Early Stages Of Maturation Research Articles

Fruit Sorting Based on Maturity Reduces Internal Disorders in Vapor Heat-Treated ‘B74’ Mango

Postharvest internal disorders (IDs) in mango fruit present a significant challenge to the industry, with their underlying causes still unclear. This study investigated the relationship between fruit maturity and the susceptibility of vapor heat-treated (VHT) ‘B74’ mangoes to IDs in three experiments. In the first experiment, fruit were categorized into three maturity groups based on dry matter content (DMC): <15%, 15–17%, and >17%, using a handheld near-infrared device. Half of the fruit in each group underwent VHT, while the remainder were untreated controls. Flesh cavity with white patches (FCWP) was the only disorder observed exclusively in VHT fruit. The incidence and severity of FCWP was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fruit with <15% DMC, with 12.4% incidence and a severity score of 0.2 on a 0–3 scale (0: healthy and 3: severely affected), compared to more mature fruit. In the second experiment, the fruits were harvested at early and late maturity stages, with average DMC values of 14.5% and 17.4%, respectively. The fruit was subjected to no VHT, VHT, and VHT following a 12 h pre-conditioning period at 37 ± 1 °C. Consistent with the first experiment, FCWP was observed only in VHT fruit, with early-harvested fruit displaying a significantly higher (p < 0.05) FCWP incidence (26.9%) and severity (0.3) compared to late-harvested fruit (8.3% incidence and 0.1 severity). Pre-conditioning significantly reduced FCWP, particularly in early-harvested fruit. In the third experiment, fruit maturity sorted based on density was assessed, followed by VHT and simulated sea freight under controlled (CA) and ambient atmospheres. Fruit density did not effectively differentiate maturity considering DMC as a maturity indicator. Storage conditions significantly reduced (p < 0.05) flesh browning incidence from 71.1% under ambient conditions to 33.3% under CA. This study highlights fruit maturity as a key factor in the susceptibility of ‘B74’ mangoes to postharvest IDs following VHT. Therefore, sorting fruit based on DMC at harvest or at the packing facility prior to VHT serves as a valuable decision support for reducing IDs in VHT fruit. Further research will explore advanced technologies to enable rapid and efficient fruit sorting based on DMC.

Influence of Secondary Metabolites According to Maturation of Perilla (Perilla frutescens) on Respiratory Protective Effect in Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Induced Human Nasal Cell.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure worsens chronic respiratory diseases through oxidative stress and inflammation. Perilla frutescens (L.) has potential respiratory protective properties, but the impact of growth stages on its beneficial metabolites is unclear. We aimed to evaluate how different growth stages affect phenolic acids, flavonoids, and polycosanols in perilla seeds and flowers and their efficacy in countering PM2.5-induced damage. Perilla seeds and flowers from five varieties at 10, 20, 30, and 40 days post-flowering were analyzed for metabolite content. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory protective effects were tested in RPMI 2650 cells. Our findings indicated that perilla flowers contained higher levels of functional components than seeds and exhibited significant variation with maturation. Phenolic acids of perilla flowers were highest at the early stages of maturation after flowering. However, individual flavones of perilla flowers were the highest at the late maturation stages after flowering. Extracts from perilla flowers harvested 20 days after flowering exhibited significant respiratory protection, effectively inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, mucus secretion, and oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, the flower parts of perilla, particularly those harvested 20 days after flowering, are useful materials for obtaining phenolic compounds, including rosmarinic acid, with high antioxidant and respiratory enhancement effects.

Evaluation of uranium migration during the maturation of hydrocarbon source rocks.

The source of uranium is an important research topic related to the exploration of sandstone-type uranium deposits, and potential uranium sources in deep basins are often overlooked. Black organic-rich shale is a common uranium-bearing rock in deep sedimentary basins. However, relatively few studies have investigated the migration of uranium during hydrocarbon generation in and release from uranium-rich shale. In this study, the uranium-rich shale in the Chang 7 member of the Yanchang Formation of the Upper Triassic in the Ordos Basin was selected to investigate the migration of uranium and other trace elements during the thermal maturation of uranium-rich shale via a semiopen pyrolysis simulation system. The gas and liquid products as well as the solid residue were thoroughly analysed by means of multiple instruments. The results showed that uranium significantly migrated before hydrocarbon generation (Ro < 0.61%), with a leaching rate between 12.1% and 18.8%. The leaching rate of uranium during the hydrocarbon generation stage (0.63% < Ro < 1.35%) was relatively low, ranging from 0 to 7.2%. Cu, Pb, Zn, Mo, and other trace elements also migrated considerably during the early stage of thermal evolution, with leaching rates ranging from 2.9 ~ 11.6%. The yield of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LOAs) was the highest in the early stage of thermal maturity, and the LOA yield exhibited a good correlation with the leaching rates of Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Mo, etc. The generation of LOAs from source rocks was conducive to the leaching and migration of trace elements. Moreover, according to a statistical analysis of published geochemical data, the total organic carbon (TOC) content, uranium content, and U/TOC ratio in shale decreased significantly with increasing burial depth, indicating that uranium migrated significantly upon kerogen hydrocarbon generation during thermal evolution. Therefore, uranium-rich shale is an important deep uranium source in sedimentary basins.

A logistic model for precise tomato fruit-growth prediction based on diameter-time evolution

Monitoring tomato fruit growth in large greenhouse environments is crucial for estimating harvest volume and maximising labour efficiency. Mathematical modelling is commonly used to characterise crop and fruit growth and to understand crop responses to environmental influences. This study presents a logistic approach for estimating tomato fruit maturity based on fruit diameter. A set of logistic models were evaluated, and their precision and ability to forecast tomato fruit growth were analysed. Non-linear least square regression was used to fit each model to individual tomato fruits from a sample of over 600 fruits of two species (small and large fruit-bearing tomatoes) grown within one year. The focus was on fruit diameter and the necessary measurement precision for fruit maturity estimation. Low-dispersion variables were identified within our logistic model functions, and fruit species-specific model parameters were determined. Furthermore, we reduced the number of regression variables by identifying parameters of low variance. This allowed for high prediction precision (>80%) at the early fruit maturity stages (<30%). The fruit diameter data were collected manually using a caliper. Our results establish an upper limit for the measurement precision of automated fruit size estimation approaches utilising photogrammetry, with an optical range of 98% for 3 mm and 90% for 5 mm precision.

Deciphering origins of hydrocarbon deposits by means of intramolecular carbon isotopes of propane adsorbed on sediments

Hydrocarbons are one of the important fluids within the Earth’s crust, and different biotic and abitoic processes can generate hydrocarbon during geological periods. Tracing the sources and sinks of hydrocarbons can help us better understand the carbon cycle of the earth. In this study, an improved approach of adsorbed hydrocarbons extraction from sediments was established. The improved thermal desorption approach, compound-specific isotope analysis and position-specific isotope analysis were integrated to investigate the molecular and intramolecular isotope fractionation between trace hydrocarbon gases within sediments and geological hydrocarbon deposits. The isotopic compositions of the terminal position carbon of propane (δ13Cterminal) serves as a correlation indicator between trace hydrocarbon gases within sediments and geological hydrocarbon deposits. The tight sandstone gas from the Turpan-Hami Basin is a first case study for the application of this novel method to trace hydrocarbon origins. The results showed that the hydrocarbons in the tight sandstone gases in the study area most likely originated from humic organic matter (type III kerogen) at an early mature stage. δ13Cterminal values of the thermally desorbed propane gases from different source rocks were distinguishable and the values of the tight sandstone gases significantly overlap with those of the Lower Jurassic Sangonghe source rocks, suggesting their genetic relationship. Overall, the results provided novel position-specific carbon isotopic constraints on origins of hydrocarbons.

Assessment of Zygomaticomaxillary Suture Maturation in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Implications for Orthodontic Treatment Planning.

Introduction The zygomaticomaxillary suture (ZMS) is vital for craniofacial development and orthodontic treatment planning. Located at the junction of the zygomatic and maxillary bones, the ZMS undergoes significant changes during growth, affecting midfacial morphology and stability. Understanding ZMS maturation is essential for optimizing orthodontic interventions, especially in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP), who often exhibit altered craniofacial growth patterns due to congenital deformities and surgical interventions. Methodology A retrospective analysis was conducted with 50 participants, including 25 patients with unilateral CLP and 25 age-matched controls. Clinical and radiographic data, including lateral cephalometric radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, were collected to assess ZMS maturation stages. The stages, ranging from immature (stage 0) to fully mature (stage 4), were evaluated using established radiographic criteria. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed to compare the distribution of maturation stages between groups. Results Significant differences were observed in ZMS maturation stages between the cleft side, non-cleft side, and control group. The cleft side exhibited a higher prevalence of immature (stage 0) and early maturation (stage 1) stages compared to the control group, with mean values of 4 ± 1.2 and 5 ± 1.3, respectively. The control group showed a higher prevalence of fully mature (stage 4) sutures, with a mean value of 8 ± 1.4. The p-values for stages 0, 1, and 4 were 0.045, 0.034, and 0.039, respectively, indicating statistical significance. The findings highlight distinct maturation patterns in CLP patients, with delayed ZMS maturation on the cleft side. This suggests the need for tailored orthodontic interventions to accommodate prolonged growth phases in CLP patients. The study underscores the importance of detailed ZMS assessments for personalized treatment planning. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to further understand CLP's impact on craniofacial development. Conclusion Assessing ZMS maturation provides critical insights for optimizing orthodontic and surgical treatment outcomes in CLP patients. By identifying specific developmental delays and tailoring interventions accordingly, clinicians can improve the effectiveness and stability of treatments. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting individualized treatment plans based on precise developmental assessments.

Evaluation of thermal maturity of source rock based on geochemical method, a case study of Late Oligocene source rock in Hoa Tra field, Cuu Long basin, Vietnam

The &amp;nbsp;Hoa Tra field is located in the southeast of the Cuu Long basin which has great potential for oil and gas. The source rocks in this area are mainly fine-grained sediments from the late Oligocene and early Miocene, which are located in a continuous deposition zone and under anaerobic conditions. This paper focuses on studying the maturity level of late Oligocene source rock through geochemical analysis methods. Specifically, the paper uses indicators such as T­,&amp;nbsp;R&lt;sub&gt;o&lt;/sub&gt;, MPI-1, T&lt;sub&gt;s&lt;/sub&gt;/(T&lt;sub&gt;s&lt;/sub&gt;+T&lt;sub&gt;m&lt;/sub&gt;) and C&lt;sub&gt;29&amp;nbsp;&lt;/sub&gt;steran 20S/(20S+20R) from Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, Vitrinite reflectance and Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry methods, respectively, to evaluate the level of thermal maturity of the source rock. The source rocks in the Hoa Tra field mainly contain types I and II, which are poor in vitrinite particles, leading to low&amp;nbsp;R&lt;sub&gt;o&lt;/sub&gt; measurement results. However, when&amp;nbsp;R&lt;sub&gt;o&lt;/sub&gt; is calculated from T&lt;sub&gt;max&amp;nbsp;&lt;/sub&gt;and (MPI-1), it indicates that the thermal maturity of source rock from the upper part of the late Oligocene is in the early mature stage (R&lt;sub&gt;o avg&lt;/sub&gt;= 0.56%), while those from the lower part of late Oligocene are mature and in the phase of oil generation (R&lt;sub&gt;o avg&lt;/sub&gt;= 0.65%). These results are similar to those obtained from assessing thermal maturity using T&lt;sub&gt;s&lt;/sub&gt;/(T&lt;sub&gt;s&lt;/sub&gt;+T&lt;sub&gt;m&lt;/sub&gt; and&amp;nbsp;C&lt;sub&gt;29&amp;nbsp;&lt;/sub&gt;20S/(20S+20R) indicator (the average values for the respective parameters are 0.32 and 0.31 for the upper part, while those are 0.39 and 0.42 for the lower part of late Oligocene). The article also shows that the contribution to the &amp;nbsp;Hoa Tra field is not only from in-situ generated oil but also from migratory oil coming from nearby troughs.

Morphotectonic Study of Iring Watershed, Tamenglong District, Manipur, India

The primary focus of study is on the morphotectonic investigation of the Iring watershed in the Manipur district of Tamenglong. Various morphotectonic factors were studied using data from Aster-DEM, SENTINEL-2 satellite, Survey of India Topographical Maps, and field verification. Drainage Basin Asymmetry (AF), Transverse Topographic Symmetry (T), Basin Elongation Ratio (Eb), and Valley Floor Width to Valley Height ratio (Vf) are a few examples of geomorphic indices that were examined. It was found that the 118.67 km2 basin is tectonically active, as evidenced by structural characteristics and geomorphic parameter values. River stress knick sites are indicated by regions with an SLK index greater than 10. The watershed exhibits asymmetry, as indicated by the average T value of 0.195. Actively incising V-shaped valleys linked to uplift are indicated by Vf values between 0.192 and 0.263. The river is migrating to the western side due to elevation on the eastern side, as shown by the AF result of 47.72%. A basin that is extended and experiencing tectonic activity has a basin elongation ratio of 0.66. The hypsometric curve and hypsometric integral (~50%) indicate that the erosion process in the basin is at its early mature stage. Keywords: Morphotectonic Indices, Active Tectonics, Geology, Morphometry, Drainage Basin, Hypsometry

Investigation of the impact of municipal solid waste disposal site leachate on surface water resources in Hosanna Town, Ethiopia.

Surface water resources are the most precious, yet they are also the most vulnerable to pollution. Consequently, maintaining the sustainability of water supplies is critical for livestock support to achieve SDG goals. Landfill leachate poses a significant threat to water resources in developing countries. This study aims to determine how the Hosanna town landfill site affects the Jewie River by analysing the quality of the Alela and Ajew streams and the landfill leachate in both wet and dry seasons. Furthermore, assess the suitability of the water quality for agricultural purposes. The leachate pollution index (LPI), Canadian Council Member of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCMEWQI), and irrigation water quality indices (IWQI) were computed for both seasons using two composite leachate samples and five flow-pace composite river samples. In the wet season, the leachate pollution indices for L1 and L2 ranged from 20.87 to 22.47, respectively. During the dry season, the leachate pollutant index of L1 and L2 was found to be 24.42 and 27.98. Only the Ajew River stream was affected during the dry season because the landfill site is only 46m away. Both the Ajew and Alela River streams are infested during the rainy season. Irrigation index concentrations revealed that the river water is suitable for cultivation. The early stages of landfill waste maturation are evident from the LPI results. Relocating the dump site is necessary to safeguard water resources because leachate has entered the river streams.

The Potential of Using Bisr Date Powder as a Novel Ingredient in Biscuits Made of Wheat Flour Only or Mixed with Barley.

An overproducing date fruit with limited industrial utilization leads to significant waste and losses, especially in the early stage of date maturity known as bisr. This study aimed to investigate the potential use of bisr date powder (BDP) at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%) as a natural sweetener instead of sugar and barley flour as a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals instead of wheat flour (50%) in biscuit production over storage periods of 7, 14, and 21 days. The analysis revealed that the bisr Al-Khalas powder sample had a moisture content of 11.84%, ash content of 2.30%, and crude fiber content of 10.20%. Additionally, it had a low protein (2.50%) and fat (0.77%) content, with total carbohydrates at 82.59%. The gradual substitution of bisr Al-Khalas in biscuit production resulted in an increased moisture, ash, fat, protein, crude fiber, and iron content, as well as a decrease in total carbohydrate percentage. A chemical analysis of bisr Al-Khalas powder demonstrated high levels of antioxidants, with 248.49 mg gallic acid/g of phenolic compounds, 31.03 mg quercetin/g of flavonoids, and an antioxidant activity ranging from 42.30%, as shown by the DPPH test. The peroxide content was 0.009 mg equivalent/kg. Biscuit samples with different proportions of bisr Al-Khalas showed an improved resistance to oxidation compared to samples without bisr Al-Khalas, with increased resistance as the percentage of replacement increased during storage. Physical properties such as the diameter, height, and spread percentage, as well as organoleptic properties like color, flavor, aroma, and taste, were significantly enhanced with higher levels of bisr Al-Khalas in the mixture. Biscuit samples fortified with 100% pure bisr Al-Khalas powder were found to be less acceptable, while samples with a 25% substitution did not negatively impact sensory properties. In addition, acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were not detected in bisr powder and biscuit samples prepared at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%). In conclusion, the study suggests that bisr Al-Khalas powder, an underutilized waste product, has the potential to add value to commercial biscuit production due to its high nutritional value and extended storage period resulting from its potent antioxidant activity.

Antioxidative enzymes, phytochemicals and proximate components in jujube fruit (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) with respect to genotypes and harvest maturity

Jujube is an underutilized fruit having high maturity variation at harvest. Investigations were made on eight different cultivars of jujube (Umran, Karela, Gurrh, Amrodia, Mehmood Wali, Aakash, Foladi and Khubani) for changes in antioxidative enzymatic activities, phytochemical functions and proximate composition with respect to different harvest maturity stages (M1: mature green, M2: yellow and M3: crispy brown) under postharvest ambient conditions (25 ± 2 °C; 60 %–65 % RH) at three shelf intervals (1, 3 and 5 d). Significant genotypic and maturity related variation was recorded regarding studied attributes. The fruit of cv. ʽKhubaniʼ had better attributes among the cultivars evaluated. The crispy brown jujube fruit had higher peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity and more protein, total soluble solids (TSS), ash, crude fat and fiber than early mature stages. Over time, the ascorbic acid (vitamin C), titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), crude protein, crude fiber, moisture, crude fat and activity of antioxidative enzymes [CAT and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] exhibited a significant decline; while increase was recorded in TSS, pH and POD activity. Overall, this work identified that jujube's antioxidative, biochemical and proximate properties are significantly influenced by cultivar, fruit harvest maturity and duration of postharvest handling under ambient shelf.

Towards a lean digital transformation research framework: a literature review

ABSTRACT Digital transformation (DT) has become a focal point within the information systems and decision support community, integrating digital technologies across various organisations. Lean Digital Transformation (LDT) is gaining traction in the academic and practitioner communities with the promise of increased DT success. However, the concept is still in an early maturity stage, with multiple conceptualisations. This study conducted a descriptive literature review of 60 articles to understand how LDT has been conceptualised and its value . The findings identify three critical perspectives in LDT research: the bridging of Lean and DT concepts, viewing DT as an enabler for Lean, and Lean as an enabler for DT. The analysis reveals a disproportionate focus on manufacturing within the LDT research landscape and LDT implementation benefits, such as improved process analysis and efficiency and output benefits, including operational excellence. The study produces an LDT Value Research Framework, highlighting the importance of LDT.

Do board characteristics influence sustainability-related disclosures? Evidence from an emerging market

Purpose This study aims to examine the association between board characteristics (namely, diligence, independence, gender diversity, size and expertise) and sustainability-related disclosures (SRD) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A robust SRD index of 409 items is used to derive SRD scores for 56 Malaysian listed companies from 2018 to 2020, yielding 168 observations. Pooled ordinary least squares is applied to test the research hypotheses and model. Findings The authors find that board members in audit committees and female board members show a significant relationship with SRD, casting doubt on the widely held belief that other board characteristics (such as size, diligence, independence and expertise) independently impact SRD. However, the authors find that market influence (firm value) and firm size are associated with SRD. Practical implications SRD is at its nascent stage, and companies are cherry-picking on what to report, as evidenced in the SRD scores. Regulators and policymakers must recognize the complex interplay between various factors impacting SRD for the timely issuance of comprehensive rules for firms to comply. The regulators’ drive for more female board representation can be a boost to enhance the sustainability agenda for Malaysian listed companies. The SRD scoring template can be used on post-2020 data to investigate the sustainability maturity of Malaysian listed companies. Originality/value The authors evidence that SRD practice is in the early stages of maturity using the comprehensive SRD scoring template. Although the findings contradict prior studies, the authors believe this is driven by the robust SRD measure based on the latest Global Reporting Initiative and Bursa rules.

Analyzing thermal maturity effect on shale organic matter via PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping

Organic-rich shales have gained significant attention in recent years due to their pivotal role in unconventional hydrocarbon production. These shale rocks undergo thermal maturation processes that alter their mechanical properties, making their study essential for subsurface operations. However, characterizing the mechanical properties of organic-rich shale is often challenging due to its multiscale nature and complex composition. This work aims to bridge that knowledge gap to fully understand the nanomechanical properties of Shale organic matter at various thermal maturation stages. This study employs PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PF-QNM) using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to investigate how changes at the immature, early mature, and peak mature stages impact the mechanical properties of the Bakken Shale organic matter. PF-QNM provides reliable mechanical measurements, allowing for the quantification and qualification of shale constituents' elastic modulus (E). We also accounted for the effect of probe type and further analyzed the impact of probe wear on the nanomechanical properties of shale organic matter. In immature shale, the average elastic modulus of organic matter is approximately 6 ​GPa, whereas in early mature and peak mature shale, it decreases to 5.5 ​GPa and 3.8 ​GPa, respectively. Results reveal a mechanical degradation with increasing thermal maturation, as evidenced by a reduction in Young's modulus (E). Specifically, the immature shale exhibits an 8% reduction in E, while the early mature and peak mature shales experience more substantial reductions of 31% and 37%, respectively. This phenomenon could be attributed to the surface probing of low-modulus materials like bitumen generated during heating. The findings underscore the potential of AFM PF-QNM for assessing the nanomechanical characteristics of complex and heterogeneous rocks like shales. However, it also highlights the need for standardized measurement practices, considering the diverse components in these rocks and their different elastic moduli.

Geochemical Modeling and Hydrocarbon Generation Potentiality of Source Rocks of the Oligocene to Miocene Succession in the Temsah Area, Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt

Geochemical investigation of the Temsah-4 well (T-4) in Temsah gas fields at the eastern offshore Nile Delta differentiate into two categories of OM (organic matter) which are kerogen types II and III within the boreholes penetrated Oligocene-Miocene source rocks. The geochemical and lithological characteristics of the OM-bearing formations in the investigated borehole recognized four thick organic matter-rich intervals (OMRI) in well T-4. The OMRI considers a part of formations that are believed to be considered a real source rock that comprises approximately 66.68% of the Wakar, 65.17% of Sidi-Salem, and 100% of Qantara Fms in the T-4 well. They comprised intervals depths of 3120m-3150m and 3300m-3559.4m belonging to Wakar Fm, from 3580m- 3870m belonging to Sidi-Salem Fm and from 3977m- 4170m belonging to Qantara Fm. The geochemical data reveals that Wakar Fm in the T-4 well considers immature source rock. While mature OMRI within Sidi-Salem and Qantara Fms in the T-4 well represented as effective mature source rocks. Construction of a TOC map in two dimensions throughout the studied areas shows a trend of increasing the quantity of OM eastward during the deposition of Sidi-Salem and Wakar Fms. The improvements of the richness (relatively high TOC) toward the eastward suggested a favorable condition for preservation and accumulation of OM toward the east than the west drilled boreholes. Based on the relative hydrocarbon potential (RHP) the suggested expulsion threshold depths appear to be shallower at 3700m in T-4. Burial history diagrams of studied T-4 wells based on geochemical results postulate that Tineh Fm enters the early mature stage at 2.8Ma. The maturity continues till the recent periods to enter the Qantara and most of Sidi-Salem Fms the same main-oil window at the T-4 area.

Transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis of the differential pathway contribution to the incorporation of erucic acid to triacylglycerol during Pennycress seed maturation.

Thlaspi arvense (Pennycress) is an emerging feedstock for biofuel production because of its high seed oil content enriched in erucic acid. A transcriptomic and a lipidomic study were performed to analyze the dynamics of gene expression, glycerolipid content and acyl-group distribution during seed maturation. Genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis were expressed at the early stages of seed maturation. Genes encoding enzymes of the Kennedy pathway like diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (TaDGAT1), lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (TaLPAT) or glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase (TaGPAT) increased their expression with maturation, coinciding with the increase in triacylglycerol species containing 22:1. Positional analysis showed that the most abundant triacylglycerol species contained 18:2 at sn-2 position in all maturation stages, suggesting no specificity of the lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase for very long chain fatty acids. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase2 (TaDGAT2) mRNA was more abundant at the initial maturation stages, coincident with the rapid incorporation of 22:1 to triacylglycerol, suggesting a coordination between Diacylglycerol acyltransferase enzymes for triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Genes encoding the phospholipid-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (TaPDAT1), lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (TaLPCAT) or phosphatidylcholine diacylglycerolcholine phosphotransferase (TaPDCT), involved in acyl-editing or phosphatidyl-choline (PC)-derived diacylglycerol (DAG) biosynthesis showed also higher expression at the early maturation stages, coinciding with a higher proportion of triacylglycerol containing C18 fatty acids. These results suggested a higher contribution of these two pathways at the early stages of seed maturation. Lipidomic analysis of the content and acyl-group distribution of diacylglycerol and phosphatidyl-choline pools was compatible with the acyl content in triacylglycerol at the different maturation stages. Our data point to a model in which a strong temporal coordination between pathways and isoforms in each pathway, both at the expression and acyl-group incorporation, contribute to high erucic triacylglycerol accumulation in Pennycress.

Cytotoxicity of Quantum Dots in Receptor-Mediated Endocytic and Pinocytic Pathways in Yeast.

Despite the promising applications of the use of quantum dots (QDs) in the biomedical field, the long-lasting effects of QDs on the cell remain poorly understood. To comprehend the mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of QDs in yeast, we characterized defects associated with receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) as well as pinocytosis using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model in the presence of cadmium selenide/zinc sulfide (CdSe/ZnS) QDs. Our findings revealed that QDs led to an inefficient RME at the early, intermediate, and late stages of endocytic patch maturation at the endocytic site, with the prolonged lifespan of GFP fused yeast fimbrin (Sac6-GFP), a late marker of endocytosis. The transit of FM1-43, a lipophilic dye from the plasma membrane to the vacuole, was severely retarded in the presence of QDs. Finally, QDs caused an accumulation of monomeric red fluorescent protein fused carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (mRFP-Cps1), a vacuolar lumen marker in the vacuole. In summary, the present study provides novel insights into the possible impact of CdSe/ZnS QDs on the endocytic machinery, enabling a deeper comprehension of QD toxicity.

A phenomenological inquiry of Building Information Modelling macro-adoption in Uruguay

Building information modelling (BIM) application in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sectors has received attention, particularly in most Global North countries. However, there is a dearth of literature on its application in the Global South context. This research explores insights into the uptake and use of BIM in the Uruguayan AEC sector and proposes recommendations for accelerating its adoption. This study adopted the phenomenological research design. Through interviews with experts, this study relies on phenomenological analysis of a purposely sampled group of (n = 7) experts in BIM in the Uruguayan AEC industry. The discoveries and findings confirm that BIM is still at an early stage of maturity, and many practitioners still need to be convinced of its benefits. Therefore, pilot projects and the development of BIM guidelines are essential to align industry procedures and demonstrate the benefits of implementing BIM to convince hesitant professionals and increase levels of adoption. Furthermore, organisations’ main implementation drivers are external forces such as client requirements or the need to acquire a competitive advantage. This study’s findings imply that BIM diffusion dynamics in Uruguay are more aligned with a top-down approach, thus highlighting a design for ‘push’ by authorities such as the government. Overall, this study fills a research gap in the Uruguayan AEC industry and provides an academic reference background for policymakers for future actions. The paper is of value, as it contributes to the current state-of-the-art BIM research by drawing insights from the AEC industry in a typical developing country context.

Petroleum potentiality of the Balambo Formation in Bekhme and Razan sections, Kurdistan region, northeastern Iraq

Balambo Formation (Early Cretaceous) had been studied in Razan and Bekhme sections, Erbil Governorate, Kurdistan Region-Iraq, to determine the hydrocarbon generation potentiality for the studied rocks. The samples were analyzed for TOC, Rock Eval pyrolysis and GC-MS technique. The Balambo Formation’s TOC wt. % content is relatively high, ranging between 0.95 to 7.59 wt.% (average 2.91 wt.%). The Formation has the potentiality to generate gas and oil owing to its suboxic-anoxic depositional environment, marine origin organisms, suitable maturity level, and the type of kerogen is predominantly types III and subordinate amount of mixed type II-III according to the Rock-Eval pyrolysis data and isoprenoid/n-alkane. The C27%, C28% and C29% regular steranes distribution suggested the studied formation is deposited in marine environment. The samples were proven to be mature based on the ratios of the Tmax, steranes 20S/ (20S+20R)C29 to ββS/(ββS+ααR)C29 steranes and C32 22S/(22S+22R) hopane. Although the Ts/(Ts+Tm) ratio data point to an early mature stage, vitrinite reflectance predictions ranged from 0.55 to 0.75%, once more pointing to a mature stage.

Geochemical characteristics and hydrocarbon generation modeling of the Paleogene source rocks in the Qinnan Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Introduction: The Qinnan Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin is lowly explored, where hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks is required detailed investigation to identify hydrocarbon exploration potential and direction.Methods: This study is based on organic geochemical analysis performed on the Paleogene source rocks. After that, the burial, thermal maturity, and hydrocarbon generation histories of the Paleogene source rocks at various sags were reconstructed on BasinMod software based on reasonable geological models and geological parameters derived from geological analogy.Results: Results show that the 3rd member (Es3) and 1st member (Es1) of the Eocene Shahejie Formation are high-quality source rocks with a mixture of type I and II kerogen, whose organic matter was originated from aquatic organisms under a reducing environment. The 3rd member (Ed3) of the Oligocene Dongying Formation are fair-quality source rocks with type II kerogen and are dominated by mixed organic matter depositing in a weakly reducing environment. Clear differences in hydrocarbon generation were observed in these three source rocks owing to differential subsidence and sedimentation among the Eastern, Southeastern, and Western sags. Source rocks at the Eastern Sag were maturated early and lasted for a long time, which were currently at late mature (1.0–1.3%Ro) to high mature (1.3–2.0%Ro) stages. Two hydrocarbon generation events occurred in the Oligocene and Miocene, respectively, with intensive hydrocarbon generation capacity. Source rocks at the Southeastern Sag were maturated late and lasted for a short period, which were currently at a medium mature (0.7–1.0%Ro) stage. The major hydrocarbon generation event had occurred since the late Miocene, with intensive hydrocarbon generation capacity. Source rocks at the Western Sag were at an early mature (0.5–0.7%Ro) stage and began to generate hydrocarbon in the Pliocene, with weak hydrocarbon generation capacity. The hydrocarbon generation capacity of the Paleogene source rocks is as follows: Es3&amp;gt;Es1&amp;gt;Ed3.Discussion: The Qinnan Depression has high oil and gas exploration potential, where exploration activities should focus on effective traps around depression and slope zones located at the Eastern and Southeastern sags.