Maturity Parameters Research Articles

Trends in predicted age at maturity of Sablefish from 22 years of surveys

AbstractObjectiveOur aim was to predict the maturity (will spawn or immature) of Sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria in Alaska for past years during a period when macroscopic data are not of utility and histological observations are not available.MethodsIn a previous study, female maturity was determined using histology and a model was developed that predicted maturity using maternal length, age, and relative condition. We used this published model to predict the maturity of individual Sablefish collected annually in the same area on the same dates. The maturity predictions were used to create predicted time series of maturity at age for surveys conducted over 22 years.ResultA k‐means cluster analysis of annual maturity parameters revealed that data should be split into two clusters. These groups were chronologically sequential (1998–2010 and 2011–2019), with two exceptions: 2015 and 2017 were assigned to the early time period. We created two chronological time blocks by incorporating the two outlier years into the late period post hoc, as we are not aware of mechanisms that may have caused these two outliers, and it is important for stock assessment to capture the signal and not the noise. Sablefish in the later period were predicted to mature later than fish in the earlier period; age at 50% maturity was 5.5 years in the early period and 6.8 years in the later period, and the slope was shallower in the later period.ConclusionThere are often gaps in reliable maturity data. This case study illustrates that limited histological data sets can be used to predict maturity in years without ovary samples and illustrates how these data can be grouped based on similarities and chronology for use in stock assessment. We recommend more histological studies in the future to test assumptions of the predictive model, and we recommend evaluations of other factors, such as environmental time series, that may be drivers of annual maturity.

Chemometric analysis on concentrations and ratios of terpanes and steranes and implications for oils from the cratonic region of the Tarim Basin, NW China

More than 2 × 109 tonnes of proved oils have been found in the cratonic region of the Tarim Basin. The source rocks for these oils remain unresolved although the source rocks are marine facies within the Cambrian and Ordovician strata with total thickness over 5 km. So far, there is no systematic classification of these oils on the basis of source facies. In this study, a practical approach was presented to select effective and sensitive biomarker parameters for source facies and maturity assessments for the studied oils on the basis of biomarker classification by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Twenty-one terpanes and steranes in oils from both the Tabei (Northern Tarim) and Tazhong (Central Tarim) uplifts were classified into three groups using HCA on the basis of terpane and sterane concentrations. The result of biomarker grouping mainly reflects the differences in thermal stabilities among biomarkers for the 45 Tabei oils, providing a general thermal stability sequence for terpanes and steranes that helps the selection of effective maturity parameters. However, biomarker grouping suggests that both source facies and thermal stability have major influences on relative biomarker concentrations for the 75 Tazhong oils. The Tabei oils are mainly derived from a single source with relatively homogeneous facies while the Tazhong oils are derived from multiple sources or a single source with more heterogeneous facies. Based on the HCA results, twelve terpane and sterane ratios were selected as source facies parameters for the Tabei and Tazhong oils. These studied oils were consequently classified into four families by HCA and principle component analysis (PCA) integrating the twelve selected facies parameters of terpanes and steranes along with Pr/n-C17 and Ph/n-C18 ratios. Family 1 and 2 oils are mainly in the Tabei uplift while Family 3 and 4 oils are almost in the Tazhong uplift. Family 1 and 2 oils are derived from source rocks located at the northern, central and southern areas of the Northern Depression and the Tabei Uplift with marine mudstone facies. Family 3 and 4 oils are derived from source rocks located mainly at the southern area of the Northern Depression and the Tazhong Uplift with carbonate and evaporite facies. This study provides a practical approach to trace oil origins for oil and condensate reservoirs in the Tarim Basin and elsewhere.

Evaluation of arteriovenous fistula maturation and early prediction of clinical eligibility, using ultrasound: The Fistula Maturation Evaluation (FAME) Study.

The study of time-related alterations of ultrasound-determined parameters during maturation, and the assessment of time to hemodynamic maturation, enabling early prediction of clinical eligibility, of hemodialysis autologous arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). This is an observational, prospective, study of only AVF-eligible patients referred for access creation, from 02/2019 to 02/2022 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0473687). Brachial artery diameter (dBA), access flow volume (FV), non-augmented efferent vein diameter (dEV), resistivity index (RI), and efferent vein total wall thickness (tEV), were assessed by ultrasound. Measurements were conducted daily in the first week and repeated on days 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90, postoperatively. The primary endpoint included the documentation of serial changes of flow and structural parameters related to AVF maturation in the first 90 days of the post-operative period and maturation early prediction. Secondary endpoints included the determination of factors affecting maturation. One hundred one participants (mean age, 67 ± 6 years; 76 males) were enrolled. Average dBA and FV reached maximum on day 60 (5.64 ± 0.85 mm) and 90 (1.172 ± 617 mL/min), respectively. Day 7 values of dBA (5.48 ± 0.73 mm) and FV (1.039 ± 531 mL/min) did not alter significantly during the follow-up period. Parameters indicative of clinical functionality, dEV (5.82 ± 0.90 mm) and tEV (0.493 ± 0.10 mm), reached approximately 90% of maximum (6.66 ± 1.42 mm and 0.526 ± 0.11 mm), by day 14. RI reached minimum on day 30 (0.46 ± 0.09), without significant changes after day 2 (0.48 ± 0.09, p = 0.284). A significant correlation was identified, between day 7 FV and day 60 dEV (r = 0.40, p = 0.0002). A FV cut-off value ⩾657.51 mL/min, on day 7, predicted successful fistula maturation with 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Multivariate analysis identified female gender, age >75, diabetes, and wrist access as independent predictors of decreased values of maturation parameters. Hemodynamic maturation is completed by the first postoperative week, while AVF is clinically functional, by the second. FV can be used for early prediction of maturation.

Response of Potassium Humate Extracted from Different Organic Sources on Yield and Quality of Green Chilli

Aim: In recent trend of organic farming, use of humic substances plays important role, as it act as biostimulants to boost the yield of crop. Humic substances can be easily obtained by locally available organic sources. Hence, three different organic sources viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), vermicompost, lignite were characterized for their physico-chemical properties and quality parameters along with nutrients to judge their quality and maturity to extract humic substances. The potassium salt of humic acid extracted from these three sources were used as foliar application at different concentrations to study their effects on yield and quality of green chilli. Study Design: The pot culture experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design comprising eleven treatments with three replications. Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was conducted in rabi season 2021-22 at College of Agriculture, Karad, Maharashtra, India. Methodology: Three organic sources viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), vermicompost and lignite were used to extract humic substances (humic and fulvic acid). These organic sources were studied for their physico-chemical properties and quality parameters along with their nutrient status to compare their quality and maturity for extraction of humic substances. Humic substances obtained from these different sources were studied for their content and characteristics. The potassium humate extracted from these organic sources were used in a pot culture study on green chilli, comprising eleven treatments and three replications. The different levels of potassium humate (200 to 600 ppm) were used as foliar application on transplanted chilli at 30 and 45 days after transplanting (DAT) along with recommended dose of fertilizers (GRDF) for studying its effects on yield and quality of green chilli. Results: Among all the three organic sources, vermicompost was reported as the best organic source to extract humic substances from its physico-chemical properties viz. pH (6.9), EC (0.3 dS m-1), water soluble organic carbon (0.76 %) and C:N ratio (18.0), which are considered as quality and maturity parameters to obtain good quality humic substances. Nutrient status for macro and micronutrients were reported to be higher in vermicompost followed by FYM and least content in lignite. In the pot culture experiment, the foliar application of potassium humate extracted from vermicompost resulted in significant improvement in fresh and dry yield of chilli fruit and stalk as compared to potassium humate application extracted from FYM and lignite. Among the various concentrations used (200-600 ppm) for the foliar application of potassium humate, application @ 400 ppm extracted from vermicompost along with GRDF (T7) was reported as the best treatment resulting in significantly increase in the fresh and dry yield of chilli fruits and stalk. Further, it was noticed that the same treatment was observed to be effective in significant improvement of the ascorbic acid content as quality parameter in fresh green chilli fruits.

Multi-proxy record of the Austrian Upper Triassic Polzberg Konservat-Lagerstätte in light of the Carnian Pluvial Episode

We present a multi-proxy investigation of a lower Carnian basinal succession from Polzberg in the Northern Calcareous Alps (Lower Austria). A section comprising a unique Konservat-Lagerstätte was studied based on bio- and chemostratigraphy along with geophysical methods, yielding a detailed and robust stratigraphic calibration of the Polzberg succession. The Polzberg section revealed the paleoceanographic history and helped to identify a global climatic reversal, the Carnian Pluvial Episode. The age of the Upper Triassic Reingraben formation in the Northern Calcareous Alps is refined as the Austrotrachyceras austriacum Zone within the lower Carnian (Julian 2). Ammonoids and conodonts provide a detailed biostratigraphic subdivision that serves as a basis for analyses of the faunal distribution and the paleoenvironmental evolution of the Upper Triassic Reifling Basin. The succession includes lithological and facies changes similar to those of coeval units in the Tethys. The Carnian was characterized by a weak (~ 1‰) positive δ13C trend, punctuated by a negative shift during the lower Carnian corresponding to the initiation of the Carnian Pluvial Episode, a period representing the onset of early/late Carnian transitional global greenhouse conditions. Organic maturity parameters and the conodont alteration index (CAI) show that the thermal overprint of the Polzberg section is low. Biomarker proxies suggest that the organic matter of the uppermost Göstling formation is a mixture of marine and terrestrial material deposited in a dysoxic environment. Within the overlaying Reingraben formation, the amount of marine biomass decreased gradually upwards. Oxygen-depleted conditions, probably due to water-column stratification, continued during deposition of the Reingraben formation. Bacterial sulfate reduction played a major role in organic matter degradation.

Thermal Maturation Trend and Cluster Validation Using K-Means Clustering: Case Study in Salawati Basin

In the last few years, exploration activities have experienced obstacles and have not attracted much attention from researchers in Indonesia. One of the basins in Indonesia that is still interesting is Salawati Basin in West Papua, Indonesia. Several studies related to petroleum systems have been carried out in this basin, especially those that control the migration of hydrocarbon in Salawati Basin. This research was conducted on three wells located in the western of Salawati Basin to evaluate the characteristics and the maturity of the source rock, especially the Sirga Formation. This formation is penetrated by wells MM-02, MM-03, and MM-04, by using the K-Means Clustering method to validate several parameter variations of the maturity level. K-means cluster performs data from various parameters of maturity level with predefined three numbers of cluster. The thermal evolution of source rocks can alter organic matter physical and chemical properties, converting it into hydrocarbon compounds. The selected maturity parameters have good sensitivity to the determination of thermal maturity including phenanthrene (P), in addition to the MPI (methylphenanthrene index) parameter which was obtained from mass chromatograms m/z 178 and m/z 192 based on the peak area of P and methylphenanthrene (MP). Based on the appearance of the crossplot, both Radke and Kvalheim Formulas show that the maturity in studied area is divided into three main zones: peak maturity zone, early maturity zone, and outliers. This study also found that increasing thermal maturity is correlativewith the increasing depth.

How to beat the bull: Lycopene as a tool to improve in vitro fertilization efficiency in bulls with high polyspermy

High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from in vitro conditions compromise oocyte quality and subsequent polyspermy prevention by the zona and membrane block. Antioxidant supplementation, like lycopene, during in vitro maturation (IVM) mitigates ROS effects, yet, its efficacy in blocking polyspermy remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation during IVM on oocyte maturation, fertilization, and developmental parameters. To this end, bovine oocytes were supplemented with 0.2 µM lycopene and fertilized with semen from three bulls. The three bulls showed different fertilization potential in vitro, with bull 1 showing the highest penetration and polyspermy rates and the lowest in vitro fertilization (IVF) efficiency. Interestingly, in bull 1, the treatment with lycopene improved IVF efficiency (p = 0.043) and reduced the polyspermy rate (p = 0.028). However, none of these effects were observed in bulls 2 and 3. Bulls with higher penetration rates exhibited better blastocyst rates although those rates did not seem to be associated with polyspermy or IVF efficiency. Oocyte mitochondrial distribution and activity and cortical granule migration and distribution were not influenced by lycopene. In conclusion, we demonstrated that lycopene addition during oocyte maturation had a positive impact on IVF efficiency by reducing polyspermy rates in a bull-dependent manner. The reduction in polyspermy rates was not caused by changes in cortical granule migration or oocyte mitochondrial distribution. Lycopene must therefore induce other changes in the oocyte that lower the in vitro penetration rates of specific bulls prone to polyspermy.

The Effect of Mannitol and Nano Urea on Terminal Heat Stress on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation was conducted during Rabi season, 2022-23 & 2023-24 at the student instructional farm (SIF) of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229 (U.P.). The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications, seven treatments and wheat variety (HD 2967). The treatment was comprised of control distilled water spray, Mannitol 25, 50, 100 ppm and Nano urea 25, 50, 100 ppm respectively, which was foliar sprayed at 30 DAS. The observations have been studied on growth, bio-chemical, yield and yield attributes of wheat. Observations were recorded at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity stages for timely sowing (15 November) and late sowing (15 December). However, yield and yield parameters were taken at the time of harvesting of the crop. Foliar spray of mannitol and nano urea were performed well at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity parameters. Foliar application of nano urea with 25 ppm was recorded superior on plant height (cm), dry weight plant-1 (g), chlorophyll content in leaves (SPAD value), Catalase activity (g-1 fresh weight min-1), Peroxidase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1), Super oxide dismutase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1) However, yield and yield attributes viz length of spike, number of tillers plant-1, number of grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1 It is concluded from the result that foliar spray of nano urea 25 ppm was found most effective to increasing all characters and yield parameters of wheat.

Tracing Oils and Gas Accumulation in Complex Petroleum Systems Based on Biomarkers, Light Hydrocarbons, and Diamondoids from Concomitant Crude Oils: A Case Study in the Shawan Sag of the Junggar Basin, NW China.

The Shawan Sag is one of the most promising blocks in the western Junggar Basin for natural gas and oil exploration. To date, the research and exploration degree here is still low, and there is limited understanding of the origin and migration of natural gas and oils, which seriously restricts future exploration and development. At least three oil charging episodes and one gas charging episode could be confirmed in the reservoirs on the western slope of the Shawan Sag based on the analysis of concentrations and ratios of hopanes and steranes, diamondoids, and light hydrocarbons. The first and second charging oils originated from the peak and late oil generation window stages of Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation (P1f) source rocks, respectively. The third charging oil originated from the late oil generation window stage of source rocks of the Middle Permian lower Wuerhe Formation (P2w). Combining the carbon isotopic compositions and the gas composition, the fourth charging gas was derived from the postmature source rocks of Carboniferous(C) and Lower Permian Jiamuhe Formation (P1j) and the high-postmature source rock of Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation (P1f). The preservation conditions of nature gas in the Mesozoic (T-K) cap rocks in the Shawan Sag, as indicated by methyladamantanes (MAs)/methyldiamantanes (MDs) ratio, are better than those in the Mahu Sag. In this study, the methyladamantane maturity parameters of oils in the reservoirs were proposed to evaluate the maturity and further determine the migration direction of late-charging natural gas. The results suggest that late postmatured natural gases were charged from the southern part to the northwest of the Shawan Sag. Therefore, the southeastern direction of Well SP1 is a favorable area for natural gas exploration in the Shawan Sag. Meanwhile the northern part of the sag is favorable for the exploration of high-mature oil generated from source rocks within the Middle Permian Lower Wuerhe Formation.

Ocular Effects of Prenatal Carotenoid Supplementation in the Mother and Her Child: The Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Pregnancy (L-ZIP) Randomized Trial - Report Number 2

PurposeLutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids that have been promoted to enhance maternal health and infant visual and neurodevelopment. In this study, we determined the effects of prenatal lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on systemic and ocular carotenoid status in the mother and her newborn infant (NCT03750968). This report focuses on the ocular effects of prenatal carotenoid supplementation. DesignA prospective randomized clinical trial with 47 subjects randomly assigned by 1:1 allocation to receive standard-of-care prenatal vitamins along with 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin softgel (Carotenoid Group) or standard-of-care prenatal vitamins with a placebo softgel (Control Group) starting in the first trimester. SubjectsWe enrolled low-risk pregnancy subjects aged 18 years and above from the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of the University of Utah Hospital. MethodsMaternal macular, skin, and serum carotenoid concentrations were measured using autofluorescence imaging, resonance Raman spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Infants’ ocular carotenoids and retinal architecture were measured by blue light reflectance imaging and spectral domain optical coherence tomography, respectively. Main Outcome MeasuresChanges in maternal and infant macular pigment, skin, and serum carotenoid status over the study period. Differences in infants’ retinal maturity indicators between the two study groups. ResultsFollowing supplementation, there was a statistically significant increase in maternal macular pigment optical volume (p < 0.001) in the Carotenoid Group relative to the Control Group at all study time points, and there was no detectable maternal ocular carotenoid depletion. Infant skin and serum carotenoids increased significantly in the Carotenoid Group compared to the Control Group. As exploratory endpoints, infants in the Carotenoid Group had a 20% increase in macular pigment optical density (p = 0.242) and more mature foveal parameters compared to those in the Control Group. ConclusionPrenatal carotenoid supplementation significantly increased maternal and infant systemic carotenoids and caused a pattern of increased infant ocular carotenoid status, which may benefit both mothers and their infants’ ocular development and function. This study provides important data to design and power a future multicenter study of prenatal carotenoid supplementation in higher-risk pregnancies.

Gonadal Maturation and Spawning of Barred Loach (Nemacheilus fasciatus) Induced by Topical Gill Hormone Application

Barred loach Nemacheilus fasciatus are unable to reproduce naturally in captivity due to the lack of environmental cues and gonadal maturation occurs slower than in the wild. To optimize breeding procedures for this fish species, we determined whether hormone application via the gills was an effective process and assessed hormone dosage treatments. Oodev™ was used to induce gonadal maturation and Ovaprim™ was used to induce spawning via a topical gill approach. Multiple maturation parameters such as gonadal-somatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI), fecundity, and egg diameter; and spawning parameters such as latency period, egg produce, fertilization rate (FR), hatching rate (HR), survival rate (SR) were recorded and compared between the hormone dosage treatments and control treatment. Both the Oodev™ gonadal maturation induction and Ovaprim™ spawning induction were effectively applied to barred loach via topical gill application. Gonadal maturation parameters were positively correlated with dosage and all were significantly different. Fry survival rate was not different between doses. The optimal dose of Oodev™ (0.75 µL/g fish) resulted in male GSI of 5.334 ± 0.320%, female GSI of 15.501 ± 0.675%, male HSI of 0.416 ± 0.023%, female HSI of 1.670 ± 0.104%, egg fecundity 4584.20 ± 493.216 eggs, egg diameter 0.964 ± 0.0151 mm. Ovaprim™ optimal dosage (3.00 µL/g female and 1.50 µL/g male) was resulted latency period 11.05 ± 0.52 hours, egg produced 3504.83 ± 358.57, FR 96.77 ± 0.88%, HR 83.62 ± 3.78%, and SR 91.44 ± 2.53%.

Developmental Exposure To Low Doses Of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane Disrupts Functional And Morphologic Maturation Of The Spleen In Prepubertal Rats

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a versatile persistent pollutant with endocrine disrupting properties and an alleged immune modulator. Objective — to evaluate the parameters of functional and morphological maturation of the spleen in prepubertal rats exposed to low doses of DDT. Material and Methods — From the moment of mating, during pregnancy and lactation, female rats received a solution of o,p-DDT (20 μg/L) instead of tap water. The offspring of intact rat dams were considered the control group. Male DDT-exposed and control rats were sacrificed on postnatal day 7. The spleens were surgically removed under sterile conditions. Anatomical and histological examination of the spleen, ex tempore proliferation of splenocytes, and assessment of splenic T cells and their ability to respond to the mitogen concanavalin A were assessed. Results — Rats exposed to DDT exhibited a significantly reduced proliferative response of spleen lymphocytes to the mitogen concanavalin A. However, morphological evaluation revealed no differences in spleen anatomy between control and exposed rats. Histological examination exposed accelerated development of lymphoid tissue in the spleen of rats exposed to DDT. The ex-tempore proliferation test yielded a higher rate of mitotic division of splenocytes in exposed rats. In contrast to controls, they had a lower percentage of T cells in their spleen. Conclusion — Developmental exposure to low doses of the endocrine disruptor DDT impairs functional and morphological maturation of the spleen in prepubertal rats. DDT accelerates the formation of lymphoid compartments and weakens the functional maturation of the spleen as the organ with an immune function.

Geochemical Characteristic and Source Correlation of Biodegraded Oils from the Western Halaalate Area of Junggar Basin

The relationship between biodegraded oil and its source has long been a complex and contentious topic. The Western Halaalate area is located in the Piedmont area on the northwest margin of the Junggar Basin. Source rocks of the Fengcheng Formation exist both locally and in the nearby Mahu Depression. In order to determine the source of biodegraded crude oil in this area, the molecular marker characteristics of biodegraded crude oil were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the vitrinite reflectance (Ro) of source rocks of the Permian Fengcheng Formation in the nearby Mahu Depression is greater than 1.3% and has entered a high mature stage of condensate oil and moisture gas; the source rock of Permian Fengcheng Formation in Western Halaalate area is in a mature stage with Ro of 0.79%~1.13%. The ascending configuration of tricyclic terpenes C20-C21-C23 for the crude oil samples found in the Carboniferous strata of the Western Halaalate Area is consistent with the characteristics of the Fengcheng Formation source rocks, which are present in both the Western Halaalate Area and the nearby Mahu Depression. Chromatography spectrometry examination shows that crude oils have undergone a varying degree of biodegradation. The Carboniferous oil was originated from the in situ Fengcheng Formation source rocks based on the application of molecular markers resistant to biodegradation, such as maturity parameters, salinity parameters, the new gammacerane index, and aromatic hydrocarbon parameters, combined with the analysis of hydrocarbon migration pathway. In addition, the oil biodegradation alteration rules in the Western Halaalate area were clarified, which advances regional knowledge of the relationship between biodegraded oil and source rocks.

Biomarker evidence for the depositional environment of basinal UK Mississippian mudstones

Abstract The regional character of organic matter types and depositional conditions of Pendleian, Brigantian and Arnsbergian mudstones between the Craven Basin and the Widmerpool Gulf was compared through interpretation of biomarker and pyrolysis data from 201 samples recovered from nine boreholes. The Carboniferous seaways have been determined to commonly host dysoxic conditions, enabling the preservation of a mixture of marine and terrestrial organic matter types. Photic zone anoxia, established by the presence of aryl isoprenoids, was determined to be persistent during ‘marine’ conditions represented by marine band, high-sea-level and carbonate facies. The observation and correlation of diasteranes and trisnorneohopane/trisnorhopane ratios within the samples and to other maturity parameters highlighted a significant clay mineral catalytic and/or hydrocarbon retention effect in the samples. This influenced both biomarkers and programmed pyrolysis thermal maturity indices such as T max , reducing the reliability of such results for interpreting the burial depth, and ultimately reserve potential.

Mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Batu 55) ripeness parameters prediction using combined reflectance-fluorescence images and deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) regression model

This paper presents a novel approach for predicting the ripeness parameters of Mandarin oranges (Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Batu 55) using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) regression model. The proposed method leverages the combined reflectance-fluorescence images of the fruit. The use of reflectance-fluorescence imaging enables the extraction of more features and information, which contributes to the accurate assessment of fruit ripeness. A comparison between the prediction model using a single Red-Green-Blue (RGB) image from both measurement modes and a combination image from both modes has been made. CNN regression model images with XSE_ResNet50 architecture to predict soluble solid content (SSC), acidity, firmness, and brix-acid ratio. Experimental results demonstrate that the fluorescence image (3 channels input) and the combined reflectance-fluorescence image (6 channels as input) accurately predict maturity parameters. The fluorescence image combined with DCNN performed well in predicting acidity and brix-acid ratio with R2 training/testing of 0.83/0.78 and 0.94/0.88 consecutively. For the SSC and firmness prediction, the reflectance-fluorescence (6 channels) images provide the best accuracy with R2 testing of 0.86/0.81 and 0.91/0.84. This accuracy is higher compared to the conventional image features-based model. Overall, these results show that reflectance-fluorescence images in a visible wavelength regime combined with the DCNN model could enhance the prediction accuracy of citrus maturity parameters.

Developing a prediction method for physicochemical characteristics of Pontianak Siam orange (Citrus suhuiensis cv. Pontianak) based on combined reflectance-Fluorescence spectroscopy and artificial neural network

The slightly sweet and acidic taste offered by Pontianak Siam oranges is influenced by the total soluble solids (TSS) and acidity in the fruit, in which, measuring these attributes is commonly performed using instruments that potentially damage the fruit's structure, thus, impractical for fresh fruit products. Moreover, the process of classifying the quality of fresh oranges has been based on physical appearance, leading to subjective results. Correspondingly, the objective of the study is to develop a prediction method for the physicochemical characteristics of Pontianak Siam oranges based on VIS-NIR-Fluorescence spectroscopy and an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The method is applicable to classify oranges based on physicochemical characteristics without damaging the fruit's structure. As a result, the best model for classifying the maturity level of Pontianak Siam oranges was obtained using a dataset with all feature combined spectra, attaining a training accuracy of 0.99 and testing accuracy of 1. The best model for predicting TSS was obtained using all feature combined spectra dataset, attaining R2 training = 0.89 and R2 testing = 0.91. The best model for predicting acidity was obtained using all feature reflectance spectra datasets, attaining R2training = 0.96 and R2testing = 0.97. The best model for predicting fruit firmness was obtained using all feature reflectance spectra dataset, attaining R2training = 0.97, R2testing = 0.89. Overall, the combination of Vis-NIR reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy have the potential to be applied for non-destructive assessment of citrus quality in terms of visual classification and maturity parameters prediction.

Spent Coffee Grounds, Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria, and Medicinal Plant Waste: The Biofertilizing Effect of High-Value Compost

Composting of mixed medicinal plant waste was performed with the addition of mixture of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB), including Streptomyces sp., Paenybacillus sp., Bacillus sp., and Hymenobacter sp., and portions of spent coffee grounds (SCG). To assess the maturity and quality parameters of the compost, chemical and biological parameters (C/N ratio, loss of organic matter, CO2 production, dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and phytotoxicity) were evaluated during the three months of the composting process. The results revealed that the control sample (without the addition of SCG and PGPB) had evidently lower values of DHA during the entire monitoring period in comparison to other samples, indicating lower microbial activity in the compost mixture. Also, according to the released CO2, the composting process was accelerated in all samples where the SCG and PGPB were added, enabling a reduction in time needed for mixed plant waste to decompose. The germination index (GI) of the tested seeds indicated that the produced compost was acceptable and safe, with regard to all of the evaluated samples. However, at the end of the process the samples contained SCG and PGPB, which caused an increase of more than 50% of the GI in comparison to the control sample, expressing a high phyto-stimulant effect and improving the biofertilization impact.

Ядерно-цитоплазматическое созревание ооцитов Sus Scrofa Domesticus в условиях сверхнизких температур

Abstract. Vitrification of female gametes is the most important tool for solving the strategic tasks of cellular reproductive technologies in animal husbandry, veterinary medicine and biomedicine: replication of elite individuals (cloning, transgenesis), biodiversity conservation, organ xenotransplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the parameters of nuclear cytoplasmic maturation (chromatin status and mitochondrial activity) and developmental competence of donor porcine oocytes subjected to intra- (IOV) or extra-ovarian (EOV) vitrification and cultured in various maturation systems. Methods. Donor pig oocytes (6–8 months old) were vitrified extra- or intraovarially using cryoprotective agents (DMSO, ethylene glycol, trehalose, sucrose). The composition of cryoprotective agents was supplemented with 0.001 % highly dispersed silica nanoparticles (HDSns). Oocytes were thawed in trehalose solutions in TS-199 with 10 % of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Oocytes were cultured for 44 hours in media supplemented with granulosa cells (106 cells per ml of medium) and/or 0.001% of HDSns at 38.5 °C, in an atmosphere of 5 % CO2. Fertilization in vitro was carried out in accordance with the recommendations presented by us earlier [17. p. 17]. The functional activity of mitochondria and the status of chromatin in oocytes were assessed by double staining using MitoTracker Orange CMTMRos and Hoechst 33258 dyes. Results. The level of matured oocytes was 61 % at EOV and 29 % at IOV, and the level of cleavage embryos in EOV was in 11 % (31 % vs. 20 %, P &lt; 0.05) higher than at IOV when HDSns with granulosa cells were added in culture media. The maximum indicators of the functional activity of mitochondria among devitrified oocytes were in the group of EOV oocytes have cultured in media supplemented with HDSns and granulosa cells (152 ± 14.9 μA). Scientific novelty. The protocols for intra- and extra-ovarian vitrification of porcine oocytes have been modernized. Addition to cryoprotective agents and culture media of HDSns and co-culture of devitrified oocytes with granulosa cells significantly increased the fertility rates of devitrified gametes.

Noninvasive analysis of contractility during identical maturations revealed two phenotypes in ventricular but not in atrial iPSC-CM.

Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes to allow for personalized drug screening. A hallmark of differentiation is the manifestation of spontaneous beating in a two-dimensional (2-D) cell culture. However, an outstanding observation is the high variability in this maturation process. We valued that contractile parameters change during differentiation serving as an indicator of maturation. Consequently, we recorded noninvasively spontaneous motion activity during the differentiation of male iPSC toward iPSC cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) to further analyze similar maturated iPSC-CMs. Surprisingly, our results show that identical differentiations into ventricular iPSC-CMs are variable with respect to contractile parameters resulting in two distinct subpopulations of ventricular-like cells. In contrast, differentiation into atrial iPSC-CMs resulted in only one phenotype. We propose that the noninvasive and cost-effective recording of contractile activity during maturation using a smartphone device may help to reduce the variability in results frequently reported in studies on ventricular iPSC-CMs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) exhibits a high variability in mature parameters. Here, we monitored noninvasively contractile parameters of iPSC-CM during full-time differentiation using a smartphone device. Our results show that parallel maturations of iPSCs into ventricular iPSC-CMs, but not into atrial iPSC-CMs, resulted in two distinct subpopulations of iPSC-CMs. These findings suggest that our cost-effective method may help to compare iPSC-CMs at the same maturation level.

Maturity Parameter of Carbonaceous and Coaly Matter Revealed through Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract This article presents the results of ten coal samples of sub- bituminous rank collected from working mines in Chhattisgarh, India, and subjected to proximate and ultimate analysis, organic petrology and Raman spectroscopic study to reveal their maturity parameters and structural characteristics of carbonaceous materials. Vitrinite reflectance measurement was also performed to understand the maturity parameter, with values ranging from 0.35% to 0.57%. The research is unique as it combines petrological, geochemical and spectroscopic technique on coals of Hasdeo basin. Conventional parametei; volatile matter ranges from 21.83 and 33.68% suggesting low maturity. The ash yield values range from 12.04 and 26.61%. Petrographically, the coals are vitrinite rich ranging from 53.95 to 63.47% while the inertinite group range from 17.9 to 29.2%. The liptinite concentration the samples remain below 10%. The maceral constitution of the coals indicates carbonaceous materials undergoing early diagenetic phase. The Raman results showed the presence of the D and G bands, two prominent spectral signatures, which are typical of natural materials rich in carbon. The Raman shift recorded for the D band ranges from 1348 to 1385 cm-1 and for the G band, the Raman shift was recorded between 1607 to 1616 cm-1. The ratio of the various parameters derived from the two bands aid to understand the material response to the changing physical and chemical variables in the geological setup. The intensity ratio of the ID/IG band ranged from 0.15 to 0.79 (average 0.50), while the (G-D1) parameter ranges from 225 to 260 indicating heterogeneity in the samples. However; the ratio of AD1/AG did not show any regularity, with values ranging from 0.07 to 1.85. The investigation elucidates that by integrating Raman spectroscopy analysis with vitrinite reflectance (VRo), we can discern distinctive structural attributes characteristic of immature kerogen. Furthermore, the petrological, proximate, and ultimate data collectively corroborate the carbonaceous, coaly material in its early stages of coalification.