Search Results (290)

Microbial contamination is a global concern with impacts on a variety of industries ranging from marine to biomedical applications. Recent research on hydrophilic polymer-based coatings is focused on combining antifouling polymers with nanomaterials to enhance mechanical, optical, and stimuli-responsive properties, yielding colour changing, self-healing, and super hydrophilic materials. This study combines the hydrophilic and antifouling properties of vitamin B5 analogous methacrylamide (B5AMA)-based polymers with stimuli-responsive anthocyanin-dye-loaded cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to develop antifouling materials with colour changing capabilities upon bacterial contamination. Poly(B5AMA)-grafted CNCs were prepared through surface-initiated photoiniferter reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (SP-RAFT) polymerization and characterized through proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the formation of surface-grafted polymer chains. The bare CNCs and poly(B5AMA)-grafted CNCs were loaded with anthocyanin dye and evaluated for pH-dependent colour changing capabilities. Interestingly, anthocyanin-loaded CNCs demonstrated vibrant colour changes in both solution and dried film form upon bacterial contamination; however, limited colour changing capabilities of the composites, specifically in dried film form, were attributed to the enhanced dispersibility and antifouling capabilities of the polymer-coated CNCs. Full article

The primary objective of this paper is to quantify a realistic pathway for Canada to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This study analyzed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada based on the emissions from their economic sectors. A time series analysis was performed to understand the trajectory of the emissions profile from 1990 to 2023. Using the 2023 emissions as the baseline, a linear reduction, based on the GHG proportions from each jurisdiction, was performed and projected to 2050 (except for Prince Edward Island (PEI), where net zero was targeted for 2040). Moreover, a machine learning technique (k-means unsupervised algorithm) was used to group all the jurisdictions into homogeneous regions for national strategic climate policy initiatives. The within-cluster sum of squares identified the following clusters: Cluster 1: Manitoba (MB), New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador; Cluster 2: Alberta (AB); Cluster 3: Quebec (QC) and Saskatchewan; Cluster 4: Ontario (ON); and Cluster 5: PEI, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories. Considering the maximum GHG reductions needed per cluster (Clusters 1–5), the results show that 0.309 Mt CO₂ eq/year, 5.447 Mt CO₂ eq/year, 1.293 Mt CO₂ eq/year, 2.217 Mt CO₂ eq/year, and 0.04 Mt CO₂ eq/year must be targeted from MB (transportation), AB (stationary combustion), QC (transportation), ON (stationary combustion) and PEI (transportation), respectively. The concept of climate stabilization wedges, which provides a practical framework for addressing the monumental challenge of mitigating climate change, was introduced to each derived region to cut GHG emissions in Canada through tangible, measurable actions that is specific to each sector/cluster. The clustering-based method breaks climate mitigation problems down into manageable pieces by grouping the jurisdictions into efficient regions that can be managed effectively by fostering collaboration across jurisdictions and economic sectors. Actionable and strategic recommendations were made within each province to reach the goal of net-zero. The implications of this study for policy and climate action include the fact that actionable strategies and tailored policies are applied to each cluster’s emission profile and economic sector, ensuring equitable and effective climate mitigation strategies in Canada. Full article

Cardiac remodeling in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is poorly understood. To investigate underlying molecular mechanisms, we determined microRNA–mRNA interactions, regulatory networks, and upstream regulators using left ventricle (LV) and left atrium (LA) mRNA and microRNA sequencing datasets from cats with HCM and controls. Upstream regulators, molecules, and pathways associated with ischemia, inflammation, fibrosis, and cellular changes were observed in the HCM heart. In both the HCM LV and LA, TNFα, IL1β, and TGFβ were identified as upstream regulators, along with FGF23, THBS4, and FAMB177 as the top increased molecules. Relevant microRNAs included upstream regulator miR-132, enriched miR-124-3p, miR-122b-3p, miR-146-5p (HCM LV and LA), miR-370, miR-1185-5p, miR-12194-3p (HCM LV), miR-153-3p, miR-185-5p, and miR-185-3p (HCM LA). Macrophage pathways were activated, and granulocyte and agranulocyte adhesion and diapedesis were the most connected pathways. The HIF1α signaling pathway in the HCM LV, upstream regulators miR-1-3p and miR-204, and reduced miR-29 and miR-122-5p suggest cardioprotective mechanisms. Observed in the healthy heart and suspected to be involved in cardiac homeostasis were upstream regulators miR-96, inhibited WNT3A and miR-145, as well as miR-140-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-208b-3p, and miR-885-3p. This study provides further insights into the pathogenesis of HCM, and identifies the factors involved in the maintenance of a healthy LV and LA. Full article

Free-roaming dogs (FRDs) pose significant public health and animal welfare challenges globally, particularly in developing nations, where they serve as major reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, especially rabies. Determining the population size of FRDs, their demographic characteristics, and the factors influencing population size is essential for effective dog population management, which constitutes a critical component of rabies control programs. This study aimed to estimate the size and describe the characteristics of the FRD population and evaluate temporal and spatial variations in FRD sightings on the Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Thailand. Factors influencing population size were assessed using a negative binomial regression model. The campus area was divided into 52 accessible blocks for dog-counting purposes. In 2018 and 2019, each block was surveyed once annually for a comprehensive census. In 2021, each block was surveyed on six occasions, three in the morning and three in the evening, using a photographic recapture method. Dogs sighted were photographed, and their characteristics and spatial coordinates were recorded. The total population sizes of FRDs on campus were documented as 529, 577, and 531 in 2018, 2019, and 2021, respectively. Intact female dogs predominantly constituted the majority of the FRD population. Regression analysis indicated a significant association between the number of FRDs within a block and the number of intact adult female dogs. The percentage of dogs sighted per occasion was significantly higher during evening surveys compared to morning surveys. This study proposes a practical census approach that combines total block counts with photographic recapture to estimate the population of FRDs. The findings offer valuable insights for developing effective dog population management strategies and planning rabies vaccination campaigns. Full article

Potato early dying disease complex (PED) leads to premature senescence and rapid decline in potato plants. Unlike potato wilt caused solely by Verticillium species, PED symptoms are more severe due to the synergistic effects of multiple pathogens, including root-lesion nematodes, fungi such as Colletotrichum and Fusarium, and soft-rot bacteria. To investigate the microbiome responsible for PED, soil and stem samples from healthy-looking and symptomatic plants were analyzed using amplicon-targeted next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq and PacBio technologies). Samples were collected from four locations in New Brunswick, Canada from fields previously rotated with barley or oat. Comparative analysis of the bacterial, fungal, and eukaryotic diversity in soil samples showed minimal differences, with only bacterial alpha diversity influenced by the plant health status. Verticillium dahliae was abundant in all soil samples, and its abundance was significantly higher in the stems of diseased plants. Additional fungal species implicated in PED, including Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Colletotrichum coccodes, Botrytis sp., and Alternaria alternata, were also identified in the stems. This study highlights the complex, plant-associated microbial interactions underlying PED and provides a foundation for microbiome-informed disease management strategies. Full article

Effective surveillance of viral disease in fish populations is critical for disease control and the sustainable development of global aquaculture. Here, we evaluated the application and performance of pooled serum samples using an indirect ELISA based on recombinant segment 4 protein to assess farm-level immunity in tilapia infected with Tilapia lake virus (TiLV). The TiLV-S4 ELISA was developed using a recombinant nucleoprotein (segment 4) antigen, optimized through checkerboard titration, and validated for repeatability and reproducibility, with intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation below 10%. A pooling strategy was used to combine multiple serum samples before testing for the presence of TiLV-specific antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results showed that pooling five serum samples was effective for detecting TiLV-specific antibodies, particularly when multiple seropositive individuals were presented in the pool, supporting its application for population-level surveillance. However, ELISA sensitivity may be reduced when only one seropositive sample is included in the pool, due to the dilution effects. Despite this limitation, pooled testing yielded a high proportion of positive results, suggesting similar detection performance in many cases. Overall, the pooling strategy provides a cost-effective and time-efficient approach for large-scale monitoring of immune status in tilapia populations. Full article

This study reviews and synthesizes published data to estimate the net carbon flux associated with the complete potato production process. It identifies the key components that contribute to this flux and explores potential mitigation strategies, including both cultivation and post-harvest storage. Data were compiled from field-scale studies (primarily using eddy covariance) and life cycle assessment studies. The results indicate that potato production can act as a carbon sink or a carbon source, depending on the production scenario. In Scenario 1, which represents the worst-case scenario, potato production acts as a carbon source, with a carbon flux of 13,874.816 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ season⁻¹. In contrast, in Scenario 2, the best-case scenario, potato production acts a carbon sink with a carbon flux of −12,830.567 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ season⁻¹. Similarly, in Scenario 3, which is the average scenario, potato production acts as a carbon sink, though a minor one, with a carbon flux of −90.703 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ season⁻¹. Notably, the growing phase has the most significant impact on potato production’s overall carbon flux, as it is the period in which the highest levels of carbon sequestration and emissions occur. Fertilization is the primary carbon source among all potato production operations, averaging 1219.225 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ season⁻¹. Optimizing farming practices, including fertilization, irrigation, tillage methods, and cultivar selection, are essential to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, further research through controlled experiments is recommended to deepen the understanding of the relationships between various farming factors and carbon flux, ultimately supporting more sustainable potato production practices. Full article

The lobster fishery is the third largest industry in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Atlantic Canada. Rising water temperatures due to global warming are impacting the successful completion of the lobster life cycle, which is heavily dependent on water temperature. This study investigated the relationship between lobster landings and sea surface temperature (SST) in PEI. Using Generalized Linear Models (GLM), we identified a significant correlation between annual historical lobster landings and monthly sea surface temperatures (SST) in the waters around PEI from 1990 to 2021. Considering the 5–8 year maturation period of lobsters, we applied a lagged SST structure over an 8-year period and used a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to evaluate the relationship between historical SST and lobster landings. Our findings suggest that historical increases in SST are correlated with changes in lobster landings. Given the known sensitivities of lobster life cycles (i.e., spawning, larval development) and behavior (i.e., mating) to high ambient water temperature, our study also offers important insights for future fishery management under anticipated climate change scenarios. Full article

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of the marine diterpene glycosides pseudopterosin A-D (PsA-D) in mitigating nickel sulfate (NiSO₄)-induced skin sensitization. In dermal dendritic cell (DDC) surrogates, PsA-D pre-treatment significantly reduced NiSO₄-induced upregulation of key activation surface markers, cluster of differentiation (CD)54 (~1.2-fold), and CD86 (~1.6-fold). Additionally, PsA-D inhibited the NiSO₄-induced activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway by suppressing inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IκBα) degradation. Furthermore, PsA-D suppressed inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NiSO₄-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-8 (~6.8-fold), IL-6 (~2.2-fold), and IL-1β (~5.3-fold). In a full-thickness human skin model incorporating DDC surrogates, topical application of PsA-D effectively attenuated NiSO₄-induced mRNA expression of IL-8 (~2.1-fold), IL-6 (~2.6-fold), and IL-1β (~2.2-fold), along with the key inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (~3.5-fold) and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) (~2.1-fold). Overall, PsA-D demonstrated comparable efficacy to dexamethasone, a benchmark corticosteroid, providing a promising therapeutic alternative to corticosteroids for the treatment of skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis. However, to maximize PsA-D’s therapeutic potential, future studies on optimizing the bioavailability and formulation of PsA-D are required. Full article

The implementation of renewable energy systems (RESs) in the agricultural sector has significant potential to mitigate the negative effects of fossil fuel-based products on the global climate, reduce operational costs, and enhance crop production. However, the intermittent nature of RESs poses a major challenge to realizing these benefits. To address this, thermal energy storage (TES) and hybrid heat pump (HHP) systems are integrated with RESs to balance the mismatch between thermal energy production and demand. In pursuit of clean energy solutions in the agricultural sector, a 3942 m² greenhouse in Yeoju-si, South Korea, is equipped with 231 solar thermal (ST) collectors, 117 photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors, four HHPs, two ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs), a 28,500 m³ borehole TES (BTES) unit, a 1040 m³ tank TES (TTES) unit, and three short-term TES units with capacities of 150 m³, 30 m³, and 30 m³. This study evaluates the long-term performance of the integrated hybrid renewable energy and thermal energy storage systems (HRETESSs) in meeting the greenhouse’s heating and cooling demands. Results indicate that the annual system performance efficiencies range from 25.3% to 68.5% for ST collectors and 31.9% to 72.2% for PVT collectors. The coefficient of performance (COP) during the heating season is 3.3 for GSHPs, 2.5 for HHPs using BTES as a source, and 3.6 for HHPs using TTES as a source. During the cooling season, the COP ranges from 5.3 to 5.7 for GSHPs and 1.84 to 2.83 for ASHPs. Notably, the HRETESS supplied 3.4% of its total heating energy directly from solar energy, 89.3% indirectly via heat pump utilization, and 7.3% is provided by auxiliary heating. This study provides valuable insights into the integration of HRETESSs to maximize greenhouse energy efficiency and supports the development of sustainable agricultural energy solutions, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optimal feeding regimens for preterm neonates, including the role of multi-nutrient fortification, are unknown, leading to large practice variation in comparing different feeding regimens that include fortification and their impact on outcomes for preterm infants. Methods: Using a network meta-analyses design, two reviewers independently extracted data. A Cochrane CENTRAL, Medline, Embase, and CINAHL search was conducted for all studies published up to 27 June 2023. Randomized clinical trials of feeding regimens for preterm infants that included multi-nutrient fortification were included. Outcomes were mortality, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), sepsis, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), time to full enteral feeds, and the Bayley II MDI developmental score. Results: Fifty-nine studies were included. For mortality, NEC, and time to reach full enteral feeds, the top-ranked treatment class was the mother’s own milk with donor milk and a human-milk-based fortifier. For ROP and BPD, the top-ranked treatment class was mother’s own milk with a phosphorus fortifier. For sepsis, the top-ranked treatment class was mother’s own milk with formula. For PVL, the top-ranked treatment classes were mother’s own milk and mother’s own milk with donor milk and a bovine fortifier in the two disconnected networks. For the Bayley II MDI score, the top-ranked treatment class was mother’s own milk with formula and bovine fortification. Conclusions: Treatment rankings are consistent with the underlying hypothesis that increased mother’s own milk intake appears to be associated with better clinical outcomes. This review provides the first global view of interventions and highlights insufficient high-quality evidence to support or refute one fortification feeding regimen over another. Full article

The agricultural sector is evolving with the adoption of smart farming technologies, where Digital Twins (DTs) offer new possibilities for real-time monitoring, simulation, and decision-making. While previous research has explored the Internet of Things (IoT), UAVs, machine learning (ML), and remote sensing (RS) in enhancing agricultural efficiency, a systematic approach to integrating these technologies within a DTs ecosystem remains underdeveloped. This paper presents a systematic review of 167 studies published between 2018 and 2025. The objective of this study is to examine recent advancements in DTs-enabled precision agriculture and propose a comprehensive framework for designing, integrating, and optimizing DTs in smart farming. The study systematically examines the current state of DT adoption, identifies key barriers, and computational efficiency challenges, and provides a step-by-step methodology for DT implementation. The review sheds light on potential future research direction and implications for policy, with the aim to speed up the adoption of DTs-based farm management systems in their operational success and commercial viability through analysis of practical applications and future perspectives. This study presents an innovative strategy for integrating digital and physical systems into agriculture and is an important contribution to existing literature. Full article

The Southern Ocean, located between Antarctica and the southern tips of South America, Africa and Australia, encompasses an immense area across the southern Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans with no clearly defined limits. For the purposes of studying marine heterobranch sea slugs, we consider the Southern Ocean to include all ocean areas located south of latitude 41° S. South of this latitude, we consider different areas and zones: the area of South America (the Patagonia/Magellanic area), the island of Tasmania, the southern island of New Zealand, the Subantarctic area (the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, the South Orkney Islands, South Sandwich Island, Bouvet Island, the islands of Crozet and Prince Edward, the Kerguelen Islands, and Macquarie Island) and the area of Antarctica, in which we consider four zones (Weddell Sea, West Antarctica, Ross Sea and East Antarctica). Reviewing all available references and unpublished data from the authors, in total, 394 species of heterobranch sea slugs have been recorded to date in the Southern Ocean > 41° S, with Nudibranchia standing out with 209 species and Cephalaspidea with 90 species. The marine heterobranchs of Tasmania (154 species) and southern New Zealand (120 species) have been well studied. Sea slug fauna of the Antarctic and Subantarctic regions have been the subject of several partial studies; however, there are still many gaps in knowledge across both areas. Eighty-nine different species of sea slug have been recorded so far in strictly Antarctic waters (West Antarctica, 45 species; Weddell Sea, 48 species; Ross Sea, 51 species; East Antarctica, 42 species), while in the various Subantarctic regions, there are 93 species (36 species from South Georgia, 17 species from the South Orkneys, 12 species from south Sandwich, 6 species from Bouvet, 10 species from Prince Edward and Crozet Islands, 15 species from Kerguelen, 3 species from Macquarie Island, 29 species from the Falkland Islands and 71 species from the coast of South America). In the taxonomic section, for each of the species, the location and the authors of the records are indicated, and for many of the species, interesting biological, taxonomic or biogeographic observations are also provided. The importance of sampling in underexplored areas is discussed, as well as greater-depth sampling for a better understanding of the sea slugs of the Southern Ocean. Full article

Excess water in agricultural fields can significantly limit crop productivity. Drone technology offers solutions for identifying and predicting drainage degradation. This study utilized drone-based photogrammetry to create high-resolution elevation models, multispectral imagery for vegetation indices, and flood simulations models to identify zones at risk of poor surface drainage. These models, collected from 2021 to 2023, were used to assess the relationship between poor drainage and corn productivity. The findings revealed a substantial decline in productivity in poorly maintained surface drainage areas, notably a decrease in mean plant height from 1.43 m in 2022 to 0.26 m in flood-prone areas in 2023. Flood-prone zones expanded significantly, from 37% to 61% of the field area between 2022 and 2023, emphasizing the negative cumulative impacts of pre-existing drainage issues. Conversely, fields receiving regular annual maintenance showed an increase in mean plant heights (from 2.23 m to 2.54 m) and NDVI values, reflecting improved drainage conditions. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of drone-derived elevation models for proactively identifying problematic drainage areas, allowing farmers to make informed decisions regarding field maintenance. Implementing these technologies can optimize drainage management practices, enhance agricultural productivity, and increase economic viability in regions that rely on surface drainage. Full article