Search Results (1,846)

Soil salinization is an important negative factor that reduces the fertility of irrigated arable land. The fields in southern Kazakhstan are at high risk of salinization due to the dry arid climate. In some cases, even the top layer of soil has a significant degree of salinization. The use of a UAV equipped with a multispectral camera can help in the rapid and highly detailed mapping of salinity in cultivated arable land. This article describes the process of preparing the labeled data for assessing the salinity of the top layer of soil and the comparative results achieved due to using machine learning methods in two different districts. During an expedition to the fields of the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan, fields were surveyed using a multispectral camera mounted on a UAV; simultaneously, the soil samples were collected. The electrical conductivity of the soil samples was then measured in laboratory conditions, and a set of programs was developed to configure machine learning models and to map the obtained results subsequently. A comparative analysis of the results shows that local conditions have a significant impact on the quality of the models in different areas of the region, resulting in differences in the composition and significance of the model input parameters. For the fields of the Zhetisay district, the best result was achieved using the extreme gradient boosting regressor model (linear correlation coefficient Rp = 0.86, coefficient of determination R² = 0.42, mean absolute error MAE = 0.49, mean square error MSE = 0.63). For the fields in the Shardara district, the best results were achieved using the support vector machines model (Rp = 0.82, R² = 0.22, MAE = 0.41, MSE = 0.46). This article presents the results, discusses the limitations of the developed technology for operational salinity mapping, and outlines the tasks for future research. Full article

Farming animals that are resilient to various instabilities could improve both animal welfare and system sustainability. We evaluated three resilience indicators (Var, LnVar, and r-auto) in Holstein cattle on Czech farms using a bio-economic approach. We considered 3655 cows based on their genetic predisposition as 25% most resilient (Q3), median (Q2), and 25% least resilient (Q1), as well as their performance characteristics from routine production testing. Most of the performance characteristics significantly differed (p < 0.05) among the defined resilience quartiles. Q3 cows had slightly lower milk yield, higher milk component content, better udder health, and shorter dry periods compared to Q2 cows. The longevity of Q3 cows differed according to the indicator used (this was higher in Var and LnVar, but lower in r-auto). The highest profitability was found for the Q2 group in Var and r-auto and for Q1 in LnVar. Across all three resilience indicators, Q3 cows were the least profitable. Milk yield, lactation persistence, longevity, and milk fat and protein content contributed most to farm profit change across the resilience groups. The generality and simulation accuracy confirmed that the bio-economic model is suitable for the comprehensive setting and economic evaluation of resilience indicators and cattle performance. Full article

This study describes the developed special prototype of a wearable measuring device based on a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. It contains also a humidity sensor and a thermometer to measure skin moisture and temperature, and a force-sensitive (FSR) element to sense a contact pressure between the measuring probe and the skin surface. All parts of the multi-sensor are shielded, to be applicable in a weak magnetic field environment. After the basic sensor’s functionality verification inside the magnetic resonance imaging tomograph, a set of experiments was performed. Comparative measurements by an oximeter confirm good correspondence with heart rate values determined from PPG (HR_PPG) and FSR (HR_FSR) signals—the mean absolute error lies below 0.5 min⁻¹ for both types. The sensing of PPG signals on wrists was realized for Normal, Dry, and Wet skin. In comparison with normal skin conditions, drying decreases the PPG signal range by 7% and the systolic pulse width by 8%, while moistening increases the signal ripple by 3% and decreases the correlation between HR_PPG and HR_FSR values by 5%. The detailed analysis per hand and gender types yields differences between male and female subjects, while the results for left and right hands differ less. Full article

Northern japonica rice holds a significant position in China’s food security. However, the traditional nitrogen fertilizer management model (nitrogen application rate > 225 kg/ha, base fertilizer proportion > 50%) has led to serious sustainability problems: the nitrogen utilization rate is only 25–30%, resulting in a large amount of fertilizer waste and economic losses. At the same time, it causes a decline in rice quality, manifested as a 15–20% increase in chalkiness and an 8–12% decrease in palatability value. It has also brought about environmental problems such as soil acidification and eutrophication of water bodies. As an important japonica rice production area, the Liaohe Plain has significant differences in the response of semi-upright and curved panicle varieties to nitrogen fertilizer. However, the agronomic physiological mechanism for the coordinated improvement of yield and quality of japonica rice with different panicle types is still unclear at present, which limits the sustainable development of rice production in this region. For this purpose, in this study, the typical semi-upright spike variety Shendao 47 and the curved spike variety Shendao 11 from the Liaohe Plain were used as materials, and five nitrogen fertilizer treatments were set up: N1, no nitrogen application; N2–N4, conventional nitrogen application rate of 165–225 kg/ha; and N5, and optimized nitrogen application rate of 195 kg/ha allocated in the proportion of 40% base fertilizer, 15% tillering fertilizer, 25% tillering fertilizer, 15% panicle fertilizer, and 5% grain fertilizer. The synergistic regulatory effect of nitrogen fertilizer management on yield and rice quality was systematically explored, and the key agronomic physiological mechanisms were analyzed. The research results show that: (1) The optimized nitrogen fertilizer treatment (N5) achieved a significant increase in yield while reducing the input of nitrogen fertilizer. The yields of Shendao 47 and Shendao 11 reached 10.71–11.82 t/ha and 9.50–10.62 t/ha, respectively, increasing by more than 35% compared with the treatment without nitrogen. (2) The N5 treatment simultaneously improved the processing quality (the whole polished rice rate increased by 4.11%) and the appearance quality (the chalkiness decreased by 63.8% to 77%). (3) The dry matter accumulation during the tillering stage (≥3.2 t/ha) and the net assimilation rate during the scion development stage (≥12 g/m²/d) were identified as key agronomic physiological indicators for regulating the yield-quality synergy. Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer management ensures an adequate supply of photosynthetic products through the high photosynthetic rate of flag-holding leaves and the extended lifespan of functional leaves. The phased nitrogen application strategy of “40% base fertilizer + 25% tillering fertilizer + 15% panicle fertilizer + 5% grain fertilizer” proposed in this study provides a theoretical and practical basis for the sustainable development of japonica rice production in the Liaohe Plain. This plan has achieved the coordinated realization of multiple goals including resource conservation (reducing nitrogen by 13%), environmental protection (lowering the risk of nitrogen loss), food security guarantee (stable increase in yield), and quality improvement (enhancement of rice quality), effectively promoting the development of the northern japonica rice industry towards a green, efficient and sustainable direction. Develop in the right direction. Full article

High-resolution NICFI-Planet image collection on Google Earth Engine (GEE) promises fine-scale tropical forest monitoring, but persistent cloud covers, shadows, and haze undermine its value. Here, we present two simple, fully reproducible cloud-masking algorithms. We introduce (A) a Blue and Near-Infrared threshold and (B) a Sentinel-2-derived statistical thresholding approach that sets per-band cutoffs. Both are implemented end-to-end in GEE for operational use. The algorithms were first developed, tuned, and evaluated in the Sundarbans (Bangladesh) using strongly contrasting dry- and monsoon-season scenes. To assess their broader utility, we additionally tested them in two independent deltaic mangrove systems, namely, the Bidyadhari Delta in West Bengal, India, and the Ayeyarwady Delta in Myanmar. Across all sites, Algorithm B consistently removes the largest share of cloud and bright-water pixels but tends to over-mask haze and low-contrast features. Algorithm A retains more usable pixels; however, its aggressiveness is region-dependent. It appears more conservative in the Sundarbans but noticeably more over-inclusive in the India and Myanmar scenes. A Random Forest classifier provided map offers a useful reference but the model is dependent on the quantity and quality of labeled samples. The novelty of the algorithms lies in their design specifically for NICFI-Planet basemaps and their ability to operate without labeled samples. Because they rely on simple, fully shareable GEE code, they can be readily applied in regions in a consistent manner. These two algorithms offer a pragmatic operational pathway: apply them as a first-pass filter keeping in mind that its behavior may vary across environments. Full article

Prolonged low-light stress during growth significantly reduces rice yield in southwest China. In order to systematically study the dynamic response of rice to long-term shading, field experiments were conducted in Chongqing, China, from 2021 to 2022, investigating the effects of 50% and 75% shading from the seedling to heading stage on morphological characteristics, physiological traits, and yield formation in 12 rice cultivars. The results showed that shading reduced tiller number, leaf mass per area, total dry mass, leaf area index, panicle number, seed-setting rate, and yield. Meanwhile, rice acclimated to low light by increasing plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, and leaf-total mass ratio. In particular, leaf width in low-light treatments was narrower under short-term shading but became wider under long-term shading compared to natural light. Moreover, under 50% shading condition, rice optimized panicle structure by increasing grain number per panicle and primary and secondary branch numbers to compensate for adverse effects. Cultivars, including Le you 918 and Shen 9 you 28, exhibited high yield and strong shade tolerance. Overall, rice acclimates to low light through the synergistic interactions of various traits, with leaf phenotypic adjustments and panicle structure optimization being crucial for improving yield under low light. Full article

In this study, eight treatment groups were set up with three replicates in each group to investigate the effects of Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and molasses on the chemical composition and fermentation quality of fermented rice straw. Furthermore, an animal experiment was conducted to determine the nutrition apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and methane emission in Hu sheep. The results showed that the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) content in the group treated with Bacillus megaterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus (BMLB) was significantly higher than that in the group with no additive (CK) (p < 0.05). Compared with the CK group, all treatments with single or composite addition of Bacillus significantly reduced the content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p < 0.05). The content of acetate, propionate, and NH₃-N in the BMLB group were significantly lower than those in the CK group (p < 0.05). In addition, the Hu sheep in the BMLB group showed a significant reduction in daily methane emission per unit of metabolic body weight. In conclusion, the BMLB treatment significantly improved the nutritional value, fermentation quality, ruminal fermentation, and methane emission of rice straw haylage in Hu sheep. Full article

Two folding screens by futurist artist Giacomo Balla (1871–1958) in the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum (the Netherlands) were investigated: Paravento con linea di velocità (1916–1917) and Paravento (1916/1917–1958). The screens are painted on both sides, the first on four canvases, stretched onto two wooden strainers and framed with painted wooden strips, and the second on wooden panels set into four painted stiles. In the past, damages on Paravento con linea di velocità were restored by conservators, while Paravento was probably first reworked by the artist himself and later restored by conservators. Yellowed varnish and discolored retouches on both screens led to a wish for treatment. The aim of this research was to gain insight into the painting techniques, layer buildup, pigments, binders, and varnishes of the two artworks. This information supported the decision making for treatment, and it broadens the knowledge on the materials used by Balla. Up to now, only a few published studies deal with the technical examination of paintings by this artist. Both folding screens were subjected to technical photography (UV, IR photography, and X-ray) and were examined with portable point X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, samples were taken. Cross-sections were studied with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) imaging, and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Loose samples were examined with SEM-EDX, FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). For Paravento con linea di velocità, all pigments and fillers of the painted canvases are compatible with the dating of the screen (1916–1917), but they differ from those on the frame. Here, rutile, in combination with various pigments, among which are blue copper phthalocyanine (PB15) and other synthetic organic pigments, was found. This indicates that the frame has been painted later, likely after the Second World War. The composition of the binders differs as well. Drying oil and pine resin have been used on the canvases, explaining the smooth and glossy appearance and solvent-sensitivity of the paint. On the frame, oil with some alkyd resin was identified. The provenance of the screen before 1972 is not clear, nor when the frame was made and painted and by whom. The results for Paravento indicate that the palettes of the two sides—painted in different styles—are comparable. Mainly inorganic pigments were found, except for the dark red areas, where toluidine red (PR3) is present. pXRF showed high amounts of zinc; cross-sections revealed that zinc white is present in the lower layers. These pigments are compatible with the dating of the screen (1916–1917). In many of the upper paint layers though, except for some green, dark red, and black areas, rutile has been identified. This indicates that these layers were applied later, likely after the Second World War. Since this folding screen was used by the artist and his family until his death in 1958, it seems likely that Balla himself reworked the screen. Full article

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) is the most widely consumed grain legume globally. The seeds of common bean are a rich source of protein, but one of the seeds’ storage proteins is phytohemagglutinin (PHA), a lectin whose consumption in raw or inadequately cooked bean seed or products into which the seed is milled results in acute symptoms of food poisoning. Given that demand for incorporating common bean ingredients into foods is expanding, there has been a call for regulatory agencies to formulate more robust guidance on allowable levels of active PHA in beans and bean ingredients and for establishing standardized methodology for measuring active PHA. Herein, detailed protocols are provided for extraction of PHA from beans and for the use of digital image analysis in the traditional hemagglutination assay. Results are compared to an ELISA assay. Given reports that ingestion of four to five soaked raw dark red kidney bean (DRK) seeds can induce food poisoning, our focus was on this market class of bean. By ELISA assay, estimated concentration of active lectin in DRK was 223 ± 0.07 mg/g dry weight and the total amount of PHA contained in four seeds was 544 mg. Commercially cooked canned beans had >99% reduction in PHA (4.9 µg/g dry weight). Consumption of an entire can (1.5 cups, equivalent to 94 g dry matter) would equal 0.46 mg PHA which is approximately 1000-fold lower than the amount estimated to be associated with food poisoning. It is hoped that this report stimulates continued interest in standardizing methodology across laboratories and in setting standards of identity for active PHA in bean products. Full article

The incorporation of recycled tyre polymer fibres (RTPF) in cementitious composites provides an effective and sustainable approach in tyre waste management while offering potential benefits in mitigating early-age volume deformations. This study evaluates the influence of RTPFs, used in dry (RTPF_d) and pre-wetted (RTPF_w) states, on key hydration processes governing autogenous shrinkage in cement pastes with w/c of 0.4 and 0.22. The results show that RTPF reduced workability and altered the setting process due to the fibre–matrix mechanical interactions. Incorporation of RTPFs induced changes in water distribution at the fibre surface, delaying self-desiccation and maintaining higher internal relative humidity. While RTPFs offer a beneficial reduction in autogenous shrinkage by 12–41% in mixtures with w/c of 0.4 and by 15–34% in mixtures with w/c of 0.22, RTPFs also increased porosity, which contributed to a reduction in 28-day compressive strength of up to 16%. These findings highlight the dual effect of RTPF on early-age performance and provide insight into their potential application in sustainable cementitious composites. Full article

This study evaluated polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) production from a medium corresponding to the condensate derived from food waste drying, using a mixed microbial culture in a 15 L Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR). The reactor operation comprised two distinct periods to investigate the impact of varying organic loading rates on biomass performance and polymer accumulation. In Period 1, when the soluble Chemical Oxygen Demand (sCOD) was 6.8 ± 1.4 g/L, efficient nitrogen limitation promoted complete urea consumption and stable biomass growth, yielding higher intracellular PHA accumulation (11.74 ± 6.01%). The microbial community exhibited a balanced copolymer production (HB:HV ratio of approximately 54:46). Conversely, Period 2, characterized by higher organic loads (sCOD 12.1 ± 2.9 g/L), displayed incomplete urea utilization, reduced biomass viability, and significantly lower PHA accumulation (5.26 ± 2.53%). A second set of experiments aiming at the assessment of the impact of operation mode (with and without inclusion of a settling phase) demonstrated that removal of settling leads to a stable long-term steady-state operation with enriched PHA-accumulating bacteria and increased polymer storage capacity. Full article

Waste orange peels (WOP) are a major orange processing residue, and they may be a rich source of precious bioactive polyphenols. Amongst the various WOP constituents, hesperidin holds a prominent position as the most abundant polyphenolic metabolite, with proven biological properties. The current work was performed to provide detailed information on the effect of various acid catalysts to assist hesperidin recovery, using an ethanol organosolv treatment. The treatment developed was first examined by comparing inorganic (HCl) and natural organic (oxalic, citric) acids for their influence on process performance, extraction kinetics, and severity. Following this, optimization was accomplished through response surface methodology, and the extracts produced were investigated with respect to their polyphenolic composition and antioxidant characteristics. The HCl-catalyzed treatment, carried out with 70% ethanol/2% HCl, was proven the most efficacious, giving a total polyphenol yield of 30.7 mg gallic acid equivalents per g of dry mass, and it was shown that the treatment yield was related to severity, obeying a power model. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the extract generated under optimized conditions (170 min, 80 °C) revealed that hesperidin was extensively hydrolyzed into hesperetin 7-O-glucoside and aglycone (hesperetin). Such an effect was very limited with the oxalic acid-catalyzed treatment, whereas citric acid did not affect the original polyphenolic composition. Overall, the HCl-catalyzed treatment was of significantly higher performance, providing a total flavanone yield of 21.22 mg per g dry mass. The results of this investigation may be of value in adjusting treatment settings for (i) increased flavonoid recovery from WOP and (ii) producing extracts enriched in hesperidin and/or its hydrolysis derivatives. Such practical recommendations may assist the establishment of WOP valorization processes in an integrated biorefinery prospect. Full article

Saline–alkaline soils are increasingly reducing global forage productivity and may indirectly compromise the nutritional quality of animal-derived foods for human consumption. Alfalfa, grown under saline–alkaline conditions, often accumulates sodium, thereby altering its nutritional composition and digestibility. NaCl was added to an alfalfa-based total mixed ration (TMR) to model saline-alkaline alfalfa with high salt content. This method is a simplified modeling approach wherein sodium chloride is used to simulate saline stress. We have studied, using this model, changes in growth performance, nutrient digestibility, amino acid composition, and meat quality of AOHU (Hu × Australian White) lambs. The levels of dietary NaCl were set at 0.43% (to reflect the baseline NaCl content of standard alfalfa-based TMR and 1.71% (to reflect a level of high-salt alfalfa produced under saline–alkaline growing conditions). Compared to the control group, supplementation with NaCl enhanced the average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency, relative growth rate, and dry matter intake (p < 0.05). Apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, fiber fractions (NDF and ADF), and gross energy was also improved (p < 0.001), reflecting enhanced nutrient utilization. Total saturated fatty acids had decreased, while meat redness increased, and the PUFA/SFA ratio increased, reflecting a leaner and healthier lipid profile. Moreover, essential amino acids-threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, and lysine-were significantly higher (p < 0.05), revealing a better meat nutritional quality. In summary, dietary NaCl supplementation in an alfalfa-based TMR effectively simulates saline–alkaline conditions that improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat nutritional composition. Results from this study show how NaCl supplementation in alfalfa-based rations—used here to mimic the elevated salt levels found in alfalfa grown on saline–alkaline soils—affects growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality in lambs, providing insight for feeding strategies in salt-affected production systems. Full article

Background: The efficacy and safety of tivozanib for the treatment of advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have been established in the first-line setting in the Phase III trial TIVO-1. Methods: The prospective T-Rex study conducted in German clinical practice evaluated the safety, effectiveness and impact on quality of life (QoL) of first-line treatment with tivozanib in 32 patients with mRCC recruited between May 2019 and April 2021. Results: Recruited patients were predominantly elderly, with 53.1% aged over 75 years. Patients received a median of 6.5 tivozanib treatment cycles and the median time on treatment was 5.7 months. Overall, 78.1% of patients experienced treatment-related adverse events, including diarrhea, nausea and hypotension/hypertension. A clinical (i.e., complete or partial) response was observed in 46.9% of patients. Patients’ QoL remained stable from baseline to the end of treatment and most symptomatic toxicities resolved by the final treatment cycle, with the exclusion of dry skin, itching, and hand–foot syndrome. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that first-line treatment with tivozanib was associated with clinical activity, favorable tolerability, and stable QoL in patients with mRCC treated in everyday clinical practice across Germany, including those with advanced age. Full article

Expansive soils undergo significant volumetric changes during wetting and drying, often leading to structural deterioration and engineering difficulties. Alkali-activated binders have been widely utilized to improve the mechanical performance and durability of such soils. This study examines the performance of γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550)-modified alkali-activated binder-stabilized expansive soils (AABS). As a result, the addition of KH-550 extended the setting times by up to 89% and enhanced fluidity by 6–27%, thereby improving the workability of AABS. The additive delayed early hydration while accelerating later-stage gel formation via hydrolysis and Si–O–Si bond generation, promoting the development of C-(A)-S-H. Microstructural observations indicated a refinement of pores and a reduction in capillary porosity, yielding a denser and more homogeneous matrix. Autogenous shrinkage was reduced by as much as 32.5%, and the unconfined compressive strength of 7 d AABS increased by 58.1% at an optimal KH-550 dosage of 1.0 wt.%, with mechanical performance remaining stable under wet–dry cycling. Overall, these results suggest that KH-550 serves as an effective organic–inorganic bridging agent, offering a viable strategy for the stabilization of expansive soils. Full article