Search Results (10,777)

The use of methane as a carbon source for producing bacterial single-cell protein (SCP) has been one of the most interesting developments in recent years. Most of these upcoming industries are using a methanotroph, Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, for SCP production using natural gas as the substrate. In the present study, we have explored the possibility of using an indigenously isolated methanotroph from a rice field in India, Methylomagnum ishizawai strain KRF4, for producing SCP from biogas [derived from cow dung]. The process was eco-friendly, required minimal instruments and chemicals, and was carried out under semi-sterile conditions in a tabletop fish tank. As the name suggests, Methylomagnum is a genus of large methanotrophs, and the strain KRF4 had elliptical to rectangular size and dimensions of ~4–5 µm × 1–2 µm. In static cultures, when biogas and air were supplied in the upper part of the growing tank, the culture grew as a thick pellicle/biofilm that could be easily scooped. The grown culture was mostly pure, from the microscopic observations where the large size of the cells, with rectangular-shaped cells and dark granules, could easily help identify any smaller contaminants. Additionally, the large cell size could be advantageous for separating biomass during downstream processing. The amino acid composition of the lyophilized biomass was analyzed using HPLC, and it was seen that the amino acid composition was comparable to commercial fish meal, soymeal, Pruteen, and the methanotroph-derived SCP-UniProtein^®. The only difference was that a slightly lower percentage of lysine, tryptophan, and methionine was observed in Methylomagnum-derived SCP. Methylomagnum ishizawai could be looked at as an alternative for SCP derived from methane or biogas due to the comparable SCP produced, on the qualitative level. Further intensive research is needed to develop a continuous, sustainable, and economical process to maximize biomass production and downstream processing. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) cultivation is expanding in Central Europe due to the development of early-maturing cultivars and growing demand for plant-based protein produced without the use of genetically modified organisms. However, nitrogen (N) management remains a major challenge in temperate climates, where variable weather conditions can significantly affect nodulation and yield. This study evaluated the effects of three nitrogen fertilisation doses (0, 30, and 60 kg N·ha⁻¹), applied in the form of ammonium nitrate (34% N) and two commercial rhizobial inoculants—HiStick Soy (containing Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain 532C) and Nitragina (including a Polish strain of B. japonicum)—on nodulation, nitrogen uptake, and seed yield. A three-year field experiment (2017–2019) was conducted in southwestern Poland using a two-factor randomized complete block design. Nodulation varied significantly across years, with the highest values recorded under favourable early-season moisture and reduced during drought. In the first year, inoculation with HiStick Soy significantly increased nodule number and seed yield compared to Nitragina and the uninoculated control. Nitrogen fertilisation consistently improved seed yield, although it had no significant effect on nodulation. The highest nitrogen use efficiency was observed with moderate nitrogen input (30 kg N·ha⁻¹) combined with inoculation. These findings highlight the importance of integrating effective rhizobial inoculants with optimized nitrogen fertilisation to improve soybean productivity and nitrogen efficiency under variable temperate climate conditions. Full article

With the rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and mobile applications and the growing demand for low-latency services, edge computing has emerged as a transformative paradigm that brings computation and storage closer to end users. However, the dynamic nature and limited resources of edge networks bring challenges such as load imbalance and high latency while satisfying user requests. Service migration, the dynamic redeployment of service instances across distributed edge nodes, has become a key enabler for solving these challenges and optimizing edge network characteristics. Moreover, the low-latency nature of edge computing requires that service migration strategies must be in real time in order to ensure latency requirements. Thus, this paper presents a systematic survey of real-time service migration in edge networks. Specifically, we first introduce four network architectures and four basic models for real-time service migration. We then summarize four research motivations for real-time service migration and the real-time guarantee introduced during the implementation of migration strategies. To support these motivations, we present key techniques for solving the task of real-time service migration and how these algorithms and models facilitate the real-time performance of migration. We also explore latency-sensitive application scenarios, such as smart cities, smart homes, and smart manufacturing, where real-time service migration plays a critical role in sustaining performance and adaptability under dynamic conditions. Finally, we summarize the key challenges and outline promising future research directions for real-time service migration. This survey aims to provide a structured and in-depth theoretical foundation to guide future research on real-time service migration in edge networks. Full article

The paper outlines the hybrid framework of spin hydrodynamics, combining classical kinetic theory with the Israel–Stewart method of introducing dissipation. The local equilibrium expressions for the baryon current, the energy–momentum tensor, and the spin tensor of particles with spin 1/2 following the Fermi–Dirac statistics are obtained and compared with the earlier derived versions where the Boltzmann approximation was used. The expressions in the two cases are found to have the same form, but the coefficients are shown to be governed by different functions. The relative differences between the tensor coefficients in the Fermi–Dirac and Boltzmann cases are found to grow exponentially with the baryon chemical potential. In the proposed formalism, nonequilibrium processes are studied including mathematically possible dissipative corrections. Standard conservation laws are applied, and the condition of positive entropy production is shown to allow for the transfer between the spin and orbital parts of angular momentum. Full article

Soil salinization poses a significant constraint to agricultural productivity. However, certain plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop performance. In this study, a bacterial isolate, R-18, isolated from saline-alkali soil in Ningxia, China, was identified as Enterobacter bugandensis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate was characterized for its morphological, biochemical, and plant growth-promoting traits and was evaluated for its potential to alleviate NaCl-induced stress in maize (Zea mays L.) under hydroponic conditions. Isolate R-18 exhibited halotolerance, surviving at NaCl concentrations ranging from 2.0% to 10.0%, and alkaliphilic adaptation, growing at pH 8.0–11.0. Biochemical assays confirmed it as a Gram-negative bacterium, displaying positive reactions in the Voges–Proskauer (V–P) tests, catalase activity, citrate utilization, fluorescent pigment production, starch hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, and ammonia production, while testing negative for the methyl red and cellulose hydrolysis. Notably, isolate R-18 demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting attributes, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, ACC deaminase activity, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. Under 100 mM NaCl stress, inoculation with isolate R-18 significantly enhanced maize growth, increasing plant height, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight by 20.64%, 47.06%, 34.52%, and 31.25%, respectively. Furthermore, isolate R-18 improved ion homeostasis by elevating the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in maize tissues. Physiological analyses revealed increased chlorophyll and proline content, alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating mitigated oxidative damage. Antioxidant enzyme activity was modulated, with decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities but increased catalase (CAT) activity. These findings demonstrated that Enterobacter bugandensis R-18 effectively alleviated NaCl-induced growth inhibition in maize by enhancing osmotic adjustment, reducing oxidative stress, and improving ion balance. Full article

Climate warming poses significant challenges for the sustainable management of natural water resources, making efficient planning and usage essential. This study evaluates the water requirements, irrigation demand, and rainfall deficits for two key vegetable crops, carrot and white cabbage, under projected climate scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for the period 2031–2100. The analysis was conducted for Kraków and Rzeszów Counties in southern Poland using projected monthly temperature and precipitation data from the Klimada 2.0 portal. Potential evapotranspiration (ETp) during the growing season (May–October) was estimated using Treder’s empirical model and the crop coefficient method adapted for Polish conditions. The reference period for comparison was 1951–2020. The results reveal a significant upward trend in water demand for both crops, with the highest increases under the RCP 8.5 scenario–seasonal ETp values reaching up to 517 mm for cabbage and 497 mm for carrot. Rainfall deficits are projected to intensify, especially during July and August, with greater shortages in Rzeszów County compared to Kraków County. Irrigation demand varies depending on soil type and drought severity, becoming critical in medium and very dry years. These findings underscore the necessity of adapting irrigation strategies and water resource management to ensure sustainable vegetable production under changing climate conditions. The data provide valuable guidance for farmers, advisors, and policymakers in planning effective irrigation infrastructure and optimizing water-use efficiency in southern Poland. Full article

Levitation techniques reduce the available heterogeneous nucleation sites and provide stable access to deeply undercooled melts. However, some samples have repeatably demonstrated that, in the presence of strong stirring, solidification may be induced at moderate, sub-critical undercoolings. Dynamic nucleation is a mechanism by which solidification may be induced through flow effects within a sub-critically undercooled melt. In this mechanism, collapsing cavities within the melt produce very high-pressure shocks, which shift the local melting temperature. In these regions of locally shifted melt temperatures, thermodynamic conditions enable nuclei to grow and trigger solidification of the full sample. By deepening the local undercooling, dynamic nucleation enables solidification to occur in conditions where classical nucleation does not. Dynamic nucleation has been observed in several zirconium and zirconium-based samples in the Electromagnetic Levitator onboard the International Space Station (ISS-EML). The experiments presented here address conditions in which a zirconium sample alloyed with 2.5 atomic percent niobium spontaneously solidifies during electromagnetic levitation experiments with strong melt stirring. In these experimental conditions, classical nucleation predicts the sample to remain liquid. This solidification behavior is consistent with the solidification behavior observed in prior experiments on pure zirconium. Full article

The growing popularity of Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), such as e-scooters, has revolutionized urban mobility by offering compact, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. However, safety concerns, including inadequate infrastructure, poor protective measures, and high accident rates, remain critical challenges. This paper presents the design and development of an innovative self-balancing microvehicle under the H2020 LEONARDO project, which aims to address these challenges through advanced engineering and user-centric design. The vehicle combines features of monowheels and e-scooters, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, stability, and usability. The design adheres to European regulations, including Germany’s eKFV standards, and incorporates user preferences identified through representative online surveys of 1500 PLEV users. These preferences include improved handling on uneven surfaces, enhanced signaling capabilities, and reduced instability during maneuvers. The prototype features a lightweight composite structure reinforced with carbon fibers, a high-torque motorized front wheel, and multiple speed modes tailored to different conditions, such as travel in pedestrian areas, use by novice riders, and advanced users. Braking tests demonstrate deceleration values of up to 3.5 m/s², comparable to PLEV market standards and exceeding regulatory minimums, while smooth acceleration ramps ensure rider stability and safety. Additional features, such as identification plates and weight-dependent motor control, enhance compliance with local traffic rules and prevent misuse. The vehicle’s design also addresses common safety concerns, such as curb navigation and signaling, by incorporating large-diameter wheels, increased ground clearance, and electrically operated direction indicators. Future upgrades include the addition of a second rear wheel for enhanced stability, skateboard-like rear axle modifications for improved maneuverability, and hybrid supercapacitors to minimize fire risks and extend battery life. With its focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and rider-friendly innovations, this microvehicle represents a significant advancement in promoting safe and sustainable urban mobility. Full article

Extreme heat poses growing health risks in tropical regions, yet public perception of this threat remains understudied in the Caribbean. This study examines how residents in Puerto Rico perceived heat-related health risks and how these perceptions relate to vulnerability and protective behaviors during the extreme heat events of the summer of 2020. We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey of 500 adults across metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas of Puerto Rico, using stratified probability sampling. The questionnaire assessed heat risk perception, sociodemographic characteristics, health status, prior heat exposure, and heat-related behaviors. While most participants expressed concern about climate change and high temperatures, fewer than half perceived heat as a high level of personal health risk. Higher levels of risk perception were significantly associated with being male, aged 50–64, unemployed, and in fair health, having multiple chronic conditions, and prior experience with heat-related symptoms. Those with symptoms were nearly five times more likely to report high levels of risk perception (OR = 4.94, 95% CI: 2.93–8.34). In contrast, older adults (65+), despite their higher level of vulnerability, reported lower levels of risk perception and fewer symptoms. Nighttime heat exposure was widespread and strongly associated with heat-related symptoms. Common coping strategies included the use of fans and air conditioning, though economic constraints and infrastructure instability limited access. The findings highlight the disparity between actual and perceived vulnerability, particularly among older adults. Public health strategies should focus on risk communication tailored to vulnerable groups and address barriers to heat adaptation. Strengthening heat resilience in Puerto Rico requires improved infrastructure, equitable access to cooling, and targeted outreach. Full article

Over the past years, increasing attention has been drawn to the adverse effects of agricultural pesticide use on pollinators, with honeybees being especially vulnerable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of residues detectable and/or quantifiable of neonicotinoid pesticides and other pesticides in biological materials (bees, bee brood, etc.) and beehive products (honey, pollen, etc.) applied as seed dressings in rapeseed and sunflower plants in two growing seasons (2020–2021) in fields located in three agro-climatic regions in Romania. The study involved the comparative sampling of hive products (honey, pollen, adult bees, and brood) from experimental and control apiaries, followed by pesticide residue analysis in an accredited laboratory (Primoris) using validated chromatographic techniques (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS). Toxicological analyses of 96 samples, including bees, bee brood, honey, and pollen, confirmed the presence of residues in 46 samples, including 10 bee samples, 10 bee brood samples, 18 honey samples, and 8 pollen bread samples. The mean pesticide residue concentrations detected in hive products were 0.032 mg/kg in honey, 0.061 mg/kg in pollen, 0.167 mg/kg in bees, and 0.371 mg/kg in bee brood. The results highlight the exposure of honeybee colonies to multiple sources of pesticide residue contamination, under conditions where legal recommendations for the controlled application of agricultural treatments are not followed. The study provides relevant evidence for strengthening the risk assessment framework and underscores the need for adopting stricter monitoring and regulatory measures to ensure the protection of honeybee colony health. Full article

Groundwater is one of the main water sources for consumption, domestic use, agriculture, and tourism in coastal communities. However, high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels in the water (700–2000 mg L⁻¹ TDS) and electrical conductivity (3000–5000 µS cm⁻¹) threaten the health and economic growth opportunities for residents. This research aims to evaluate the performance of a laboratory-scale electrodialysis system as a technology for desalinating brackish water. For this purpose, water samples were collected from real groundwater sources. Batch experiments were conducted with varying operational parameters, such as voltage (2–10 V), feed volume (100–1600 mL), recovery rate (50–80%), and cros-flow velocity (1.3–5.1 cm s⁻¹) to determine the electrodialysis system setup that meets the requirements for drinking water in terms of TDS and energy efficiency. A total specific energy consumption of 1.65 kWh m⁻³, including pumping energy, was achieved at a laboratory scale. The conditions were as follows: flow velocity of 5.14 cm s⁻¹, applied voltage of 6 V, feed volume of 1.6 L, and a water recovery of 66%. Furthermore, increasing the flow velocity and the applied voltage enhanced the desalination kinetics and salt removal. Additionally, the system presented opportunities for scalability. This research aims to evaluate a sustainable membrane-based treatment technology for meeting the growing demand for water resources in coastal communities, particularly in developing countries in South America. Full article

Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, with established links to physical activity, nutrition, and, increasingly, to prenatal and perinatal factors. Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of maternal conditions such as obesity, comorbidities, nutrition, and environmental exposures in predisposing offspring to long-term metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The “Developmental Origins of Health and Disease” (DOHaD) paradigm provides a framework for understanding how early life environmental exposures, particularly during the periconceptional, fetal, and neonatal periods, can program future health outcomes through epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic modifications alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence and are increasingly recognized as key mediators in the development of obesity. This narrative review summarizes current findings on the early determinants of childhood obesity, emphasizing the molecular and epigenetic pathways involved. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases and international sources, focusing on recent studies from the past decade. Both human and animal research were included to provide a broad perspective. This review aims to consolidate recent insights into early life influences on obesity, underscoring the need for preventive strategies starting as early as the preconception period. Full article

Background/Objectives: Perceived coercion has been associated with significant negative outcomes, including service avoidance and psychological distress. Despite growing interest, no recent comprehensive review has mapped the full range of factors influencing this experience. This scoping review aimed to synthesize and present the state of knowledge on the factors associated with perceived coercion by adults receiving psychiatric care. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, a systematic search of five databases and grey literature was conducted for publications from 1990 to 2025 in English and French. A total of 143 sources were included and thematically analyzed. Consultation with experts and individuals with lived experience enriched the interpretation of findings. Results: Five categories of factors were identified: individual, clinical, relational, legal, and structural. Relational and legal factors were most consistently associated with perceived coercion, while individual and clinical factors showed inconsistent findings. Structural influences were underexamined but significantly shaped the experiences of the individuals receiving care. Conclusions: Perceived coercion arises from a complex dynamic of individual, relational, and systemic influences. Reducing coercion requires moving beyond individual-level factors to address structural conditions and policy frameworks. Future research should prioritize qualitative and intersectional approaches and amplify the voices of those most affected by coercive practices in psychiatric care. Full article

In arid and semi-arid climates, where water scarcity is a persistent challenge, accurately estimating reference evapotranspiration (ET) becomes essential for sustainable water management and agricultural planning. The objectives of this study are to compare hourly ET among P–M ASCE, P–M FAO, and P–M KSA mathematical models. In addition to the accuracy assessment of daily ET derived from hourly timestep calculations for the P–M ASCE, P–M FAO, and P–M KSA. To achieve these goals, a total of 525,600-min data points from the Riyadh region, KSA, were used to compute the reference ET at multiple temporal resolutions: hourly, daily, hourly averaged over 24 h, and daily as the sum of 24 h values, across all selected Penman–Monteith (P–M) models. For hourly investigation, the comparison between reference ET computed as average hourly values and as daily/24 h values revealed statistically and practically significant differences. The Wilcoxon test confirmed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) with R² of 94.75% for ASCE, 94.87% for KSA at h_plt = 50 cm, 92.41% for FAO, and 92.44% for KSA at h_plt = 12 cm. For daily investigation, comparing the sum of 24 h ET computations to daily ET measurements revealed an underestimation of daily ET values. The Wilcoxon test confirmed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001), with R² exceeding 90% for all studied reference ET models. This comprehensive approach enabled a rigorous evaluation of reference ET dynamics under hyper-arid climatic conditions, which are characteristic of central Saudi Arabia. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature emphasizing the importance of high-frequency meteorological data for improving ET estimation accuracy in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

This study investigates the effects of low nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stress on the growth and yield of nine barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes (1267-2, 1749-1, 1149-3, 2017Y-2, 2017Y-16, 2017Y-17, 2017Y-18, 2017Y-19, and XBZ17-1-61), all of which are spring two-rowed hulled barley types from the Economic Crops and Beer Material Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Data were collected over two consecutive growing seasons (2021–2022) at Huangyang Town (altitude 1766 m, irrigated desert soil with 1.71% organic matter, 1.00 g·kg⁻¹ total N, 0.87 g·kg⁻¹ total P in 0–20 cm plough layer) to elucidate the correlation between stress tolerance traits and yield performance. Field experiments were conducted under two treatment conditions: no fertilization (NP0) and normal fertilization (180 kg·hm⁻² N and P, NP180). Growth indicators (plant height, spike length, spikelets per unit area, etc.) and quality indicators (proportion of plump/shrunken grains, 1000-grain weight, protein, starch content) were measured, and data were analyzed using correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and structural equation modeling. The results revealed that low N and P stress significantly impacted quality indicators, such as the proportion of plump and shrunken grains, while having a minimal effect on growth indicators like plant height and spike length. Notably, the number of spikelets per unit area emerged as a critical factor positively influencing yield. Among the tested genotypes, 1749-1, 1267-2, 1149-3, 2017Y-16, 2017Y-18, 2017Y-19, and XBZ17-1-61 exhibited superior yield performance under low N and P stress conditions, indicating their potential for breeding programs focused on stress resilience. Included among these, the 1749-1 line showed the best overall performance and consistent results across both years. Full article