Search Results (1,806)

The stability of seed quality traits is a key factor for developing reliable cotton cultivars with consistent performance across diverse environments. This study evaluated six seed traits (1000-seed weight, crude protein, oil, ash, crude fiber, and moisture) across five commercial upland cotton cultivars grown in four distinct environments in Greece. Field trials were conducted in ten independent commercial fields per cultivar within each environment, with four samples collected from each field. Seed quality traits were analyzed using recommended official methods, and the Stability Index (SI) was calculated for each trait to quantify consistency across environments and cultivars. Traits such as 1000-seed weight, oil, and crude protein exhibited more consistent expression across environments and cultivars, whereas crude fiber and moisture showed substantial variation in stability across environments and cultivar × environment combinations, reflecting strong genotype × environment effects. Evaluation of relationships between traits revealed significant positive associations between 1000-seed weight and oil, and between crude protein and ash, as well as negative associations between 1000-seed weight and moisture and between crude protein and oil, indicating potential trade-offs among seed traits. Principal component analysis further highlighted trait associations and variability patterns across genotypes and environments. Overall, the combined use of Stability Index assessments and multivariate analyses provides a robust descriptive framework for evaluating cultivar performance and supporting cultivar selection under diverse agro-ecological conditions. Full article

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the predictive significance of Shock Indices and induction agents in predicting the risk of Peri-Intubation Cardiovascular Collapse (PIC) during intubation in the ICU. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 patients were analyzed in the study after dividing them into 2 groups based on the definition of PIC as Patients with PIC and Non-PIC Patients. PIC was defined as the detection of at least SBP < 65 mmHg measured at least once within 30 min after the intubation, SBP < 90 mmHg for 30 min, initiation of norepinephrine treatment, increasing the norepinephrine dose taken before the intubation, increasing SBP to >90 mmHg with >15 mL/kg crystalloid fluid infusion, or development of cardiac arrest. The relationship between Shock Index (SI), Diastolic Shock Index (DSI), Modified Shock Index (MSI), Age Shock Index (Age-SI), and induction agents (ketamine, propofol) and PIC was evaluated. Results: The PIC was detected in 62 patients (47.7%). Age-SI showed the highest predictive performance (AUC = 0.686, p < 0.001). Ketamine provided a protective effect (OR = 0.161, p = 0.003). Propofol (OR = 2.962, p = 0.048), age (OR = 1.065, p = 0.002), lactate (OR = 1.265, p = 0.047), and DSI (OR = 2.300, p = 0.037) were identified as independent risk factors. ICU mortality was significantly higher in the PIC group (74.2% vs. 20.6%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Age, lactate, DSI, and Age-SI are valuable predictive parameters for PIC. Ketamine reduces the risk of PIC, while propofol increases it. These results support evidence-based risk assessment and induction agent selection in ICU intubation protocols. Full article

The Banji Mine, located in the western part of the Huainan Coalfield, is characterised by a deep burial depth and multiple aquifers. It faces significant water inflow risks from roof aquifers, especially from the sandstone aquifer above the No. 9 coal seam. To explore the hydrochemical evolution of this sandstone aquifer and address key scientific challenges in water hazard prevention, an integrated approach combining mathematical statistics, Piper trilinear diagrams, Gibbs diagrams, and principal component analysis (PCA) was employed. Results show that from 2020 to 2023, the average TDS increased from 1729.51 mg·L⁻¹ to 2061.22 mg·L⁻¹, and the hydrochemical types transitioned from a mix of Cl-Na (48.6% of samples) and HCO₃·Cl-Na to a dominant Cl-Na type (91.1% in 2023), exhibiting high mineralisation and a distinct trend of water salinisation. The dissolution of evaporites and evaporative concentration were identified as the primary processes influencing the hydrochemical characteristics, with PCA indicating that the dominant factor (F1) explained 66.269% of the variance. Saturation index (SI) analysis revealed that calcite and dolomite were saturated to supersaturated (SI: 0.73–2.15 and 1.66–4.81, respectively), while gypsum and halite were undersaturated but showed a tendency to dissolve towards equilibrium. Over time, the cation exchange and sulfate reduction processes weakened, indicating that mining activities have disrupted the hydrochemical equilibrium of the roof sandstone aquifer, accelerating water salinisation. This study provides a theoretical foundation for identifying the causes and early warning signs of water hazards in the roof strata of the Banji Mine. Full article

To investigate the biosilicification capabilities of Bacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus polymyxa, silicon concentrations in supernatants from quartz and calcium silicate cultures were monitored over a 12-day period using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to evaluate changes in the absorption intensity of Si–O–Si characteristic peaks, crystalline phase transformations in the reaction products, and the microstructural morphology of quartz and calcium silicate before and after microbial leaching. The results show that after leaching with B. mucilaginosus, the dissolved silicon concentration in the quartz supernatant reached a maximum of 73.868 mg/L on day 8. In contrast, following treatment with B. polymyxa, the silicon concentration in the calcium silicate supernatant peaked earlier, at 149.153 mg/L on day 4. After microbial leaching, both substrates exhibited marked changes in the intensity of the infrared absorption peaks at 1071 cm⁻¹ and 1083 cm⁻¹, suggesting the formation of Si–O–R type organosilicon complexes. Iron tailings (containing inert silica) and fly ash (containing active silica) were selected for experimental validation. Following treatment with B. mucilaginosus for desilication over an 8-day period, the activity index of iron tailings increased from 77.83% to 90.51%, while that of fly ash rose from 66.32% to 85.01%. ICP-OES analysis confirmed that under the action of B. mucilaginosus, the trends in silicon concentration and activity index in the supernatant of silica-containing solid wastes, such as iron tailings and fly ash, were consistent with those observed in quartz, thereby demonstrating effective biological desilication. These findings provide novel insights into the development of environmentally sound disposal methods for a wider range of solid waste types. Full article

New alternatives in the construction industry are essential for economic, sustainable, and environmental progress. In this context, this work investigated three sets of sustainable mortars incorporating industrial lamination waste, assessing their chemical, physical, microstructural, and mechanical properties to inform their development. Cylindrical and prismatic specimens were produced using the following incorporation methods: a reference mortar, mortars with mill scale addition, partial cement replacement with mill scale, and partial sand replacement with mill scale, at proportions of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Additionally, analyses including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) were performed. Physical and mechanical tests, including bulk density, consistency index, capillary water absorption, axial compressive strength, and flexural tensile strength, were also conducted. XRF results indicated an increase in iron oxide content and a decrease in calcium oxide with the addition of mill scale. XRD confirmed the presence of compounds, such as alite and portlandite, which are common in cementitious mortars. FTIR spectra exhibited characteristic functional groups through absorption bands related to Si–O stretching. SEM micrographs revealed slight morphological changes in the composites as the quantity of industrial lamination waste increased, and EDS data supported the XRF findings. The addition of industrial lamination waste affected the spread index and density of the mixtures, while capillary water absorption decreased in some formulations with mill scale. The strength of the mortars increased with the incorporation of industrial lamination waste. In conclusion, using industrial lamination waste in mortars is a technically and environmentally feasible alternative that aligns with the principles of sustainable development and the circular economy in the construction industry. Full article

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a forest resource whose by-products contain bioactive compounds such as galactoglucomannan (GGM), catechin, and epicatechin, recognized for their antioxidant and chemopreventive potential. Within a food-related valorization context, we evaluated the antiproliferative, antimetastatic, genotoxic, and antimalarial activities of the Norway spruce by-product extract (NSBE). Considering its chemical composition and multifunctional bioactive profile, NSBE is investigated for its potential application as a functional food ingredient. NSBE exhibited concentration-dependent antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects two cancer cell lines (A549 and HCT-8), reducing cell adhesion by 33.96% in A549 cells and 40.15% in HCT-8 cells, and suppressing clonogenic capacity by up to 90% and 75%, respectively. The extract preserved basal chromosomal integrity and demonstrated a cytoprotective effect at 10 µg GAE/mL, reducing cisplatin-induced genotoxicity. Additionally, in antiplasmodial assays, NSBE showed potent inhibition of two Plasmodium falciparum strains: W2 (chloroquine-resistant) and 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) strains, with IC₅₀ values below 3.5 µg GAE/mL. This activity was supported by a selectivity index (SI) of 13, exceeding the recommended threshold for natural antimalarial candidates. Altogether, these findings highlight the NSBE as a sustainable and multifunctional food ingredient with relevant antiproliferative and antiplasmodial properties, supporting its cytoprotective and chemopreventive potential within a functional food framework. Full article

In this work, a multifunctional surface engineering strategy was developed to impart both flame-retardant and hydrophobic properties to cotton fabrics. In the first stage, cellulose fibers were modified with poly(methylvinyl)siloxane containing trimethoxysilyl groups, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-divinyl-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)cyclotetrasiloxane, or tetrakis(vinyldimethylsiloxy)tetrakis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)octasilsesquioxane (POSS). All modifiers contained alkoxysilyl groups capable of forming covalent bonds with cellulose hydroxyl groups. The modification was performed using a dip-coating process followed by thermal curing. This procedure enabled the formation of Si-O-C linkages and the generation of a reactive organosilicon layer on the cotton surface. In the second step, O,O′-diethyl dithiophosphate was grafted directly onto the vinyl-functionalized fabrics via a thiol-ene click reaction. This process resulted in the formation of a phosphorus- and sulfur-containing protective layer anchored within the siloxane-based network. The obtained hybrid coatings were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM-EDS. These analyses confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of the modifiers on the fiber surface. Microscale combustion calorimetry demonstrated a substantial reduction in the heat release rate. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) revealed increased char formation and altered thermal degradation pathways. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased for all modified fabrics, confirming enhanced flame resistance. Water contact angle measurements showed values above 130°, indicating effective hydrophobicity. As a result, multifunctional textile surfaces were obtained. In addition, the modified fabrics exhibited partial durability toward laundering and retained measurable flame-retardant and hydrophobic performance after repeated washing cycles. Full article

The Ulva prolifera green tide in the South Yellow Sea has erupted annually for many years, posing significant threats to coastal ecology, the economy, and society. While environmental factors are widely acknowledged as prerequisites for these outbreaks, the asynchrony and complex coupling between their variations and disaster events have challenged traditional studies that rely on instantaneous correlations to uncover the underlying dynamic mechanisms. This study focuses on the Ulva prolifera disaster in the South Yellow Sea, systematically analyzing its spatiotemporal distribution patterns, the temporal accumulation and lag effects of environmental factors, and the coupled driving mechanisms using the Floating Algae Index (FAI). The results indicate that: (1) The disaster shows significant interannual variability, with 2019 experiencing the most severe outbreak. Monthly, the disaster begins offshore of Jiangsu in May, moves northward and peaks in June, expands northward with reduced scale in July, and largely dissipates in August. Years with large-scale outbreaks exhibit higher distribution frequency and broader spatial extent. (2) Environmental factors demonstrate significant accumulation and lag effects on Ulva prolifera disasters, with a mixed temporal mode of both accumulation and lag effects being dominant. Temporal parameters vary across different factors—nutrients generally have longer lag times, while light and temperature factors show longer accumulation times. These parameters change dynamically across disaster stages and display a clear inshore–offshore gradient, with shorter effects in coastal areas and longer durations in offshore waters, revealing significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity in temporal response patterns. (3) The driving mechanism of Ulva prolifera disasters follows a “nutrient-dominated, temporally relayed” pattern. Nutrient accumulation (PO₄, NO₃, SI) from the previous autumn and winter serves as the decisive factor, explaining 86.8% of interannual variation in disaster scale and 56.1% of the variation in first outbreak timing. Light and heat conditions play a secondary modulating role. A clear temporal relay occurs through three distinct stages: the initial outbreak triggered by nutrients, the peak outbreak governed by light–temperature–nutrient synergy, and the system decline characterized by the dissipation of all driving forces. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for developing predictive models and targeted control strategies. Full article

Silicon (Si) application is recognized for its beneficial roles in crop growth. This study examines the effects of two forms: zeolite and sodium metasilicate (SMS), on rice under hydroponic (EP I) and soil (EP II) conditions. Four treatments were used at the early stage of rice: 4 ppm and 2 ppm of Si from zeolite, 4 ppm of Si from SMS, and a control. In EP I, only 4 ppm of SMS significantly improved root traits: total root length (36%), surface area (34%), root volume (23%), tips (46%), and forks (34%) by day seven compared to the control. Zeolite-based Si had minimal effects, except on the average diameter. However, in EP II, all Si forms enhanced root traits: total root length (50–73%), surface area (51–58%), average diameter (32–50%), root volume (54–72%), tips (29–68%) and increased shoot and root dry weights by 19–24% and 79–106%, respectively, compared to the control. In EP II, starting from the first and fifth day of treatment, the Si applied groups showed a significant increase in photosynthetic traits and vegetative indices, respectively. On the last day of treatment, particularly for 2 ppm of Si zeolite, the electron transport rate increased by 5 times, the apparent transpiration by 3 times, total conductance and stomatal conductance by around 50%, normalized difference vegetative index by 6–8%, and photochemical reflectance index by 14–33%. These results suggest that the effectiveness of Si is highly dependent on the growth medium and the type of Si, with soil enabling better Si availability, uptake, and physiological response compared to hydroponics. The superior performance of zeolite in EP II indicates its potential as a slow-release Si source that enhances root development and photosynthetic efficiency over time. Thus, it is concluded that zeolite has more potential in soil, and soluble silicon sources should be selected in hydroponics. Full article

Silicon–nitride (SiN) waveguides have emerged as fundamental building blocks in silicon photonic integrated circuits (Si-PICs), offering advantages that compensate for the intrinsic limitations of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and silica-on-silicon (SOS) platforms. In this work, two sizes of single-mode SiN strip waveguides are investigated: (i) 600 nm wide strip waveguide cores on a 400 nm thick Si₃N₄ film and (ii) 1.0 µm wide strip waveguide cores on a 1.0 µm thick Si₃N₄ film. First, we design two AWG architectures and develop a generalized theoretical model for one of the key specifications—polarization mode dispersion (PMD)—by considering a pair of orthogonal polarization states in these two waveguides. Then, as the two-size SiN waveguides are generally fabricated via multiple operating processes of coating, photolithography, and etching, we investigate the dependences of PMD performances on the device errors of the two AWG architectures caused by the coating/manufacturing qualities and accuracies, and the dependences of PMD performance on the refractive index errors of the waveguide core. As a consequence, the softwaretool simulations for the two AWG architectures of 40-channel 0.8 nm channelspacing show that the average PMDs of the above two waveguide sizes are <0.50 ps and <0.35 ps, respectively, and the PMD responses to the ±10% fabrication error are < ±0.20 ps and ±10% fluctuation, respectively, but the ±2.5% variations have no obvious impacts upon the PMD performance. Therefore, it turns out that the PMD performance of a smaller waveguide has a relatively strong error sensitivity to the AWG architecture, while the larger waveguide size has a relatively weak error sensitivity to the AWG architecture. Full article

Understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of soil salinization is essential for elucidating its driving mechanisms and supporting sustainable land and water management in arid regions. In this study, the Alar Reclamation Area in Xinjiang, a typical desert–oasis transition zone, was selected to investigate the drivers of spatiotemporal variation in soil salinization. GRACE gravity satellite observations for the period 2002–2022 were used to estimate groundwater storage (GWS) fluctuations. Contemporaneous Landsat multispectral imagery was employed to derive the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and a salinity index (SI), which were further integrated to construct the salinization detection index (SDI). Pearson correlation analysis, variance inflation factor analysis, and a stepwise regression framework were employed to identify the dominant factors controlling the occurrence and evolution of soil salinization. The results showed that severe salinization was concentrated along the Tarim River and in low-lying downstream zones, while salinity levels in the middle and upper parts of the reclamation area had generally declined or shifted to non-salinized conditions. SDI exhibited a strong negative correlation with NDVI (p ≤ 0.01) and a significant positive correlation with both irrigation quota and GWS (p ≤ 0.01). A pronounced collinearity was observed between GWS and irrigation quota. NDVI and GWS were identified as the principal drivers governing spatial–temporal variations in SDI. The resulting regression model (SDI = 0.946 − 0.959 × NDVI + 0.318 × GWS) established a robust quantitative relationship between SDI, NDVI and GWS, characterized by a high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.998). These statistics indicated the absence of multicollinearity (variance inflation factor, VIF < 5) and autocorrelation (Durbin–Watson ≈ 1.876). These findings provide a theoretical basis for the management of saline–alkali lands in the upper Tarim River region and offer scientific support for regional ecological sustainability. Full article

The genus Dysosma, a group of perennial herbaceous plants with significant medicinal value and a relatively narrow ecological niche, is potentially at risk due to the combined pressures of habitat degradation and climate change. As their habitats continue to degrade, all species of this genus have been included in the National Key Protected Wild Plants List (Category II). Investigating the impacts of climate change on the distribution of Dysosma resources is vital for their sustainable utilization. In this study, the potential distribution dynamics of seven Dysosma species under current and three future climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP585) were quantified using 534 occurrence points and 25 environmental variables in a MaxEnt model, accompanied by the ecological niche overlap index (Schoener’s D), dynamic metrics (relative change rate [RCR], change intensity [CI], stability index [SI], spatial displacement rate [SDR]), and centroid migration analysis. The results indicated that (1) areas of high habitat suitability were consistently concentrated in the mountainous and hilly regions of southwestern Guizhou, Chongqing, and Hubei, with the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) and the mean diurnal temperature range (Bio2) being identified as the primary driving factors. (2) The future suitable habitat areas remained highly stable overall (SI > 97.89%), though dynamic changes varied across scenarios. Under SSP126, only slight fluctuations were observed, with an average CI of approximately 3.78% and RCR ranging from −0.46% to 1.97%. Under the SSP245 scenario, suitable habitat areas showed a continuous, slight expansion (RCR = 0.45% to 1.54%), whereas under the high-emission SSP585 scenario, a typical “mid-term expansion–late-term contraction” pattern was observed, with RCR shifting from positive (1.32%, 1.44%) to negative (−0.92%). The SI reached its lowest value of 97.89% in the late term, and the spatial displacement rate increased, signaling a reorganization of the distribution pattern. (3) High ecological niche differentiation was observed within the genus, with the highest overlap index being only 0.562, and approximately one-third of species pairs exhibiting completely non-overlapping niches. (4) Dysosma tsayuensis, a niche-specialist species, exhibited a distribution that was highly dependent on the annual mean ultraviolet-B radiation (UVB, contribution rate 52.9%), displaying an adaptation strategy markedly different from that of conservative species. (5) Centroid analysis indicated that, although the overall centroid remained stable in Guizhou, the presence of niche-specialist species under the high-emission SSP585 scenario resulted in migration paths opposite to those observed under other scenarios. The findings reveal the potential vulnerability and differential response patterns of Dysosma species under rapid climate warming, thereby providing a scientific basis for targeted conservation, in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, and population restoration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leishmaniasis constitutes one of the most fatal parasitic diseases globally, adversely impacting the health of individuals residing in both intertropical and temperate zones. In these geographical areas, the administration of treatment is often inconsistent and largely ineffective with the available pharmaceuticals, as these exhibit more pronounced side effects than the therapeutic advantages they purport to provide. Methods: Consequently, the current investigation seeks to engage in molecular modeling of novel pharmacological candidates incorporating 1,2,3 disubstituted triazole moieties, coordinated with Cu^II metal centers, in pursuit of promising bioactive properties. Results: Two complexes were prepared and X-ray analysis revealed a comparable structural configuration surrounding the copper (II) atom. The planar square coordination geometry was elucidated through the assessment of the ${\tau }_4=0$ (tau four) parameters. The comprehensive characterization encompasses HRMS-ESI (+), NMR, elemental analyses, mid-infrared, and UV-vis spectroscopic techniques. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) analyses will substantiate the findings obtained through UV-vis spectroscopy. Crucially, the biological assays against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis revealed that Complex 1 exhibited outstanding potency against the intracellular amastigote form, demonstrating a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 0.4 µM. This activity was 6-fold higher than that of amphotericin B (IC₅₀ = 2.5 µM) and 33-fold higher than pentamidine (IC₅₀ = 13.3 µM). Furthermore, Complex 1 showed a promising selectivity index (SI = 9.7) against amastigotes, surpassing the reference drugs and meeting the criteria for a lead compound. While less active on promastigotes, both complexes demonstrated high stability in DMSO solution, a prerequisite for biological testing. Conclusions: These results unequivocally identify Complex 1 as a highly promising candidate for the development of new antileishmanial therapies, warranting further in vivo studies. Full article

Background: This research aimed to investigate the antifungal and antibiofilm action of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (LaEO) against certain Candida species and its toxicity on human keratinocytes. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and sessile minimum inhibitory concentration (SMIC) of LaEO were both determined by broth microdilution assays. The influence of LaEO treatment on the ultrastructural morphology of the biofilm and germ tubes was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity studies were conducted using human HaCaT epidermal keratinocytes. Results: LaEO showed fungicidal action for all Candida species (125–4000 μg/mL). The SMIC_>90 (C. albicans) ranged between 10,000 and 20,000 μg/mL and resulted in quantitative and qualitative cellular changes. LaEO also inhibited the developmental germ tube kinetics of C. albicans. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CI₅₀) for HaCaT cells was estimated at 420 μg/mL of LaEO, resulting in a selectivity index (SI) of 0.376 to 5.753 for planktonic cells and 0.056 to 0.321 for biofilm phases. Conclusions: LaEO was found to have antifungal action against Candida species and inhibited the pathogenic morphology of C. albicans. Its antibiofilm effects are comparable to the antifungal agent nystatin, and it can become an important component for the development of natural products applicable to alternative and complementary medicine and dentistry. Full article

Efficient and reliable estimation of rice phenological stages is crucial for improving yield prediction, optimizing irrigation, and guiding fertilization management. Spectral indices (SIs) derived from remote sensing have demonstrated strong potential for phenology detection. However, the suitability of specific spectral indices (SIs) for individual growth stages remains unclear due to data limitations. This study addresses this gap using a 7-year (2019–2025) daily in situ hyperspectral dataset that includes shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands. We evaluated various SIs to determine their effectiveness in identifying key phenological stages. The results demonstrate that no single index captures the entire cycle; instead, a multi-index approach is required. The SWIR-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (SNDVI) proved superior for detecting irrigation, transplanting, and flowering. The Green–Red Vegetation Index (GRVI) effectively tracked tillering and heading, while the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Hue identified the maximum tillering stage. For the ripening phase, the Normalized Difference Yellowness Index (NDYI) exhibited the highest accuracy in detecting maturity. Validation against Sentinel-2 simulations revealed strong correlations ($R^2>0.81$) for greenness-related indices (NDVI, GRVI, SNDVI, EVI), whereas colorimetric indices showed weaker agreement. These findings establish a robust, multi-index framework for high-frequency rice phenology monitoring. Full article