Excessive Moisture Research Articles

First Report of Southern Blight of Epimedium sagittatum Caused by Agroathelia rolfsii in Henan, China.

Epimedium [Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim., E. brevicornu Maxim., E. pubescens Maxim., E. koreanum Nakai] plants are perennial herbs and the dry leaves were used in traditional Chinese medicine with different medicinal effects (Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2020 edition). In early August 2022 (the high temperature was 33 ℃ and the low temperature was 25 ℃ on average with above 70% relative humidity), large necrotized leaf spots were initially observed in one-year and two-year old E. sagittatum plants in Dengzhou (32°35'26.84" N, 112°11'8.37" E), Henan province, China. White mycelia, yellow and brown sclerotia were observed along the petioles and colonized to the back of leaves and also on soil-petioles interface around the diseased Epimedium plants. White mycelia spread rapidly from the disease plants as a center to neighboring plants and the infected plants eventually wilted. The disease incidence was 16.0% and 28.0% in the surveyed cultivation fields in Dengzhou (Henan) and Danjiangkou (Hubei), respectively, which resulted in above 20% of yield loss. The symptomatic tissues (petioles, n≥10) were cut into 0.5 cm sections with autoclaved scissors and surface sterilized with 75% ethanol for 30 s, followed by 3 min in 1% NaClO, rinsed three times with distilled sterile water, plated on autoclaved filter paper to remove excess moisture in a biological laminar hood, transferred onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates and incubated at 28℃ in incubator in the dark for 3-5 days. Twelve fungal isolates with white radial colony morphology were obtained and purified by hyphal-tip method. The isolates formed radial colonies showing abundant aerial mycelia with a growth rate of 19.25 to 22.25 mm/day (mean = 21.67 ± 0.77 mm; n = 36) and white abundant sclerotia were observed after 5-7 days post inoculation at 28℃. The hyphae of the isolates were hyaline, branched with clamp connections at septa. The isolates formed dark brown sclerotia on PDA plate post 10-14 days incubation. The diameter of mature brown sclerotia ranged from 1.31 to 3.07 mm (mean = 1.91 ± 0.39 mm; n = 40) and 13 to 45 sclerotia (mean = 28; n = 24) were observed on each Petri dish. The isolates were tentatively identified as Agroathelia rolfsii based on morphological characteristics (Yi Y., et al. 2024) and isolate YYHBJ1 was selected as representative isolate for molecular identification and pathogenicity test. The genomic DNA was extracted using CTAB method. For molecular identification, ITS region, translation elongation factor-1alpha (TEF-1α) and nuclear large-subunit ribosomal DNA (nLSU-rDNA) were amplified (White et al. 1990, Wendland and Kothe, 1997). The sequences 684-bp ITS (OR428367), 534-bp TEF1α (OR485567), and 965-bp nLSU-rDNA (OR426612) of isolate YYHBJ1 were deposited in GenBank. Sequence analysis revealed that ITS, TEF1α and nLSU-rDNA sequences of YYHBJ001 showed 100%, 99.63%, and 100% identity to ITS (MN380242 and JF819727), EF1α (MN262527) and nLSU-rDNA (MT225781 and AY635773) sequences of Agroathelia rolfsii (Sacc.) Redhead & Mullineux (Redhead and Mullineux 2023). Pathogenicity tests was confirmed by inoculating 1 year-old E. sagittatum plants grown in pots with sterile soil. PDA plug (5 mm diameter) colonized with 3 brown sclerotia and the fungal culture which was cultivated for 12 days was deposited beside the petiole on the surface of the soil. The control plants were inoculated with PDA plugs without the pathogen. Five plants were used in each treatment. The plants were cultivated in incubator at 28℃ with 80% relative humidity. Fourteen days later, white mycelia growing out from the sclerotia and spread along the petioles to the leave and the infected leaves were yellow. After 21 to 24 days, all inoculated plants displayed symptoms like those observed in field, while no symptoms were observed on the controls. The fungus was re-isolated from the inoculated plants as described above, fulfilling Koch's postulates. The pathogenicity tests were repeated three times. Based on morphological feature and DNA sequences, the pathogen of southern blight on Epimedium plants was identified as A. rolfsii (anamorph S. rolfsii). The pathogen A. rolfsii usually infect kinds of crops and cause southern blight, such as peanuts, chili peppers, green onion and so on (Daunde et al. 2018). To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. rolfsii causing southern blight on E. sagittatum plants in Henan in China.

Influence of Trenchless Subsurface Drainage with a Rice Husk Filling System on Soybean Productivity Under a Poorly Drained Paddy Field for Future Applications in Smart Agriculture

In South Korea, paddy fields are increasingly being planted with soybeans to address rice supply and demand issues and increase soybean self-sufficiency. The field crops cannot grow healthily without adequate drainage due to the paddy fields storing water easily. In this study, we identified that Rice Husk Filling Drainage Method (RHDM) technology improved soil permeability and soil aeration. We also found that the soil moisture content was reduced and the water table remained at a lower level in the RHDM plot as compared to the control plot. The soybean moisture stress index showed that in the RHDM plot, the safety standard for stress due to excessive moisture at the 2 m interval was met. The soybean yield was increased by up to 35% in the 2 m RHDM construction interval compared to the control plot. In addition, the high hydraulic conductivity of the rice husk used as the hydrophobic material confirmed sufficient drainage performance and was considered economically advantageous. Therefore, our results show that RHDM is a highly efficient and economical drainage method in poorly drained paddy soils. Drainage management is essential for stable crop production in poorly drained paddy fields. Our research findings suggest that an efficient open field water management method is viable, which we believe will lead to future advances in open field smart agriculture.

Heritability and Variability of Productivity Traits in Spring Soft Wheat Hybrids of the First to Fourth Generations

Abstract Under the conditions of the Absheron region, the effects of interaction between genotype and environment were determined in nine varieties of spring soft wheat and seven hybrid populations F1…F4 formed with their participation. A reliable effect of environmental conditions on all the studied traits was established. The contribution of the “year” factor to the number of grains per ear in varieties and hybrids was 10.9 and 13.9%, respectively; to the weight of 1000 grains – 5.8 and 19.5%; to the yield – 47.3 and 41.1%. The genetic component made a significant contribution to the weight of 1000 grains in varieties and hybrids (81.5 and 58.8%), as well as to the number of grains in varieties (38.4%). A higher varietal specificity in the manifestation of traits in parental varieties was noted compared to hybrids. Two component traits of ear productivity in a series of generations against the background of various lim-factors were analyzed, shifts of their average values and their influence on the yield were predicted and determined. The phenotypic dominance index (hp) was determined in the first generation by the number of grains per ear and 1000-grain weight, combinations with a high level were identified. The selection differential and efficiency of selections carried out under contrasting environmental conditions in the second and third hybrid generations were calculated. The yield in the initial populations varied within 219.0…789.6 g/m2, in the selected progeny – 317.0…647.6 g/m2. The average yield increase in the progeny selected in a dry year, in relation to the initial populations, was 56.8 g/m2; in the progeny selected under conditions of excess moisture – 10.8 g/m2. Correlation analysis revealed an average positive relationship between the hp indicator in the first generation and the selection differential in subsequent generations for the traits “weight of 1000 grains” and “number of grains per ear”.

Progress in Improving Metabolic Syndrome with Adzuki Bean

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical condition characterized by the simultaneous onset of abdominal obesity, abnormal blood sugar levels, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. It significantly impacts overall health and exhibits an increasing prevalence with a decreasing age of onset. Metabolic syndrome affects approximately one quarter of the global population, posing a critical threat to human well-being as a major public health concern. Current approaches for prevention and management primarily rely on pharmaceutical interventions or lifestyle modifications; however, their effectiveness remains limited. In recent years, the concept of food-medicine homology has emerged as a novel theory that holds promise in alleviating metabolic syndrome. Adzuki bean, a widely cultivated legume rich in various nutrients and bioactive compounds, has been traditionally recognized in Chinese medicine for its beneficial effects on invigorating QI (vital energy), arming the middle (digestive system), strengthening the spleen (immune function), and eliminating dampness (excess moisture). Numerous studies have demonstrated that adzuki bean can effectively regulate blood sugar levels, lipid profiles, blood pressure while improving gut microbiota imbalances and exhibiting anti-obesity properties to some extent. As such, it can serve as an adjunct therapy for managing metabolic syndrome. Compared to conventional drugs used for this purpose, adzuki bean offers safer alternatives with diverse product options. These findings provide valuable theoretical foundations and practical references for preventing and treating diseases associated with metabolic syndrome.

An analysis of observed and predicted extreme heat and precipitation trends across four pulse producing regions in North America: North Dakota, Montana, Saskatchewan, and Northeastern United States

Abstract The consumption of plant-based proteins in leu of animal proteins is the most important dietary shift that would be needed to keep the world under 2 C of warming, and this shift would require a dramatic increase in the percentage of cropland devoted to nuts and pulses (Peters et al. 2016). As the demand for plant-based proteins, like pulse crops, continues to grow, it is critical to understand the impact of climate change on crop production. In this paper, we study two climate-related stressors for pulse production in North America: extreme heat and excess moisture during harvest. Pulses must be dried on the plant before harvest, requiring a 7-day dry spell before harvest or the use of Roundup (glyphosate) to kill the plants quickly. However, little is known about the changes in frequency of hot extremes or dry spells during harvest in pulse-growing regions. We analyze climate trends using the Unprecedented Simulated Extreme Ensemble (UNSEEN) method and an analysis of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in four pulse growing regions across North America: Montana, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, and the Northeast USA. We find that temperature extremes have increased in all regions, with extreme events 3-4 times more likely today than in 1981, increasing the risk of crop loss. August and September rainfall during the harvest months has been decreasing in the Midwestern regions and it is projected to continue to decrease in the future; however, the likelihood of a wet August in the Northeast has nearly doubled. Even with this drying trend, farmers cannot assume that they will have a 7-day consecutive dry spell that would enable natural drying of pulses without synthetic drying agents like glyphosate. Future expansion of pulse production should incorporate adaptation measures to manage extreme heat and the potential for rain events during harvest.

Revealing the Hygroscopic Behavior of Ultrahigh Nitrogen Content Cyclo‐Pentazolate Salts

AbstractThree representative cyclo‐pentazolate salts including N2H5+N5−, NH3OH+N5− and NH4+N5−, are highly favored for their ultrahigh nitrogen content (80–96%). However, their ambiguous nature has severely restricted the application exploration. Herein, the relationships between humidity and moisture content of salt were established by quantitative analysis. Among the three salts, the hygroscopic ability has the following order: NH3OH+N5−>NH4+N5−>N2H5+N5−. Especially in the range of 40% RH −60% RH, the NH3OH+N5− has a high sensitivity to water, and the absorbed moisture content can be as high as 20.8% at 60% RH. When the relative humidity exceeds 60% RH, the hygroscopic rate of NH3OH+N5− rises sharply, at 80% RH, NH3OH+N5− will absorb excess moisture and turns into liquid form. After treating NH3OH+N5− at 40% RH, the very sensitive friction sensitivity (FS) and impact sensitivity (IS) of dried NH3OH+N5− (FS=20 N, IS=2 J) will change into insensitive salt (FS>360 N, IS>40 J). The higher moisture content in NH3OH+N5−, the lower the thermal stability, its thermal decomposition temperature (103.22°C) is 3.24°C lower than that of dry salt (106.46°C) at 75% RH (moisture content is 30.2%). The other two salts N2H5+N5− and NH4+N5− have the similar properties. Molecular dynamics simulation was further applied to explain the strong hygroscopicity of salts.

The housing environment and its effect on Hispanic children with asthma

IntroductionSubstandard housing in Hispanic minority communities has been associated with detrimental effects on children with asthma that is affected by diverse indoor triggers. Identifying those triggers and offering adequate medical treatment and ways to prevent exposure to triggers will help reduce the number of asthma attacks among children who reside in Hispanic minority communities.ObjectiveOur study aimed to identify the influence of substandard housing quality and its effect on asthma symptoms. Our objectives included assessing the impact of building, flooring types, heating sources, window shading, parental smoking behaviors, moisture and mold in the home, ventilation, and owning a pet on asthma symptom occurrence.Materials and methodsOur study was based on a cross-sectional analytical study involving 353 individuals, their parents, and their homes. Logistic regression modeling was conducted to explain the dependence of each asthma symptom on the investigated independent variables, with child age and sex being investigated as covariables. A post hoc test was employed to ensure goodness of fit, and a pseudo-R square was calculated for each regression model. The Hosmer-Lemenshow test was performed post hoc to ensure goodness of fit, and models were preserved if p > 0.05.ResultsThe overall prevalence of asthma-related symptoms in our study sample was 19.37%, and sleeping quality was affected due to asthma in 23% of participating children. We also found that children living with asthma near agricultural fields were more prone to asthma-related symptoms, as well as those children living in homes with excessive moisture and those who kept stuffed toys or pets inside their rooms.ConclusionsOur study highlights how a variety of environmental factors, such as living near an agricultural area and having curtains, increases shortness of breath. Having leaks and excessive moisture in houses increases shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and rates of colds. Another important exposure is having a pet inside the house which increases chest tightness. A comprehensive understanding of these factors and how they impacted targeted participants, especially those who are Hispanic minorities and living in substandard housing, is essential for informing the design of effective interventions and improving respiratory health in the home environment.

Rice Fallow Pulses for Agricultural Potential for South Asian Region

Rice fallows refer to lowland areas where rice is cultivated during the monsoon (kharif season) is left unplanted during the winter season (rabi) due to various factors. These include the early cessation of monsoon rains which resulted in soil moisture stress during winter season; waterlogging and excessive moisture in November/December, led to unsuitable for winter crops; the absence of suitable varieties for late planting at winter season and socio-economic issues such as damage by stray cattle or blue bulls. India accounts for a significant majority of about 79% of South Asia's total rice fallows which amount to 11.65 million hectares out of the region's total of 15.0 million hectares. The review assess the scenario of rice fallow pulses, production technologies and its constraints in the present trend.

One-step detection of nanoplastics in aquatic environments using a portable SERS chessboard substrate

Nanoplastics present a significant hazard to both the environment and human health. However, the development of rapid and sensitive analysis techniques for nanoplastics is limited by their small size, lack of specificity, and low concentrations. In this study, a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) chessboard substrate was introduced as a multi-channel platform for the pre-concentration and detection of nanoplastics, achieved by polydomain aggregating silver nanoparticles (PASN) on a hydrophilic and a punched hydrophobic PVDF combined filter membrane. Through a straightforward suction filtration process, nanoplastics were captured by the PASN gap in a single step for subsequent SERS detection, while excess moisture was promptly eliminated from the filter membrane. The PASN-based SERS chessboard substrate, benefiting from the enhanced electromagnetic (EM) field, effectively discriminated polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics ranging in size from 30 nm to 1000 nm. Furthermore, this substrate demonstrated favorable repeatability (RSD of 8.6 %), high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.001 mg/mL for 100 nm of PS nanoplastics, and broad linear detection ranges spanning from 0.001 to 0.5 mg/mL (R2 = 0.9916). Additionally, the SERS chessboard substrate enabled quantitative analysis of nanoplastics spiked in tap and lake water samples. Notably, the entire pre-concentration and detection procedure required only 3 μL of sample and could be completed within 1 min. With the accessibility of portable detection instruments and the ability to prepare substrates on demand, the PASN-based SERS chessboard substrate is anticipated to facilitate the establishment of a comprehensive global nanoplastics map.

RFOR-DQHFEM: Hybrid relaxed first-Order reliability and differential quadrature hierarchical finite element method for multi-physics reliability analysis of conical shells

In this current work, a hybrid reliability analysis and theoretical frequency technique are suggested for the reliability response of conical shells. Two levels of analyses are proposed as the main loop of the reliability method for finding the failure probability and the second level applied in the main loop for giving the performance function of frequency applied in conical shell structures with multi-physics vibration analysis. A dynamical adjusting procedure is proposed for computing the relaxed factor using the enough descent condition inside the reliability method. The superior convergence rate is considered for selecting the relaxed factor of the proposed first-order reliability method named RFORM. An elastic-electro-mechanical model based on the Higher-Order Shear Deformation Theory (HSDT) is extended for frequency analysis of conical shells. The innovative numerical procedure named Differential Quadrature Hierarchical Finite Element Method (DQHFEM) as a robust framework for giving the vibration behavior of studied mechanical structures is applied for solving motion equations. The developing DQHFEM and RFORM are applied for the laminated, nanocomposite, and piezoelectric conical shell structures with multi-source uncertainties. Increasing the volume percentage of nanoparticles from 0% to 10% significantly enhances the reliability index, with carbon nanoparticles showing a 132% increase, silica nanoparticles showing a 97% increase, and other nanoparticles showing an approximate 40% increase. Also, as moisture content increases from 0% to 30%, the reliability index for a thickness-to-large-radius ratio of 0.2 drops by about five times. Excessive moisture levels (above 20%) result in a negative reliability index, indicating a hazardous condition.

A differential low frequency eddy current test method for detecting moisture content of high voltage cable water-blocking tape

ABSTRACT The excessive moisture content in the water-blocking tape has been one of the main causes of high voltage cable erosion failures in recent years. However, the 2–4 mm thick aluminium sheath wrapped around the water-blocking tape makes it challenging to detect the moisture content. This study introduces a method for detecting the moisture content of high voltage cable water-blocking tapes based on low-frequency eddy currents. Initially, longitudinal and transverse impedance measurement experiments of the water-blocking tape were conducted to establish the relationship between impedance and moisture content. Since the impedance of the water-blocking tape is significantly higher compared to the aluminium sheath, the eddy current signal was obtained using a differential detection method. An excitation frequency of 10 Hz was chosen to achieve a deeper skin depth. Additionally, an eddy current finite element analysis model was developed, showing that moisture content has an almost linear relationship with the amplitude and phase of the eddy current signal. Finally, an experiment was conducted on an equivalent high voltage cable structure, and the experimental results aligned well with the simulation results.

Influence of environmental humidity during filament storage on the structural and mechanical properties of material extrusion 3D-printed poly(lactic acid) parts

Material extrusion (MEX) is one of the most widely used additive manufacturing techniques these days. This study investigates how the properties of MEX 3D-printed objects depend on the relative humidity (RH) conditions in which filaments are stored before and during the manufacturing process. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filament was drawn directly from a humidity-controlled chamber into the MEX 3D printer's nozzle. For each set of samples, the filaments were conditioned under different RH conditions, ranging from 10 % to 90 %. The macrostructure of the fabricated products was characterized using computed tomography, revealing increased porosity at higher RH values (from 0.84 % to 4.42 %). The increased porosity at higher storage RH is attributed to under-extrusion and volatile entrapment due to excess moisture. With growing storage RH, the melt flow rate of PLA also gradually increased, indicating a plasticizing effect of humidity on the biopolymer. Gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry analyses were conducted to determine whether hydrolytic chain scission took place when PLA was processed in the presence of excessive moisture. Neither measurement indicated any considerable alteration in molecular integrity and crystalline structure as a function of storage RH. Mechanical tests, however, revealed a reduced load-bearing capacity of the manufactured PLA specimens. Flexural strength decreased from 103.0 to 99.6 MPa, and the impact strength dropped from 18.2 to 16.2 kJ/m2, which is ascribed to the increasing size of pores inside the specimens with increasing storage RH. These findings should be taken into account when designing and processing PLA products by MEX-based additive manufacturing.

Effects of Fertilization and Drip Irrigation on the Growth of Populus × canadensis ‘Zhongliao 1’ Plantation and on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Enzyme Activities

Poplars are crucial for timber supply and ecological protection in China. Enhancing the growth of poplar plantations and improving soil fertility in arid, and semi-arid poor soil regions are key aspects of sustainable forest management. Fertilization (FTL) and drip irrigation (DI) are among the most widely used methods globally for increasing yield and soil productivity. This study conducted field experiments on FTL and DI in a 10-year-old Populus × canadensis ‘Zhongliao 1’ (cultivation varieties of P. canadensis in northern China) plantation. DI limits were set according to soil moisture at 60% (S1), 70% (S2), and 80% (S3) of field capacity; nitrogen FTL rates were set at 100% of the baseline fertilization amount (100% BFA, N 643.20 g·year−1, P 473.37 g·year−1, and K 492.29 g·year−1) (F1), 70% BFA (F2), 130% BFA (F3), and 160% BFA (F4). The treatments of drip irrigation and fertigation (DIF) were H1 (100% BFA, 60% FC), H2 (100% BFA, 80% FC), H3 (160% BFA, 60% FC), and H4 (160% BFA, 80% FC), along with a control group (CK) without any management, totaling 12 experimental combinations. The results showed that the H4 had the most significant promoting effect on the height, DBH, and volume increments. All treatments had little effect on the soil bulk density of the plantation but significantly impacted soil capillary porosity and pH. Compared to DI, soil nutrient and organic matter content were more sensitive to FTL. Appropriate FTL and DI can increase soil sucrase activity. Soil urease activity tended to increase with higher FTL rates, and higher DI levels also positively influenced urease activity. Excessive or insufficient soil moisture and nutrients negatively impacted soil cellulase and catalase activities. Correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between the growth of P. × canadensis ‘Zhongliao 1’ and soil nutrient content, but significant or highly significant correlations existed between growth and soil porosity and related enzyme activities. Comprehensive evaluation using a membership function indicated that high FTL levels (F4) were more conducive to the simultaneous improvement of the growth and soil fertility of the plantation, followed by H4 and F1, suggesting that high FTL is the key factor affecting the growth of 10-year-old P. × canadensis ‘Zhongliao 1’ plantations and the restoration of stand productivity, with moisture being secondary.

Soil Formation on Loamy Deposits in Technogenic Landscapes of the Taiga Zone in the North-Eastern Part of European Russia

The paper highlights the influence of moisture on the soil formation process on loamy deposits during the primary vegetation succession. The study was carried out in the north-eastern part of European Russia (Komi Republic) in the middle taiga subzone. The authors analyzed young soils on the territory of a quarry for extraction of loamy grounds and background soils in the vicinity of it. Planting the Siberian spruce cultures on the territory of the quarry activated formation of the tree layer and thereby accelerated formation of the zonal type soils. The third succession decade in drained conditions saw formation of organic soil horizons (litters), a decrease in soil density in the upper profile part, a tendency to redistribute and differentiate the silty fraction by one-and-a-half oxides, indicating the beginning of selective podzolization. The rise in soil moisture content increased conservation of organic residues (peat formation) and made gley formation active. The quarry soils, like background soils, increased in acidity, carbon and nitrogen reserves along with the soil moisture content increase. In automorphic soil formation conditions, the rate of organic carbon accumulation in the upper 0–20-cm layer is 0.4 t· ha–1·year1; the excessive soil moisture content further increased it (1.0–1.2 t·ha–1·year1). The reserves of Corg in the upper 20-cm soil layer of young soils are by 2–4 times less than those in background soils.

Effect of rock phosphate direct application on tropical legumes under different soil types of Sudan Savanna

ABSTRACT Direct application of low-grade rock phosphate (RP) is a less expensive alternative than the application of chemical phosphorus (P) for small holders relying on nutrient-deficient weathered soils. However, the effect of RP application on growth and yield is unstable for different crop species and soil water conditions. To identify legume species effective for RP direct application, five tropical legumes (cowpea, groundnut, bambara nut, mung bean, and soybean) were tested under two soil types with different water-holding capacities in Sudan Savanna; Lixisols and Plinthosols. The experiment was conducted under three conditions of P treatment, namely, RP application, triple super phosphate (TSP) application, and no phosphorus fertilizer application (0P). Under RP treatment, higher grain yield was obtained in Lixisols, which had a higher water-holding capacity. However, the yield increase was suppressed in the year with more rainfall owing to drastic changes in the soil moisture content, which caused excessive soil moisture stress during vegetative growth periods. Among the five legume species, cowpea and groundnut showed higher grain yields under the RP treatment than did other species. RP application increased shoot biomass but caused small changes in the shoot P and N concentrations. Soybean in Plinthosols had the highest yield ratio of RP/0P, but the absolute yield was low because of the insufficient soil water availability caused by the low water-holding capacity. RP direct application can assist shoot growth and yield, but it rarely compensates for basal yield differences between soil types and among legume species.

Development of fish gelatin film for anti-fogging mushroom packaging

Mushrooms are extremely perspiring and transpiring commodities. The commonly used plastic films for packaging fresh mushrooms have lower water vapour permeability compared to the rate at which mushrooms transpire, resulting in excessive moisture accumulation inside the package which leads to fogging. This study aimed to investigate the properties of a fish scale gelatin-based film and its correlation with antifogging properties. To produce the gelatin-based film, gelatin was extracted from fish scales using chemical pretreatment and thermal denaturation of collagen. A film-forming solution (FFS) was prepared by dissolving 2% (w/v) gelatin in a solvent, with the addition of glycerol. The solution was then cast to form the film, which underwent tests for mechanical strength, thermal behaviour, barrier properties, and antifogging performance. The resulting film (G-Gly) exhibited reduced tensile strength (13.21 MPa) but increased elongation at break (82.4%). Differential scanning calorimetry revealed a lower glass transition temperature (59.91 °C) for G-Gly. Both gelatin films displayed high water vapour permeability (1.69–3.09x10-6 g m/m2.day.Pa), preventing condensation. Notably, the G and G-Gly films remained fog-free even under varying temperatures, unlike linear low-density polyethylene film (LLDPE). In conclusion, the gelatin-based films demonstrated strong barrier properties and effective antifogging capabilities, making them suitable for moisture-sensitive commodities like mushrooms.

Strength, durability, and toxicity characteristics of water treatment sludge based geopolymers for subgrade application

This study examined the strength, durability and toxicity characteristics of geopolymer made from water treatment sludge (WTS) using fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as binding materials for the subgrade application. The mechanical properties of WTS-FA-GGBS geopolymers were assessed considering various parameters such as binder proportions, curing period, curing condition, Sodium silicate (SS) to Sodium hydroxide (SH) ratio (i.e. SS/SH), and Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration. The results showed that increasing binder proportions, NaOH concentration, and curing period positively impacted the strength of the WTS-FA-GGBS geopolymer. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the geopolymer samples with an SS/SH ratio of 2.5 showed higher compressive strength than those at an SS/SH ratio of 1. WTS-FA-GGBS geopolymers cured at 100°C showed increased UCS values after 1 to 3 days, but strength decreased after 7 days due to a faster geopolymerisation reaction, resulting in excessive moisture loss and microcracks in the geopolymerized samples. The study also found that all the geopolymer samples met the minimum strength criteria for cement-stabilized mix with a maximum mass loss of 8.17 % are well within the specified limits (<14 %) as per IRC:37–2018. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values of WTS-FA-GGBS geopolymers, which range from 41.11 % to 260.32 %, surpass the minimum criteria for cement stabilized subgrade or subbase material, as specified by IRC: SP:89–2010. Additionally, the changes during geopolymerization were confirmed by FESEM, EDS, and XRD analysis. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test results showed that the amounts of heavy metals in the geopolymer leachate were within the USEPA-mandated limits.

Agrotechnical practices for improving the quality of seed stocks in the nursery

The paper presents the preliminary results of an assessment of some agrotechnical techniques for improving the quality of seed stocks for pears based on quince of ordinary VNIISPK breeding. Studies have shown that the use of bedding material introduced into rows during sowing in the form of sphagnum moss or sand contributed to better branching of the primary root of the seedling, and, consequently, the formation of more skeletal roots than in control variants. The morphological structure of the sand favored high aeration and waterproofing with excess moisture in the root zone of the germinating seed. The skeletal root branched better than in the control. However, the main amount of branching was concentrated on the endings of the skeletal root or close to it. The places of branching of skeletal roots from the main root of the seedling often remained open, which subsequently may lead to a decrease in the anchoring of graft-rootstock combinations in the garden. On the other hand, having a high moisture-retaining ability, aeration and antiseptic properties, sphagnum moss had an even more beneficial effect on the young sprout and subsequently contributes to the formation of a branched root system of the seedling with many overgrown roots. The number of skeletal roots and the order of their branching exceeded the control variants by 1.5–2.0 times. Almost the entire skeletal root branched, which is very valuable for survival, plant fixation in the soil, nutrition and moisture supply during the growing season. Based on the conducted research, in order to improve the quality of seed stocks based on quince, when sowing, bedding material in the form of sand or sphagnum moss should be added to the rows, contributing to better branching of the roots of quince seedlings.

Ginseng rusty root symptoms result from nitric oxide stress in soil

Ginseng, from the roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, is a widely used herbal medicine in Asian countries, known for its excellent therapeutic properties. The growth of P. ginseng is depend on specific and strict environments, with a preference for wetness but intolerance for flooding. Under excessive soil moisture, some irregular rust-like substances are deposited on the root epidermis, causing ginseng rusty symptoms (GRS). This condition leads to a significant reduce in yield and quality, resulting in substantial economic loses. However, there is less knowledge on the cause of GRS and there are no effective treatments available for its treatment once it occurs. Unsuitable environments lead to the generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the key indicators associated with the stress response during different physiological stages of GRS development. We observed a significant change in ROS level, MDA contents, antioxidant enzymes activities, and non-enzymatic antioxidants contents prior to the GRS. Through the analysis of soil features with an abundance of moisture, we further determined the source of ROS. The levels of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities in the inter-root soil of ginseng with GRS were significantly elevated compared to those of healthy ginseng. These enzymes boost nitric oxide (NO) levels, which in turn showed a favorable correlation with the GRS. The activities of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase first rose and then decreased as GRS developed. Excess soil moisture causes a decrease in oxygen levels. This activated NR and NOS in the soil, resulting in a production of excess NO. The NO then diffused into the ginseng root and triggered a burst of ROS through NADPH located on the cell membrane. Additionally, Fe2+ in soil was oxidized to red Fe3+, and finally led to GRS. This conclusion was also verified by the Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP), a precursor compound producing NO. The presence of NO from NR and NOS in water-saturated soil is responsible for the generation of ROS. Among these, NO is the main component that contribute to the occurrence of GRS.

Proposed Intelligent Irrigation System for Riyadh City Using Fuzzy Logic

Considering the insufficient rainfall and rapid evaporation of soil moisture in desert regions, irrigation becomes very challenging in Riyadh. Automation is therefore required for optimum productivity and water conservation. According to the vision of the Green Riyadh project, recycled water will be used in the irrigation system to irrigate all green lands. The method of irrigation and the quantity of water being used must both be considered. Since drought inhibits plant growth and excessive moisture limits plants' ability to absorb nutrients and raises the possibility of disease development, only the amount of water needed by plants should be used. Artificial intelligence and fuzzy logic are increasingly seen as solutions to be implemented in smart drip irrigation systems. The fuzzy logic control system will aid in water conservation given its shortage, which has become a major worldwide concern. The system also has the advantage of conserving moisture to counteract inadequate rainfall, saving electricity and reducing labor costs. For such advantages, an intelligent irrigation control system based on fuzzy logic adapted to the climate of Riyadh will be proposed. Based on the measured soil moisture, ambient temperature, air humidity and solar irradiance, the fuzzy controller calculates the necessary irrigation duration. The features of the fuzzy logic toolbox in MATLAB are used to create the proposed system.