Low Growth Research Articles

Household assets and business cycle fluctuations

AbstractThis paper shows that an increase in the ratio of household assets to gross domestic product (GDP) predicts higher GDP growth in the short term, but lower growth in the long term. It is also associated with lower consumption, investment, and employment rates in the future. The result is robust to controlling for various economic indicators including credit spreads, household debt to GDP ratio, and leverage ratio. Finally, we estimate a structural vector autoregressive model and find that an increase in the interest rate is associated with a decrease in the household assets to GDP ratio, in contrast to the findings of Galí and Gambetti (2015, American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, 7(1), 233–257). This appears to support the conventional view of monetary policy.

Half a century of Japanese research on two Neglected Tropical Diseases (trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis): Overseas scientific cooperation

Trypanosoma and Leishmania species are responsible of a range of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) from disfiguring conditions to fatal processes in humans. Both genera also affect wild and domestic animals causing diseases of public health significance and high economic impact on farm economy of developing areas. Japan has been actively involved in overseas cooperation and the country has a large scientific community. However, there is no information on the scientific output of Japanese scientists and institutions on these two NTDs. To explore the Japanese contribution and its profile, we have mined Web of Science database from 1971 to 2022 the articles by Japanese scientists, scientific areas and institutions, time-related variations of these parameters, and involvement in cooperation activities with foreign scientists. Research on Trypanosoma has been present in all the studied period, with higher production, whereas Leishmania-related activities showed a delay. A steady increased of Japanese scientific output was found up to the beginning of 2000s, whereas a certain stagnation was found in the present century. Low growth rate of research output on these two NTDs by Japanese authors in the 21st century is not correlated neither to the pattern found globally nor the situation in other parasitic infections. Thus, other elements should be considered in future analysis including the actual number of scientists involved and the available funding. Reinforcement of research groups from Japanese institutions and widening the scope of collaborations, particularly with health and academic centers from endemic regions, could trigger the Japanese productivity in the research area.

Chitosan nanoparticles, camel milk exosomes and/or Sorafenib induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor cells migration and angiogenesis and ameliorate the associated liver damage in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice

BackgroundIt is crucial to improve cancer patients' quality of life by developing medications that can treat cancer with minimum adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) and camel milk exosomes (CMEs) alone or in combination with Sorafenib (SOR) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice and to assess whether EAC-associated liver injury would be ameliorated due to this combination. Liver function and oxidant/antioxidant status were determined spectrophotometrically, while the levels of inflammatory cytokines were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gene expression was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe tumor burden in EAC-bearing mice was reduced after treatment with CNPs ± CMEs ± SOR as indicated by (1) reduced ascetic fluid volume and tumor-cell viability; (2) induction of apoptosis [high p53, BCL2 associated X (Bax), caspase 3, low B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl2)]; (3) increased intracellular reactive oxygen species; (4) decreased migration [high matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and low TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1)]; (5) declined angiogenesis [low vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These treatments also reduced liver injury induced by EAC as noticed by (1) restored liver function indices [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin]; (2) restored redox balance [low malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and high superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities]; (3) increased antioxidant gene expression [high nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)]; (4) declined inflammation [low interleukin-1β (IL1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) levels), and (5) enhanced structure of liver. SOR + CNPs-treated mice showed the most improvement, followed by SOR + CMEs-treated animals.ConclusionsBased on these findings, we determined that CNPs and CMEs enhanced SOR's anticancer efficacy and had an ameliorative role against EAC-induced liver injuries.Graphic abstract

Thermal performance of native and invasive crab species: investigating the invasion potential of Hemigrapsus takanoi in southern European Carcinus maenas’ habitats

Invasive species’ plasticity and latitudinal spread have become an increasing matter of concern in rapidly changing climate. The brush-clawed shore crab (Hemigrapsus takanoi), native along northwestern Pacific shores, has established dense populations in northern European coasts. Detrimental effects in natura have been reported, such as displacement of native species and competition for shelter, rasing concerns regarding shellfish early life stages and food webs-posing a threat to wild stocks’ recruitment and aquaculture. The species has not yet been observed in southern European countries (e.g., Portugal), where niche habitats such as harbours, mudflats, and lagoons reach higher temperatures than the invaded northern range. The aims of this study were to determine H. takanoi potential to acclimate to a southern thermal range, assess thermal performance, and identify potential competitive advantages over the native shore crab Carcinus maenas. This was accomplished through individual exposure to one of three treatments, resembling a southern European thermal range (17 °C, 21 °C, or 25 °C), for 30 days. H. takanoi thrived in temperatures as high as 25 °C, a realistic thermal scenario in Óbidos Lagoon (the biggest Portuguese lagoon)—while the native shore crab C. maenas underperformed at that treatment, showing lower survival, growth, and feed intake than H. takanoi. These results suggest that H. takanoi may be able to colonise southern and warmer European locations and have higher plasticity than the native species already inhabiting areas close to its upper thermal limits. Under global warming scenarios, inferences of further latitudinal spread and increased invaded range may also be taken to the invaded northern European habitats.

QTL mapping and candidate gene identification for lower temperature tolerance and growth traits using whole genome re-sequencing in Argopecten scallops

Lower temperature tolerance (LTT) and growth traits are vital to the success of overwintering scallop farming in the North China Sea. Bohai Red, a novel selected scallop strain is the main aquaculture species in this region. However, its poor LTT hinders its growth. To improve these traits, the larger Bohai Red scallop was crossed with the smaller bay scallop (A. irradians irradians) which tolerates low temperatures. The full-sib F1 hybrids and the whole-genome resequencing (WGR) method were used to construct a high-density genetic linkage map comprising 5925 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The consensus linkage map consisted of 16 linkage groups spanning 1343.46 cM with an average distance of 0.23 cM. Based on this genetic linkage map, 42 potentially significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for LTT and growth were detected in eight different linkage groups (LGs) explaining 9.2–18.6% of the phenotypic variation. LG11 may regulate both LTT and growth as 20 QTLs were localized there. Eighteen candidate genes were identified, including 2 (SCARF1, SLC28A3) for LTT and 16 for the growth-related traits. To the best of our knowledge, the present work is one of the first to fine-map the LTT and growth-related QTLs in a genetic linkage map for hybrid Argopecten spp. scallops.

Research on the Factors Contributing to Low Fertility in South Korea

In 2023, South Korea had a fertility rate of 0.8831, the lowest in the world. Compared to most other east Asian countries, Korea recovered from the Second World War relatively earlier and is home to some of the most influential companies in the world today. Therefore, while other east Asian countries are in the industrial stage characterized by moderate to high rates of population growth, Korea is already a post-industrial society, marked by low population growth. This paper aims to identify the contributing factors to South Koreas low fertility rate by examining previous surveys completed by Koreans, interviews done with Koreans, and statistics about the Korean economy and society. These surveys, interviews, and statistics show the current economic, social, and cultural characteristics of the country and the flaws in them that lead to low fertility rate. The first significant factor related to the low fertility rate in South Korea is the high economic uncertainty due to rising living costs. Many Koreans struggle to achieve financial independence and move out of their parents homes, which is a barrier to starting a family. The second factor is the rising number of women obtaining higher levels of education and subsequently entering the workforce. The last factor is the practice of neo-Confucianism beliefs that are patriarchal in nature. Therefore, the proposed solution is that the Korean government should focus on changing current social and cultural beliefs to minimize the conflict between family and work for Korean women.

Outcome of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly: Comparison of using and not using the floor standing pneumatic powered endoscope-holder system

IntroductionEndoscopic transsphenoidal surgery can be performed by two surgeons, including an endoscopist (PE/2S), and by a single surgeon with an endoscope-holder system (PE/1S + H). We analyzed the surgical outcome, and outcome predictors in acromegaly patients in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery using floor standing pneumatic endoscope-holder system. MethodsEndoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was performed with PE/1S+H (n = 51) and PE/2S (n = 20). Postoperative remission was evaluated by the 2010 consensus criteria for acromegaly. We compared the surgical results of PE/2S style and PE/1S+H style, and investigated the factors associated with favorable surgical outcomes. ResultsThere was no difference in clinical background between the PE/2S and the PE/1S + H groups. The remission rates for PE/2S and PE/1S+H were 65.0% and 82.4%, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.128). In consecutive 71 cases, statistically useful predictors of remission were low preoperative growth hormone (GH) level (<12 ng/mL), low Knosp grade (0–2), and low revised Knosp grade (0–3A). In the conventional Knosp grade 0–2 and 3/4, the sensitivity was 0.76 and the specificity was 0.81. In the revised Knosp grade 0–3A and 3B/4, the sensitivity was 0.96 and the specificity was 0.44. ConclusionThe outcome of GH-producing pituitary neuroendocrine tumors surgically removed by PE/1S+H could be almost equivalent to that by PE/2S. Preoperative low GH level and Knosp grades, including revised Knosp grades, are useful preoperative predictors for surgical remission of acromegaly.

Electrophoretic deposition of MXene coating on Mg alloy 2,5 PDCA-LDH film for enhanced anticorrosion/wear

Two-dimensional (2D) MXene, employed as protective coatings for anticorrosion and wear resistance, outperforms most state-of-the-art 2D nanomaterials. In this work, MgAl-LDH film modified with the 2,5 PDCA inhibitor was synthesized on Mg alloy AZ31 via in-situ hydrothermal methods. Subsequently, MXene Ti3C2 at various concentrations was electrophoretically deposited onto the as-prepared 2,5 PDCA-LDH film. The successful incorporation of the 2,5 PDCA inhibitor resulted in MgAl-LDH nanosheets with a low growth angle, facilitating the electrophoretic deposition of MXene Ti3C2. After deposition, Ti3C2 nanomaterials uniformly coated the 2,5 PDCA-LDH film, forming a protective barrier against corrosive species while simultaneously establishing a lubricating layer. Notably, Ti3C2 nanosheets exhibit a tendency to self-agglomerate at higher concentrations, resulting in the 1.0 wt% Ti3C2 coating displaying the highest anticorrosion and lubrication capacities.

Inferring the extinction risk of marine fish to inform global conservation priorities.

While extinction risk categorization is fundamental for building robust conservation planning for marine fishes, empirical data on occurrence and vulnerability to disturbances are still lacking for most marine teleost fish species, preventing the assessment of their International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status. In this article, we predicted the IUCN status of marine fishes based on two machine learning algorithms, trained with available species occurrences, biological traits, taxonomy, and human uses. We found that extinction risk for marine fish species is higher than initially estimated by the IUCN, increasing from 2.5% to 12.7%. Species predicted as Threatened were mainly characterized by a small geographic range, a relatively large body size, and a low growth rate. Hotspots of predicted Threatened species peaked mainly in the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea, the Celebes Sea, the west coast Australia and North America. We also explored the consequences of including these predicted species' IUCN status in the prioritization of marine protected areas through conservation planning. We found a marked increase in prioritization ranks for subpolar and polar regions despite their low species richness. We suggest to integrate multifactorial ensemble learning to assess species extinction risk and offer a more complete view of endangered taxonomic groups to ultimately reach global conservation targets like the extending coverage of protected areas where species are the most vulnerable.

New feeding mechanism to enhance the properties of wrapped elastic composite yarn and denim fabrics thereof

In light of the recent technological advancements in composite yarns with multicomponent cores, also known as dual core spun yarns, their utilisation in the textile industry has become widespread. A V-grooved roller is employed to enhance the feeding of multicomponent cores. In this context, diverse composite yarn designs with varying feeding mechanisms can be employed to optimise yarn performance. This study presents an alternative feeding mechanism utilising a W-grooved roller for commercial use in composite yarn production. To achieve this, dual core yarns and wound elastic composite yarns (filament feeding varies with the sheath cotton fibre with elastane in the centre wrapped on the right and left side) were produced using a modified ring spinning system with different parameters. Denim fabrics were then produced using these composite yarns as weft yarns. The results demonstrated that the wrapped elastic composite yarns with left and right filament core positioning exhibited superior yarn properties in terms of strength, elongation at break, evenness and hairiness. Furthermore, denim fabrics made with wrapped elastic composite yarns exhibited superior breaking load and tearing force results on weft basis. These fabrics also exhibited lower growth, defined as the percentage of the fabric returning to its original length after tensile stress removal.

Fish with slow life-history cope better with chronic manganese exposure than fish with fast life-history.

Animals with different life-history types vary in their stress-coping styles, which can affect their fitness and survival in changing environments. We studied how chronic exposure to manganese sulfate (MnSO4), a common aquatic pollutant, affects life-history traits, physiology, and behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio) with two life-history types: fast (previously selected for fast juvenile growth, early maturation, and small adult body size) and slow life histories (selected for slow juvenile growth, late maturation, and large adult body size). We found that MnSO4 had negative effects on growth and condition factors, but the magnitude of these effects depended on the life-history type. Individuals with fast life histories were more susceptible to MnSO4 than fish with slow life histories as they had lower growth rate, condition factor and feeding probability in high MnSO4 concentrations. Our results demonstrate that MnSO4 can impair fish performance, and life-history variation can modulate the stress-coping ability of individuals.

Pengaruh Jumlah Uang Elektronik yang Beredar di Masyarakat Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Indonesia

Economic growth is a value that shows the level of production of goods and services achieved by a country so that it can reflect the state of the country's economy. Payments using non-cash or frequently used money such as electronic money are considered more efficient and economical, so the value of electronic money transactions increases every year. This research analyzes the influence of the value of electronic money transactions, money supply and inflation on Indonesia's economic growth, in this case GDP. Secondary data from 2018 to 2022. The data analysis method used is multiple linear regression. From the results of the tests that have been carried out, values were foundelectronic money transactions, money supply (JUB), and inflation has a significant effect on economic growth in Indonesia. The higher the value of electronic money transactions and inflation can increase economic growth, but the greater the money supply, the lower economic growth (GDP).

Effect of CO on the corrosion behavior of 304 stainless steel in wet CO2 gas at 710°C

AbstractThe corrosion behavior of 304 stainless steel in wet CO2 gas with or without CO and CO plus 400 ppmv SO2 was investigated in this study. Corrosion kinetics was studied by thermogravimetric analysis at 710°C for 100 h under three gas conditions. After isothermal exposure, the corroded coupons were characterized in detail by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, an electron probe microanalyzer, and transmission electron microscopy. CO addition to wet CO2 resulted in lower oxygen partial pressure and lower oxide growth kinetics. It also suppressed iron‐rich oxide nodule formation, as compared to the wet CO2 gas environment. A Cr‐depletion zone was observed underneath the oxide scale in the substrate, but no obvious internal carburization was observed in all three gas environments. A thin, protective oxide scale consisting of an outer layer of a Cr‐rich spinel and an inner Cr‐rich chromia layer was developed in CO‐containing gas conditions, with or without SO2. The effect of CO on oxidation and scale formation is discussed in comparison with that in wet CO2 conditions.

Volatile cis-jasmone affects the tri-trophic interactions among the potato plants, the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), and the parasitoid (Aphidius gifuensis)

New strategies for protecting crops from aphid attacks must be developed. The present study aimed to examine the effect of cis-Jasmone (CJ), an activator of plant defense, on potato plants. Plants were sprayed with an exogenous application of CJ at 12, 24, and 48 h; and the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer, and its parasitoid, Aphidius gifuensis, were used to evaluate the tri-trophic interactions of the aphids, parasitoids, and plants. In this work, we examined that the adult M. persicae produced fewer nymphs on CJ-treated plants at 12, 24, and 48 h than on control plants. Furthermore, M. persicae nymphs that fed on CJ-treated plants at 48 h had a lower mean relative growth rate (MRGR). Moreover, the intrinsic rate of population increase (r) was significantly lowered in CJ-treated plants at 12, 24, and 48 h. CJ-treated plants at all time durations showed considerably less settlement of aphid than control plants. In the olfactometer bioassay, the parasitoid exhibited a prolonged duration in the arm treated with volatiles from CJ-treated plants at 12, 24, and 48 h in comparison to the control. Moreover, the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid marker gene expression levels were significantly upregulated by CJ-treatment. Surprisingly, aphids raised on CJ-treated potato plants showed higher transcriptional levels of detoxifying enzymes. The findings of this research will provide new insights into the possible applications of important volatile components like cis-jasmone in integrated pest management systems, in addition to enhancing our comprehension of the ways in which plant volatiles affect the crop community.

Realization of N-polarity GaN films on graphene/SiC substrates by interfacial atomic manipulation

Growth of N-polarity GaN on a two-dimensional (2D) material is of significance for the development of high-performance nitride devices such as red light-emitting diodes. However, the realization of N-polarity GaN on a 2D material is a challenge. In this work, we successfully achieve N-polarity GaN on graphene/SiC substrates through interfacial atomic manipulation. Our results show that the growth conditions of the AlN buffer play an important role in the lattice polarity of nitride film grown on 2D graphene. A low growth temperature of AlN buffer leads to a metal-polarity nitride film, while a high growth temperature of it leads to a mix-polarity nitride film. The underlying mechanism is revealed by first-principles calculations. Under the guidance of the calculations results, the preflow of trimethylaluminum source is introduced prior to the high-temperature AlN buffer growth to manipulate the interfacial atoms between the AlN buffer and graphene/SiC. With this method, we successfully realize the fabrication of N-polarity GaN on graphene/SiC by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. This work provides a new route for the development of high-performance N-polarity nitride devices on graphene/SiC substrates.

Intelligence Mindsets Trajectory Profiles among Chinese Elementary School Students: Associations with Changes in Academic Achievement from Grades 4 to 6.

Early adolescence is a critical period for the development of children's intelligence mindsets, which play a significant role in academic achievement. However, existing research predominantly employs variable-centered approaches, which fail to capture individual differences in mindset-achievement relations. This research addresses this gap by adopting a longitudinal person-centered approach to explore the joint developmental trajectories of growth and fixed mindsets among early adolescents. It further explores how these trajectories relate to changes in academic achievement (i.e., the mean of standardized mathematics and Chinese achievement test scores) over 2 years, accounting for intelligence and sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, and family SES. In two five-wave longitudinal studies with 748 (Mage = 10.23 years, SD = 0.30; 49% girls at T1) and 3258 (Mage = 10.34 years, SD = 0.37; 49% girls at T1) Chinese elementary school students from grades 4 to 6, four distinct mindset trajectory profiles were identified: Growth (initially high growth but low fixed mindsets), Fixed (initially high fixed but low growth mindsets), Moderate (initially moderate levels in both mindsets), and Both-High (initially high levels in both mindsets). Analysis across both studies revealed that students in the Growth trajectory profile exhibited the most significant improvements in academic achievement 2 years later. Conversely, students in the Both-High trajectory profile experienced the least favorable academic outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing individual differences in mindset trajectories and their potential impact on academic outcomes. The current research underscores the need for educational interventions that are tailored to different mindset profiles to optimize student development and achievement.

Financial crises and the global supply network: Evidence from multinational enterprises

This paper empirically examines the effects of financial crises on the organization of production of multinational enterprises. We construct a panel of European multinational networks from 2003 through 2015. We compute a multinational-specific shock based on the geographical structure of the network and the extent of the financial crisis in the countries belonging to the network. We document that multinationals facing a larger shock to their network experience lower growth in their number of affiliates and a deterioration in parents’ performance. This adjustment to the financial crisis is accounted for by multinationals with initially more leveraged parents, and it is exacerbated in networks more dependent on external financing. Moreover, initially more leveraged affiliates are more likely to be dropped from a multinational network. These findings lend support to financial frictions shaping multinational activity.

Long-term prediction of Iranian blood product supply using LSTM: a 5-year forecast

BackgroundThis study aims to predict the trend of procurement and storage of various blood products, as well as planning and monitoring the consumption of blood products in different centers across Iran based on artificial intelligence until the year 2027.MethodsThis research constitutes a time-series investigation within the realm of longitudinal studies. In this study, information on the number of packed red blood cells (RBC), leukoreduced red blood cells (LR-RBC), and platelets (PLT), PLT-Apheresis, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) was requested from all blood transfusion centers in the country and extracted using a unified protocol. After the initial examination of the information and addressing data issues and inconsistencies, the corrected data were analyzed. Both conventional and artificial intelligence approaches were used to predict each product in this study. The best model was selected based on goodness-of-fit indicators RMSE and MAPE.ResultsBased on the obtained results, the FFP product will follow a relatively consistent process similar to previous years in the next five years. The PLT product is predicted to have a growing trend over the next 5 years, which applies to both the demand and supply of the product. The PLT-Apheresis product also shows a similar upward trend, albeit with a lower growth rate. The RBC product will have a constant trend over a 5-year period (long-term) according to both models, taking into account short-term changes. Similarly, there is a similar trend in LR-RBC, with the expectation that short-term pattern repetition will continue over a 5-year period (long-term). Comparing the goodness-of-fit results, the LSTM model proved to be better for predicting the dominant blood products.ConclusionsThe growth of the elderly population and diseases related to old age, and on the other hand, the trend of increasing the consumption of the product with a short lifespan (PLT) requires the activation of the management of the patient’s blood, especially in relation to this product in medical centers. The trend for other products in the next five years is similar to previous years, and no growth in demand is observed. The LSTM method, considering periodic and cyclical events, has performed the prediction.

Effect of spandex linear density and twist multiplier on the properties of core spun yarn and denim fabric

AbstractThe utilization of core‐spun yarns with spandex has achieved significant interest over the past decade because of their exceptional stretchability, resilience, and comfort features. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of changing the spandex denier and twist multiplier on the physio‐mechanical properties of 16 Ne core spun yarn and the produced denim fabric using these yarns as weft. Core‐spun yarns were produced from three different spandex deniers at various TM values, where cotton roving was used as the sheath. Fabrics were manufactured using an air‐jet weaving machine with the core spun yarn as weft and 100% ring cotton yarn as warp (12 Ne) following the identical 3/1 twill weave pattern. Results reveal that using different spandex percentages shows better results at different TM parameters. Both yarn and fabric were attained at a twist multiplier of 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 for 40, 70, and 105 D, respectively. Additionally, it was discovered that the yarn produced using lower spandex denier gives higher tenacity for yarn and fabric. However, the yarn produced using a higher spandex denier gives higher elongation percentage for yarn, higher tear strength, recovery, and lower growth percentage fabric.Highlights Influence of spandex denier and twist multiplier on the physio‐mechanical properties of core‐spun yarn and the resulting denim fabric. The higher spandex denier exhibited greater tear strength, better recovery, and lower fabric growth percentages. Increasing the twist multiplier initially increased the tenacity and elongation percentage of yarns and fabrics, followed by a decrease. Higher spandex percentages reduced hairiness and increased with higher twist levels. Higher spandex denier indicates the need for tailored TM settings based on spandex denier to achieve desired fabric properties.

Ketersediaan Nitrogen dan Pertumbuhan Selada (Lactuca sativa L.) pada Tanah Podsolik yang Diaplikasikan Azola (Azolla pinnata)

Podzolic soil is marginal land for agriculture because low N availability and low lettuce plant growth production can be overcome by appropriate fertilization. This study aimed to determine the effect of fresh Azola application on nitrogen availability, number of leaves, and fresh weight of lettuce plants on Podzolic soil. This research employed a single factor of completely randomized design (CRD), in which the treatments were: A0= control, A1= fresh Azola 4 t ha-1, A2= fresh Azola 8 t ha-1, A3= fresh Azola 12 t ha-1, A4= fresh Azola 16 t ha-1. Soil chemical characteristics: soil pH, contents of total N, NH4+, NO3-, organic C, and cation exchangeable capacity were determined on the 21st after incubation, while plant height and plant fresh weight were observed at harvest. The research results showed that increasing the amount of fresh Azola applied to the soil resulted in a tendency to increase soil pH, total N-content, N-NH4+, N-NO3-, number of plant leaves, and fresh weight of lettuce plants.