Search Results (3,661)

Seedling cultivation is the foremost part of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) production. It is of great significance to reveal the effects of different temperatures on the nutrients of sweet potato storage roots and their relationship with the sprouting quality and to explore the appropriate temperature management for seedlings. In this study, we simulated the temperature differences during the sprouting and seedling period in the summer growing area of sweet potato in the Yangtze River Basin and set three constant temperatures (17 °C, 22 °C and 27 °C) and corresponding three-day/night variable temperatures (21/13 °C, 26/18 °C and 31/23 °C). Thus, we investigated the nutrients, amylase activity, endogenous hormones, and sprouting characteristics of storage roots during the sprouting and seedling period of three sweet potato cultivars with different starch contents. The results showed that with the increase in temperature, the starch and soluble protein (SP) contents in sweet potato storage roots decreased, and the total soluble sugar (TSS), reducing sugar (RS), and sucrose contents increased during the sprouting and seedling period. The amylase activity enhanced; the hormone (IAA) content increased, and the abscisic acid (ABA) content decreased, which, in turn, led to an earlier time of sprouting time (ST), emergence stage (ES), and full stand of seedling stage (FSS). Comparing at the same average temperature, the physiological metabolism and sprouting time and quality of sweet potato were better at variable temperatures than at constant temperatures, in which 31/23 °C was more conducive to the advancement of the ST of sweet potato. At the same time, it was more conducive to the improvement of the seedling cutting amount (SCA), seedling weight (SDW), and seedling number (SDN). The sprouting time and quality of different sweet potato cultivars differed, and cultivars with higher starch content were superior to those with lower starch content. The sucrose and starch contents at different sprouting stages of storage roots can be used as important indicators of the quality of sweet potato seedlings. Full article

This paper delves into the development and implications of the Hearing Dog Evaluation and Reporting Overview (HERO) tool, which is a novel initiative built on the Five Domains animal welfare model to comprehensively assess the wellbeing of Hearing Dogs. The HERO’s creation involved two phases. In Phase One, an expert panel was surveyed using an electronic Delphi technique to gather consensus on items for the tool. This phase culminated in 28 items, exhaustively covered the Five Domains, and offered a holistic evaluation of Hearing Dog welfare. Phase One complemented existing assistance animal standards and emphasised the importance of a quality environment and continuous wellbeing monitoring. Phase Two involved 23 Hearing Dog owners, to assess the tool’s usability, particularly its user-friendliness and perceived value. Concerns about handlers’ ability to identify welfare indicators were raised, highlighting the need for additional development of resources and guidance. This preliminary study has shown that the HERO is a promising tool for understanding and promoting Hearing Dog welfare. Future research will look to validate the tool by drawing from expert observations and physiological measures, tailoring survey questions, and creating a user-sharing platform. Full article

A greenhouse trial was conducted in Southern Italy to examine the effects of foliar applications of two substances, methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) and a zeolite, on the harvest and post-harvest performance of two hydroponically grown baby leaf genotypes (leafy chicory ‘Cicoria costa rossa’; kale ‘Cavolo nero’). MeJA is a phyto-hormone primarily studied for fruit and post-harvest applications, while zeolite is typically used for pest and disease biological control. MeJA (Sigma-Aldrich Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), and a commercial zeolite (Big-Zeo, Agricola Internazionale s.r.l., Pisa, Italy) (BigZeo) were sprayed twice at the second and fourth true leaf stages (BigZeo, 5 kg ha⁻¹; MeJA, 250 µM). Bio-physiological (yield, dry matter DM, chlorophyll CHL, weight loss WL) and qualitative (nitrate, carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity) traits were evaluated in both raw and fresh-cut (7 day-cold-stored) products. Treatments did not significantly affect yield (1.0 kg m⁻²), while plant responses to the substances concerning other traits were genotype-dependent. MeJA enhanced greenness (CHL), texture (DM), and antioxidant activity (by increasing carotenoids and flavonoids) in chicory. In contrast, zeolite improved greenness, texture, and antioxidant activity (by increasing carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenols), and reduced nitrate in kale. Treatments did not affect weight loss (2.2 g 100 g⁻¹ f.w., on average). After 7 days of storage, MeJA-treated chicory and zeolite-treated kale exhibited improved textural and nutritional quality. Full article

The current applied research evaluated the impact of magnetic water on agronomic and physiologic responses of tomatoes. The field experiment consisted of the irrigation of a 1000 m² tomato plot with two water treatments (NMW = non-magnetized water; MW = magnetized water) and three tomato varieties (Dorra, Ercole, and Gladys). Biomass accumulation, yield, physicochemical quality traits, osmoticums, antioxidant enzymes, and the transcript level of defense-related genes were analyzed. Results showed that MW treatment showed 32%, 53%, and 57% yield increase in Dorra, Ercole, and Gladys, respectively. Dorra and Gladys were, respectively, the highest and the lowest yielding varieties. MW was effective in enhancing the irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and irrigation water productivity (IWP). Plants grown under MW had less catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) level. The reducedproline and soluble sugar content (SSC) accumulation in MW treatment indicate a reduced osmotic reaction. The upregulation of SlAPX in Gladys and SlSOD in Dorra and Ercole with MW had positive impacts on growth regulation and reduction in oxidative damage. The results clarified the roles of MW and its rule mechanisms in tomato, giving more theoretical foundation for physical water treatment in the agricultural sector. Full article

This study examined the effects of selenium (Se) fertilization, applied via foliar and rhizosphere methods, on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of ‘Muscat Hamburg’ grapes. Sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) treatments were administered at three concentrations (50, 100, and 150 ppm) during critical phenological stages. The results showed that Se at 50 ppm effectively increased the chlorophyll content and enhanced chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Se significantly elevated total soluble solid content and reduced titratable acidity, thereby increasing the TSS/TA ratio. Foliar fertilization with 50 ppm Se enhanced cluster size without affecting berry dimensions, whereas rhizosphere fertilization increased both with increasing Se concentrations, albeit with negative impacts on berry size at higher concentrations. Se increased flavonoid content in grape peels, with rhizosphere fertilization exerting more pronounced effects. Se—via rhizosphere fertilization at 100 and 150 ppm—significantly influenced VOCs derived from fatty acid and isoprene metabolic pathways. Mantel’s test confirmed that foliar fertilization significantly increased chlorophyll content and fluorescence indices, while rhizosphere fertilization had more marked effects on flavonoid content, berry and cluster size, and VOCs, particularly through fatty acid metabolism. These findings suggest that Se can enhance grape quality, but optimal concentrations and fertilization methods must be carefully determined to avoid adverse effects. Full article

The aim of this research is to assess the genetic potential of plum cultivars in an ex situ collection at the National Institute for Agronomic Research in Meknes, Morocco, under the conditions of the Saïss plain. This is an essential preliminary stage in the study of varietal adaptation to climate change. Twenty-eight cultivars will be analyzed, using agro-morphological, physiological, and pomological descriptors. This characterization was based on measuring the genetic diversity of all the cultivars, production traits (yield, average weight, and fruit size), vegetative traits (leaf area, number of leaves per fruit, and shoot leaf load), physiological traits (stomatal traits, leaf proline content, cuticular wax, chlorophyll a and b) and the measurement of certain chemical and biochemical quality components of the fruit. The study of plum cultivars revealed significant variability in agronomic, vegetative, physiological, and pomological traits. Analysis using the Unweighted Pair Group Method enabled us to classify them into two main groups for all the characteristics assessed. This study will identify the cultivars best adapted to Moroccan conditions, thus meeting scientific, agronomic, and environmental objectives. Furthermore, the results of this research will have a significant impact on the management of the plum collection, ensuring not only the preservation of genetic diversity and the sustainability of the species, but also contributing to the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. This will help optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and enhance crop resilience to climate change while supporting breeding programs. Full article

Species of the genus Sideritis are gaining heightened recognition for their applications in both culinary and industrial contexts. The improvement of crop cultivation techniques to promote the quality of the final product is imperative nowadays for ensuring sustainable and successive agricultural production, especially for medicinal and aromatic plant species. The present study examined the impacts of foliar application of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) on Sideritis cypria plants grown in hydroponics. The spraying of Fe (1.79 mM and 10.79 mM) and Zn (1.74 mM and 10.43 mM Zn) was applied four times at 10-day intervals, and the effects on plant growth, plant physiology, antioxidant status and nutrient uptake were investigated. The applications of both the high Fe and Zn levels decreased the plant yield and dry matter content. The use of the high Fe levels, particularly, resulted in elevated oxidative stress, as indicated by the increased levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide production and the increased peroxidase enzymatic activity. The application of the high Fe levels (10.79 mM Fe) also induced the plants’ non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms and the total flavonoid content. All foliar applications increased the accumulation of sodium in the leaf tissue. The plants’ calcium content was increased after the treatment with Zn, while the magnesium content was increased only when the high Zn level (10.43 mM Zn) was applied. Interestingly, the foliar application of both Zn and Fe had no effect on the build-up of zinc or iron content in the leaf tissue. Biofortification with minerals is a key approach to enhancing the biological quality and the nutritional value of plants, while its foliar application or application via different fertigation strategies needs to be evaluated either as single or as combined practices. Full article

Introduction: While napping is recognized as an effective strategy for mitigating insufficient sleep and enhancing athletic recovery, limited research exists on its effects on football players’ anaerobic performance, particularly concerning chronotype variations. This study investigated the impact of strategic napping durations on anaerobic performance and agility in football players under the age of 19 (U19), considering individual chronotypes and psychological factors. Methods: Sixteen young football players (age: 17.18 ± 1.04 years) participated in this crossover randomized controlled study. Participants underwent three conditions: no nap (NoN), 25 min nap (N25), and 60 min nap (N60), with 48 h washout periods between sessions. Performance was assessed using the Countermovement Jump Test (CMJ), Illinois Agility Test, and Illinois Change-of-Direction Test with Ball. Chronotype assessment, sleep quality, and mood states were evaluated using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Profile of Mood States Questionnaire, respectively. Results: The 60 min nap protocol demonstrated significant improvements in agility performance compared to other conditions, particularly in the Illinois Agility Test and Change-of-Direction Test with Ball. However, no significant differences were observed in CMJ parameters across napping conditions. Chronotype variations showed correlations with agility performance and psychological factors, with evening-type participants displaying different responses to napping interventions compared to morning-type participants. Conclusions: While a 60 min post-lunch nap did not affect anaerobic performance, it positively influenced agility performance in soccer players. Chronotypic differences significantly impacted both agility performance and associated psychological factors. These findings suggest that integrating napping strategies into athletic training programs, while considering individual chronotypic variations, may present opportunities for enhancing specific aspects of athletic performance. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying physiological, psychological, and cognitive mechanisms of these effects. Full article

Light quality is a fundamental factor in greenhouses, since different light wavelengths affect plant photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis differently, they thus affect crop growth and productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an experimental greenhouse cover film with UV-to-Red spectral shifting properties on photosynthesis, plant growth, fruit yield, and the quality of two crops spanning over a year-long cultural cycle: aubergines (Solanum melongena L.), as a spring–summer crop, followed by strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), as an autumn–spring crop. Trials were carried out in a multispan greenhouse where two sectors were covered, each one with a different light diffusing polyethylene film: one sector was covered with a UV-to-Red photoluminescent film, doped with a blend of rare-earth elements partially converting the UV solar radiation into Red wavelengths, while a light diffusing polyethylene film was used as the control. At the physiological level, spectral shifting affected the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters related to the photochemistry of photosynthesis, which were found to be positively related to crop yield. Moreover, differential analysis of the fast Chlorophyll a fluorescence transients (or OJIP kinetics) showed that spectral shifting affected different steps of the plant photochemical metabolism. Full article

Children with severe motor and communication impairments (SMCIs) face significant challenges in expressing emotions, often leading to unmet needs and social isolation. This study investigated the potential of machine learning to identify emotions in children with SMCIs through the analysis of physiological signals. A model was created based on the data from the DEAP online dataset to identify the emotions of typically developing (TD) participants. The DEAP model was then adapted for use by participants with SMCIs using data collected within the Building and Designing Assistive Technology Lab (BDAT). Key adaptations to the DEAP model resulted in the exclusion of respiratory signals, a reduction in wavelet levels, and the analysis of shorter-duration data segments to enhance the model’s applicability. The adapted SMCI model demonstrated an accuracy comparable to the DEAP model, performing better than chance in TD populations and showing promise for adaptation to SMCI contexts. The models were not reliable for the effective identification of emotions; however, these findings highlight the feasibility of using machine learning to bridge communication gaps for children with SMCIs, enabling better emotional understanding. Future efforts should focus on expanding the data collection of physiological signals for diverse populations and developing personalized models to account for individual differences. This study underscores the importance of collecting data from populations with SMCIs for the development of inclusive technologies to promote empathetic care and enhance the quality of life of children with communication difficulties. Full article

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) significantly impact air quality and climate. Mechanical injury is a common stressor affecting plants in both natural and urban environments, and it has potentially large influences on BVOC emissions. However, the interspecific variability in wounding-induced BVOC emissions remains poorly understood, particularly for subtropical trees and shrubs. In this study, we investigated the effects of controlled mechanical injury on isoprenoid and aromatic compound emissions in a taxonomically diverse set of 45 subtropical broad-leaved woody species, 26 species without and in 19 species with BVOC storage structures (oil glands, resin ducts and glandular trichomes for volatile compound storage). Emissions of light-weight non-stored isoprene and monoterpenes and aromatic compounds in non-storage species showed moderate and variable emission increases after mechanical injury, likely reflecting the wounding impacts on leaf physiology. In storage species, mechanical injury triggered a substantial release of monoterpenes and aromatic compounds due to the rupture of storage structures. Across species, the proportion of monoterpenes in total emissions increased from 40.9% to 85.4% after mechanical injury, with 32.2% of this increase attributed to newly released compounds not detected in emissions from intact leaves. Sesquiterpene emissions, in contrast, were generally low and decreased after mechanical injury. Furthermore, wounding responses varied among plant functional groups, with evergreen species and those adapted to high temperatures and shade exhibiting stronger damage-induced BVOC emissions than deciduous species and those adapted to dry or cold environments. These findings suggest that mechanical disturbances such as pruning can significantly enhance BVOC emissions in subtropical urban forests and should be considered when modeling BVOC fluxes in both natural and managed ecosystems. Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between storage structure characteristics and BVOC emissions, as well as their broader ecological and atmospheric implications. Full article

Background: Estimating survival and long-term quality of life after intensive care has been a crucial bioethical endeavour in recent decades to improve end-of-life decision-making. Scientific studies have also shown that patient frailty influences survival, but only a few long-term data are available. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care of Semmelweis University, Hungary, to investigate the association between physical status on admission, the chance of survival, and the long-term quality of life of the patient. We recorded the pre-admission frailty score (Clinical Frailty Scale), APACHE II, and SAPS II scores on admission. The first follow-up was 3 months after discharge when the quality of life of the patient was assessed using the EQ5-D questionnaire. During the second follow-up one year later, we recorded the EQ5-D, Mini-Mental Test, and the Beck Depression Inventory scales. Results: Our study demonstrated that the ROC analysis of predicted overall mortality based on CFS score is similar in accuracy to that of predicted mortality by APACHE II and SAPS II point systems. The multivariate logistic regression calculations show that the best performing of the three independent variables is the SAPS II estimator (78.5%), but the estimators of both acute condition scoring systems (APACHE and SAPS) can be improved (79.5% vs. 84%) when taking into account the CFS value. The prevalence of mood and mental disorders among patients who survived one year was not different from that of the general population. Conclusions: The physiological scoring systems examined are all suitable for estimating the risk of overall mortality. The CFS shows similar efficacy and appears to be additive in value, with scales describing the severity of acute illness, which are indicative of the chronic condition of the patient. Full article

Feed additives are crucial in livestock production, enhancing performance, health, and reproductive efficiency. Recently, there has been a shift toward natural biomolecules as feed additives, specifically targeting improved reproductive outcomes and sperm quality. This transition arises from concerns about antibiotic misuse, antimicrobial resistance, and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products, along with the superior bioavailability, lower toxicity, and reduced environmental impact of natural biomolecules compared to synthetic alternatives. Collaboration among researchers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and regulators is essential to ensure safe and effective livestock management. The review explores advancements in using vital biomolecules in reproductive processes, including plant-derived bioactives such as phytochemicals and antioxidants. It investigates not only the mechanisms but also the intricate interactions of these compounds with animals’ hormonal and physiological systems. Additionally, the review critically assesses challenges and prospects related to incorporating natural biomolecules into livestock practices. The potential benefits include enhanced reproductive efficiency and improved sperm quality. However, successful implementation requires understanding factors like precise dosing, potential interactions, and long-term health impacts. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights recent research, technological strides, and the future potential of integrating natural biomolecules into animal diets. Full article

The yield and quality of rice are influenced by soil conditions, and the soil issues in saline–alkaline land limit agricultural productivity. The saline–alkaline fields in the northern irrigation area of Yinchuan, Ningxia, China, face challenges such as low rice yield, poor quality, low fertilizer utilization efficiency, and soil salinity and alkalinity obstacles. To improve this situation, this study conducted experiments in 2022–2023 in the saline–alkaline rice–crab integrated fields of Tongbei Village, Tonggui Township, Yinchuan. This study employed a single-factor comparative design, applying 150 mL·hm⁻² of brassinolide (A1), 15 kg·hm⁻² of diatomaceous (A2), 30 kg·hm⁻² of Bacillus subtilis agent (A3), and an untreated control (CK) to analyze the effects of different biological amendments on rice growth, photosynthesis, yield, quality, and microbial communities. The results indicated that, compared with CK, the A3 increased the SPAD value and net photosynthetic rate by 2.26% and 28.59%, respectively. Rice yield increased by 12.34%, water use efficiency (WUE) by 10.67%, and the palatability score by 2.82%, while amylose content decreased by 8.00%. The bacterial OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) and fungal OTUs increased by 2.18% and 22.39%, respectively. Under the condition of applying 30 kg·hm⁻² of Bacillus subtilis agent (A3), rice showed superior growth, the highest yield (8804.4 kg·hm⁻²), and the highest microbial OTUs. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for utilizing biological remediation agents to achieve desalinization, yield enhancement, quality improvement, and efficiency in saline–alkali rice–crab co–culture paddies. Full article

Cotton is regarded as one of the significant economic crops in China, and its earliness is defined as one of the crucial traits influencing fiber quality and yield. To study the physiological and biochemical mechanisms related to early-maturing traits of cotton, cotton shoot apexes at the one-leaf, three-leaf, and five-leaf stages of the early-maturing cotton CCRI50 and late-maturing cotton Guoxinmian11 were collected for transcriptome sequencing and metabolomics, respectively. A total of 616, 782, and 842 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the one-leaf stage, three-leaf stage, and five-leaf stage were obtained through transcriptome sequencing, respectively. The metabolic detection results showed that 68, 56, and 62 differential metabolites (DMs) were obtained in the three periods, respectively. A total of 10 DMs were detected simultaneously from the one-leaf to five-leaf stage, 4 of which were phenolic acids and down-regulated in the early maturing variety CCRI50. A combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism might be important metabolic pathways in cotton bud differentiation. GhTYDC-A01 was identified in both the tyrosine metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism pathways, and it was highly expressed in pistils. To investigate the function of this gene in flowering, we overexpressed it in Arabidopsis thaliana. Compared to the wild type, the flowering time of the overexpression of GhTYDC-A01 in Arabidopsis was delayed. This study provides valuable resources and new insights into the relationship between metabolites and early-maturing cotton. Full article