Standard Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Characterizing temporal stability of supercontinuum generation in higher-order modes supported by liquid-core fibers

The generation of tailored supercontinua is essential for studying ultrafast light-matter interactions and for a variety of practical applications requiring broadband light. Liquid-core fibers (LCFs) have emerged as an innovative nonlinear photonic platform, demonstrating high efficiency in nonlinear frequency conversion. In this study, we showcase that LCFs provide a stable platform for ultrafast supercontinuum generation in a selected higher-order vector mode at 1.55μm\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$1.55\\;\\upmu \\hbox {m}$$\\end{document}. Specifically, we demonstrate soliton fission and double-dispersive wave generation using a radially polarized mode in a CS2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hbox {CS}_{2}$$\\end{document}-silica liquid-core fiber. The experiments were performed in a temperature-controlled laboratory, showing excellent stability with no evidence of fiber degradation, material degradation, or drift-induced changes in mode excitation over extended periods under standard environmental conditions. Our results confirm that liquid-core fibers are a reliable platform for nonlinear photonics, suitable for applications such as computationally tailored supercontinuum generation, single pulse spxectroscopy, and tailored light sources, all of which rely on consistent and stable nonlinear frequency conversion.

Comparative analysis of gut microbiota in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia during hospitalisation - the case-control, post hoc study

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) by comparing 36 inpatients with these conditions to 29 healthy controls (HC) matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Individuals with SCZ exhibited greater microbiota richness compared to HC (FDR P(Q)=0.028). Taxonomically, while no significant differences were observed between the microbiota of MDD and SCZ patients in a head-to-head comparison, both patient groups differed significantly when compared to HC. Interestingly, besides common patterns (such as a higher abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003 and Streptococcus, and a lower abundance of Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group), unique patterns were exhibited only in MDD (with a higher abundance of Anaerostipes, Q=0.004) or SCZ (with a higher abundance of Sutterella, Q=0.001, and a lower abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Q=0.002). The Random Forest algorithm identified Ruminococcus torques group, Lachnospiraceae UCG-001, and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003 as highly discriminative features for both SCZ and MDD, while Suturella and Holdemania were unique features for SZC, and Lachnospiraceae genus CAG-56 and Anaerostipes for MDD. Additionally, between 50 % and 60 % of the differentially abundant taxa were found among the top 10 influential features in the RF models. In conclusion, while no significant differences were found between the microbiota of MDD and SCZ patients, distinct microbial patterns were found in each group when compared to HC. The study did not confirm universal microbial biomarkers reported in other studies but showed that the observed differences concern the bacteria associated with inflammation, the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and the synthesis of metabolites linked to mental health (lactic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid - GABA). The application of machine learning holds promise for further understanding the complex relationship between microbiota and these psychiatric disorders. The observed results should be treated with caution due to the limitations of this study (mainly sample size), therefore further researches under standardized environmental conditions with consistent analytical and bioinformatics approaches are warranted.

The markers of the predictive DNA test for canine hip dysplasia may have a stronger relationship with elbow dysplasia

Canine hip and elbow dysplasias, which are prevalent orthopedic conditions rooted in developmental and hereditary factors are yet to be comprehensively assessed. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the prognostic significance of five markers linked to canine hip dysplasia using available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. The influence of these markers on both hip and elbow dysplasia was examined in dogs exposed to standardized environmental conditions. We made a groundbreaking discovery using custom primers, qPCR assays, and evaluation of fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes. Three specific SNPs previously associated with the risk of canine hip dysplasia demonstrated a potentially stronger correlation with elbow dysplasia. Notably, the SNP at nucleotide position 22691322, located near the canine CHST3 gene, displayed significance as a marker in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Surprisingly, none of the initially targeted SNPs showed a direct association with hip dysplasia. The genomic positions of these SNPs reside within a region conserved across mammals. In silico analyses suggested that the relevant variant might be positioned in a region linked to bone and muscle structures. Our findings revealed a remarkable relationship between SNP2 genotypes and methylation patterns, shedding light on the underlying mechanism that partially explains the genotype-phenotype correlation in canine CHST3. These groundbreaking findings offer essential insights for future, more extensive investigations into canine orthopedic health. This research significantly contributes to our understanding of the molecular foundations of hip and elbow dysplasia in dogs by charting a course for advancements in veterinary medicine and the overall well-being of canine companions.

Effects of in utero benzo[a]pyrene exposure on the testis of rats during puberty and the protective effect of atorvastatin.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a contaminant that is generated in the environment through processes such as smoke, incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, vehicle exhaust emissions, entry into the body is through inhalation, and consumption of contaminated food. It is an omnipresent environmental pollutant with unavoidable exposure. BaP metabolites are observed in the male reproductive system, especially in the testes and epididymis of animals, and are responsible for reduced testicular and epididymal function. The protective effect of atorvastatin (ATV) on testicular damage was investigated previously. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of ATV on testicular toxicity induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) during pregnancy in Wistar rats. This experimental laboratory study involved 40 adult rats, divided into seven groups and maintained under standard environmental conditions. The groups received different diets [control, corn oil, ATV (10 mg/kg), BaP (10 and 20 mg/kg), and ATV + BaP (10 and 20 mg/kg)] at gestation Days 7-16, orally. Male offspring were examined 10 weeks after birth. Testis and serum samples were collected, and testosterone level, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured. Histological and immunohistochemical assays were performed under a light microscope. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, with analysis of variance and Tukey tests to assess significant differences between groups. ATV significantly reduced MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rat testes following BaP administration. Treatment with ATV at doses of 10 mg/kg increased GSH levels, correcting disruptions in the antioxidant system caused by BaP. Testosterone concentration in rats treated with ATV and BaP substantially prevented the decrease induced by BaP. Histomorphometry revealed that ATV significantly prevented the detrimental effects of BaP on the thickness of spermatogenic epithelium and the diameter of seminiferous tubules. Under ATV treatment, testicular tissue histopathology improved, and spermatogenesis returned to a almost back to normal state. Caspase-3 expression decreased, and apoptosis activity in testicular tissue improved under ATV treatment, indicating a positive effect of ATV in reducing apoptotic damage caused by BaP. In conclusion, exposure to BaP can induce oxidative stress-related damage to testicular tissue, as evidenced by an increase in MDA levels, which ATV treatment can mitigate. Additionally, ATV enhances intracellular antioxidant GSH and protects the testes against BaP-induced damage while increasing testosterone levels, which are reduced due to exposure to BaP.

Influence of uncomfortable environmental conditions on odor detection thresholds for n-butanol determined with a dynamic dilution olfactometer and in room air

Odor guide values (OGV) are used when a person is exposed to an odor in a room and complains about odor annoyance. OGV are derived from odor detection thresholds (ODT) measured under standard environmental conditions. The study question was whether uncomfortable environmental conditions alter odor perception and should therefore be considered when applying OGV. ODT for n-butanol were determined with an olfactometer and in room air. Twenty healthy, non-smoking volunteers (10 women/10 men, 19–50 years) were selected and trained compliant with the European Standard for Olfactometry EN 13725:2022. Standard conditions were an average temperature between 22 °C and 23 °C, warm light (2800 Kelvin), quiet fan noise (45 dB), 415 ppm carbon dioxide (CO2), and relative humidity between 34 % and 42 %. On each test day, one of five conditions was examined: high temperature (26°C), cold light (6500 Kelvin), traffic noise (70 dB with peaks up to 85 dB), 1000 ppm CO2 and 4000 ppm CO2. Comparability of log-transformed ODT values was assessed by Bland-Altman plot analysis. None of the five conditions systematically affected ODT, either when measured with an olfactometer or in room air. Compared to standard conditions (Limits of Agreement (± LoA) 1.03), the variability of ODT was higher at high temperature (± LoA 1.70) and traffic noise (± LoA 1.45), but not at cold light (± LoA 1.02), 1000 ppm CO2 (± LoA 0.87) or 4000 ppm CO2 (± LoA 0.93). The results show that OGV can be used in uncomfortable environmental conditions. However, because ODT were lower or higher in a few subjects at high temperatures and traffic noise, individual occupant’s perception of temperature and noise should always be considered when applying the OGV concept. Furthermore, the results confirm that the experimental determination of ODT should be performed under controlled and standardized environmental conditions.

Long-term Environmental Enrichment Normalizes Schizophrenia-like Abnormalities and Promotes Hippocampal Slc6a4 Promoter Demethylation in Mice Submitted to a Two-hit Model

Here, we explored the impact of prolonged environmental enrichment (EE) on behavioral, neurochemical, and epigenetic changes in the serotonin transporter gene in mice subjected to a two-hit schizophrenia model. The methodology involved administering the viral mimetic PolyI:C to neonatal Swiss mice as a first hit during postnatal days (PND) 5–7, or a sterile saline solution as a control. At PND21, mice were randomly assigned either to standard environment (SE) or EE housing conditions. Between PND35-44, the PolyI:C-treated group was submitted to various unpredictable stressors, constituting the second hit. Behavioral assessments were conducted on PND70, immediately after the final EE exposure. Following the completion of behavioral assessments, we evaluated the expression of proteins in the hippocampus that are indicative of microglial activation, such as Iba-1, as well as related to neurogenesis, including doublecortin (Dcx). We also performed methylation analysis on the serotonin transporter gene (Slc6a4) to investigate alterations in serotonin signaling. The findings revealed that EE for 50 days mitigated sensorimotor gating deficits and working memory impairments in two-hit mice and enhanced their locomotor and exploratory behaviors. EE also normalized the overexpression of hippocampal Iba-1 and increased the expression of hippocampal Dcx. Additionally, we observed hippocampal demethylation of the Slc6a4 gene in the EE-exposed two-hit group, indicating epigenetic reprogramming. These results contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the protective effects of long-term EE in counteracting behavioral disruptions caused by the two-hit schizophrenia model, pointing to enhanced neurogenesis, diminished microglial activation, and epigenetic modifications of serotonergic pathways as underlying mechanisms.

Exploring the potency of EDTA-based Ni-Co-MOF nanospheres for highly durable battery-supercapacitor hybrids

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a captivating avenue and advancement in electrode materials, revealing remarkable progress in diverse electrochemical applications. However, despite their apparent potential the persistent hurdles related to specific capacity, degradation in specific energy and power, and reproducibility of results emphasized the demand for focused investigation. This study is objectized to improve the storage capability, stability, and replicability of electrochemical outcomes in a MOF-based battery-supercapacitor hybrid system. To achieve the quest Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) based Ni-Co-MOF nanospheres were synthesized via hydrothermal route. The bimetallic MOF demonstrates unique redox behavior with a specific capacity of 474.56 C/g at a current density of 1 A/g. Simulating the experimental analysis, it was confirmed that the MOF material exhibits a dominant battery-like nature, with 94.68 % diffusion attributes at a scan rate of 3 mV/s. Integrating nanospheres MOF into an asymmetric hybrid architecture, serving as the positive electrode material, exceptional specific energy and power characteristics reaching 72.58 Wh/kg and 8500 W/kg respectively. Moreover, the MOF-based hybrid configuration demonstrated remarkable cycle stability, retaining 93.2 % of its capacity after undergoing 10,000 charge discharge cycles. Notably, the hybrid device exhibited excellent reproducibility, with a specific energy output of 71.43 Wh/kg after 40 days and 70.33 Wh/kg after 80 days under standard environmental conditions. Additionally, the simulation approach results indicated that the battery-supercapacitor hybrid device exhibited a diffusion dominance of 76.42 % at a scan rate of 30 mV/s and a capacitive contribution of 61.66 % at 100 mV/s. These promising findings underscore the potential of Ni-Co-MOF-based hybrid configuration as a strong entrant for practical applications in efficient energy storage systems.

Power supply thermal analysis

The article provides an analysis of heat removal from power elements in a low-power power source. The efficiency of cooling fuel elements using the free convection method without additional inclusion of active cooling is considered due to design limitations of the overall dimensions of the source. Calculation estimates were made using numerical modeling of the temperature regime of the source. The object of the study is an intrinsically safe power supply with size restrictions of 200×160×65 mm with an aluminum housing. The main heat-generating elements are power transistors with a power of 1 to 6 W, mounted on the heat-dissipating parts of the housing through an insulating gasket. For stable operation of semiconductors, a temperature regime is required without exceeding the transistor temperature of 85 ° C under standard environmental conditions at an air temperature of 20 ° C and a relative humidity of 20%. The authors analyzed the heat exchange between the model of the designed power supply housing and the air environment according to the parameter of the limiting temperature of heat-generating semiconductors in a steady state. Conclusions about whether the thermal operating conditions are adequately ensured for this case are made.

Influence of controlled environmental conditions in potential salivary ocular pain biomarkers for enhancing the assessment of ocular pain.

We endeavored to identify objective salivary biomarkers for pain, a subjective sensation with a biological basis, using molecules already described related to pain. The study aimed to analyze inter-individual differences and intersession variability in salivary potential ocular pain biomarkers on healthy subjects, in samples obtained under the influence of controlled environmental conditions. Thirty-four healthy subjects, 20 male, 14 female, median age 35.44 years (range 30-40) were exposed for 30 minutes under standard environmental conditions (T: 22°C, 50% relative humidity) in the Controlled Environmental Research Laboratory (CE-Lab, Vision R&D, Valladolid Spain) in two separate visits (V1, V2) at least 24 hours apart. Saliva was collected after the exposure in each of the visits, and cortisol, α-amylase (sAA), secretory IgA (sIgA), testosterone, and soluble fraction of TNFα receptor II (sTNFαRII) were analyzed by ELISA. Repeatability of inter-subject inter-session measurements was assayed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). There were no significant inter-session differences in testosterone (p = 0.2497), sTNFαRII (p = 0.6451) and sIgA (p = 0.9689) salivary levels. The reproducibility for salivary cortisol, sAA, testosterone, sTNFαRII and sIgA were 0.98 ng/ml, 20.58 U/ml, 21.07 μg/ml, 24.68 pg/ml and 0.19 pg/ml, respectively. Salivary cortisol, sAA, testosterone, sTNFαRII and sIgA yielded the following ICCs: 0.506, 0.569, 0.824, 0.870 and 0.4295, respectively; all these ICCs (except that for cortisol and sIgA) were found to be improved compared to those found previously by our group in a previous study in salivary samples obtained from healthy subjects under non-controlled environmental conditions; Cortisol´s ICC didn´t improve and was in both cases at the limit of acceptability. Environmental factors such as temperature and relative humidity affect the reproducibility of measurement of some salivary molecules which have been proposed as potential pain biomarkers. The exposure of subjects to standard controlled environmental conditions before salivary sample obtention would improve the reproducibility of these molecule measures' as potential biomarkers of chronic ocular pain.

Investigation of the Adsorption Properties of Electrically Conductive Pyrolyzed Polyacrylonitrile Modified with Chromium (III) Oxide to Obtain Highly Efficient Gas Sensors

Introduction. Obtaining highly sensitive gas sensors is an urgent task, the solution to which will allow you to accurately and quickly assess changes in the air-gas composition of a given medium. Gas sensors based on metal-containing pyrolyzed polyacrylonitriles (Me-pPAN) are among the cheapest and most environmentally friendly gas-sensitive materials with a fast response. One of the types of sensor materials included in the Me-pPAN list is pyrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (pPAN) modified with a chromium (III) oxide molecule. The reasons for selective adsorption of pPAN and Me-pPAN to pollutant gases, which would allow controlling this process and obtaining sensory materials with increased sensitivity to gases, are not enough studied. Therefore, the aim of this work was to establish the main causes of selective adsorption of semiconductor electrically conductive films by modeling methods in the framework of molecular and quantum mechanics. Materials and Methods. The authors used modeling methods in the framework of molecular and quantum mechanics (MM2), the density functional theory (COSMO) method and the semi-empirical PM7 method in the MOPAC software package. Results. MM2 and PM7 methods were used to obtain models of adsorption complexes of "Cr-pPAN – gas-pollutant" systems. Thermodynamic parameters of the system were calculated for standard environmental conditions. The dependence of the adsorption of pollutant gases on the surface of Cr-pPAN on temperature has been established. Discussion and Conclusion. As a result of calculating the thermodynamic parameters of gas-pollutant–pPAN/Me-pPAN systems and obtaining positive values of Gibbs energies of these systems, it was confirmed that the adsorption of polluting gases on the surface of Cr-pPAN was not a spontaneous phenomenon and was effective at high temperatures. Considering that when chromium (III) oxide was introduced into the pPAN matrix, the charge on nitrogen atoms increased. It could be concluded that a chromium (III) oxide molecule had a positive effect on the semiconductor properties of pPAN. It was found that the adsorption of polluting gases (SO2 and NO2) was most likely on the surfaces of pPAN and Cr-pPAN. The results obtained in the work can be used to obtain gas-sensitive materials with specified metrological characteristics.

Evaluation of cold storage techniques to improve mass rearing of Cleruchoides noackae from Thaumastocoris peregrinus eggs.

The egg parasitoid Cleruchoides noackae Lin & Huber, 2007 (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is originated from Australia and the main biological control agent of Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpenter & Dellapé, 2006 (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) on Eucalyptus L'Hér (Myrtaceae). Companies that grow Eucalyptus are in need of a mass rearing protocol to increase the number of individuals produced and improve the quality of this parasitoid. The aim of this study was to define a protocol for mass rearing C. noackae in T. peregrinus eggs, based in the evaluations of the key biological attributes of this parasitoid in the parental and F1 generations, after the cold storage of the parasitised host eggs. Two methods were tested as C. noackae rearing protocols. In the first, parasitised eggs of T. peregrinus by C. noackae were cold stored for 7 days after being left in a climatic chamber at 24 ± 2°C, 60 ± 10% RH and a photoperiod of 12:12 (light:dark) h (standard environmental conditions) for 3, 6, 9 or 12 days. In the second, T. peregrinus eggs parasitised by C. noackae were maintained in a climatic chamber under standard environmental conditions for 6 days, after which these eggs were cold-stored for 0 (control), 7, 14 or 21 days. Parasitism (%), and the development period (parasitism to adult) and female proportion (%) of C. noackae were evaluated. Based on the results (parental generation: parasitism, around 45%; F1 generation: parasitism, around 55%; development period, around 16 days; female proportion, around 60%), eggs should be stored at 5°C on the sixth day after parasitism by C. noackae and maintained at this temperature for 7 days. The cold storage of T. peregrinus eggs, after parasitism, can be included in the mass rearing protocols of the parasitoid C. noackae.

Characteristics of BVOCs emitted from representative tree species in South Korea according to environmental influences

This study was conducted to understand emission characteristics of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emitted from representative tree species planted in South Korea. For broad-leaved species, isoprene emission was found to be significantly different depending on environmental factors (temperature and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)) except for Chionanthus retusus. On the other hand, for monoterpenes, except for Acer palmatum and Zelkova serrata, significant results were not obtained in emission change according to environmental factors. In the case of conifers, there were significant differences according to environmental factors in tree species excluding Chamaecyparis obtusa. Monoterpenes known to be affected only by temperature were also affected by PAR. Standard emission rate (under standard environmental conditions, 30 °C, 1000 μmol m−2 s−1) of isoprene was the highest for genus Quercus, a forest species (3174 to 11,914 ngC gdw−1 h−1). For monoterpenes, Pinus thunbergii, a forest species, had the highest emission rate (3524 ngC gdw−1 h−1), followed by Metasequoia glyptostroboides, an urban forest species (2087 ngC gdw−1 h−1). Composition ratios of monoterpenes showed a clear difference between broad-leaved species and conifers. In the case of conifers, α-pinene and d-limonene were dominant monoterpenes, whereas ratios of these two compounds were very small in broad-leaved species.

Resiliency of fast-growing and slow-growing genotypes of broiler chickens submitted to different environmental temperatures: growth performance and meat quality

Growth performance and meat quality were assessed in 238 chicks of both sexes belonging to a commercial crossbreed (Ross 308), and 2 Italian local breeds (Bionda Piemontese-BP and Robusta Maculata-RM). The chickens were kept in 2 rooms at standard environmental conditions or under heat stress (+4.7°C on average) until slaughtering (42 d of age for Ross 308 and 99 d for RM and BP chickens). The Ross chickens showed the highest final live weight, feed intake, and daily weight gain, and the best feed conversion ratio compared to the local breeds (P < 0.001), with RM performing better than BP chickens. Thus, Ross chickens had the heaviest carcasses, the highest slaughter, and breast yields followed by RM and BP chickens (P < 0.001). At the pectoralis major (p. major) muscle, Ross chickens showed the highest pH, lightness, and yellowness, besides the highest cooking losses, whereas BP showed the highest redness (P < 0.001). Ross meat had higher water and ether extract contents, and lower crude protein content compared to BP and RM (P < 0.001), whereas no differences among genotypes were measured for the fatty acid profile. At the sensory analysis, Ross breasts had a higher juiciness compared to BP ones, besides a lower score for "brothy and chickeny/meaty" and a higher one for "wet feathers" compared to local breeds (0.05 < P < 0.001). The increase of the room temperature decreased growth performance and cold carcass weight (P < 0.001) compared to standard conditions, whereas the rate of α-linolenic acid in the meat increased (P < 0.01). The effect of a high environmental temperature on growth performance and slaughter and meat quality traits was more pronounced in Ross compared to BP and RM chickens (0.05 < P <0.001; significant interaction genotype×temperature). In conclusions, local chicken breeds showed lower performance and slaughter yield compared to the commercial genotype, but more favorable meat quality traits and higher resilience to the environmental heat-stress.

Impact of the Combination of Probiotics and Digital Poultry System on Behavior, Welfare Parameters, and Growth Performance in Broiler Chicken.

Recently, applied technology in the form of the combination of a probiotics and a digital poultry system, with the convergence of Information and Communications Technology and farm animals, has enabled a new strategy to overcome the livestock production crisis caused by climate change, while maintaining sustainable poultry farming in terms of care, feeding, and environmental management systems for poultry. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological mechanisms of animal behavioral welfare and production improvement using the combination of a probiotics and a digital poultry system in broiler chickens. A total of 400 one-day-old male broilers (ROSS 308) were randomly divided into four treatment groups, with five replicates each (20 birds/replicate pen) in a completely randomized design: control group with a conventional poultry system without probiotics (CON), conventional poultry system with 500 ppm of probiotics (CON500), digital poultry control system without probiotics (DPCS), and digital poultry system with 500 ppm of probiotics (DPS500). All experimental animals were reared for 35 days under the same standard environmental conditions. The experimental results indicated that the animal behavioral welfare, which includes drinking, eating, locomotion, grooming, and resting, in addition to foot pads, knee burns, plumage, and gait scores, as well as the growth performance of the broiler chickens, were improved by maintaining immune function and cecal microbiota balance via interaction between the combination of a probiotics and a digital poultry system. In conclusion, it was found that the combined system showed improved broiler growth performance and animal behavioral welfare. Thus, further studies of molecular biological mechanisms by the use of such a combined system to improve the nutritional composition and quality of chicken meats are recommended.

Seed Hull Fracture Resistance of Upland and Pima Cotton Cultivars

Seed durability is a current issue of cotton ginners, who have noted smaller and weaker seed, lower seed grades, and increased seed coat fragments within ginned cotton fiber. To better understand the differences in the seed hull properties of Upland (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and Pima (G. barbadense L) seed, compression testing was conducted to determine the seed hull fracture resistance of both species. Plants were grown in Five Points, CA, U.S., for two years. After roller ginning, seed were conditioned to standard environmental conditions and were compressed until rupture on a material strength tester. Seed of the Pima cultivars generally required greater maximum compressive force and energy to rupture than did the seed of the Upland cultivars. However, when the seed were compressed in a vertical orientation, a few individual Upland cultivars did have compression properties within the range of values observed for the Pima cultivars. Hence, it is possible to find Upland seed with compression properties comparable to or slightly greater than those of some Pima seed. Differences in the data for the two years showed that growing environment affects seed hull strength properties. The results should help clarify some conflicting literature regarding the relative strength attributes of Gossypium species seed.

Anisotropy and ageing effect on the mechanical behaviour of 3D-printed short carbon-fibre composite parts

The effect of ageing and anisotropy in 3D-printed composites including short carbon fibres embedded in a polyamide (PA/nylon®) matrix is analysed experimentally. A testing campaign including tensile and fracture toughness coupons with 100% infill is studied. The effect of anisotropy induced by the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) procedure, caused by the alignment of the fibres with the deposition direction (raster angle), is presented. Specifically, results showed that the Young modulus and the elastic limit values are lower for the ＋45/−45 infill configuration with respect to the 0/90 infill configuration. Conversely, the ultimate tensile strength, the ultimate tensile strain, and the fracture toughness values are higher for the ＋45/−45 infill configuration. Moreover, the crack path obtained in fracture toughness coupons always followed the raster angle. Additionally, experimental results show that the 3D-printed composite parts keep the hygrothermal properties associated to the matrix, thus an ageing effect is observed even for standard environmental conditions (room temperature, 50% relative humidity). Specifically, Young modulus, elastic limit and ultimate tensile strength values are lower for the older coupons. The ultimate tensile strain is higher for the older coupons while the fracture toughness is similar. Coupons stored in a desiccator also varied the properties but in a slightly manner.

Digital livestock systems and probiotic mixtures can improve the growth performance of swine by enhancing immune function, cecal bacteria, short-chain fatty acid, and nutrient digestibility.

In response to climate change, the use of digital livestock systems and probiotic mixtures as technological strategies to improve animal health and production is driving new innovations in the farm animal industry. However, there is little information available regarding the effects of digital livestock systems and probiotic mixtures (consisting of Bacillus subtillus, Streptomyces galilaeus, and Sphingobacteriaceae) on the growth performance of the growth-finishing swine. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of digital livestock systems and probiotic mixtures on the immune function, cecal bacteria, short-chain fatty acids, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of growth-finishing swine. A total of 64 crossbred male swine (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, average body weight: 60.17 ± 1.25 kg) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: CON (control group with a conventional livestock system without a probiotic mixture), CON0.4 (a conventional livestock system with a 0.4% probiotic mixture), DLSC (a digital livestock system without a probiotic mixture), and DLS0.4 (a digital livestock system with a 0.4% probiotic mixture). The swine were reared under standard environmental conditions until their average body weight reached 110 kg. The results indicated that the growth performance of the swine improved with an increase in nutrient digestibility and immune function via modulation of blood immune markers in the group with a digital livestock system compared to the CON group, although the growth performance of the swine was similar between the DLSC and CON0.4 groups. Moreover, the application of the digital livestock system and the probiotic mixture maintained higher levels of Lactobacillus and balanced short-chain fatty acid profiles compared to the CON group. These results suggest that a digital livestock system and a probiotic mixture can improve the growth performance of swine by enhancing their nutrient digestibility, improving their immune function, and maintaining balanced cecal bacteria and short-chain fatty acids. Therefore, this study provides insights into the application of digital livestock systems and probiotic mixtures as a climate change response strategy to improve swine production.

Specific patterns of adaptive human kinematics

A study of healthy individuals (n = 90) was carried out under standardized environmental conditions using tests of adaptive kinematics in the form of a battery of postural tests. A model of adaptive kinematics of healthy individuals, resistant to personal (age and anthropometric) uncertainties, has been developed. 34 criteria selected from a total pool of 170 indicators were used as relevant parameters underlying the developed biomechanical model.

Improved control strategies for the environment within cell culture bioreactors

This paper describes the development of improved control strategies for the standard environmental conditions in a fed-batch bioreactor used for monoclonal antibody cell culture. The consequences of relying on fixed parameter PID based controllers are considered and poor performance is demonstrated as a consequence of non-linearity and loop interactions. The benefits from adopting a more sophisticated control strategy are considered. Model Predictive Control (MPC) relies on a process model that can be identified from small system perturbations. It considers the predicted longer-term response and consequently can deliver improved control and satisfy user defined constraints. Results from experimental trials demonstrate the capability of MPC and the merits are discussed with regards to industrial application.

Investigating the Cellular Uptake of Model Nanoplastics by Single-Cell ICP-MS.

A synthetic route to producing gold-doped environmentally relevant nanoplastics and a method for the rapid and high-throughput qualitative investigation of their cellular interactions have been developed. Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoparticles, doped with ultrasmall gold nanoparticles, were synthesized via an oil-in-water emulsion technique as models for floating and sedimenting nanoplastics, respectively. Gold nanoparticles were chosen as a dopant as they are considered to be chemically stable, relatively easy to obtain, interference-free for elemental analysis, and suitable for bio-applications. The suitability of the doped particles for quick detection via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), operating in single-cell mode (scICP-MS), was demonstrated. Specifically, the method was applied to the analysis of nanoplastics in sizes ranging from 50 to 350 nm, taking advantage of the low limit of detection of single-cell ICP-MS for gold nanoparticles. As an initial proof of concept, gold-doped PVC and PE nanoplastics were employed to quantify the interaction and uptake of nanoplastics by the RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line, using scICP-MS and electron microscopy. Macrophages were chosen because their natural biological functions would make them likely to internalize nanoplastics and, thus, would produce samples to verify the test methodology. Finally, the method was applied to assess the uptake by CaCo-2 human intestinal cells, this being a more relevant model for humanexposure to those nanoplastics that are potentially available in the food chain. For both case studies, two concentrations of nanoplastics were employed to simulate both standard environmental conditions and exceptional circumstances, such as pollution hotspot areas.