Search Results (4,911)

The strategic choice of training system is essential for adapting viticulture to current climate change, ensuring a balance of physiological efficiency and the sustainability of productivity and oenological quality. This study evaluated the effects of vertical shoot positioning and foldable lyre systems (set at angles of 20°, 30° and 40°) on the physiological performance and yield of ‘Merlot’ grapevines. The experiment was conducted in a humid temperate region in Brazil over two consecutive seasons. The experiment followed a randomized block design. The variables evaluated included: the number of clusters per shoot, cluster weight, pruning weight, Ravaz Index, leaf area and yield; gas exchange parameters such as net CO₂ assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, rubisco carboxylation efficiency, intercellular CO₂ concentration and photosynthetic photon flux density; and chemical composition of berries such as pH, Total Soluble Solids and Titratable Acidity. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance, and the means were compared using Tukey’s test at a 5% probability level. The results indicated that canopy architecture significantly influenced solar radiation interception, with the 30° and 40° foldable lyre systems achieving the highest mean daily radiation levels, exceeding the vertical positioning system by 73.7% and 76.6%, respectively. Although gas exchange at the leaf level remained comparable across all systems, agronomic performance varied considerably. The 40° foldable lyre system achieved the highest yield (22.99 t ha⁻¹), representing a 63.1% increase over the vertical positioning system (14.10 t ha⁻¹). The number of buds in the foldable lyre systems increased by around 70%, which is closely in line with the observed increase in yield. In addition, the foldable lyre systems provided about 40% more leaf area than the vertical positioning system. These findings suggest that divided canopy systems, such as foldable lyre systems, particularly at 30° and 40°, optimize bud load, fruitfulness per shoot, light interception and significantly increase yield without compromising individual physiological efficiency and berry chemical composition, with a balance between vegetation and fruit load preserved and with positive effects on the ripeness and quality of the grapes. Full article

Exogenous glucose functions not only as a carbon source but also as a key signaling molecule involved in regulating root development and metabolism in plants. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this response in cherry rootstock (Prunus cerasus), we performed RNA-seq on lateral roots collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after glucose treatment. Transcriptome profiling revealed a dynamic and sustained transcriptional reprogramming, with a total of 461 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) consistently altered across all post-treatment time points relative to the control (T0). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified five modules strongly correlated with glucose exposure, notably enriched for genes involved in nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur metabolism. Functional enrichment analyses further revealed a pronounced overrepresentation of pathways associated with nutrient utilization, as well as carbon fixation, glycolysis, amino acid biosynthesis, and stress-responsive processes such as glutathione metabolism and MAPK signaling. Intriguingly, key transcription factors and signaling components were consistently co-enriched across multiple functional categories, suggesting the presence of a tightly coordinated regulatory network that links sugar sensing to metabolic reprogramming, redox homeostasis, and developmental plasticity. Notably, glucose treatment induced both activation and repression of nitrogen-related genes in distinct co-expression modules, indicating fine-tuned modulation of nutrient uptake in response to carbon availability. Together, these findings suggest that exogenous glucose triggers a systems-level shift in root physiology, coordinating primary metabolism with stress adaptation and growth regulation through tightly interconnected carbon–nitrogen–sulfur metabolic circuits. Full article

Efficient microbial assimilation of high-concentration ammonium nitrogen and its conversion into value-added bioproducts represent a pivotal yet underexplored strategy for sustainable nitrogen management. Here, we report a newly isolated Bacillus velezensis strain, GY1, with a robust intrinsic capacity for simultaneous NH₄⁺-N assimilation and γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) biosynthesis. Under optimized conditions (37 °C, pH 7.0, C/N = 12:1), GY1 achieved 76.5% removal of ammonium nitrogen (400 mg/L) with negligible nitrite accumulation (<0.02 mg/L), indicating assimilation rather than nitrification. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a coordinated metabolic flux wherein the glutamine synthetase - glutamate synthase pathway GS-GOGAT pathway supplies glutamate for γ-PGA synthesis, while polymerization further facilitates ammonium sequestration via electrostatic interactions. GY1 produced up to 612.8 mg/L γ-PGA, and genetic overexpression of capB synchronized these pathways, enhancing both ammonium assimilation (87.4%) and γ-PGA yield (843.9 mg/L). Notably, this metabolic coupling remained resilient in complex substrates, achieving 68.8% ammonium removal and 220.7 mg/L γ-PGA production in untreated biogas slurry. Together, these findings establish GY1 as a metabolically robust platform linking nitrogen assimilation with biopolymer synthesis, offering a mechanistic framework for circular nitrogen economies. Full article

Hailstorms frequently develop in Yun-Gui Plateau, Western China, which bring about significant economic damage. Due to the high terrain, these storms are typically shallow, rapidly evolving, and challenging to forecast. An X-band phased-array radar (XPAR) network is set up at Weining in Yun-Gui Plateau to study these storms. To explore these XPAR data for numerical prediction of hailstorms in this region, we implement the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model and Hydrometeor and Latent Heat Nudging (HLHN) method to assimilate the data and conduct prediction experiments. The XPAR data was evaluated along with the operational Severe Weather Automatic Nowcast (SWAN) system radar mosaic data. Furthermore, a humidity adjustment scheme is used to overcome inconsistency of the humidity field and related prediction errors. The model results show that in comparison to the SWAN data, assimilating XPAR data in 1-min intervals significantly reduces the model error, and improves the representation of rapid hail cloud evolution. Additionally, adjusting the model humidity based on vertically integrated liquid (VIL) derived from the radar data can effectively correct model analyses of humidity and temperatures, suppressing spurious convection, thus improving the hailstorm forecast. Overall, we recommend joint assimilation of the high spatiotemporal resolution XPAR data along with SWAN radar data with the improved WRF-HLHN for hailstorm prediction over the study region, and the algorithm can be promptly adapted to forecasting hailstorms in other regions. Full article

Coastal seas around Aotearoa, New Zealand, are among the least observed parts of the global ocean, limiting our ability to monitor and forecast marine conditions. The Moana Project addresses this gap with a new observing system that includes temperature sensors mounted on commercial fishing gear—the Mangōpare fishing vessel network. This study presents the first evaluation of New Zealand’s operational ocean 4D-Var data assimilation system that incorporates these fishing vessel (FV) observations into a regional ROMS model. Using just over one year of operational forecasts, we show that FV temperature profiles significantly improve subsurface temperature representation, especially in coastal regions where satellite products have warm biases or miss key features such as upwelling and mesoscale variability. Assimilation of FV data reduces background temperature biases throughout the upper ocean and enhances forecast skill in areas influenced by major currents and dynamic coastal processes. We also identify sensitivity to periods of missing satellite sea surface temperature, which can lead to overfitting of the available observations. Overall, the results demonstrate that FV observations provide essential subsurface information and can substantially strengthen operational coastal ocean forecasting systems. Full article

Background: Today, it is important to measure livestock water consumption to devise sustainable solutions that consider environmental issues, livestock health requirements and animal welfare. Methods: This longitudinal study measured the water consumption of 66 calves subjected to two feeding diets: a recommended diet as control (CON) and an optimised diet (OPT). Individual measurements were collected daily and summarised on a weekly basis over a 20-week period. The analysis considered the impact of environmental conditions depending on the season of the calf’s birth. Results: Before weaning, calves spontaneously drank significant amounts of water in addition to the water brought by the calf milk replacer (CMR), but there was variability between animals. Water consumption among calves in the OPT group was higher than that among calves in the CON group from week 4 onwards (p = 0.005). At weaning, there was a significant increase in water consumption with a total water intake higher in calves in the OPT group compared to calves in the CON group (118.4 L and 78.9 L; p < 0.001). After weaning, water consumption was correlated with the solid feed intake in our model, which did not include direct fodder other than straw. There were no seasonal effects on water consumption before weaning at 9 weeks, but effects were observed after 13 weeks on the feeding plan (p = 0.008), with higher water consumption among calves born in winter and exposed to warmer temperatures in spring. Over a 20-week period, when calves had reached a weight of 180 kg in the OPT group and 150 kg in the CON group, water consumption had reached 1602 L and 1400 L respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Free access to water should be maintained in calf rearing facilities, as water contributes to concentrated CMR and dry solid feed assimilation and the welfare of calves when the feeding plan remains at a modest level, enabling them to tolerate fluctuating environmental conditions. Full article

The integration of microalgal cultivation with wastewater streams offers a promising pathway to enhance resource efficiency within circular bioeconomy frameworks. However, the suitability of clarified aquaponics sedimentation effluent for producing carbohydrate-rich microalgal biomass remains insufficiently evaluated, particularly with respect to nutrient recovery and bioethanol-relevant feedstock potential. In this study, clarified aquaponics sedimentation effluent was assessed as a cultivation medium for Chlorella sp. under controlled laboratory conditions. Biomass productivity, nutrient removal performance, and carbohydrate accumulation were systematically evaluated and compared with conventional synthetic medium. Chlorella sp. cultivated in clarified aquaponic effluent achieved a maximum biomass concentration of approximately 2.05 g L⁻¹, exceeding that obtained in Bold’s Basal Medium. Carbohydrate content exceeded 40% of dry weight, indicating suitability for fermentable sugar production. Nitrate and phosphate removal efficiencies greater than 95% were achieved, with mass balance analysis confirming biological assimilation as the primary removal mechanism (~87.4%). This confirms the dual functionality of the system. The effective nutrient assimilation and confirmed the dual functionality of the system as both a biomass production and nutrient recovery process. Comparable performance under diluted and undiluted effluent conditions further indicated that freshwater dilution is not required following clarification. Light saturation was observed at 180–190 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, providing guidance for energy-efficient operation. These findings demonstrate that clarified aquaponics effluent can serve as an effective alternative growth medium for producing carbohydrate-rich Chlorella sp. biomass while enabling nutrient recovery. The estimated bioethanol potential is theoretical, based on stoichiometric conversion assumptions, and experimental fermentation was not conducted. This work provides quantitative evidence supporting the integration of microalgae into aquaponic systems and establishes a foundation for future pilot-scale, techno-economic, and life-cycle assessments. Full article

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a woody plant primarily cultivated for silkworm breeding, with significant economic and ecological functions. Its nitrogen use efficiency directly affects leaf yield, quality, and environmental adaptability. The main inorganic nitrogen forms available for plant uptake in soil are ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, and plant uptake and assimilation of these two nitrogen sources often exhibit species-specific preferences. This review systematically summarizes the research progress on nitrogen uptake preferences in mulberry, confirming that this species generally shows a preferential uptake of nitrate. Specifically, when supplied with nitrate or a mixed nitrogen source dominated by nitrate, mulberry exhibits better performance in growth and development, photosynthetic efficiency, and accumulation of secondary metabolites. This review further discusses the physiological characteristics and underlying regulatory mechanisms responsible for this preference, and analyzes key factors affecting nitrogen uptake preferences, including soil properties, environmental stresses, and microbial interactions. It should be noted that while controlled experiments have yielded important insights, the applicability of these findings under complex field conditions still requires further validation through field trials. Finally, future research directions are prospected, including in-depth dissection of molecular mechanisms, field validation, plant-microbe interactions, and nutritional strategies for stress resistance, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for efficient cultivation and precise nitrogen management of mulberry. Full article

Fish host complex intestinal bacterial communities that contribute to a wide range of functions, from nutrient assimilation to modulation of the immune system. Understanding how environmental and host-related factors shape the fish gut microbiota is essential for advancing sustainable aquaculture practices. This study compared the intestinal microbiota of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) between wild and aquaculture populations in western Greece using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing targeting the V3–V4 region, combined with culture-based methods. The analysis was based on a 97% similarity threshold and included 141 gastrointestinal samples of fish collected at two aquaculture facilities and two wild fisheries, representing two different growth phases (150 g and 300 g body weight). High-throughput sequencing data revealed a clear separation of gut microbial communities according to origin (wild vs. aquaculture), geographic location, and body growth phase, with most wild fish groups exhibiting higher microbial diversity than their farmed counterparts, except for group MES_150 which showed similar or lower values. The gut microbiota was dominated by Pseudomonadota (53%), Bacillota (29%), Actinomycetota (7%), Deinococcota (5%), and Bacteroidota (4%). A shared core microbiome, comprising Psychrobacter, Staphylococcus, Geobacillus, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Pantoea, Bacillus, and Acinetobacter, was detected across all populations. Wild fish were enriched in Psychrobacter, Aeromonas, and Photobacterium, while aquaculture fish displayed higher abundances of Vibrio, Allomeiothermus, and Staphylococcus. Network analysis revealed mostly mutually exclusive interactions in both groups but distinct patterns of co-occurrence, driven mainly by Paenibacillus, Enterobacter, and Staphylococcus in wild samples, and by Vibrio, Aeromonas, and Pseudomonas in farmed fish. Culture-based assays demonstrated greater diversity in wild fish, dominated by Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Vibrio strains, in contrast to the frequent occurrence of Staphylococcus and Psychrobacter in aquaculture samples. The findings suggest that aquaculture practices significantly alter gut microbial community structure and reduce diversity, with potential implications for fish health and disease resistance. The identified core and differentially abundant taxa provide candidates for probiotic development to improve aquaculture sustainability. Full article

Potassium (K⁺) is a vital macronutrient for plant growth and stress resilience, with KT/HAK/KUP transporters playing a central role in its homeostasis. Although these transporters are known to influence photosynthesis, the molecular mechanisms by which fertilization promotes assimilate accumulation in peach crops remain poorly understood. In this study, 17 PpHAK genes were identified based on the peach genome and classified into four distinct clades through phylogenetic analysis, a classification further supported by conserved gene structures and motifs. Interspecific collinearity analysis revealed that transporters are highly conserved among Rosaceae species. Physiological measurements demonstrated that foliar application significantly enhanced photosynthetic capacity, as evidenced by a 33% increase in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and improved photoelectron yield (Y(II)). At the same time, the transcript levels of the transporters PpHAK1, PpHAK5, and PpHAK9 were significantly upregulated, as confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in sugar metabolism and transport, particularly PpPLT5-1, was significantly induced. Collectively, these results indicate that foliar K⁺ application enhances photosynthesis and promotes assimilate accumulation by modulating the expression of both K⁺ and sugar transporters. These findings offer a theoretical basis for optimizing nutrient management to improve fruit quality in stone fruit production. Full article

Photosynthetic algae–microbial fuel cells (PAMFCs) are attractive for energy-positive wastewater treatment and carbon mitigation. However, PAMFC performance under continuous flow is often constrained by limited cathodic electron-acceptor supply and unstable photosynthetic biofilms, while the extent to which cathode interfacial engineering can stabilize diurnal power output and assimilative NH₄⁺–N removal remains unclear. In this study, the sponge-like and petal-like ZnO_0.2-NiO@rGO-modified carbon fibers (ZnO_0.2-NiO@rGO-pCFs and ZnO_0.2-NiO@rGO-pCFp) and pre-fabricated carbon felt (pCF) were used as cathode materials to construct three sets of PAMFC systems. Under light–dark cycling, the engineered cathodes reached steady operation within about 6.5 d and increased the steady-state voltage to approximately 0.35 V, compared with approximately 0.08 V for pCF. Under continuous-flow conditions, cathodic NH₄⁺–N removal exhibited a stable diurnal rhythm, with higher removal during illumination at about 43–51% than in the dark at about 29–30%, consistent with algal assimilation as the primary nitrogen sink, while cathode modification mainly improved the cathodic microenvironment and response stability. Compared with pCF, the ZnO_0.2–NiO@rGO cathode enriched a more even, Chlorophyta-dominated algal biofilm with an approximate relative abundance of 80%, indicating that its selective interfacial environment favors biofilm stabilization and sustains in situ oxygen production and cathodic electron-acceptor supply. Consequently, the composite cathode enhanced voltage output and stabilized light-enhanced, assimilative NH₄⁺–N removal under aeration-free operation, while establishing an interpretable link between electrochemical performance and 18S rDNA-derived community assembly features, thereby providing a low-cost cathode design basis for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. Full article

The carnauba palm trees in the Caatinga ecosystem, in Northeast Brazil, have been impacted by invasive species, particularly in areas subject to flooding. This study aimed to evaluate morphological, physiological, and nutritional responses of Copernicia prunifera (native) and Cryptostegia madagascariensis (invasive) seedlings exposed to flooding stress. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design, with a split-plot arrangement and five replicates. The treatments were formed by two species and five periods of flood stress (0, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days). Flooding significantly reduced shoot dry mass in both species; however, the reduction was more pronounced in the invasive species (27%) compared to the native palm (20%). The invasive species showed strong use of resources, with higher values for leaf mineral nutrient, net photosynthesis, growth rate, and leaf area, regardless of the water regime. Under flooding, the invasive species produced adventitious roots, and the net photosynthetic rate was less impacted, despite greater sodium accumulation in the leaves. The results indicate that the characteristics of C. prunifera, such as slow growth rate, low specific leaf area, and morphological adaptations of the root system, may ensure greater stability in net carbon assimilation in the whole plant under flooding. However, the rapid growth and high absorption of soil resources of C. madagascariensis pose a significant threat to the establishment of C. prunifera seedlings, directly jeopardizing the long-term renewal of carnauba palm groves in the Caatinga ecosystem. Full article

Enhancing rice yield under high-input systems increasingly relies on optimizing physiological processes rather than further increasing external inputs. This study aimed to clarify the physiological basis underlying the yield advantage of super hybrid rice, focusing on photosynthetic capacity and assimilate transport. We compared super hybrid rice (Yliangyou 3218 and Yliangyou 5867) with super conventional rice (Zhendao 11 and Nanjing 9108) under field conditions in 2023–2024. Super hybrid rice consistently outperformed super conventional rice, with grain yield 19.7% higher in 2023 and 23.7% higher in 2024, primarily due to an increased number of spikelets per panicle, and grain yield was also positively correlated with photosynthetic capacity (net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, maximum carboxylation rate, maximum electron transport rate and triose phosphate utilization rate). In 2024, spikelets per panicle and grain yield were also positively associated with phloem soluble sugar and vascular bundle number, indicating that enhanced assimilate transport contributed to higher spikelet formation. These results demonstrate that, compared to super conventional rice, the yield advantage of super hybrid rice is underpinned by coordinated enhancement of photosynthesis and assimilate transport, highlighting the importance of source–sink optimization for further yield improvement. Full article

Background: Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly permeating healthcare; yet, U.S. clinicians still report mixed feelings about its reliability, impact on workflow, and ethical implications. Current data on provider sentiment are needed to guide safe, patient-centered AI implementation in healthcare. Objective: This study aimed to assess U.S. healthcare providers’ perceptions of generative AI adoption, perceived usefulness, training needs, barriers, and strategies for safe integration. Methods: A nationwide, IRB-approved, cross-sectional survey was administered to healthcare professionals using Qualtrics. A convenience sample of clinicians was recruited via professional listservs and e-mail invitations. The 20-page questionnaire captured demographics, GenAI exposure, organizational adoption status, perceived usefulness (5-point scale), barriers, and mitigation strategies. SPSS v27 and Microsoft Excel were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of 130 respondents, 109 completed the core survey (completion rate 83.8%). Participants were 38.5% physicians, 16.5% nurses, 12.8% allied professionals, and 32.2% other providers; 54.2% were women, and 64.8% were ≥50 years. Overall, 86.9% agreed that GenAI is useful in current patient care, rising to 92.9% when asked about future usefulness. Only 42.4% had received formal GenAI training, and just 23.2% reported that their organization had begun adopting AI. The top perceived benefits were improved documentation/clerking (57.0%) and error reduction (49.4%). Dominant barriers included limited AI knowledge (24.7%) and fear of job loss (16.9%). Despite concerns, 72% expressed willingness to support broader GenAI adoption, favoring human oversight (67.1%) and staff training (60.8%) as key safeguards. There were statistically significant findings in perceived AI usefulness by gender (χ² = 29.2; p < 0.001); organizational adoption of AI (χ² = 31.6.2; p = 0.047) and where AI is most useful (χ² = 101.1; p < 0.001) by qualifications; and support for AI adoption by age (χ² = 18.0; p = 0.02). Conclusions: U.S. clinicians in our survey viewed GenAI as useful but reported limited training and organizational infrastructure needed for confident use while also expressing concerns regarding data privacy and ethical risk. Education programs and transparent, provider-led implementation strategies may accelerate responsible GenAI assimilation while addressing ethical and workforce concerns. Also, health administrators should use the efficiency gains to improve provider–patient relationships and clinicians’ work–life balance while reducing clinician burnout rates. Full article

Drought and elevated temperature are major abiotic stresses that limit potato growth and productivity; however, their combined effects on biomass and oxidative damage to proteins remain poorly understood. We investigated individual and interactive effects of drought and elevated temperature on growth traits, yield, protein carbonylation, 20S proteasome activity, and the leaf proteome. Results show that while an elevated temperature alone did not significantly impair vegetative biomass or yield, it markedly intensified the negative impacts of drought during simultaneous exposure. Drought and combined stress substantially reduced stem and leaf mass, as well as assimilation area. Biochemically, drought induced protein carbonylation and stimulated 20S proteasome activity. Interestingly, elevated temperature reduced carbonylation and proteasome activity, yet its presence in combined stress exacerbated oxidative damage compared to drought. Proteomic analysis revealed stress-specific carbonylation of molecular chaperones, antioxidant enzymes, and proteins involved in photosynthesis, glycolysis, and energy metabolism. These results suggest that while potato plants exhibit resilience to moderately elevated temperature, the synergistic effect of heat and drought triggers a more severe oxidative challenge. This requires enhanced proteolytic and antioxidant mechanisms to maintain growth and productivity under complex stress conditions. Full article