could enhance gut health and performance in LHW chicks. Ross 308 broiler eggs were injected on incubation d 12 with physiological saline (control) or SB at 0.1% (SB1), 0.3% (SB3), or 0.5% (SB5). Post-hatch, male chicks from each treatment were categorized as high HW (HHW) or LHW and assigned to 8 groups in a 4 × 2 factorial design. Production parameters were recorded periodically. Intestinal weight, length, and gene expression related to gut barrier function and immune response were examined on d 14 and 42. Cecal microbiota dynamics and predicted functionality were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsSB treatments did not affect hatchability. HHW-control group exhibited consistently better weight gain and FCR than LHW-control group. SB dose-dependently influenced performance and gut health in both HW categories, with greater effects in LHW broilers at 0.3%. LHW-SB3 group attained highest body weight on d 42, exceeding controls but not significantly differing from HHW-SB3 group. LHW-SB3 group showed upregulation of gut-barrier genes CLDN1 in ileum, TJP1 in jejunum and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both jejunum and ileum on d 14. Additionally, LHW-SB3 group upregulated mucin-producing MUC6 gene in ileum, while HHW-SB5 group increased pro-inflammatory IL-12p40 cytokine in caecum on d 42. LHW-SB3 group demonstrated shorter relative intestinal lengths, while HHW-SB5 had longer lengths. HHW-control group had higher bacterial diversity and growth-promoting bacteria while LHW-control group harbored the potential pathogen Helicobacter. SB reshaped gut microbiota biodiversity, composition, and predicted metabolic pathways in both HW categories. The LHW-SB3 group exhibited highest alpha diversity on d 14 and most beneficial bacteria at all timepoints. HHW-SB5 group presented increased pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella and Campylobacter on d 42.ConclusionsHW significantly affects subsequent performance and SB has differential effects based on HW. LHW chicks benefited more from 0.3% SB, showing improvements in growth, intestinal development, health, and gut microbiota characteristics.

Glyphosate-, carbofuran-, and chlorpyrifos-tolerant Priestia aryabhattai, isolated from agricultural soils

Objective: To isolate and carry out a molecular characterization of microorganisms potentially tolerant to high concentrations of different pesticides (glyphosate, carbofuran, and chlorpyrifos). Design/Methodology/Approach: Based on the isolate project SIP20170193, only the strain GVE 5 was chosen for the experiment, as a result of its morphological and growth characteristics. The tolerance capacity (TC) of GVE 5 to three different pesticides (glyphosate, carbofuran, and chlorpyrifos) was evaluated in two different media (LB and M9). The only carbon source was 200 mg/L of each pesticide. GVE 5 was identified through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) molecular techniques and amplified by the 16S rRNA marker. Results: Based on the TC analysis, the GVE 5 strain of Priestia aryabhattai recorded a growth with 200 mg L-1 of glyphosate, carbofuran, and chlorpyrifos in LB medium and M9 minimal medium. Study Limitations/Implications: There were no limitations or implications for this study. Findings/Conclusions: Priestia aryabhattai is tolerant to 200 mg L-1 of glyphosate, carbofuran, and chlorpyrifos. These results open new lines of research regarding the bioremediation of soils polluted by these agrochemicals. Priestia aryabhattai should be subjected to further evaluations as a plant growth promoter.

The Influence of Positive Growth Experience of Craftsmen on Vocational Education of Automotive Inspection and Maintenance Technology and Mental Health

Since 2014, in China, there has been a principle to divert the graduating junior high school students to regular high schools and secondary vocational schools in an orderly manner, with a ratio of 50%. Vocational education serves as an important foundation for cultivating technical and skilled talents, as well as craftsman talents. However, vocational education, as a distinct type of education, has not yet gained widespread recognition in society. And it is a very meaningful thing to explore how their teachers’ positive growth experience influence these students to become successful and feel pleasure. Using a qualitative methodology, we interviewed ten Zhejiang craftsmen specializing in the automotive field, who work as full-time or part-time teachers in technical colleges and vocational schools, to explore the relationship between their growth experiences and the impact of teacher education on the cultivation and development of craftsmen. The study not only focused on their professional development but also delved into the psychological aspects of their journey. By examining the interplay between professional growth, educational impact, and psychological factors, this results provide valuable insights into the holistic development of skilled craftsmen. The findings reveal that the growth characteristics of Zhejiang craftsmen can be categorized into four stages: aspiration, enjoyment, dedication, and innovation. These stages are reflected in various aspects such as career aspirations, professional identity, and collaborative innovation, which are further subdivided into 29 factors. Moreover, the analysis demonstrates how these self-growth experiences can be effectively transferred to the student training process, thereby stimulating students' enthusiasm for learning vehicle inspection, testing, and repairs. The development of vocational education can draw insights from the growth process of Zhejiang craftsmen, with a specific focus on fostering workplace learning, integrating theoretical instruction with practical skill development, and nurturing both technical expertise and personal qualities. And the comprehensive strategy focuses on the areas, such as fostering workplace learning, integrating theoretical instruction with practical skill development, nurturing both technical expertise and personal qualities, promoting psychological health and so on. By implementing these strategies, vocational education institutions can help students grow into healthy, skilled, and psychologically robust professionals.

Improving productivity of citramalate from CO2 by Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 through design of experiment

BackgroundCyanobacteria have long been suggested as an industrial chassis for the conversion of carbon dioxide to products as part of a circular bioeconomy. The slow growth, carbon fixation rates, and limits of carbon partitioning between biomass and product in cyanobacteria must be overcome to fully realise this industrial potential. Typically, flux towards heterologous pathways is limited by the availability of core metabolites. Citramalate is produced in a single enzymatic step through the condensation of the central metabolites pyruvate and acetyl-CoA; improvements in citramalate productivity can, therefore, be used as a measure of overcoming this limitation. Furthermore, citramalate is a useful biomaterial precursor and provides a route to renewable methyl methacrylate and poly(methyl methacrylate), which is often traded as Perspex or Plexiglas.ResultsHere, we describe a phenomenon where the concerted optimisation of process parameters significantly increased citramalate production in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Design of experiment principles were used to determine the optima for each parameter and the interplay between multiple parameters. This approach facilitated a ~ 23-fold increase in citramalate titre from initial unoptimised experiments. The process of scale-up from batch cultures to 0.5, 2, and 5 L photobioreactors is described. At the 2-L scale, citramalate titres from carbon dioxide reached 6.35 g/L with space–time yields of 1.59 g/L/day whilst 5-L PBRs yielded 3.96 ± 0.23 g/L with a productivity of 0.99 ± 0.06 g/L/day. We believe the decrease in productivity from 2-L to 5-L scale was likely due to the increased pathlength and shading for light delivery reducing incident light per cell. However, changes in productivity and growth characteristics are not uncommon when scaling up biotechnology processes and have numerous potential causes.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates that the use of a process parameter control regime can ameliorate precursor limitation and enhance citramalate production. Since pyruvate and/or acetyl-CoA give rise to numerous products of biotechnological interest, the workflow presented here could be employed to optimise flux towards other heterologous pathways. Understanding the factors controlling and thus increasing carbon partitioning to product will help progress cyanobacteria as part of a carbon–neutral circular bioeconomy. This is the first study using design of experiment to optimise overall carbon fixation rate and carbon partitioning to product, with the goal of improving the performance of a cyanobacterium as a host for biological carbon capture.

Isolation and in vitro investigation on lactic acid bacteria for potential probiotic properties from cat feces

BackgroundProbiotics, which are beneficial to the host, have been shown to benefit the health of cats. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used probiotics, but most strains used for cats are not derived from cats, leading to reduced efficacy and poor adaptation to cats. The objective was to identify LAB with promising probiotic potential specific to cats.MethodLABs were isolated from fecal samples of 20 healthy cats. Gram staining and the survival rate in the simulated gastrointestinal tract were used for preliminary screening. Candidate strains were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing, and further evaluated for adhesion ability, growth characteristics, antibacterial activity, antioxidant capacity, and safety.Results24 Gram-positive isolates were identified, with 10 (F1-F10) showing robust viability in the simulated gastroenteric fluid. These 10 strains exhibited excellent adhesion to Caco-2 cells and strong auto-agglutination properties. They also possessed the capacity to antagonize and aggregate pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella Braenderup H9812, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1), Moreover, all strains demonstrated tolerance to H2O2 concentrations ranging from 0.5–2 mmol/L and the ability to scavenge 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, indicating a certain level of antioxidant activity. Safety tests showed no hemolytic activity, and all but F6 were highly sensitive to antibiotics, with over 62.5% sensitivity to 16 antibiotics. Remarkably, F4 (Lactobacillus reuteri) and F10 (Lactobacillus brevis) exhibited exceptional viability in the simulated gastrointestinal tract, coupled with robust growth potential, enhanced adhesion efficiency, significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties.ConclusionOur findings revealed that F4 (Lactobacillus reuteri) and F10 (Lactobacillus brevis) hold promising potential as probiotics. This research lays a solid scientific foundation for the selection and application of probiotics tailored specifically for cats.

Growth, yield, and biochemical traits of tomato plants under mycorrhizal inoculation and licorice root extract applications

ABSTRACT Enhancing the nutritional values and quality of fruit crops is of utmost significance, necessitating the exploration and implementation of novel agricultural approaches. Therefore, the application of natural sources, such as biostimulants and the reduction of conventional fertilizers, are integral to sustainable agriculture, which aims to reduce environmental harm and maintain the long-term health of agricultural systems, meanwhile, maximizing productivity and profitability. The study’s objective was to assess the impact of applying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and licorice root extract (LRE) on the growth and some biochemical traits of tomato fruit. For the AMF inoculation, 15 g/plant was applied to the soil, while the LRE was sprayed onto the canopy at varying doses of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/L. A combination of AMF and LRE was also applied simultaneously. All treatment combinations had noticeable effects on plant growth and quality. The combination of AMF with LRE at a concentration of 15 g/L significantly influenced most of the growth, fruit, and physicochemical characteristics. AMF resulted in the lowest nitrate accumulation in the fruits. Furthermore, doses of 10 g/L LRE exhibited the highest levels of heavy metals, including zinc, manganese, and copper. This study suggests that the integrated use of AMF and LRE is a promising approach for the sustainable and economically viable production of tomato fruit under controlled or semi-controlled conditions.

Enhancing aerobic composting of food waste by adding hydrolytically active microorganisms

The biomass of native microorganisms in food waste (FW) suitable for accelerated composting is initially low and requires time for adaptation. Adding of efficient hydrolytic microorganisms should be able to enhance compost-specific microbial activity, adjust microbial community structure, and potentially hasten FW biodegradation. This study aimed to identify bacterial and fungal strains with growth characteristics suitable for accelerating FW composting. Over 7 weeks, FW was composted in a pilot-scale test, either inoculated at the start or on day 28 with three different mixtures of 10 autochthonous Bacillus and Penicillium spp. strains known for their high hydrolytic activity. The effects of inoculation were assessed by measuring the rate of carbon dioxide (CO2) and ammonia (NH3) production and also the increase in temperature due to spontaneous exothermic activity of the enhanced microbial population degrading FW. Inoculation with Bacillus spp., particularly B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis, at the beginning of composting increased CO2 production nearly 3-fold while maintaining stable ammonia production and temperature. The high concentration of Bacillus relative to native FW microorganisms led to dominant fermentation processes even in the presence of oxygen, resulting in moderate heat release and elevated production of volatile organic compounds. Introducing Penicillium spp. at a later stage (day 28) increased CO2 production nearly 2-fold, along with higher NH3 levels and temperature. These findings highlight the significance of inoculation timing and microbial composition in regulating metabolic pathways during FW composting degradation, offering insights for designing effective microbial formulations for composting.

Optimum blue light exposure: a means to increase cell-specific productivity in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Research for biopharmaceutical production processes with mammalian cells steadily aims to enhance the cell-specific productivity as a means for optimizing total productivities of bioreactors. Whereas current technologies such as pH, temperature, and osmolality shift require modifications of the cultivation medium, the use of optogenetic switches in recombinant producer cells might be a promising contact-free alternative. However, the proper application of optogenetically engineered cells requires a detailed understanding of basic cellular responses of cells that do not yet contain the optogenetic switches. The knowhow of ideal light exposure to enable the optimum use of related approaches is missing so far. Consequently, the current study set out to find optimum conditions for IgG1 producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells which were exposed to blue LED light. Growth characteristics, cell-specific productivity using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, as well as cell cycle distribution using flow cytometry were analyzed. Whereas too harsh light exposure causes detrimental growth effects that could be compensated with antioxidants, a surprising boost of cell-specific productivity by 57% occurred at optimum high light doses. The increase coincided with an increased number of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle after 72 h of illumination. The results present a promising new approach to boost biopharmaceutical productivity of mammalian cells simply by proper light exposure without any further optogenetic engineering.Key points• Blue LED light hinders growth in CHO DP-12 cells• Antioxidants protect to a certain degree from blue light effects• Illumination with blue LED light raises cell-specific productivity

Ecological response mechanism of alkaline wastewater periphytic biofilms to pH alteration

The environmental impact of indiscriminate alkaline wastewater discharge is increasingly concerning. Studying the ecological response mechanisms of periphytic biofilms to such wastewater is crucial for deepening our understanding of its broader environmental implications. In this study, periphytic biofilms collected from the drainage outlet of a tunnel construction project were developed for 56 days at initial pH values of 10 (pH0 10) and 12 (pH0 12). These stabilized biofilms were then transferred to a neutral environment (pH 7) for another 35 days. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed changes in the growth characteristics, microbial interactions, and microbial community composition, function, and assembly patterns of the biofilms. Specifically, results revealed decreased microbial activity, live/dead bacteria ratios, and polysaccharide content in extracellular polymeric substances when the pH was reduced from alkaline to neutral, with incomplete recovery observed after 35 days of incubation in a neutral environment. During neutral pH incubation, proteobacterial abundance increased by 58.39 % and 33.08 % in biofilms cultured at pH0 10 and pH0 12, respectively, becoming the dominant flora, with chemoheterotrophic functions increasing by 8.11 % and 38.23 %, respectively. Network analysis indicated that biofilms in the pH0 12 culture group had a more advanced organizational co-occurrence network, with more complex and stable interactions, than those in the pH0 10 culture group. Microbial community α diversity, key differential species count, the proportion of positively correlated network edges, and null model data showed that microbial communities in biofilms cultured at pH0 10 were more resilient, whereas those cultured at pH0 12 were more resistant. Overall, this study reveals that alkaline wastewater periphytic biofilms adapt and develop high tolerance and metabolic activity but struggle to recover their original state in a short-term neutral environment, with biofilms cultured at pH0 12 exhibiting more complex interactions and higher resistance and those cultured at pH0 10 showing greater resilience.

Spatiotemporal prediction of solidified dendrites based on convolutional long-short-term neural network

The formation and growth of dendrites during the solidification of metals are critical factors influencing material properties. Accurate prediction of dendritic growth morphology and evolution is of great significance for materials science research and industrial applications. Traditional simulation methods, such as the phase-field method, provide high-precision results but are computationally expensive and time-consuming. Recently, with the advancement of deep learning technology, data-driven approaches have shown great potential in materials science. This paper proposes the use of Convolutional Long-Short-Term Memory Network (ConvLSTM) to capture spatiotemporal dependencies for predicting the spatiotemporal evolution of dendritic solidification in materials. By training on historical data of dendritic growth, the ConvLSTM neural network model predicts the future growth morphology of the dendritic microstructure during solidification. The model accurately forecasts the future morphology and appearance of the microstructure. Case studies were conducted using a generated dataset of dendritic solidification simulations, and the results demonstrate that the ConvLSTM model effectively captures the complex dynamic characteristics of dendritic growth and provides high-precision prediction results. This offers new insights for material design and optimization.

An experimental investigation into filament formation during drop generation by pseudo-plastic viscoelastic biofluid at T-junction generators

The advancements in droplet microfluidics have made it an eminent technology for high-throughput biomedical applications involving biofluids such as blood, saliva, tear film, and synovial fluid, all characterized by their non-Newtonian/viscoelastic properties. However, most existing models for the design and optimization of droplet microfluidic systems are primarily based on Newtonian fluids. Therefore, studies that systematically explore the dynamics underlying biofluid droplet formation and manipulation are critically important, both fundamentally and practically. This study uses artificial tear films to experimentally investigate the effects of operational parameters such as geometric conditions (width ratio Λ = wdwc and aspect ratio h* = hwc), fluid properties (viscosity ratio η = μdμc), and flow rate ratios (ϕ = QdQc) on filament formation during droplet generation in a T-junction geometry. All the experiments were conducted at a constant capillary number of the continuous phase (Ca = μcQcwchγ). The results indicate that filament growth and rupture characteristics are determined by the predominance of two distinct regions: pre-stretch, governed by the interplay between inertial and capillary forces, and elastocapillarity, regulated by elastic and capillary forces. Specifically, filament rupture is influenced by inertia–capillary effects at low flow rates and viscosity ratios. In contrast, the domination of elastic effects is more pronounced at higher flow rates and viscosity ratios. Additionally, reductions in the width (Λ) and aspect (h*) ratio when Λ≥0.5 and h*≥0.4 increase the elastic effects within the filaments while inertial effects dominate for Λ<0.5 and h*<0.4. The relaxation times (λ) are obtained from the exponential thinning curve, with longer times observed for cases with high elastic effects. Finally, the filament collapses into satellite droplets, and their monodispersity increases with elasticity.

Vulnerability evolution of critical infrastructures: A multidimensional environment-integrated system dynamics analysis

Critical infrastructures (CIs) form the foundation of modern society, highlighting the necessity of analyzing their vulnerability characteristics. Existing research on CI vulnerability has not fully explored the environmental impacts on CI vulnerability and the long-term dynamic characteristics of vulnerability. To address these gaps, this study proposes an integrated framework for CI vulnerability evolution that incorporates environmental factors from nature, physical, and socio-economic dimensions, along with four key components of CI vulnerability: risk exposure, physical fragility, environmental sensitivity, and recovery capacity. Then, a system dynamics (SD)-based model is developed to quantitatively measure the complex interactions between environmental factors and CI vulnerability, thereby revealing the dynamic evolutionary mechanisms of vulnerability driven by these interactions. The model's effectiveness is demonstrated through a case simulation, with the results revealing the following findings: First, the dynamics of CI vulnerability evolution arise from the long-term driving, feedback, and iteration processes between environmental factors and vulnerability. These processes shape the nonlinear growth and adaptive characteristics of CI vulnerability evolution. Second, each environmental factor has a distinct marginal impact and direction on the evolution of CI vulnerability. This study provides a holistic and dynamic analysis for CI vulnerability and offers insights for optimizing vulnerability mitigation strategies.

Biological Applications of Ore Materials: Chili Absorption of Natural MG and ZN Ions Released from Modified Serpentinite Powders

Introduction: This study investigated the characteristics of the powder, the concentration of the ions, and the growth characteristics of Chili that were irrigated with the natural magnesium– zinc ionised water. The findings revealed that the ion dissolution rate was higher for greater water temperatures. Methods: Extended sintering of the zinc-modified natural serpentinite powder at 400°C reduced the number of dissolved magnesium ions and increased the number of dissolved zinc ions. The Chili planting experiment was performed with two groups: 1) Chili irrigated with natural magnesium– zinc ionised water (natural magnesium–zinc Chili) and 2) Chili irrigated with distilled water (distilled-water Chili). Results: The natural magnesium–zinc Chilis were discovered to have higher concentrations of magnesium and zinc ions in various parts. Furthermore, during the later stages of growth, the natural magnesium–zinc Chili had a larger body and did not easily turn yellow, resulting in better freshness. This study used modified serpentine powder to cultivate natural magnesium–zinc Chili. Appropriate powder roasting conditions and the rates of magnesium and zinc dissolution were established, and the growth characteristics of natural magnesium–zinc Chili were determined. Conclusion: The Chilis can help humans ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages by sufficient zinc and magnesium intake.

Evaluation of glycyrrhetinic acid in attenuating adverse effects of a high-fat diet in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) has been shown to promote growth characteristics and play a crucial role in anti-inflammatory responses in animals. To investigate the effects of dietary GA supplementation on growth performance, intestinal inflammation, and intestinal barrier protection in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed a high-fat diet (HFD), a 77-day feeding experiment was conducted. A total of 750 largemouth bass, initially averaging 17.39 ± 0.09 g in body weight, were randomly allocated to five experimental groups and fed a control diet, a HFD, and the HFD diet supplemented with GA at either 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/kg, named as control, HDF, HFD+GA 0.5, HFD+GA 1.0, and 1.5 HFD+GA 1.5, respectively. Each group contained three replicates. The study revealed that dietary GA improved final body weight (P < 0.001), percent weight gain (P = 0.041), and feed intake (P < 0.001), all of which had been affected by a HFD in largemouth bass (P < 0.05). Supplementation of HFD with 1.0 mg/kg GA increased the mRNA expressions and protein levels of corresponding tight junctions, occludin, zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-1 in the intestines of largemouth bass. Furthermore, the addition of HFD with both of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg GA decreased the mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory genes such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (caspase-1), as well as proteins associated with pyroptosis-induced inflammation, including NOD-like receptor family and pyrin domain contain 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC), gasdermin E (GSDME), and N-terminal domain of GSDME (GSDME-N) (P < 0.05). Finally, dietary GA supplementation alleviated mitochondrial damage and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by the HFD. It is concluded that GA supplementation in HFD enhances growth performance, increases mRNA expression and protein levels of tight junction-related parameters, decreases mRNA expression and protein levels of pyroptosis-related genes, and alleviates intestinal mitochondrial injury and inflammation induced by HFD.

Correlation Between Initial Nematode Population Density and Crop Losses Caused by Heterodera avenae in Wheat

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of different inoculums levels(0, 2, 4, 8 and 16 cyst/plant)H. avenae on wheat. Among different inoculums level, highest females/5 g root (32.75), cysts per 200 cc soil (43.07) and juveniles per 200 cc soil (358.75) were recorded in 16 cyst/plant whereas lowest were recorded in 2 cyst/plant. Maximum shoot length (79.85 cm), shoot weight (28.84 g), root length (32.10 cm), root weight (7.71 g), fodder yield (23.72) and grain yield (15.81) were recorded in uninoculated plants (0 cyst/plant) whereas minimum was at 16 cyst/ plant. Significant reduction in plant growth characters were observed at and above 4 cyst/plant. Hence, experimental result revealed threshold level of 4 cyst per plant on wheat.

Design and experiment of facility elevated planting strawberry continuous picking manipulator

Strawberry picking manipulator is one of the key factors affecting the effectiveness of robot picking operations, elevated strawberries cultivated off the ground with hanging fruits provide convenient conditions for automatic strawberry picking. In order to adapt to the small space of elevated strawberry picking operation and to solve the problem of discontinuous picking process, a P-P-R-P type continuous strawberry picking manipulator was proposed. Based on the elevated cultivation mode and the clamping-shear picking method, the structural parameters and control system of the continuous picking manipulator were determined. The kinematics model of the continuous picking manipulator was established, the Jacobian condition number and performance of each joint in the picking operation were solved, and its flexibility and operability were analyzed. According to the growth characteristics of elevated strawberries, the picking simulation routes and operation cycles were set. Using MATLAB software, the simulation tests were carried out to analyze the working space of the continuous picking manipulator, the maximum speed and acceleration changes of each joint. In order to improve the success rate of strawberry picking, the operating parameters such as rotational speed, end picking angle and clamping position of the continuous picking manipulator were optimized using Box-Behnken test. Based on the simulation results and parameter optimization results, a continuous picking manipulator and motion control system were constructed and validation tests were conducted. The results showed that the average picking success rate of the continuous picking manipulator was 74.21 %, and the average picking efficiency was 12.87 s per piece. In conclusion, the P-P-R-P type continuous picking manipulator proposed in this study meets the automated operation requirements of strawberry picking and can be adapted to the elevated operating environment.

Impact of recharge water source quality on Chlorella vulgaris growth and biomass: Strategies for eutrophication control in urban landscape lakes

Understanding the relationship between recharge water quality and algal metabolism is critical for managing eutrophication in urban landscape water bodies. This study investigates six landscape water bodies in Xi'an City, utilizing natural and reclaimed water recharge sources to cultivate and evaluate the growth and biomass composition of Chlorella vulgaris. The findings revealed that the growth and metabolic rate of C. vulgaris were faster in reclaimed water sources, whereas nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) conversion rates were higher in natural water sources. Redundancy and statistical analyses indicated that total nitrogen (TN) in reclaimed water was a major factor influencing C. vulgaris growth, contributing 74.3 % to its growth dynamics. In contrast, natural water sources did not significantly affect the growth characteristics of C. vulgaris. The biomass characteristics of C. vulgaris across different recharge water sources were similar, exhibiting a strong correlation with water quality. Environmental factors such as COD, N/P ratio, and PO4-P contributed most significantly to biomass accumulation. These findings provide a strategy for preventing and controlling eutrophication in landscape water bodies that utilize reclaimed water recharge sources in Xi'an City.