Search Results (4,659)

Fruit tree rootstock breeding is prolonged by extended juvenile phases, high heterozygosity, limited germplasm diversity, and hybrid incompatibilities, often requiring four decades to release new cultivars. Direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) in established peach rootstocks presents a promising avenue for rapid genetic transformation and breeding. However, peach is highly recalcitrant to in vitro regeneration, posing major challenges for organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis (SE). This study evaluated the effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and Kinetin (KIN) on SE %, SE productivity, and callus % rate in the widely used Guardian^® peach rootstock. A 5 × 3 full factorial completely randomized design was used to test 15 different combinations of 2,4-D and KIN on immature cotyledons, classified as upper or lower based on their position on the preculture medium. Media formulation containing a higher concentration (3.2 µM) of 2,4-D and KIN induced SE in ~50% of lower and ~85% of upper cotyledons. Optimal SE productivity occurred with higher KIN (3.2 µM) and reduced 2,4-D (2.6 µM). Callus formation peaked with 1.8 µM 2,4-D and 3.2 µM KIN. This highly reproducible research establishes a robust whole plant regeneration system via DSE in Guardian^® peach rootstock using immature cotyledons, providing a foundation for expedited trait manipulation through biotechnological approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spinal osteoarthritis (sOA) is a degenerative condition marked by pain, inflammation, and restricted mobility. While surgical interventions such as spinal decompression and stabilization are common, their impact on redox status and inflammatory markers remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of surgery on clinical, hematological, biochemical, and redox parameters in patients with sOA. Methods: A total of 25 patients diagnosed with sOA underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included hematological and biochemical analyses, redox status evaluation (TAS, TOS, GSH, AOPP, SOD), and inflammatory markers such as IL-6. Disease severity was graded using the Kellgren–Lawrence (K-L) system. Results: Postoperatively, there was a significant decrease in neutrophil count (p = 0.014) and AOPP levels (p < 0.001), with a corresponding increase in lymphocyte count (p = 0.016), erythrocyte count (p = 0.036), and IL-6 levels (p = 0.008). TAS levels decreased (p = 0.006), while enzymatic antioxidants, such as SOD increased (p = 0.031). Erythrocyte GSH remained low, with a non-significant postoperative decrease. Patients with higher K-L grades exhibited greater redox imbalance, with reduced preoperative GSH and elevated postoperative superoxide anion, TOS, and SOD levels. More severe cases also showed decreased postoperative erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and PTH levels, and increased TAS and AOPP levels. Factorial analysis highlighted clusters associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and clinical performance. Conclusions: The results underscore the complex relationship between inflammation, oxidative stress, and recovery in sOA. These findings suggest the importance of targeted postoperative strategies to support redox homeostasis and modulate inflammation in sOA patients. Full article

Small signaling peptides play crucial roles in the regulation of legume–rhizobia symbiosis, yet their potential as exogenous biostimulants remains largely unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the effects of foliar application of the synthetic peptides ENOD40 and CEP1 on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) under both greenhouse and field conditions. Using a factorial design, we examined gene expression patterns, nodulation parameters, and yield-related traits in response to peptide treatments alone or in combination with Rhizobium. Results showed that ENOD40 and CEP1 significantly enhanced the transcription of key symbiotic signaling genes (PvENOD40, PvSYMRK, PvCCaMK, PvCYCLOPS, PvVAPYRIN) and modulated defense-related genes (PvAOS, PvICS), with the strongest effects observed at concentrations of 10⁻⁷ M and 10⁻⁸ M. In greenhouse assays, peptide-treated plants exhibited increased root and shoot biomass, nodule number, and seed yield. Field trials confirmed these responses, with CEP1 10⁻⁷ M + Rhizobium treatment achieving the highest grain yield (3322 kg ha⁻¹). Our findings provide the first evidence that ENOD40 and CEP1 peptides can function as foliar-applied biostimulants to enhance nodulation efficiency and improve yield in legumes. This approach offers a promising and sustainable strategy to reduce chemical nitrogen inputs and support biological nitrogen fixation in agricultural systems. Full article

Chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion primarily contributes to the deterioration of concrete structures. Cracks provide natural pathways for chloride ions, which accelerate the corrosion process and shorten the service life of structures. In this study, the morphologies of flexural cracks in the pure bending section are extracted through destructive testing, and a crack database containing 51 samples is established. These samples are defined as four crack morphologies as follows: equal-width, wedge-shaped, two-step, and three-step cracks. Subsequently, cracked concrete models were constructed, followed by a full factorial design containing 144 operating conditions to investigate the effects of crack morphology, width, depth, and their interactions on chloride diffusion. The results show that crack morphology significantly affects chloride diffusion behavior. The equal-width crack model exhibits the highest chloride diffusion rate, whereas the wedge-shaped crack model exhibits the lowest. At a crack width of 0.15 mm and a depth of 35 mm, the maximum relative error in chloride concentration between the two models is 94.5%. As the crack depth increases, the effect of crack morphology on chloride diffusion becomes increasingly significant, whereas increasing crack width tends to diminish this effect. Additionally, a rebar corrosion initiation assessment method based on the guarantee rate is proposed, and the effect of crack morphology on the corrosion initiation time is analyzed via a case study. Full article

Optimizing spectral quality is a key strategy in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to enhance both productivity and nutritional quality in horticultural crops. In this study, we investigated the organ-specific physiological and metabolic responses of celery (Apium graveolens L. cv. Dayehuang) to supplemental blue light at three intensities (10, 20, and 30 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ with red/blue light ratios of 0.76, 0.68, and 0.60, respectively) in a plant factory with artificial lighting. Results showed that a moderate red/blue light ratio of 0.68 significantly enhanced chlorophyll accumulation, PSII quantum efficiency, and net photosynthetic rate, resulting in the highest shoot biomass without inducing photoinhibition. Leaf tissues showed marked increases in flavonoids and total phenolics, while petioles exhibited elevated soluble sugar levels and favorable modulation of volatile compound profiles. Antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, were also enhanced with a moderate red/blue light ratio of 0.68, contributing to improved oxidative stress defense. Composite indices, including functional yield index and antioxidant performance index, confirmed that a moderate red/blue light ratio of 0.68 achieved the optimal trade-off between biomass production and nutritional enhancement. These findings reveal distinct organ-specific responses to supplemental blue light and underscore the value of spectral fine-tuning to simultaneously promote both source (leaf) and sink (petiole) performance in celery grown under CEA systems. Full article

Consumers are increasingly willing to choose more sustainable products, driven by affordability and sustainability considerations. However, they often face difficulties in understanding the multitude of product certifications and identifying “greenwashing” marketing claims. This highlights the need for a clear and harmonized sustainability scoring system that allows consumers to benchmark products. Sustainability encompasses three key pillars: environmental, social, and economic. Accurately scoring a product’s sustainability requires addressing a wide range of criteria within these pillars, introducing significant complexity. This study proposes a multicriteria methodology for scoring the sustainability of apparel products into an A to E label. The approach combines a life cycle assessment covering environmental impacts from “farm-to-gate”, with a social evaluation based on country-level social key performance indicators (KPIs) and factory-specific data aligned with the International Labour Organization (ILO). Additionally, the sustainability score incorporates the impact of product durability, as longer-lasting products can reduce environmental footprint and costs for consumers. The methodology is defined and validated through a case study of a white T-shirt produced with 50% recycled cotton and 50% organic cotton. The results demonstrate the comprehensive assessment of the T-shirt’s environmental and social impacts, providing a detailed sustainability score, highlighting the role of recyclability. This comprehensive sustainability scoring system aims to provide consumers with a clear, harmonized, and reliable assessment of product sustainability, empowering everyone to make informed purchasing decisions aligned with their values. It will also enable brands and retailers to calculate the sustainability score of their products, including in the scope of digital product passport, provided they can ensure traceability and transparency along the supply chain. Full article

Phenol and its derivatives in water and wastewater are highly toxic and challenging to degrade, posing serious environmental and health risks. Therefore, this research focuses on the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions using activated carbon made from Catha edulis stems. The activation process involved impregnating the Catha edulis stems with phosphoric acid followed by thermal treatment at 500 °C for 2 h. The resulting adsorbent was extensively characterized using various techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and proximate analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were designed using a full factorial approach with four factors at two levels, resulting in 16 different experimental conditions. The characterization results showed that the activated carbon has a high surface area of 1323 m²/g, a porous and heterogeneous structure, and an amorphous surface with multiple functional groups. Under optimal conditions of pH 2, a contact time of 60 min, an adsorbent dosage of 0.1 g/100 mL, and an initial phenol concentration of 100 mg/L, the adsorbent achieved a phenol removal efficiency of 99.9%. Isotherm and kinetics analyses revealed that phenol adsorption fits the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating a uniform interaction and chemisorptive process. This study highlights the effectiveness of Catha edulis stem-based activated carbon as a promising material for phenol removal in water treatment applications. Full article

Is there an approach that goes beyond the debate between models that argue that emotional intelligence is a skill and those that maintain this construct is a personality trait? This study aims to validate a theoretical model of competent ‘emocreativity’ and to study the psychometric properties of the instrument that measures the emotional competencies included in this model. The participants were 177 teaching professionals and 370 students enrolled in university teacher training programs, who completed two instruments: the Self-Assessment Questionnaire of Emotional Competencies (CACE) and the TMMS24 using a Google form. The results indicate that the CACE has robust psychometric properties, given that the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis, and the model’s components show internal consistency. In addition, its convergent validity has been compared with another Emotional Intelligence questionnaire (TMMS24). The conclusion is that the CACE responds to the factorial structure of the initial theoretical model, organized into four factors: emotional awareness, emotional change, emotional bonding, and emotional creativity, thus offering empirical validation of an instrument that can complement traditional approaches to the study of emotional intelligence. Full article

The operational stability of agricultural tractors is directly influenced by the mass distribution between axles, particularly when using mounted implements with variable loads. This study aimed to evaluate how different masses of a mounted sprayer (550 kg, 850 kg, and 1150 kg) and tire inflation pressures (151.7–193.1 kPa) affect the load distribution between axles, tire contact area, center of gravity (CG) displacement, and tractor lead ratio. A 3 × 4 factorial design was adopted with a statistical analysis of key parameters across 12 experimental combinations. The results demonstrated that increasing implement mass significantly shifted the load toward the rear axle, reducing the front axle load by up to 46% and displacing the CG rearward by more than 11 cm, thereby compromising stability. Tire pressure, as well as the interaction between mass and pressure, also exhibited statistically significant influence on load distribution and CG positioning while modulating the tire contact area. The lead ratio increased linearly with mass, exceeding the recommended 5% threshold when the sprayer was at full capacity. These findings indicate that while the implement mass exerts a dominant effect, tire pressure management represents a statistically relevant factor for stability, requiring integrated management that considers the interaction between ballasting and tire inflation to mitigate operational risks. Full article

Background: Plantar pressure distribution is a valuable tool for studying how the ground reaction forces are transmitted from the feet to the body and for detecting abnormalities in foot biomechanics. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the foot type (normal foot, flatfoot, and cavus foot) on plantar pressure distribution in healthy Mexican men and women aged from 3 to 74 years. Methods: A database of the plantar pressure distribution under dynamic and static conditions for both feet was studied using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and statistical factorial design. The database contained images of the soles of the feet and pressure distribution of 996 persons between 3 and 74 years old (53.9% females and 46.1% males). Two different conditions were evaluated; the first was in a static condition, and the second was during walking. The Chippaux–Smirak Index (CSI) was used to classify the type of feet. Results: In the left foot, a linear regression analysis of the soles of the feet shows that the prevalence of flatfoot (p-value = 3.45 × E⁻⁵) decreased with age, while the normal foot (p-value = 7.39 × E⁻⁵) increased. When people are standing (static), the hindfoot (55.64 ± 18.80%) presents more pressure than the forefoot (45.18 ± 19.50%), while in dynamic, the forefoot (55.95 ± 13.36%) supports more pressure than the hindfoot (44.05 ± 13.36%). Similar behavior occurs in the right foot. A statistical factorial design ANOVA shows that the plantar pressure in the forefoot and hindfoot regions is significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of flatfoot decreased with age, while the proportion of normal foot type increased. Under static conditions, the hindfoot bore more load than the forefoot, whereas under dynamic conditions, the forefoot bore more load than the hindfoot. This research contributes to generating a comprehensive database of reference values of the plantar pressure of different foot types in a Mexican population; this will be useful to podiatrists, clinicians, and physiotherapists for the analysis or treatment of abnormal foot postures. Full article

In this study, a full factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive effects of different red-to-blue light ratios (with R–B ratios of 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4) and photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs of 200, 250, 300, and 350 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) on the growth, biomass accumulation, and nutritional quality of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) in a plant factory using substrate cultivation. The results demonstrated that both LED light quality and light intensity had significant regulatory effects on spinach’s morphological development, pigment biosynthesis, photosynthetic activity, and nutritional quality. The treatment combining an R–B ratio of 1.2 with a PPFD of 300 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ produced the most favorable outcomes, resulting in the largest leaf area (98.3 cm²), the highest net photosynthetic rate (16.4 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹), and the greatest shoot fresh mass (48.7 g·plant⁻¹). Moreover, this treatment also led to the highest vitamin C content in the leaves and a notable reduction in nitrate accumulation. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships (r ≥ 0.70) between leaf number and shoot fresh mass, chlorophyll content, and vitamin C content. Principal component analysis further indicated that PC1 and PC2 jointly accounted for 83.4% of the total variance, with growth-related and quality-related traits contributing primarily to PC1 and PC2, respectively. Among all treatment combinations, the R–B ratio of 1.2 and 300 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ condition achieved the highest comprehensive performance score. These findings underscore the critical role of finely tuned LED light environments in optimizing spinach productivity and nutritional quality in a controlled environment. Based on the results, an R–B ratio of 1.2 combined with a PPFD of 300 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ is recommended as the optimal lighting strategy for spinach cultivation in plant factories. Full article

Healthcare systems worldwide face growing challenges related to staff shortages, excessive workload, and deteriorating working conditions, which compromise both staff well-being and care quality. Despite these issues, there is a lack of validated tools that capture healthcare professionals’ subjective perceptions of resource adequacy. This study presents the development and initial validation of the Staff Resource Adequacy Questionnaire for Healthcare Professionals (SRAQ-HP), a multidimensional tool designed to assess staffing adequacy and workload, quality of care, and working conditions and support. The development process followed a mixed-methods design, incorporating theoretical foundations from Kanter’s empowerment theory, role enactment models, and professional competence frameworks. The initial item pool of 32 statements was reduced to 26 through expert reviews, focus groups, and pilot testing (n = 35). Content validity index (CVI = 0.931) and face validity index (FVI = 0.976) demonstrated high content relevance and clarity. Cronbach’s alpha for the full scale was 0.841, confirming internal consistency. Expert re-review confirmed strong content (S-CVI/Ave = 0.931) and face validity (FVI = 0.976) for the final 26-item version. Three core dimensions were retained: Staffing Adequacy and Workload, Quality of Care, and Working Conditions and Support. The SRAQ-HP provides a novel, evidence-based approach to systematically assess workforce sufficiency and support structures in clinical settings. It can guide decision-making in healthcare institutions and inform national workforce policies. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to confirm its factorial validity and practical applicability. Full article

Although the beneficial effects of silicon on plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses are recognized, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its application in field conditions and its direct impact on physiological metabolism, root development, and, most importantly, the economic return of corn production in tropical regions. This study is justified by the need to quantify the effects of foliar silicon application on these variables, providing a scientific and economic basis for optimizing corn productivity and profitability in tropical environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of silicon on physiological metabolism, root system development, grain yield, and the potential economic return of maize production in a tropical region. The study was conducted under field conditions in two growing seasons (2020 and 2021), using a randomized block design in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement with four replications. The first factor consisted of the maize growing seasons, and the second factor was foliar silicon fertilization (0 (control), 150, 300, 450, and 600 g ha⁻¹). Foliar fertilization with silicon at a dose of 150 g ha⁻¹ increases transpiration rate by up to 9%, net photosynthetic rate by 13%, and grain yield of maize by 10% after two growing seasons, regardless of the water deficit experienced during the crop cycle. At this dose, silicon application is economically viable, yielding the highest differential profit (USD 97.11 ha⁻¹). In conclusion, foliar fertilization with silicon is an agronomically and economically viable strategy for efficient maize grain production during the second growing season in tropical regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: In Spain, a high proportion of children do not meet the recommended daily levels of physical activity (PA), which highlights the urgent need to understand the motivational factors that could influence PA behavior. Self-Determination Theory is a widely used approach for assessing motivation toward exercise, employing instruments such as the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3). However, despite the cognitive and linguistic differences that limit its direct application, this tool has not yet been adapted for children aged 6–12 years. This study aimed to adapt the BREQ-3 for use with Spanish schoolchildren and to evaluate its validity and reliability in this age group. Methods: The BREQ-3 for children (BREQ-3C) was linguistically and culturally adapted. Comprehension was tested through cognitive interviews, and reliability was assessed via a test–retest with 125 Spanish schoolchildren. Statistical analyses: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach’s alpha, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate validity and reliability. Results: CFA supported the factorial structure of the adapted BREQ-3 for primary schoolchildren, showing acceptable model fit indices (chi-square minimum discrepancy/degrees of freedom (CMIN/df) = 1.552, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.053, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.891, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.870). Internal consistency ranged from poor to excellent for all items and the total score of the questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha (α): 0.535 to 0.911), except for items 3, 13, 20, and 21, where the internal consistency was unacceptable. Test–retest reliability was generally satisfactory, with ICC values indicating fair to excellent temporal stability (ICC: 0.248 to 0.911). The measurement error indicators (standard error of measurement percentage (SEM%) and minimal detectable change percentage (MDC%)) varied widely, particularly for the less reliable items. Most item scores were not significantly different between the test and retest groups, although items 2, 3, 5, 9, 17, 19, and 20 were significantly different. Conclusions: The BREQ-3C has promising psychometric properties for assessing exercise motivation in children aged 6–12 years. This tool shows potential for use in research, education, and health interventions to understand and promote physical activity motivation in primary schools. Full article

This study presents a general 3 × 5 × 5 factorial experimental design to maximize the Power Coefficient (Cp) of an H-Darrieus hydrokinetic turbine equipped with external accessories. Five accessory configurations (standard, cycloidal, flat plate, curve, and blocking plate), three solidity levels, and five Tip-Speed Ratio (TSR) levels were evaluated as main factors under the hypothesis that these factors significantly influence Cp. The data analyzed were obtained from numerical simulations, and their processing was conducted using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), linear regression models, and response surfaces in the software programs Minitab 21 and RStudio V4.4.2. ANOVA makes it possible to determine the statistical significance of the effect of each factor and their interactions on the obtained Cp, identifying the accessories, TSR, and solidity that have the greatest impact on turbine performance. The results indicate that the optimal configuration to maximize Cp includes the flat-plate accessory, a solidity of 1.0, and a TSR of 3.2. From the linear regression models, mathematical relationships describing the system’s behavior were established, while the response surface analysis identified optimal operating conditions. These findings provide an effective tool for optimizing H-Darrieus turbine designs, highlighting the positive impact of accessories on performance improvement. Full article