Variation In Growth Research Articles (Page 1)

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to demonstrate how height growth recalculated to periodic site index could be used to monitor and identify climatic drivers for growth variations. We used data from Norway’s National Forest Inventory (NFI), with attention to Norway spruce in the lowlands (<500 m a.s.l.) of southeastern Norway. We recalculated height growth to periodic site index and extracted a time series with annual values. We supplemented this with climatic data, i.e. monthly mean temperature, precipitation and deMartonne aridity index. The results showed that a characteristic two-peaked time series in volume growth in Norway 1994–2020 corresponded well to a time series of periodic site index for Norway spruce in the specific region mentioned above. Statistical analyses showed that for spruce, the periodic site index was higher in cold and moist summers than in warm and dry. Spruce mortality in this region tripled during 2012–22 when June temperature increased considerably, while periodic site index decreased. This corroborates warm and dry weather in June to be a main stress factor for spruce. In conclusion, periodic site index has a potential for being implemented for monitoring site productivity and for identification of climatic drivers.

Abstract. Increasing evidence highlights the disruptive effects of compound climate extremes on global crop yields under climate change. Existing studies predominantly rely on the whole growing–season scale and relative thresholds, and limit the ability to capture crop physiological sensitivities and yield responses that vary critically across growth stages. Here, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations, dominant drivers, and potential impacts on the yields of concurrent heat–drought and chilling–rain events for single– and late–rice in southern China from 1981 to 2018. Specifically, we carefully distinguished three sensitive growth stages of rice and stage–specific climate stress types and thresholds based on rice physiology. Temporally, single–rice experienced a significant increase in concurrent heat–drought events, while late–rice experienced a modest rise in chilling–rain events. Spatially, the hotspots of concurrent heat–drought events varied greatly across the three growth stages. These spatial patterns are driven primarily by differences in crop phenology across locations, rather than by the occurrence of extreme climate conditions. The concurrent chilling–rain events of late–rice were widespread within the planting regions, with a higher incidence in certain areas. Path analysis identified heat stress as the primary driver of heat–drought impacts (particularly in jointing–booting and heading–flowering stages), whereas chilling and rain stress exerted comparable effects for late–rice. Our assessment of compound event impacts and sensitivity on rice yield revealed significant growth–stage differences, with comparable yield losses from both concurrent heat–drought and chilling–rain events. Single–rice showed the highest sensitivity to heat–drought events during the grain filling stage, whereas the late–rice exhibited greater sensitivity during the heading–flowering stage. The historical impact on yield diverged markedly across growth stages, with the largest having occurred in the grain filling stage, particularly for heat–drought events. Our study provided important information on compound agroclimatic extremes, in the context of southern China's rice production system, and the results provide important information for risk management and adaptation strategies under climate change.

Effect of Illicium verum Hook.f. (star anise) extract on the modulation of systemic and mucosal immunity in Aeromonas hydrophila-aggravated Cyprinus carpio.

Animal reproduction is composed of several stages, which collectively determine overall productivity. Yet, it is not fully understood how different productivity components contribute to population change. To bridge this gap, we leveraged integrated population modelling and transient life-table response experiments, together with population-level data on lesser snow geese (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) breeding on Wrangel Island, Russia, from 1970 to 2022. We assessed contributions of breeding propensity, clutch size, nest success, egg survival, hatching success and pre-fledging survival to population change, and tested hypotheses about the effects of environmental drivers and density dependence on different components. Breeding propensity contributed the most to variation in population growth, followed by nest success. These two components were negatively affected by the timing of snow melt. We found no overall deleterious effects of climate change on productivity. Density dependence had a positive effect on multiple productivity components, likely through predator swamping. Our results show the importance of breeding propensity to the population dynamics of this long-lived animal, which is notable because this productivity component is often overlooked. Our results also demonstrate that the effects of environmental conditions and density dependence can differ among animal populations of different sizes, locations and life histories.

Otolith morphology as a tool to discriminate climate-driven growth variations in populations of black rockcod (Notothenia coriiceps) sampled over the last three decades off the Antarctic Peninsula.

Analyzing growth variation in 401 genotypes of mature Cryptomeria japonica: The role of crown structure and space use efficiency

This study examines the effect of financial literacy on the growth of medium enterprises (MEs) in Kisumu County, Kenya. Specifically, it assesses four dimensions of financial literacy—investment literacy, working capital management literacy, accounting knowledge, and financial analysis skills—and their association with enterprise growth. A descriptive research design was applied, and structured questionnaires were distributed to a stratified sample of 400 registered MEs, yielding 112 usable responses. Data were analyzed employing descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results indicate that overall financial literacy explains 60.3% of the variation in enterprise growth (R² = 0.603). Working capital management literacy, accounting knowledge, and financial analysis skills had statistically significant positive effects on growth, whereas investment literacy did not have a significant effect. The study recommends targeted capacity building in practical financial management skills for ME owners and calls for further research to investigate additional factors explaining the remaining variance of 39.7% in growth.

Purpose Housing affordability is critical at the intersection of socio-economic equity and urban development, particularly in rapidly urbanizing countries. This study aims to investigate ownership housing affordability (OHA) in Saudi Arabia using a robust empirical methodology that incorporates exploratory factor analysis (EFA), principal component analysis (PCA) and global benchmarking techniques. By blending quantitative methods with contextual comparisons, the study focuses on major Saudi cities and examines changes from 2021 to 2024. Design/methodology/approach The study introduces the ownership housing affordability index (OHAI), which aggregates standardized metrics to rank cities by affordability stress. Adopting a segmented analysis perspective, the study focuses explicitly on Saudi nationals – referred to as potential owners (POs) – whose housing demand patterns are shaped by cultural norms and national policies. By benchmarking against global cities, the unique market dynamics of Saudi cities are contextualized within international housing affordability frameworks. Findings The findings reveal significant regional disparities that may be affected by high housing prices, income inequality and variations in economic growth. Affordability-related challenges are particularly significant in large urban areas such as Riyadh and Jeddah. Conversely, smaller cities like Hail and Najran show better affordability conditions but struggle with limited economic opportunities. Originality/value Through a data-driven index, ensuring informed decision-making, this research emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to address inequalities and promote sustainable and inclusive housing markets.

ABSTRACT Background Advancing age increases cancer risk due to DNA damage accumulation and a decline in immune function. While aging is known to reduce adaptive immunity, it also leads to an increase in immunosuppressive myeloid cells, which promote tumor progression and are linked to poorer outcomes in melanoma. Aims This study aims to characterize how aging alters Gr‐1 + myeloid cell function and their impact on melanoma growth and immunotherapy response. Methods Subcutaneous tumor growth using several YUMM melanoma cell lines was evaluated in 2‐, 6‐, and 12‐month‐old wild‐type mice. Immune profiling of tumor‐bearing and age‐matched healthy mice was performed via flow cytometry and single‐cell RNA sequencing. Gr‐1 + myeloid cells were isolated to evaluate CD8 + T cell suppression, reactive oxygen species production, and extracellular trap formation. Altered tumor growth, Gr‐1 + myeloid cell function, and immune checkpoint therapy response were evaluated comparing 2‐month‐ and 6‐month‐old wild‐type and syngeneic myeloperoxidase‐deficient mice. Results Aging only accelerated YUMM1.7 tumor growth and was associated with increased myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, and exhausted T cells. Gr‐1⁺ myeloid cells from aged, tumor‐bearing mice showed enhanced CD8⁺ T cell suppression, reactive oxygen species production, and extracellular trap formation. Myeloperoxidase deficiency abrogated age‐dependent tumor growth and improved immunotherapy response in YUMM1.7 tumor‐bearing mice. Conclusion Our findings highlight a context‐dependent immune response to melanoma with aging, indicating that age‐related variations in melanoma growth and immunotherapy response are not ubiquitous. Age‐accelerated tumor growth is associated with increased immunosuppressive cell populations alongside enhanced Gr‐1 + myeloid cell‐mediated immunosuppression driven in part by myeloperoxidase. Myeloperoxidase deficiency effectively reduced Gr‐1 + myeloid cell immunosuppression, decreased reactive oxygen species, and diminished extracellular trap formation, thereby eliminating age‐dependent differences in tumor growth and immunotherapy response. This work underscores the impact of aging on Gr‐1 + myeloid cells on cancer progression and immunotherapy efficacy.

Introduction: Infertility is a global health concern that affects individuals physically, emotionally, and socially. In women, ovulation dysfunction is a leading cause, most commonly related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Objective: This study aimed to assess fertilization and embryogenesis success rates in women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization at the Morula IVF Clinic Jakarta between January and December 2024.Method: A descriptive study was conducted involving 66 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Data were obtained from medical records, including age, body mass index, antral follicle count, hormonal levels, and fertilization and embryo development outcomes at the cleavage and blastocyst stages. Result and Discussion: Most patients were under 35 years, with normal body mass index and hormone profiles. Fertilization success reached 100 percent for mature oocytes and 75 percent for those showing two pronuclei. Embryogenesis showed good quality in most cleavage and blastocyst stage embryos, while some demonstrated poor development, reflecting variations in embryo growth. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of embryo morphology is essential to optimize embryo transfer decisions and improve in vitro fertilization success among women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

ABSTRACT This study evaluated variation in survival, growth, and stem quality of Norway spruce provenances originating from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in provenance trial to assess the long-term adaptive responses of provenances and identify productive seed sources for future afforestation under changing climatic conditions. Survival was slightly higher for the Jaunjelgava, Viljandi, and Kaišiadorys provenances, although no consistent geographic trend or association was observed with bioclimatic variables of seed origin. Tree diameter and volume tended to be higher in provenances from southern origins, while northern ones had better stem quality (Võru, Viljandi, Smiltene). Some southern and mid-latitude provenances (Kaišiadorys, Daugavpils) also demonstrated good overall stem quality and low incidence of stem cracks, indicating that high quality is not strictly limited to geographic origin. The incidence of stem cracks was not associated with provenance, and cracks occurred independently of geographic origin or local climatic conditions. 18% of the trees on the site exhibited superior quality. Analysis confirmed strong correlations among growth traits, stem defects, and climate of seed origin, with a clear trade-off between growth and stem quality. Climate variables of the provenance were not significantly correlated with growth traits but showed a modest relationship with stem quality.

This study explores the seasonal variations in grapevine growth and sap flow, with a particular focus on how environmental factors influence key growth indicators. Grapevines are highly sensitive to seasonal changes, and understanding these variations is essential for optimizing vineyard management practices. Given the increasing importance of precision agriculture, high-precision sensors were employed to monitor sap flow, leaf temperatures, and ambient temperature over the course of a year. By collecting data on these physiological indicators, we aim to identify patterns that can improve our understanding of grapevine responses to environmental changes. Our findings reveal significant seasonal fluctuations in grapevine growth, with the most growth occurring during the warmer months (spring and summer) and slower growth in winter. The comparison of predictive models, including Prophet, LightGBM, and XGBoost, demonstrated that machine learning models were more accurate in predicting grapevine growth compared to traditional methods. These results offer important insights into the relationship between grapevine physiology and environmental conditions, providing a foundation for improving vineyard management practices. The grape variety utilized in this study is Sunshine Rose (Shine Muscat), known for its distinctive sweet flavor and high economic value, making it a popular cultivar in vineyards worldwide.

The Nebraska Salt Marshes are unique inland saltwater ecosystems, and this exploratory study is aimed at understanding the microbial composition and diversity that is providing the underlying support for these ecosystems. The microbiome shows both temporal and spatial variations that are concurrent with seasonal variations in salinity, temperature, and vegetation growth. Whole genome metagenomics analysis showed the predominance of purple non-sulfur bacteria in each season, indicating their importance in the marsh ecosystem. The fall season showed the highest microbial diversity and coincided with the highest levels of antimicrobial resistance markers to a variety of natural and synthetic antibiotics. In addition to the metagenomics approach, we also isolated and sequenced several unique species, most of them belonging to what appear to be new species of purple non-sulfur or purple sulfur bacteria. Both the metagenomics analysis and isolated species indicate that the nitrogen and sulfur cycling is well balanced in these marshes by a high relative abundance of purple bacteria. Noteworthy is the isolation of a new strain of Vibrio cholerae, which is a known human intestinal pathogen, that was predominantly present in the fall samples carrying several antibiotic resistance markers. Overall, the Nebraska salt marsh microbiome showcases both seasonal variations in microbial composition, a concerning prevalence of multiple antibiotic resistance, and the presence of unique bacterial species well-adapted to its distinctive alkaline and saline environment.

BackgroundTo improve our understanding of microbial systems, it is essential to refine the conceptual frameworks that connect microorganisms to their ecological functions. While trait-based approaches can provide nuanced perspectives on how microorganisms influence ecosystem processes, there is ongoing debate over the link between microbial taxonomic classifications and life history traits. Here, we integrate genomic, metagenomic, amplicon sequencing, and experimental (stable isotope probing) data to investigate the scaling of bacterial growth traits from individual taxa to complex assemblages and to identify specific taxonomic groups of soil bacteria that can be used as indicators of community-scale microbial growth.ResultsOur results revealed broadly different distributions of growth rates among bacterial phyla, including significantly different mean and median rates. This, in turn, manifested in strong relationships between relative abundances of some phyla and community-scale growth rates in soil. Specifically, we calculated community weighted mean growth rates using measured growth rates of constituent taxa and found that the fast-growing taxa that had sufficient abundance and ubiquity across samples to contribute to variation in community-average growth were mostly lineages of Proteobacteria (e.g., Sphingomonas). As a result, the relative abundance of phylum Proteobacteria was the single strongest taxonomic predictor of community-average growth, explaining up to ~ 60% of the variation in growth rates across communities. In contrast, Verrucomicrobia were consistent indicators of slower community-average growth. These patterns were especially strong when using taxon-level growth rates measured following carbon and nitrogen additions to soil.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that phylum relative abundances can be strong indicators of community-level bacterial growth despite the wide variation in growth rates observed within phyla. The stronger phylum-growth relationships for whole assemblages than are apparent for individual taxa are due to relative abundance-weighted trait averaging in complex assemblages, i.e., at the community scale, broad differences in growth traits among phyla become more important than variation within phyla. Overall, our results provide clarity regarding the use of bacterial taxonomic information for inferring traits, demonstrating that high taxonomic ranks can be valid indicators of microbial traits in soil provided that inferences are drawn at the appropriate scale.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40793-025-00790-7.

The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of different culture media on the mycelial growth and cultural characteristics of Sclerotium rolfsii, an important soil-borne pathogen responsible for collar rot in several crops. Eight culture media, namely Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Sabouraud Maltose Agar, Oat Meal Agar, Coon’s Agar, Corn Meal Agar, Ashby’s Mannitol Agar, Czapek’s Dox Agar, and Richard’s Agar were evaluated under in vitro conditions. Significant variation in radial growth, colony morphology and pigmentation were recorded among the tested media. Maximum mycelial growth was observed on Potato Dextrose Agar (90.00 mm), which was statistically at par with Sabouraud Maltose Agar (89.68 mm) and Oat Meal Agar (89.65 mm). Minimum growth was recorded on Czapek’s Dox Agar (67.86 mm). The colony characters ranged from cottony, fluffy, irregular to compact mycelium, while pigmentation varied from pure white to creamy and yellowish white depending on the medium. These results clearly indicate that PDA, Sabouraud Maltose Agar and Oat Meal Agar are the most suitable media for luxuriant growth and sporulation of S. rolfsii, and can be recommended for cultural variability studies, pathogenicity assays and further research on this pathogen.

This study empirically examines the impact of fiscal policy on economic growth in East Java Province during the period 2018–2024. The objective is to analyze the effects of regional taxes, subsidy expenditures, and the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate adjustment on regional economic growth. A quantitative approach with multiple linear regression analysis is employed, incorporating a dummy variable to capture the impact of the VAT increase from 10% to 11% in 2022. The findings reveal that regional taxes and the VAT dummy variable significantly influence economic growth, while subsidy expenditures are statistically insignificant. The coefficient of determination (R²) of 96.5% indicates that the model explains the majority of variations in economic growth. These results imply that optimizing tax revenues and evaluating VAT policy should be aligned with strategies for inclusive and sustainable regional economic growth. This research provides relevant insights for regional policymakers in designing effective fiscal instruments.

This study analyzes the influence of population and workforce on economic growth in Makassar City between 2014 and 2023. Using multiple linear regression methods with secondary data, this study found that population does not have a significant influence on economic growth. This indicates that population growth has not been matched by an increase in the quality of human resources (HR) capable of driving economic output. Conversely, the workforce has a significant influence, meaning that the absorption of productive labor contributes significantly to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). This research model explains that 73.2% of the variation in economic growth is influenced by these two variables. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the Makassar City government prioritize policies that focus on improving the quality of the workforce and creating jobs to optimize the demographic bonus and encourage sustainable economic growth.Keywords : Population, Workforce, Economic Growth

Alternaria blight, caused by Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc. stands as one of the most prevalent and damaging disease afflicting mustard (Brassica juncea) cultivation on a global scale. In the current investigation, Alternaria infected leaf samples were collected from twenty-one distinct locations across eleven states of India. Isolates were comprehensively analyzed for genetic diversity through morphological variability, pathogenicity and molecular phylogeny studies. The results showed significant variation in cultural characteristics and radial growth among A. brassicae isolates, with growth ranging from 59.80mm in Ab17 to 88.58mm in Ab19. Pathogenicity data revealed that there were 5 highly virulent, 13 moderately virulent, and 3 least virulent isolates which was confirmed in digital image analysis of diseased spots on leaves using MATLAB's Image Processing Toolbox. This suggests the evolutionary potential of A. brassicae and its ability to adapt to different geographical regions. Based on sequencing of amplified ITS region and β-tubulin gene, all the isolates showed 100 per cent homology to the sequences of A. brassicae strain J3 (GenBank CM016504.1). Furthermore, DNA fingerprinting pattern generated by ISSR markers, all the isolates were individually grouped into 3 main clusters. Comparative analysis established congruence between DNA finger prints, virulence pattern, location and morphological grouping of A. brassicae isolates. The present research holds significance in precisely categorizing the pathogen responsible for crop infection, enabling us to develop a targeted and efficient strategy for future disease control measures.

A solid sodium-ion conducting gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is presented, directly synthesized on the sodium-metal/electrodes, as an alternative solid-like electrolyte to conventional liquid and ceramic electrolytes for high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The GPE is obtained via an efficient synthesis protocol, wherein a mixture of liquid electrolyte (LE) and polymer precursors (PP) is in situ polymerized inside a prefabricated porous electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane, stabilized on either Na-metal or Na3V2(PO4) (NVP) electrode. The membrane's high porosity allows substantially high LE (≈60 vol%) confinement within its pores, which, following the polymerization, leads to a densely packed, mechanically and thermally stable amorphous gel. The GPE exhibited high sodium-ion conductivity (≈1 mS cm-1 ≈ LE ion conductivity) and transference number (0.63), wide electrochemical stability window (5.2 V), and excellent interfacial stability. The chemically stable GPE mitigated dendritic growth, leading to successive sodium-stripping/plating over 100s of cycles with low overpotentials at varying current densities. While the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) growth on the Na-electrode in the case of LE, studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, reveals an unstable self-similar variation of growth with time (≈1 month), the GPE exhibits a stable SEI growth over longer durations of time (≈2 months). In (Na||Na3V2(PO4)3) configuration, i.e. sodium-metal batteries (SMBs) and symmetric Na3V2(PO4)3||Na3V2(PO4)3 batteries, the GPE shows remarkable cyclability, delivering consistent performance at 1C over 500-1000 cycles at room temperature. The diversity of GPE is also demonstrated via its remarkably stable cyclability over 100s of cycles with novel Sn-based alloy anodes, an upcoming alternative anode to hard carbons.

This study aims to analyze the effect of open unemployment rate, education level, and minimum wage on economic growth in East Java Province during the period 2017-2024. The approach used is quantitative with an explanatory research design. The data were analyzed using panel data regression method that includes time dimension and geographical area, and supported by statistical tests to measure the significance of the influence of each variable. The results show that the open unemployment rate has a negative and significant effect on economic growth. In contrast, education level has a positive and significant effect on economic growth. Meanwhile, the minimum wage also has a significant but negative effect on economic growth, indicating that an increase in the minimum wage that is not proportional to productivity can hinder economic growth. Simultaneously, the three independent variables significantly affect economic growth in East Java Province. The R-squared value of 41.80% indicates that the variation in economic growth can be explained by these three variables, while the rest is influenced by other factors outside the model.