Search Results (1,793)

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally important vegetable, prized for its nutritional value and antioxidant content. Given the increasing demand for foods with health-promoting properties and the need for sustainable production practices, this study evaluated the impact of different growth substrates combined with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation on the yield and nutraceutical quality of greenhouse tomatoes grown in a semi-hydroponic system. ‘Nereida’ variety saladette tomato plants were either inoculated with a single PGPR consortium (1 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹) or uninoculated. Three substrates were used: a chemical fertilization control and a sand-vermicompost mixture with two inherent levels of phosphorus (253 and 442 ppm). The chemically fertilized substrate without inoculation served as the control treatment. The results indicated that the chemically fertilized substrate presented a significantly higher yield per square meter (p < 0.05), reaching values of 5.20 ± 0.70 kg m⁻² and 4.83 ± 0.35 kg m⁻² in the control treatment. However, fruits grown in the vermicompost-based substrate with higher phosphorus content (442 ppm) and PGPR inoculation exhibited significantly greater antioxidant capacity (54.16 µmol TE g⁻¹ FW) and higher concentrations of vitamin C (14.03 mg·100 g⁻¹ FW), lycopene (47.68 mg·100 g⁻¹ FW), flavonoids, carotenoids, and glutathione. This represented an increase of 28–45% in bioactive compounds including lycopene, vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, and glutathione compared to the chemical control. While the interaction between substrate and inoculation was significant only for soluble solids, both factors independently and additively contributed to the enhancement of nutraceutical parameters. These findings suggest that the use of vermicompost-based substrates, particularly those with higher phosphorus content, in combination with PGPR inoculation, is a promising strategy to enhance the accumulation of health-promoting bioactive compounds in tomato fruits, despite a trade-off in total yield. Full article

This work develops a fuzzy piecewise fractional derivative (FPFD) model for cancer-immune-angiogenesis dynamics under uncertainty. Five fuzzy state variables track tumor cells, immune effectors, vessel density, oxygen, and drug concentration. We employ fuzzy triangular numbers with $\alpha$-cut interval arithmetic using constrained fuzzy arithmetic model parametric uncertainty, with numerical values. Oxygen-dependent carrying capacity follows a Hill-type function; hypoxia-induced angiogenesis follows a decreasing Michaelis–Menten function. The model transitions at $t_1=50$ days from memoryless fuzzy classical derivative to fuzzy ABC fractional derivative of order $\psi$. The transition time $t_1=50$ days is biologically justified based on experimental observations of the angiogenic switch in solid tumors, which typically occurs within 4–8 weeks post-inoculation. Positivity, boundedness, Lipschitz continuity, existence, and uniqueness of fuzzy solutions are proved via Banach fixed-point theorem in a weighted norm. A basic reproduction number interval ${\mathcal{R}}_0=[{\underline{\mathcal{R}}}_0,{\overline{\mathcal{R}}}_0]$ is derived; local and global stability conditions are established for disease-free and endemic equilibria using fuzzy differential inclusions. Global sensitivity analysis using latin hypercube sampling with $N=500$ samples explores the range of possible outcomes across the fuzzy parameter support. In the numerical implementation, we use a fourth-order fuzzy Runge–Kutta method (Phase I), and a fractional Adams–Bashforth–Moulton predictor-corrector method (Phase II), ensuring preservation of fuzzy number characteristics. Full article

Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in cereal crops is a major challenge for dryland systems that rely heavily on synthetic nitrogen (N) inputs. Microbial biostimulants have recently emerged as promising alternatives for cost-effective N inputs in wheat through foliar colonization and endophytic biological N fixation. Methylobacterium symbioticum strain SB23 (also known as BlueN or Utrisha N) is a pink-pigmented, obligately aerobic, Gram-negative, facultative methylotrophic bacterium demonstrated to potentially reduce N chemical fertilization and improve yields in various crops. A field trial consisting of large replicated 2.3 ha plots of Australian Prime Hard (APH) wheat cv. Rockstar was established in south central New South Wales, Australia, to evaluate the foliar application of M. symbioticum strain SB23 under both standard and reduced N regimes for winter wheat maturing in late spring. Application of the SB23 biostimulant significantly increased wheat leaf chlorophyll concentration at 30 and 60 days after application (DAA) and promoted biomass accumulation at 60, 90 and 120 DAA in contrast to the untreated control, with the strongest positive response under reduced N input. Specifically, the 75% N + biostimulant treatment improved biomass by up to 23% and grain yield by 14% relative to the reduced-N control, demonstrating potential supplemental fertility without yield loss. Correlation analyses revealed that mid-season chlorophyll was strongly associated with biomass and carbon assimilation (r = 0.87 and 0.84, respectively), while biomass at 60 DAA was highly correlated with grain spike weight (r = 0.81), suggesting a strong association of improved crop vigor and yield with inoculation. At harvest, SB23 enhanced biomass nitrogen accumulation and nitrogen use efficiency, with the 75%N + biostimulant treatment achieving the highest plant N uptake (25% above the reduced-N control) and the greatest partial factor productivity of nitrogen (51.8 kg grain kg⁻¹ N applied), while both 100%N treatments showed the lowest efficiency. Collectively, these findings suggest that Methylobacterium symbioticum SB23 improves NUE through enhanced crop performance thereby providing a supplementary N source and delivering a cost–benefit advantage of approximately A$170 ha⁻¹ under reduced N application. Full article

Increasing domestic sewage production associated with urban population growth poses environmental challenges. Biosolids from wastewater treatment can recycle nutrients in agriculture, while plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance nutrient availability and plant performance. This study evaluated the effects of the combined application of sewage sludge–derived biosolid and Bacillus aryabhattai on sunflower growth, biomass production, physiological traits, and nutrient status during the early growth stage under greenhouse conditions. We hypothesized that this combined treatment would enhance plant performance compared with biosolid application alone. Four treatments were established: control (T1), 5 g of biosolid alone (T2), 5 g biosolid + 3.2 mL B. aryabhattai (T3), and 5 g biosolid + 6.4 mL B. aryabhattai (T4). The formulation contains B. aryabhattai strain CMAA 1363 (1 × 10${}^8$ CFU mL${}^{-1}$) as the active microbial component, together with humic substances and other formulation agents (thickener, preservative, and water). The Plants were grown for 44 days. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by mean comparison among treatments. Shoot dry mass was significantly higher in T4 compared with the T1 and T2 (p < 0.001), while no significant difference was observed between T3 and T4 (p > 0.05). Biosolid application increased the photosynthetic rate, and its combination with B. aryabhattai further enhanced photosynthetic performance, with significant difference detected between bacterial doses only at the end of growth period. Substomatal CO${}_2$ concentration was lower in inoculated treatments, indicating greater CO${}_2$ assimilation efficiency. Total chlorophyll increased with the addition of sludge and further increased by inoculation with 6.4 mL. Leaf N, Mn, and Zn contents were highest in T4. Overall, the combined application of biosolid and B. aryabhattai improved photosynthetic efficiency and biomass accumulation, highlighting the potential of integrating biosolids and beneficial rhizobacteria as a sustainable approach for nutrient recycling and improved crop productivity in agricultural systems. Full article

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage produced through the metabolic activity of a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). Although consumer demand for kombucha has increased substantially, the influence of fermentation conditions on product quality remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the effects of fermentation temperature and time on the physicochemical properties of kombucha. A total of 20 L of kombucha was prepared using black tea (10 g/L) and sucrose (70 g/L). After filtration, the mixture was adjusted to pH 4.14 and inoculated with SCOBY. Fermentations were conducted at three temperatures (23, 25, and 28 °C) and at three time points (7, 11, 15 days). Following fermentation, pH, viscosity, soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acidity, color, and concentrations of lactic and acetic acids were quantified. The main results showed that pH decreased progressively with increasing fermentation temperature and time (from 3.47 at 23 °C/7 days to 2.96 at 28 °C/15 days). Concentrations of lactic and acetic acids increased with fermentation time, consistent with fermentation progression. Response surface modeling (RSM) indicated nonlinear interactions between time and temperature for pH and viscosity. Overall, the results identified fermentation parameters that enhanced desirable kombucha attributes, providing a scientific basis for formulation and process optimization in commercial production. Full article

Salicylic acid (SA) is a key regulator of plant immunity and contributes to defence against Plasmodiophora brassicae, the causal agent of clubroot disease in canola (Brassica napus) and other crucifers. Exogenous SA applications have reduced clubroot severity in some Brassica pathosystems, yet the effectiveness of foliar SA treatment against the predominant resistance-breaking pathotype 3A in western Canada remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of weekly foliar applications of 0, 1, 5, or 10 mM SA on clubroot development in two B. napus var. napobrassica cultivars under greenhouse and growth chamber conditions. Plants inoculated with pathotype 3A were assessed for disease severity, pathogen resting spore load, plant height, and transcript accumulation of SA-responsive genes. Overall, SA treatments resulted in modest reductions in disease severity and resting spore concentrations; however, treatment effects did not reach statistical significance in most cases. Collectively, foliar SA applications provided limited suppression of clubroot caused by pathotype 3A. Further optimization of SA concentration, timing, and delivery, particularly when targeting the root zone, may be required before SA can be considered a complementary tool in integrated clubroot management. Full article

Fungal diseases represent one of the major threats to citrus production, such as anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fungal Trunk Diseases (FTDs) associated with Botryosphaeriaceae, with Neofusicoccum parvum being the most prevalent species. In response to the need to reduce chemical fungicide use, this study evaluated the antifungal activity of essential oil-based nanoemulsions (N-EOs) as alternative management methods. Seven N-EOs (citronella, clove, fennel, garlic, laurel, lavender and peppermint) were first screened in vitro against multiple isolates of both pathogens through mycelial growth and conidial germination assays. Based on estimated EC₅₀ and EC₉₀ values, clove and garlic N-EOs exhibited the highest inhibitory activity, while lavender displayed intermediate but promising efficacy, particularly against N. parvum. These N-EOs were subsequently evaluated in vivo on lemon fruits inoculated with C. gloeosporioides and on detached lemon twigs inoculated with N. parvum. In vivo assays largely confirmed the in vitro trends, with clove and garlic significantly reducing lesion development. In contrast, lavender displayed limited efficacy under in vivo conditions. The phytotoxic effects at higher concentrations limited the range of applicable doses. Overall, the results suggest that N-EOs, particularly those based on clove and garlic, may offer potential as alternative tools for citrus disease management. However, host tissue interactions, formulation stability, volatility, and validation under field conditions remain critical aspects requiring further investigation. Full article

In ruminant nutrition, the lignocellulosic complex is a primary constraint limiting the utilization of dietary fiber. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inoculating lignin-degrading bacteria (LDB) isolated from the ruminant rectum on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. Rectal fecal samples were collected from healthy beef cattle, dairy cattle, buffaloes, and goats (n = 4 per species) using the grab sampling technique. Twenty-eight bacterial colonies were isolated through enrichment and screening on media containing sodium lignosulfonate. Lignin degradation efficiency was assessed spectrophotometrically, while laccase activity was determined using a 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) oxidation assay. Seven isolates exhibiting ligninolytic activity (1.4–5.6% degradation efficiency) were selected to evaluate their effects on in vitro rumen fermentation using a completely randomized design with four replicates. LDB treatments were standardized to a concentration of 2.4 × 10⁵ colony-forming units/mL of rumen fluid medium, while the control received an equal volume of a 0.85% sterile NaCl solution. A rice straw-based total mixed ration served as the substrate, with rumen fluid collected from beef cattle. All treatments were incubated for 48 h. Notably, isolate BC3 consistently enhanced in vitro dry matter digestibility (23.1%), total gas production (18.6%), and total volatile fatty acid concentrations (13.2%) relative to the control and other LDB isolates (p < 0.01). All seven LDB isolates were identified as Gram-negative, rod-shaped, facultative anaerobic bacteria that exhibit catalase activity and tolerate moderately acidic conditions. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified isolate BC3 as being closely related to Escherichia coli strains. These findings demonstrate that the ruminant hindgut is a promising source of LDB with the functional potential to enhance feed digestibility and fermentation end-products in the rumen. Future research should prioritize in vivo trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LDB as a direct-fed microbial, specifically focusing on its impact on animal performance and health. Full article

(1) Background: Overuse of chemical nitrogen fertilizers drives the need for biological alternatives. Azotobacter chroococcum is a promising free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium, but its efficiency needs improvement. This study investigated how Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) and molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles (n-MoO₃) affect A. chroococcum growth and nitrogen fixation, and tested the modified inoculants on Glycine max (legume) and Nicotiana benthamiana (non-legume); (2) Methods: In vitro tests measured bacterial growth, viable counts (CFU), nitrogenase activity, and nitrogen metabolites (total N, NO₃⁻-N, NH₄⁺-N) under 0–100 ng·mL⁻¹ Fe₃O₄ NPs or n-MoO₃. Pot experiments then tested modified inoculants on Glycine max and N. benthamiana for biomass and N, P, K uptake; (3) Results: Both nanomaterials showed low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition. At 10 ng·mL⁻¹, bacterial growth (OD₆₀₀ up ~1.2×) and nitrogenase activity (up >90%) rose significantly (p < 0.05–0.001), along with higher total N, NO₃⁻-N, and NH₄⁺-N. In pots, 10 ng·mL⁻¹ modified inoculant improved all Glycine max traits and nutrient uptake (p < 0.05). For N. benthamiana, biomass peaked at 20 ng·mL⁻¹, while stem and root growth did best at 10 ng·mL⁻¹. At 100 ng·mL⁻¹, effects weakened or vanished. A “metabolic remodeling–rhizosphere transformation–systemic response” mechanism is proposed; (4) Conclusions: Low concentrations (10–20 ng·mL⁻¹) of Fe₃O₄ NPs and n-MoO₃ can effectively boost the nitrogen-fixing function and growth-promoting effect of A. chroococcum inoculant, showing good potential for use on both legume and non-legume crops. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for developing efficient, broad-spectrum nanomaterial-microbe composite inoculants. Full article

Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands, an oomycete pathogen of global relevance, is a major driver of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) decline and mortality in Mediterranean forests. Its management remains challenging in multifunctional landscapes where forestry and agriculture intersect, such as Mediterranean oak dehesas. Conventional fungicides are used against P. cinnamomi, but their negative environmental impacts underscore the need for alternative management in agroforestry systems. This study evaluated whether a commercially available microbial biostimulant, VESTA, enhances physiological performance and mitigates pathogen pressure in Q. suber. Seedlings were inoculated with P. cinnamomi and treated with the bioinoculant via fertigation or watering to substrate saturation, under controlled greenhouse conditions. Plant physiological parameters and soil oomycete inoculum concentrations were measured to assess treatment efficacy. Both application methods significantly improved physiological performance in inoculated and mock-inoculated plants. Photosynthesis, stomatal regulation, and water balance were most affected. Quantitative PCR analyses revealed a strong pathogen reduction, with DNA concentrations approximately tenfold lower in treated substrates (~0.001 ng mL⁻¹) than untreated controls (~0.011 ng mL⁻¹). Overall, the product enhanced Q. suber resilience by improving plant physiological responses and reducing pathogen abundance, supporting its potential as a bio-based tool for nurseries and restoration in Mediterranean ecosystems. Field studies are needed to validate these findings under natural variability and optimize long-term application strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Many products that claim to have anti-aging effects have been reported, but their relative potency is not clear. In this study, the in vitro replicative lifespan extension (RLE) activity of various groups of physiologically active substances was compared by using the updated “overlay method”. Methods: Human dermal and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HDFa, HPLF) were inoculated into the inner 60 wells of 96-well microplate, surround by sterile water to prevent the water evaporation. At Day 1 and Day 8, the cells were overlayed with wide ranges of concentrations (0.01–100 µM) of samples without medium change. Viable cell number was measured by the MTT method at Day 15 and then corrected for the variation in cell growth due to the location of inoculated cells. The RLE value was calculated as the maximum cell proliferation rate relative to the control. Results: Cell density of HDFa and HPLFs at subculture decreased with the passage number, and their growth was stopped at 56 or 85 population doubling levels (PDLs), respectively. Hydrocortisone showed the highest RLE values among six hormones, followed by three plant extracts, sodium ascorbate and quercetin. On the other hand, other antioxidants, chlorogenic acid, phenylpropanoids, vanilloids, and bacterial products showed little or no RLE effects. However, for HPLF cells, hydrocortisone did not show RLE effects while oxytocin showed slight stimulation. Conclusions: When differences in proliferation due to cell seeding position were corrected, the biphasic dose response curve of most of the compounds significantly reduced. The present study suggests the significant role of hormones for the regulation of the long-term aging process. To confirm systemic or clinical anti-aging effects, further in vitro and in vivo experiments are needed. Full article

Soil salinization is one of the main stress factors limiting plant growth and ecosystem restoration in arid regions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can form common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) that potentially facilitate resource and signal exchange between plants. In this study, we investigated whether such processes associated with AMF connectivity might contribute to salt tolerance in different plant combinations, using Glycyrrhiza inflata and Lycium ruthenicum. However, under salt stress, it remains unclear how different plant combinations (conspecific vs. heterospecific) may differentially benefit from CMN-mediated processes under salt stress, and whether such processes involve coordinated stress signaling and nitrogen transfer. This study used Glycyrrhiza inflata (a leguminous N-fixing plant with a “N-input” strategy) and Lycium ruthenicum (a deep-rooted desert shrub with a “resource-use efficiency” strategy) as materials to construct conspecific and heterospecific plant combinations: G-G (G. inflata-G. inflata), L-L (L. ruthenicum-L. ruthenicum), G-L (G. inflata-L. ruthenicum), and L-G (L. ruthenicum-G. inflata). Four salt stress levels were set (NaCl concentrations of 0, 150, 250, and 350 mmol·L⁻¹), along with AMF inoculation treatments. The study evaluated responses in AMF colonization, nitrogen transfer, biomass, root structure, photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant capacity, osmotic regulation, and hormone levels. The results show that: (1) AMF colonization rates in all inoculated groups significantly decreased with increasing salt concentration, with the G-L combination showing a smaller decline; (2) The G-G combination maintained strong root activity and photosystem stability under high salt stress, exhibiting higher salt tolerance; (3) In conspecific combinations, the JA-Pro signaling pathway was dominant, whereas in heterospecific combinations, the ABA-SOD pathway prevailed, indicating differences in hormone regulation mechanisms among different combinations; (4) ¹⁵N transfer efficiency was significantly higher in conspecific combinations than in heterospecific combinations (p < 0.05), and increasing salt concentrations limited the resource-sharing ability of heterospecific combinations. In summary, our results revealed distinct physiological and hormonal responses in conspecific versus heterospecific plant combinations under salt stress when grown in an AMF-colonized system that permits hyphal connections. These patterns were consistent with a potential role of CMNs in signal coordination and resource sharing, although further experiments with disrupted hyphal connections would be required to confirm this mechanism. Full article

Ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh salads are widely consumed for their convenience and nutritional value, but they could represent a relevant food safety concern, as they do not undergo a lethal heat treatment before consumption, and furthermore, they may support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes during refrigerated storage. In this study, the growth potential of L. monocytogenes was evaluated by standardised challenge tests in five commercially available RTE salads: crispy lettuce, baby lettuce, a baby lettuce–spicy mustard mix, and two mâche products from different producers. Three different batches for each product were inoculated with a three-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes at a target level of approximately 2–3 log CFU/g and stored under conditions simulating reasonably foreseeable refrigerated storage (7 °C for approximately two-thirds of their shelf life, followed by 10 °C for the remaining one-third), in accordance with ISO 20976-1 and EURL L. monocytogenes guidelines. The growth potential (Δ) was calculated as the difference between the highest mean L. monocytogenes concentration observed during storage and the mean of the initial concentration at time zero, both in three replicate samples; Δmax was defined as the highest Δ value among the tested batches. Crispy lettuce, baby lettuce, and the mixed salad supported the growth of L. monocytogenes, with Δmax values of 2.33, 2.60, and 3.65 log CFU/g, respectively. In contrast, both mâche products showed Δmax values ≤ 0.5 log CFU/g, indicating an inability to support pathogen growth under the tested conditions. These results demonstrate that the growth potential of L. monocytogenes in RTE salads is strongly product-specific and likely influenced by intrinsic characteristics and background microbiota, as well as by storage temperature. The findings underline the importance of strict temperature control and product-specific risk assessment to ensure compliance with microbiological criteria throughout shelf life and to mitigate the risk of listeriosis associated with RTE salads. Full article

Comamonas testosteroni is an aerobic, Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the class of β-proteobacteria that is naturally present in soils, wastewater and sludge. It has recently gained popularity for its ability to act as a biocatalyst for the degradation of microplastics and other complex organics. Microplastics are globally considered as ubiquitous pollutants due to the increased use of polymers (plastics) which break down over time. In the urban water cycle, the drinking water treatment plants and the wastewater treatment plants are the first and last barriers to microplastics pollution, respectively. While conventional water and wastewater treatment has seen continuous technological improvements in producing cleaner effluents, industry technology adoption for the targeted removal of microplastics has been minimal. Therefore, the treatment of microplastics in soils and wastewater is of growing interest, and understanding C. testosteroni may provide insight into biological treatment and degradation of these pollutants. This review provides a summary of (1) favorable microbiological and environmental properties of C. testosteroni that lend themselves to bioremediation; (2) evidence of the bacterium’s ability to degrade microplastics, steroids, and organic pollutants; (3) implementation potential in the wastewater treatment process train; and (4) challenges and limitations in its application for microplastics biodegradation. Overall, while treatment applications of C. testosteroni through inoculation of media such as soil and wastewater are mentioned, further research into C. testosteroni concentrations found typically at wastewater treatment facilities would be beneficial. Full article

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum EL2, isolated from traditional fermented yak milk in the high-altitude Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, produces the class IIb bacteriocin PlnJK. This study established three distinct cultivation models that critically influenced bacteriocin yield. Microbial co-culture was found to enhance the stress tolerance of EL2, significantly boosting PlnJK production. The optimal inducing strain, Enterococcus faecalis MH2, increased the bacteriocin inhibition zone diameter from 15.38 mm to 25.58 mm. Following optimization of key parameters—initial inoculum concentration (10⁷ CFU/mL), inoculation ratio (3:1, EL2:MH2), and initial pH (6.0)—the inhibition zone diameter reached 30.32 mm, representing a 1.97-fold increase over pure culture. Co-culture not only advanced the onset but also extended the duration of bacteriocin synthesis. Throughout the 24 h incubation, cell density, AI-2 autoinducer concentration, and the expression of key regulatory genes were significantly elevated in co-culture compared to monoculture, aligning with a cell-density-dependent, quorum-sensing (QS) regulatory paradigm. Bacteriocin production was co-regulated by two QS pathways: the AI-2/luxS system and the plnA-mediated autoinducing peptide (AIP). Gene expression analysis revealed differential temporal regulation: luxS expression was higher during the exponential phase (2.29 vs. 1.42 in stationary phase), while plnA exhibited the opposite pattern (1.42 in exponential vs. 2.21 in stationary phase). This indicates that the AI-2/luxS pathway drives strong induction during active growth, whereas plnA/AIP-mediated promotion becomes predominant later. The stationary-phase effect is likely triggered by the accumulation of specific MH2 metabolites, which impose an environmental stress on EL2, stimulating the pln-encoded regulatory system and further enhancing bacteriocin yield. This work provides an economically viable strategy and a novel theoretical framework for optimizing microbial cultivation, enhancing bacteriocin production, and elucidating the complex QS-mediated regulatory mechanisms involved. Full article