Search Results (223)

Aluminum (Al) stress is an important factor that inhibits crop growth in acidic soils and poses a threat to pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) production. In this study, we investigated the effect of endophyte (endophyte) strain J01 of blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) on the growth, development, and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of pumpkin under aluminum stress. The results showed that the blueberry endophyte strain J01 significantly increased the root length of pumpkin under aluminum stress, promoted the growth of lateral roots, and increased root vigor; strain J01 reduced the content of MDA and the relative conductivity in the root system; strain J01 enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the root system but inhibited ascorbate peroxidase activity. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that strain J01 significantly regulated the expression of key genes associated with aluminum tolerance, including the upregulation of transporter protein genes (aluminum-activated malate transporter and aquaporin), affecting the gene expression levels of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase) and cell wall modification genes (xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase and pectin methylesterase). This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for using microbial resources to improve aluminum tolerance in cucurbit crops. Full article

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles contain different chemicals that can act as endocrine disruptors. Phthalates and bisphenol A can be found in various foods and beverages packaged in PET packaging or aluminum cans. For some phthalates, the European Union has established specified tolerable daily intakes for humans. This study aimed to establish the changes, types of phthalates (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-n-octyl phthalate), and bisphenol A concentrations in beer packaged in PET bottles and stored at two temperatures (4 °C and 20 °C) for four months. Beers were obtained from a local brewery after packaging into PET bottles and stored at the designated temperatures. GC-MS analysis was performed to determine phthalates and bisphenol A. Obtained data show that beers packaged in PET bottles can contain significant amounts of bisphenol A, and that their concentration increases with storage time. Phthalates were also identified in the samples, with the highest concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate found in the sample kept at 20 °C after 1 month of storage, sample P5; this concentration was 164.814 µg/L. BPA was recorded with the highest concentration in sample P11, which underwent 4 months of storage at a temperature of 20 °C. Full article

Background: Aluminum (Al) toxicity severely limits Medicago sativa (alfalfa) production on acidic soils, resulting in major yield losses worldwide. The highly conserved miRNA156 (miR156) functions by downregulating at least 11 SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors in alfalfa, including SPL13, but its role in Al stress remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the miR156/SPL regulatory network’s function in alfalfa under Al stress. Methods: Gene expression analyses, histochemical staining, nutrient profiling, phenotypic assays, transcriptome profiling, and ChIP-seq were conducted on alfalfa plants with altered miR156 and SPL13 expression to assess their roles in the Al stress response. Results: Al stress induced SPL13 expression while repressing miR156 in the roots. Elevated miR156 intensified Al accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and plasma membrane damage, accompanied by reduced leaf nitrogen, magnesium, sulfur, and phosphorus content. Phenotypically, increased SPL13 enhanced the root length and Al tolerance, whereas SPL13 silencing reduced tolerance. Transcriptome profiling of SPL13-silenced plants identified differentially expressed genes involved in the Al response, including aluminum-activated malate transporters and various transcription factors (GRAS, Myb-related, bHLH041, NAC, WRKY53, bZIP, and MADS-box). ChIP-seq revealed that SPL13 directly regulates genes encoding a protein kinase, cytochrome P450, and fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins. Conclusions: The MsmiR156/MsSPL13 network plays a crucial regulatory role in alfalfa’s response to Al toxicity. These findings provide novel genetic targets and foundational knowledge to advance molecular breeding for enhanced Al tolerance in alfalfa. Full article

In today’s aviation industry, research and studies are carried out to manufacture and design lightweight, high-performance materials. One of the materials developed in line with this goal is glass laminate aluminum-reinforced epoxy (GLARE), which consists of thin aluminum sheets and S2-glass/epoxy layers. Because of its high impact resistance and excellent fatigue and damage tolerance properties, GLARE is used in different aircraft parts, such as the wing, fuselage, empennage skins, and cargo floors. In this study, a survey was carried out and a low-velocity impact model for GLARE materials was developed using the ABAQUS (2014) version V6.14 software and compared with the results of low-velocity impact tests performed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7136 standard. This article introduces a novel integrated approach that combines detailed numerical modeling with experimental validation of GLARE 4A FMLs under low-velocity impact. Leveraging ABAQUS, a robust FEM featuring explicit analysis, cohesive resin interfaces, and custom VUMAT subroutines was developed to accurately simulate energy absorption, dent depth, and delamination. The precise model’s predictions align well with test results performed according to ASTM D7136 standards, exhibiting less than a 0.1% deviation in the displacement (dent depth)–time response, along with deviations of 4.3% in impact energy–time and 5.2% in velocity–time trends at 5.5 ms. Full article

Aluminum (Al) dissolves from soil at low pH and is absorbed by plants, inhibiting their growth. Since most of the Al absorbed by plants is present in the cell wall, it is thought that the binding of Al to cell wall polysaccharides alters the properties of the cell wall and inhibits cell elongation. However, it remains unclear in which component of the cell wall Al accumulates. In this study, we determined the distribution of Al in rice root cell wall fractions under Al stress conditions. The results show that Al accumulates predominantly in the hemicellulose fraction, with star1 mutants accumulating significantly more Al than WT plants. An analysis of cell wall sugars revealed an increase in xyloglucan content under Al stress, which influenced the inhibition of root elongation. OsXTH19, a member of the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) family, exhibits only xyloglucan endohydrolase (XEH) activity and lacks endotransglucosylase (XET) activity. OsXTH19 overexpressor rice (OsXTH19-OX) enhances the degradation of xyloglucan. Furthermore, OsXTH19-OX rice with reduced xyloglucan levels exhibited reduced Al accumulation and enhanced root growth under Al stress. Full article

The cell wall, acting as the first line of defense against aluminum (Al) toxicity, is the primary cellular structure that encounters and perceives Al³⁺. Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) plays a pivotal role in mediating cell wall remodeling, a critical mechanism for Al toxicity tolerance. In our previous studies, the candidate gene BnaXTH22 was identified through GWAS and RNA-seq analyses. Under Al toxicity stress, overexpression lines (OEs) exhibited a significant increase in the relative elongation of taproots (9.44–13.32%) and total root length (8.15–12.89%) compared to the wild type (WT). Following Al treatment, OEs displayed reduced MDA content and lower relative electrical conductivity, alongside a significantly higher root activity than WT. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes in OE under Al toxicity were predominantly enriched in stress-related biological processes, including phenylpropanoid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and lignin biosynthesis. These results suggest that BnaXTH22 overexpression could enhance Al toxicity tolerance in rapeseed, potentially by modulating cell wall synthesis to bolster plant resistance. Full article

Attaining dimensional accuracy in CNC-machined parts is essential for high-precision manufacturing, especially when working with materials that exhibit varying mechanical and thermal characteristics. This research provides a thorough experimental comparison of manual and automated metrological systems, specifically the Digital Vernier Caliper (DVC) and Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), as applied to five different engineering alloys through five progressively machined axial zones. The study assesses absolute error, relative error, standard deviation, and measurement repeatability, factoring in material hardness, thermal conductivity, and surface changes due to machining. The results indicate that DVC performance is significantly affected by operator input and surface irregularities, with standard deviations reaching 0.03333 mm for Bronze C51000 and relative errors surpassing 1.02% in the initial zones. Although DVC occasionally showed lower absolute errors (e.g., 0.206 mm for Aluminum 6061), these advantages were countered by greater uncertainty and poor repeatability. In comparison, CMM demonstrated enhanced precision and consistency across all materials, with standard deviations below 0.0035 mm and relative errors being neatly within the 0.005–0.015% range, even with challenging alloys like Stainless Steel 304. Furthermore, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted to identify underlying measurement–property relationships. The PCA highlighted clear groupings based on sensitivity to error in manual versus automated methods, facilitating predictive classification of materials according to their metrological reliability. The introduction of multivariate modeling also establishes a new framework for intelligent metrology selection based on material characteristics and machining responses. These results advocate for using CMM in applications requiring precise tolerances in the aerospace, biomedical, and high-end tooling sectors, while suggesting that DVC can serve as an auxiliary tool for less critical evaluations. This study provides practical recommendations for aligning measurement techniques with Industry 4.0’s needs for accuracy, reliability, and data-driven quality assurance. Full article

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an effective technique for material identification and classification, utilizing spectral signatures with applications in remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and allied disciplines. Despite its potential, the broader adoption of HSI technology is hindered by challenges related to compactness, affordability, and durability, exacerbated by the absence of standardized protocols for developing practical hyperspectral cameras. This study introduces a comprehensive framework for developing a compact, cost-effective, and robust hyperspectral camera, employing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and a volume phase holographic (VPH) grism. The use of COTS components reduces development time and manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate performance, thereby improving accessibility for researchers and engineers. The incorporation of a VPH grism enables an on-axis optical design, enhancing compactness, reducing alignment sensitivity, and improving system robustness. The proposed framework encompasses spectrograph design, including optical simulations and tolerance analysis conducted in ZEMAX OpticStudio, alongside assembly procedures, performance assessment, and hyperspectral image acquisition via a pushbroom scanning approach, all integrated into a structured, step-by-step workflow. The resulting prototype, housed in an aluminum enclosure, operates within the 420–830 nm wavelength range, achieving a spectral resolution of 2 nm across 205 spectral bands. It effectively differentiates vegetation, water, and built structures, resolves atmospheric absorption features, and demonstrates the ability to distinguish materials in low-light conditions, providing a scalable and practical advancement in HSI technology. Full article

We explored anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) stealth materials combining low infrared emissivity and visible structural coloration through multi-parameter modulation. Using DC ion gold sputtering and UHV magnetron chromium sputtering, we successfully prepared an AAO stealth material with high-saturation visible structural coloration and low infrared emissivity (ε < 0.17). Quantitative evaluation based on the CIE Lab color difference model indicated that the gold-coated samples had high matching accuracy with PANTONE standard colors ($\mathsf{\Delta }{E}_{ab}^{*}$ < 1.6). The chromium-coated samples had slightly lower matching accuracy ($\mathsf{\Delta }{E}_{ab}^{*}$ < 3.0), but still displayed rich coloration, with color difference within human-perceptible tolerance limits. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important perennial leguminous forage; however, its high sensitivity to aluminum (Al) stress severely restricts its cultivation in regions with acidic soil. Therefore, this study conducted an integrated assessment of Al stress tolerance by performing systematic evaluations of 11 growth and physiological parameters across 30 alfalfa cultivars under Al stress, and calculated the Al tolerance coefficients based on these parameters. The results revealed that Al stress markedly inhibited root growth and biomass accumulation in alfalfa, thereby triggering increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in roots across most cultivars, the scope of increase is 0.19–183.07%. Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) increased by 7.50–121.44%, 2.50–135.89%, and 3.84–70.01%, respectively. Based on the comprehensive evaluation value (D) obtained via principal component analysis and membership function, the 30 alfalfa cultivars were categorized into four distinct groups: 4 highly Al-tolerant cultivars, 11 moderately high-Al-tolerant cultivars, 9 moderately low-Al-tolerant cultivars, and 6 low-Al-tolerant cultivars. Stepwise linear regression analysis identified root elongation rate, root-to-shoot ratio, root volume, SOD, MDA, CAT, root dry weight, POD, and root length as pivotal indicators for predicting and evaluating Al stress tolerance in alfalfa cultivars. The qRT-PCR analysis showed dynamic changes in ABC transporter gene expression in alfalfa roots over time under aluminum stress. Therefore, this study comprehensively evaluated Al tolerance by systematically investigating the morphophysiological effects of Al stress across 30 alfalfa cultivars using principal component analysis (PCA), membership function, and hierarchical clustering analysis. It provides a practical solution for expanding alfalfa planting in acid soil and improving feed production in acidic environments. Full article

Thermoplastic fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are hybrid material systems that consist of a thin aluminum alloy sheet bonded to plies of fiber-reinforced adhesive. They provide excellent properties like fatigue strength, damage-tolerant properties, and inherent resistance to corrosion. However, they are still challenging materials in terms of the metal–composite interface, which is the weakest link in this material system. In this paper, an experimental–numerical method for the determination of the fracture stress and energy for metal–composite interlayer is presented and verified. The proposed method utilizes four different experimental tests: DCB test (interface opening—mode I), ENF test (interface shearing—mode II), MMB test (mixed-mode I+II—opening with the shearing of the interface) and three-point bending test (3PB). For each test, digital twin in the form of a numerical model is prepared. The established numerical models for DCB and ENF allowed us to determine fracture stress and energy for mode I and mode II, respectively. On the basis of the numerical and experimental (from the MMB test) data, the B-K exponent is determined. Finally, the developed material model is verified in a three-point bending test, which results in mixed-mode conditions. The research is conducted on the thermoplastic FML made of aluminum alloy sheet and glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6. The research presented is complemented by fundamental mechanical tests, image processing and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. As an effect, for the tested material, fracture parameters are determined using the described method. Full article

Aluminum (Al) stress is typical for acidic soils and may affect cereals’ yield. Al tolerance in triticale is mostly affected by the aluminum-activated malate transporter (ALMT) gene (7R) and some other QTLs (3R, 5R, and 6R). The trait is heritable in about 36% of cases, indicating that epigenetic factors may impact the phenomenon. This study demonstrates that utilizing different methods to quantify DNA methylation changes induced by Al stress results in detail differences, and the results evaluated should be compared critically. The Common and the basic General approaches are sufficient if general information is needed. The General (extended variant) approach may deliver data on methylation changes affecting symmetric sequence contexts. The markers assigned to DN-CG, DM-CG, and DN-CHG were suggested as the most important in explaining Al tolerance in triticale. Analysis of the maps constructed based on root tips and leaf tissues showed different densities of the epigenetic markers but reflected the comparable patterns of their distribution, supporting the hypothesis that Al stress could be transmitted to other plant tissues due to somatic memory. Methylation changes occur throughout the genome and are not associated with specific genes related to aluminum stress. Full article

Aluminum toxicity severely inhibits root elongation and nutrient uptake, causing global agricultural yield losses. Dissolved Al³⁺ are accumulating in plants and subsequently entering food chains via crops and forage plants. Chronic dietary exposure to Al³⁺ poses a risk to human health. In this study, Pseudomonas sp. strain ADAl3–4, isolated from plant rhizosphere soil, significantly enhanced plant development and biomass. Phenotypic validation using Arabidopsis mutants showed that strain ADAl3–4 regulates plant growth and development under aluminum stress by reprogramming the cell cycle, regulating auxin and ion homeostasis, and enhancing the root absorption of Al³⁺ from the soil. Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses showed that strain ADAl3–4 promotes plant growth via regulating signal transduction, phytohormone biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and antioxidant capacity, etc., under aluminum stress. Our findings indicate that Pseudomonas sp. strain ADAl3–4 enhances plant development and stress resilience under Al³⁺ toxicity through a coordinated multi-dimensional regulatory network. Furthermore, strain ADAl3–4 promoted the root absorption of aluminum rather than the transportation of Al to the aerial part, endowing it with application prospects. Full article

The phytotoxicity of aluminum (Al) to plants is well known. Auxin accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst induced by Al toxicity are the key factors in root growth inhibition. Yucasin, an auxin synthesis inhibitor, effectively ameliorates Al phytotoxicity in tomato seedlings. However, the physiological mechanisms by which yucasin alleviates Al phytotoxicity in tomatoes remain elusive. Here, we examined the regulatory mechanisms of yucasin involved in tomato seedling growth under Al conditions through phenotypic, plant physiology analysis, and cellular experiments. Exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) application increased Al accumulation in tomato seedling roots, while yucasin decreased Al accumulation. Yucasin application reduced Al-induced ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and cell death, enhanced root viability, and promoted tomato seedling root growth. Further, yucasin enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in plants under Al conditions. The results suggest that yucasin improves the scavenging capacity of ROS by maintaining the activities of antioxidative enzymes. This study elucidates the physiological mechanism by which yucasin alleviates Al phytotoxicity, highlighting its potential to enhance plant tolerance under acidic Al conditions. Full article

The aim of this work is the design of a 200 W transmitting coil for a high-power wireless power transfer (WPT) system based on magnetic resonant coupling (MRC) to charge the battery of a drone in 1 h equipped with a WPT receiving coil integrated into the landing gear. This innovative solution is based on the use of the landing gear as the receiving coil, thereby obviating the need for an additional component (e.g., separate receiving coil). The proposed landing gear is fabricated from aluminum, to reduce weight, and to improve mechanical robustness and electrical performance. Consequently, the design reduces overall weight and system complexity while minimizing potential destabilization of the drone’s flight dynamics. However, a specific design of the primary coil is required to ensure high efficiency even in case of an inaccurate landing of the drone on a ground pad. To this aim, a double-D configuration is here proposed and optimized for the transmitting coil, while a double coil receiver in combination with a charge controller that uses a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is integrated into the landing gear. The results obtained from the simulations demonstrate that the proposed WPT system has excellent electrical efficiency and very high tolerance to coil misalignment in terms of the coupling coefficient due to imprecise landing. The transmission efficiency of the final test prototype can reach 95% with a coupling coefficient of k = 0.16, and it can drop to a minimum of 85% when misalignment occurs resulting in k = 0.06. Full article