Search Results (74,714)

Background: L-carnitine supplementation is thought to enhance exercise performance, particularly in moderate and high-intensity activities, but evidence supporting this is mixed. This study aimed to assess whether acute L-carnitine tartrate supplementation could improve CrossFit^® performance, specifically during the “Cindy” workout, a high-intensity exercise protocol. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 20 trained male recreational CrossFit^® athletes completed the “Cindy” workout within a 20 min period after ingesting either 3 g of L-carnitine tartrate or a placebo 90 min before exercise. Performance was measured by total repetitions completed. Secondary outcomes included ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), gastrointestinal issues, and blood pressure (BP) measurements. Results: The results showed that L-carnitine supplementation did not significantly affect the number of repetitions performed (202.4 ± 69.9 vs. 204.5 ± 78.8, p = 0.810) compared to the placebo. There were also no significant differences in RPE (6.3 ± 1.5 vs. 6.9 ± 1.4, p = 0.180) or BP changes between groups. However, 10% of participants reported difficulty sleeping after L-carnitine supplementation. Conclusions: The findings suggest that 3 g of L-carnitine tartrate does not enhance CrossFit^® performance in recreational athletes. Further research is needed to clarify its potential benefits, especially with larger samples and consideration of factors like sex and carbohydrate co-ingestion. Full article

The development of thin, wear-resistant coatings is a relevant area in the field of surface engineering, especially given the increasing demand for resource efficiency and reliability of machine elements. In this study, we investigate the structural and phase composition, tribological characteristics, and physical and mechanical properties of zirconium carbonitride (ZrCN) coatings deposited by high-velocity oxygen-fuel spraying (HVOF) on U8G carbon steel substrates. Particular attention is paid to the influence of spraying parameters, in particular air pressure, on the formation of coatings and their performance properties. X-ray phase analysis methods revealed the formation of Zr₂CN, ZrC, ZrN, ZrO₂, and Fe₃O₄ phases, with the dominance of the cubic phase ZrN(C) with a lattice parameter of a = 4.6360 Å. Tribological tests have shown that at an air pressure of 0.38 MPa, the minimum friction coefficient is achieved, presumably due to the formation of an amorphous CN_x phase with a self-lubricating effect. The wear mechanism is predominantly abrasive in nature; the width of wear tracks is 329–759 μm. The coatings demonstrate a significant increase in microhardness—up to 1512–1857 HV, which is 4–4.5 times higher than the substrate. The results of adhesion tests carried out in accordance with ASTM D4541-22 showed a maximum adhesion strength of 14.56 MPa. The results obtained confirm the high efficiency of thin ZrCN coatings obtained by the HVOF method as a promising solution for protecting metal surfaces subject to intense wear in tribological systems. Full article

In Central Asian countries (CACs) Yes. we agree to remove Highlights part atmosphere pollution is increasing due to population growth, economic growth, agricultural development, energy consumption and climate change. The countries of the region developed climate change adaptation strategies—Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At the same time, regional integration, which should be a necessary condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the solving of general environmental problems, is not involved. This article shows the importance of a comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) and non-greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere for the entire Central Asian region as a single ecosystem. The energy intensity of national economies structure was chosen as the main factor determining the level of pollution. The analysis shows that over the past 30 years, the main part of the commodity exports (73.6–81.4%) of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan has been fossil natural resources. There is a strong economic dependence on coal and other types of fuel, which leads to atmospheric emissions. The analysis shows that limited financial resources, lack of effective systemic monitoring and control of air quality that meets modern international requirements and standards, leads to absence of tangible changes in practice yet. Over 30 years in CACs, the share of CO₂ emissions associated with fuel combustion has not decreased and amounts to 78%. The key mechanisms for reducing atmospheric emissions are significantly increase investments in the transformation of the economies in the context of regional development, interstate cooperation, the introduction of environmental norms, standards harmonized with world ones, green technologies based on alternative energy, sustainable transport and logistics infrastructure. Full article

Speed breeding technology has been used as a promising approach to accelerate plant breeding cycles and enhance agricultural productivity. However, systematic research on optimizing speed breeding conditions for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in controlled plant factory environments remains limited. This study aimed to optimize light intensity, nutrient solution formulations, and photoperiod conditions for alfalfa speed breeding in plant factories equipped with full-spectrum LEDs, and to validate the applicability of these conditions across cultivars with different fall dormancy levels. Results demonstrated that a light intensity of 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ significantly enhanced photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and biomass accumulation while minimizing malondialdehyde (MDA). The 75% concentration of the Japanese garden-test formula (JGTF) outperformed the Hoagland solution in promoting growth and photosynthetic pigment synthesis. An extended photoperiod (22 h/d) substantially accelerated growth and shortened flowering time. Under optimized conditions (250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ light intensity, 22 h/d photoperiod, and 75% Japanese Garden Test Formula), alfalfa cultivars reached initial flowering in approximately 37 days, regardless of fall dormancy level. This study establishes an effective speed breeding protocol for alfalfa, and the optimized conditions demonstrate broad applicability across cultivars with varying fall dormancy characteristics, providing a valuable foundation for accelerated alfalfa breeding programs and contributing to enhanced forage crop development efficiency. Full article

The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is a crucial freshwater aquaculture species in China, and the reproductive capacity and farming efficiency are critically dependent on gonadal development. Consequently, the acceleration and synchronization of gonadal maturation constitutes fundamental prerequisites for intensive seedling breeding. This review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on gonadal development and its regulatory factors in P. clarkii, specifically addressing (1) histological characteristics, (2) developmental stages and cyclical patterns, and (3) key genes involved in gonadal regulation. We particularly focus on the combined effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors—including temperature, photoperiod, nutrition, and endocrine regulation—on gonadal maturation. This comprehensive assessment offers both theoretical insights into gonadal development mechanisms and practical guidance for enhancing intensive seedling production in this economically vital species. Full article

Bare soil expansion in urban forests, driven by persistent high-intensity trampling, degrades both macro-scale natural resources and micro ecological conditions. Targeted interventions are therefore essential. In this study, trampled bare ground in forest parks and artificially cultivated Ophiopogon japonicus were used as experimental models We employed trampled bare ground in forest parks as well as artificially cultivated O. japonicus as experimental models. Five treatments were implemented: enclosure control (CK), ploughing (F), Bacillus thuringiensis NL-11 application (J), biochar addition (C), and co-application of B. thuringiensis NL-11 with biochar (JC). Our results indicate that, compared with CK, biochar treatments reduced soil bulk density by 30%, increased soil porosity by 89%, and improved water-holding capacity. The soil nitrate nitrogen content in the NL-11 treatment was increased by 113.8% compared with CK, while the co-application of NL-11 with biochar exhibited the highest sucrase and urease activities. Notably, the co-application of B. thuringiensis NL-11 with biochar exhibited the most pronounced effects on aboveground biomass, plant height, and root development, followed by the B. thuringiensis NL-11 treatment. Microbial β-diversity shifts under co-application of B. thuringiensis NL-11 with biochar treatment strongly correlated with soil enzyme activation and plant growth enhancement (Mantel test, p < 0.05). Correlation analysis confirmed that exogenous nutrient inputs significantly influenced enzyme activities, thereby promoting plant development. These results highlight the effectiveness of integrating microbial inoculation with biochar to restore trampled urban forest soils. Full article

Accurately identifying and comprehensively managing the health of cropland systems is crucial for maintaining national food security. In this study, a more suitable framework for evaluating the health status of cropland systems in arid areas was constructed, and a systematic diagnosis of the health status of a cropland system in Xinjiang was conducted by increasing cropland stress and extending the VOR model to the VOR-S framework. The principal driving factors and spatiotemporal heterogeneity of cropland system health were investigated by using geographic detectors and GTWR models. The results showed the following: (1) From 2001 to 2023, the health level of the cropland system in Xinjiang fluctuated and increased. The proportion of areas with higher health levels (health levels I and II) in the cropland system increased from 45.84% in 2001 to 50.80% in 2023. The overall environment of the cropland system thus improved. (2) From 2001 to 2023, in terms of stress on the cropland system in Xinjiang, the overall level of HAI (human activity intensity) exhibited an upward trend, while the overall SEI (soil erosion intensity) significantly decreased, and WEI (wind erosion intensity) remained relatively stable. (3) The explanatory power of driving factors for cropland system health is ranked by order of magnitude as follows: annual precipitation (0.641) > annual average temperature (0.630) > population density (0.619) > nighttime lighting (0.446) > slope (0.313) > altitude (0.267). In addition, the combination of climate and human activity factors plays a dominant role in the spatial differentiation of cropland system health. The research results can provide scientific reference for cropland protection policies in arid areas. Full article

Livestock-intensive regions in Europe face dual challenges: nutrient surpluses and a high dependency on import of high-protein feedstocks. This study proposes duckweed (Lemnaceae) as a potential solution by recovering nutrients from manure-derived waste streams while producing protein-rich biomass. This study evaluated the performance of duckweed treatment systems at a pig manure processing facility in Belgium. Three outdoor systems were monitored over a full growing season under temperate climate conditions. Duckweed cultivated on constructed wetland effluent showed die-off and low protein content, while systems supplied with diluted liquid fraction and nitrification–denitrification effluent achieved consistent growth, yielding 8 tonnes of dry biomass/ha/year and 2.8 tonnes of protein/ha/year. Average removal rates were 1.2 g N/m²/day and 0.13 g P/m²/day. Growth ceased after approximately 100–120 days, likely due to rising pH and electrical conductivity, suggesting ammonia toxicity and salt stress. Harvested duckweed had a high protein content and a total amino acid profile suitable for broilers, though potentially limiting in histidine and methionine for pigs or cattle. Additionally, promising energy and protein values for ruminants were measured. Although high ash and fibre contents may limit use in monogastric animals, duckweed remains suitable as part of a balanced feed. Its broad mineral profile further supports its use as a circular, locally sourced feed supplement. Full article

Background: This study aimed to compare mortality rates and treatment efficacy between ceftazidime–avibactam (CAZ/AVI) and meropenem-based combination regimens in critically ill patients with carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) infections. Methods: This retrospective study included 135 intensive care unit (ICU) patients diagnosed with CRGNB infections between 2020 and 2024. Patients were categorized on the basis of treatment: CAZ/AVI or alternative combinations that included meropenem with either amikacin or polymyxin. The primary outcomes were 14-day, 30-day, and 90-day all-cause mortality rates. The secondary outcomes included the clinical response on day 14 and the total duration of ICU hospitalization. Results: Among the patients, 74 received CAZ/AVI, whereas 61 were treated with meropenem-based regimens. No significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences in 14-day (27.0% vs. 31.1%), 30-day (41.9% vs. 47.5%), or 90-day mortality rates (62.2% vs. 65.6%) between the two groups (p = 0.738, 0.511, and 0.818, respectively), including within the pneumonia and bloodstream infection subgroups. Clinical success was observed in 64.9% of the CAZ/AVI group and 65.6% of the other group (p = 0.931), with comparable ICU lengths of stay (44.0 ± 29.1 vs. 41.5 ± 26.4 days, p = 0.974). Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced age, higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, elevated procalcitonin levels, and prolonged time from culture collection to the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy were independent predictors of increased 30-day mortality. Conclusions: CAZ/AVI demonstrated efficacy and mortality outcomes comparable to those of meropenem-based regimens in ICU patients with CRGNB infections. Prompt initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy remains critical. Full article

To systematically reveal the influence mechanisms and spatial effects of industrial intellectual property (IP) reform strategies and manufacturing craftsmanship spirit on regional energy intensity, this study aims to provide theoretical support and practical pathways for emerging market economies pursuing dual goals of energy efficiency governance and manufacturing transformation. Based on a “technology–culture synergistic innovation ecology” theoretical framework, the study deepens the understanding of energy intensity governance and introduces two spatial weight matrices—the economic distance matrix and the nested economic–geographic matrix—to uncover the spatial heterogeneity of policy and cultural effects. Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2022 (excluding Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), we construct an index of manufacturing craftsmanship spirit (CSM) and its four dimensions—excellence in detail, persistent dedication, breakthrough orientation, and innovation inheritance—via the entropy method. Empirical analysis is conducted through Spatial Difference-in-Differences (SDID) and Double Machine Learning (DML) models. The results show that: (1) Industrial IP reform strategies significantly reduce local energy intensity through improved property rights definition and technology transaction mechanisms, but may increase energy intensity in economically proximate regions due to intensified technological competition. (2) All four dimensions of craftsmanship spirit indirectly mitigate regional energy intensity via distinct pathways, with particularly strong mediating effects from persistent dedication and innovation inheritance. In contrast, breakthrough orientation shows no significant impact, possibly due to limitations from the current stage of the technology lifecycle. (3) Spatial spillover effects are heterogeneous: under the nested economic–geographic matrix, IP reform strategies reduce neighboring regions’ energy intensity through synergistic effects, while under the economic distance matrix, competitive spillovers lead to an increase in adjacent energy intensity. Based on these findings, we propose the following: deepening IP reform strategies to build a technology–culture synergistic ecosystem; enhancing regional policy coordination to avoid technology lock-in; systematically cultivating the core of craftsmanship spirit; and establishing a dynamic incentive mechanism for breakthrough orientation. These measures can jointly drive systemic improvements in regional energy efficiency. Full article

Objectives: To theorize the work-related dimension involved in the process of reconciling work and personal roles among nurses working in Intensive Care Units. Methods: Constructivist grounded theory was employed to conceptualize the phenomenon of interest from the perspectives of nurses, their families, and administrative staff. Data were derived from 202 h of non-participant observation in two high-complexity hospitals in Chile (one public and one private), 57 institutional documents, and 51 in-depth interviews. Data analysis followed the constant comparative method and multilevel coding. To ensure methodological rigor, the study adhered to the 13 criteria for constructivist grounded theory research proposed by Charmaz and Thornberg and was approved by a scientific ethics committee. Results: Work-related roles are defined as the set of behaviors associated with the professional context, which are shaped by nine sources of interaction: (1) Job content; (2) Workload and pace; (3) Work schedule; (4) Control; (5) Environment and equipment; (6) Organizational culture; (7) Interpersonal relationships; (8) Function within the organization; and (9) Career development. Conclusions: The study presents the theorization process of the work-related dimension involved in the reconciliation of work and personal roles among nurses in Intensive Care Units. Work-related roles are essential to understanding this reconciliation process. The findings provide evidence for the existence of nine sources of interaction, which are influenced by institutional strategic planning and, in turn, by national and international public policies. Full article

It is well known that physico-chemical soil parameters can influence, or even determine, the concentrations of heavy metals in soil. Moreover, in recent decades, there has been growing concern about the role of climatic variables such as temperature fluctuations, drought, or extreme rainfall in affecting heavy metal availability. To examine the combined influence of soil properties and climatic changes on pollution levels, a 10-year study was conducted in an intensively cultivated region of central Greece. This work builds on an earlier study that established predictive relationships for Aqua Regia (Aq-Re)-extracted (pseudo)-total Fe and toxic Cd levels from a set of soil parameters, macronutrients or coexisting metals. The present investigation extends this approach by including DTPA-extracted metal concentrations and additional climatic predictors. The updated methodology applies Linear and Quadratic Regression models as well as Linear and Quadratic Mixed-Effects Models to account for the temporal variation driven by climate. The models were trained and validated on continuous, decade-long measurements. In many cases, this led to substantial revisions of the previously established correlations. Incorporating climate-related variables improved the predictive power of the models, revealing a more complex soil–metal dynamic than previously considered. The newly developed models demonstrated more accurate estimations of both total and available metal concentrations, even under the extreme weather conditions observed in autumn 2020. Given the importance of the Thessaly plain to the Greek agricultural sector, these models serve as a valuable tool for monitoring and risk assessment. Quantifying nutrient and toxic element availability under climate shifts is key to safeguarding Mediterranean soil health and addressing the broader impacts of the climate crisis in agroecosystems. Full article

Graphene was directly grown on SiO₂/Si substrates using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) to investigate how synthesis-driven variations in structure and doping influence carrier transport. The effects of synthesis temperature, plasma power, deposition time, gas flow, and pressure on graphene’s structure and electronic properties were systematically studied. Raman spectroscopy revealed non-monotonic changes in layer number, defect density, and doping levels, reflecting the complex interplay between growth, etching, and self-doping mechanisms. The surface morphology and conductivity were assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Charge carrier mobility, extracted from graphene-based field-effect transistors, showed strong correlations with Raman features, including the intensity ratios and positions of the 2D and G peaks. Importantly, mobility did not correlate with defect density but was linked to reduced self-doping and a weaker graphene–substrate interaction rather than intrinsic structural disorder. These findings suggest that charge transport in PECVD-grown graphene is predominantly limited by interfacial and doping effects. This study offers valuable insights into the synthesis–structure–property relationship, which is crucial for optimizing graphene for electronic and sensing applications. Full article

Accurate and timely assessment of crop disease severity is crucial for effective management strategies and ensuring sustainable agricultural production. Traditional visual disease scoring methods are subjective and labor-intensive, highlighting the need for automated, objective alternatives. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a model for field-based identification and quantification of stripe rust severity in wheat using red, green, blue RGB imaging. Based on crop reflectance hyperspectra (CRHS) acquired using a FieldSpec ASD spectroradiometer, two complementary approaches were developed. In the first approach, we estimate single leaf disease severity (LDS) under laboratory conditions, while in the second approach, we assess crop disease severity (CDS) from field-based RGB images. The high accuracy of both methods enabled the development of a predictive model for estimating LDS from CDS, offering a scalable solution for precision disease monitoring in wheat cultivation. The experiment was conducted on four winter wheat plots subjected to varying fungicide treatments to induce different levels of stripe rust severity for model calibration, with treatment regimes ranging from no application to three applications during the growing season. RGB images were acquired in both laboratory conditions (individual leaves) and field conditions (nadir and oblique perspectives), complemented by hyperspectral measurements in the 350–2500 nm range. To achieve automated and objective assessment of disease severity, we developed custom image-processing scripts and applied Random Forest classification and regression models. The models demonstrated high predictive performance, with the combined use of nadir and oblique RGB imagery achieving the highest classification accuracy (97.87%), sensitivity (100%), and specificity (95.83%). Oblique images were more sensitive to early-stage infection, while nadir images offered greater specificity. Spectral feature selection revealed that wavelengths in the visible (e.g., 508–563 nm and 621–703 nm) and red-edge/SWIR regions (around 1556–1767 nm) were particularly informative for disease detection. In classification models, shorter wavelengths from the visible range proved to be more useful, while in regression models, longer wavelengths were more effective. The integration of RGB-based image analysis with the Random Forest algorithm provides a robust, scalable, and cost-effective solution for monitoring stripe rust severity under field conditions. This approach holds significant potential for enhancing precision agriculture strategies by enabling early intervention and optimized fungicide application. Full article

Urban areas face significant challenges from heat islands, stormwater, and air pollution, yet green roof adoption is hindered by feasibility and economic uncertainties. This study proposes an integrated framework to optimize green roof strategies for urban sustainability. We combine deep learning for rooftop suitability screening, comprehensive ecosystem service valuation, life-cycle cost–benefit analysis under varying policy scenarios, and ENVI-met microclimate simulations across Local Climate Zones (LCZ). Using Dalian’s core urban districts as a case study, our findings reveal that all three green roof types (extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive) are economically viable when policy incentives and ecological values are fully internalized. Under the ideal scenario, intensive roofs yielded the highest long-term returns with a payback period of 4 years, while semi-intensive roofs achieved the greatest cost-effectiveness (BCR = 4.57) and the shortest payback period of 3 years; extensive roofs also reached break-even within 4 years. In contrast, under the realistic market-only scenario, only intensive roofs approached break-even with an extended payback period of 23 years, whereas extensive and semi-intensive systems remained unprofitable. Cooling performance varies by LCZ and roof type, emphasizing the critical role of urban morphology. This transferable framework provides robust data-driven decision support for green infrastructure planning and targeted policymaking in high-density urban environments. Full article