Search Results (13,819)

Bacterial spot of the pepper (BSP) and the tomato (BST) caused by multiple Xanthomonas spp. remains a major constraint to production of both crops worldwide. The widespread breakdown of dominant resistance genes, such as Bs2, due to the emergence of virulent races, like Xanthomonas euvesicatoria P6, has underscored the need for more durable, non-race-specific resistance. The recessive genes, bs5; bs6; and bs8, have emerged as promising alternatives, conferring broad-spectrum resistance without triggering a hypersensitive response. In this study, we systematically evaluated the individual and combinatorial effects of these three recessive resistance genes against three Xanthomonas species, X. euvesicatoria (Xe), X. hortorum pv. gardneri (Xhg), and X. perforans (Xp). Using near-isogenic lines (NILs) developed in the susceptible Early Calwonder (ECW) background, we assessed the in planta bacterial population growth and symptom development across a panel of eight genotypes carrying different gene combinations. Our results demonstrate that bs5, particularly when combined with either bs6 or bs8, significantly reduces bacterial growth and disease severity across all three Xanthomonas species. The triple-stacked line (ECW568 (i.e., bs5, bs6, and bs8)) consistently displayed the strongest suppression of pathogen proliferation and symptom development. By contrast, bs6 and bs8, alone or in combination, were largely ineffective. In some cases, combining bs6 with bs8 was less effective than bs8 alone. These findings reinforce the central role of bs5 in conferring quantitative resistance and highlight the additive benefit of pyramiding recessive resistance genes. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that these recessive resistance genes are effective in limiting the ability of the emerging pathogen, X. perforans, to grow in planta, and thus are predicted to offer a high level of resistance in the field. Our work provides key insights for breeding durable, broad-spectrum resistance into commercial pepper cultivars and offers a framework for integrated disease management strategies in the face of rapidly evolving bacterial pathogens Full article

Plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems is an increasing environmental concern, prompting the search for biodegradable polymer (BP) alternatives. However, their degradation in natural aquatic environments remains poorly investigated and understood. This four-month in situ study compared the degradation in a lentic freshwater ecosystem of two compostable items, Mater-Bi^® shopping bag and disposable dish, with their respective pure polymer matrices, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA). Additionally, biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and oil-based polypropylene (PP) were also tested. Changes in morphology, chemical composition and thermal and mechanical properties, as well as microbial colonization, were analyzed over time. A validated cleaning protocol was employed to ensure accurate surface analysis. Results showed detectable but limited degradation of pure polymers and their matrices in commercial products after 120 days of immersion with variations observed among polymer materials. Compostable materials exhibited significant leaching of fillers (starch, inorganic particles), leading to morphological changes and fragmentation. PHBV showed the fastest degradation among tested polyesters. PP exhibited only minor surface changes. Microbial colonization varied with polymer structure and degradability, but long-term degradation was limited by polymer properties and the gradual development of the plastisphere. This study highlights that standard laboratory tests may overestimate the environmental degradability of BPs and emphasizes the importance of in situ assessments, careful cleaning procedures and property characterizations to accurately assess polymer degradation in freshwater systems. Full article

Social media promotion of harmful products (e.g., combustible tobacco) poses a public health threat. However, strategies that amplify exposure to and engagement with such content remain understudied. This study aims to characterize strategies boosting cigar, little cigar, and cigarillo (CLCC) marketing visibility, referrals, and engagement on Instagram. Using keyword rules, we collected publicly available CLCC-related Instagram posts from CrowdTangle for a six-year period from August 2016 to October 2021. Posts were categorized as commercial (e.g., posts by tobacco brands or vendors) or organic and were coded for consumer engagement (CE) strategies (e.g., presence of prompts to like/share) using a combination of machine learning methods and human coding. Temporal engagement trends were analyzed using metadata. A total of 320,488 CLCC-related public posts were collected, with 44.6% (n = 142,875) identified as overtly commercial. Of these, 33.5% (n = 47,832) contained CE cues, including discounts and giveaways for tagging peers, liking, commenting, or following CLCC brands and spokesperson/influencers accounts, as well as calls to participate in contests and polls. Overtly commercial CE messages consistently garnered more comments per post and likes per post than non-CE commercial posts. There was a significant upward trend in the rate of comments on CE posts, suggesting growing effectiveness in eliciting user interaction. The proliferation of and high level of engagement with cigar-related promotional messages on Instagram demonstrate the need for public health surveillance and regulation of the evolving strategies promoting CLCC marketing exposure, reach, and engagement on social media. Full article

We report herein the development of a polyclonal antibody against ochratoxin A (OTA) using a specially designed synthetic OTA derivative as the immunizing hapten. This OTA derivative contains a tetrapeptide linker (glycyl-glycyl-glycyl-lysine, GGGK), through which it can be linked to a carrier protein and form an immunogenic conjugate. The OTA derivative (OTA-glycyl-glycyl-glycyl-lysine, OTA-GGGK) has been synthesized on a commercially available resin via the well-established Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis (Fmoc-SPPS) strategy; overall, this approach has allowed us to avoid tedious liquid-phase synthesis protocols, which are often characterized by multiple steps, several intermediate products and low overall yield. Subsequently, OTA-GGGK was conjugated to bovine thyroglobulin through glutaraldehyde, and the conjugate was used in an immunization protocol. The antiserum obtained was evaluated with a simple-format ELISA in terms of its titer and capability of recognizing the natural free hapten; the anti-OTA antibody, as a whole IgG fragment, was successfully applied to three different immunoanalytical systems for determining OTA in various food materials and wine samples, i.e., a multi-mycotoxin microarray bio-platform, an optical immunosensor, and a biotin–streptavidin ELISA, which has proved the analytical effectiveness and versatility of the anti-OTA antibody developed. The same approach may be followed for developing antibodies against other low-molecular-weight toxins and hazardous substances. Full article

Variegated Cymbidium lancifolium is a highly valued ornamental plant sought after in local and international markets. The commercial production of variegated C. lancifolium through traditional propagation methods faces significant challenges, such as low propagation rates and prolonged growth periods. This study aims to develop effective in vitro propagation techniques for variegated C. lancifolium through asymbiotic seed germination to enhance production efficiency and meet market demand. We examined the effects of various plant growth regulators and coconut water (CW) on in vitro seed germination. The highest germination percentage (46.8%) was recorded in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 50 mL/L CW, 4.0 µM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 2.3 µM kinetin (KN), and 2.9 µM gibberellic acid (GA₃). Seed-derived rhizomes were placed on MS medium containing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and NAA for proliferation. Among the auxins, NAA was the most effective, significantly increasing rhizome proliferation, with the highest number (17.4) and length (2.1 cm) observed at 5.0 µM. The rhizome explants were cultured in MS medium enriched with kinetin (KN), N⁶-(2-isopentenyl)adenine (2-IP), and N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) to promote plantlet regeneration. Of the cytokinins tested, BA at 10.0 µM resulted in the highest rate of plantlet regeneration (79.4%), the greatest number of plantlets (4.4 per culture), and notable plantlet height (8.5 cm). We obtained plantlets with dark green leaves, light green leaves, and distinct variegation patterns. They were transferred to three different substrate mixtures for acclimatization. The substrate made of orchid stone (30%), wood bark (30%), coconut husk chips (20%), and perlite (20%) supported the highest survival rate (95.9%). This study successfully established optimized in vitro propagation techniques for variegated C. lancifolium, enabling enhanced germination, rhizome proliferation, and plantlet regeneration to meet the growing market demand. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a high-value medicinal crop whose nutritional requirements and fertilization strategies remain poorly defined, particularly in relation to cannabinoid production. This study evaluated the effects of inorganic fertilization (N, P, and K) on biomass accumulation, nutrient uptake and balance, and cannabinoid content in Cannabis sativa L. A high-cannabidiol (CBD) cultivar was propagated from ex vitro cuttings and grown in 10 L pots with commercial substrate. Treatments included a non-fertilized control and increasing doses of N (0–10 g plant⁻¹), P (0–6 g plant⁻¹), and K (0–10 g plant⁻¹), with higher P and K doses applied during the reproductive stage. Biomass production peaked at 5 g N, 2 g P, and 3 g K plant⁻¹, yielding 41.9% more than the control. Fertilized plants showed harvest indexes of 31–42%. Additional P and K during the reproductive stage did not enhance inflorescence biomass and CBD content. Tissue nutrient concentrations increased with fertilization. Inflorescences had maximum N and P levels at 5 g N and 2 g P plant⁻¹, while leaves accumulated more K at 7.5 g K plant⁻¹. CBD content increased and THC (%) decreased progressively with nutrient supply. High nutrient doses, however, led to nutritional imbalances and plant health issues. Nutrient balance analysis showed differential macronutrient extraction by treatment. These findings highlight the importance of optimized fertilization strategies to enhance both biomass and cannabinoid production in high-CBD cannabis cultivars. Full article

This study critically examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education through the lens of Marx’s theory of alienation, engaging with contemporary critiques of digital capitalism and academic labour. Drawing on an exploratory survey of 395 educators in Northern Cyprus, a context of early-stage AI adoption, the paper identifies four distinct forms of alienation exacerbated by AI: from the product of academic labour, from the educational process, from professional identity (species-being), and from interpersonal relations. Findings suggest that while educators who view AI more positively tend to report lower levels of alienation, particularly with respect to their pedagogical outputs, this association is tentative due to the low reliability of the AI perception scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.42). The results, therefore, serve as hypothesis-generating rather than conclusive. Situating the empirical findings within broader critiques by Noble, Hall, Preston, and Komljenovic, the study highlights how algorithmic governance, commercial platform logics, and data-driven performance regimes threaten teacher autonomy, creativity, and relationality. The paper concludes with a call for participatory governance, ethical oversight, and human-centred design to ensure that AI integration supports, not supplants, educators. In doing so, it contributes to critical debates on the ethical sustainability of digital education under conditions of intensifying automation. Full article

Due to the nearly identical chemical properties of Lu and Yb, the production of no-carrier-added (NCA) ¹⁷⁷Lu faces significant challenges in their separation. Achieving efficient and streamlined separation of Lu and Yb is crucial for the production of NCA ¹⁷⁷Lu. This study systematically investigated the separation performance of the commercial Rext-P350 extraction resin for Lu and Yb. Static adsorption experiments revealed that, at a solid–liquid ratio of 8 g/L, both Lu³⁺ and Yb³⁺ were nearly completely adsorbed, with saturation adsorption capacities of 25.8 mg/g and 21.5 mg/g, respectively. An increase in the nitric acid concentration in the aqueous phase significantly inhibited adsorption, but the separation factor for Lu³⁺/Yb³⁺ remained above 1.88. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model (R² > 0.99), with equilibrium reached within 15 min, demonstrating fast adsorption kinetics. Characterization by SEM, FT-IR, and XPS confirmed the chemical coordination between the resin and Lu³⁺/Yb³⁺. Dynamic chromatographic separation experiments showed that the Rext-P350 resin exhibited significantly better separation performance for Lu³⁺/Yb³⁺ compared to 2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (P507) extraction resin. Leveraging the excellent performance of Rext-P350 resin, a two-stage continuous extraction chromatography process was designed, achieving efficient separation of 0.045 mg of Lu³⁺ from 200 mg of Yb³⁺ with a Lu³⁺ purity of 90.9% and a yield of 98.4%. This study provides a feasible separation technique for the purification of NCA ¹⁷⁷Lu. Full article

This study evaluates the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated corn cobs (PCCs) using a blend of commercial enzymes (Cellulase enzyme blend and Viscozyme L), followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with Mucor indicus DSM 2185 for ethanol production. A combination of 2% (vol vol⁻¹) Cellulase enzyme blend and 5.18% (vol vol⁻¹) Viscozyme L, corresponding to an enzyme loading of 48.9 FPU/g_PCCs, enabled near-complete hydrolysis of 40 g L⁻¹ PCCs within 6–48 h, achieving 92.66% total carbohydrate conversion into fermentable sugars. In SSF experiments conducted in Erlenmeyer flasks, optimal ethanol production in matrix nutrient medium (MNM) reached 14.95 g L⁻¹, with a conversion coefficient of 0.373 g g⁻¹ at 30 °C over a 48 h period. Scale-up of the bioprocess in a 1.5 L stirred-tank bioreactor at 30 °C resulted in an ethanol concentration of 16.46 g L⁻¹, a total carbohydrate conversion of 86.27%, and a substrate-to-ethanol conversion coefficient of 0.44 g g⁻¹ within 22 h. Minor secondary metabolites, including 0.88 g L⁻¹ xylitol and 0.26 g L⁻¹ glycerol, were also detected. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of M. indicus in combination with commercial enzyme blends as a scalable strategy for industrial ethanol production. Full article

Plant-based yogurts are increasingly recognized as sustainable and health-conscious alternatives to dairy-based products, driven by environmental, ethical, and nutritional motivations. Pistachio milk, derived from an efficient and resilient crop, emerges as a promising raw material for yogurt production, offering unique sensory qualities and a dense nutritional profile. Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and essential nutrients, pistachios are ideal for fermentation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this study, a novel pistachio-based yogurt analog (PBYA) was developed using lactic acid fermentation, with a yogurt commercial starter, of pistachio milk. The production process was optimized to create an additive-free, clean-label formulation without the use of stabilizers or thickeners. The physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of the PBYA were evaluated over refrigerated storage. The final product exhibited high levels of protein (5.6%), fat (5.4–6.8%), and total solids (20.5–21.4%), along with desirable texture and flavor characteristics. Notably, PBYA presented significantly higher concentrations of total free amino acids (754 mg/L) compared to commercial soy (557 mg/L) and cow’s milk yogurts (390 mg/L), particularly in essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine, and tryptophan. This enhanced free amino acid profile contributes to the product’s functional and nutritional value. Sensory analysis revealed good acceptance of the product, with improvements in viscosity and firmness over time, likely due to microbial exopolysaccharide production. Overall, the findings highlight the feasibility and commercial potential of PBYA as a clean-label, plant-based fermented product that meets current consumer demands for sustainability, nutrition, and sensory quality. Full article

This study explores the adsorption and catalytic degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from aqueous solutions, using montmorillonite-based catalysts. Commercially, montmorillonite K10 was modified through aluminum pillaring (K10-Al-PILC), followed by vanadium intercalation (K10-Al-PILC-V) and ozone activation. A novel aspect of this work is the use of naturally contaminated water as the TNT source. The selected sample, collected from the Plaiul Arșiței–Cireșu–Leșunț region (Oituz, Bacau, Romania), originated from an area historically exposed to explosive residues, where TNT traces were previously identified. The adsorption performance of the materials was evaluated by varying adsorbent dosage, contact time, and solution pH. Catalytic ozonation experiments were conducted under different catalyst masses, ozone concentrations, and reaction times to assess degradation efficiency. The results demonstrated that aluminum pillaring significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity of the clay, while vanadium incorporation further improved both adsorption and catalytic activity. The vanadium-modified material exhibited superior performance in TNT removal, both through adsorption and oxidative degradation. Additionally, the catalytic ozonation process led to the formation of degradation products with reduced toxicity, confirming the potential of these materials for environmental remediation of nitroaromatic pollutants in real water systems. Full article

Palatability is a critical determinant of pet food performance, directly influencing voluntary intake, nutrient utilization, and therapeutic efficacy. In this systematic review, we examine peer-reviewed research publications, patent filings, and commercial product data pertaining to palatant technologies in dry and wet pet food from 2014 to 2024. Major palatant classes—including fats, proteins, yeast extracts, and novel plant-derived or insect-based hydrolysates—are evaluated for their physicochemical properties, flavor-release mechanisms, and stability during processing. We analyze formulation techniques such as microencapsulation, Maillard-reaction enhancement, and multilayer coating systems, focusing on their impact on aromatic compound retention and palatability consistency. Patent landscape assessment identifies over 15 key innovations in delivery systems, life-stage-specific palatant modulation, and dual-phase release architectures. Dual-phase release architectures are defined as systems that deliver active compounds in two sequential phases, such as immediate and sustained release. Sensory evaluation methodologies—ranging from multivariate preference mapping to descriptive analysis—are critically appraised to correlate human-panel metrics with canine and feline feeding behavior. We also discuss strategic integration of palatants at different processing stages (pre-conditioning, extrusion, and post-extrusion) and the challenges of balancing taste masking with nutritional requirements, particularly in formulations containing alternative proteins for sustainability. Despite rapid market growth in functional palatant-infused products, peer-reviewed literature remains relatively limited, suggesting opportunities for further research on species-specific flavor drivers, synbiotic flavor–nutrient interactions, and novel delivery platforms. This comprehensive overview of palatant science, patent innovations, and market evolution provides evidence-based guidance for researchers, formulators, and veterinarians seeking to optimize organoleptic properties and consumer acceptance of next-generation pet foods. Full article

Chili peppers, a staple spice in global cuisine, hold substantial economic value due to their diverse pungency levels and distinctive aromatic profiles. In addition to their sensory attributes, Capsicum fruits exhibit notable morphological diversity and potential health benefits. While contemporary Capsicum breeding efforts have focused on the yield, shelf life, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, comparatively less emphasis has been placed on the fruit quality and flavor traits increasingly valued by consumers seeking novel flavors and functional foods. We evaluated seven underutilized Capsicum landraces collected from Peru, Myanmar, and Japan and conducted an integrative analysis of their morphological traits, nutritional composition, pungency, and volatile compounds. Our findings highlight C. chinense from Myanmar and Peru as a particularly diverse species, encompassing accessions with mild to very highly pungent, elevated antioxidant content, and significant contributions to fruity aromatic notes. These findings support the development of flavor-driven chili-pepper-based food products with enhanced nutritional value and tailored pungency. Our identification of beneficial alleles also offers opportunities for interspecific breeding to produce novel cultivars aligned with evolving consumer preferences, thereby supporting the commercialization of traditional varieties, conserving genetic resources, and expanding the market potential of new cultivars. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary cannabidiol (CBD) supplementation on behavior, blood parameters, oxidative status, metabolomic profile, and the fatty acid composition of meat and liver in rabbits. A total of 42 New Zealand White × California rabbits (60 days old; 1:1 sex ratio; average weight 1621.3 ± 46.2 g) were randomly assigned to two groups (a control group, CTRL, and a CBD group, n = 21 each). Both groups received the same commercial diet, with the CBD group additionally supplemented with 0.1 mL of cannabis extract in coconut oil, corresponding to 10 mg CBD/animal/day. At 92 days of age, rabbits were slaughtered, and samples were collected for analyses. Results showed that CBD supplementation significantly improved body weight gain, reduced plasma triglyceride levels, and enhanced oxidative status. Behavioral observations indicated increased motor and grooming activities in CBD-supplemented animals, suggesting enhanced psychological well-being. The fatty acid profile of meat and liver was not significantly altered by CBD supplementation. Overall, dietary CBD demonstrated the potential to positively influence physiological and behavioral responses, representing a promising strategy to enhance animal welfare and productivity in rabbit farming. Although no adverse effects on lipid profiles were observed, further studies are warranted to explore CBD’s role in lipid metabolism and cholesterol regulation. Full article

This work focuses on the fabrication, characterization, and performance of a structured iron catalyst to produce hydrocarbons by the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The structured catalyst enhances the heat and mass transfer and provides a larger surface area and lower pressure drop. Iron-based structured catalysts indicate more activity in lower H₂/CO ratios and improve carbon conversion as compared to other metals. These catalysts were manufactured using the sponge replication method (powder metallurgy). The performance of the structured iron catalyst was assessed in a fixed-bed reactor under industrially relevant conditions (250 °C and 20 bar). The feed gas was a synthetic syngas with a H₂/CO ratio of 1.2, simulating a bio-syngas derived from lignocellulosic biomass gasification. Notably, the best result was reached under these conditions, obtaining a CO conversion of 84.8% and a CH₄ selectivity of 10.4%, where the catalyst exhibited a superior catalytic activity and selectivity toward desired hydrocarbon products, including light olefins and long-chain paraffins. The resulting structured catalyst reached a one-pass CO conversion of 84.8% with a 10.4% selectivity to CH₄ compared to a traditionally produced catalyst, for which the conversion was 18% and the selectivity was 19%, respectively. The results indicate that the developed structured iron catalyst holds considerable potential for efficient and sustainable hydrocarbon production, mainly C10–C20 (diesel-range hydrocarbons), via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The catalyst’s excellent performance and improved stability and selectivity offer promising prospects for its application in commercial-scale hydrocarbon synthesis processes. Full article